Manchester is a major city in north-west England and the centre of Greater Manchester, known for its Industrial Revolution heritage, Victorian canals and warehouses, free museums, live music, Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs and a large Indian and Chinese food scene.
Manchester's dining scene runs from Michelin-starred tasting menus in Ancoats to Rusholme's Curry Mile, Chinatown dim sum and Northern pub classics such as Lancashire hot pot, with the strongest concentration of new openings in Ancoats, the Northern Quarter and Spinningfields.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Manchester.
Lancashire hot pot
Slow-cooked lamb and onion stew under sliced potato, a regional pub classic
Curry Mile curry and grill
Charcoal-grilled meats, karahi and biryani on Wilmslow Road in Rusholme
Dim sum
Steamed and fried dumplings in Chinatown around Faulkner Street
Sunday roast
Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and bone-marrow gravy
Neapolitan pizza
Thin wood-fired pizza with San Marzano tomato
Bacon naan roll
Smoked bacon, cream cheese and chilli tomato jam in a naan
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Brasserie
European
French
Mixed Street Food And Independent Kitchens
Neapolitan Pizza
Regional British
Seafood
Small Plates And Oysters
Food tours & tastings in Manchester
Eat your way through Manchester with a guide.
Browse food experiences in ManchesterWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Smithfield Market Hall stalls
Independent street-food traders and craft beer under one roof
Price: £8-15 (~$11-20)
Chinatown bakeries and takeaways
Bao, egg tarts and noodles around Faulkner Street
Price: £3-9 (~$4-12)
Curry Mile takeaways
Kebabs, naan rolls and grills, many open late
Price: £4-10 (~$5-13)
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mackie Mayor
Independent kitchens and bars in a Victorian market hall
Hours: Hours vary by trader; generally late morning to evening, shorter on Sunday
Arndale Market
Covered market with fresh produce and food stalls
Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:30; Sunday 11:30-17:30 (per Manchester City Council)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Book Michelin-listed and Ancoats restaurants a week or more ahead, especially Friday and Saturday.
Dishoom takes limited bookings; arrive before 18:00 or outside peak weekend times to avoid queues.
Many Northern Quarter and Ancoats restaurants close on Monday and some on Tuesday; check days before walking over.
Tipping of 10-12.5% is common when service is not already added to the bill.
Sunday roast is served from midday and often sells out by late afternoon.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £25-40 (~$34-54) per day | Street food, market stalls, pizza and one cafe meal. |
| Mid-range | £55-85 (~$74-114) per day | Sharing-plate dinner with a cafe lunch. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |