Best Places to Eat and Drink in Manchester

There has never been more choice of places to eat in Manchester than there is now. With an influx of Manchester bars and restaurant openings, if it's a spot to wine and dine in your looking for, Manchester has never been richer (or tastier) and thanks to the city's diversity of cultures, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your palette.

Where to Eat?

Whether you are looking for a luxury cuisine, Northern Quarter café or the best pizza in the UK (seriously), the city comes up trumps when it comes to cool places to eat.

Rudy's Pizza

If you ask any Mancunian about the best pizza in town, Rudy's will most definitely be the first place that springs to everyone's mind. Rudy's is a two-man band pizzeria made from only the best locally sourced ingredients. When it comes to having a passion for pizza, these guys have it.

Rudy's 60 second pizzas focus on the traditions of Naples whilst offering top quality hand-made ingredients to provide you with the perfect pizza.

Each pizza uses double-proved dough making the base so fluffy and airy that when placed into the heat of the burning wood fire over for 60 seconds a puff of soft middle and crispy edge is created.

Wash down with an array of quality wines and beers from the generous drink menu and finalise by indulging in an Italian dessert of the day. You can't go wrong.

Situated in two central locations, Ancoats and Peter St, Rudy's shares the heart of Naples with Manchester.

Best for: Casual dining and cheap eats

Rosso

Rosso's is amongst the City's favourites delivering fresh Italian food and a prestige service for a dining experience you will not forget. Non-diners are also welcomed and catered for thanks to its extensive bar area with a decadent interior perfect for date night or drinks with friends.  

Best for: special occasions and fine dining

Bundobust

Located in a basement in Piccadilly, Bundobust is a unique and award-winning Indian-inspired street food diner. The food menu is centred around vegetarian Indian street food served in cardboard trays with plastic forks. Try the paneer and mushroom tikka skewers marinated in spiced yoghurt curd washed down with some of the best craft beers in Manchester.

The beers include collaborations with both local and international breweries and are some of the best in town.  

Best for: casual dining and craft beer

Australasia

Combining modern Australasian cuisine with traditional Japanese elements, Australasia is one of the first eateries in Manchester to offer small dish dining. The décor offers a unique setting of interesting oriental textures and a soft pastel palette. Favourite dishes include the teppanyaki beef, black cod miso and the pork wonton. The menu is completed with an extensive wine list to accompany the decedent flavours.

Best for: special occasions and fine dining

El Gato Negro

This sophisticated tapas bar is said to be home to some of the best tapas in the city. Each dish represents tradition tapas with a modern twist such as slim heritage carrots drenched in walnut pesto, miso and aubergine puree. Not forgetting a tapa favourite, croquettas with and extra cheesy bechamel sauce encased in a crispy heavily seasoned breadcrumb coating.

You have a choice of three dining areas which are all equally impressive like the rooftop dining area which is completed with a sliding roof - perfect to enjoy with a glass of quality Spanish wine.

Best for: Relaxed lunch and evening dine

Where to Drink?

Of course, with the city being renowned for its cosmopolitan culture, the thirst for all things quirky has led to a spike in funky bars and a booming cocktail scene.

The Anthologist

With an interior style that offers a calm, cosy and contemporary vibe, The Anthologist is perfect for everyone. Whether you're after a quick catch up with friends, a relaxing drink after work, or even an exquisite 3-course dinner, this place really does have it all – not forgetting a host of attentive staff.

With an interior of stunning design, this all-day dining bar and restaurant is perfect for everything from early morning coffee and breakfast meetings to late night dinner and cocktails with friends.

It is also one of the few Manchester Bars that offers a cocktail masterclass where you can learn about the history of cocktail making.

Best for: wining, dining and brunching

The Foundry Project

With an extensive cocktail list filled with delicate crafted and innovative cocktails and a food menu that takes you from high-end brunch to late night dinners, not forgetting the swanky interior that's split across two floors, The Foundry Project is a must-visit when in Manchester.

The most prominent (and possibly most impressive) feature is the new Estrella tank that dominates the entrance area. Being the first of its kind in the UK, it promises the perfect pint and is set to be a huge success in summertime.

Best for: cocktail and lounge bar

The Refinery

The Refinery is located amongst the quirkiness of Spinningfields and is renowned for delivering exquisite cocktails and delicious food. You can choose between a casual dining room, swanky restaurant or a laid back bar filled with large tropical plants, hanging statement lights and eclectic décor.

Best for: special occasions and social drinks