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Where to Eat Before a Show: 11 Restaurants Near the Opera House Manchester
Planning to grab a bite before hitting the Opera House Manchester? You can’t exactly enjoy a top-notch performance on an empty stomach – that’s just asking for a rumbling belly solo.
Well, no need to worry because we’ve got you! After scouring the city, and having a dish or two (or ten), we’ve rounded up the best spots around!
Read on to find cozy pubs with hearty meals, chic bistros serving up fancy bites, and everything in between. Remember, your appetite deserves its own fabulous show!
20 Stories
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Address: No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square
Contact details: +44 161 204 3333
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-2AM
Pricing: ££££
20 Stories is a glamorous rooftop restaurant, cocktail bar, and expansive terrace. When you step out of the lift, you’re greeted with unparalleled 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline.
The menu offers the best of the North West, with ingredients sourced no more than 50 miles outside Manchester. You can expect everything from succulent steaks to fresh seafood, all presented with artistic flair.
The smart dress code is for a sophisticated atmosphere, making it perfect for a pre-show meal. Enjoy your food in style, with a backdrop of twinkling city lights and a vibrant buzz that fills the air.
Pro tip:
Book a table by the window for the best views of the city.
The Ivy Brasserie
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Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St
Contact details: +44 20 3301 0200
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
At The Ivy Brasserie, you’re transported to an oasis of elegance and charm. Their all-weather roof terrace allows you to dine under the stars, regardless of the season.
The Ivy Brasserie serves modern British classics for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and everything in-between. The £19.17 all-day set menu invites you to step back in time to 1917, offering a taste of dishes that have graced their tables for over a century.
The menu, from white onion and truffle soup to the original shepherd’s pie, is a nostalgic journey through culinary history. Complement your meal with exclusive cocktails like The Ivy Iced Tea, which blends Earl Grey, Breakfast, and Jasmine teas for a unique flavour.
Pro tip:
Try the Ivy Iced Tea for a refreshing cocktail experience.
Ivy Asia
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Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St
Contact details: +44 20 3301 0200
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Ivy Asia in Spinningfields takes you on a sensory journey inspired by Asian influences. The restaurant’s luxurious and theatrical setting, complete with vibrant decor and opulent touches, makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
The menu features indulgent dishes like pot roasted lobster and lighter classics such as spicy tuna rolls. Their new pre-show set menu is perfect for theatre evenings, offering a three-course meal for £30 per person.
Enjoy dishes like popcorn shrimp, robatayaki chicken, and warm passion fruit & coconut doughnuts, each crafted to elevate your dining experience and set the stage for your evening.
Pro tip:
The pre-show set menu is a fantastic way to start your evening.
Peaky Blinders
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Address: 23 Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 667 1545
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Get ready to be transported to the 1920s at Peaky Blinders, right next to the Opera House. Inspired by the iconic TV show, this place is dripping with vintage charm. Think dim lighting, dark wood, and all the prohibition-era vibes you could ask for.
The menu is a delightful mix of homemade gastro pub classics and bespoke cocktails that will have you feeling like one of the gang. They’ve got live entertainment, including a Sunday lunch with live soul music that’ll make your meal even more memorable.
Plus, there are plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, so no one in your group has to miss out. For a bit of fun, you can even place bets on the first goal scorer of a football match and the final score for a chance to win free shots!
Pro tip:
Book a private suite for an immersive Peaky Blinders experience with friends.
Tattu
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Address: 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St
Contact details: +44 161 819 2060
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-1AM
- Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Tattu is a family-run restaurant spread over two stunning floors, each brimming with opulence and character. The interior is jaw-dropping, with a massive pink blossom tree that’s perfect for Instagram snaps.
The menu is a fusion of traditional dim sum and contemporary main courses, featuring delights like Peking Duck Money Bag dim sum and Black Pepper Beef Fillet.
On the last Sunday of every month, they host “Sunday Sunsets,” complete with exclusive DJ sets and a special set menu for £65. Picture yourself enjoying Salt & Pepper Loin Ribs while sipping on cocktails developed with Crystal Head Vodka.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the “Sunday Sunsets” for a perfect blend of food, music, and atmosphere.
Peter Street Kitchen
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Address: Free Trade Hall, Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 835 8942
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Just a short stroll from the Opera House, Peter Street Kitchen offers a unique blend of Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Housed in the luxurious Edwardian Manchester hotel, this spot is perfect for your pre-show bite.
The small plates concept lets you mix and match flavours, making every meal an adventure. The sleek, modern decor sets a sophisticated tone, while the extensive selection of fine wines and sake enhances the dining experience.
Famous for pre-theatre dining, it’s ideally situated near major venues like the Albert Hall and Bridgewater Hall. Their midweek deal of two dishes for £23 or three for £28 is perfect for an indulgent yet efficient meal before catching your show.
Pro tip:
Sample their sake – it’s among the best selections in Manchester.
James Martin Manchester
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Address: Manchester 235, 2 Watson St
Contact details: +44 161 828 0345
Operating Hours:
- Wed – Sat 5PM-11PM,
- Sun 12PM-4PM
Pricing: £££
The menu at James Martin Manchester is a love letter to British cuisine, featuring mouth-watering steaks, hearty roasts, and decadent desserts that showcase Martin’s Yorkshire roots.
Every dish is crafted using only the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, for fresh and flavourful bites every time. Fancy a real treat? Opt for James Martin’s Tasting Menu, a five-course extravaganza paired with exquisite wines for just £65.
It’s a culinary journey that promises to tantalise your taste buds with dishes like succulent pork belly and rich chocolate fondant. And for those visiting on a Sunday, the roast is not to be missed – it’s a classic British experience done to perfection.
Pro tip:
Book ahead for the Tasting Menu – it’s an indulgent experience that’s worth every penny.
The Library Champagne Bar at the Edwardian Manchester
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Address: Free Trade Hall, Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 835 8963
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
For an elegant pre-show experience, head to The Library Champagne Bar at the Edwardian Manchester, a mere four-minute walk from the Opera House. Imagine sipping Champagne surrounded by beautiful books and original art – it’s the perfect blend of luxury and culture.
The menu features charcuterie boards, artisan cheeses, and à la carte classics that are ideal for sharing or indulging on your own. Known for its exquisite afternoon teas, The Library’s pâtissiers craft pastries and treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
For those looking to extend their evening, The Library also offers a curated selection of classic novels and contemporary works, inviting you to linger over literature after your meal.
Pro tip:
Treat yourself to their afternoon tea before a show – it’s a delightful way to start your evening.
Asha’s Manchester
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Address: 47 Peter St
Contact details: +44 161 832 5309
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
With a £2 million interior, Asha’s offers a lavish dining experience spread over two floors, adorned with boudoir-style drapings, gold finishings, and deep okras.
In the menu, you’ve got your classic curries and tandoor kebabs, plus some innovative dishes that’ll blow your socks off. Everything’s made with spices ground using Asha Bhosle’s family’s traditional masala recipe, so you know it’s legit.
Asha’s, part of an international chain started by the legendary Bollywood singer and cook, offers a delectable pre-theatre menu: three courses for £28.
Begin with a speciality or vegetarian platter, followed by your choice of popular curries served with basmati rice, and conclude with a traditional dessert like Gulab Jamun or Rasmalai.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the specially curated pre-theatre menu – it’s not only a great deal but also thoughtfully designed to deliver a swift, sumptuous start to your evening.
BLVD Manchester
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Address: The Avenue North, 1 Spinningfields
Contact details: +44 161 832 0282
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-1AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
The first thing you’ll notice in BLVD is the stylish interior, perfect for a vibrant dining experience. BLVD offers an eclectic mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Mexican dishes, making it a haven for food enthusiasts.
Picture yourself diving into fresh oysters, savouring delicate sushi, or crunching on black corn tacos. The energy here is palpable, especially with live DJs setting the mood.
Weekends are a blast with their bottomless brunch, where for £35, you can enjoy a small plate, a side, and endless beverages. Whether you’re prepping for a night out or winding down after a show.
Pro tip:
Make sure to reserve a spot for their bottomless brunch – it’s the perfect way to start your weekend.
Dishoom Manchester
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Address: 32 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 537 3737
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
This stunning Indian restaurant pays homage to the freemasons of 1830s India and the Irani cafés of 20th-century Bombay.
Dishoom serves up an array of dishes throughout the day, from their famous Bacon Naan Rolls at breakfast to hearty lunches, delightful afternoon chais, and sumptuous dinners. The Permit Room, their prohibition-style bar, offers a fantastic selection of late-night tipples.
Must-try dishes include the 24-hour cooked Black Daal, Chowpatty Beach-style Pau Bhajis, and freshly baked Roomali Roti. With plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, Halal, vegan, and vegetarian options, everyone can find something to enjoy.
Plus, Dishoom’s commitment to charity means that for every meal sold, they donate a meal to a child in the UK or India who would otherwise go hungry. They also warmly welcome walk-in groups of any size at any time, making it a convenient spot for spontaneous dining.
Pro tip:
Start your day with the Bacon Naan Roll – it’s a morning delight you won’t forget. For a perfect morning boost, pair your Bacon Naan Roll with their signature chai tea.
