Where the Michelin Guide recommends to eat in Manchester
- Written by Chris Greenhalgh
- Last updated 1 minute ago
- Cornerstone, Featured, Food & Drink
Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most thrilling food destinations, and the world is taking notice. The city’s exceptional culinary scene was thrust into the global spotlight at The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony 2024, hosted at the iconic Midland Hotel.
Now, history has been made. In February 2025, Tom Barnes’ SKOF became only the second Manchester restaurant to earn a coveted MICHELIN star, joining the ranks of Ancoats’ trailblazing Mana—a must-visit for serious food lovers.
This milestone cements Manchester’s status as a heavyweight in British dining. The city’s ever-evolving restaurant scene continues to turn heads, with chefs like Simon Martin leading the charge. His innovative use of foraged ingredients and seasonal British produce keeps Mana at the forefront of fine dining.
But MICHELIN’s spotlight extends far beyond the stars. Manchester’s dining landscape is also flourishing with Bib Gourmand accolades and prestigious guide recommendations, proving that the city’s food revolution is only just getting started.
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.
Tragically, big hitter OSMA which was based in Prestwich had to close their doors due to difficulty in finding staff, but the good news is they are now looking to open a permanent spot in the city centre. Their mini kitchen remains open at Exhibition in the City Centre.
Further afield, Where The Light Gets In in Stockport proudly retained their Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy this year.
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
Skof – One Michelin Star
Skof has officially joined the ranks of Manchester’s finest dining establishments, earning the city’s latest Michelin star at the prestigious 2025 ceremony in Glasgow. Despite opening less than a year ago, this exceptional restaurant has made a huge mark, receiving widespread acclaim for its bold yet refined approach to fine dining.
Housed in the historic Hanover building in NOMA—a former drapery warehouse dating back to 1904—Skof seamlessly blends heritage with innovation. Since its debut last spring, it has become one of the most talked-about dining destinations in the city, attracting both critics and devoted food lovers.
At the helm is Tom Barnes, a rising star in British gastronomy. A former protégé of Simon Rogan and ex-head chef of the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume, Barnes has crafted a menu that celebrates precision, creativity, and the highest quality ingredients. His vision has propelled Skof to elite status, with Michelin inspectors praising its artistry and unique culinary identity.
Michelin inspectors described the restaurant as follows: “Located in an old textile warehouse, this restaurant from former L’Enclume Executive Chef Tom Barnes gives a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage with its exposed brickwork and girders. The cooking skilfully blends measured international flavours 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. A relaxed atmosphere is encouraged, with the chef’s hand-picked playlist and the chattering diners combining for a brilliant buzz.”
With this accolade, Skof becomes only the second Manchester restaurant to hold a Michelin star, joining Mana in Ancoats. Its success signals a growing recognition of the city’s culinary excellence and marks an exciting new chapter for Manchester’s ever-evolving food scene.
Barnes, reflecting on the achievement, shared his gratitude for his dedicated team and the unwavering support from guests and industry peers. “I opened Skof to share my own take on fine dining with Manchester and beyond, so to be recognised by the Michelin Guide for what we do means everything,” he said.
For those eager to experience Skof’s award-winning cuisine, the restaurant offers a selection of tasting menus, with prices starting at £50 per person for a four-course lunch. More extensive tasting experiences include a 12-course menu for £120 per person and a 15-course menu for £165 per person.
Skof’s approach to fine dining blends precision and innovation while ensuring that food remains approachable and, above all, enjoyable. It has quickly cemented itself as a must-visit destination for those seeking an extraordinary dining experience in Manchester.
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.”
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
In 2025, this Stockport favourite retained their 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.”
Posting to their instagram on the good news, they said: “Retaining the Michelin Green Star for another year is a testament to the hard work our team puts into maintaining our commitment to ethical food chains and workplace wellbeing.
“This achievement is a huge group effort. We also want to express our gratitude to the farmers and growers who choose to practice responsible farming methods that protect our soils for future generations.
“Recently, we have focused on investigating how we interact with food in our cities. This project has been a significant learning experience and has deepened our understanding of what needs to be done to maintain and promote positive food systems for the future.
“You can still engage with “A Play in the City” until the end of March, open 7 days a week.”
After this, we return to our Stockport home in April. We wholeheartedly thank you for your ongoing suppor
White Hart Inn at Lydgate
“Never one to stand still, this 18C stone pub on the moor is constantly evolving,” says Michelin about the White Hart at Lydgate.The historic Oldham gastropub serving Michelin standard food is “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 1 minute 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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