Best Food in the Northern Quarter Manchester City

63 Degrees

After Parisian-style fine dining without leaving Manchester city? 63 Degrees is the real deal, right down to its family-run staff. Chef Eric Moreau and his wife Florence only use French or locally sourced, fresh ingredients, with French classics such as escargots, côte de boeuf and crème brûlée all keeping pride of place on the menu. The name comes from chef Eric’s unique philosophy, where he believes 63°C to be the perfect temperature for low-and-slow cooking. We’re delighted to say it pays off – the meats and poultry on the menu are beautifully tender and melt in your mouth, making this a truly delightful culinary experience.

The Bay Horse Tavern

If you’re looking for good, old-fashioned pub grub, but without skimping on quality, you’ve come to the right place at The Bay Horse Tavern. A modern take on a Victorian Bay, the Tavern boasts everything from pies to fish finger butties and even gammon and egg, all served with thrice-cooked chips. If you’re after simple, but great quality food, this is one of the best places to eat in the Northern Quarter. But it’s not just everyday dinner that this place shines – it also specialises in bottomless brunch on weekends, and a seriously hard-to-beat Sunday roast. Situated on Thomas Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this is cosy British cooking at its best.

Cane & Grain

When you simply can’t decide what you want look no further than Cane & Grain – three floors, each with a distinctive dining and drinking experience. The ground floor is all about good honest burgers and ribs, with some unique sides including truffle poutine and collard greens in chilli butter. The second floor elevates the experience with the Science & Industry cocktail bar, whose menu aims to take drinkers on a journey. The third and final floor is The Liar’s Lounge, a Tiki bar with no shortage of drinks options, but we recommend something from their extensive rum selection.

Chakalaka

If you fancy trying something a bit different to the norm, why not head to Chakalaka on Oldham Street? Serving authentic South African cuisine, Chakalaka’s menu combines street food and traditional influences to create a deliciously unique list of starters, mains and deserts. Go for the Bangers & Pap, a twist on the British classic, using boerewors sausage made fresh by a local South African butcher, and pap, made from fluffy maize with a similar texture to mashed potatoes. Follow with a Dom Pedro boozy milkshake, and you’ve got the perfect meal.

Sicilian NQ

Serving traditional Sicilian food, drink, cocktails and gelato, Sicilian NQ is authentic Italian food at its best. Try the customer-favourite arancini, and a range of delicious pastas before diving into the dessert menu, with tiramisu, baba’ napoletano, and of course, cannolis. Fast food-style pizza and dough balls, this is not – if you’re after the authentic Sicilian experience, be sure to book your table.

BAB

A kebab is always a great idea after an evening on the town in Manchester, and BAB in the Northern Quarter takes the classic dish to a new level. Homemade marinades and sauces and a menu with every combination of meat and veggie options imaginable, BAB is, of course, famed for its kebabs. But its meze options, including goats’ cheese bon bons and Greek-style meatballs, are the perfect smaller bites if you find yourself peckish. For lunch in the Northern Quarter, their reduced menu is the perfect pick-me-up for a day in Manchester.

TNQ

A true fine dining experience, TNQ aims to bring classic British produce into the future, with its bold takes on classic cuisines. The menu here changes every three months with the seasons, but you can always rely on succulent British meat and poultry, fresh and exciting fish options, and indulgent sides, all playing on classic British dishes. Described as a ‘modern food lover’s paradise’, if you’re a foodie at heart, TNQ is not to be missed.

Evuna

If you’re in the mood for a more Mediteranean feel, stepping into Evuna feels like stepping into a Spanish taverna – with tapas, traditional Spanish dishes, and delicious wine all at your fingertips. Enjoy Iberian Jamón croquetas and Galician style octopus aside a beautiful dish of traditional Paella and wash it all down with award-winning Spanish wines from family-run bodegas. If a hidden gem is what you’re after, you’ve uncovered it at Evuna.

Ducie Street Warehouse

Self-described as Manchester’s social hub, walking into Ducie Street Warehouse feels like meeting up with an old friend – one who really knows how to cook. While the venue runs regular events and gatherings in its social calendar, the food in this Northern Quarter gem is where they really shine, and is the perfect accompaniment to such a vibrant social setting. From the locally-reared lamb koftas with pickled cucumber, or chipotle oyster mushrooms with chive aioli, or the decadent gingerbread sticky toffee pudding, you’ll already be setting up your next trip when paying the bill.

Cottonopolis

For Japanese food that’s second-to-none, in a friendly atmosphere that even welcomes furry friends to the show, Cottonopolis earns a well-deserved spot on our list. From sushi to gyozas and dim sum, and an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan options, Cottonopolis’s menu is classically refined, only offering the best of each ingredient. What’s more, the food is not the only attraction at this Northern Quarter restaurant – located in a stunning Grade II Manchester building, the relaxed and comfortable setting is offset by fabulous people-watching views over Newton Street.