Categories > Guides and Tips
Perfect Pre-Show Dining: 11 Restaurants Near the Palace Theatre Manchester
Got tickets to a show at the Palace Theatre? Nice one! Now, let’s talk about where you’re going to eat before the curtain rises. Because, let’s be real, a good meal makes a great night out even better.
We’ve scoured the area to find the best spots for pre-show dining, ensuring you can grab a bite that’s delicious, convenient, and sets the tone for an amazing evening.
Read on to find out where you should be heading before the show!
Pizza Express
Media from pizzaexpress
Address: 56 Oxford St
Contact details: +44 161 236 3533
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 11:30AM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 11:30AM-11PM
- Sun 11:30AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
Pizza Express isn’t just your run-of-the-mill pizza place anymore. Over the years, they’ve expanded their menu far beyond the classic Margherita.
Ever tried a paneer tikka pizza? Or maybe BBQ burnt ends on your crust? They’ve got you covered. If you’ve got dietary requirements, Pizza Express is a gem. Vegan or vegetarian? No problem.
They’ve got options like the “Funghi di Bosco” with vegan mozzarella and the “Orto” calzone stuffed with courgettes and roasted peppers. Even gluten-free bases are on offer, so everyone can join in the pizza party.
And for something truly unique, try their Quorn and jackfruit “pepperoni” – it’s a game changer.
Pro tip:
Order the Dough Balls – they’re perfect for sharing and always a hit.
Miller & Carter Manchester
Media from miller_andcartermanchester
Address: King St
Contact details: +44 161 839 5550
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-11PM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
If you’re in the mood for steak, Miller & Carter is the place to be. The cosy yet elegant atmosphere, with wooden tables and warm lighting, sets the perfect scene for a hearty meal.
Their steaks are the star of the show, and it’s no wonder they’ve won awards. Each steak, like the 12oz ribeye or sirloin, is served with a steak sauce, wedge dressing, and a side.
Go for the seasoned fries – crispy and delicious. The sticky chipotle chicken and salt & pepper calamari are excellent starters. If you’re into mocktails, the Passion Cooler might be a bit too sweet, but it’s a refreshing option nonetheless.
Pro tip:
The ribeye is a standout – juicy, flavourful, and a favourite among regulars.
Try Thai
Media from trythairestaurant
Address: 52-54 Faulkner St
Contact details: +44 161 228 1822
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-10:30PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-11PM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Walking into Try Thai feels like stepping into a vibrant corner of Thailand, right in Manchester’s Chinatown. Bright colours, lively atmosphere, and the enticing aromas of Thai spices greet you at the door.
The menu is a journey through Thai cuisine, offering everything from green curry and satay chicken skewers to the famous pad Thai. If you are a seafood lover, you are in for a treat with options like soft shell crab and crispy sea bass with mango.
The duck in sweet and sour tamarind sauce is a must-try. Sharing platters and banquets are perfect for trying a variety of dishes – ideal for a pre-show meal with friends.
Pro tip:
Start with the mixed platter for a little taste of everything – ideal for sharing.
Adam Reid at The French
Media credit: d1mapopov
Address: The Midland Hotel, Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 236 3333
Operating Hours: Tue – Sat 12PM-2PM, 6PM-10PM
Pricing: ££££
For an unforgettable dining experience, Adam Reid at The French is where you need to be. Tucked inside the historic Midland Hotel, this spot is helmed by Mancunian chef Adam Reid, who’s basically a rockstar in the culinary world thanks to his wins on BBC’s Great British Menu.
Walking in, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a mashup of Downton Abbey and a chic London bistro; it’s posh, but you won’t feel like you need to whisper. The menu is Reid’s playground, featuring his greatest hits made with the best seasonal ingredients.
Imagine starting with a delicate little number that wakes up your palate, followed by mains that look like art and taste even better. And the desserts? Just say goodbye to your diet now.
Pro tip:
Book well in advance – this prestigious spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Village Brasserie by Velvet
Media from velvetmanchester
Address: 2 Canal St
Contact details: +44 161 236 9003
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re looking for a place that’s as fabulous as it is friendly, Village Brasserie by Velvet is your go-to.
The menu is a delightful mix of British and Mediterranean dishes, and vegetarians and vegans won’t be left out. Their Sunday roast is practically a local legend – seriously, people rave about it.
The mix of classic and innovative dishes means there’s something for everyone, so you can’t go wrong no matter what you order.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the Sunday roast – it’s a highlight and perfect for a leisurely meal before your show.
Asha’s Manchester
Media from ashasmanchesteruk
Address: 47 Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 832 5309
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Asha’s Manchester offers a lavish dining experience with a £2 million interior that’s as impressive as the food. The decor is opulent, featuring boudoir-style drapings, gold finishes, and deep okras, spread over two floors.
The menu includes classic curries and tandoor kebabs alongside innovative dishes crafted with spices ground using Asha Bhosle’s family recipes. Part of an international chain started by the legendary Bollywood singer, Asha’s also offers a pre-theatre menu with three courses for £28.
Start with a specialty platter, choose from popular curries with basmati rice, and finish with traditional desserts like Gulab Jamun or Rasmalai.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the pre-theatre menu – it’s a fantastic deal and ensures a swift, delicious start to your evening.
A Plus Oriental Restaurant
Media from aplusrestaurant_mcr
Address: 43-45 Faulkner St
Contact details: +44 161 228 6588
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-3AM
Pricing: ££
A Plus Oriental Restaurant is your go-to spot for authentic Chinese cuisine, offering a rich variety of dishes from Cantonese, Szechuan, and Thai traditions.
Their dim sum, in particular, is a highlight, featuring an array of vegetarian and seafood options that are meticulously crafted and full of flavor. Set over two floors, A Plus Oriental offers a versatile dining experience.
Got a celebration coming up or just fancy a fun night out? Their private dining rooms and karaoke facilities are perfect for that. Plus, they’re open until 3 AM daily, making it a fantastic spot for those late-night cravings.
Pro tip:
Try the dim sum platter – it’s a great way to sample a variety of their best offerings, and you won’t be disappointed by the flavors and textures.
Peter Street Kitchen
Media from peterstreetkitchen
Address: Free Trade Hall, Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 835 8942
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Housed in the luxurious Edwardian Manchester hotel, Peter Street Kitchen provides a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for pre-show dining.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Peter Street Kitchen does a cool fusion of Japanese and Mexican small plates. Yes, you read that right – sushi rolls meet tacos; it’s a mix that sounds wild but works brilliantly.
And their wine and sake selection? Pretty impressive. It’s like they’ve curated the drinks to make every dish pop. If you’re a fan of good deals (and who isn’t?), their midweek pre-theatre offers are a steal: two dishes for £23 or three for £28.
Pro tip:
Sample their sake – it’s among the best selections in Manchester and perfectly complements the diverse menu.
Peaky Blinders
Media from peakyblindersmanchester
Address: 23 Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 667 1545
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Ready to time travel back to the 1920s? Peaky Blinders, just a hop away from the Palace Theatre, will have you feeling like you’ve stepped straight into the iconic TV show. The vibe here is all dim lighting, dark wood, and those irresistible prohibition-era feels.
Let’s talk food. The menu is packed with hearty, homemade gastro pub classics that make you feel right at home. Imagine tucking into slow-cooked beef stew or classic fish and chips, all while sipping on bespoke cocktails named after your favourite characters.
The mix of flavours is as entertaining as the live music they feature four nights a week. And Sundays? They’ve got soulful lunches with live tunes that’ll make your meal even more memorable.
And hey, they’ve thought of everyone – with plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, no one in your group will feel left out. If you really want to go all out, book one of their private suites
Pro tip:
Book a private suite for an immersive Peaky Blinders experience with friends – it’s a unique and fun way to enhance your night out.
James Martin Manchester
Media from jamesmartinmcr
Address: Manchester 235, 2 Watson St
Contact details: +44 161 828 0345
Operating Hours:
- Wed – Sat 5PM-11PM,
- Sun 12PM-4PM
Pricing: £££
James Martin Manchester, located within the plush Manchester 235 casino, offers a dining experience that perfectly blends sophistication and comfort. Hosted by the renowned BBC TV’s Saturday Kitchen chef, James Martin, this restaurant is a haven for British cuisine enthusiasts.
The place has got that perfect blend of fancy and comfy; you’ll feel like royalty but without the stiff upper lip. The menu is a proper homage to British classics – think juicy steaks, hearty roasts, and desserts that’ll make you forget any diet plans.
Each dish is packed with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, so you’re getting the freshest of the fresh. If you’re looking to treat yourself, go for the Tasting Menu. For £65, you get five courses of pure bliss, each paired with a top-notch wine.
Start with some succulent pork belly, dive into a perfectly cooked steak, and wrap it up with a rich chocolate fondant. And if you’re there on a Sunday, their Sunday Roast is the stuff of legends – proper British comfort food done just right.
Pro tip:
Book ahead for the Tasting Menu – it’s an indulgent experience that’s worth every penny.
Store Street Exchange
Media from storestreetmcr
Address: 1 Auburn St, DoubleTree by Hilton
Contact details: +44 161 242 1020
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Alright, if you’re looking for a place that’s got it all from brekkie to dinner, Store Street Exchange at the DoubleTree by Hilton, right across from Piccadilly Station, is the spot.
The menu is all about local love, featuring the best regionally sourced chicken, steaks, fish, and the famous Bury Black Pudding Everything’s done on their impressive rotisserie and grill, so you know it’s going to be spot on.
If you’ve got a crew, check out their private dining room – it’s perfect for those nights when you want a bit of privacy. And on a sunny day, their outside terrace is the place to be, catching rays and enjoying a leisurely meal.
Pro tip:
Head to the terrace on a sunny day – it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy your meal in the heart of the city.
