Cheap Manchester Lunch

Ah, the lunchtime rush in the city; eating out always poses an eternal struggle between quality, quantity and cost. But, why should you have to settle for a mediocre supermarket meal deal when there are some top spots delivering unbelievable quality on a budget? Now, you'll never worry about your dreaded midday munching again, as we've rounded up some of Manchester's best cheap lunches - from affordable pubs to casual restaurants.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 7th February 2025



Side Street

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Happy Hour - Tuesday - Friday - 4pm - All Cocktails £7/All Spritz £7/Bottle Prosecco £20

A store, bar, kitchen and social space all in one, Side Street is a trendy place for lunch in the Spinningfields area. The dynamic spot is decked out in plush velvet sofas, pretty plants and checkered floors, and you might even find some live music here.

The lunch menu features everything from chicken kiev sandwiches to squash salad to macaroni cheese, which you can pair with spritz cocktails or craft beer.

ASK Italian Manchester

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If you're looking for an affordable lunch in a laid-back venue then head to ASK Italian near Piccadilly Gardens. This spacious destination is filled with natural light, decorated with pretty plants and fairy lights.

There are a number of tasty Italian dishes up for grabs here, including mushroom and truffle calzones, crispy pancetta carbonara, creamy lasagna and much more.

Thaikhun Manchester

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Spinningfields' Thaikun is a vibrant restaurant serving authentic Thai dishes at an affordable price, with a main and a side on the lunch menu setting you back just £12 or the set menu for only £15. Dish include aromatic red curry pork, crispy sweet and sour tofu, classic pad Thai and more.

THE BUTCHER

THE BUTCHER is award-winning Amsterdam, Berlin and Ibiza brand that's delving out bargain lunches at its Urban Playground location in Manchester Arndale. Choose everything from classic cheese-topped patties to truffle-glazed beef, as well as plant-based alternatives.

YES

A cool music space, YES is a great place to spend your lunch hour. The Charles Street spot hosts a lineup of pop-up kitchens, including pizza from Pepperoni Playboy, which offers half-price pizza between 12 and 6pm every single day. Whether you want ti by the slice or whole, you can enjoy toppings like charred corn, goat's cheese and chipotle chicken.

Bundobust

You can eat for well under £15 at Indian kitchen Bundobust. Located in the Northern Quarter, the restaurant is a veggie haven of spicy cooking fronting two dishes for £10.50 come weekday lunch. Choose a main and a side, with options including crispy onion bhajis, okra fries and tarka dhal with rice.

Volta

One of the best places to eat a cheap lunch in Manchester, West Didsbury's Volta is delving out three delicious small plates for £18 on weekdays. While a little more pricey than some of our picks, it's well worth the visit for getting plenty of bang for your buck, thanks to succulent queenie scallops, Padron peppers and sticky halloumi.