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The 9 Most Iconic Lunch Spots in Manchester City Centre That Deserve a Place on Your List
You know how lunch can be the most underrated meal of the day? Everyone’s always banging on about breakfast being the “most important” and dinner being the “grand finale,” but lunch? Lunch is the unsung hero.
It’s the midday pitstop, the saviour when your stomach’s playing the drum solo from We Will Rock You, and if done right, it can totally turn your day around.
I remember the first time I had a proper lunch in Manchester City Centre. I’d just dodged a morning of back-to-back meetings, and my brain felt like scrambled eggs.
A mate dragged me to one of these spots on the list (no spoilers yet), and let me tell you, one bite of their legendary steak sandwich and I was a new person. It was like hitting the refresh button on life.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the city’s best lunch spots, and oh boy, Manchester does not disappoint. Let’s dig in, shall we? And fair warning: you might want to grab a snack before reading—you’ll be starving by this end.
Gaucho Manchester
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Address: 2A St Mary’s St
Contact details: +44 161 833 4333
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Walking into Gaucho Manchester, you know you’re in for something special—it’s sleek, it’s swanky, and it feels like stepping into an exclusive club. The decor is all black leather, cowhide chairs, and sparkling chandeliers, but it’s not just style over substance.
The star of the show here is the beef, all sourced from Argentinian pampas and grilled to perfection. Whether you go for the ribeye, sirloin, or the ridiculously tender fillet, each bite practically melts in your mouth.
Not into steak? Their seabass and vegan options are no afterthought—they’re crafted with just as much care. Their Express Lunch menu is a lifesaver if you’re tight on time but still want to feel like royalty.
It offers a selection of two or three courses that won’t keep you waiting, making it a perfect option if you’ve got meetings or plans after. Oh, and the sides? Don’t skip the truffle mac and cheese—it’s indulgent in all the right ways.
The staff are happy to talk you through the cuts of meat or recommend the perfect Malbec to pair with your meal. And trust me, you’ll want that Malbec—it’s like velvet in a glass.
| Pro tip: Book a window table for lunch. You’ll get a view of St Mary’s Street to go with your steak, which adds a touch of city charm to the whole experience. |
Revolución de Cuba Manchester
Address: 11 Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 826 8266
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 11AM-2AM
- Sat 11AM-3AM
- Sun 11AM-1AM
Pricing: £££
Website
Revolución de Cuba is like a mini holiday without leaving Peter Street. The place oozes Caribbean charm with its colourful decor, tropical plants, and upbeat salsa music playing in the background.
The menu is packed with bold flavours that bring the heat—think slow-cooked pulled pork, zingy tacos, and hearty Cuban sandwiches. The tapas deal is perfect for sharing if you’re with friends, and trust me, you’ll want to try a bit of everything.
Their jerk chicken wings are smoky, spicy perfection, while the empanadas are golden little pockets of joy. Drinks-wise, you can’t go wrong with a classic mojito or daiquiri, but their rum selection deserves a shoutout too.
You can have a casual lunch or turn it into an impromptu celebration—it’s that kind of place. And if you time your visit with live music or salsa nights, you’re in for an even bigger treat.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the lunchtime tapas deal, it’s the best way to sample a mix of flavours without breaking the bank. |
Bill’s Spinningfields Restaurant
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Address: 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields
Phone: +44 161 834 2756
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Pricing: £££
Website
Bill’s in Spinningfields is one of those places that’s effortlessly versatile. Need a spot for a quick business lunch? Sorted. Fancy a casual midday catch-up with mates? They’ve got you.
It’s got a rustic-meets-modern vibe with wooden tables, ambient lighting, and a bustling yet cosy atmosphere that feels welcoming no matter the occasion. The menu is a crowd-pleaser, with everything from light bites to hearty comfort food.
Their fish finger sandwich is the stuff of lunchtime legend—crispy, flaky fish on soft white bread, served with tartar sauce that adds just the right amount of zing. For something more substantial, their slow-cooked lamb shoulder is rich, tender, and downright satisfying.
Veggies and vegans are well taken care of too, with options like the roasted squash and quinoa salad that’s as filling as it is flavourful. And if you’re after a sweet treat, the warm triple chocolate brownie is basically happiness on a plate.
| Pro tip: Save room for dessert. The sticky toffee pudding is worth the trip alone. |
Higher Ground
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Address: 10 Blossom St, Ancoats
Contact details: +44 161 837 1847
Operating Hours: Tue – Sat 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
The vibe at Higher Ground is effortlessly cool—think stripped-back decor, loads of natural light, and a welcoming hum of conversation that tells you people are here for one thing: seriously good food.
The menu is compact, which is usually code for “we’ve perfected everything on it.”
Their dishes change based on what’s in season—one week, it’s a mouthwatering lamb shoulder, and the next, it’s crispy heritage potatoes with a tangy aioli that’ll have you questioning every chip you’ve ever eaten.
And don’t even get me started on their sourdough. What’s refreshing is how laid-back it all feels. The staff are chatty and genuinely excited to walk you through the menu, which is perfect because everything sounds tempting.
| Pro tip: Grab a spot near the windows for the best people-watching while you tuck into your lunch. |
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
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Address: 46-50 Oldham St
Contact details: +44 161 235 1010
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 11AM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-1AM
- Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Walking into Turtle Bay feels like stepping into a Caribbean street party—minus the sand, but with all the rum. The Northern Quarter location has nailed the island vibes with colourful murals, upbeat reggae, and that all-important jerk smoke wafting through the air.
If you’re after a lunchtime escape from Manchester’s grey skies, this is the spot. The menu doesn’t hold back. It’s packed with bold, punchy flavours—jerk chicken, curry goat, and their famous doubles (Caribbean flatbread sandwiches stuffed with spiced chickpeas).
And it’s not just about the mains. Their starters, like the jerk pit wings and crispy squid, are so good you might accidentally fill up before your main arrives. Service is quick, so you won’t have to rush back to work, but the energy of the place makes you want to linger.
Oh, and they’ve got plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, so everyone’s covered. Bonus points for their cocktail menu—it’s the kind of lunchtime treat you didn’t know you needed.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the lunchtime menu deals; you’ll get great portions without blowing your budget. |
Dishoom Manchester
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Address: 32 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 537 3737
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-11PM
- Sat 9AM-11PM
- Sun 9AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Dishoom is the kind of place that makes you wish you had a second stomach. Inspired by the Irani cafés of 20th-century Bombay, this spot has history and flavour woven into every corner.
The interior is pure charm—think dark wood, leather booths, and enough old photos and knick-knacks to make you feel like you’re dining in a time capsule. The menu is as comforting as it is exciting. Their signature black daal, slow-cooked for 24 hours, is worth the hype.
Pair it with some Roomali Roti, and you’re golden. But if you’re after something heartier, the biryanis and curries deliver the kind of warmth that sticks with you all day. And if you’re popping in earlier, their bacon naan roll is a game-changer.
It’s the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and slightly sweet, wrapped in pillowy bread. Add a cup of their house chai, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo.
| Pro tip: Pop into the Permit Room downstairs for a pre-or post-lunch cocktail. It’s moody, atmospheric, and the drinks are top-notch. |
Hawksmoor Manchester
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Address: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester
Contact details: +44 161 836 6980
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
If there’s one place in Manchester where steak is taken as seriously as football, it’s Hawksmoor. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the rich scent of sizzling meat, dark wood interiors, and soft lighting that makes it feel like a proper occasion—even if it’s just lunch.
Not a meat-eater? Don’t worry, they’ve got you covered with fresh seafood, like their roasted scallops or half a lobster, which pairs perfectly with their triple-cooked chips (honestly, these might be the best chips in Manchester).
Their lunch set menu is a game-changer. For under £30, you get two courses of this high-quality fare, making it a fantastic option if you’re craving something fancy without going overboard on the budget.
Pair it with one of their expertly crafted cocktails or a glass of red wine, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth lingering over.
| Pro tip: Order the sticky toffee pudding for dessert, it’s legendary, and there’s no better way to end a meal here. |
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
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Address: 52 King St
Contact details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
El Gato Negro is a culinary experience that transports you straight to Spain, without a plane ticket. The moment you walk into its black-and-gold adorned space on King Street, you’re hit with a warm, buzzy atmosphere.
Head straight up to the rooftop terrace if the weather’s playing nice; it’s one of the best spots for lunch in the city. The menu is a love letter to Spanish cuisine, with a mix of classic tapas and inventive dishes.
Think chargrilled lamb skewers with spicy harissa, juicy gambas al ajillo swimming in garlic butter, and croquetas so creamy they should come with a warning. They’ve also got a fantastic vegetarian selection, like their tenderstem broccoli with romesco sauce.
| Pro tip: If you’re going with mates, order a mix of hot and cold dishes to share, it’s the best way to sample a bit of everything. |
The Alchemist New York Street
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Address: 3 Hardman St
Contact Details: +44 161 817 2950
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 8AM-12AM
- Thurs – Fri 8AM-2AM
- Sat 10AM-2AM
- Sun 10AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
The Alchemist on New York Street is a masterclass in turning an ordinary lunch into something extraordinary. The menu is a mix of globally inspired dishes with plenty of options for all appetites.
Their crispy katsu curry bowl is a lunchtime favourite—crunchy, tender, and perfectly sauced. If you’re into lighter bites, their bao buns are a winner, stuffed with flavoursome fillings that are both satisfying and Instagram-worthy.
The Alchemist’s cocktails are what steal the show. The Colour Changing One, for example, is like a science experiment in a glass and tastes just as exciting as it looks. If you’re not drinking, their mocktails are just as inventive, so you won’t feel left out.
| Pro tip: Go for their weekday lunch deal, £12.50 for a main and a soft drink. It’s a bargain for the quality you’re getting. |
