It’s been more than 2 years since the pandemic hit and restaurants are one of the main businesses to have suffered. As life returns (somewhat) to normal, people have returned to eating out but with so many places to choose from where do you go? We have put together this list of mostly independent restaurants Manchester city centre has to offer that you need to try.
Cottonopolis
One of the best restaurants Manchester city centre has to offer is Cottonopolis. This Japanese inspired restaurant and bar is based in a stunning Grade II listed building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. It is easy to access via public transport being only a short walking distance away from Piccadilly train station, tram stops and bus routes.
Food wise their menu consists of a variety of Japanese style food- think sushi and delicate brunch dishes. As well as their usual menu, they also offer a taste of cotton set menu where you can tuck into 7 of the best dishes they offer with vegan options available. They also have a bottomless brunch which includes a delicious brunch dish and bottomless drinks.
Fazenda
Another must visit restaurant is Fazenda, perfect for special occasions. Fazenda is located in the up-market area of Spinningfields and offers a truly unique dining concept. Heritage is a key focus of everything they do where you get to indulge in table-side service of the finest grilled meats. You will be able to enjoy a selection of Argentinian and Brazilian sides served on request to accompany your meat dishes.
Grand Pacific
If you are looking for a mysterious exotic oasis then Grand Pacific is the perfect restaurant Manchester city centre has to offer. Listed in a stunning Grade II building that you cannot miss at the top of King Street, this restaurant serves a range of dishes inspired from countries across the world. Grand Pacific is definitely a restaurant worth adding to your lists of restaurants to try. The interior matches the grand exterior and the service makes the whole experience worth every penny. If you are looking for the perfect location for your next date night or celebratory occasion we would recommend booking a table here.
Bundobust
If you fancy more of an authentic street food style experience then you need to visit Bundobust. Its defining idea is Indian street food accompanied by quality craft beers and it’s safe to say that the concept does not disappoint. One of the main selling points for us is that the restaurant is entirely meat free and largely vegan. It’s important that even if you are a real meat lover you don’t let this put you off, in fact the food speaks for itself because even though it skips out on meat you definitely aren’t compromising on any flavours.
This restaurant has proved to be a hit and is quickly expanding across the country with plans to expand into new markets in the near future including New York, USA. Watch this space.
Hawksmoor
Last but not least on our list of must visit restaurants Manchester city centre has to offer is Hawksmore, the self proclaimed best steak house in the city. This award winning restaurant is located in a late Victorian courthouse in Deansgate and boasts a stunning interior that remains true to the building and even features reclaimed materials from that era.
Hawskmores aim is to serve up the best steaks in Manchester. The restaurant features delicious dry aged beef, sustainably sourced seafood and local farm produce. For those of you who haven’t heard of dry aged beef, it’s time you gave it ago. Dry ageing is a technique that has been around for centuries- initially it was invented in the middle ages as a method of meat preservation. Today, it is no longer needed as a method of preservation since refrigerators have been invented. Instead, dry ageing is now used to naturally enhance the taste and texture of beef. Since the process requires time and specific equipment as well as being associated with a higher risk of spoilage it is typically only found in high end restaurants like Hawksmore.
Check out our blogs to see more articles on must visit locations in Manchester. Whether you need somewhere to keep you and the kids busy this summer or a romantic date night to get sparks flying, our blogs are here to help.
