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What do I love to do as much as travelling? The answer is eating food. If you've read any of my other blog posts, you'll notice a lot of them mention quite a bit of information about where to eat and what to try in each city. I love trying out unique eateries, and there are some great restaurants in Manchester to choose from - lucky me! I mean who can resist the pull of all these new, unique restaurants popping up everywhere? Take a look below, and if you're in Manchester, make sure you try at least one of these places. Whether you're on the prowl for Italian restaurants in Manchester, places to eat in the Northern Quarter, or simply want to know the best brunch spots in the city, you won't be disappointed in the food scene here. If you're staying in Manchester overnight or for a few days, Novotel Manchester City Centre would be my recommendation on where to stay (more information and photos at the bottom of this post). Don't forget to check out Visit Manchester for some helpful tips on things to do in the city. Happy eating!
Let's kick things off with a little bit of a Canadian twist shall we? Moose Coffee is one of my favourite brunch spots in the city. They of course have the more traditional breakfast and lunch dishes, but why not try something new? If you're looking for restaurants near Piccadilly station, their new location is practically right next to it.
The Alchemist, Spinningfields
This is another of my favourite restaurants in the city, and I always make sure to stop here even if it's just for a quick cocktail. The Alchemist mix food and drink with science, making it a very fun experience! The cocktail list is extensive, and they now have some that are interactive when you use your phone camera on them! In my opinion they have some of the best food in Manchester, you really can't go wrong. They have everything from dough balls you infuse with cheese yourself, to charcoal battered fish. They have a second location over in Manchester's media city as well if you find yourself looking for restaurants there.
Rudy's Pizza, Peter Street
Looking for the best pizza in Manchester? Look no further. Rudy's has been named one of the best spots for pizza in all of Europe. And as a bit of a pizza lover, I would totally agree. Everything is freshly made in the open air kitchen, and the pizza takes almost no time at all to cook. The menu is very budget friendly too, so I would definitely add this to your list of cheap places to eat in Manchester.
Radisson Blu, Manchester Airport
It may seem a bit far out, but if you want to treat yourself to some amazing food with a view of the planes, take a train out to the airport! They have a very good breakfast selection too. It's also a great option if you find yourself at the airport with nothing to do before passing through security.
Home Sweet Home, Northern Quarter
As far as unique lunch spots in Manchester goes, Home Sweet Home is the place to go. They do a twist on American style brunch, and it's amazing. Waffles with chicken, bacon, maple syrup and gravy? Why not. Add some halloumi fries and you're sorted.
Teacup Kitchen, Northern Quarter
Mhmm, banana pancakes from Teacup Kitchen. Crispy banana flakes on top, soft and gooey slices inside. With a scoop of delicious cream on the side. If you didn't know this already, some of the best breakfast places in Manchester are located in the Northern Quarter, so I'd recommend having a stroll around the area to see what catches your eye.
Black Milk, Northern Quarter
If you're looking for incredible freakshakes and desserts, Black Milk is where you should go! I mean, just look at these masterpieces. They have some of the best desserts in Manchester and they're really unique too.
Wilson's Social, Northern Quarter
Wilson's Social is a newer restaurant in the Northern Quarter, and another addition to the brunch scene in the city. If you're on the hunt for Vegetarian breakfasts in Manchester, this is a great option.
Tim Hortons, Salford
Canadians can sniff out a Tim Hortons anywhere. And Manchester is no exception. It's located in Salford, just a short bus or tram ride from Manchester's city centre. So get your cravings sorted!
Grand Pacific is absolutely gorgeous, and is right at the top of my list for fancy restaurants in Manchester. It's honestly one of the best places for an afternoon tea experience. All of the food was delicious, and there was even a second round with mini desserts on it! If you've seen the popular television series The Stranger, you might recognize this from one of the scenes.
Marinated Portobello mushroom pizza with truffle oil, and prosecco to go with it? Yes please! Flight Club is one of those restaurants that you really aren't expecting. I've never actually played darts properly before, but they have a digital style dartboard with various games programmed in to it, with instructions on the screen, making it very easy even for first timers. There are cameras surrounding the dart board as well, so you can replay all those special moments. The decor is incredible too, and is definitely one of Manchester's cool restaurants.
We stopped at Menagerie for cocktails, but the food looked amazing as well! There were loads of tables helping themselves to their bottomless brunch. The setting is really unique, and I would say it's one of the best places in Manchester for cocktails.
Revolucion de Cuba is a great spot for some Mexican dishes and the cocktails are huge too! If you don't fancy a big meal, you can choose some smaller dishes from their tapas menu.
Dogs 'n' Dough (now Saloonville)
This is (was?) a really fun restaurant to find in Manchester! It's located just off the main street, next to Albert Square. It's tucked underground so gives you the feeling of a speakeasy! It now goes under the name of Saloonville.
Brewski, Mosley Street
Yes I managed to locate yet another restaurant that has some sort of Canadian dish. Brewski have a couple of twists on poutine, but why mess with an already perfect dish? There aren't many options, but if you're looking for Canadian restaurants in Manchester, this is a great choice.
Alberts Schloss is a very popular Bavarian "bier haus" in the city centre, with an ever changing floral entryway. It gets very busy in the evening, especially around the bar area, but if you want a nice spot for breakfast or brunch they have a fantastic selection! I would say it's one of the best breakfast places in the city, especially if you're down to try their twist on a full English breakfast. There are quite a few vegetarian and vegan options available as well. Did I mention you can bring your dog along too?
Located just past the ever popular Canal Street (if you're looking for gay bars in Manchester this is where you need to head to), Peru Perdu is the city's newest South American cuisine hot spot, and definitely lives up to the hype! It's a pop-up restaurant located in The Cotton Factory, and it has a great selection of dishes. It was my first time trying the Peruvian cuisine and now I'm hooked!
Exchange Food & Drink Lounge, Novotel Manchester Centre
Exchange Food & Drink Lounge is a great restaurant to visit even if you aren't staying at the hotel. We stopped by one evening after a long day of walking around the city and were pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu options.
Where To Stay in Manchester
Novotel Manchester City Centre is in a perfect location to explore Manchester from (with a 12pm check-out). It sits directly opposite Chinatown, and is only a 5 minute walk from Oxford Road train station - handy if you have heavy luggage like we did! Our room was amazing. It had an enormous smart television in it, Bose speaker system, and a very cool glass wall in the shower that changed from transparent to solid with the press of a button! There's a buffet style breakfast served every morning which I'd highly recommend adding to your booking too. They also have an on-sight restaurant, Exchange Food & Drink Lounge, which has a good menu to choose from, and a bar if you just want a drink! We stayed here for three nights and loved everything about it. Prices vary depending on your room choice, but it's definitely good value for money. The Accor Group hotels always have great options for accommodation. We even chose to stay at one when we visited Tallinn in the summer, although be it the ibis.
>> Click here for the most up to date prices at Novotel Manchester City Centre <<
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and check out my blog post covering things to do in Manchester here. If you're looking for apartment style accommodation in the city, this is my recommendation.
P.S. If you have time, why not check out Liverpool too? It's a great city to explore and is pretty close to Manchester. Both Burnley and York aren't too far by car either!
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