Manchester's Top 10 Restaurants
Manchester's culinary scene has never been more exciting! From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved local favorites, the city offers an incredible array of dining experiences that will satisfy every palate and budget. Whether you're staying with us at Staycasa or exploring the city as a visitor, here's your guide to the most highly-rated restaurants Manchester has to offer in 2025.
SKOF
Manchester's newest Michelin star winner (February 2025), SKOF has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for serious food lovers. SKOF specializes in modern British cuisine with influences from Tom's extensive international experience,
For lunch and dinner, they offer two menus that showcase Tom’s cooking: a 12-course menu for £120, and a 15-course menu for £165.
At lunchtime, a quicker four-course lunch menu option is also available for £50 (Thursday to Saturday).
Mana
Mana holds the distinction of being Manchester's first Michelin-starred restaurant in over 40 years, earning this prestigious recognition in late 2019. Located in the trendy Ancoats district, Mana put Manchester firmly on the international fine dining map
Mana specializes in Nordic-inspired contemporary cuisine with a strong emphasis on British produce and the integration of Asian Techniques. The complete menu is available at £175, with the lunch menu at £75 plus Gratuity.
Where the Light Gets In
Where the Light Gets In has earned recognition as one of the UK's most innovative and sustainable restaurants. The restaurant holds a Michelin Green Star - a prestigious award recognizing exceptional commitment to sustainability - making it one of only 23 restaurants in the UK to achieve this honour.
While initially premium-priced, the restaurant has adapted its pricing to be more accessible, dropping from £95 to £65 for their tasting menu experience, making exceptional sustainable dining more attainable.
Higher Ground
In the heart of Manchester at Faulkner House on New York Street, Higher Ground has established itself as one of the city's most celebrated dining destinations. This modern British bistro and bar has earned recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide, receiving a Bib Gourmand award for "good quality, good value cooking" in 2025.
The restaurant is praised for its exceptional food quality, attentive service, and the unique experience of watching chefs craft each dish. Higher Ground operates Thursday through Saturday, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or an elevated dining experience in Manchester.
Erst
Located in the trendy Ancoats district of Manchester, Erst has established itself as one of the city's most celebrated dining destinations with its minimalist approach to both design and dining.
The restaurant's ever-changing seasonal menu typically features inventive vegetable dishes, seafood crudos, and the occasional perfectly executed meat dish like beef carpaccio.
Erst offers a deliberately sparse menu of around 10-15 seasonal small plates, all designed for sharing. With the price range being around £26-£40 per person
Vincenzo Trattoria
Vincenzo Trattoria brings the warmth and authenticity of traditional Italian cuisine to diners seeking a genuine trattoria experience. This family-style Italian restaurant embodies the classic trattoria concept - more formal than a casual osteria, yet more approachable than a fine dining ristorante.
Whether you're craving perfectly prepared pasta, authentic antipasti, or traditional Italian desserts, Vincenzo Trattoria delivers the dependable, casual elegance that defines the best Italian trattorias. With the price ranging from £20-£30 per person.
Dishoom Manchester
What sets Dishoom apart is its commitment to authenticity and atmosphere. Every detail, from the music to the menu descriptions, has been chosen to evoke the Bombay café culture of yesteryear. The restaurant serves "true Bombay comfort food" - dishes that evoke memories of sipping masala chai with buttered buns, enjoying street-side snacks, or sharing fragrant biryanis with friends.
Dishoom Manchester offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for both curry enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic taste of Bombay's rich culinary heritage.
Another Hand
Located in the prestigious Great Northern complex on Deansgate, Another Hand represents the evolution of contemporary British cuisine with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
The restaurant's philosophy centers on vegetarian-led dishes with responsibly sourced ingredients, served one at a time to allow guests to savour each creation.
The menu showcases inventive combinations with Nordic inspiration and Franco-influenced execution, accompanied by natural wines and craft beers.
Black Friar
Located at 41-43 Blackfriars Road in Salford, this genteel tavern offers a unique split-level experience with a traditional pub area, modern glass restaurant, and outdoor beer garden. With exceptional 4.7/5 star ratings from nearly 1,900 reviews and recognition from The Guardian for its "big, bullish and beautiful" cooking, The Black Friar has quickly established itself as a destination for both casual drinks and fine dining.
Under the expert guidance of Head Chef Ben Chaplin, the restaurant serves modern British cuisine with Eastern and Asian influences, featuring everything from classic pub fare like fish and chips and daily homemade pies to sophisticated dishes like steak tartare and rack of lamb.
Kaji Manchester
KAJI is a distinctive fire-based restaurant and bar located in the heart of Manchester city centre, offering an innovative approach to Japanese cuisine through open-fire cooking techniques.
The menu features fresh sashimi, nigiri, and inventive rolls that infuse traditional Japanese techniques with flavours inspired by Brazil, Peru, and Southeast Asia, alongside signature dishes like their famous Japanese roasties served with truffle powder and sesame aioli.
KAJI offers excellent halal options and caters to gluten-free dietary needs, with an early evening menu available for £30 that includes chef's snacks and carefully crafted dishes.
Booking Tips
• Reserve in advance: Popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends
• Check opening hours: Many fine dining establishments have specific service times
• Consider dietary requirements: Most top restaurants accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice
• Dress codes: Some upscale establishments may have dress code requirements
Manchester's restaurant scene in 2025 is more exciting than ever, with new Michelin stars, innovative chefs, and beloved local favorites all contributing to an incredible dining landscape. From intimate date nights to celebratory meals, business dinners to casual catch-ups with friends, these top 10 restaurants offer experiences that will create lasting memories.
Planning your stay in Manchester? Our Staycasa properties offer the perfect base for exploring the city's incredible restaurant scene. With 50+ properties across Manchester, we're perfectly positioned to help you discover the best the city has to offer.
