Best restaurants in Manchester

Part of Gary Usher’s mini empire, homely yet high-end Kala is found on King Street and offers up superb fairly priced modern European cuisine, along with a wine list that includes plenty of by-the-glass options.

Coffee lovers know that 63 degrees is the perfect temperature at which to serve it, but chef-proprietor Eric Moreau applies the rule to poultry and cake as well. Don’t miss the set weekday lunch either.

Adam Reid has kept The French at the top of Manchester’s restaurant tree for many years, and while the grand dining room is opulent, the vibe feels less formal and the food continues to impress.

A must-visit for burger enthusiasts, this American restaurant serves up just the kind of comfort-rich stalwarts you’d expect - think mac ‘n’ cheese, or the ‘Big Manc’ burger that comes with a belt-busting four patties.

This chic restaurant focuses on seasonal food, natural wines and craft beers. The pared-down menu relies on bold flavour combinations to deliver superb dishes such as salt cod with blood orange, olives, capers and oregano.

Street-inspired comfort food is the order of the day at this popular Indian. Snacks such as pau bhaji are the warm-up act for mains like dum biryani and dhal makhni that promise intense flavours.

This street food marketplace is so jam-packed with food merchants you’ll struggle to choose just one. It’s housed within Smithfield’s grand Grade II-listed Victorian market - grab a seat, pick a stall and get stuck in.

Banish your preconceptions of what a rodizio grill ought to be and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with Fazenda. This classy joint offers expertly grilled meat, a salad bar and a great lunch deal.

Views of Exchange Square and all-day dining make this Harvey Nics restaurant a solid choice for shoppers. Whether you’re stopping for a light lunch, afternoon tea or an evening meal, there’s something for everyone here.

Cantonese cooking doesn’t come much more authentic than Yang Sing. Serving dim sum for 30 years, the chefs here know what they’re doing, so you’re in for a treat. Check out the good-value banqueting options.

At this stylish tapas bar, you are treated to top-flight charcuterie, cheeses and a cavalcade of flawless plates. Make sure to visit the Black Cat upstairs too, a beautiful cocktail bar with a retractable roof.

A brasserie housed within the historic Midland Hotel, Mr Cooper’s is all about good food, cooked with flair and imagination. Dishes champion home-grown seasonal produce and cuts of meat carved by Manchester’s only in-house butcher.

Gloriously kitsch, Hard Rock’s impressive rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and menu of indulgent American-style comfort food continues to pull in the crowds all these years later. It is great for a family meal out too.

The Didsbury bistro of barnstorming chef Gary Usher has a relaxed, homely feel. It’s a convivial place for sampling the confident and concise menu of European fare. Superb-value lunch and early-evening offers also attract locals.

Indian street-food specialists Bundobust have ventured across The Pennines to open this spacious Piccadilly branch. Inside, seating is canteen-style with the enticing menu of snacks and sharing plates being equally informal, and entirely vegetarian too.

The popular Manchester outpost of Dishoom comes in-built with the wealth of experience its various sibling sites have amassed. Expect moreish plates of rich curries, carefully spiced snacks and intriguing cocktails, all at reasonable prices.

You know the Hawksmoor drill: great steaks, banging cocktails, friendly staff and the epic dessert that must not be called a giant Ferrero Rocher. This Manchester outpost also boasts a separate bar for pre-prandial sips.

The lofty title of Manchester’s only Michelin star restaurant is reason enough to visit Mana, but the accolade is backed up by a stunning menu which showcases only the best of produce from the British Isles.

Opened by former MasterChef winner Simon Wood, this is a large, welcoming venue. Whether you opt for the fine-dining a la carte, good-value set lunch or tasting menu, the kitchen allows fresh ingredients to shine.

Found in Manchester’s Little Italy, Rudy’s 14-inch pizzas are made from fresh dough (prepared twice daily), liberally covered in a range of delicious toppings, before being cooked for just 60 seconds in the wood-fired pizza oven.

This stunning space includes a restaurant with a globe-trotting menu, elegant granite bar, and a sparkling winter atrium that serves up afternoon tea and superb cocktails. Ideal for anyone looking for elegance at reasonable prices.

Colourful and with a buzzy atmosphere, The Anthologist is an all-day casual dining joint which can cater to every dining whim. Weekend brunches are particularly popular here, while the pre-theatre menu is a real steal.

Ideal for special occasions, this stylish subterranean restaurant exudes luxury. Bathed in the natural tones of the Pacific coastline, Australasia sets a tranquil scene for dining - prices are high, but beautiful presentation justifies the expense.

Sugo is Manchester’s first southern Italian pasta kitchen. The rustic interiors (including an open kitchen) are part of the appeal, while excellent puddings and a considered list of regional Italian wines are a further draw.

The seasonal menus served up by Martin’s team are made up of carefully-sourced ingredients from renowned UK butchers, fishmongers, game dealers, farmers and cheese makers, resulting in some very fine food indeed. Sweet service too.

On the fringes of Chinatown, Yuzu is something of a stalwart on Manchester’s dining scene. The décor may be minimalist, but Yuzu continues to seduce those looking to sample some of the best Japanese in town.

Instagram-friendly interiors are bolstered by a delectable menu of dim sum and Asian-inspired small plates at this ever popular restaurant and cocktail bar. Don’t forget to snap a pic underneath the pink cherry blossom tree.

Manchester's first Bavarian bier palace, cook haus and bakery is a cavernous space which sees Pilsner Urquell served straight from huge shiny tanks, while meat comes in the form of steak, schnitzel, curry or bratwurst.

Ex-L’Enclume chef Sam Buckley’s curiously named gaff is a loft-style space with views across the rooftops. Diners eat small plates inspired by what has been foraged, fermented and butchered by the team - thrilling combinations abound.

Sky high 20 Stories is the first Manchester project from D&D London. The glamorous restaurant and casual grill offer distinct menus, alongside a cocktail bar and roof terrace boasting 360-degree views of the city.