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Top Picks at the Triangle: 11 Best Restaurants at the Corn Exchange Manchester
Alright, folks, if you’re planning a day out in Manchester, let me clue you in on a little secret – you can’t survive on shopping alone. You need fuel, and not the kind you put in your car.
We’re talking about the gastronomic kind. Luckily, the Corn Exchange has got you covered. So, we’ve scoured the Corn Exchange (and tasted a dish or ten) to bring you the best spots to grab a bite.
Here are our top picks that will make your taste buds sing and your Instagram feed pop!
Pizza Express
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Address: Unit 3A, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq
Contact details: +44 161 834 6622
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Pizza Express has evolved far beyond your standard Margherita. Their menu now features a delightful array of options, including innovative twists like the paneer tikka pizza and BBQ burnt ends on your crust.
Catering to various dietary requirements, Pizza Express is a haven for vegans and vegetarians, offering delicious choices such as the “Funghi di Bosco” with vegan mozzarella and the “Orto” calzone stuffed with courgettes and roasted peppers.
They even offer gluten-free bases, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice. For a truly unique experience, try their Quorn and jackfruit “pepperoni” – it’s a game changer.
Pro tip:
Order the Dough Balls – they’re perfect for sharing, always a hit with everyone, and come with a delicious garlic butter dip that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Cosy Club
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Address: Unit 8, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 838 7420
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Located in the majestic Corn Exchange in the heart of Manchester’s city centre, Cosy Club is all about grandeur and charm. Imagine dressed stone walls, reclaimed wooden floors, and richly embellished ‘nooks and crannies’ that’ll keep you amused with each visit.
The restaurant wraps around the window façade, offering amazing views of the bustling shops and square below—perfect for people-watching. Cosy Club serves everything from breakfast to late-night drinks, making it the ideal spot for dress-down Sundays or glad-rag Friday nights.
Their cocktail menu is divine, so don’t miss out on trying a berry-laden Jamboree Daiquiri.
Pro tip:
Try the Triple-Stacked Pancakes for brunch – they’re fluffy, delicious, and perfect for a sweet start to your day.
Vapiano Manchester
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Address: 13, Corn Exchange, 98 Corporation St
Contact details: +44 161 672 6733
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Vapiano is all about freshness. All their pasta, pizza dough, sauces, dressings, and dolci are made from scratch every day in the restaurant. Homemade food tastes best!
You’ll find a QR code at your table to access the menu and order directly from their friendly chefs who’ll cook your food to your particular requirements. Extra garlic? Sure. No chilli? No problem.
Take a seat in their spacious restaurant and just relax – there’s no need to rush here. You can even pop in just for a coffee or drink. After your meal, simply pay online too – no waiting for bills here!
Vapiano is a fantastic choice, situated within walking distance of Victoria train station and Manchester Arena, perfect for pre-show food and drinks or a spot of lunch.
Pro tip:
Opt for the Pesto Rosso pasta – it’s rich, tangy, and absolutely delightful.
Delhi House Café
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Address: Unit 10, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 834 0700
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Delhi House Café’s menu is full of contemporary dishes that showcase what ‘India eats today’. The Lamba family brings their Indian heritage and culinary roots to life with a twist of international flavours.
Key dishes? You’ve got to try the ‘Not my Burger’ – think homemade beef kebabs on a handmade tandoori naan. And don’t even get me started on the Mysore Pak cheesecake – a sweet treat with origins in Mysore, India, but with a modern twist.
The vibe here is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Plus, their drinks menu is packed with wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails, many sourced straight from India.
Pro tip:
Save room for the Mysore Pak cheesecake for a unique, delicious end to your meal.
Riva Blu
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Address: The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 839 4844
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Fancy a bit of La Dolce Vita right here in Manchester? Riva Blu brings the essence of Italian dining to the Corn Exchange with a touch of 1960’s glamour.
The setting is chic and stylish, perfect for anything from a cosy dinner for two to a larger celebration. Their menu features the finest ingredients to create authentic Italian dishes.
Fans of Italian wines, beers, and expertly mixed cocktails will find plenty to love on the drinks menu. For those seeking a lighter option, there’s a great selection of low to no alcohol drinks, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delightful beverage with their meal.
Riva Blu is also a top spot for events, with a dedicated coordinator to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Pro tip:
Dive into their signature cocktails – they’re a perfect blend of traditional Italian flavours with a modern twist.
Tampopo Corn Exchange
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Address: The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 749 2882
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Tampopo is like taking a culinary tour of East Asia without leaving Manchester. The team here has travelled all over to bring their favourite dishes from places like Bangkok, Hanoi, and Tokyo right to your table.
The result? A menu bursting with authentic flavours and aromas you’d find in bustling street markets and hawker stalls. Tampopo’s offerings include Nasi Goreng, Gyoza, Pho, and Pad Thai, with each dish crafted fresh daily.
The drinks menu is just as diverse, with everything from virgin cocktails to Asian beers.
Pro tip:
The homemade still lemonade is a must-try! It’s refreshing and pairs perfectly with their spicier dishes.
Mowgli Street Food Corn Exchange
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Address: 16, Corn Exchange, Exchange St
Contact details: +44 161 832 0565
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Alright mate, if you fancy a proper Indian feast, Mowgli Street Food is the place to be. Founded by Nisha Katona, this spot serves up the kind of Indian dishes you won’t find in your typical takeaway.
Imagine the zing of coriander and mint, the deep hum of tamarind, and the explosion of spices all coming together in dishes inspired by Indian street food and home cooking. The vibe here is anything but hushed and intimate – it’s lively, vibrant, and as bustling as a market in Mumbai.
You’ll want to dive into the lamb keema, ginger chicken, or even the cheeky Indian chip butty. And trust me, the Chat Bombs are an absolute must – they’re a flavour explosion you won’t want to miss.
Pro tip:
Pair your meal with their homemade lemonade – it’s a refreshing complement to the rich, spicy flavours, providing a perfect balance that enhances every bite.
Zizzi
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Address: The Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq
Contact details: +44 161 234 3334
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Next up, we’ve got Zizzi – a spot that brings a bit of Italian flair to the Corn Exchange. It’s got a quirky underground park theme with signature trees winding through the place and artwork inspired by Manchester’s own worker bee emblem.
Now, about the food. Zizzi’s menu is packed with exciting dishes – think Rustica Pizzas, mouth-watering pasta, and indulgent desserts, all with a little twist to keep things interesting. The Rustica Pizzas are a must-try – bigger, crispier, and absolutely loaded with flavour.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss their Rustica Pizzas – they’re bigger, crispier, and packed with flavour!
The Real Greek Manchester
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Address: Unit 5, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 819 1240
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving Manchester? The Real Greek offers a delightful mix of traditional and modern Greek meze dishes, flame-grilled meats, souvlaki wraps, and fresh salads.
Greek dining is all about taking your time, enjoying the food, and engaging in good conversation. Order a variety of meze dishes to share, and you’ll get to taste a bit of everything – the best way to enjoy Greek cuisine.
Pro tip:
Order a variety of meze dishes to share. It’s the best way to experience the wide array of flavours The Real Greek has to offer.
Garten Bar Manchester
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Address: The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 839 5842
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Garten Bar got a light, airy German-themed decor, making it an ideal place to soak in your surroundings over a couple of glasses of wine or maybe even a bottle. Starting your day early? They’ve got brunch from 9 AM, with classic dishes to kick off your morning right.
Later in the day, their menu moves through to burgers, shish kebabs, and a good-value ‘steak experience’ in the evenings – think bottomless steak and fries for an hour.
Drinks-wise, their selection is top-notch, featuring everything from craft beers like Bitburger on draft to German-themed cocktails like the Das Original Mojito. Garten Bar is the perfect meet-up spot for a liquid lunch, pre-drinks before a night out, or just a chill place to unwind after work.
If you fancy a warm drink on a rainy Manchester day ,their German hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is a must-try.
Pro tip:
Try their bottomless steak and fries offer for a hearty meal that’s great value – you get unlimited servings for an hour, ensuring you leave completely satisfied.
Pho
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Address: The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
Contact details: +44 161 834 7402
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, you’ll feel right at home at Pho. Named after Vietnam’s national dish, pho (pronounced “fuh”), this spot has nearly 20 versions of the aromatic noodle soup, all cooked fresh daily in the Corn Exchange kitchen.
The menu is a delightful spread of authentic street market dishes, from spring and summer rolls to goi salads, rice bowls, wok-fried noodles, and Vietnamese curries. They even offer cauliflower rice as a low-carb option and veggie broth for those looking to skip the chicken.
Feeling adventurous? Try their signature Phojito, a twist on the classic mojito with white rum, mint, lime, and soda. And don’t forget to check out the hidden cocktail bar on the roof terrace – a perfect spot for parties or a more private dining experience.
Pro tip:
Start with the Phojito and enjoy the refreshing blend of mint and lime. This dish is a great pick-me-up that perfectly balances the fresh and zesty flavours!
