Fancy something a little laid back? Swap the sky-high spots and boujee bars for something of the chilled out variety. From slick picks touting bare brick walls and simple menus to vegan diners adorned with quirky posters and cosy booths, here's our pick of the best casual restaurants in Manchester.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 14th November 2024
Located in the Trafford Centre, GBK is the ideal destination for a relaxed meal with premium food. Think juicy beef patties topped with cheese and bacon, fillets of crispy barbecue chicken or a whole range of plant-based burgers for no more than £10 to £15 a pop.
A vibrant, lantern-lit haven that accommodates up to 150 diners, Thaikhun Street Food blends tradition with a touch of industrial chic. Enjoy tucking into bottomless Thai delicacies starting at £16.95 - you'll get to try everything from classic dishes like massaman curry to Thaikhun specials like crispy duck pad gaprao. You might just have to come back for round two.
ASK Italian is a casual and affordable spot close to Piccadilly Gardens, serving up all sorts of indulgent treats on their all-day menu. The bright, airy venue has space for big groups, decorated with fairy lights and plants.
Munch on everything from garlic chicken breast pizzas to mushroom ragu pappardelle and crispy pancetta carbonara, paired with classic cocktails and finished off with a Biscoff cheesecake.
Whether you're in the mood for a bottomless brunch, breakfast, or some juicy burgers for lunch and dinner, Slug and Lettuce in Spinningfields, Didsbury, Deansgate, Albert Square, and Piccadilly have got you covered. And let's not forget about their epic 2-4-1 cocktails like pornstar martinis - the perfect company for peri-peri chicken skewers and halloumi bao buns.
Serving authentic Indian food all across the country, Mowgli is a prime dining pick. Stripped back decor and wooden benches contrast bright lighting and an eclectic range of dishes; from halal gunpowder chicken to pred lentil dahl and bunny chow.
Handily nestled in The Lowry Mall, Lime Restuarant is a prime spot for a mid-shop pick-me-up. Take your pick from a mega menu of nibbles, sharing platters and mains such as tempura monkfish, king prawn and chorizo risotto and Thai style noodle salad.
Looking for a light bite in Manchester's Northern Quarter? Look no further than BAB, a light and airy space serving up uber-luxe kebabs and delicious cocktails. The menu here is made up of both traditional lamb and halloumi offerings, as well as a few quirky dishes like the swordfish souvlaki.
When it comes to casual dining in Manchester, you really can't go wrong with Honest Burgers. Touting chilled out interiors and an easy-going outdoor terrace alongside options for all sorts of diets, this is a no-brainer.
With a food court-inspired space and an Asian supermarket on site too, Hello Oriental is perfect for a Pan-East Asian meal in a casual setting. The menu features dishes from across China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and more.
Our favourites? The Korean ramen-carbonara fusion, as well as soft shell crab burgers, the Sichuan hot and sour hot pot, custard bao and Chinese roast char siu pork.
Located in the heart of Spinningfields, Comptoir Libanais is the go-to for impressive Lebanese cooking. The first outpost in the city, this Middle Eastern restaurant is bringing you the likes of flatbreads, mezze and burgers finished off with baklawa and mango cheesecake.
Head to the Northern Quarter where this chilled out pizzeria has got you covered for some authentic Neapolitan eats six days a week. From the classic Margherita to the sausage and broccoli-laden Vesuvio and plenty of vegan options, they're one of the top spots in the city to get your slice on.
After-work drinks? Chilled out dining? Make your way to this Northern Quarter restaurant where breakfast is served until 4pm and signature cocktails include French Martinis and Bermuda Swizzles. There's even a huge selection of beers; from craft cans to tap tipples.
Another London fave, Shoryu Ramen has headed north, bringing their refreshing take on Japanese cooking along for the ride. Whether you're after spicy veggie tonkotsu or meaty street food, you'll find it all paired with sake flights and creative cocktails.
Across Liverpool and Manchester, this quirky restaurant is all about pizza by the slice. Happy hour is big at Crazy Pedro's; with £2 slices, £10 pizzas and 2 for 4 cocktails. If you're after an affordable and casual restaurant in Manchester, this is it.
