Sink your teeth in to Manchester's best restaurants
Discover the best restaurants in Manchester city centre. From cheap eats to Michelin stars, Skiddle has your next meal out sorted
Last updated: 10th Sep 2026
Originally published: 7th Sep 2026
As Josh Scherer says in Last Meals, we all have two things in common: “we all gotta eat, and we’re all gonna die”. Though slightly morbid, he’s not wrong - so why not spend those precious meals somewhere worthy?
Manchester is full to the brim with fantastic restaurants, so many that we really struggled to narrow down our selections. But we’ve just about done it - here’s a shortlist of the best restaurants in Manchester city centre. We’ve included a little bit of everything, from Michelin-star restaurants to cheap and very cheerful eats, so there really is something for everyone.
Let’s dig in.
Another Hand
Image credit: Another Hand via Instagram.com
Where: Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Hidden on Deansgate Mews, you might not have had the chance to peek inside Another Hand. This spot is nothing short of memorable, with an intimate interior, enviable natural wine list and mouthwatering, quality-focused plates - what more could you ask for? The team here make their purpose clear: "to deliver food and service that is thoughtful, well prepared, and consistently good". We're starting out strong with Another Hand, offering exceptionally high-quality, Michelin Guide-level food at accessible prices; this premium-casual restaurant is a go-to for birthdays, date nights or if you just fancy a little treat.
El Gato Negro
Image credit: El Gato Negro via Instagram.com
Where: 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY
El Gato Negro has been loved by locals in Yorkshire and Manchester for over 20 years, earning not only a Michelin Guide spot (drink every time we mention this) but also receiving the prestigious Bib Gourmand award. Highlighting the joy of classic tapas with seasonally influenced plates, modern twists, and quality Spanish and locally-sourced produce, this Simon Shaw restaurant never disappoints. With three floors as well as outdoor seating, El Gato Negro is always buzzing - and for good reason.
Kallos
Image credit: Kallos via Instagram.com
Where: 3 Bankside Blvd, Salford M3 7HD
Located in Colliers Yard, this Salford gem is famous for its Greek-influenced cuisine. Kallos Cafe and Wine Bar doesn't cut corners; with Ioanna Antoniou and Ivan Milchev behind the intricate dining and drinks menus, you're looking at one of the city's top food spots. Try their world-class brunch, beautiful tinned fish or head straight for the impressive evening meze, serving rich sharing dishes from lamb shoulder to beef cheek to chickpea stew - whatever you go for, you'll leave Kallos dreaming about when you can come back.
Bundobust
Image credit: Bundobust via Instagram.com
Where: 61 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2AG / St James Building, 61-69 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EQ
We had to include Bundobust on this list. Operating since 2014, first through pop-ups and then opening their flagship Leeds restaurant, Bradford-born Mayur Patel and Marko Husak's collaboration made it to Manchester in 2016 and has been a staple part of the city's food scene ever since. Inspired by vibrant Indian street food, this flavour-focused spot offers a fab assortment of veggie and vegan friendly scran, and trust us - you really don't miss the meat. Having opened its second Manchester site in 2021, we don't need to prove how well-loved this place is.
P.s - they offer unreal discounts for students and hospo workers.
Soots
Image credit: Soots via Instagram.com
Where: 108 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LR
As a fully plant-based restaurant, Soots is another vegan hotspot. Serving vibrant, European-inspired small plates and an array of aromatic handmade pasta dishes, this cosy venue is widely renowned as the best pasta restaurant in Manchester - such rave reviews come not only from vegans, but from die-hard carnivores too. As a woman-founded business with owners Ellie Proudfoot and Ruth Duarte at the forefront, Soots is one of the few restaurants spotlighting the importance of women in the culinary industry, and they couldn't be doing a better job at it. If you need a foolproof dinner location, Soots won't let you down.
Ca Phe Viet
Image credit: Ca Phe Viet via Instagram.com
Where: 80-86 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EB
Manchester has no shortage of trendy food spots, but we're showing you the real stuff, and not all good food needs to be dressed up. Ca Phe Viet doesn't faff about. Affordable. Quick. Tastes banging. You walk into this place, you won't find influencers or hipsters, but faithful regulars, many from the Vietnamese diaspora - something you'd hope to find in any good restaurant in Oldham Road's "Little Vietnam". Order just about anything on this menu and prepare to rave about it for the next few weeks.
Trof
Image credit: Trof via Instagram.com
Where: 6-8 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1EU
If you're looking for a proper Sunday dinner in the city centre, we'd be silly not to recommend Trof. Another Michelin Guide restaurant, this candlelit dining room, situated upstairs in the no-fuss boozer, offers a snug hideout and hearty, warming pub grub made with seasonal British ingredients. From juicy burgers to flaky pies to their famous roast, they cover it all. If their giant Yorkshire puds don't convince you, then their bottomless gravy should. Trof is absolutely a local legend, so take it from us, they get busy quickly - be sure to book in advance.
This & That
Image credit: This & That via Facebook.com
Where: 3 Soap St, Manchester M4 1EW
This & That opened in Manchester in 1984 and has not only stood the test of time as a cornerstone of the city's food scene, but has also been hailed as the best curry spot in town by generations of Mancs. Famous for their rice and three, This & That was one of, if not the, first to introduce this relaxed, home-cooking style of South Asian food to Manchester. Their buttery naan, rich rotating curry menu, refreshingly sweet mango lassi, and even sweeter prices will leave you wanting for nothing. If you try one spot on this list, let it be this family-run staple.
Posie
Image credit: Posie via Instagram.com
Where: Unit 1, 17 Marble St, Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 3AW
Primarily a cocktail bar, Posie's meticulously thought-out small plates menu might surprise you. This place has one of the most extensive wine lists we've seen and beautifully crafted cocktails, but we know you just want to hear about the food. Fluffy focaccia with sun-dried tomato butter; creamy courgette and basil fettuccine with a crunchy fennel and lemon crumb; spiced lamb kofta with burnt lemon, mint and yoghurt - the list goes on, and not one of their dishes disappoints.
Posie sits right in the middle in terms of affordability, offering high-end quality without breaking the bank, so bring your date, or your mates, here if you want to impress.
Skof
Image credit: Skof via Instagram.com
Where: 3 Federation St, Manchester M4 4BF
Skof is one of only two restaurants in Manchester that hold a Michelin Star. Awarded this prestigious achievement less than a year after its 2024 opening, it's safe to say that Skof has had a profound impact on the city's culinary landscape. Offering high-end dining "without pretentiousness, tablecloths, or a dress code", executive chef Tom Barnes has transformed the former textile warehouse on Federation Street into one of, if not the, city's most revered restaurants. Expect 12 to 16-course seasonal tasting menus, a delicate combination of Nordic-inspired flavours, and perhaps even Barnes' signature tiramisu, a touching tribute to his father and an excellent finisher.
Mackie Mayor
Image credit: Mackie Mayor via Instagram.com
Where: Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU
For our final spot, Mackie Mayor has to take it. Though technically not a restaurant, this iconic food hall delivers access to some of Manchester's most popular vendors. Fab if you're in a big group or just too tired to pick one spot, the option to order from any of the 9 independent kitchens makes Mackie Mayor a win-win. Fancy ramen? Easy. Nachos? Sorted. Doughnuts? Come on, give us a hard one. If you can't tell already, this place does it all - and the prices ain't bad either.
Like many of the spots on this list, it's popular. Get down here in good time to secure a table, and with the three on-site bars, you'll have the better part of the night covered.
Well, there you have it: eleven restaurants that we think are last-meal-worthy. Tick off all of these spots, and you’ll have covered some of the best restaurants in Manchester city centre. You’ll probably also have a really full tummy. Mmmmm.
Looking for a pint to wash it all down? Check out some of our favourite boozers in the city or discover what events are happening near you.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.
Banner image credit: Kallos via Facebook.com