Many assume that London is the ideal location when visiting England—but many others have come to see Manchester as a firm favorite above the likes of the capital city, Birmingham, Leeds or Liverpool. Regardless of your favorite, everyone agrees that Manchester has become one of the most popular cities in the U.K. With the large number of restaurants, it can be difficult to decide where to go. To help you through the process of finding the right restaurant for you, here’s my list of the best Manchester restaurants.
Dean’s Gate in Manchester’s city centre. (Photo courtesy Visit Manchester/Rich J. Jones.)
The Refinery
A great menu and full bar awaits you at The Refinery. (Photo The Refinery.)
We start our collection with a classic, yet traditional bar and restaurant located in Spinningfields, in the heart of Manchester’s city center; The Refinery. Offering a host of services, including cocktail making classes, food, drinks and private hire or events, The Refinery is different compared to the other bars and restaurants based in Spinningfields. It doesn’t stop there, as The Refinery offer competitive prices and the most ideal beer garden, unbelievable food and cocktails for a fraction of prices you may find elsewhere.
The Refinery offers fine dining and a great beverage program at their newest location in Spinningfields. (Photo The Refinery.)
V Rev
V-Rev. (Photo by courtesy V-Rev.)
There is one trend that has recently arrived, which has no intention of slowly down—the vegan diet. The vegan diet is a perfect example of how we can eat with a better healthier and organic lifestyle, which in turn offers an animal friendly, fast food style. These were the principles that V Revolution stood for and it has seen them move from a little café in the Oldham to a restaurant in the Northern Quarter. The concept has been executed brilliantly and with their all vegan restaurant, V Revolution will continue to impress and grow.
V-Rev is the vegan’s answer to fast, tasty burgers and other sandwiches, chips, and tasty sweets. (Photo V-Rev.)
Shoryu Ramen
Shoryu Ramen. (Photo Shoryru Ramen.)
Shoryu Ramen is for those who prefer exotic foods. Shoryu Ramen recently opened in Picadilly Gardens in Manchester, and has become a Japanese favourite with the people of Manchester. The launch of the restaurant saw a huge parade for which the Lord Mayor of Manchester himself turned up. For those who enjoy something different and that which offers a balance of fresh, yet beautiful food, Shoryu Ramen is the one for you.
A bowl of fresh ramen satisfies while touring the town. (Photo Shoryu Ramen.)
Moose Coffee
You’ll find Canadian and American influences at Moose Coffee. (Photo Moose Coffee.)
Moose Coffee is a breakfast lover’s heaven. It has remained relatively under the radar since its opening; however, people are now squeezing in with every opportunity. The others may be a restaurant for your romantic evenings, however; Moose Coffee is there for those coffee and all-day breakfast lovers.
Moose Coffee. (Photo courtesy Moose Coffee.)
Beyond the Best Manchester Restaurants
For those interested in more than just the exciting new bars and restaurants in Manchester, Manchester has much more to offer.
Portland Basin is a living example of Manchester’s industrial heritage. (Photo courtesy Visit Manchester/Rich J. Jones.)
Manchester continues to grow each year and with that growth, businesses are moving onto the Manchester bandwagon. Manchester’s population is currently two million, compared to London’s, at more than eight million, making it easier to get around. There’s a football crazy lifestyle, in which two of the biggest football clubs in the world are based. The city has 25 Nobel Prize winners, giving Manchester one of the most decorated histories. The University of Manchester is home to 20,000 students per year.
Spinningfields Library. (Photo courtesy Visit Manchester/Rich J. Jones.)
For More:
- The Refinery, https://drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-refinery-spinningfields/
- Shoryu Ramen, https://www.shoryuramen.com/stores/76-manchester
- V Rev, https://vrevmcr.co.uk/
- Moose Coffee, https://www.moosecoffee.co/
- Manchester Tourism, https://www.visitmanchester.com/
- On our site: Beyond London: More Great Destinations in England
- On our site: Planning Your Trip to the United Kingdom
-Cover photo courtesy of Visit Manchester/Rich J. Jones. All other photographs as credited.
