The 30 Best Lively restaurant in Manchester

“Amazing home cooked food, such great balanced flavours and truly delicious, healthy menu. Tasted like real Eastern European cooked in the home, which is actually what the lovely host told us: all cooked by his wife. Unbelievable desert, nothing was too heavy, but rich and layered tastes. Wine didn't disappoint either. Looking forward to trying again!”

“Amazing. Every time I’m in Manchester I come here. Food is always flavourful, curries and sauces are to die for and I’ve never been dissatisfied. Bread is the perfect texture and has a fantastic fermented flavour :) Price is just right for what you’re getting and the portions are great! Highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t tried Ethiopian or to anyone who’s looking for it in Manchester. Very very good eat Make sure you have an Ethiopian beer and a cinnamon tea at the end, it is really worth it!”

“The food was very delicious, and affordable, drinks were affordable and glad there were choices to choose. The DJ was great, a nice friendly place to celebrate with friends or partner.”

“I ate here last night with my two children and it was amazing. The food was delicious, fresh, came out quickly, and looked fantastic. The service was excellent, the staff were friendly and helpful, and it was lovely and clean. It was my 8-year-old's birthday and the staff made him feel so special. They brought out his cake with a sparkling candle and happy birthday music playing. He loved it!”

“A nice fine dining restaurant with absolutely delicious food. We visited the restaurant for lunch and it was an amazing experience. There are various options for both vegetarian and non vegetarians. The portions were really good. Above all we were welcomed and served by really warm and courteous staff. We would definitely recommend. Note: Visited the place in October 23”

“Located in the Hyatt Hotel and operated by them. You can choose from the bar and restaurant menu so a decent choice. Waiting staff were excellent, as was the food. With drinks, expect to pay at least 30 a head for a main and a drink. They add 12pct on top for service FYI. Did I say the food was delicious?”

“Brilliant place, a restaurant where the owner and all members of staff really care about the customer. Personal touch is bring met at the door by the manager. Food is really very good. Decor is lovely. Highly recommended.”

“Had an amazing time at Hawksmoor Manchester. The team’s hospitality was spot-on — friendly, genuine, and made us feel really well looked after. Started the evening with a few cocktails at the bar, which were fantastic. The steak was the real highlight — perfectly cooked medium rare, juicy, and full of flavour. Honestly one of the best I’ve had in a long while, and I’ve been to quite a few steakhouses! Lovely ambience too — perfect for a relaxed date night.”

“Had our first visit last night, so impressed, gorgeous food, lovely people, great atmosphere and real value for money. We will definitely be back! Soon!”

“The food was lovely and our waitress Pratikshe was so sweet and attentive. Lots of gluten free and vegan options. Will definitely come back!”

“The food was amazing. It was my first time trying Injera and I'd love to go again. Lots of vegetarian options too.”

“Fantastic range of starters and main courses for all tastes, from mild curries to extra spicy ones. You won’t miss the fact they don’t have meat in. The in restaurant service is excellent. Not the cheapest, but you are paying for quality of ingredients and presentation. Highly recommended for vegetarians, vegans and those wanting to try something different.”

“Visited this place a few weeks ago with friends and had to come back quickly with my father (who went to university in Sri Lanka) because the food was so good! Service was warm and friendly and everything we ate was authentic, delicious and great value for money. Will come back again very soon, thank you!”

“Everything was fantastic!! We had a private family function and everything went smoothly, the food was delicious the atmosphere was amazing and the vibes unmatched. Hajer and the team were amazing and very accommodating, made the process stress free and everything ran smoothly from decor to food timings and music. Family and friends had nothing but praise. I cannot recommend enough, will definetly be having future functions here.”

“Booked two tables for a large group for a family baby shower, dim sum being a pre-requisite for the mummy to be. Dim Sum and then some, excellent quality and range of options. Mains were delicious and good size portions for sharing. Staff were extremely attentive and nothing was too much trouble. I would definitely recommend and will be back!”

“Great quality food for a more upscale version of a British lunch. The scallops were outstanding so was the T bone steak in particular as cooked to perfection, but was all great. Lovely restaurant in Hale village and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend.”

“Great authentic food, one of the few who taste like a slice of their country. Super friendly staff, one of my favourite local restaurants.”

“My experience at Las Iguanas was truly exceptional! From the moment we walked in, the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff made us feel right at home. The food was incredible – the buritto with steak and chicken was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour, and the presentation was beautiful. We can't wait to return to try more! Highly recommended for a wonderful dining experience.”

“Wonderful Chinese restaurant, lovely staff, great food and a nice environment. Very clean restaurant, great variety of menu choices, average prices. Would definitely recommend this gem.”

“Great spot for always having at least one gluten free beer on tap, usually a couple. I'm a big fan of when they've got locals like Brightside. Generally a good atmosphere whenever I come. Sometimes a lot busier than others, probably event related as it's very close to a number of live venues. That said, I can often find a seat in the second, quieter room pictured below. I would appreciate GF food options, but I understand this is exceptionally difficult considering they do pizzas. The music is almost never particularly loud, which means you can always converse. The only setback would be that some of the beers can be pricey, but this is absolutely to be expected given they are quality craft beers rather than mass products, and I say this is one of the few spots where it's worth it”

“Bianca was amazing tonight and looked after us so well. Great food and speedy service too. Thank you”

“Cocktails were 10/10!! It’s hard to make a delicious Pornstar Martini but they so good we went back for seconds!! Lovely atmosphere and our server V was very friendly and made the best cocktails! Cant wait to go back! So good to have a local fab cocktail bar!!”

“Review of the Breakfast at Vita Student I’m genuinely impressed with the breakfast provided at Vita Student. Every weekday morning, students can enjoy a generous and varied buffet that includes cereals, sweet and savoury pastries, bagels, waffles, fresh fruits, yoghurt, salads, and a selection of cold meats and cheeses — all completely free of charge between 7am and 10am. It’s the perfect way to start the day: nutritious, well-balanced, and full of options. The quality and consistency of the breakfast really set Vita Student apart from other accommodations. Highly recommended! Amir Guemari”

“Lovely aparthotel right next door to Piccadilly train station. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout the stay. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Beds were really comfortable. Everything you need for a break away.”

“Stayed just the one night but you could easily stay here for a few days. The room we had was on the 19th floor so super quiet without any noise from outside. Top quality SMEG appliances. Kettle, toaster, hot plate and microwave plus dishwasher. They also have a laundry department which you can use for longer stays. Lovely bed linen and comfortable bed. Just loved the rain shower which was powerful and as hot as you wanted it to be. Gorgeous bathroom products too. Just a perfect quick overnight but you could base yourself here if you had to work in Manchester for a few days.”

“It was my first teppanyaki experience and I absolutely loved it. The food and service was great. The chefs were really entertaining and it was fascinating to see the food being prepared. I will definitely go back.”

“Harrison was a lovely server, very welcoming and accommodating. We had the evening set menu and it was a great value for money! I had the empanada to start then the rump and the trés leche for dessert and it was all delicious! really recommend the dessert! will definitely be coming back! thanks team x”

“Gorgeous cocktails ! Sangria was alright not not sweet enough Service was lovely and the staff even made me a cocktail that wasn't on the menu so thank you ! Food was hit and miss Fajitas were very spicy but to the point where it was bitter everything else was lovely x”

“Lovely visit to this welcoming restaurant. The food was very tasty and the dessert just as great!”

“Amazing restaurant! First time going to Mint Kitchen as my regular is slipping down hill. The food was ready waiting for me to collect, nice portion sizes, though mint kitchen rice portions are slightly smaller than what I'm used to but all that means is I can actually finish a meal with no left overs. The chicken was really juicy with "no bad bits" (The wife is picky with meat). I think Mint Kitchen is my new regular when it comes to a curry!”