People watching
San Carlo Manchester
DeansgateSan Carlo is Manchester's most famous and, some say, best Italian restaurant. Run by the Distefano family, it's said to...
Lock 84
PiccadillyLock 84 is the all-day restaurant and bar inside four-star hotel The Reach, which opened on Ducie Street in summer...
Rain Bar
Manchester City CentreRain Bar is a pub from JW Lees in an old umbrella factory. It’s a beautiful building and looks even...
Founder’s Hall
Manchester City CentreFounder’s Hall is a smartly-refurbished pub with an enviable position on Albert Square. It serves up comforting pub food and...
Seven Bro7hers Ancoats
AncoatsThis bar on Cutting Room Square from the Seven Bro7hers Brewery clan is perfectly placed to cater for the craft...
Exhibition
Manchester City CentreExhibition is one of Manchester’s cluster of exciting multi-kitchen concepts (read: food halls) that just seem to be multiplying. In...
Leven Hotel Manchester
Gay VillageBased conveniently near Manchester’s gay village in an early 20th-century warehouse, Leven opened in October 2021 as one of its...
Haunt
Manchester City CentreWhen Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you...
Piccolino Grande Wilmslow
WilmslowPiccolino Grande Wilmslow is an elegant and glamorous restaurant with an airy open-plan design, a Tuscan terrace and luxurious furnishings....
Frederiks
Georgian QuarterOne of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...
Seven Bro7hers Media City
Media CityA stone's throw from their brewery and taproom, Salford alemeisters Seven Bro7hers have a beerhouse and kitchen with outside space...
Bury Market
BuryEverything from fresh fruit and veg to wooden spoons, Bury Market has a dizzying range of stalls selling fresh produce,...
Manchester River Cruises
Salford QuaysWant to fall in love with your city all over again? Take a boat tour from Manchester River Cruises, and...
Motley
Manchester City CentreMotley is a bar and restaurant attached to Yotel on Deansgate. With its suntrap terrace, it’s definitely not just for...
BLVD
SpinningfieldsBLVD is the place to go if you want cool cocktails and a party atmosphere with your meal. It’s a...
Beeswing
Manchester City CentreBeeswing is a casual wine bar with a menu designed to complement the curated drinks list. Wines are carefully chosen...
Barbakan Deli
ChorltonThe folks at Barbakan have been nose to the grindstone for over 50 years - they were here long before...
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...
Bistrot Verite
SouthportBistrot Verite is a Brittany-influenced bistro with a penchant for fish. Brassy flavours meet seaside standards at this Gallic enclave...
La Bandera
Manchester City CentreThis upmarket Spanish restaurant, tucked away just off St Ann's Square, is the definition of a hidden gem.
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...
Yours
Manchester City CentreWhen a restaurant's menu features lobster dynamite, you pretty much know straightaway that it might not be everyone's cup of...
Zouk
Oxford RoadZouk specialises in 'apna' - home-style cooking shot through with colour and heat from the spices and herbs. In recent...
Garten Bar | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreRight in the centre of the Corn Exchange atrium, the German-themed Garten Bar is a light, airy setting for brunch,...
Society
Manchester City CentreLocated in between St Peter’s Square and The Bridgewater Hall, Society brings new life to the quiet yet elegant stretch...
Volta
DidsburyVolta is owned by Luke ‘Unabomber’ Cowdrey and Justin Crawford - the DJ-restauranteur duo behind Chorlton’s Electrik bar, the Electrik...
TNQ
Northern QuarterThis unassuming, independent restaurant overlooking the historic Smithfield Fish Market is a stalwart of the Northern Quarter's dining scene. Co-owner...
Sterling
Manchester City CentreSterling is probably one of the most luxurious bars to hit Manchester in recent years, located on the subterranean level...
Tea Hive
ChorltonTea Hive is a quaint little cafe celebrating the nation's favourite cuppa, and cake, lots of cake. As you'd expect,...
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...
Temple of Convenience
Manchester City CentreThe Temple of Convenience is part of Manchester’s drinking culture. It has a reputation much bigger than the bar itself...
Overdraught MCR
LevenshulmeOverdraught MCR opened its doors in October 2019 with a name that's a cheeky nod to the previous incarnation of...
Henry C
ChorltonServing up city centre-standard cocktails in the suburbs, Henry C is a cosy neighbourhood bar in Chorlton with a heavy...
Ezra and Gil Liverpool
Business District (Liverpool)Ezra and Gil Liverpool is the third opening from this popular coffee and brunch spot. What makes this location stand...
Trattoria 51 Southport
SouthportMuch like the seaside town itself, Trattoria 51 Southport looks its best when the sun is shining. The terrace at...
Fluffy Fluffy
Manchester City CentreFuwa Fuwa, is North America's largest soufflé pancake and dessert café. It opened its doors in Manchester New Square in...
Porta Altrincham
AltrinchamSpanish small plates and a menu that really delivers. Porta Altrincham might be another tapas place - but this one...
Tattu Manchester
SpinningfieldsLocated in the heart of the Spinningfields business district, Tattu Manchester is an Instagrammer’s dream. Think penumbral lighting, body art-inspired...
Australasia
SpinningfieldsCool Pacific Rim fusion fare for the fashion set. Australasia combines a sense of theatre with professionalism and culinary wizardry,...
Vice & Virtue
LeedsAt Vice & Virtue, cocktails are a savvy delight, the tasting menus are a sprightly revelation - and it would...
The Forest Side
GrasmereMichelin-starred restaurant and hotel The Forest Side, owned by Lakes hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, is built on the foundations of the...
Project Halcyon
St John'sThe Halcyon Project Distillery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and immersive cocktail experience in Manchester....
Refuge
Manchester City CentreRefuge serves up winning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester's iconic The Refuge Assurance...
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...
Mort Subite
Greater ManchesterGiven the much-publicised dangers of drinking too much booze, it takes a dark sense of humour to name your bar...
Piccadilly Gardens
PiccadillyPiccadilly Gardens are concrete rather than floral now but despite a slightly unsavoury reputation it still remains the gateway to...
Climat
Manchester City CentreThe first thing you notice when you step into fine-dining restaurant Climat is the view. Situated on the roof of...
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
Northern QuarterIf you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...
Lunya
Liverpool City CentreWorld-class Catalan deli and restaurant Lunya is a wonderful place to hang out, with tapas and full-bodied meals on offer....
Wolf At The Door
Northern QuarterThe team behind Wolf At The Door know a thing or two about adaptation. They launched as a highly stylised...
Victors Alderley Edge
Alderley EdgeVictors Alderley Edge is a wisteria-clad restaurant that’s perfect for people-watching. It’s relaxed but in a very glamorous, high-end way...
Alderford Lake
WhitchurchAlderford Lake is the perfect day out all year round. It’s an idyllic location but you won’t be able to...
Covino
ChesterCovino Restaurant and Wine Bar is a small, owner-run establishment located in the heart of Chester.
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...
Wilson’s Social
Northern QuarterNQ bar and eatery Wilson’s Social is equally popular with daytime brunchers, co-workers and late night drinkers. Situated on the...
Blinker Bar
Manchester City CentreThe name for Blinker Bar comes from a forgotten classic three-ingredient cocktail made from rye, grapefruit and raspberry. It’s this...
Albert’s Didsbury
West DidsburyAlbert’s Didsbury always has a buzz about it. OK, so you won’t get the best food in the world but...
Ezra and Gil Peter Street
Manchester City CentreThe opening of Ezra & Gil Peter Street in 2021 was greeted with glee by brunch and coffee hunters this...
Cibo Wilmslow
WilmslowCibo Wilmslow is a stylish Italian restaurant where you can enjoy good food and a spot of people-watching. (Wilmslow is...
Banyan | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreBanyan in Manchester’s Corn Exchange has something for everyone and one of the best outdoor drinking and dining spots in...
Moor Hall
AughtonMark Birchall, ex-head chef at L’Enclume, is chef-patron of Moor Hall, an outstanding, three Michelin star, five AA Rosette restaurant...
Factory Coffee
SpinningfieldsWhile lockdown marked the end for some businesses, for others it was a chance to expand into surprising new territories....
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...
Foundation Coffee House Northern Quarter
Northern QuarterFoundation Coffee House Northern Quarter is the first of three locations in the city centre from this homegrown brand. This...
SakkuSamba
SpinningfieldsSakkuSamba, in the bustling Spinningfields area of Manchester, is a fusion restaurant that celebrates the rich history and cultural importance...
Lucky Ramen & Sushi
AncoatsLucky Ramen & Sushi restaurant is known for its late-night dining offering of fresh bowls of stewed ramen that are...
Maray Bold St
RopewalksServing irresistible Middle Eastern fusion small plates, Maray is a slow-burning smash hit. Inspired by (and named after) the Middle-Eastern...
Thyme Out
DidsburyA stalwart of the Didsbury cafe scene, Thyme Out has been going strong since 2006. Locals rave about the brunch...
Lucky Mama’s
ChorltonLucky Mama's is a vibrant Italian restaurant on Barlow Moor Road in Chorlton, Manchester serving fresh Roman-style pizza, Veneto-style pasta...
The Samling
WindermereThe Samling is a delightful lodge and fine-dining restaurant oozing exclusivity. A favourite of Hollywood celebs (like Tom Cruise), it’s...
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...
92 Degrees Claypit Lane
LeedsA Liverpool success story that’s gradually extending its tendrils across the North, 92 Degrees has opened two venues in Leeds,...
Cicchetti
DeansgateAs the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2011. Over a...
Creams Cafe Manchester Arndale
Manchester City CentreCreams Cafe is a dessert parlour that was founded in 2008 by Adam Mani and Balal Aqil. With humble beginnings...
Pollen Bakery
AncoatsAfter an initial stint tucked away in an archway near Piccadilly, this airy bakery and cafe moved to a spot...
Mamucium
Greater ManchesterMamucium is headed up by Chef Andrew Green, formerly of The Lowry Hotel. It may be a hotel restaurant but...
St Anne’s Beach
Lytham St Anne'sSt Anne’s Beach may be just down the Fylde coast from Blackpool but it's worlds apart in terms of atmosphere....
Folk Didsbury
DidsburyFolk is a bit of an institution in Didsbury, having been on the scene for over a decade now. On...
Rudy’s Pizza Manchester Ancoats
AncoatsListed amongst the world’s best pizzerias in international pizza guide, Where To Eat Pizza, Rudy’s Pizza has grown from a...
Libero
Greater ManchesterStarting life as a fun little pop-up, Libero is a football-themed craft ale bar which encourages its customers to don...
The Lowry Hotel
SalfordThe Lowry Hotel is Manchester’s premier 5-star hotel. While technically in Salford, it is ideally located next to Spinningfields, Manchester’s...
Altrincham Market House Indoor Food Hall
Greater ManchesterSetting a precedent for the likes of Mackie Mayor and Stockport Produce Hall, many have hailed the revamping of the...
Adam Reid at The French
Manchester City CentreCulinary rock and roll from Simon Rogan's protege, Adam Reid, and head chef Blaise Murphy, formerly of Mana. Enjoy fine-dining...
The Jane Eyre
AncoatsThe Jane Eyre is a self-styled ‘neighbourhood bar’ offering seasonal food, classic cocktails and local beers. Presided over by Eyre siblings...
Great North Pie Co
Manchester City Centre
The Anthologist
Manchester City CentreThe Anthologist fits well into the cosmopolitan city vibe of the regenerated St Peter’s Square. When you step off the...
The Cracked Actor
StockportThe Cracked Actor is a small blues bar on Stockport’s Underbanks. It looks like a little old boozer but inside...
Riva
HaleBringing new life to Hale village is relaxed restaurant and bar Riva, which cleverly scoops up trade from morning till...
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...
Malmaison Deansgate Bar & Grill
Manchester City CentreMalmaison Deansgate Bar & Grill is a confident operation with prime grass-fed British beef and popular classics. The menu veers...
Viet Shack Manchester Arndale
Manchester City CentreThere’s almost always a small crowd gathered around Viet Shack’s counter in the Arndale Food Market. Their menu of flavour-packed,...
The Counter House
AncoatsGut-cleansing spirulina juices, turmeric scented Buddha bowls and raw vegan cookies, The Counter House menu reads like a dream list...
Hawksmoor
SpinningfieldsThe first Hawksmoor steakhouse outside of London is a confident affair. Well sourced steak and attention to detail have created...
Sam’s Chop House
Manchester City CentreThe acclaimed and atmospheric Sam's Chop House serves British classics from a kitchen where flavour is king. Part of the...
NoHo
Northern QuarterNoHo is far from the only NYC-inspired bar in the NQ, or even on Stevenson Square, but it was one...
Trof
Northern QuarterLongstanding Thomas Street bar Trof has got ‘top Manchester night out’ written all over its labyrinthine three storeys. But it's...
Saison
DidsburySister of Chorlton favourite Dulcimer, Saison is a cosy bar offering a wide range of craft beer and spirits. They...
Malmaison Manchester Piccadilly Bar & Grill
PiccadillyMalmaison Manchester Piccadilly Bar & Grill isn’t just for overnight guests, its reputation for cocktails, quality beef and a buzzing...
Victor’s
HaleVictor's is an upscale neighbourhood restaurant. Of course it is, it’s in Hale. Locals call in for everything from brunch...
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...
Hafla Hafla
Lark LanePop-up turned permanent Hafla Hafla brings Middle-Eastern inspired kebabs and small plates to the trendy bohemian drag of Lark Lane.
The Art of Tea
DidsburyIndependent coffee shop and bar The Art of Tea offers more than just good quality loose leaf tea. It's situated...
The River Restaurant
SalfordThe River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel is Manchester's classic fine dining restaurant. Huge names that have run the kitchen...
El Gato Negro Manchester
Manchester City CentreEl Gato Negro is an upmarket Manc-Spanish fusion restaurant that really, really works. Originally from Yorkshire, chef Simon Shaw has...
Wingstop
Manchester City CentreWingstop started life as a small chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas before spreading its wings across North America and...
Nordie Bar
LevenshulmeNordie Bar is a dog-friendly neighbourhood bar with a focus on coffee, craft beer and cocktails.
Albert’s Worsley
WorsleyAlbert’s Worsley is a reliable option, especially if you’re trying to please a big group. Even if you don’t get...
Tommy’s Fish & Chip Shop
Greater ManchesterWith regular queues out the door and an army of locals who swear by it, Tommy’s in Heywood comes fiercely...
The Klondyke Club
LevenshulmeNo round-up of Levenshulme’s social spaces could exclude The Klondyke Club AKA The Levenshulme Bowling and Social Club. This century-old...
Royal Nawaab
LevenshulmeAsk a local for directions in Levy and there’s a high chance they will use the Royal Nawaab as a...
Jandol
LevenshulmeJandol is a well-loved, kitsch and colourful Lebanese restaurant and baklava bakery in Levensulme.
The Talleyrand
LevenshulmeOpen since summer 2018, The Talleyrand is an arty and eccentric little bar with a packed programme of live music,...
Chez Mal Brasserie
Manchester City CentreChez Mal Brasserie Manchester sells exactly the sort of European classics you might expect from a well-thought of boutique hotel...
Albert’s Standish
StandishAlbert’s Standish is a reliable option. You won’t get the best food in the world but you’ll get a menu...
Station Hop
LevenshulmeAnother CAMRA award-winning boozer on Stockport Road to add to Levenshulme’s enviable drinking scene. Station Hop is a gorgeous, colourful...
Dimitri’s
Manchester City CentreDimitri’s has been serving up mezze for over 30 years now. It’s a stalwart of the city’s food and drink...
The Gas Works Brewbar
Manchester City CentreThere’s no shortage of open kitchens on display in restaurants nowadays but few places can offer a working brewery as...
