If you’re looking for bare bricks, parquet wood flooring, dangly filament light bulbs, Scandi chairs, clipboard menus, natural wine, staff in trainers, chefs in flat caps, and so on, you’ve come to the right place. You get the idea.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most interesting and trendy Restautants to eat in Manchester.
New Century
This former conference centre and dance hall (part of an office complex built for the Co-operative Group) was recently reopened as a music venue and food hall. BaoBros23, winner of the British Street Food Awards, is a standout with its braised pork shoulder bao. Adam Reid, chef at Midland Hotel fine-dining restaurant the French, is giving traditional sandwiches a gourmet makeover at the Butty Shop. Try the hot smoked salmon on Butty Shop’s next-level, oven-bottom muffin, as well as Reid’s inspired northern English take on nachos – crisps topped with onions and Lancashire cheese sauce. Fans of the food hall format should also check out Society and its expansive Vocation Brewery bar, as well as the east Asian-focused Hello Oriental.
The French at the Midland
Manchester’s foodies can breathe easier now that the city has a Michelin star. Even so, many people were surprised that it wasn’t The French who won.
The French is a must for anyone willing to spend money on quality in a luxurious setting, and is now in the capable hands of local lad Adam Reid, who won the BBC’s prestigious ‘Great British Menu’ competition with his signature dish, Golden Empire.The French, somewhat incongruously, is about seasonal variations on British food, with menus offering 4, 6, or 9 courses.
The restaurant exudes a sense of destination, which is enhanced by The Midland’s extensive renovation. A massive, multi-globed chandelier adds bling to every meal, as does the price.
Where The Light Gets In
Where The Light Gets In is a destination for serious foodies worldwide, thanks to an inspired seasonal tasting menu, an impressive wine list, and relaxed but attentive service. The enthusiastic team works in the loft of a lovingly restored Victorian coffee warehouse in Stockport, and many of the ingredients come from their own nearby farm. There’s no denying you’ll spend a lot of money here, but will it be worthwhile? It is, indeed. Visit its pop-up bar and vinyl night for a more affordable taste; it’s hosted in their staff room on select weekends, complete with ironing boards and coats.
The Creameries
The trend – setting borough of Chorlton is teeming with top restaurants, but none quite match The Creameries’ ambition. The kitchen, led by a fearless trio that includes much-loved chef Mary-Ellen McTague, serves beautifully presented set menus for lunch and dinner. Home-smoked mackerel with mustard cream and pickles, as well as roasted local venison with parsnip puree and buttered kale, are among the thoughtful plates.
Yuz
Yuzu, a single Japanese restaurant, emerges from the midst of Chinatown’s colour and noise. It’s a small, serene space with simple, clean lines and shared bench seating.
It was once regarded as one of Manchester’s best ‘hidden gems,’ but a glowing review from food critic Jay Rayner revealed the truth. Reservations are now more difficult to come by, especially during peak times, but they are well worth the wait.
You’ll be rewarded with simple yet authentic Japanese dishes that are flawlessly executed. Everything from their signature gyoza – silky soft steamed dumplings filled with plump, succulent king prawn – to the most wonderfully crisp fried chicken kara-age is delicious. Regular specials include grilled whole sea bream with soy sauce and fresh ginger on the side.
There is no sushi on the menu because, as their website states,’sushi has to be made by a properly trained sushi master, which we are not.’ It’s refreshing to see a restaurant refrain from selling something that it doesn’t feel qualified to produce. However, there is stunning sashimi made with fresh market fish and served over sushi rice in a large donburi bowl.
To drink, there are authentic Japanese beers, plum wine, and a variety of sake to suit everyone’s taste. The specials board frequently features a superb blend of junmai sake and fresh yuzu juice, which is highly recommended.
in London.