Small plates
The Reach at Piccadilly
PiccadillyThe Reach at Piccadilly is part of the Marriott’s upmarket Tribute Portfolio collection, meaning it looks and feels more like...
The Alan Hotel
Manchester City CentreThe Alan is surely one of the most creative and design-led venues in Manchester city centre. A stylish six-storey hotel...
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...
Lock 84
PiccadillyLock 84 is the all-day restaurant and bar inside four-star hotel The Reach, which opened on Ducie Street in summer...
Fumo
Oxford RoadWith its terrace overlooking Oxford Road and its much-photographed spiral staircase, Fumo is a favourite spot in Manchester for dinner...
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...
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...
Cibus
LevenshulmeOnce a stall at Levy Market, then a pop-up pizzeria above Fred’s Ale House, Cibus took baby steps to get...
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...
Suki Suki Street Food & Bar
DeansgateSuki Suki Street Food & Bar is a Pan-Asian street food bar located on Deansgate under the arches of the...
Erst
Ancoats"Yet more small plates in Ancoats?" we hear you cry. Well yes, but trust us, Erst is worth your attention....
Evuna Knutsford
KnutsfordEvuna Knutsford brings together playful Spanish tapas dishes and an excellent wine offering.
Atlas Bar
DeansgateAtlas Bar is known as one of the originals of Manchester’s modern cafe-bar scene. And for its extensive collection of...
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...
Evuna Manchester Deansgate
Manchester City CentreOctober 2003 saw the first of the four Evunas open, grabbing a prime position on Deansgate and a reputation for...
Evuna Manchester NQ
Northern QuarterThe second city centre Evuna, open since 2013, bagsies a corner spot in the Northern Quarter that provides the outward-facing...
Zen Sushiya
WithingtonZen Sushiya is a delightful Japanese restaurant specialising in sushi. It’s a charming place, with helpful staff dressed in traditional...
Junction
Manchester City CentreJunction is the new all-day destination at Manchester Central. It’s ideal for conference delegates but it’s also open to the...
Frederiks
Georgian QuarterOne of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...
Kambuja
MarpleMany of us are familiar with the vibrant cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand but Cambodian, or Khmer, food is still...
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...
Indian Tiffin Room Manchester
Manchester City CentreKnown to its friends as ITR, the second of the three bright Indian Tiffin Room restaurants specialises in thalis (a...
Beeswing
Gay VillageBeeswing is a casual wine bar with a menu designed to complement the curated drinks list. Wines are carefully chosen...
Harvey Leonard’s Wine & Ale
GlossopThe first thing you notice when you step out of Glossop Station will likely be the beckoning glow of Harvey...
Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri
LeedsSushi Bar HanaMatsuri is a small Japanese restaurant serving authentic sushi, bento and other Japanese delicacies, to create a fine-dining...
Etsu
Liverpool City CentreWhen David Abe's friend flew in from Tokyo and suggested they eat out, he was astonished to hear there was...
Rustik
DidsburyOpen since 2015, this independent café-bar on Burton Road in the heart of West Didsbury has a cheeky Irish slant...
The Workshop
WaterlooThere's not a speck of sawdust or metal swarf in sight at The Workshop, where the blood, sweat and tears...
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...
Cork of the North Sale
SaleCork of the North Sale smudges the line between wine merchant and wine bar even before you’ve had a glass....
The Forest Side
GrasmereMichelin-starred restaurant and hotel The Forest Side, owned by Lakes hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, is built on the foundations of the...
Ten Streets Social
Baltic TriangleOne of Liverpool’s hippest hideouts, occupying a former warehouse along the Dock Road, Ten Streets Social is worth hunting down...
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...
Elnecot
AncoatsNamed after the first recorded name for Ancoats, Elnecot (meaning ‘lonely cottages’) takes its influence from historical cooking methods with...
The Baum
RochdaleSituated in Rochdale’s Toad Lane conservation area, The Baum is a traditional pub that has one foot firmly in the...
Skaus
Mossley HillSet up in January 2017, Skaus's Dan Cameron and Josh Lundon have been about a bit, serving street food at...
The Swine Bistro
LeedsAdventurous cooking at one of Leeds' most respected restaurants. Recently renamed and relocated in the suburbs, The Swine Bistro is...
Tempest on Tithebarn
Business District (Liverpool)Tempest on Tithebarn is a social space filling your days from early-morning Neighbourhood Coffee and freshly baked pastries and cakes...
Yum Cha
Lark Lane'Dim sum, roast meats and big plates' promises both Yum Cha's website and the restaurant awning but there are small...
Thaikhun Street Food Trafford Centre
Trafford ParkThaikhun Trafford Centre joins the Spinningfields OG in what is now a double figure chain of Thai street food venues...
Saison
DidsburySister of Chorlton favourite Dulcimer, Saison is a cosy bar offering a wide range of craft beer and spirits. They...
Higher Ground
Chinatown (Manchester)Higher Ground, the permanent restaurant from the team behind Flawd, opened its doors in February 2023. Taking up residence in...
Little Yang Sing
Chinatown (Manchester)Cantonese and contemporary, Little Yang Sing has a relaxed feel in otherwise bustling Chinatown. It's popular for its dim sum,...
Gustum
Mossley HillBack before American barbecue joints became all the rage over here, your best bet for charcoal-seared meat on a stick...
San Carlo Fiorentina
Hale BarnsSan Carlo Fiorentina (what the Italians call Florence) specialises in the meat dishes of Tuscany, grilled over charcoal, particularly steak,...
Dishoom
SpinningfieldsDishoom is a legend in its own lunchtime and that’s exactly how it likes things. It’s not enough to serve...
Tampopo Trafford Centre
TraffordOne of the better eating options in the sprawling domed food court hell that is The Orient is Tampopo Trafford...
Yara Cheadle
CheadleLebanese and Syrian restaurant Yara is not alone with its Cheadle outpost – equally popular branches can be sniffed out...
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...
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...
Papillon
Georgian QuarterPapillon is a quaint-looking bistro-style restaurant, complete with baby pink paintwork and pinstripe canopy to match. In fact, it looks...
Lunyalita
Albert DockSmaller and more intimate than the Liverpool One Lunya, Lunyalita overlooks the Albert Dock and is set over two storeys...
Porta Altrincham
AltrinchamSpanish small plates and a menu that really delivers. Porta Altrincham might be another tapas place - but this one...
The Rice Bowl
Manchester City CentreThis family-run Chinese restaurant has history. After first setting up in Liverpool in 1955, Wing Lau moved operations to Manchester...
Hope & Smoke
Mossley HillHope & Smoke, an independent ‘smokehouse, bar and grill’ on Allerton Road is a local go-to for barbecue food, burgers,...
The Deansgate
Manchester City CentreThe Deansgate is a bit of a landmark pub in Manchester, having been in this spot for 200 years.
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...
Indian Affair
ChorltonIndian Affair is a light, bright modern restaurant in the parade of little independents opposite Chorlton Bus Station.
Yum Cha Manchester
Gay Village"Dim sum, roast meats and big plates" promises purpose-built Kampus gaff Yum Cha's bespoke Insta-friendly neon sign – but there...
Tharavadu
LeedsTharavadu, an unassuming Keralan restaurant, has charmed everyone from celebrities (Andrew Lincoln, Sanju Samson) to the inspectors of the Michelin,...
Norman’s Neighbourhood Kitchen
KirkburtonQuality wines, stunning small plates made from local, seasonal produce and an atmosphere that's hard to replicate in city centre...
Bundobust Leeds
LeedsBundobust Leeds is a veggie Bollywood blockbuster, best known for its small plates and beer.
Off The Press
AncoatsWhere once there were printing presses, now it's all coffee presses. This daytime cafe and hangout spot in the black-and-silver...
The Halyard
RopewalksThe Halyard is a modern 133-room hotel in the buzzing, dynamic Ropewalks area of the city. Part of the Vignette...
Australasia
SpinningfieldsCool Pacific Rim fusion fare for the fashion set. Australasia combines a sense of theatre with professionalism and culinary wizardry,...
Volta
DidsburyVolta is owned by Luke ‘Unabomber’ Cowdrey and Justin Crawford - the DJ-restauranteur duo behind Chorlton’s Electrik bar, the Electrik...
Posie
Manchester City CentreFans of hit restaurant 10 Tib Lane will be keen to check out Posie - a new smaller-scale venue from...
Zumuku Sushi Worsley
WorsleyWe heart sushi and Manchester-born mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and...
The Produce Hall
Stockport Town CentreThis 19th-century market building became a buzzy food hall and bar in 2019 as part of Stockport's transformation from 'crap...
Dukes 92
CastlefieldYou'll find Dukes 92 in the dynamic district of Castlefield, just a short stumble from Deansgate and its bustling bar...
Mughli
RusholmeMughli is the contemporary, social media embracing, second generation Curry Mile restaurant that paved the way for the likes of...
The Jane Eyre Chorlton
ChorltonThe Jane Eyre Chorlton is a neighbourhood restaurant and cocktail bar on Beech Road, Chorlton’s most charming street. This offshoot...
Carlisi
Liverpool City CentreIf it's an Aperol Spritz you're hankering after, or an authentic Sicilian blend coffee, then Carlisi, at the finance end...
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...
The Rex
Manchester City CentreFormerly known as Hotel Gotham, now rebranded as The Rex, this five-star boutique hotel on King Street has always had...
Bar Etna
AltrinchamBar Etna is regularly voted as the best place to eat in Altrincham. Locals love its authentic Sicilian dishes and...
Another Hand
Manchester City CentreThere is quite some experience behind owners Julian Pizer and Max Yorke at Another Hand, including time spent at Cottonopolis,...
Southside Tequila Joint
WithingtonYou know those fancy places where there's a flight of drinks matched to each food course? Well, here at Southside,...
Salt House Tapas
RopewalksResiding on the corner of Hanover Street sits Salt House Tapas, a modern yet ambient take on the popular Spanish...
Maray Manchester
Manchester City CentreMaray Manchester is the fourth of its kind, but the first to sprout outside of Liverpool. Inspired by Le Marais...
Northcote
LanghoGreat British Menu winner Lisa Goodwin-Allen was at the helm at Northcote for a long time, until she announced her...
Smoke
WilmslowSmoke is a modern restaurant that’s a mix of cool design, wine bar and relaxed cafe-style menu of small plates...
Sky Bar
Liverpool City CentreSituated on the 18th floor of INNSiDE by Meliá on Old Hall Street, Sky Bar serves authentic Italian food, plus...
Yukti Indian Street Fusion
Liverpool City CentreThe second of two Yuktis, the city centre restaurant followed the Old Swan Art Kitchen version, opening on Renshaw Street...
The One O’Clock Gun
Albert DockThe One O'Clock Gun is a New York-style pub on the waterfront at Albert Docks. The name refers to a...
Porta Salford
BlackfriarsFollowing successes in Chester and Altrincham, this Porta opened its doors in late 2018. It brings a taste of Spain...
The Badger
Northern QuarterProper traditional-style pubs with good fodder; the countryside (and even the suburbs) is littered with them, so why are they...
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...
Almanac
GlossopAlmanac opened in summer 2025 and has early signs of building the same enviable reputation as chef-owner Luke Payne’s nearby...
Pilgrim
Mossley HillWhat a journey it’s been so far for Basque-inspired restaurant Pilgrim. After beginning life as a pop-up in Dalston, London,...
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...
The Ugly Duckling
BowdonWhen Nick Theaker took over The Stamford pub in Altrincham’s “posh bit”, Bowdon, he had a big job on his...
Mary & Archie Chorlton
ChorltonMary & Archie Chorlton is a well-loved neighbourhood cafe bar, sourcing the best local ingredients for their famous 'all-day' brunch...
Zena Restaurant
DidsburyIf you fancy a taste of one of the oldest and healthiest cuisines in the world, head to the family-owned...
L’Enclume
CartmelL'Enclume is Simon Rogan's three Michelin-starred restaurant located in the Lake District village of Cartmel, which is widely regarded as...
Bundobust Manchester
Manchester City CentreBundobust is a huge beer hall serving craft ales in the heart of Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens. It also happened to...
Belzan
Mossley HillWith impressive reviews in the local and national press, Belzan is a Smithdown Road destination. Its whitewashed walls and plain...
Istanbul BBQ & Bistro Allerton
AllertonFollowing in the footsteps of the Woolton Village branch of Istanbul, the restaurant on the vibrant Allerton Road has 70...
Zumuku Sushi Didsbury
DidsburyWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
L’Aperitivo
RopewalksModern-day Bold Street in Liverpool and Via Veneto in 1960s Rome could be an example of time-travelling city twinning.
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...
Caravan Manchester
St John'sCaravan Manchester is a 2024 opening from a small London chain started by three New Zealanders who settled in the...
Holcombe Tap
RamsbottomHolcombe Tap Bar & Kitchen, as it sometimes goes by the name of, is all about small plates. It's also...
Oats And Honey
EcclesWhatever it is you're after, "social sustainable store" Oats And Honey is likely to have it – from Aloë earrings...
Fischers Baslow Hall
BaslowFischers Baslow Hall delivers fine dining with local foraged aspects in homely, romantic surrounds. Using the fruits of the region...
Ortica Italian Plant Based
UrmstonOrtica brings the south of Italy to the south of Manchester, minus the meat and dairy. Their 100% vegan menu is...
Eight at Gazegill
ClitheroeEight at Gazegill is the epitome of farm to fork dining. Dishes showcase the organic farming methods and the beautiful...
Jöro
OughtibridgeOffering Nordic and Japanese-inspired small plates in a restaurant with rooms, Jöro has secured accolades galore, including most recently, a...
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...
Little Leaf at One Fine Day
Liverpool City CentreLocated inside the Cotton Exchange building alongside One Fine Day, Little Leaf is a bright and airy yet cosy and...
Isca
LevenshulmeIsca is a natural wine bar and shop on an unassuming street in Levenshulme, brought to you by Caroline Dubois (sommelier...
Spanish Caravan Liverpool
RopewalksFollowing in its original Prescot footsteps, Spanish Caravan in Ropewalks is a Mediterranean bar that offers chilled days and wild...
Maray Dockside
Albert DockInspired by Paris's Le Marais quarter, Tom, Dom and James opened the doors to the first Maray, on bustling Bold...
Tiger Rock Smithdown Road
Mossley HillWith "south east Asian hawker food" the tagline for Tiger Rock, you can expect cheap and cheerful small plates covering...
Permit Room
Liverpool City CentrePermit Room is a relaxed all-day dining spot with everything from coffee to cocktails. It's by Dishoom so you can...
Thaikhun
SpinningfieldsThe original in what is now a chain of Thai streetfood venues founded by Sukhothai province-born Kim Kaewkraikhot (also behind...
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....
Pollen Bakery KAMPUS
Gay VillagePollen Bakery began life in a Piccadilly archway before moving out to Ancoats Marina. This second Pollen, at garden neighbourhood...
Harvey Nichols Second Floor Deli Bar
Manchester City CentreHutch up near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the new Second Floor Deli Bar and take in the views...
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...
Harcourt
AltrinchamHarcourt is a Hong Kong-inspired pub on Altrincham's main drag, Stamford Road. Opened by two Hong Kong couples in 2023...
Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
Manchester City CentrePot Kettle Black was born out of owners Mark Flanagan and Jon Wilkin's time spent travelling (and playing rugby) down...
Wandering Palate
Eccles"Purveyors of fine wine and indulgencies" is how Emma and Will Evans describe their place and, as a neighbourhood deli,...
Nordie Bar
LevenshulmeNordie Bar is a dog-friendly neighbourhood bar with a focus on coffee, craft beer and cocktails.
Alfredo’s Social
Stockport Town CentreAlfredo’s Social is a buzzy bar and restaurant in the parade of independents on Little Underbank in Stockport town centre....
The Two Hares
GlossopWe hate to use that threadbare phrase 'hidden gem' but we’ll make an exception for The Two Hares. Tucked away...
Purezza
Northern QuarterSitting in the old Dough Kitchen spot in the Northern Quarter, Purezza is yet another pizza restaurant for Manchester -...
Roti Sale
SaleRecently name-changed from The Mall, Stanley Square (home also to the likes of Ancoats General Store's Groceries & Beer, pop-up...
Diecast
PiccadillyDiecast is a party venue and 'creative neighbourhood' five-minutes' walk from Manchester Piccadilly station.
Arndale Market
Manchester City CentreThe Arndale Market transformed itself into a food hall long before the trend took off. It's been there for yonks...
Kyotoya
WithingtonForget gimmicks like conveyor belts and colour-coded plates, miniature plastic fish filled with soy sauce and California rolls – if...
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...
Bacaro
Liverpool City CentreLike the backstreet Venetian tapas places which inspired this central Liverpool bar and restaurant, there is something about Salt House...
The Samling
WindermereThe Samling is a delightful lodge and fine-dining restaurant oozing exclusivity. A favourite of Hollywood celebs (like Tom Cruise), it’s...
Dakota Grill Manchester
Northern QuarterDakota Grill Manchester is the work of former Malmaison owner, Ken McCollough and it is as dark-hued and handsome as...
Defne Turkish BBQ Restaurant
ChildwallUsing the freshest veg and juiciest meats and fish, plenty of aromatic herbs and regional spices, the food of Turkey...
Pho Liverpool
RopewalksThere are many arguments you could make against Pho Liverpool. It’s a chain restaurant on a street known for its...
Istanbul BBQ & Bistro Woolton
Woolton VillageOf two branches of Istanbul, the restaurant in the heart of Woolton Village is the OG, founded in 2013 with...
Indian Tiffin Room Cheadle
CheadleIndian Tiffin Room Cheadle was one of the first local places to step away from the typical menu of the...
Neon Jamon
Mossley HillBringing a taste of Spain to Smithdown Road, Neon Jamon imports ideas and ingredients from Catalonia, the Basque country and...
Old Stamp House
AmblesideHead to Ambleside's Old Stamp House for regional cooking in a heritage space by one of Cumbria's most promising chefs.
Silk Rd Heswall
HeswallIf it's one of those days when you can't put your finger on what you fancy – Thai curry or...
Radcliffe Market
RadcliffeEvery town would benefit from its own version of Radcliffe Market. Owned and managed by the local community, it's a...
La Bandera
Manchester City CentreThis upmarket Spanish restaurant, tucked away just off St Ann's Square, is the definition of a hidden gem.
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...
Campo Blanco
WhitefieldCampo Blanco means "white field" in Spanish, so it comes as no surprise that this restaurant is the go-to place...
Holmes Mill
ClitheroeLocated in the heart of Clitheroe, Holmes Mill is a bountiful food, drink and entertainment venue as well as a...
Electric Shuffle
DeansgateElectric Shuffle is a fresh take on shuffleboard. Usually associated with the pubbier end of the bar spectrum or the...
Comptoir Libanais
SpinningfieldsComptoir Libanais serves up the bold flavours of Lebanon, its fresh and healthy plates providing much to tempt those following...
Victor’s
HaleVictor's is an upscale neighbourhood restaurant. Of course it is, it’s in Hale. Locals call in for everything from brunch...
Viet Shack Manchester Ancoats
AncoatsNelson Lam and Leo Tran's Viet Shack empire started with a humble takeaway stall in the Arndale Market which quickly...
New Wave Ramen
Manchester City CentreAfter building a name and fanbase for itself in Mackie Mayor, New Wave Ramen have now got their own standalone...
Libby’s Bread & Wine
MarpleI’ve never seen Libby’s Bread & Wine quiet. It probably never is, except, perhaps, when the bakers arrive at 5am...
Lennox
Manchester City CentreLennox comes from the team behind Six by Nico, and has taken over its Spring Gardens location. Less gimmicky than...
Schofield’s Bar
SpinningfieldsVarious prestigious best bar gongs have been awarded to Schofield's Bar since it opened in Quay Street's iconic Art Deco...
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.
Tiger Rock North John Street
Cavern QuarterWith "south east Asian hawker food" the tagline for Tiger Rock, you can expect cheap and cheerful small plates covering...
Refuge
Manchester City CentreRefuge serves up winning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester's iconic The Refuge Assurance...
Tariff & Dale
Northern QuarterTariff & Dale is a Northern Quarter institution – one of the first to colonize the Rochdale Canal frontier, bringing...
The Pen Factory
Georgian QuarterThe Pen Factory specialises in bistro food with a mix of main dishes and small plates for sharing. Everything is...
San Carlo Gran Cafe
Manchester City CentreHead to any of the ristorantes in the acclaimed and award-winning family-run San Carlo Group and you know you’re in...
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;...
Porta Didsbury
West DidsburyPorta Didsbury is the fourth instalment in Ben and Joe Wright’s North West micro-empire of tapas bars. The new restaurant...
Sapporo Teppanyaki Liverpool
Chinatown (Liverpool)A unique dining experience is promised at the Liverpool branch of Sapporo Teppanyaki, primarily a noodle and sushi bar, but...
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...
Bar San Juan
ChorltonBeech Road's Bar San Juan is almost always bursting at the seams with customers. This unassuming little tapas bar is...
Via Manchester
Gay VillageFormerly Via Fossa, generally know as just ‘Via’, this is probably the most long-standing go-to bar on the main strip...
Holbeck Ghyll
WindermereSituated in the hills above Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll could easily claim a place in a list of the most romantic...
Diggle Lock
DiggleDiggle Lock is a cafe located next to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath, so as you'd imagine, both walkers and...
Elixir Oxton
OxtonPromising "interesting and inspired cooking", from Wednesday through Saturday, the food at Elixir Oxton is all about good-looking small plates...
Speak In Code
Manchester City CentreFinding itself resting in the top 20 of the top 50 cocktail bars in the whole of the UK, Speak...
Petisco
SaleTranslating into "snack", Petisco (pronounced "pe-tea-sh-co") is much more than a bowl of nuts, serving up a variety of small...
Sanskruti Liverpool
Business District (Liverpool)The second of these completely vegetarian and vegan restaurants (the first is in south Manchester suburb Withington), Sanskruti takes its...
KIRA by Sunitha
BollingtonKIRA by Sunitha is a modern Indian bistro serving small plates and sharing platters which are bursting with colour and...
The Mews
Manchester City CentreThe Mews is one of a clutch of new places to set up shop on Deansgate Mews, or ‘deli alley’...
So Marrakech
AltrinchamAs well as homewares and style items, concept store So Marrakech has a daytime café, offering a taste of Morocco...
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
Manchester City CentreArmenian is a Manchester institution and – recent cosmetic makeover aside – little has changed since it opened over half...
Cicchetti
DeansgateAs the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2011. Over a...
Bundobust Brewery
Greater ManchesterA real Northern success story, the second location for Bundobust in Manchester and the fourth in the family of northern-based...
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...
Maki & Ramen
Manchester City CentreBorn in Edinburgh and now in Glasgow and Manchester, Maki & Ramen is a high-quality, quick-eats-style place that easily holds...
The Watering Can
AigburthAt the entrance to Greenbank Park, with its lake and leafy vistas, The Watering Can offers both inside and outside...
Society
Manchester City CentreLocated in between St Peter’s Square and The Bridgewater Hall, Society brings new life to the quiet yet elegant stretch...
Mei Dim
Chinatown (Manchester)Mei Dim by name, dim sum by nature. If it's the Cantonese version of small plates you're after, look no...
10 Tib Lane
Manchester City Centre10 Tib Lane was one of the brave new openings of summer 2021; a time when securing staff and supplies,...
Sora Manchester
Manchester City CentreSora Manchester is a rooftop bar and restaurant serving up sushi, Pan Asian small plates and views across the city’s...
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...
Flawd
AncoatsFlawd was the first permanent space for the team behind Higher Ground. Sat waterside at Islington Marina in New Islington,...
Where the Light Gets In
Stockport Town CentreWith no menu and esoteric wines, Where the Light Gets In doesn’t adhere to the typical fine-dining formula. But it’s...
Polidor 68
Lark LaneNamed after the famous Parisian restaurant frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce, Polidor 68 aspires to...
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...
BAB NQ
Northern QuarterIf you feel it's time to spice up your life, look no further than this Northern Quarter indie, where the...
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...
Canteena Bar & Grill
SaleBased in the unit of Stanley Square that was once home to Sale Food Hall, Canteena Bar & Grill is...
The Smithfield Social
Northern QuarterThe Smithfield Social fits in well to the Northern Quarter bar scene. It doesn’t offer anything radically different but what...
Othello’s
GateacreOthello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service.
The ‘Burbs
Heaton MoorThe 'Burbs is exactly the sort of informal neighbourhood spot you want round the corner from your house.
Lily’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
Ashton-under-LyneLily's Indian Vegetarian Cuisine is an unassuming restaurant in Ashton-under-Lyne that happens to serve some of the best South Indian...
Tattu Manchester
SpinningfieldsLocated in the heart of the Spinningfields business district, Tattu Manchester is an Instagrammer’s dream. Think penumbral lighting, body art-inspired...
GupShup
HaleGupShup serves food from across India in a setting of laid-back luxury; this is Hale, after all. The menu is...
La Parrilla Waterloo
WaterlooThe original venue from this Liverpudlian mini-chain, La Parrilla Waterloo Road surprised us all when it opened on South Road...
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...
Elif
Liverpool City CentreTurkish barbecue restaurant Elif is part of the ST Hospitality group, which also owns Bistro Franc on Hanover Street. 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...
Pip
DeansgateYou’ll find Pip on the ground floor of Treehouse Hotel Manchester, decked out in the same tastefully playful theme as...
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...
Zumuku Sushi Bolton
BoltonWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Shogun Ramen and Bar
ChorltonShogun Ramen and Bar in Chorlton serves great value ramen. But we’ve not listed it in our guide just because...
Hibiki
Liverpool City CentreHibiki's website encourages you to "feed your soul" and "celebrate your senses" and, if it's authentic Japanese cuisine specialising in...
The Real Greek | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreOne of two The Real Greek restaurants in Manchester (the other is at the Trafford Centre), The Corn Exchange venue...
Peaberry Coffee House & Kitchen
Albert DockDescribing itself as a "coffee house and kitchen", independent family-run business Peabody's does a bit of everything: breakfast, brunch and...
The Counter House
AncoatsGut-cleansing spirulina juices, turmeric scented Buddha bowls and raw vegan cookies, The Counter House menu reads like a dream list...
Voyagers
RopewalksVoyagers in The Halyard Liverpool is in the league of hotel restaurants that become a destination in their own right....
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...
Linden Stores
KnutsfordLinden Stores is a small plates restaurant in Knutsford. Dishes are seasonal and sustainable and sometimes even foraged. There’s a...
Prestwich Social
PrestwichPrestwich Social is an all-day suburban cafe bar on Fairfax Road in Prestwich that proudly serves ethically and locally sourced...
The Alchemist Liverpool
Liverpool City CentrePart of the chain, The Alchemist in Liverpool is settled into a Grade II-listed building in the heart of the...
The Trof
Northern QuarterLongstanding Thomas Street bar The Trof has got ‘top Manchester night out’ written all over its labyrinthine three storeys. But...
Engine Social Dining
Sowerby BridgeEngine Social Dining serves up a delightful array of global small plates where Spanish boquerones rub up against masala cod...
Blue Sakura
LeedsResplendent in the sakura cherry blossoms of its name (albeit faux flora), Blue Sakura brings "Asian-inspired magic" to Leeds via...
The Saddleworth Hotel
OldhamLicensed for civil wedding ceremonies, civil partnerships, vow renewal and baby naming, and with plenty of room for a proper...
Jarern Street Food
BoltonJarern is a Thai word meaning prosper or grow, and this tiny place has one huge menu. The home of...
Muse
OldhamLocal favourite Muse is an urban cocktails and small plates-style place up in the hills beyond Oldham, from the same...
El Nido
Woolton VillageThe contemporary tapas at El Nido is a little different and influenced by the traditional dishes served in the Basque...
Petit Cafe du Coin
RopewalksGrab your beret and your polo neck, we're going incognito in a French-inspired cafe with jazz club aspirations. The little...
The Galloping Major
CheadleThree-course dining in the middle of the local park - lucky are the residents of Cheadle that they have The...
Anatolian Grill
PrestwichThis modern Turkish restaurant and wine bar promises "a rich tapestry of tastes", and the selection of hot and cold...
Sigiriya
HaleVibrant colours and flavours – these are the trademarks of Sri Lankan restaurant Sigiriya, with its signature curries, traditionally prepared...
Ropes & Twines
RopewalksWith a nod to its Ropewalks neighbourhood, Ropes & Twines is a speciality coffee shop, wine bar and even art...
Shiraz BBQ
Cavern QuarterTaking its name from the Iranian city of arts and gardens (and not just the New World version of Syrah...
Cork of the North Heaton Moor
Heaton MoorYou can probably tell from the pun-tastic name that you don’t need to be a serious grape connoisseur to feel...
The Kitchen
BoltonA family-run restaurant specialising in Greek street food, The Kitchen is a Westhaughton favourite thanks to the enthusiasm of the...
Arras
North YorkshireHusband and wife team, Adam and Lovaine Humphrey have moved their modern British (ish) restaurant Arras from Sydney, Australia to...
Black Market
LeedsBlack Market is all about serving small plates and creating contemporary takes on traditional cooking and international classics – sharing...
La Finca Eivissa
Grab your glowsticks, we're going to Ibiza – La Finca Eivissa reckons to bring an authentic taste of the White...
Anar Turkish BBQ Restaurant
The clue is in the name, really, and Anar draws on the vast repertoire of the Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern cuisine of...
Black Barrel
Describing itself as an "unorthodox rum specialist and finger food bar", Black Barrel is a stripped floors, exposed brickwork, red...
