Our mums – as well as mother figures or other beloved women in our lives – do so much for us that it almost seems remiss that there’s only one day a year dedicated to them. Taking your mum out for a special Mother’s Day lunch or dinner is a lovely treat for you both and an easy way to share some quality time together while enjoying some great food and drinks into the bargain.
Of course, mums are all different. She might want to pay a visit to the newly made-over Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool where a lunch of outstanding tapas at Lunya can fuel an afternoon of meandering around museums and galleries. Maybe she’d like to head to the Lancashire hills for a breath of fresh air and a dose of full of luxury at Northcote – with rooms to stay over if you really want to splash out. Or for something a bit different, she might prefer the homely Amma’s Canteen in South Manchester for a feast of Indian dishes inspired by the owners’ mums’ own cookbooks.
Here are twelve places in the north that we love, and hopefully your mum will too.
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Spinningfields20 Stories
More detailsManchester’s highest restaurant, bar and terrace 20 Stories was the opening of 2018 and still maintains its status as one of the city’s most popular place to eat, drink, be snapped and be seen.
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Book Now PiccadillyLoom & Ladle Bistro
More detailsLoom & Ladle Bistro is the restaurant in Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly – and a destination in its own right.
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Liverpool City CentreLunya
More detailsWorld-class Catalan deli and restaurant Lunya is a wonderful place to hang out, with tapas and full-bodied meals on offer. Just don’t expect predictable options in a venue known for signature dishes like Catalan Scouse (morcilla and chorizo stew), or croquetas with oxtail and horseradish mousse.
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SpinningfieldsMasons
More detailsNestled in the Grade II Listed former Freemasons Hall, Masons Restaurant and Bar serves retro fine-dining fare in princely surrounds.
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LanghoNorthcote
More detailsGreat British Menu winner Lisa Goodwin-Allen was at the helm at Northcote for a long time, until she announced her departure in March 2025. Simon Ulph has now taken over as head chef. He worked alongside Lisa and has extensive experience in several Michelin star establishments so a smooth transition is predicted.
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SalfordThe River Restaurant
More detailsThe River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel is Manchester’s classic fine dining restaurant. Huge names that have run the kitchen include Marco Pierre White, while diners have included Jose Mourinho and Kylie.
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Book Now AltrinchamRigatoni’s Altrincham
More detailsRigatoni’s is a bustling 25-seater Southern Italian pasta kitchen at the top of Shaws Road in Altrincham. Their rotating blackboard menu combines both their deep-rooted southern Italian heritage and their own creativity. They say that their simple pledge is to put their hearts and minds into every plate they serve.
