Early evening
Malmaison Manchester Piccadilly
PiccadillyMalmaison Manchester Piccadilly is an impressive boutique hotel in the perfect spot. It’s just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly train station,...
Wagamama St Peter’s Square
Manchester City CentreWagamama St Peter’s Square is one of Manchester’s go-to spots for a casual curry or lunchtime noodles. Right in the...
On the Hush
Northern QuarterThe Northern Quarter has never been short of Instagrammable spots with its litany of graffitied walls and shop fronts but...
Haunt
Manchester City CentreWhen Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you...
Pattersons at Escape to Freight Island
PiccadillyPattersons at Escape to Freight Island means only one thing - the Liverpool legend has finally made it to Manchester.
The Art School
Georgian QuarterLiverpool’s award-winning, fine-dining restaurant The Art School brings together inventive Modern British cooking and an impressive historic setting.
Seven Bro7hers Ancoats
AncoatsThis bar on Cutting Room Square from the Seven Bro7hers Brewery clan is perfectly placed to cater for the craft...
Pattersons
RopewalksFried chicken in a bar setting with a big emphasis on music, beer and cocktails - Liverpool independent Pattersons has...
The Black Friar
Manchester City CentreThe Black Friar stood empty and unloved for almost 20 years before reopening in summer 2021 after a substantial renovation...
The Art School Cellars
Georgian QuarterThe Art School Cellars is part of the renowned Art School restaurant but it is also an atmospheric destination in...
The Fisherman’s Table
MarpleWhen a fish restaurant has the local fishmonger behind it, you can bet that those scallops were sitting in their...
Frederiks
Georgian QuarterOne of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...
The Laureate Restaurant
ManchesterSo named because of Manchester University's 25 Nobel laureates, The Laureate Restaurant is a large and luxurious space located on one of...
Twenty Twenty Two
Northern QuarterTwenty Twenty Two is a Northern Quarter hangout with a difference. It has the metro tiles, basement decor and late...
Freight Island
Manchester City CentreFood hall meets music festival is how we’d describe Freight Island to anyone confused about what they’ll find at this...
Spice Thai
RopewalksThe cosy Spice Thai restaurant is hidden away just above a motel bar near Hanover Street, with an interior intended...
The Beeswing
Manchester City CentreThe Beeswing is named after a tartrate sheen which forms on the surface of port and some other wines that...
EastZEast Manchester
Manchester City CentreLocated on Blackfriars Street with views of the River Irwell, EastZEast is known for its authentic Punjabi dishes and glamorous,...
Bird At Birtle
BirtleThe big, first-floor window at the rear of Andrew Nutter's Bird At Birtle frames the moors – and this gastropub...
Gusto Italian Liverpool
Albert DockWith views of the water and a menu that should have something for pretty much everyone, Gusto Liverpool is a...
Free State Kitchen
Georgian QuarterWhile some venues are happy to describe a frost-ravaged yucca and a scattering of paving stone weeds as a ‘beer...
Cargo Seafood Restaurant
Princes DockWith some great views overlooking the Mersey from its unrivalled waterfront location on Princes Parade, this is the place to...
Pier Eight Restaurant
Media CityWith its watery views and sharp decor, Pier Eight – the restaurant and bar at The Lowry performing and visual...
Tampopo Trafford Centre
TraffordOne of the better eating options in the sprawling domed food court hell that is The Orient is Tampopo Trafford...
Bundobust Brewery
Greater ManchesterA real Northern success story, the second location for Bundobust in Manchester and the fourth in the family of northern-based...
Big Hands
Oxford RoadThe original Manchester dive bar, Big Hands is a rock n roll institution and the site of many messy nights...
The Green Man
Lark LaneThe Green Man pub opened on Lark Lane in December 2022, just in time for Christmas (and the World Cup)....
Salt House Tapas
RopewalksResiding on the corner of Hanover Street sits Salt House Tapas, a modern yet ambient take on the popular Spanish...
Chit ‘N’ Chaat
RusholmeChit 'N' Chaat is one of Rusholme's best-loved restaurants for Indian Street food and entrees. This small-yet-cosy eatery is the...
La Parrilla Lark Lane
Lark LaneLa Parrilla Lark Lane is the third opening for a local mini-chain that has had the honour of being voted...
BoBo
Liverpool City CentreInspired by summer evenings in the Iberian Peninsula, BoBo brings Spanish and Portuguese drinking and dining culture to Liverpool's city...
Tampopo Manchester Albert Square
Manchester City CentreTampopo Albert Square is the original venue in this Manchester-born chain from restaurateur David Fox. It was here that they...
ARMR Store
Oxford RoadThe much loved Caribbean cafe ARMR Store has relocated from Ardwick to take over the bar and kitchen at Contact...
Trattoria 51 Southport
SouthportMuch like the seaside town itself, Trattoria 51 Southport looks its best when the sun is shining. The terrace at...
Breakout Liverpool
Cavern QuarterWork as part of a team with friends, family or work colleagues and try to escape the room you've been...
Maray Manchester
Manchester City CentreMaray Manchester is the fourth of its kind, but the first to sprout outside of Liverpool. Inspired by Le Marais...
Ma Boyles
Business District (Liverpool)Ma Boyles, a self-described 'ale house and eatery', has been around in various guises since the mid 19th century. As...
HOME
Manchester City CentreWith five cinemas, two theatres, a bookshop, and over 500 sqm of gallery space, HOME is one of Manchester’s biggest...
Cuckoo
PrestwichLike the interloping bird that gives it its name, Cuckoo was an odd-one-out when it first opened in Prestwich back...
The Lowry
Salford QuaysFlagship arts venue The Lowry was at the heart of 1990s' plans to breathe new life back into Salford Quays....
Sheldrakes
HeswallSat on the banks of the River Dee in rustic Lower Heswall, Sheldrakes was a sailing club until the river...
Mersey Ferries
WaterfrontHave you even been to Liverpool if you haven’t crossed the Mersey on a ferry? Mersey Ferries not only cross...
Society
Manchester City CentreLocated in between St Peter’s Square and The Bridgewater Hall, Society brings new life to the quiet yet elegant stretch...
Fumo
Oxford RoadWith its terrace overlooking Oxford Road and its much-photographed spiral staircase, Fumo is a favourite spot in Manchester for dinner...
Hanover Street Social
RopewalksHanover Street Social is a big, buzzy bistro and bar from Paddy Smith’s Red and Blue Group, which also runs Salt...
The Font Chorlton
ChorltonWhile the city centre Font Bar is often typecast as 'that student place with the really cheap cocktails', The Font...
Mumbai to London Cafe
DroylsdenMumbai to London Cafe doesn’t look like much from the outside (or the inside) but don’t let that fool you;...
Sandinista
Manchester City CentreNamed after the rowdy 1980 album by The Clash, bar with food Sandinista is one part wild Latin spirit and...
The Tavern Co
Mossley HillA stalwart of Smithdown Road, The Tavern Co is a casual dining place with a reputation for student and family-friendly...
One Percent Forest
Woolton VillageSandwiched between an estate agent and a solicitor’s office, cafe-bar One Percent Forest could easily go unnoticed, were it not...
La Parrilla Waterloo
WaterlooThe original venue from this Liverpudlian mini-chain, La Parrilla Waterloo Road surprised us all when it opened on South Road...
Holbeck Ghyll
WindermereSituated in the hills above Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll could easily claim a place in a list of the most romantic...
San Carlo Fiorentina
Hale BarnsSan Carlo Fiorentina (what the Italians call Florence) specialises in the meat dishes of Tuscany, grilled over charcoal, particularly steak,...
Kickair
Green QuarterKickair, an “indoor freestyle park” behind Victoria Station, is the kind of place that fills kids (and big kids) with...
HOME Restaurant
Manchester City CentreOne of Manchester’s flagship buildings, HOME is many things including cinema, theatre, art gallery and, of most interest to Confidential...
Gusto Italian Manchester
Manchester City CentreGusto Italian Manchester may be the jewel in ever-expanding chain’s crown, even if the menu is the same everywhere from...
Pacifica Cantonese
EcclesPacifica Cantonese in Eccles is an old-school Chinese restaurant with lurid neon signage. It’s not trying to be slavishly authentic...
Albert’s Schloss
Manchester City CentreAlbert's Schloss is a Bavarian-inspired fun palace of extraordinary dimensions and clever design. Behind the glistening tiles of the former...
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
Northern QuarterIf you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...
Othello’s
GateacreOthello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service.
Alliance Française de Manchester
DeansgateThe Alliance Française de Manchester is the place to return to your schooldays minus the Tricolore textbooks and fixation on...
Groobarb’s Wild Farm & Field Kitchen
KnutsfordGroobarbs Wild Farm & Field Kitchen comes from the brains behind Groobox; a Cheshire-based fruit and veg delivery box service....
The Ugly Duckling
BowdonWhen Nick Theaker took over The Stamford pub in Altrincham’s “posh bit”, Bowdon, he had a big job on his...
San Carlo Liverpool
Cavern QuarterHead to any of the ristorantes in the award-winning, family-run San Carlo Group and you know you’re in for exceptional...
Crowded House
WhitefieldCrowded House in Bury town centre is for those occasions when you want NQ-style food and drinks but you can’t...
El Rincon de Rafa
Manchester City CentreThis Manchester institution was a much-respected destination for Spanish food long before tapas became a common sight in the city...
Trattoria 51 Liverpool
Business District (Liverpool)Offering good-value Italian classics, Trattoria 51 is an easy option if you want a family-friendly independent close to Liverpool ONE....
Pippin’s Corner
Lark LanePippin’s Corner is a charming, family-friendly cafe-bistro that makes the most of its handsome corner spot on Lark Lane. Head...
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
Manchester City CentreLucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is the first restaurant that the famed TV chef has decided to open in the...
Nell’s New York Pizza & Bar
Manchester City CentreThis Brooklyn-style pizza joint was born out of a love of using the best ingredients with care and attention. Nell's...
Breakout Manchester High Street
Manchester City CentreBreakout Manchester is a live escape room centre on High Street in Manchester. You are locked in a room with...
Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar
ChildwallTicking all the boxes for brekkie and brunch in South Liverpool is Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar on Woolton Road.
Bottega
Manchester City CentreWith its floor-to-ceiling views over Exchange Square and chic Selfridges setting, Bottega is a stylish spot for cocktails, lunch or...
Gino D’Acampo 360 Sky Bar & Terrace
Liverpool City CentreSituated on the 18th floor of INNSiDE by Meliá on Old Hall Street, Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar and Sky...
Electrik
ChorltonElektrik is an award-winning independent bar with great coffee and a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. They offer...
Red Light
Gay VillageTucked away on Little David Street, surrounded by the trendy setting of new city living neighbourhood KAMPUS, is Red Light;...
Gorilla
Greater ManchesterGorilla is tucked under a railway arch, it has a slightly industrial vibe but it’s comfortable for all that. The...
Yard & Coop Manchester
Northern QuarterWe’d rather see a restaurant that does one thing well than one that does a wide variety of dishes to...
Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen
Mossley HillThe Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen looks like a transplant from a Cornish surfer town with its flaking driftwood walls,...
Bar San Juan
ChorltonBeech Road's Bar San Juan is almost always bursting at the seams with customers. This unassuming little tapas bar is...
Cicchetti
DeansgateAs the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2011. Over a...
Trof
Northern QuarterLongstanding Thomas Street bar Trof has got ‘top Manchester night out’ written all over its labyrinthine three storeys. But it's...
San Carlo Alderley Edge
Alderley EdgeThe latest addition to the San Carlo family is the impressive £3 million Alderley Edge restaurant, boasting a sunlit dining...
53two
Manchester City CentreWith a gentle gradient throughout and a lowered bar, 53two is one of Manchester's most inclusive and accessible venues. Half...
Gustum
Mossley HillBack before American barbecue joints became all the rage over here, your best bet for charcoal-seared meat on a stick...
Shogun Ramen and Bar
ChorltonShogun Ramen and Bar in Chorlton says it does Manchester’s cheapest ramen (from £7.99 a bowl) and we’ve no evidence...
Tokyo Noodle Bar
Chinatown (Liverpool)Famed for its massive portions and diminutive prices, Tokyo Noodle Bar would be a hidden gem if it wasn’t already...
Another Hand
Manchester City CentreThere is quite some experience behind owners Julian Pizer and Max Yorke at Another Hand, including time spent at Cottonopolis,...
Tampopo | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreThe second of their city centre venues, Tampopo Manchester Corn Exchange has the same wok-fresh East Asian menu as its...
Delhi House Cafe | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreThis slick 2020 addition to the Corn Exchange is determined to do something different to other contemporary Indian restaurants. And...
NYL Restaurant and Bar
Cavern QuarterMuch of the appeal of NYL Restaurant and Bar is admittedly the setting. You'll find it in the Aloft hotel...
Etsu
Liverpool City CentreWhen David Abe's friend flew in from Tokyo and suggested they eat out, he was astonished to hear there was...
Instituto Cervantes
DeansgateThe Instituto Cervantes is a wonderful place to learn Spanish with enthusiastic native speakers and excellent teaching. Even the building...
Haute Dolci Trafford
TraffordChocoholics and those with a sweet tooth will feel right at home at Haute Dolci, a dessert cafe situated in...
The Easy Fish Co. Heaton Moor
Heaton MoorA quality fish restaurant this far inland has always been a difficult ask but The Easy Fish Co. Heaton Moor...
El Nido
Woolton VillageThe contemporary tapas at El Nido is a little different and influenced by the traditional dishes served in the Basque...
Slyce
OldhamLike its sister restaurant Muse next door, Slyce brings a taste of the city to the bucolic surroundings of Uppermill.
Borrello
SaleBorrello is a slightly old-school Italian restaurant in Sale. You won’t unearth obscure regional delicacies or discover new ingredients but...
La Parrilla Bold Street
RopewalksWith its mariachi bands, sombreros, and cantina-style atmosphere La Parrilla Bold Street is Mexico-by-numbers - but done with such cheerful...
Kimji Korean Restaurant
RamsbottomHusband and wife team Sam and Mandy Chen opened the first Kimji Korean Restaurant in Preston in 2018 to a...
The Rivals Bar & Restaurant
Manchester City CentreWhen The Rivals opened in 2017, it was the first time in a long time that The Royal Exchange Theatre...
Bombay Blussi
Fine Indian dining is what's promised at glitzy Bombay Blussi – all white booths and banquettes with twinkly lights –...
Croma Chorlton
Greater ManchesterCroma is a Chorlton institution. It’s not a hipster pizza joint but it is solid, dependable and popular for a...
5 Fifty Bistro
AigburthFormerly known as Paul’s Place, 5 Fifty Bistro is a small, independent restaurant on Aigburth Road. It’s run by the...
Wingstop
Manchester City CentreWingstop started life as a small chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas before spreading its wings across North America and...
La Cantina
Heaton MoorStockport is not Salamanca but that doesn’t stop the wooden barrel tables outside La Cantina on Heaton Moor’s busy Shaw...
Fosters Fish & Chips Alderley Edge
Alderley EdgeFosters Fish & Chips is an award-winning chippy in Alderley Edge that also has a branch in Bramhall. Expect cod...
The Kitchen
BoltonA family-run restaurant specialising in Greek street food, The Kitchen is a Westhaughton favourite thanks to the enthusiasm of the...
Justino’s
AigburthTaking the corner spot once occupied by Et Alia is Justino’s - a family-run Italian restaurant and bar headed up...
Owens Restaurant & Bar
RamsbottomOwens Restaurant & Bar is a popular place in Ramsbottom, just opposite the train station and handy for a family...
The Banyan Tree
Manchester City CentreSituated on the Castlefield-Hulme border, The Banyan Tree is a neighbourhood eatery that’s much appreciated by the people living in...
Croma Prestwich
PrestwichAs Manchester’s own, independent (and we would say, superior) version of Pizza Express, Croma was always going to feature strongly...
Comptoir Libanais
SpinningfieldsComptoir Libanais serves up the bold flavours of Lebanon, its fresh and healthy plates providing much to tempt those following...
Cooper Hall
Northern QuarterCooper Hall is a European-style beer hall below Sevendale House in the Northern Quarter. The offering is simple: tank beer...
The Mews
Manchester City CentreThe Mews is one of a clutch of new places to set up shop on Deansgate Mews, or ‘deli alley’...
