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The 11 Best Portuguese Restaurants in Manchester That Will Transport You to Lisbon!
Manchester might be known for its music scene and football, but it’s also got some top-notch Portuguese food. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy peri-peri chicken or those heavenly custard tarts, this city has it all.
Did you know that “peri-peri” actually means “pepper-pepper” in Swahili? So, you’re not just getting a meal, you’re getting a little linguistic trivia too!
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good Portuguese feast? From casual bites to fancy dinners, Manchester’s Portuguese restaurants offer rich and flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy.
Ready to explore? Here are the best Portuguese restaurants in Manchester that’ll make your taste buds dance and leave you craving for more.
Nando’s Manchester
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Website: Nando’s Manchester
Address: The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove
Contact details: +44 161 839 8844
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Fancy some legendary peri-peri chicken? Nando’s is the place to be; with its buzzing atmosphere and friendly staff, this spot is a hit with chicken lovers. You can choose your spice level, from mild lemon and herb to daring extra hot, and each piece is flame-grilled to perfection.
But it’s not just about the chicken; the menu has something for everyone, including vegetarians. Try the veggie and bean burgers or the Portobello mushroom and halloumi burger with tangy chilli jam.
If you’re feeling a bit healthy, their salads are top-notch – think Mediterranean, Caesar, or Cous Cous, with or without chicken. Bottomless soft drinks add great value, and the platters are perfect for sharing.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the bottomless frozen yoghurt. It’s the perfect way to cool down after some spicy chicken. |
Canto
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Website: Canto
Address: Cutting Room Square, Blossom Street, Ancoats
Contact details: +44 161 870 5904
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Canto brings a taste of Lisbon right to Manchester. Located in the trendy Ancoats area, it’s a favourite among young professionals. This place is the brainchild of Simon Shaw (the guy behind El Gato Negro) and head chef Carlos Gomes from a Michelin-starred London restaurant.
They’re all about serving the best Portuguese dishes in a relaxed, casual setting. The menu is full of tasty options like grilled sardines, bacalhau à Brás, and those oh-so-delicious pastéis de nata.
The small plates are great for sharing, letting you sample a bit of everything. The interior is stylish but cosy, perfect for a casual meal or a special night out.
| Pro tip: Order the Portuguese custard tarts early – they fly off the shelves! |
Petisco
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Website: Petisco
Address: 14 John Dalton St
Contact details: +44 161 829 3828
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Petisco is a hidden gem in the heart of Sale’s revamped Stanley Square – now a hotspot for foodies in South Manchester. Specialising in Portuguese small plates (which are pretty generous), this place serves up some of the best food you’ll find in the city.
The menu is concise but bold, packed with dishes that are hard to resist. Must-tries include monkfish rice with crispy kale and pickled fennel, roasted cauliflower with lentils and chilli, and wild boar meatballs.
And let’s not forget the pork belly and pan-fried sea bream. Portugal’s wines are the stars of the drinks menu, but there are plenty of beers, spirits, and cocktails to enjoy too.
| Pro tip: Pair your petiscos with a glass of Vinho Verde – it’s a match made in heaven. |
Trunk Lounge
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Website: Trunk Lounge
Address: 11 Beech Rd
Contact details: +44 161 718 1888
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Trunk Lounge is where you want to be for a unique Portuguese-inspired meal. Their menu features standout dishes like peri-peri chicken wings and garlic prawns; the peri-peri wings pack a punch, marinated to perfection and flame-grilled.
If you’re into seafood, the garlic prawns are a must-try, cooked in a flavourful sauce that’s perfect for mopping up with bread. For those looking for something more substantial, their spicy chorizo and seafood paella is a hit.
It’s packed with fresh seafood and spicy chorizo, all cooked in a rich, saffron-infused broth. They also offer a range of refreshing cocktails that complement the bold flavours of the food.
| Pro tip: Order the chorizo and seafood paella early, as it’s a popular dish and sells out quickly. |
Off The Grid
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Website: Off The Grid
Address: 42-44 Oldham St
Contact details: +44 161 822 9292
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Off The Grid is your go-to for authentic Portuguese cuisine. Their menu features classics like caldo verde, a hearty green soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo, and bacalhau com natas, a creamy codfish dish that’s a staple in Portuguese households.
The caldo verde is perfect for those who love a good, warming soup, especially on a chilly day. Another highlight is their octopus salad, a refreshing and light option that’s full of flavour.
The octopus is tender and perfectly seasoned, served with fresh vegetables. It’s a great way to start your meal or as a light main.
| Pro tip: Try the octopus salad – it’s a perfect introduction to Portuguese flavours and incredibly well-prepared. |
Coffii 22
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Website: Coffii 22
Address: 22 Barlow Moor Rd
Contact details: +44 161 902 0222
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-5PM
Coffii 22 is a gem for those who love Portuguese pastries and strong coffee. Their pastéis de nata are a standout, known for their golden, flaky crust and creamy custard filling; these pastries are a must-try and pair perfectly with their robust coffee.
Aside from sweet treats, Coffii 22 offers savoury options like croquettes and sandwiches, ideal for a light lunch. Their croquettes are crispy on the outside and packed with a delicious filling, making them a great snack or meal option.
For those with dietary preferences, they also offer gluten-free and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy a tasty treat. They also have a selection of freshly squeezed juices and specialty teas, perfect if you’re not in the mood for coffee.
| Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying a pastel de nata – it’s the perfect companion to their excellent coffee. |
Meu Portugal
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Website: Meu Portugal
Address: 89 Stockport Rd
Contact details: +44 161 223 8855
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Meu Portugal brings authentic Portuguese flavours straight to Manchester. If you’re new here, start with their bifanas – traditional Portuguese pork sandwiches. The pork is marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked until tender, served in a crusty roll.
Their seafood rice, arroz de marisco, is another must-try; this dish is loaded with fresh seafood like prawns, clams, and squid, all simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth with rice. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Portuguese coastal cuisine.
Pair it with a glass of crisp Vinho Verde to enhance the flavours. For dessert, don’t miss their traditional rice pudding, sprinkled with cinnamon for a comforting finish to your meal.
| Pro tip: Pair your meal with a glass of Vinho Verde for a refreshing complement to the rich flavours. |
The Algarve – Coffee Shop & Restaurant
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Website: The Algarve – Coffee Shop & Restaurant
Address: 225 Mauldeth Rd
Contact details: +44 161 256 2777
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-9PM
The Algarve offers a mix of traditional Portuguese dishes and excellent coffee. For first-timers, their feijoada is a standout. This hearty stew made with black beans and pork is a classic comfort food, served with rice.
It’s filling and full of robust flavours that showcase Portuguese homestyle cooking. The portion sizes are generous, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal on a chilly day. If you prefer something lighter, their grilled sardines are a perfect choice.
Served with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, these sardines are fresh and flavourful; it’s a simple dish that highlights the quality of the ingredients. The Algarve also offers a delightful selection of desserts, including their renowned pastéis de nata.
| Pro tip: Try their freshly baked pão de queijo (cheese bread) – it’s a delicious snack that goes perfectly with their strong Portuguese coffee. |
The Flat Baker
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Website: The Flat Baker
Address: 112 Burton Rd
Contact details: +44 161 434 8655
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-4PM
The Flat Baker is a bakery and café that brings a taste of Portugal to Manchester. Start your visit with their signature dish – pastéis de nata; these custard tarts have a perfectly flaky crust and creamy filling, making them a top pick for any visitor.
Pair one (or a few) with a robust Portuguese coffee for the ultimate treat. Their savoury options are just as impressive. The chouriço bread is a must-try, featuring Portuguese sausage baked into soft, fresh bread; it’s perfect for a quick bite or a light lunch.
If you’re after something more substantial, they also offer a variety of sandwiches and salads, all made with high-quality ingredients. The prawn and avocado salad is particularly popular, with fresh, zesty flavours that make for a refreshing meal.
| Pro tip: Get a box of pastéis de nata to go – they make for a great gift or a tasty treat later. |
Rack
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Website: Rack
Address: 113 Portland St
Contact details: +44 161 237 1199
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Rack is a top choice for those wanting to dive into Portuguese flavours. If it’s your first time, start with their bifanas, a Portuguese pork sandwich that’s both simple and flavourful; the pork is marinated, slow-cooked to perfection, and served in a crusty roll.
Their seafood cataplana is also worth trying; this dish is a rich, aromatic stew of clams, chorizo, and prawns, cooked in a traditional copper pot. The cataplana is a true Portuguese classic, blending fresh seafood with spicy chorizo in a savoury broth that’s perfect for dipping bread.
For a full meal experience, pair your dish with a glass of chilled Vinho Verde, a Portuguese wine that complements the bold flavours perfectly. If you have room for dessert, try their almond cake, a moist and flavorful treat that ends the meal on a high note.
| Pro tip: Order the seafood cataplana for a hearty, shared meal that truly showcases Portuguese culinary traditions. |
Bbq’d
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Website: Bbq’d
Address: 78 Wilmslow Rd
Contact details: +44 161 224 8866
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Bbq’d is the spot for those who love Portuguese barbecue. Start with their espetada – skewered beef that’s been marinated and grilled to perfection. This dish is juicy, tender, and full of flavour, served with a side of garlic butter for extra indulgence.
Another standout is their piri-piri chicken. Marinated in a blend of spices and flame-grilled, this chicken is both spicy and succulent. It’s served with a variety of sides like spicy rice, chips, and salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
| Pro tip: Try the espetada with garlic butter – it’s a flavour-packed experience you won’t forget. |
