A hub of music and culture, this area of Manchester is a famously trendy, fun place to hang out. However, it's not all just cafes, thrift stores and record shops; it also houses an eclectic mix of fantastic places to eat when exploring the city.
From boozy bottomless brunches to vegan junk food, stone-baked pizza to juicy fried chicken, chow down on some of the tastiest dishes at the best restaurants in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 16th April 2025
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In the mood for a little Kentucky loving? Then Yard & Coop is the spot for you. Chow down on juicy buttermilk fried chicken with clucking good flavours from across the globe, whether it be Korean coatings, bourbon barbecue delights or a touch of spice with Scotch Bonnet chillies.
As for the venue itself, expect casual, laid-back interiors filled with wooden bench seating and hanging lights, alongside paintings from local artist Mei Tse.
Italian restaurants in the Northern Quarter don't get much better than Purezza, especially if you're after somewhere that's suitable for vegans. They serve everything from pastas to urgers here, but specialise in pizza, using locally sourced ingredients to cook them fresh.
These wood-fired, plant-based pizzas are bringing you all the cheese, meatball and pepperoni alternatives you can imagine, having won them awards from the World Pizza Championships and National Pizza of the Year in the past.
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Boasting some of the most impressive burgers around, Shack Bar & Grill is a quirky two-storey venue that's a restaurant and cocktail bar all in one. Sip on your favourite craft beers and delicious concoctions, while devouring beef patties topped with mac 'n' cheese or a fried buttermilk chicken burger.
The stylish space is filled with neon lights and exposed brick walls, and there are pool tables here too. They also offer bottomless brunch every single day, starting from only £32.50 per person for free-flowing drinks and a breakfast dish.
Tucked right in the heart of Manchester's ever-vibrant Northern Quarter, Wilson's Social is your go-to from sunrise to last orders. Whether you're after a laid-back coffee spot, a lively dinner with mates, or somewhere to catch live DJs on the weekend, Wilson's has you covered.
Expect a cracking selection of over 18 beers on tap, featuring standout local brews and top-tier craft picks, alongside a slick cocktail and wine list. With a courtyard for sunny pints, a pool table for pre-game hangs, and brunch served until 4pm daily, you might find it hard to leave. The menu spans burgers, flatbreads, small plates, and all the satisfying bar classics you crave.
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Great places to eat in Northern Quarter? Make your way over to Church Street to discover On The Hush. Boasting Instagrammable interiors, from the pink telephone box to the dangling foliage, it's a stunning spot to dine in.
The menu is just as enticing as the decor, featuring the likes of chicken chorizo pasta, spicy halloumi burgers or truffle mac and cheese. They also serve a killer bottomless brunch, complete with 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails and a main dish, all for just £35.95 per person.
BAB is a casual Northern Quarter restaurant specialising in amped up kebabs as you've never seen before. Sourcing all their ingredients from local suppliers, the menu here is made up of succulent kebabs and gorgeous flatbreads washed down with a menu of unique cocktails.
There are some great offers to take advantage of as well - think £10 lunch deals from Monday to Thursday, alongside a happy hour from 5 until 7pm Sunday to Friday.
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After cheap restaurants in the Northern Quarter Manchester? If you're looking for a tasty bottomless brunch, burgers or pizza, Foundry Project is a go-to. The stylish space is filled with rustic wooden walls, colourful tiles and lots of greenery, and there's a cocktail bar downstairs.
The morning and afternoon are a particular favourite, as you devour full breakfasts, chicken and waffles or shakshuka while sipping unlimited drinks for two hours - think Aperol spritz, prosecco and pints.
A cosy gastropub on Thomas Street, The Bay Horse Tavern is a great spot for heart British meals, particularly Sunday roasts. Sink into their cosy leather booths, surrounded by plants, to enjoy seasonal fare with a refreshing pint or two.
Munch your way through a menu of beer-battered fish and chips, rolled pork belly, mushroom and leek pudding and so much more.
Taking inspiration from the famous mid-20th Century bar in New York, this cool restaurant is a top spot for bottomless brunch and American eats. They also serve some seriously delicious cocktails here, which you can enjoy alongside resident DJ sets on the weekend.
As for the menu? Expect a range of delicious fare, from smoky chipotle chicken burgers to Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and halloumi breakfast burritos.
Tariff & Dale is ticking all of our boxes when to comes to finding somewhere to eat. Set in a historic building that was previously used to produce textiles and metalwork, the restaurant features cool industrial touches, complete with steel girders in the basement that were used to reinforce the floor after a bomb hit it in World War Two.
You can enjoy a wide variety of classic cocktails and British beer, as well as a menu of juicy burgers, loaded fries or sourdough pizza. Even better? They serve roast dinners on Sundays.
This area is not just home to stylish street eats and cute cafes, it also houses some pretty great fine dining, such as 63 Degrees. Taste your way through elegant French cuisine, all cooked at the optimum temperature of 63° for an unrivalled taste experience.
This technique has been perfected over the years by chef and owner Eric Moreau, and he uses it to prepare everything from chicken with truffle sauce to monkfish stew. Plus, their £32 weekday set menu is ideal if you're after the best Northern Quarter restaurants for lunch.
Mediterranean spot Pupa has to be right up there when it comes to cool restaurants in the Northern Quarter, thanks to its simple decor, exposed brick walls and huge windows letting in natural light.
This beauty specialises in grill dishes, ranging from a variety of steaks to rosemary lamb chops and whole meat feast platters, but there's also burgers calamari, mezze and more. Even better, there's a £29 steak and wine offer from Sunday to Thursday.
After a restaurant for pizza in the Northern Quarter? Noi Quattro is hailed for its authentic Neapolitan-style slices, with plenty of airy dough slathered in glorious amounts of toppings. Accompanying your food? Views into the open kitchen and swing seating for a bit of added fun while you dine.
The independent venue is run by four friends from Italy, who are all about great food and even better customer service. And if you want to try making these sumptuous slices yourself, then take part in one of their pizza masterclasses.
TNQ, The Northern Quarter restaurant & Bar, is somewhat of an institution among locals in Manchester. Run by renowned chef Anthony Fielden, this classy destination uses the very best ingredients from across the British Isles, served in a relaxed dining space that boasts exposed wooden floors and huge windows overlooking the Smithfield Fish Markets.
The stylish independent venue specialises in delicious British classics such as sirloin steaks, slow-cooked pork belly and roast chicken, with plenty of deals on its express lunch menu if you're a little strapped for cash - think three courses for £26. But don't just take our word for how good this place it, as it's won Leading Restaurant of the Year in the This Is Manchester Awards in both 2019 and 2022.
A list of Manchester restaurants in the Northern Quarter wouldn't be complete without Evelyn's Cafe Bar, a stunning spot boasting bare brick walls and high ceilings, framed by insane amounts of foliage and plant life. They're famed for brunch, but evening small plates and cocktails are just as tasty.
Head there between 5 and 7pm on weekdays to enjoy 50% off all wines, which you can pair with dishes such as fried courgette with whipped feta, barbecued mackerel in ginger or a classic cheeseburger.
Trof is a Northern Quarter staple spread across three floors, with a buzzing atmosphere that makes it ideal for after work drinks, casual dinners and pre-drinks. As well as serving a menu of international dishes, the restaurant bar has an equally eclectic cocktail selection to match.
You can enjoy brunch right through to dinner here, as well as spectacular Sunday roasts. We recommend the beef shin and Guinness pie, followed by a Baileys tiramisu.
Been searching for the best tapas in the Northern Quarter? Then you've no doubt heard of Spanish spot Evuna, whose second location is around these parts. They've got a vast selection of unique and unusual wines, which you'll find lining their shelves in front of exposed brick walls.
Tuck into the likes of sauteed garlic wild mushrooms, pan-seared seabass fillet, chorizo in red wine and so much more, as well as larger paella dishes.
