Where the Michelin Guide recommends to eat in Manchester 2024
- Written by Chris Greenhalgh
- Last updated 4 months ago
- City of Manchester, Featured, Food & Drink, Greater Manchester
Manchester has cemented itself as one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations, with its world-class culinary scene being celebrated on the global stage at The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony 2024, held earlier this year at the iconic Midland Hotel.
Although the city didn’t gain another coveted Michelin star this year, it remains a powerhouse in British dining, offering an array of remarkable restaurants that continue to put Manchester on the map.
Mana in Ancoats proudly retains Manchester’s sole Michelin star, and its innovative, British-inspired cuisine ensures it remains a must-visit for any serious food lover.
Chef Simon Martin’s visionary approach, combining foraged ingredients and seasonal British produce, keeps Mana at the forefront of the city’s fine dining experience.
But Michelin’s recognition extends far beyond just stars.
Manchester boasts a growing number of establishments acknowledged with Bib Gourmand awards and recommendations in the guide.
El Gato Negro continues to serve up authentic Spanish flavours in a lively atmosphere, while The Spärrows in the Green Quarter delights diners with its house-made pasta and dumplings.
Newcomers like Higher Ground, Örme and Skof are making waves, blending bold flavours with local ingredients to create fresh, memorable dining experiences that capture the essence of the city.
Higher Ground, perched on the edge of Chinatown, has quickly become a favourite with both locals and critics, offering British bistro charm in a laid-back, lively setting.
Meanwhile, in Urmston, Örme crafts Nordic-inspired dishes that are rooted in British produce, showcasing the talent and creativity that make Manchester’s dining scene so exciting.
Elsewhere, Erst continues to offer something refreshingly different in the Ancoats area, pairing natural wines with Mediterranean-inspired small plates, while Adam Reid at The French in the Midland Hotel impresses with its playful, Northern-inspired tasting menu.
In Deansgate Mews, Another Hand focuses on vegetarian-led small plates that pack a punch of flavour in a relaxed bistro setting.
Beyond the city centre, Greater Manchester’s food scene thrives with standout spots like Osma in Prestwich and Where The Light Gets In in Stockport, the latter of which proudly holds a Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
Manchester’s journey to becoming a culinary hotspot continues, even without a new Michelin star.
The city’s chefs and restaurateurs are pushing boundaries, delivering exceptional dining experiences that reflect both the region’s rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach to cuisine.
With more exciting restaurants popping up, and existing ones continuing to impress, Manchester remains firmly on the food map, proving that its gastronomic offering is as diverse, dynamic, and impressive as its famed music and football scenes.
The best restaurants in Manchester according to the Michelin Guide
mana – One Michelin Star
Ancoats restaurant Mana, which in 2019 received the city’s first Michelin star in over 40 years, will likely retain its star this year.
The personality of chef-owner Simon Martin “shines brightly at this stylish, modern restaurant” in the lively Ancoats area, where “every one of the well-spaced tables has a view of the kitchen,” says Michelin about Mana.
Set in the Ancoats area of the city, this slick restaurant is run by a talented team who choreograph your dining experience impressively from beginning to end. There’s a relaxed atmosphere and spacious feel to the open-plan room, where the on-view kitchen provides a platform for the chefs’ performance. The surprise set menu features the best British produce, including foraged ingredients and plenty of seafood. These are brought together in sophisticated, well-judged combinations to create exciting, original dishes, whose flavours remain long in the memory. Read the full profile here
El Gato Negro – Bib Gourmand
If you are after authentic Spanish food in Manchester then this buzzy restaurant in the heart of the city is the place to go; sit at the first-floor counter, where you can see the chefs at work. Prime Spanish ingredients feature in the appealing tapas dishes, which are well-priced, generously portioned and packed with flavour. Choose around three dishes per person – the young team knows the menu well and are more than happy to offer suggestions. Read the full profile here
The Spärrows – Bib Gourmand
“Exceptionally high-quality cuisine and great value,” says Michelin Guide.
Under the railway arches near Victoria station, in the city’s Green Quarter, sits this restaurant that specialises in pasta and dumplings. German spätzle play a key role in the menu – and the restaurant’s name – but expect to find the likes of gnocchi, pappardelle and pelmeni on there too. Everything at The Spärrows is made in-house and offers great value for money, with the Polish pierogi a particular highlight. Read the full profile here
Higher Ground – Bib Gourmand
Recently recommended by TV chef Rick Stein who claimed it to be one his favourite restaurants in the UK, Higher Ground topped the Good Food Guide Awards 2024.
Located on the bustling New York Street, right on the edge of Chinatown, Higher Ground is a relative newcomer, having opened its doors in February.
Despite its brief existence, it has garnered significant attention and was featured in the September edition of the Michelin Inspectors’ Favourite New Restaurants.
Higher Ground is described as a ‘British bistro and bar’ and was launched by the team behind Flawd at New Islington Marina. It has been brought to life by three friends who have worked at some of the best restaurants across the world.
Front-of-house expert Richard Cossins boasts experience with three-star chef Simon Rogan, while Chef Joseph Otway honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Relae in Copenhagen. Together with wine expert Daniel Craig-Martin, they created a culinary masterpiece reminiscent of their global adventures.
The people of Manchester seem to have taken to the place, with plenty of regulars among those contributing to the lively buzz in the air. A large counter is at the heart of proceedings, overlooking the open kitchen.
In its description of the restaurant, The Michelin Guide wrote: “From arrival to departure, you’ll have a warm, welcoming and thoroughly enjoyable experience at Higher Ground.
“It’s owned and run by three friends, who lead the cheery, well-organised service themselves. They happily chat away with diners while explaining the dishes, which extract bold flavours from British produce.
“The people of Manchester seem to have taken to the place, with plenty of regulars among those contributing to the lively buzz in the air. A large counter is at the heart of proceedings, overlooking the open kitchen.”
Skof
Skof has made an impressive debut in the city, securing a spot in the prestigious Michelin Guide just months after opening.
Set within a beautifully refurbished old textile warehouse, Skof marries Manchester’s industrial heritage with modern dining, creating a space that’s both striking and inviting.
Skof is the brainchild of acclaimed chef Tom Barnes, former executive chef at the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume. With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Skof’s menu celebrates the North West, while blending in measured Japanese influences, creating a unique and exciting culinary experience.
Michelin inspectors said: “The cooking skilfully blends measured Japanese influences with those from the restaurant’s doorstep; for dessert, you’re just as likely to get amakase sorbet as you are Manchester honey ice cream. The meal ends with a scoop of “Barney’s Tiramisu”, touchingly inspired by Tom’s late father.”
Located just a short walk from Manchester Victoria station, Skof’s industrial-chic design—featuring exposed brick and modern furnishings—complements its creative cuisine. The space hums with lively conversation and is enhanced by a chef-curated playlist, making it an unpretentious yet sophisticated dining destination.
Skof joins an elite group of Manchester’s top dining spots, with an ambitious future ahead.
Adam Reid at The French
An “intimate hotel restaurant created in the Belle Époque age and brought up-to-date with a moody colour scheme, striking chandeliers and booths down the centre of the room,” is how Michelin described Adam Reid’s much-loved restaurant in The Midland Hotel.
Set on the ground floor of the iconic, Grade II listed Midland Hotel, this intimate restaurant features a moody colour scheme, striking chandeliers and central booths. The eponymous chef offers a multi-course tasting menu which is a playful homage to the North of England; dishes are well-presented, provide generous flavours and showcase the personality and enthusiasm of the chefs. Read the full profile here
63 Degrees
The bustling Northern Quarter is home to this family-run restaurant.
The experienced owner-chef hails from France and his classic dishes are “cooked with pride and passion using both local and imported French produce,” says the Guide.
Sitting on the edge of the bustling Northern Quarter is this appealing, family-run French bistro which offers some great value menus. French dishes like snails with a Vouvray reduction or beef fillet with béarnaise sauce are cooked with pride and skill, and the results are extremely tasty. There’s also plenty of choice on the French-leaning wine list. Read the full profile here
Erst
A “modern, industrial-style wine bar” run by a group of friends, laid-back Erst offers “something refreshingly different in the city,” says the Guide.
Endorsed by the Sunday Times and by Jay Rayner in the Guardian, this neighbourhood wine bar in Ancoats is run by a group of friends who wanted to create a restaurant they would choose to go to themselves. It offers something a little bit different for the city, providing a lively, laid-back ambience and a short menu of satisfying, modern Mediterranean small plates to go alongside its keenly priced natural wines, many of which you can buy to take home. Read the full profile here
Another Hand
This welcoming bistro is located in Deansgate Mews, an elevated ‘street’ that’s part of the redeveloped Great Northern building in the city centre. Plenty of work goes into the vegetarian-led small plates, which are attractively presented and provide appropriately punchy flavours for such a buzzing setting. The nearby Holy Grain bakers provide them with some exceptional sourdough bread. Read the full profile here
The best Greater Manchester restaurants according to the Michelin Guide
ÖRME
Örme, a cosy restaurant on Church Road in Urmston, is the second exciting addition to the Michelin Guide.
Opened in May, this establishment is the brainchild of chefs Jack Fields and Tom Wilson, along with partner Rachel Roberts.
They offer a tantalising tasting menu priced at £45 per person, inspired by the changing seasons.
The Michelin Guide said: “You will find a pleasantly welcoming quality at this small restaurant run by three young owners.
“There’s a distinct Nordic touch to proceedings, yet British produce is at the heart of the appealing tasting menu – which gives you the option to add supplementary courses for a more bespoke experience.
“Attractively presented dishes offer bold, vibrant flavours with a mix of the classic and the modern in their influences. Wine flights are also available, including a particularly interesting British-themed option.”
Sharing their joy on Instagram, the owners of Örme expressed their excitement about joining the Michelin Guide alongside Greater Manchester’s culinary elite.
They lauded their dedicated team and celebrated the recognition as a dream come true.
These two additions to the Michelin Guide now join the ranks of Manchester’s finest dining establishments, standing alongside renowned city centre spots like Erst and Adam Reid at The French, The Sparrows in the Green Quarter, as well as Osma in Prestwich.
The Michelin Guide, updated annually, continues to celebrate exceptional culinary experiences across the globe.
Perfect Match
At this “simple, honest little bistro” you’ll find Jacinda in the kitchen creating tasty, well-crafted dishes from across Europe, while Andrea picks out “the perfect match” for each dish from the wine list, says Michelin.
“Andrea’s family make Prosecco back in Italy and some of their wines are here to try.”
Where The Light Gets In
Last year this Stockport favourite won a Michelin green star for sustainable gastronomy, which it has retained for 2023/24.
The large, loft-style restaurant is located on the top floor of a Victorian coffee warehouse and its open kitchen forms part of the room.
The surprise menu is formed from whatever they have foraged that day, says Michelin, and “beasts are brought in whole and fully utilised.”
Matching wine flights focus on natural wines.
White Hart Inn
“Never one to stand still, this 18C stone pub on the moor is constantly evolving,” says Michelin about this Lydgate pub.
It’s “a busy place but the staff have it all under control” and there are comfy bedrooms for those wishing to stay.
Dining at this gastropub takes place in a large rear room, and the “appealing menu has a British heart and global influences.”
Borage
British and Polish flavours combine at this “friendly neighbourhood restaurant located in a pleasant village,” says the guide.
“Well-presented, colourful modern dishes reflect the seasons and are full of flavour.
“The homemade breads are a highlight, as is the chocolate mousse.”
OSMA
Located in the city’s northern suburbs, Prestwich restaurant OSMA is a nod to the owners’ birthplaces – OSlo and MAnchester.
Breakfast, salads and open sandwiches are replaced in the evening by “tempting small plates,” says the Michelin Guide.
The “stylish room” comes with an open kitchen, a communal island table and smart curved banquettes.
Set lunch menus are replaced in the evening by tempting small plates, which can be accompanied with wine and cocktails. The stylish room comes with an open kitchen, a communal island table and smart curved banquettes.
- This article was last updated 4 months ago.
- It was first published on 24 January 2024 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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