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10 King Street Restaurants in Manchester You’ll Want to Bookmark
King Street in Manchester isn’t just where you go to max out your credit card—it’s also where your taste buds come to party.
Whether you’re looking to impress on date night, grab a quick bite between shopping sprees, or indulge in a culinary adventure that’s anything but ordinary, King Street’s got the goods.
We’ve eaten our way through this historic street (tough job, we know) to bring you the best restaurants that are so good, you’ll want to keep them all to yourself—but don’t worry, we won’t let that happen.
Read on to discover the top spots where you can wine, dine, and everything in between.
Tast Cuina Catalana
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Address: 20-22 King Street
Contact details: +44 161 806 0547
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Tast Cuina Catalana brings a slice of Barcelona to Manchester, but with a bit of an edge. You see, this place isn’t just about serving up standard tapas – they’re all about taking your taste buds on a wild ride.
Take the Duck’In Donut, for example. Imagine biting into a mini white chocolate donut only to find it filled with duck liver pâté and dusted with raspberry. Yeah, it’s as weird as it sounds, but somehow, it just works.
Feeling adventurous? The Espinacs A La Catalana is a must-try. Picture this: a nest of spinach leaves, raisins, and pine nuts sitting in a rich spinach sauce, topped with a scoop of pine nut ice cream.
If you’re looking for a showstopper, the Arros De Verdures is your dish. It’s a thin layer of crispy rice, flecked with vegetables and herb mayo, served on a long board that looks like a piece of art. Think of it as the best part of a paella – the crispy bits that stick to the pan, only better.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the Espinacs A La Catalana – it’s a dish that defies logic but delivers big on flavour. |
Kala Bistro
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Address: 55 King Street
Contact details: +44 161 820 3018
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Kala Bistro might describe itself as a humble bistro, but there’s nothing humble about the food here. The brains behind this place, Gary Usher, is a bit of a legend in the culinary world, and his flair is all over the menu.
Take the baked goat’s cheese with purple carrots and smoked garlic, for instance. It’s a starter that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, or the crispy pig’s head croquette, which might sound a bit out there, but trust me, it’s a flavour-packed treat you’ll want to try.
The mains don’t disappoint either, with standouts like the miso-glazed squash and the pan-roasted cod with curry and almond sauce. And then there’s the featherblade of beef – a dish that’s become something of a legend in its own right.
And if you’re here on a Sunday, the roast sirloin of beef, complete with majestic Yorkshire puddings, is the kind of Sunday lunch you’ll be dreaming about all week.
| Pro tip: Try the featherblade of beef, it’s one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back for. |
El Gato Negro Tapas
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Website: El Gato Negro
Address: 52 King St
Contact details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
El Gato Negro Tapas is where you go when you want a little taste of Spain with a side of Manchester charm. The chef here spent years travelling around Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian, soaking up the best of Spanish cuisine, and it shows in every dish.
Desserts are just as enticing, with options like a baked cheesecake or an almond tart with orange Chantilly cream. And of course, there’s a wine list to match, with plenty of Spanish wines, gins, and sherries to choose from.
And if you’re a fan of the classics, they’ve got you covered with tortilla, patatas bravas, and crispy fried squid, all served with a side of aioli.
| Pro tip: Grab a plate of the Josper-chargrilled chicken; it’s got that smoky, spicy flavour that’ll keep you coming back for more. |
Grand Pacific
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Address: 50 Spring Gardens
Contact details: +44 161 839 9365
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
The building itself, the former Reform Club, used to be the meeting spot for Manchester’s Liberal elite. Now, Grand Pacific is all about cocktail shakers rather than political movers and shakers.
The menu is a Pan-Asian delight, with dishes like tempura Szechuan sea bass and lamb massaman roti. But if you’re just in for a quick nibble, their “bar tidbits” are perfect – think deep-fried chicken karaage or duck sausage rolls.
Grand Pacific also offers a two-course Business Lunch for when you need an “exotic midday option,” and their High Tea is something special, with savoury treats and a hint of the exotic.
And don’t forget Sunday lunch – a proper occasion here, with options like beef topside or vegan wellington, all rounded off with a coconut rum and hibiscus dessert if you’ve got room.
| Pro tip: Treat yourself to High Tea here, it’s the perfect mix of elegance and indulgence. |
King Street Tavern
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Address: King Street Townhouse, 10 Booth St
Contact details: +44 161 667 0707
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Part of the King Street Townhouse hotel, this spot is all about taking your time, whether you’re here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with cosy booths, bookcases, and rich wooden accents making you feel right at home.
The menu is a celebration of British classics, but with a bit of an elevated twist; think gastro-pub favourites like burgers with duck fat hand-cut chips or mint-infused lamb with apricot purée. Everything is locally sourced and seasonal, so you know you’re getting the freshest ingredients.
And if you’re after something a bit more private, the Mezzanine Lounge is just the ticket. It’s tucked away from the main area, perfect for a quiet meal or one of the best afternoon teas in Manchester.
You’ve got two options here: a traditional three-tier tea with sandwiches, cakes, and scones, or a “High” afternoon tea that swaps out the sweets for mini sliders, sausage rolls, and cheese with chutney.
| Pro tip: The afternoon tea here is a real treat if you’re more into savoury than sweet. |
Armenian Taverna
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Address: 3-5 Princess St
Contact details: +44 161 834 9029
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Armenian Taverna has been around for over fifty years, and while it might have had a bit of a facelift recently, the heart and soul of the place remain the same. You might think you know your way around Mediterranean cuisine, but Armenian Taverna will surprise you.
Dishes like kebabs, lamb kofta, and spinach and feta pastries are just the beginning. The mutabal, a smoky aubergine dip with tahini, olive oil, and garlic, has a distinct Armenian twist thanks to the addition of cumin.
For the full experience, go for the meze – a selection of small plates that lets you sample a bit of everything. The Russian influence is also strong here, with options like borscht beetroot soup and selodka salted herring making an appearance.
If you’re after something heartier, try the lamb goulash or mushroom stroganoff. And for dessert, the honey and milk cake is a must-try – sweet, rich, and utterly satisfying.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the mutabal! |
Franco Manca Manchester King’s Street
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Address: 57-59 King Street
Contact details: +44 161 871 3929
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Franco Manca might have started small in Brixton Market, but these days, it’s a name you’ll find in more places than you can count – and lucky for us, King Street is one of them. They’re the pioneers of sourdough Neapolitan pizza, and if you’ve never had a slice, you’re in for a treat.
Their secret? A slow-rising sourdough base, made fresh on-site every day, using a recipe that’s been passed down from the streets of Naples.
The menu here is simple but spot-on, with eight numbered pizzas to choose from, including fan-favourites like the “No. 4” – roasted cured ham, wild mushrooms, and a mix of ricotta and British mozzarella.
And if you’re up for something a bit different, the new “No. 8” is a dream, featuring yellowfin tuna, wilted spinach, and a creamy tuna dressing. Finish off your meal with an affogato, tiramisu, or a scoop of gelato, and maybe a shot of grappa or limoncello if you’re feeling fancy.
| Pro tip: Go for the “No. 4” pizza – the combination of wild mushrooms and ricotta is a game-changer. |
Browns Brasserie & Bar – Manchester
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Address: 1 York St
Contact details: +44 161 819 1055
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Housed in a former banking hall, Browns Brasserie & Bar has got that perfect mix of being both cavernous and intimate, making it ideal for everything from a quiet afternoon tea to a lively Sunday roast.
The menu here is a bit of a globe-trotter, with British classics like fish and chips sitting alongside European and more far-flung dishes. And if you’re here with someone special, the chef’s specials section offers sharing plates like côte de boeuf or fillet steak surf’n’turf.
Picture yourself tucking into a chocolate brownie or a caramel profiterole, or maybe treating yourself to their afternoon tea. Served daily, it’s a proper affair, complete with scones, cakes, and a selection of hand-blended Fairtrade teas.
| Pro tip: Treat yourself to their afternoon tea. |
Manchester Deansgate Sora
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Address: 23 Princess St
Contact details: +44 161 667 0707
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar with a view and some seriously good food, Sora Manchester is where you need to be. Perched on top of Malmaison Deansgate, it offers stunning views of the city’s neo-Gothic architecture, including the Town Hall and Albert Square.
The menu at Sora is all about sushi, sashimi, and Pan-Asian small plates, with a focus on fresh seafood. The tuna nigiri and dragon roll are top picks, but if you’re after something warm and comforting, the black cod with miso glaze is a winner.
They’ve also got some fantastic small plates from the robata grill, like Korean fried cauliflower with gochujang – it’s got just the right amount of spice to kick things up a notch. The cocktail menu is visually stunning, with options that are as tasty as they are Instagram-worthy.
And if you’re into your spirits, they’ve got a great selection of local and Japanese gins, as well as some top-notch Japanese whiskies. Weekends at Sora are lively but chilled, with DJs and guest musicians adding to the vibe.
| Pro tip: Try the black cod with miso glaze. |
Slug and Lettuce Manchester, Albert Square
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Address: 64-66 Albert Square
Contact details: +44 161 839 6770
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
The Slug and Lettuce in Albert Square is your go-to spot if you’re after a laid-back evening with a bit of flair. Located right in the heart of Manchester’s bustling city centre, this place has a vibe that’s hard to beat.
Food is served all day, with a menu full of crowd-pleasers like burgers, nachos, and hearty mains. The cocktail menu is extensive, offering everything from classic favourites like the ‘Cosmopolitan’ and ‘Sex on the Beach’ to more innovative concoctions from their ‘Bling’ range.
And with daily 2-4-1 cocktail deals, it’s the perfect spot for a cheeky after-work drink or a night out with friends. If you’re more of an outdoor person, there’s an outside area too, where you can soak up the city’s vibe while enjoying your meal or drink.
| Pro tip: Make the most of their 2-4-1 cocktail deal; it’s on every day, so there’s no excuse not to indulge! |
