What Are The Best Restaurants In Manchester?
August 2026
In Manchester we are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and deciding where to grab a bite to eat can be an overwhelming decision. Therefore, to help narrow your options we decided to ask our staff for some recommendations to find out what are some of the best restaurants in Manchester and asked them to comment on what they love about it.
With a focus on homemade, high quality Vietnamese food Viet Shack offers a range from Pho to Bahn Mi and even burgers with a Vietnamese twist.
“My favourite is Viet Shak, beautiful authentic Vietnamese food, always a friendly relaxed atmosphere and the lychee martinis are the best I have ever tasted!!”
Rudy’s is a nationwide Pizza restaurant that has become a Manchester staple in recent years, often put forward as the best spot for pizza in town. Offering authentic Neapolitan style pizza made with authentic ingredients and with a variety of toppings to choose from you’re bound to find the right pizza for you.
“Mine is Rudy's - I love a Negroni Aperitivo, Calabrese (with a pint of Poretti) as my main and Tiramisu for dessert!”
“Canto! Great vibe, great service and amazing Sangria! The food is always lovely”
“Butterbird in Ancoats - the cocktails are the best I've had, not to mention the Sangria and the food is also very yum!”
Located in the heart of China Town amongst city icons like Happy Seasons and Little Yang Sing, Pho Cue has managed to stand out despite only opening its doors in mid 2020. A family run restaurant offering a taste of Vietnam that is prepared traditionally but with a modern twist.
“Easily the best Vietnamese food in Manchester, the sweet and spicy chicken is incredible and that’s just a starter! For the main dishes you’re spoilt for choice, I find a new favourite every time I go”
“My favourite restaurant in town is Skof. The food and service are awesome and the best dish on the menu is the Lightly Set Miso Custard, bowl lickingly good!”
Viet Shack - Sian, Office Manager
Starting as an idea between 2 best friends cooking at their annual summer bbq, Viet Shack has now established itself as one of Ancoats favourite restaurants and even has a stall in the Arndale markets.With a focus on homemade, high quality Vietnamese food Viet Shack offers a range from Pho to Bahn Mi and even burgers with a Vietnamese twist.
“My favourite is Viet Shak, beautiful authentic Vietnamese food, always a friendly relaxed atmosphere and the lychee martinis are the best I have ever tasted!!”
Rudy’s - Louis, Sales Consultant
Rudy’s is a nationwide Pizza restaurant that has become a Manchester staple in recent years, often put forward as the best spot for pizza in town. Offering authentic Neapolitan style pizza made with authentic ingredients and with a variety of toppings to choose from you’re bound to find the right pizza for you.
“Mine is Rudy's - I love a Negroni Aperitivo, Calabrese (with a pint of Poretti) as my main and Tiramisu for dessert!”
Canto - Joe, Property Manager
From the same team behind El Gato Negro on King Street, Canto offers modern Mediterranean tapas in a relaxed, casual setting. They also have a wide range of house cocktails to sample and with outdoor seating it is a perfect visit on those sunny Ancoats days.“Canto! Great vibe, great service and amazing Sangria! The food is always lovely”
Butter Bird - Ellie, Sales Consultant
If you’re a fan of all things chicken then Butter Bird is the place to be! Their speciality is their rotisserie chicken but that’s not all that’s on the menu as they offer a wide range of sides and desserts and a lunch menu until 3pm. They’re also known for their delicious cocktails which are a must try.“Butterbird in Ancoats - the cocktails are the best I've had, not to mention the Sangria and the food is also very yum!”
Pho Cue - Joe, Digital Marketer
Located in the heart of China Town amongst city icons like Happy Seasons and Little Yang Sing, Pho Cue has managed to stand out despite only opening its doors in mid 2020. A family run restaurant offering a taste of Vietnam that is prepared traditionally but with a modern twist.
“Easily the best Vietnamese food in Manchester, the sweet and spicy chicken is incredible and that’s just a starter! For the main dishes you’re spoilt for choice, I find a new favourite every time I go”
Skof - Jo, Property Viewer
Tom Barnes was offered a Roux Scholarship in 2014, a high honour amongst upcoming UK chefs and after working at multiple Michelin star restaurants Tom went solo and opened Skof in 2024. His vision was to offer high quality food and service seen in high end restaurants but without the pretentiousness instead offering a welcoming vibe whilst still presenting high end food.“My favourite restaurant in town is Skof. The food and service are awesome and the best dish on the menu is the Lightly Set Miso Custard, bowl lickingly good!”