Manchester Salford Quay

5 of the best places to eat in Manchester

Published 19 August 2019

Alright arr kid, do you fancy finding out some of the best places for grub in Manchester? Well you’re in luck because we have put together a list of 5 exceptional eateries located right in the heart of beautiful “Munch-ester”

From banging burgers to delicious fine dining there’s something for all the family in our latest Manchester food guide. So scroll on down for some tasty suggestions.

Almost Famous

1. Almost Famous (Great Northern Warehouse)

In Manchester the saying goes, “You haven’t tried a burger until you’ve tried an Almost Famous burger!” and we can see why. It also offers many outrageous creations, like their Pizza Sucks Burger for example, a double-stacked cheeseburger smothered in nearly every pizza topping you can imagine! 

Specialising in burgers and all things fried, this restaurant has become a firm favourite with Manchester locals. So much so, its walk in system had been causing such huge queues it has now had to introduce advanced table reservations.

Also, don’t worry our vegan and vegetarian friends, Almost Famous also offer a mouth-watering vegan cheeseburger with all the trimmings - so nobody is left out from experiencing the burgery goodness.

Our top picks:

This is Manchester Burger: Double cheeseburger, cheddar, BBQ pulled pork, gravy chips, wonder onions, creamy peppered mayo and Dijon mustard

Mac Balls (v): Crispy gooey melty mac n’ cheese balls with bacon bacon mayo dip (Vegan mayo available)

The Ivy

2. The Ivy Spinningfields

From one extreme to the other, next up on our list of the best places to eat in Manchester is The Ivy. Offering swanky dining in a classically elegant setting, The Ivy Spinningfields is the perfect place for a special occasion. 

Boasting three restaurants over three floors, a brasserie, Asian bar and beautiful roof garden as well as three further private dining options, The Ivy offers dining experiences like no other. Serving up a mainly contemporary British menu you’ll be able to find some exquisite options in the Brasserie. Or if that doesn’t entice your taste buds, you can choose a wide range of Asian inspired delights such as sticky pork belly and mouth-watering baos from the menu in the second floor Asia bar. 

If you fancy a relaxed drink and light snack then the roof garden is the place to go. With a retractable glass roof, it is open all year round so you can dine under the sun, stars or rain seven days a week.

Our top picks:

The Ivy Shephard’s Pie: Slow-braised lamb with beef and Wookey Hole Cheddar potato mash.

Jackfruit and peanut bang bang salad: Chayote, Chinese leaf, mouli, crispy wonton, peanuts and coriander. (v)

Cocktail beer ramen + bun

3. Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun

Taking “it does what it says on the tin” to the extreme, this late night venue, known locally as CBRB, serves bowls of delicious ramen, bao buns and a selection of Asian tapas-style small plates right through to the early hours.

Situated near the Ancoats area of the city, its food is great value and has definitely earned its place on our list of the best places to eat in Manchester.

From spicy pork ramen to tantalising karaage chicken baos, the menu is full of tasty oriental treats that suit all palates. And with their offer of a bao and small ramen for only £10, what’s not to like? If this doesn’t take your fancy however, don’t worry as they also offer a selection of small plates too. Our favourite is definitely the pigs head korokke, which is much nicer than it sounds.

CBRB’s food isn’t the only thing to shout about though. It’s stripped back, chilled out setting makes for a perfect atmosphere and its cocktail menu isn’t half bad either! Choosing to number instead of name their cocktails takes all the hassle out of thinking of funny drinks names and allows the bar staff to get on with what they do best. Creating perfect cocktails.

Our top picks:

Nagoya Ramen: Spicy gochujang broth with spicy minced pork, charsu pork belly, crackling, padron peppers, spring onion, bonito oil, coriander + ajitsuke tamago

Crispy Artichoke Bao: Crispy artichoke, coriander, green sriracha (v)

Rudy's

4. Rudy's Pizza

There’s no way you can list the best places to eat in Manchester without a mention of pizza. And Rudys is most definitely the best of the bunch! Serving up Neapolitan style pizzas in two different locations in Manchester, Rudy's has become a staple in the city.

Rudy’s believe pizzas should be soft, which is why they only cook them for 60 seconds in huge purpose-built brick ovens shipped all the way from Italy! Helping to give every pizza that perfect base.

Now, let’s get on to the food. There are many delicious choices at Rudy’s from spicy calabrese to classic marinara. One of our favourites has got to be the carni; a tomato based pizza topped with three types of salami, red and green chillies plus a touch of basil, olive oil and parmesan (watch out though as it is a bit spicy).

Our top picks

Calabrese: Tomato, fior di latte, basil and spicy n’duja sausage

Portobello: Tomato, fior di latte, Portobello mushroom, basil, oregano, sea salt, parmesan and garlic oil.

Mowgli

5. Mowgli Street Food

If you like all things spice then Mowgli Street Food should be on your list. Created by the talented Nisha Katona, Mowgli’s speciality is tasty authentic Indian street food. 

One cool element of the restaurant is that food isn’t served in the normal style, instead it arrives in the genuine tiffin boxes used in India. The stainless steel, stacked containers are filled with aromatic delights such as Butter Chicken, Goan Fish Curry, Picnic Potato Curries  - the healthy, light, virtuosic herbs and spices eaten in the homes and streets of India. Mowgli is perfect for a meal out with friends as its relaxed atmosphere and generous portions make it easy to share or taste a number of dishes without breaking the bank.

Our top picks:

Bunny Chow: Mowgli’s showstopper. South African Indian railway worker’s favourite. A fruity, hot, chicken & potato curry served inside a bread loaf. 

Mowgli Chip Butty: A flavour grenade! Roti wrap, fenugreek kissed turmeric fries, chilli pickle, red onion, coriander, green chilli & Mowgli tomato relish. 

 

So there you have it, that’s our list of the 5 best places to eat in Manchester and if you want to find out more about this great city click below to head to our destination page.

See more of Manchester

Back to top