We get it. As much as we’d like to eat in fancy Michelin star restaurants every night, we’re pretty sure our bank accounts would have something to say about it if we did indulge in this fantasy. Similarly, the idea of getting home from a long day of work and cooking a great meal everyday can, for some, be equally as ambitious. So how about we meet in the middle? Manchester is full to the brim with great restaurants that won’t drain your bank account, so next time you just can’t find the motivation to stay in and cook, but are seriously low on funds, try one of these cheap eats Manchester has to offer.
Why: As its first restaurant outside of London, Shoryu decided to show the people of Manchester that there is more to ramen than Wagamama lets on. Located in the centre just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly, it's handily located for next next time you're catching a train into the city. On the menu you’ll find, tonkotsu – a pork broth ramen topped with char siu bbq pork or a chicken katsu curry ramen which merges together two of the most popular Japanese dishes in the UK. Ramen's £12-15 and since they are super filling, you won't need to order anything else, unless you want to of course.
Where: 1 Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RG
Why: This restaurant is nestled in a back ally off Soap Street, and at first glance it may not be the first place you’d think to find somewhere good to eat. However if you do decide to venture down to This & That you’ll be met with a range of curries that change daily, all paired with rice and priced at £6 or under. On the menu you can choose from a selection of lamb curries, daal or chicken as well as interchangeable dishes that vary daily.
Where: 3 Soap Street, M4 1EW
The Mess Café
Why: Not only will you be able to get a slap up meal at The Mess Café, but you’ll be contributing to a better society too. The café is a registered charity dedicated to helping people who have previously been homeless, in prison or rehab rebuild their lives by giving them stable jobs that will help them gain vital work experience. On the menu you can expect the likes of homemade steak and red wine pie, burgers and burritos all for under a tenner.
Where: Harpers Road, M22 4RG
I Am Pho
Why: Decorated just as a café would be in Vietnam, this Pho restaurant serves up the hot comforting noodle soup in the most authentic way using homemade noodles and special broths, all for the bargain price of £7. Although Pho is in the name, there is also a range of other Vietnamese dishes including banh mi baguettes with a choice of fillings for £3 and com bo kho beef stew.
Where: 44 George Street, M1 4HF
Jerk Shack
Why: For some tasty and authentic Caribbean food, Jerk Shack has everything you could possibly want. From jerk chicken with coleslaw, rice and peas, to beef patties and curried chicken you can try a range of Caribbean cuisine at this trendy graffiti decorated restaurant. With a dedicated customer base in the city, get there early because this place gets busy. Everything on this menu is around the £5 mark so ideal for a cheap but filling meal.
Where: 12 Church Street, M4 1AH
Why: Using traditional Neapolitan pizza making methods, Rudy’s pizza is among some of the most authentic you’ll find in the city. Blasted in a hot stone pizza oven for 60 seconds, you won’t get a hard crispy pizza; instead you’ll have a chewy delicious pizza that is best eaten with your hands. Toppings wise it keeps things simple. Using the best ingredients, you’ll find the likes of traditional margherita, and tarantina with anchovies, capers and olives all under £10.
Where: 9 Cotton Street, M4 5BF
YES
Why: If you fancy partying the night away and then re-fuelling with some pizza or fried chicken you’ll want to pay YES Manchester a visit. This bar and food terrace has two options in the form of Pepperoni Playboy Pizza and Fire Bird Hope fried chicken. On the pizza menu you’ll find playfully named slices like Pepperoni Playboy, Psycho Kaler and Gary from Admin (margherita) all priced around the £3 mark. If you opt for burgers expect chicken with koji mayo or a vegan seitan burger, and skin-on fries. The best part? After chowing down you can get straight back to partying.
Where: 38 Charles Street, M1 7DB
Why: Claiming to be the UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant, if you are the kind of person who can’t bear to eat anything without cheese on it Northern Soul Grilled Cheese is a must visit. You’ll be met with bright yellow décor, and hipster servers ready to cook up cheesy delights from the menu. Opt for the likes of the classic grilled cheese with red onion chutney, mac attack – mac n cheese in a sandwich – and poutine fries with cheese curds and gravy. With everything being priced under £6 you really must visit for the bargain alone.
Where: 11 Church Street, M4 1PN
Why: Paying homage to the 80s skate scene, Cane & Grain is covered in retro skate posters and industrial interiors. The menu is filled with carb and cheese filled treats such as the truffle cheese fries, baby back ribs and a shrimp po boy with chipotle mayo. If you just fancy popping in for a drink, the quirkily named cocktails Shaun of the Dead and Radioactive man are worth a try. Amost everything is under £10 too.
Where: 49 -51 Thomas Street, M4 1NA
Why: As far as burger joints go, you’ll struggle to find a city that doesn’t have a least a dozen to choose from. Almost Famous has all the qualities you’d expect from a casual burger restaurant. Exposed brick? Check. Quirky art? Check. Ironic burger names? Check. But all these qualities are what make a burger chain so successful so why fix what ain’t broke, right? On the menu you’ll find the River Phoenix double cheeseburger, Triple Nom cheeseburger with pulled pork and bbq sauce and the Pizza Sucks burger with every filling you could possibly imagine all priced under £12.
Where: 100-102 High St, M4 1HP
Chapati Café
Why: Serving up traditional Indian thalis, you don’t have to pick just one curry to enjoy at Chapati Café. Instead you can pick three all presented in traditional metal trays similar to the ones used in India at lunch times. The menu changes slightly everyday but you can order the likes of chicken karahi, tarka dhal and lamb with paprika and garam masala. All for under £10 you can’t get much better on the price front.
Where: 496B Wilbraham Road, M21 9AS
Umami
Why: This Japanese restaurant specialises in all things noodles, with a range of different types to choose from. From ramen to wok fried or soup, you’re spoilt for choice on the noodle front. On the menu you’ll find teriyaki chicken ramen, laksa chicken soup and vegetable pad thai, and, you guessed it, everything is under £10 here too.
Where: 149-153 Oxford Rd, M1 7EE
Not in Manchester any time soon? Have a look at our list of cheap eats in London instead