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breakfast-dishes

Where are Manchester’s best spots for breakfast? [10 Fantastic Picks + Tips!]

Let’s face it – mornings are tough. But if you’re a foodie like me, you’ll realise that they don’t have to be, especially when Manchester is home to some cracking breakfast spots that’ll make you jump out of bed faster than you can say “full English.” 

Even better, we’ve tasted our way through endless menus, and endured countless cups of coffee (all in the name of research, of course) to bring you the ultimate guide to starting your day right. 

From hearty traditional breakfasts to trendy avocado toasts, Manchester’s got it all. So, put down that sad granola bar and let’s dive into the best places to kickstart your day in style!

Gorilla

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Address: 54-56 Whitworth St

Contact details: +44 161 407 0301

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 10AM-2AM
  • Sat 9AM-3AM
  • Sun 9AM-12AM

Pricing: £££

Website 

Menu

Walking into Gorilla, you’re immediately struck by the industrial charm – exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and those iconic railway arches that give it a unique character. Grab a seat at one of the comfy booths or cosy up at a table by the window. 

The breakfast menu is a delight, featuring everything from perfectly poached eggs on sourdough toast to their famous halloumi and avocado sandwich. As you take in the bustling atmosphere, order a flat white – their coffee is sourced from local roasters and is a cut above. 

Whether you’re here for a hearty breakfast or just a coffee, the relaxed vibe and friendly staff make you feel right at home. Gorilla’s versatile space transforms effortlessly from a morning haven to a night-time hotspot, so you know it’s a place that understands good vibes all day long.

Pro tip:

Try the full veggie breakfast – it’s a hearty and delicious way to kickstart your day.

Idle Hands

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Address: 35 Dale St

Contact details: +44 161 236 9876

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 7:30AM-5PM
  • Sat – Sun 9AM-5PM

Pricing: ££

Website 

Menu

This light-filled café on Dale Street is the epitome of minimalistic chic, with white walls, wooden tables, and a few well-placed plants. Find a spot by the window for some prime people-watching or settle in at one of the communal tables. 

The menu is a breakfast lover’s dream. Start with their signature breakfast pie – it’s a hearty, savoury treat that perfectly pairs with their ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee!

As you sip on your coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, you’ll understand why this spot is beloved by locals.

Pro tip:

Don’t leave without trying one of their homemade pies – they’re the talk of the town.

All the Shapes

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Address: 76-78 Warwick Rd St

Contact details: +44 161 881 4853

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 8AM-5PM
  • Sat 9AM-5PM
  • Sun 9AM-4PM

Pricing: £££

Website 

Menu

All the Shapes’ rustic charm, complete with modern chic touches and plenty of greenery, makes it a welcoming retreat. Take a seat inside or, if the weather’s nice, find a spot in their lovely outdoor area.

The breakfast menu is diverse, catering to all tastes with options like the hearty breakfast burrito or the lighter, refreshing acai bowl. Their coffee is locally sourced and brewed to perfection, a perfect complement to any meal.

If you’re after something lighter, their acai bowl, topped with fresh fruits, granola, and a drizzle of honey, offers a refreshing and nutritious option. Don’t forget to explore their range of homemade cakes and pastries, perfect for a sweet finish or a midday treat.

Pro tip:

Try their shakshuka – it’s a flavourful and satisfying breakfast option that’s sure to impress.

Mackie Mayor

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Address: 1 Eagle St

Contact details: +44 161 222 6116

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-10PM

Pricing: ££

Website 

Mackie Mayor hosts a variety of independent vendors, offering everything from freshly baked pastries to hearty full English breakfasts. Craving something light and fresh? Opt for a vegan acai bowl loaded with vibrant fruits. 

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try the classic sausage and egg muffin, made with locally sourced ingredients for an authentic taste. Fancy a traditional start? Their full English won’t disappoint. 

The mix of delicious aromas from different stalls and the hum of satisfied diners make this a perfect spot to start your day with a burst of energy. For a unique twist, don’t miss their artisan sourdough toast topped with smashed avocado and poached eggs, a favourite among regulars.

In addition to breakfast, Mackie Mayor offers freshly pressed juices and speciality coffees to complement your meal. 

Pro tip:

Try the fresh juice bar. It’s a refreshing start to your breakfast.

OSMA

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Address: 132 Bury New Rd, Prestwich

Contact details: +44 161 258 5285

Operating Hours: 

  • Tue – Sat 8AM-10PM
  • Sun 9AM-4PM

Pricing: £££

Website 

Menu

Located on Barlow Moor Road, OSMA blends Scandinavian and British breakfast traditions seamlessly. The menu offers a range of delightful options like smoked salmon with rye bread, beetroot-cured gravlax, and freshly baked pastries. 

Take a seat inside or on their lovely outdoor terrace if the weather is nice. OSMA prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish is fresh and full of flavour. 

The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for those who appreciate quality and a bit of sophistication in their breakfast.

Pro tip:

Don’t miss out on their cinnamon buns – they’re freshly baked and delicious.

Dishoom

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Address: 32 Bridge St

Contact details: +44 161 537 3737

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-11PM

Pricing: £££

Website 

Menu

The decor at Dishoom is inspired by the old Irani cafés, combining nostalgic elements with a modern twist. Find a cosy corner or a table with a view of the lively restaurant. 

The breakfast menu is unique, featuring dishes like the famous bacon naan roll – smoky bacon wrapped in freshly baked naan with chilli tomato jam and cream cheese. 

Other highlights include the Akuri, spiced scrambled eggs with chopped tomato, onion, and green chilli, served with home-made buns. 

Pair your meal with a bottomless chai, and you’ve got a breakfast experience that’s both comforting and exotic. The ambiance is cosy yet lively, making it a fantastic spot to start your day.

Pro tip:

Pair your breakfast with a bottomless chai for a truly indulgent morning.

Ezra & Gil

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Address: 20 Hilton St

Contact details: +44 161 236 5355

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7AM-6PM

Pricing: £££

Website 

Menu

Ezra & Gil is a neighbourhood café that has become a staple for breakfast lovers in Manchester. The interior is industrial chic, with exposed brick walls and large windows that flood the space with natural light. 

As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of friendly chatter. The menu features a range of hearty and healthy options, from avocado toast and acai bowls to the classic full English breakfast. 

The coffee here is exceptional, making it a perfect spot to start your day. Ezra & Gil also has a community vibe, often bustling with locals catching up over coffee or enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

Pro tip:

Try their smashed avocado on toast with poached eggs. It’s a customer favourite for a reason.

Koffee Pot

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Address: 84-86 Oldham St

Contact details: +44 161 236 8918

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri 7AM-3PM
  • Sat – Sun 8AM-4PM

Pricing: ££

Website 

Menu

Koffee Pot is a Manchester institution, known for its hearty and unpretentious breakfast fare. Find a seat and get ready to dive into their generous portions of classic British breakfast dishes. 

The menu is a breakfast lover’s dream, featuring everything from full English breakfasts to fluffy pancakes and substantial breakfast burritos. 

Whether you’re craving the traditional black pudding and sausage or something sweet like their stacked pancakes drenched in syrup, you’ll leave fully satisfied. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. 

Located in the vibrant Northern Quarter, Koffee Pot is an ideal spot to fuel up before exploring the trendy shops and cultural spots in the area. 

Pro tip:

Order the full English breakfast with black pudding. It’s a classic choice that won’t disappoint.

Pen and Pencil

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Address: Fourways House, 57 Hilton St

Contact details: +44 161 660 3303

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Wed 10AM-11PM
  • Thu – Fri 10AM-12AM
  • Sat 10AM-1AM
  • Sun 10AM-9PM

Pricing: ££

Website 

Menu

The Pen and Pencil, located in the Northern Quarter, draws its inspiration from the 1950s bar on East 45th Street in New York’s “Steak Row.” 

As you step in, you’ll notice the retro vibe, with sleek wooden furnishings and a relaxed yet trendy atmosphere. Find a spot at one of the cosy booths or at the bar if you fancy a chat with the baristas. 

Their breakfast menu is diverse, offering everything from classic eggs Benedict to more inventive dishes like their vegan breakfast burrito. The brunch cocktails are a hit here, especially their Bloody Marys, which come highly recommended. 

Pro tip:

Try their avocado and feta toast with poached eggs – it’s a fresh and tasty way to start your day.

Sugar Junction

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Address: 60 Tib St

Contact details: +44 161 839 7858

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Thu 10AM-7PM
  • Fri – Sat 9AM-8PM
  • Sun 10AM-6PM

Pricing: ££

Website 

Menu

Sugar Junction on Tib Street is a vintage gem, complete with mismatched china and old-fashioned tea sets. 

Start your morning with their fluffy pancakes, drizzled with syrup and topped with fresh berries, or dive into a plate of French toast that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, their full English breakfast has you covered with all the classics.

Staying a bit longer? Their afternoon tea is legendary. Picture this: a tiered stand filled with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones slathered with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet treats that are almost too pretty to eat. 

Got dietary preferences? No worries! Sugar Junction offers several vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit. And to wash it all down, choose from a range of speciality teas or a robust cup of locally roasted coffee.

Pro tip:

Indulge in their homemade cakes – they’re baked fresh daily and are simply irresistible.

Moose Coffee

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Address: 20 York St

Contact details: +44 161 228 7994

Operating Hours:

  • Mon – Fri 7:30AM-5PM
  • Sat – Sun 8AM-5PM

Pricing: ££

Website 

Menu

Moose Coffee brings a taste of North America to Manchester with its hearty, American-style breakfast dishes. 

The menu is packed with big, bold flavours, from their famous Moose Pancakes to the substantial breakfast platters like the Mighty Moose, which features pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon. 

Their New York Moose is another favourite, combining smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and bagels for a true American deli experience. The coffee is strong and robust, just what you need to kickstart your day. 

For those with a sweet tooth, the banana and pecan pancakes are a must-try, offering a deliciously indulgent start to the morning. Moose Coffee also offers several vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

Their homemade granola with yoghourt and fresh berries provides a lighter yet satisfying alternative. 

Pro tip:

Don’t miss the Maple Moose Pancakes – they’re fluffy, sweet, and perfect for a decadent breakfast treat.

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