Best parts of Manchester for eating out

Manchester is fast becoming a go-to food and drink destination in the UK. As the local scene flourishes, new eateries are popping up all over the place. 

If you’re considering making your own entry into the Manchester restaurant market, it’s vital to first scope out the competition to understand what you need to provide in order to stand out. Depending on the area in which you’re considering setting up premises, you’ll want to know what other establishments are nearby – it might influence your choice of what to serve. Take the time to familiarise yourself with three key areas of the Manchester food-and-drink scene. 

Salford 

Located to the north-west of Manchester city centre, Salford is a dark horse for quality food-and-drink venues. Here, you’ll find global cuisine at Menagerie, plus delicious Spanish fare at Porta Wines & Tapas Bar. For those seeking out a hearty feed, the Black Friar is a go-to for delicious pub grub. 

Over in Media City, you can seek out The Alchemist, known for its diverse food menu and experiential cocktails, as well as The Botanist, a chain famous for its floral and greenhouse-style interior and themed service – think hanging kebabs and impeccable cocktails. 

Northern Quarter 

Situated next to the city centre, the Northern Quarter is a must-visit for anyone seeking an electric range of cuisines by smaller, independent businesses, including everything from Yard and Coop to Liquor and Barn. The area has a cool, quirky feel and the décor inside many of the eateries incorporates everything from exposed brick walls to industrial light fittings. Meanwhile, nearby Ancoats is home to unique, off-the-cut restaurants and food spots such as Erst, Sud Pasta, Pollen Bakery and Trove. Many are listed in some of the top-rated restaurants in Manchester.  

If you plan to complement the area’s already-impressive eateries by opening a restaurant of your own, you’ll need to consider how you can blend into the vibe while also standing out from the crowd. Consider any additional costs, too, such as any licences, permits and appropriate levels of restaurant insurance that might be applicable. 

City centre 

Home to a mix of chains and independent eateries, the city centre is a hub for anyone looking for familiar favourites, as well as the opportunity to try somewhere new. Interspersed across the city, you’ll find the likes of San Carlo and Piccolino for Italian cuisine, as well as Gaucho for delectable steak dishes. Popular chains including Bundobust and Crazy Pedro’s also have a Manchester presence here. 

For something a little different, many head to Peter Street Kitchen to dive into Mexican and Japanese cuisine in a grand 19th-century public hall. When it comes to something more upmarket, Spinningfields offers sophisticated dining in the shape of The Ivy, Tattu and Australasia. 

Be sure to familiarise yourself with all the nooks and crannies of the city centre to ensure that your chosen location aligns with the vision that you have for your future restaurant.