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The Lowdown on Manchester Top 21 Cafes for Great Coffee (and Tea!)

| Last Updated: November 2024

Manchester’s cafe society is thriving, and it’s all thanks to our amazing barista warriors. In this golden age of ethically-sourced beans and third-wave coffee, finding the best spots can be a challenge with so many new and old cafes popping up.

Our team has gone through this predicament, entering a cafe and wondering whether it’s going to be a hit or a miss. Frustrating, innit? 

Because of this, we’ve made it our mission to figure out where to go for a hangout (or work) spot that offers the perfect blend of great ambience and awesome coffee.

So, whether you’re craving a perfect cup of coffee, a soothing tea, or some delicious grub, we’ve curated a list of our team’s favourite cafes just for you. Dive into our list and discover your next favourite coffee place!

Smell Fresh Roasts at ManCoco Coffee Bar

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Address: 84 Hewitt St, Manchester M15 4GB
Contact details: 0161 237 1916
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

ManCoCo may look simple and unassuming from the outside, but it packs quite a punch on the inside.

Step in and savour the aroma of fresh, hand-roasted beans while enjoying great artisan coffee. ManCoCo combines a roastery, coffee shop, and barista school all in one place.

Be sure to try their best-selling ManCoCo Manchester Blend, a medium roast Arabica from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Guatemala. This blend offers a delightful mix of chocolatey, citrusy, and nutty flavours.

If caffeine isn’t your thing, don’t worry! They also offer delicious alternatives like Matcha and Chai together with tasty pastries and sandwiches.

Pro tip: ManCoCo is dog-friendly! Enjoy your cup of joe with your best friend here.

Grab Arabic Fare at Fiori Cafe

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Address: 1 Nobel Way, Manchester M1 7FT
Contact details: 0203 576 4707
Operating hours: Daily – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Drop by Fiori Cafe for a unique coffee experience. This modern-styled cafe offers a quick dip into Middle Eastern coffee culture and cuisine with authentic Turkish and Arabic fare.

Definitely get the Arabic Breakfast and pair it with a hot Pistachio Latte. If you’re more of a dessert person, be sure to try the Umm Ali, an Egyptian bread pudding made with crispy puff pastry, milk, raisins, nuts, and coconut.

For breakfast, you’ll likely be in a queue and experience a lively crowd, since Fiori is somewhat TikTok-famous. This is perhaps why the cafe has a “45-minute maximum seating time” rule.

Pro tip: Best time to visit Fiori is late in the afternoon. It’s way less crowded than what you’ll have visiting in the morning.

Eat French Toast at Federal Cafe & Bar – Northern Quarter

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Address: 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY
Contact details: 0161 425 0974
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pricing: £££
Website
Menu

Please meet (if you haven’t yet) the Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) entry to the Manchester melting pot, Federal Coffee & Bar.

Its best fares are in the Northern Quarter branch, which has a quaint but warm atmosphere and friendly baristas ever-ready to make your perfect cuppa coffee. Just be ready to queue up since only walk-ins are allowed, no reservations.

The lattes here are best paired with the crowd-favourite French Toast, generously topped with berries, almonds, whipped cream, and salted caramel. Oh, get a Federal Keep Cup too, and use it on your next coffee here for a 10% discount on your drink!

Pro tip: Click and Collect is available on Federal Coffee’s website BUT do order from the till instead if you have any dietary or allergy requests. Better safe than sorry! 

Get Doughnuts and Coffee at Siop Shop

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Address: 53 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LS
Contact details: 0161 834 4416
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Get your fill of doughnuts and specialty coffee while filling in the trendy vibes of Siop Shop. 

Honestly, we’re yet to get the “SiOP=SHOP” motto of this place (maybe it’s a Welsh thing), but hey, who are we to judge Siop Shop and Iwan, its co-founder who also loves eating at Bundobust like we do?

Siop Shop is indeed very cool, and we love it. The coffee and limited-edition doughnut flavours are always worth a try, but nothing beats a good old Cinnamon Sugar doughnut, freshly made and dusted to perfection, or a Vanilla Custard one that ticks all our right boxes.

Pro tip: Drop by early in the day for a better chance of catching the freshest doughnuts. Check out its Instagram for the latest events and meet-ups.

Get Pasta and Coffee at Ezra and Gil – Hilton St

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Address: 20 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1FR
Contact details: [email protected] 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Ezra & Gil is a beloved neighbourhood coffee house in the Northern Quarter with modern, rustic interiors. It’s renowned for its delectable brunch meals, buzz-inducing coffee, and ambience perfect for both work and play.

My personal favourite is the vegan Fusilli al Pomodoro, always cooked al dente with just the right amount of sauce. I love pairing it with a cappuccino.

Since the place is always packed, placing your orders in advance via the Ezra & Gil app is a good idea. This way, you can get your coffee fix as soon as you settle into your seat.

Pro tip: The devil’s in the (menu) details—check out the helpful legends at the bottom of the menu card for dietary and allergen information on the food and drink at Ezra & Gil.

Have a Modern Brunch at Cafe North

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Address: 66 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AA
Contact details: 0161 839 4916
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Cafe North is a spacious, modern British coffee shop in the Northern Quarter. Since opening in 2005, this shop has been a tried-and-true spot for no-frills coffee and dining.

It gets quite packed with a queue here every Saturday, so hit the streets earlier than usual to secure a table.

For brunch, you can’t go wrong with the Super North Breakfast, the best British breakfast plate you’ll find here. Pair it with some loose-leaf English breakfast tea for a traditional touch, or opt for an Espresso or Latte if you need a caffeine kick.

Pro tip: Unlike other shops that only have cocktails for the alcohol menu, Cafe North has wine! Ask the friendly barista for the latest list of house wines available.

Try the Matilda Cake at RF Cafe Manchester

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Address: 31 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TB
Contact details: 0161 503 6655
Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

RF Cafe and Patisserie prides itself on scrumptious pastries, cakes, and traditional European breakfast fare throughout the day. If you’re a bit curious about the place’s name, it’s the owner’s (and most of her family members’) name initials.

This cafe looks very lovely with its colour palette of cream, light pink, and pastel green. There’s plenty of seating which is perfect for solo or group dining.

We won’t tell you to stop getting the internet-viral Matilda Cake, which is sweet, chocolatey, and overflowing with ganache. Instead, we urge you to follow it up with a Strawberry Milkshake or a cup of Karak Chai for a more decadent snack.

Pro tip: If you have kids, RF Cafe also has a kids’ menu with a great number of dishes and sweets their young tastebuds will surely love.

Relish the Pancakes at 19 Cafe Bar

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Address: 19 Lever St, Manchester M1 1BY
Contact details: 7380 196010
Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

If you’re looking for a nice, hearty serving of English breakfast, definitely give 19 Cafe Bar a visit. We don’t guarantee in any way that you’ll easily get a seat (especially on the weekends), since this place is very popular, attracting lots of people enough for a long queue.

However, we guarantee that the pancakes here are soooo good that you’ll want to repeat a visit. Get the big and fluffy Pancakes & Smoked Crispy Bacon with an Espresso Martini, for a Bacon Pancakes State of Mind.

During downtime on weekdays, take all the time you need to unwind inside the premises with a modern industrial feel.

Pro tip: Check out 19 Cafe Bar’s Instagram for news on the latest seasonal offerings and promos!

Go Pies Galore at Idle Hands Coffee

Media from Idle Hands Coffee & Pie

Address: Dale House, 35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF
Contact details: [email protected] 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing: £
Website
Menu

Idle Hands is a charming coffee shop perfect for a quick coffee run or catching up with friends. The cafe features minimalist furniture and a colourful mural, creating a warm and comfy environment.

The cafe regularly changes the types of specialty coffees and roasteries it features, offering patrons a delightful tour of the third-wave coffee movement with each cup. Treat yourself to a hand-brewed V60 or Aeropress coffee for a unique experience.

While the coffee is excellent, the pies are the star. The flavours vary daily, so it’s essential to visit the shop or check out Idle Hands’ Instagram account for the daily pie update.

Pro tip: The Idle Hands baristas are always open to a chat if you want to learn more about the specialty beans and the brewing process. 

Rush Against the Herd at Black Sheep – Spring Gardens

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Address: 60 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ
Contact details: 20 3988 6994
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Saturday – 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Sunday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Pricing: £
Website
Menu

They say you leave the herd behind when you’re in Black Sheep Coffee, and with what we saw in this shop, we think they’re right.

Black Sheep in Spring Gardens has a dark, industrial vibe that’s perfect for chilling out with friends or working solo. It looks like a typical postmodern coffee shop, but it offers a unique experience.

Try their signature Black Hoof Coffee, which is rich in bold flavour, paired with a Norwegian Classic Waffle to hit that sweet spot between a buzz and a sugar rush.

If you’re not in the mood for a drink, you can still make a difference by buying a coffee for a homeless person at the counter.

Pro tip: You can order for dine-in or takeout in advance for any Black Sheep Coffee branch via its official website.

Try Mediterranean Food at HAMPTON & VOÚIS – Princess St

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Address: 31 Princess St, Manchester M2 4EW
Contact details: [email protected] 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Switch up your cafe routine by visiting HAMPTON & VOÚIS on Princess Street. While they do serve coffee, their food really stands out.

This independent cafe offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Their menu includes vegetarian options, but also features dishes with fish and meat, catering to various dietary preferences and allergies.

A must-try is the Biscoff French Toast—perfect for vegans and safe for those with nut allergies.

As for the coffee, HAMPTON & VOÚIS sources theirs ethically from roasters who work directly with farmers worldwide.

Pro tip: If you like having a street view while being cosy inside the cafe, stop by early to get the best seats beside the tall window. And while you’re enjoying your coffee, consider donating to the Motor Neurone Disease foundation at the counter or the shop’s website.

Dine With a Cause at Moose Coffee – York St

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Address: 20 York St, Manchester M2 2BB
Contact details: 0161 228 7994
Operating hours: Daily – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

If you’re looking for the next best thing to an actual American breakfast plate (be it US or Canadian) right in the heart of Manchester, then Moose Coffee should be your stop.

This shop feels like a small piece of America with its filling meals and great cups of joe. 

To make the most out of your visit, get the Mighty Moose, a plate of potato hash, bacon, eggs, and toast with a cup of the Flat White. If you’re feeling more Canadian, eat a Caboose Moose pancake plate with lots of maple syrup—truly divine!

Pro tip: Cheers to our frontline heroes! Moose Cafe offers a 10% discount to Blue Light Card holders.

Nurse Your Hangover at The Koffee Pot

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Address: 84-86 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE
Contact details: 0161 236 8918
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday  – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

The Koffee Pot has been a hotspot for hungover Mancunians since 1978. This post-watering hole diner is also a feast to the eyes for its movie-esque interiors (think of a livelier version of When Harry Met Sally or Pulp Fiction).

It offers classic British dishes, including the beloved KP Full English breakfast. You can enjoy it with Halloumi and a Latte, or if you’re still in the mood to drink, a pint of draught beer.

The Koffee Pot’s sister shop, Birrira Brothers, is also on the premises. It serves up a delightful array of tacos right in the heart of Manchester.

Pro tip: Despite its age, The Koffee Pot is very much in tune with modern times. The shop only accepts card payments, so no cash is needed!

Grab a Cuppa and Read at Chapter One Books

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Address: Chatsworth House, 23 Lever St, Manchester M1 1BY
Contact details: 0161 298 2015
Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: £
Website

Chapter One Books is a beloved independent bookstore and cafe located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. 

The owners envisioned a calm, welcoming atmosphere with delicious cakes and drinks, and they have certainly achieved that. The cafe even features an indoor fountain!

You can relax on one of the cosy sofas with your favourite book and enjoy a slice of gluten-free Carrot Cake, paired perfectly with a cup of Manchester Fog tea.

Chapter One is also a popular spot for book clubs and writing workshops, making it a great place to meet new friends who share your interests.

Pro tip: Trade your old or unused books for free coffee at Chapter One. Just call or chat with the friendly staff at the counter to find out the latest guidelines for book exchanges.

Live the Souffle Dream at Fluffy Fluffy Manchester

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Address: Carding Building, Whitworth St, Manchester M1 3NR
Contact details: [email protected] 
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Friday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

The craze for soft and decadent Japanese souffle pancakes has invaded Manchester with the help of Fluffy Fluffy. The cafe, with its Japandi-themed decor, is perfect for dining alone or with friends.

A part of its kitchen is easily visible to diners, so you’ll also get to see how the ‘clouds’ are made before eating them.

For your first visit, try the Signature souffle pancake. It’s topped with fresh cream, strawberries, and bananas, and is sure to leave a great impression on your taste buds.

Pair it with the Strawberry Latte, a unique and flavourful drink that complements the pancakes perfectly.

Pro tip: Fluffy Fluffy has a rewards program for its loyal customers. Get a free pancake after collecting 8 stamps on the SQUID app.

Cast Your Worries Away at Feel Good Club Manchester

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Address: 26-28 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EH
Contact details: [email protected] 
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Feel Good Club’s best feature is its laid-back atmosphere that fosters mental health, complemented by great food and coffee. Its empowering mix of shabby chic and psychedelic decor is adorned with messages of encouragement, perfect for getting through tough days. 

This ambience pairs wonderfully with their filling and tasty brunch options, including the favourite Eggs Florentine on crumpets, best enjoyed with a latte.

As a safe space, Feel Good Club frequently hosts mental health and wellness-related events. Drop by on these days to connect with new friends who share the same advocacies.

Pro tip: Feel better and lighter with non-dairy alternatives in your drink! The cafe doesn’t charge extra if you want to swap to plant-based milks.

Drink Flavoured Lattes at Michaels Coffee House 

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Address: Unit 20, Royal Exchange Arcade, Exchange St, Manchester M2 7EA
Contact details: 0161 839 9820
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Friday – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Pricing: £
Website
Menu

If you’re looking for the best flavoured lattes in Manchester, we highly recommend trying Michaels Coffee House. The Pistachio and Rose lattes are must-tries, known for their unique and delightful flavour.

The cafe occupies a small floor area inside the Royal Exchange building, so seating inside the actual shop is limited. However, if you prefer to stay a while, there are a few tables just outside the cafe door under the arcade’s shade, providing a cosy spot to enjoy your drink.

Additionally, the coffee at Michael’s is excellent, made from organically-grown beans sourced ethically.

Pro tip: Check out Michaels’ Business Vouchers if you (or your company) is looking for corporate giveaway ideas that are easy to execute.

Drink for a Cause at 92 Degrees Coffee – Spinningfields

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Address: No.1, Spinningfields, Quay St, Manchester M3 3EB
Contact details: 0151 458 2908
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Friday –  7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Pricing: £
Website

92 Degrees is a well-loved coffee shop chain in the UK, with many locations, including three in Manchester. This makes it easy to find one near you to enjoy some coffee.

The Spinningfields branch is a personal favourite because it’s spacious, easy to get to, and doesn’t really get crowded. I always get a hot cup of the Flat White and pair it with a slice of cake from their rotating selections.

For those who want to enjoy 92 Degrees at home, their signature Hope Street Espresso beans are a great option. This blend has delicious notes of chocolate, raspberry, and salted caramel, making it hard to resist another cup.

Pro tip: 10% of what you pay for every bag of 92 Degrees coffee goes to Project Waterfall. It’s an initiative providing clean water as well as sanitation and hygiene support to coffee-farming communities worldwide.

Support Women Through Brunch at Nibble NQ

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Address: 36 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN
Contact details: 0161 923 4845
Operating hours: Daily – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Website
Menu

Enjoy brunch at Nibble NQ while supporting women empowerment. This independent cafe has been promoting an inclusive environment and highlighting women’s roles in the hospitality industry since 2017.

The cafe is a vibrant testament to women’s capabilities, with its colourful and lively atmosphere that lifts your spirits.

A must-try from their all-day menu (as of this writing) is the Fried Breakfast Potatoes. Pair it with an iced Latte or a Flat White and you’re golden.

Also, don’t miss out on their desserts, available in-store or for delivery across the UK. While you’re at it, grab a “female empowering” postcard or mug for the women in your life from its gift shop.

Pro tip: Nibble NQ loves mixing up its menu, so stay tuned for specials via the shop’s Instagram.

Have Bagels and Coffee at Just Between Friends – Tib St

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Address: 56 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG
Contact details: 7818 022169
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Pricing: £
Website
Menu

Just Between Friends truly lives up to its name, offering a warm, neighbourhood vibe that makes you feel like you’re getting your coffee from a close friend. Nestled on Tib Street, this cosy cafe invites you to appreciate the small joys in life while enjoying your cup of joe.

The crowd favourite is undoubtedly the Flat White, perfectly paired with one of their delicious bagels. Whether you choose a classic cream cheese bagel or something more adventurous, you won’t be disappointed. 

The rest of the coffee menu is equally impressive, with options like lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos made from high-quality roasts.

Pro tip: The inside of the shop gets quite packed at peak hours, but if you’re on a solo coffee run, we highly recommend grabbing one of the outdoor seats to feel the local vibe better.

Feel at Home at Fig + Sparrow

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Address: 20 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JA
Contact details: 7595 466727
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Pricing: £
Website
Menu

Fig + Sparrow, nestled on Oldham Street, offers a cosy and homey atmosphere. Despite its small floor area, the rustic interiors provide an intimate setting for coffee breaks and brunches.

In our humble opinion, this cafe is one of the best spots to read a book or journal. The window seats overlooking the street are particularly charming, though there’s also outside seating if you prefer some fresh air.

Among the must-try items here (aside from the desserts) is the Cortado, a delightful coffee drink with equal parts espresso and milk. The Avocado on Toast, while often associated with a hipster reputation, is exceptionally well-prepared and worth trying.

Pro tip: Try visiting Fig + Sparrow early in the day to snag one of those well-coveted window seats!

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