Categories > Guides and Tips
11 Deansgate Dining Spots That’ll Make Your Stomach Smile
Let’s face it—when it comes to food, Deansgate is a bit of a playground. With so many options, the toughest decision you’ll have to make is whether to start with tapas or dive straight into a steak that could make a grown person cry tears of joy.
But don’t worry, we’ve done the hard (and delicious, if I may add) work for you. We’ve scoured the streets, loosened a few belt notches, and handpicked dining spots that are guaranteed to turn that grumbling stomach into a happy camper.
So, ready to eat your way through Deansgate? Let’s dig in!
Gusto Italian – Manchester
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Address: 4 Lloyd St
Contact details: +44 161 832 2866
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
Nestled in Deansgate’s iconic Elliot House, Gusto Italian Manchester is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. With seating for up to 200 guests, it’s an opulent, contemporary space that’s ideal for any occasion – from intimate dinners to large gatherings.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more private, their Private Dining Room fits the bill, comfortably hosting up to 16 guests. Corporate event? No problem – they’ve got a spot with a projector, TV screen, and webcam at the ready.
Plus, for those big celebrations or networking events, there are semi-private spaces that can accommodate up to 110 guests.
The menu is a love letter to Italy, constantly evolving with the seasons to bring you a mix of classic staples and modern twists, all inspired by their frequent trips to the Italian countryside.
Pro tip:
Book a table in the evening to enjoy the romantic atmosphere with candlelight, and if you’re planning something special, consider their Private Dining Room for an unforgettable experience.
MUSU
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Address: 15 Bow Ln
Contact details: +44 161 839 3929
Opening Hours:
- Wed 5PM-12AM
- Thur – Sat 12PM-2PM, 5PM-12AM
Pricing
When the sun sets on Friday and Saturday nights, MUSU transforms into something entirely different – welcome to MUSU After Dark. From 11pm to 4am, the venue shifts gears, becoming a pulsating bar where elegance and mystique reign supreme.
Inspired by the allure of Japan’s geishas and the spirited tradition of Nijikai, MUSU After Dark isn’t just about the food – it’s about the vibe.
The DJs take over, spinning a soundtrack that’s heavy on soul, funk, old-school R&B, and classic house, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and electric.
If you’re looking to elevate your night out, MUSU offers a complimentary guest list before midnight, so it’s worth arriving early. And for those wanting to indulge further, their luxurious bottle service and table packages are available to tailor your evening to perfection.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss MUSU After Dark on weekends! It’s where the night truly comes alive, blending elegance with a vibrant beat that’s hard to resist.
James Martin Restaurant
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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 is a seasonal showcase of British cuisine, with dishes that fire up the imagination. Think Ribblesdale sheep cheese pasta, black garlic-glazed wagyu ox cheek, and the indulgent white chocolate and whisky croissant butter pudding.
The tasting menu, which has won rave reviews, is an affordable luxury, offering a culinary journey that’s hard to forget. And if you’re looking for something exclusive, the Chef’s Table provides a private dining experience that’s truly one of a kind.
James Martin Manchester is part of the Manchester235 casino, so it’s strictly over-18s, making it the perfect spot for a sophisticated evening out.
Pro tip:
Book ahead for the Tasting Menu: a five-course extravaganza that pairs perfectly with their exquisite wines, offering an indulgent experience that’s worth every penny.
Three Little Words
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Address: 12-13 Watson St
Contact details: +44 161 519 4400
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-11PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Voted “Best Bar Team of The Year” by Top 50 Cocktail Bars, you know you’re in good hands as soon as you walk through the door. Founded by the creators of Manchester Gin, Three Little Words shares its space with The Spirit of Manchester Distillery.
This means that while you’re sipping on one of their incredible gin cocktails, you can actually see the magic happening right next door in the distillery.
But don’t worry if gin’s not your thing – their curated back bar and cocktail list offer something for everyone, with drinks perfectly paired to their fine dining menu. Sundays here are a treat, with heavenly roast dinners served from 12pm.
Pro tip:
Try one of their gin cocktails while soaking in the atmosphere of the distillery!
Gaucho Manchester
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Address: 2A St Mary’s St
Contact details: +44 161 833 4333
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
With an open kitchen and the original church organ still in place, dining here is as much about the stunning surroundings as it is about the food. If you’re after steak, this is the spot.
Gaucho serves up some of the finest cuts from Black Angus cattle, bred on the Pampas flatlands of Argentina. Choose from rump, ribeye, sirloin, and fillet, each available in different weights to suit your appetite.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Full Blood Wagyu or the Gaucho Sampler – a selection of different cuts that let you taste a bit of everything. But it’s not just about the steak. Gaucho’s menu offers a Latin twist on everything from bottomless brunches to Sunday roasts.
And when it comes to drinks, their 16-page wine list is a journey through the best of Argentine wines, with plenty of global options to keep things interesting.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss their Sunday roast, paired with a bottle of Malbec, it’s a match made in heaven. Plus, the private dining rooms here are just as stunning as the main restaurant, perfect for a special occasion.
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: £££
Peter Street Kitchen is where Manchester’s love for food and flair comes together in perfect harmony. Their small plates are designed to let you explore different flavours, whether you’re in the mood for delicate sashimi or spicy tacos.
The space itself is a study in modern elegance, with pale cream leather seating contrasting beautifully with the rough-hewn wood, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
But the real magic happens when you combine dishes from both sides of the world – imagine mixing up your tempura with a taco or pairing your sushi with some zingy Mexican street food. And if you’re looking for something special, book their Japanese Hibachi Experience.
Here, a 12-seater table and fire pit create an unforgettable setting for a semi-private event, with dishes cooked right in front of you.
Pro tip:
Try the Hibachi Experience for a night that combines fine dining with a bit of theatrical flair—it’s a memorable way to enjoy the best of both Japanese and Mexican cuisines.
San Carlo
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Address: 40-42 King St W
Contact details: +44 161 834 6226
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: £££
At San Carlo, you don’t have to be famous to enjoy the high-quality food, pristine presentation, and vibrant atmosphere that San Carlo has to offer. Set in a contemporary space with a buzzing restaurant bar, San Carlo is all about bringing the authentic tastes of Italy to Manchester.
The menu is a true reflection of this, featuring Venetian cicchetti tapas, antipasti, pizza, pasta, fresh fish, and creative meat dishes. But what really sets this spot apart is the creativity of the local chef and management, who add their own unique twist to the menu.
And let’s not forget about the wine list – carefully curated to complement the flavours of Italy on your plate. And for dessert, there’s the gelato, because let’s be honest, no one does ice cream quite like the Italians.
Pro tip:
San Carlo is always buzzing, so it’s worth making a reservation.
Hawksmoor Manchester
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Address: 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester
Contact details: +44 161 836 6980
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Hawksmoor Manchester is the place to go when you’re craving a serious steak in a setting that’s just as impressive as the food. Here, attention to detail is everything, from the well-sourced cuts of meat to the subtle decor touches that make the atmosphere just right.
The menu is all about the best of British beef, with huge sharing cuts like T-bone, porterhouse, and prime rib, as well as solo steaks if you’re not in the mood for sharing.
But it’s not just about the beef – Hawksmoor also excels in seafood, with dishes like ethically sourced scallops in white port and garlic butter, and UK-sourced monkfish grilled over charcoal.
And then there are the sides – beef dripping chips, creamed spinach, anchovy hollandaise, and bone marrow gravy, just to name a few. Honestly, they’re reason enough to visit on their own.
Pro tip:
If you’re a fan of classic cocktails, the drinks menu here won’t disappoint. Pair your steak with a perfectly mixed drink or dive into their intriguing wine list for a truly memorable dining experience.
Peaky Blinders Manchester
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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: ££
Peaky Blinders is a buzzing spot known for its live performers and party atmosphere – perfect for a big night out. The decor is pure vintage charm, with dim lighting and dark wood giving it that prohibition-era vibe.
And when it comes to the drinks, Peaky Blinders doesn’t disappoint. Their cocktail menu is extensive, with plenty of options to get the party started, including drinks packages and bottles for the table.
The food here is a step above your typical pub fare, with elevated classics like pan-fried king scallops and slow-cooked lamb shank. And if you’re visiting on a Sunday, their giant roast sharer platter is a popular choice for a weekend meet-up with friends.
Pro tip:
Their bottomless brunch is served on an Instagram-friendly, three-tier tray, perfect for kicking off your weekend in style. And if you’re a fan of the show, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
El Gato Negro
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Address: 52 King St
Contact details: +44 161 694 8585
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
El Gato Negro is the kind of place that brings a bit of Spanish sunshine right into the heart of Manchester. After making a name for themselves in West Yorkshire, they’ve upped sticks and moved to King Street, bringing with them their critically acclaimed tapas and Iberian wines.
And let’s not forget the wines – El Gato Negro has a strong focus on top-of-the-range Spanish wines that pair perfectly with the tapas on offer. Spread across three floors, the venue itself is as impressive as the food.
The interiors are all about comfort and intimacy, with a rustic Spanish charm that makes you feel right at home. On the top floor, you’ll find The Black Cat, their very own bar where a retractable roof reveals stunning views over Manchester’s skyline.
Pro tip:
Head up to The Black Cat on the top floor for a drink; the retractable roof and Manchester skyline views are not to be missed, especially on a clear evening.
Tampopo
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Address: The Orient, Trafford Centre
Contact details: +44 161 749 2882
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: ££
For a taste of East Asia right in the middle of Manchester, Tampopo on Deansgate is your go-to spot.
The atmosphere at Tampopo is warm and informal, with large tables and benches overlooking the bustling kitchen area – perfect for soaking up the lively vibe while your food is cooked to order.
Families are more than welcome here, and Tampopo makes sure even the little ones are well catered for with their Mini and Junior Explorer meals. At just £3.95, it’s a steal – and with options that mirror the main menu, even the fussiest eaters will find something they love.
Pro tip:
If you’re out shopping or planning a night out, Tampopo is the perfect spot to grab a bite. And if you’ve got the kids with you, their children’s menu is not only great value but also packed with flavour.
