Jay Verma
It’s never been a better time to eat out in Manchester. With Mana’s first Michelin star in over 40 years, the city’s culinary scene has flourished. New independent restaurants and well-known eateries praised by national reviewers are on the rise.
The Michelin star has elevated Manchester’s culinary profile, but for locals, it has only reinforced what they already knew: the city’s restaurants are as diverse and excellent as any in the world. From late-night kebabs to vegan treats, secret curry cafes to mind-bending tasting menus, Manchester offers the best dining experience ever.
Recent statistics show that Manchester has one of the highest numbers of new bars and restaurants launching in the country, a sign of recovery following the pandemic. The city’s dining scene is vibrant and ever-evolving, with culinary entrepreneurs finding unique ways to captivate food enthusiasts.
The Best Restaurants to Visit in Manchester Right Now
Here are some of the city’s most exciting new dining options:
The Butcher
The Butcher, originating in Amsterdam, opened its first UK outpost in Manchester. Despite the city’s abundance of burger options, The Butcher stands out with its perfectly matured beef burgers and non-brioche rolls. The location in the Arndale’s ‘Urban Playground’ offers a unique experience with posh crazy golf and The Cube.
Pesky
Former employee of The Alchemist, Zaide O’Rourke, created a pop-up restaurant inspired by Scandinavian flavors. The menu includes drunken oysters, seafood and ‘land food’ small plates, along with seaweed martinis, set at the foot of the Deansgate Square skyscrapers.
Hello Oriental
Situated under the Circle Square development, Hello Oriental celebrates Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other southeast Asian cuisines. With a Vietnamese restaurant on the mezzanine level and a variety of Asian specialties on the basement level, diners can savor a wide range of flavors.
Lily’s Deli Ancoats
The much-loved vegetarian Indian restaurant from Ashton has made its way to Ancoats, offering freshly prepared chaats, samosas, and an array of Bombay mixes. Additionally, it features a grocery store with Indian products.
Campagna at The Creameries
Mary-Ellen McTague’s neighborhood restaurant, The Creameries, has been reimagined as Campagna, focusing on Italian country cooking using seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Dishes like rustic beef shin and wild rabbit ragus, and fine chickpea fries are some of the standout offerings.
