San Carlo Manchester
Manchester City CentreSan Carlo is Manchester's most famous and, some say, best Italian restaurant. Run by the Distefano family, it's said to...
Rosso
Manchester City CentreIf it's a stylish lunch date destination you're after or some suitably chic eats for dinner à deux, Rosso might...
San Carlo Cicchetti
Manchester City CentreAs the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2010. Over a...
Leven Hotel Manchester
Manchester City Centre
Mi & Pho at Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City CentreIt's good to see Mi & Pho at Escape to Freight Island. This family-run Vietnamese restaurant has been wow-ing the...
Manchester River Cruises
Manchester City CentreManchester boat tours from £9pp. Want to fall in love with your city all over again? Take a boat tour...
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...
Garten Bar | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreRight in the centre of the Corn Exchange atrium, Garten Bar (part of Döner Haus) serves German Draft beer alongside...
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...
NoHo
Northern QuarterNoHo is far from the only NYC-inspired bar in the NQ, or even on Stevenson Square, but it was one...
Mamucium
Greater ManchesterMamucium is headed up by Chef Andrew Green, formerly of The Lowry Hotel. It may be a hotel restaurant but...
Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City CentreFood hall meets music festival is how we’d describe Escape to Freight Island to anyone confused about what they’ll find...
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...
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...
Piccadilly Gardens
PiccadillyPiccadilly Gardens are concrete rather than floral now but despite a slightly unsavoury reputation it still remains the gateway to...
Zouk
Manchester City CentreZouk specialises in 'apna' - home-style cooking shot through with colour and heat from the spices and herbs. In recent...
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...
Seven Bro7hers Middlewood Locks
Media CitySeven Bro7hers in Salford at the Middlewood Locks development is the ideal place for some al fresco eating and drinking...
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...
Society
Manchester City CentreLocated in between St Peter’s Square and The Bridgewater Hall, Society brings new life to the quiet yet elegant stretch...
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...
Trof
Northern QuarterTrof was the OG Mission Mars bar in Manchester and it’s still got ‘top Manchester night out’ written all over...
Voodoo Ray’s | Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City CentreNYC-style pizza via LDN. Voodoo Ray’s at Escape to Freight Island is the first opening outside the capital for these...
Frederiks
MerseysideOne of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...
Australasia
SpinningfieldsPacific Rim fusion fare for the fashion set. The undeniable theatre of the place, the approach of the staff and...
La Bandera
Manchester City CentreThis upmarket Spanish restaurant, tucked away just off St Ann's Square, is the definition of a hidden gem.
The Beeswing
Manchester City CentreThe Beeswing is named after a tartrate sheen which forms on the surface of port and some other wines that...
The River Restaurant
SalfordThe River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel is Manchester's classic fine dining restaurant. Huge names that have run the kitchen...
Seven Bro7hers Ancoats
AncoatsThis bar on Cutting Room Square from the Seven Bro7hers Brewery clan is perfectly placed to cater for the craft...
Common Ground
AltrinchamAn artisan tea and coffee house for people who know the difference between Aeropress, Batch Brew and V60, and no,...
Henry C
ChorltonServing up Po Boys and great cocktails, Henry C is a cosy neighbourhood bar in Chorlton with a heavy New...
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...
Another Heart To Feed Didsbury
DidsburyAnother Heart To Feed in Didsbury is an ecologically-minded coffee shop inspired by coffee culture capital of the world, Melbourne.
Lunya
MerseysideWorld-class Catalan deli and restaurant Lunya is a wonderful place to hang out, with tapas and full-bodied meals on offer....
Levanter
RamsbottomOwned and run by Basque food importers Joe and Fiona Botham, Levanter is ‘a true tapas bar’ serving authentic Spanish...
Riddles Bar
Greater ManchesterVintage cocktail bar and self-proclaimed makers of Altrincham's best Old Fashioned, Riddles Bar focuses on high-quality ingredients blended by expert...
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
Northern QuarterIf you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...
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,...
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...
Fred’s Ale House
LevenshulmeLaunched in 2015, Fred’s Ale House in Levenshulme is a CAMRA award-winning, beer lovers’ haven with numerous extra benefits. There...
Fosters Fish & Chips Alderley Edge
CheshireFosters Fish & Chips is an award-winning chippy in Alderley Edge that also has a branch in Bramhall. Expect cod...
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...
Maray Bold St
MerseysideServing irresistible Middle Eastern fusion small plates, Maray is a slow-burning smash hit. Inspired by (and named after) the Middle-Eastern...
Libero
Greater ManchesterStarting life as a fun little pop-up, Libero is a football-themed craft ale bar which encourages its customers to don...
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...
The Reliance
West YorkshireHead to The Reliance for Modern British dishes and homemade charcuterie in a relaxed dining room and pub, with craft...
Moor Hall
LancashireMoor Hall delivers Michelin magic in a historic country house setting.
Hawksmoor
Manchester City CentreThe best steakhouse in the North. Opening on Deansgate in 2015, the first Hawksmoor steakhouse outside of London is a...
Albert’s Didsbury
DidsburyAlbert’s Didsbury always has a buzz about it. OK, so you won’t get the best food in the world but...
Saison
Greater ManchesterSister of Chorlton favourite Dulcimer, Saison is a cosy bar offering a wide range of craft beer and spirits. They...
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...
Baratxuri
RamsbottomBasque enclave Baratxuri is the second Ramsbottom-based bar and restaurant from Joe and Fiona Botham.
Takk Oxford Road
Manchester City CentreThe second permanent opening from Icelandic-inspired coffee house Takk brings a little bit of NQ hipsterism to the University of...
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...
92 Degrees Claypit Lane
West YorkshireA Liverpool success story that’s gradually extending its tendrils across the North, 92 Degrees has opened two venues in Leeds,...
Barbakan Deli
ChorltonThe folks at Barbakan have been nose to the grindstone for over 50 years - they were here long before...
Station Hop
LevenshulmeAnother CAMRA award-winning boozer on Stockport Road to add to Levenshulme’s enviable drinking scene. Station Hop is a gorgeous, colourful...
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...
Trove Levenshulme
LevenshulmeTrove Levenshulme has been going strong since 2011. The main draw is its fantastic bread, which forms the basis for...
Mort Subite
Greater ManchesterGiven the much-publicised dangers of drinking too much booze, it takes a dark sense of humour to name your bar...
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...
Royal Nawaab
LevenshulmeAsk a local for directions in Levy and there’s a high chance they will use the Royal Nawaab as a...
The Refuge
Manchester City CentreWinning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester's iconic The Refuge Assurance Company dating back...
Thyme Out
DidsburyA stalwart of the Didsbury cafe scene, Thyme Out has been going strong since 2006. Locals rave about the brunch...
Il Forno
MerseysideIl Forno’s name refers to their oven; a huge, fire-breathing head which swallows up pizza before cooking it to perfection and...
Motley
Manchester City CentreLocated on the ground floor of YOTEL on Manchester’s bustling Deansgate, Motley’s antipodean-style menu ticks all the modern boxes with...
Folk Didsbury
DidsburyFolk is a bit of an institution in Didsbury, having been on the scene for over a decade now. Even...
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...
Trattoria 51 Southport
MerseysideMuch like the seaside town itself, Trattoria 51 Southport looks its best when the sun is shining. The terrace at...
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...
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...
The Forest Side
CumbriaMichelin-starred restaurant and hotel The Forest Side, owned by Lakes hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, is built on the foundations of the...
Hafla Hafla
MerseysidePop-up turned permanent Hafla Hafla brings Middle-Eastern inspired kebabs and small plates to the trendy bohemian drag of Lark Lane.
Adam Reid at The French
Manchester City CentreCulinary rock and roll from Simon Rogan's protege, Adam Reid. Enjoy fine-dining in Grade II Listed Victorian surrounds - with...
Tea Hive
ChorltonTea Hive is a quaint little cafe celebrating the nation's favourite cuppa, and cake, lots of cake. As you'd expect,...
Wilson’s Social
Northern QuarterGlass-fronted bar and restaurant Wilson's Social is part of the Selina NQ1 hostel, formerly Hatter’s. It’s a brunch, lunch and...
The Font Chorlton
ChorltonWhile the city centre Font Bar is often typecast as 'that student place with the really cheap cocktails', The Font...
Victor’s
HaleVictor's is an upscale neighbourhood restaurant. Of course it is, it’s in Hale. Locals call in for everything from brunch...
Riva
HaleBringing new life to Hale village is relaxed restaurant and bar Riva, which cleverly scoops up trade from morning till...
Factory Coffee
SpinningfieldsWhile lockdown marked the end for some businesses, for others it was a chance to expand into surprising new territories....
Man Bites Frog
ChorltonMan Bites Frog is the sort of relaxed neighbourhood bar every neighbourhood needs. It’s friendly, a bit kooky (or should...
Vice & Virtue
West YorkshireAt Vice & Virtue, cocktails are a savvy delight, the tasting menus are a sprightly revelation - and it would...
Wingstop
Manchester City CentreWingstop started life as a small chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas before spreading its wings across North America and...
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...
Nordie Bar
LevenshulmeNordie Bar is a dog-friendly neighbourhood bar with a focus on coffee, craft beer and cocktails.
Porta Altrincham
AltrinchamSpanish small plates and a menu that really delivers. Porta Altrincham might be another tapas place - but this one...
Pippin’s Corner
MerseysidePippin’s Corner is a charming, family-friendly cafe-bistro that makes the most of its handsome corner spot on Lark Lane. Head...
Papillon
MerseysideWith its striped pink awning and corner spot on Hope Street, Papillon is one of the prettiest eating places in...
La Parrilla Lark Lane
MerseysideLa Parrilla Lark Lane is the third opening for a local mini-chain that has had the honour of being voted...
Pollen Bakery
Greater ManchesterAfter an initial stint tucked away in an archway near Piccadilly, this airy bakery and cafe moved to a spot...
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...
The Counter House
AncoatsGut-cleansing spirulina juices, turmeric scented Buddha bowls and raw vegan cookies, The Counter House menu reads like a dream list...
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...
Grindsmith Media City
Media CityGrindsmith Media City has been keeping the creatives and apartment-dwellers of Salford Quays fed and caffeinated since 2016.
Overdraught MCR
LevenshulmeOverdraught MCR opened its doors in October 2019 with a name that's a cheeky nod to the previous incarnation of...
Banyan Spinningfields
SpinningfieldsBanyan in Manchester’s Spinningfields is a sleek and chic take on all day drinking and dining. From bottomless brunches every...
Jandol
LevenshulmeJandol is a well-loved, kitsch and colourful Lebanese restaurant and baklava bakery in Levensulme.
Recardo’s
HalePatisserie by day, bar and club by night, Recardo’s landed on Hale’s Ashley Road in summer 2021. It’s a boujee-style...
The Samling
CumbriaThe Samling is a delightful lodge and fine-dining restaurant oozing exclusivity. A favourite of Hollywood celebs (like Tom Cruise), it’s...
Haunt
Manchester City CentreWhen Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you...
Volta
DidsburyVolta is owned by Luke ‘Unabomber’ Cowdrey and Justin Crawford - the DJ-restauranteur duo behind Chorlton’s Electrik bar, the Electrik...
Hanover Street Social
MerseysideHanover Street Social is a big, buzzy bistro and bar from Paddy Smith’s Red and Blue Group, which also runs Salt...
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 Talleyrand
LevenshulmeOpen since summer 2018, The Talleyrand is an arty and eccentric little bar with a packed programme of live music,...
Dusk Til Pawn
Northern QuarterWith a window full of ancient TVs and H Samuel jewellery, you could mistake this place as a relic from...
Tattu Manchester
SpinningfieldsLocated in the heart of the Spinningfields business district, Tattu Manchester is an Instagrammer’s dream. Think penumbral lighting, body art-inspired...
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...
NYL Restaurant and Bar
MerseysideMuch of the appeal of NYL Restaurant and Bar is admittedly the setting. You'll find it in the Aloft hotel...
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...
Bistrot Verite
MerseysideBistrot Verite is a Brittany-influenced bistro with a penchant for fish. Brassy flavours meet seaside standards at this Gallic enclave...
TNQ
Northern QuarterThis unassuming, independent restaurant overlooking the historic Smithfield Fish Market is a stalwart of the Northern Quarter's dining scene. Co-owner...
Levy Market
LevenshulmeLevy Market is a bustling community market running every Saturday from March to December. It was established in 2013 with...
Canto
AncoatsCanto is a Modern Portuguese restaurant from Simon Shaw, the creative director behind the consistently brilliant El Gato Negro on...
