Cicchetti
DeansgateAs the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2011. Over a...
The ‘Burbs
Heaton MoorThe 'Burbs is exactly the sort of informal neighbourhood spot you want round the corner from your house.
Piccolino Hale
HaleThere’s no shortage of reliably good restaurants in the Hale-Altrincham-Bowden triangle, and Piccolino Hale is up there with the best...
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...
Gusto Manchester
Manchester City CentreGusto Manchester may be the jewel in ever-expanding chain’s crown, even if the menu is the same everywhere from Heswall...
MUSU
SpinningfieldsThe Japanese word MUSU translates as ‘infinite possibilities’ and while Chef Patron Michael Shaw’s quartet of menus may not be...
Piccolino Caffe Grande Manchester
Manchester City CentreWith its terrace overlooking Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall, and a beautiful interior featuring a 40-seater private dining room,...
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...
Wrights Fish & Chip Shop
Greater ManchesterThis neon-lit, old-school tiled chippy on Cross Street is owned by local couple Trisha and Marcus and has plenty of...
Assheton Arms
ClitheroeThe Assheton Arms is a classic country pub – perfect for a stop off after a walk in the Ribble...
Spice Thai
RopewalksThe cosy Spice Thai restaurant is hidden away just above a motel bar near Hanover Street, with an interior intended...
Piccolino Didsbury
DidsburyWith its large alfresco terrace, complete with a fully retractable roof, Piccolino Didsbury is perfectly located for an Aperol Spritz...
Bury Market
BuryEverything from fresh fruit and veg to wooden spoons, Bury Market has a dizzying range of stalls selling fresh produce,...
San Carlo Fiorentina
Hale BarnsSan Carlo Fiorentina (what the Italians call Florence) specialises in the meat dishes of Tuscany, grilled over charcoal, particularly steak,...
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...
Riva Blu Liverpool
Cavern QuarterWith its large alfresco terrace, island bar, and handsome architecture, Riva Blu Liverpool has a chic, continental feel inside and...
Erst
Ancoats"Yet more small plates in Ancoats?" we hear you cry. Well yes, but trust us, Erst is worth your attention....
Piccolino Liverpool
Cavern QuarterPiccolino Liverpool is located in a particularly grand building on Cook Street with a small but perfectly-formed terrace at the...
Fumo
Oxford RoadWith its terrace overlooking Oxford Road and its much-photographed spiral staircase, Fumo is a favourite spot in Manchester for dinner...
Piccolo by Piccolino
Manchester City CentreA stone's throw from Selfridges and the designer stores around Exchange Square, Piccolo by Piccolino is a Southern Italian restaurant...
Riva Blu Manchester | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreFrom the same team behind Piccolino, Riva Blu Manchester aims to bring a little bit of La Dolce Vita to...
Piccolino Knutsford
KnutsfordPiccolino Knutsford fits in perfectly with the Italianate villas and chic shops of this quirky Cheshire town. Situated on the...
Riva Blu Leeds
LeedsRiva Blu Leeds, an Italian restaurant on Park Row, used be part of the Gino d’ACampo chain before the north's...
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...
Cottonopolis
Northern QuarterCoined from the 19th-century nickname for Manchester, Cottonopolis is a quintessential Northern Quarter joint, with its wooden floors, towering beams...
The Hip Hop Chip Shop
AncoatsA National Fish & Chip Award winner, the Manchester street food heroes opened up their first bricks 'n' mortar outlet...
The Art School
Georgian QuarterThe Art School delivers upmarket, regionally-inspired cooking from local legend, Paul Askew. Opening in late 2014, this fancy contemporary British...
Sud Pasta Altrincham
AltrinchamSUD Pasta is a must-visit restaurant in Manchester. Since opening their first pasta kitchen in 2015, they've taken the city...
Neon Jamon
Mossley HillBringing a taste of Spain to Smithdown Road, Neon Jamon imports ideas and ingredients from Catalonia, the Basque country and...
La Famiglia Bar & Restaurant
Cavern QuarterThe name says it all: La Famiglia Bar & Restaurant is a family-run outfit serving fresh, traditional Italian cuisine rethought,...
Zumuku Sushi Worsley
WorsleyWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Where the Light Gets In
StockportWith no menu and esoteric wines, Where the Light Gets In doesn’t adhere to the typical fine-dining formula. But it’s...
Cargo Seafood Restaurant
Princes DockWith some great views overlooking the Mersey from its unrivalled waterfront location on Princes Parade, this is the place to...
Etsu
Liverpool City CentreWhen David Abe's friend flew in from Tokyo and suggested they eat out, he was astonished to hear there was...
Australasia
SpinningfieldsPacific Rim fusion fare for the fashion set. The undeniable theatre of the place, the approach of the staff and...
Tom Yam Monton
EcclesWith two locations in Poynton and Monton, you’ll find an authentic Thai dining experience at Tom Yam Restaurant & Bar.
Seaforth
Liverpool City CentreThe Seaforth restaurant sits in the grand central atrium of the Municipal Hotel on Dale Street. Once the headquarters for...
The Daisy
Northern QuarterDescribed as 'late night escapism', The Daisy is a subterranean haven of a cocktail bar in the Northern Quarter. Find...
Yuzu
Chinatown (Manchester)Yuzu is a neighbourhood-style Japanese restaurant offering refreshingly uncomplicated dishes served in Zen-like surroundings. You won’t find a conveyor belt...
Fraiche
MerseysideMerseyside's fine-dining star, the tiny Fraiche restaurant is home to an artist behind the pass. Having been rated as a...
Bacaro
Liverpool City CentreLike the backstreet Venetian tapas places which inspired this central Liverpool bar and restaurant, there is something about Salt House...
Nord
Liverpool City CentreNord is a real asset to Liverpool’s dining scene. Housed in a bit of an unlovely 1960s office block –...
Maki & Ramen
Manchester City Centre
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....
Petisco
SaleTranslating into "snack", Petisco (pronounced "pe-tea-sh-co") is much more than a bowl of nuts, serving up a variety of small...
The Chippy on Burton Road
DidsburyThe Chippy on Burton Road might be the classiest fish and chip shop in Greater Manchester. Alongside their sustainably sourced...
Mana
AncoatsMichelin-starred restaurant Mana is the brainchild of chef patron Simon Martin who mastered his trade at the renowned Noma in...
Othello’s
GateacreOthello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service.
Zumuku Sushi Bolton
BoltonWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
La Bandera
Manchester City CentreThis upmarket Spanish restaurant, tucked away just off St Ann's Square, is the definition of a hidden gem.
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...
L’Olivetto
Mossley HillThis independent family-run restaurant, owned by head chef Kevin De La Cruz and his wife Shoonagh, front of house, serves...
Out of the Blue
ChorltonOut of the Blue manages to making selling fish cool. It’s a lovely shop with sea-inspired abstract paintings, changing window...
Barnacle
RopewalksOn the mezzanine at Duke Street Market clings "intimate Scouse brasserie" Barnacle, serving modern dishes and championing regional food.
Tom Yam Poynton
StockportWith two locations in Poynton and Monton, you’ll find an authentic Thai dining experience at Tom Yam Restaurant & Bar.
Street Urchin
AncoatsFor Street Urchin, think less about raggedy kids hanging about Victorian mills (although it is on the edge of Ancoats)...
Kitten
CastlefieldHandcrafted sushi and charcoal grills are on the food menu in this sleek Deansgate Square set-up, complete with its own...
Salt House Tapas
RopewalksResiding on the corner of Hanover Street sits Salt House Tapas, a modern yet ambient take on the popular Spanish...
Madre Manchester
Gay VillageYou'll find Manchester's Madre near KAMPUS on the Chorlton Street side of the complex. It's the kind of place you'd visit...
Lu Ban
Baltic TriangleHigh-end, inventive Tianjin region-inspired cuisine is the name of the game at Lu Ban (named after a Chinese deity and...
Mamasan Liverpool
Liverpool City CentreSouth Asian cookery is on the cards here, or "a vibrant culinary offering", if you prefer. Three floors are accessed...
Moor Hall
AughtonMark Birchall, ex-head chef at L’Enclume, is chef-patron of Moor Hall, an outstanding, two Michelin star, five AA Rosette restaurant...
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 Cheshire Smokehouse
WilmslowThe Cheshire Smokehouse is one of the region’s best places for quality food. It’s just not Christmas round our way...
El Gato Negro Liverpool
Liverpool City Centre'The black cat' is an upmarket tapas restaurant overlooking the Town Hall and iconic Nelson monument, with heated patio outside...
Cibo Hale
HaleCibo takes a leaf out of San Carlo’s book with its version of upscale Italian dining. It may be out-of-town...
Covino
CheshireCovino Restaurant and Wine Bar is a small, owner-run establishment located in the heart of Chester.
Farm & Fish
EcclesA collaboration between NQ-based artisan meat gaff The Butcher's Quarter and Monton's own "purveyors of fine wine and indulgencies" Wandering...
Auberge Brasserie
SouthportWith its Parisian-style brasserie terrace chairs and Art Nouveau lettering, a little bit of je ne sais quoi comes to...
Zumuku Sushi Didsbury
DidsburyWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Manifest
Baltic TriangleThe manifesto at industrial-chic restaurant and "dine-at-wine-bar" Manifest is "seasonal plates and famous Liverpool hospitality", with the Modern British menus...
Namii Kitchen & Cocktails
Chinatown (Manchester)It's got neon, it's got pastels, it's got faux foliage, it's got innovative cocktails and it's got Pan Asian cuisine...
Bistrot Verite
SouthportBistrot Verite is a Brittany-influenced bistro with a penchant for fish. Brassy flavours meet seaside standards at this Gallic enclave...
The Samling
CumbriaThe Samling is a delightful lodge and fine-dining restaurant oozing exclusivity. A favourite of Hollywood celebs (like Tom Cruise), it’s...
Kyotoya
WithingtonForget gimmicks like conveyor belts and colour-coded plates, miniature plastic fish filled with soy sauce and California rolls – if...
Northcote
LancashireNorthcote is where chef-patron Nigel Haworth earned his stripes as an instigator of contemporary British fine dining. Today, Michelin star chef...
Little Yang Sing
Chinatown (Manchester)Cantonese and contemporary, with a relaxed feel and lots of reds and golds tucked away downstairs in otherwise bustling Chinatown,...
Blue Sakura
LeedsResplendent in the sakura cherry blossoms of its name (albeit faux flora), Blue Sakura brings "Asian-inspired magic" to Leeds via...
Umezushi Omakase
Manchester City CentreNose-to-tail sushi from acclaimed experts in a genuine, off the beaten track location. This open-minded sushi parlour with simple decor...
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Manchester City CentreSet in a Grade II-listed Charles Heathcote-designed Edwardian Baroque building, all that marble provides the perfect backdrop to a family-owned...
Indique
DidsburyIndique is formed from the words Unique and Indian. That’s a bit optimistic as many Indian restaurants have swapped their...
Wing’s
Manchester City CentreLocated in a brutalist city centre square, this elegant Chinese restaurant is owned by Wing Shing Chu – but it’s...
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...
63 Degrees
Northern QuarterRan by husband and wife team Eric and Florence Moreau, 63 Degrees is a classic chef-proprieteur French restaurant with roots...
Habas
Manchester City CentreAt Habas you’ll find modern Middle Eastern fare from Simon Shaw - the multi award-winning chef behind El Gato Negro...
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...
Kampai Sushi Bar
HaleKampai Sushi Bar brings an off-centre approach to Japanese cooking to Hale’s dining scene. They describe their food as ‘authentic...
Off The Hook
SaleStarting out as a pop-up, as so many of the region's best-loved brands did, Off The Hook is now a...
The Barn
LancashireThe restaurant is described as “a rustic setting” but despite living in the shadow of its sister, this dining experience...
Borrello
SaleBorrello is a slightly old-school Italian restaurant in Sale. You won’t unearth obscure regional delicacies or discover new ingredients but...
Try Thai
Chinatown (Manchester)Up some steps and through a doorway flanked by two statuettes making the wai, and you're welcomed into Try Thai,...
The Burlington at the Devonshire Arms
North YorkshireThe Burlington at the Devonshire Arms excels in delivering fine dining and extraordinary wine in the hills. This extremely plush...
The Italian Club Fish
RopewalksRosaria Crolla's family left the mountain village of Picinisco to the south of Rome for Glasgow, setting up fish and...
Koreana
Manchester City CentreHidden in plain sight down towards Trinity Square, Koreana is well worth seeking out, not least because, when Alex Kim...
Red Chilli Manchester Portland St
Manchester City CentreOriginally a Sichuan restaurant when it first opened at the turn of the century, Red Chilli on Manchester’s Portland Street...
Arras
North YorkshireHusband and wife team, Adam and Lovaine Humphrey have moved their modern British (ish) restaurant Arras from Sydney, Australia to...
Red Chilli Manchester Oxford Rd
Manchester City CentreA stylish, upmarket Chinese restaurant well placed to scoop up the students and gig-goers flowing out of the Academy over...
Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri
LeedsSushi Bar HanaMatsuri is a small Japanese restaurant serving authentic sushi, bento and other Japanese delicacies, to create a fine-dining...
Il Forno
RopewalksIl Forno’s name refers to their oven; a huge, fire-breathing head which swallows up pizza before cooking it to perfection and...
Peter Street Kitchen
Manchester City CentreSpecialising in two distinct, contemporary cuisines, Mexican and Japanese, Peter Street Kitchen's punchy small plates ooze luxury. There are several...
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...
Canto
AncoatsCanto is a Modern Portuguese restaurant from Simon Shaw, the creative director behind the consistently brilliant El Gato Negro on...
Tai Wu
Manchester City CentreTai Wu on Upper Brook Street has a slightly unprepossessing exterior – it sits above W.H. Lung’s cash and carry...
La Popote
CheshireThis small family-owned French bistro is tucked away in pretty Marton, near Macclesfield. Heavily influenced by classical French cooking, the...
The Fisherman’s Table
MarpleWhen a fish restaurant has the local fishmonger behind it, you can bet that those scallops were sitting in their...
Hooked on the Heath
CheshireHooked on the Heath is an upmarket chippy in a former public toilet block in Knutsford. Co-owner Craig Buckley has...
Tattu Manchester
SpinningfieldsLocated in the heart of the Spinningfields business district, Tattu Manchester is an Instagrammer’s dream. Think penumbral lighting, body art-inspired...
Holbeck Ghyll
CumbriaSituated in the hills above Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll could easily claim a place in a list of the most romantic...
The Forest Side
CumbriaMichelin-starred restaurant and hotel The Forest Side, owned by Lakes hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, is built on the foundations of the...
Vero Moderno
SalfordAnother fab addition to the clutch of good, independent Italian restaurants in the city is Vero Moderno. Situated on the...
Oystercatcher
Chorlton“Doing lots of little things right” is a definition of perfection. And Oystercatcher - a simple seafood restaurant in Chorlton...
Teppanyaki Chinatown
Chinatown (Manchester)One of the longest-standing Japanese restaurants in Manchester, if not the North West, is Teppanyaki Chinatown. It’s been here since...
Sushi Marvel Manchester
AncoatsThe clue's in the name, really, and the second Sushi Marvel (the first is based in Chorlton) serves up the...
