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Best restaurants in Northern Quarter

Manchester’s Northern Quarter is only a mere 0.3sq km and is set north of Piccadilly and South of Swan Street. This trendy neighbourhood in Manchester is known for its bohemian bars, live music venues, and it’s also jam packed with first class eateries that are well worth a visit on your trip to the city. No matter what you’re after, be it a super indulgent cafe for brunch, a pared back Indian restaurant or a fine dining French brasserie, this compact area of town has it all. Check out the list below for our top picks of where to dine in the area.

Updated on 22 February 2024

Manchester has long been considered one of the most major cities in the UK outside of London, with its strong links to Premier League football, world renowned galleries, and being home to legendary indie rock band Oasis. Of course with the UKs food scene moving up the ranks, it’s only natural that Manchester follows suit, and now there’s an endless list of top tier restaurants ready to feed locals and visitors alike.

With so many different areas of the city, and each one boasting it’s own style and unique vibe, you’re able to pick and choose where to head depending on what you’re after. The Northern Quarter first came about in the 1980/1990s, when a group of like minded people decided that they wanted to create a space where independent shops, restaurants and bars could come together and thrive. Now it’s become one of the trendiest parts of town, with a wide range of live music venues, late night bars, and restaurants of various cuisines from Indian street food to the humble burger, and not forgetting one of Manchester’s most impressive food halls.

Whilst we’ve only got a small surface area to pick from, we still had a hard job trying to narrow down the best restaurants in the Northern Quarter. With new places constantly appearing on the scene, there’s always fresh talent to explore, and no better way to start than by working through our list of favourite spots.

63 Degrees

63 Degrees

20 Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1PN

63 Degrees brings a slice of Paris to Manchester - so expect everything from snails with a Vouvray reduction to chicken with truffle sauce. If you’re looking to head somewhere for a special occasion, there’s no better place to go.

French
Feel Good Club

Feel Good Club

26-28 Hilton Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M1 2EH

The Feel Good Club aims to spread love and positivity, and personally we don’t need any other reason to visit. But just in case that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have options like Terry’s chocolate orange stuffed cookies, and mac and cheese on garlic toast.

Under £30
British
Purezza Manchester

Purezza Manchester

77 High Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1DH

Purezza’s arrival in the Northern Quarter has been a welcomed addition to the city, with the restaurant championing vegan and (mostly) gluten free food. The inclusivity doesn’t stop there, there’s even a dog menu to cater for all of those peckish pooches.

£30 - £49
Vegan
Almost Famous Burgers Manchester

Almost Famous Burgers Manchester

49-51 Edge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1HW

The humble Almost Famous is not to be judged by its namesake, because these burgers have built quite the reputation for themselves. Filled with everything from slow cooked pork to creamy blue cheese sauce, this menu is not for the faint hearted.

Under £30
North American
Burgers
Federal Cafe & Bar

Federal Cafe & Bar

Basil Chambers, 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1EY

Federal Cafe is one of Manchester’s most celebrated brunch spots, with a combination of healthy treats and indulgent plates to kick off your day. Cheddar corn fritters with bacon, avo and eggs anyone?

£30 - £49
Bars
Street Urchin

Street Urchin

72 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M4 5BG

Street Urchin offers an ever changing menu, so you’ll have to contact the restaurant for the day's dishes, but expect a globetrotting menu from classic French to fresh and zingy Vietnamese.

British
The Bay Horse Tavern

The Bay Horse Tavern

35-37 Thomas Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1NA

Conveniently situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter, The Bay Horse Tavern offers a laid back retreat from the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s city centre. Tuck into some proper pub grub and knock back a pint or two, whilst taking in the surroundings.

Under £30
Pubs
Bundobust Manchester

Bundobust Manchester

61 Piccadilly, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 2AG

Bundobust is the Indian street food haven in the Northern Quarter that offers everything from beer snacks like bombay mix to paneer curry and paratha. Don’t forget to sample some beer from the team's brewery which is made with the food in mind.

£30 - £49
Vegetarian
Indian
Ezra and Gil

Ezra and Gil

20 Hilton Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M1 1FR

This neighbourhood hang out is deeply passionate about all things food and coffee. Now a favourite amongst locals, this cafe has won the hearts of visitors through the likes of indulgent breakfasts, light lunches, and larger plates of pasta.

Under £30
Mackie Mayor

Mackie Mayor

1 Eagle Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5BU

Mackie Mayor is one of the top food halls in the city, and provides Northern Quarter with everything from fried chicken burgers to gyoza dumplings in chilli oil. Housed inside a former Smithfield Market building.

Under £30
Pizza
Noodles
Mexican
Vegetarian
Tapas
Steak
Bars
Italian
International
Fusion
TNQ Restaurant & Bar

TNQ Restaurant & Bar

108 High Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1HQ

TNQ is literally named after The Northern Quarter, and is a neighbourhood restaurant that welcomes both locals and visitors alike. Focusing on sustainably sourced British produce, the menus here change every three months and can include anything from Lancashire beef carpaccio to herb crusted cod fillet.

£30 - £49
British
Mala

Mala

8 Dale Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M1 1JA

Mala boasts the most magical garden in the Northern Quarter (and maybe even the whole city), with twinkling lights in every direction, and wooden pergolas laced with green foliage. Of course the food’s equally as impressive, with cheese drenched pizzas and crispy chicken wings with fries.

Under £30
Pizza
Burgers
Barbecue
This & That

This & That

3 Soap Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1EW

This & That has built a reputation as one of Manchester’s best curry houses, and along with unbeatable flavour, it comes with a modest price tag. The menu changes each day, so you can pop down everyday to try something new.

Under £30
Indian

If you’re looking to broaden your horizons and venture through the entire city, we’ve also scoured the whole of Manchester for our favourite spots, whether you’re heading to Deansgate, Piccadilly or just on the outskirts. Tuck into anything from the incredible selection of Indian restaurants to fine dining at some of the area’s top restaurants - this is a city that has it all. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Manchester to find out exactly what it has to offer.

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