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Discover the 11 Best Health Food Restaurants in Manchester for Guilt-Free Indulgence

Why did the broccoli break up with the potato? Because it saw it being a total couch potato! Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s talk about eating clean in Manchester. 

If you’re a veggie veteran or just dipping your toes into the health food pond, dining out may see like a challenge. Thankfully, Manchester is bursting with spots that make nutritious eating a joy, and not a chore. 

And to make things even easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best places where healthy doesn’t mean boring. From superfood cafes to vegan feasts, here are our top picks for healthy restaurants in Manchester that’ll have you coming back for more!

Evelyn’s Cafe Bar

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Address: 44 Tib St

Contact Details: +44 161 834 3303

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-10PM

Pricing: £££

Website

Menu

Evelyn’s Cafe Bar is an impressive spot, brought to you by the folks behind Mughli, so you can expect a top-notch experience. Unlike the curry-heavy vibes of Curry Mile, Evelyn’s offers a refreshing change with a focus on fresh, healthy, and light dishes. 

The place itself feels like a leafy haven, with botanical decor and light wood interiors that create a serene atmosphere. Their menu draws heavily from Asian inspirations, featuring delicious options like spicy beef salad, tofu laksa, and tandoori trout. 

Despite being health-focused, they don’t skimp on flavour or satisfaction. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t worry – they’ve got delightful treats like apple crumble and custard on the menu. 

Pro tip:

Don’t miss their brunch menu – the shakshuka is a must-try!

The Green Lab

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Address: 12 N Western St

Contact Details: +44 161 883 2298

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 8AM-6PM
  • Sat 9AM-5PM
  • Sun Closed

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

Located on Dale Street, The Green Lab offers a holistic approach to eating and living well. They have a ‘Health Lab’ where you can join fitness classes, and a ‘Mixing Lab’ for crafting your own nutrition bowls and smoothie bowls. 

The menu is packed with nutritious options like beetroot hummus, miso pickled vegetables, and Kashmiri roasted cauliflower. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, try their crunchy chicken wraps or healthy bao buns. 

The entire menu is calorie transparent, making it easy to stick to your dietary goals without any guesswork. And for those with a sweet tooth, their ‘pronuts’ pack 18g of protein and come in flavours like vanilla strawberry and double chocolate.

Pro tip:

Order the Green Lab Bowl – it’s packed with goodness and flavour.

The Counter House

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Address: 35 Blossom St

Contact Details: +44 161 839 6859

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 8AM-10PM
  • Sat – Sun 9AM-10PM

Pricing: £££

Website

Menu

The Counter House, situated in the heart of Ancoats, is a neighbourhood eatery that marries comfort classics with health-inspired dishes. 

Their menu is extensive and varied, offering everything from roast salmon and sriracha chicken to baked Thai crab fishcakes and spicy glazed tofu. The ambiance is industrial-chic with a welcoming, relaxed vibe, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. 

They also have an impressive selection of small plates and sharing dishes, ideal for those who want to sample a bit of everything. If you’re looking to indulge, their Sunday roast is legendary, featuring succulent meats, heaps of veggies, and a massive Yorkshire pudding. 

Pro tip:

The sweet potato pancakes are a brunch favourite – don’t miss out!

Federal Cafe & Bar

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Address: Various locations (Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Oxford Road)

Contact Details: Varies by location

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 7AM-5PM
  • Sat – Sun 8AM-6PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

Federal is the place to go if you fancy lighter fare in a casual, laid-back setting. With locations in Deansgate, the Northern Quarter, and the new Oxford Road spot, Federal keeps it simple yet satisfying with their breakfast and brunch offerings. 

Start your day with granola, porridge, or an acai bowl, or treat yourself to Turkish eggs, banana bread, or the ever-popular smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast. 

Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the robust brews, influenced by the founders’ time in Australia, with beans from OZONE, one of New Zealand’s premier coffee roasteries. If you prefer tea, they’ve got you covered, along with local and Aussie beers. 

Their drink menu also features a few natural wines, fizz, and two-for-a-tenner cocktails like Mimosas and Bellinis—worth trying out!

Pro tip:

Try the Turkish eggs for a hearty and flavourful brunch option.

The Allotment Vegan Eatery

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Address: 1-3 Cathedral Gates

Contact Details: +44 161 832 9244

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM

Pricing: £££

Website

Menu

The Allotment Vegan Eatery, originally from Stockport, has firmly planted its roots in Manchester city centre. Chef Matthew Nutter aims to make veg taste better than steak, and the innovative menu reflects this ambition. 

Instead of mimicking meat, they focus on transforming plants and nuts into delightful dishes like chargrilled aubergine with rosehip ketchup, almond béchamel, and basil salt fries. They offer a fine dining experience that proves plant-based cuisine can be both satisfying and exciting.

End your meal with their unique cheeseboard, crafted from fermented nuts, purees, and fruits, accompanied by homemade oatcakes and beetroot chutney. The portions are generous, so you won’t leave hungry, and their compact wine list is perfect for pairing. 

Pro tip:

Don’t miss the braised rhubarb and sweet potato custard for a memorable dessert.

Bondi Bowls

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Address: Kampus, Aytoun St

Contact Details: +44 161 238 8888

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-8PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

Bondi Bowls is perfect for grabbing a nutritious, fresh meal on the go. Their macro-measured salads, soups, smoothies, and shots take healthy fast food to a new level. 

Popular choices include the Caesar bowl, loaded with lettuce, kale, tomatoes, gluten-free (gluten free food manchester) croutons, spinach, spiced coconut, dukkah, and caesar crumb. Add your choice of protein, like the delicious miso salmon, and pair it with a turmeric and ginger shot for a wellness boost.

Much of the menu is plant-based, featuring fresh herbs, spices, and naturally sweet elements like glazed banana and fresh raspberry ripple. Coffee lovers will enjoy the brews from All Press, and they also offer local kombucha on tap. 

Pro tip:

Try the miso salmon in your bowl for an extra burst of flavour.

House of Fu

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Address: 111 Portland St

Contact Details: +44 161 236 0190

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

House of Fu, originally from Leeds, has brought its vibrant ramen scene to Manchester. Nestled on Portland Street, this spot serves up classic and inventive bowls of ramen, alongside vibrant rice dishes and homemade gyoza.

If you’re in the mood for a light bite, opt for sushi or a salad, but if you’re craving something heartier, their kimchi and cheese ramen is a must-try. The ground floor focuses on food, while upstairs you’ll find Hello Cocktail Bar and downstairs, Hello Karaoke.

The food menu boasts Japanese-inspired small plates like cucumber salad, prawn toast, and chilli crunch rice. Drink-wise, you can enjoy sake, craft beer from local brewery Sureshot, or a frozen yuzu margarita. 

The neon signs and geometric art make House of Fu visually appealing, and if you fancy a sing-along, their karaoke booths can accommodate groups of up to 22.

Pro tip:

Try the kimchi and cheese ramen for a unique and flavourful experience.

Pret A Manger

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Address: Various locations

Contact Details: Varies by location

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 6:30AM-7PM
  • Sat – Sun 7AM-6PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

Pret A Manger is your go-to spot for fresh, handmade food and organic coffee. With locations across Manchester, Pret offers a variety of veggie and meat options, there would be something for everyone. 

Their ingredients are delivered fresh each morning, and they pride themselves on sustainability by donating any unsold food to local charities at the end of each day. The menu includes a range of sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes, all made without artificial ingredients. 

Their 100% organic coffee is a highlight, perfect for a guilt-free caffeine fix. Pret’s commitment to fresh, natural food and sustainability makes it a standout choice for a quick, healthy meal.

Pro tip:

Try their veggie options! The avocado and herb salad wrap is a fresh favourite.

LEON

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Address: 1 Piccadilly Gardens

Contact Details: +44 161 236 6510

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-10PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

LEON is a haven for health-conscious foodies, offering delicious, filling takeout dishes inspired by the Mediterranean diet. Their menu features a variety of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds. 

Breakfast options, available until 11AM, include protein-packed poached egg pots, porridge, and healthier muffins. All-day options range from wraps and fresh salad boxes to their popular hot boxes, which include stews, meatballs, and curry.

LEON also offers healthier snacks like the PaLeon bar, packed with dried fruit and seeds, or the ‘Better Brownie,’ which has less sugar and a high cocoa content. 

The calorie content of each item is clearly listed, catering to a range of dietary needs with options that are low in saturated fat, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Plus, city centre workers and students get a 15% discount.

Pro tip:

Don’t miss the chicken, avocado, and chorizo salad – it’s a flavourful and filling choice.

Acai and The Tribe

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Address: Deansgate Mews

Contact Details: +44 161 833 8888

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-5PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

Acai and The Tribe is a superfood haven offering vibrant, nutrient-packed meals. Originally based in the Arndale Centre, this cafe now brings its rainbow-coloured acai bowls, smoothies, and wholesome eats to a more central spot. 

Their menu is a fresh and appealing array of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, including porridge bowls, yoghurt bowls, homemade bakes, and various sourdough toppings.

Beyond bowls, their homemade bakes, such as banana bread and energy bars, offer a healthier alternative to typical cafe treats. The sourdough toast options, topped with avocado, hummus, or smoked salmon, make for a perfect brunch or light lunch. 

Pro tip:

Try their signature acai bowl for a refreshing and energising start to your day.

Bundobust Brewery

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Address: 19 Oxford St

Contact Details: +44 161 359 6757

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM

Pricing: ££

Website

Menu

Bundobust Brewery is a standout addition to Oxford Street, offering a unique blend of Indian-style vegetarian cuisine and freshly brewed beer.  

Enjoy dishes like crisp okra fries dusted with black salt and mango powder, or the iconic vada pav – a deep-fried mashed potato ball in a bun with chutneys. 

The brewery’s massive beer tanks, visible as you enter, are the stars of the show, brewing beer specifically designed to complement their spicy, flavourful menu. Sip on a Vienna lager named Cartway or try a vegan cocktail like the mango and rose water bramble. 

For those sensitive to spice, the creamy, sweet mango lassi is a perfect palate cooler.

Pro tip:

Order the okra fries – they’re a crunchy, flavourful delight.

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