Top 100 UK restaurants revealed for 2022 – which Manchester ones made the list?

Diners across the country have cast their votes to help find SquareMeal’s top 100 restaurants in the UK for 2022.

The list is unique as it excludes London restaurants, allowing the UK’s regional dining scene to truly shine.

The results, a combination of the food magazine’s in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes, include three in Greater Manchester.

“In order to make a place on the list each restaurant had to offer more than just a good meal, it had to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience,” says SquareMeal.

“From gorgeous interiors, top-class wine lists and stunning views through to exemplary service and sustainability commitments, we weighed up the whole package.”

So which Manchester restaurants made the list?

The highest entry is Adam Reid at the French, which comes in at number 16.

“The French is a grand, opulent affair, housed in the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel in Manchester,” says SquareMeal.

“Adam Reid’s seasonal, modern British food cleverly mixes contemporary cooking with memories from his Manchester upbringing.”

The restaurant posted on Instagram that they are “thrilled” with the result.

“Up 10 places from last time after one of the hardest years hospitality has faced!” said the team at The French.

“The team have worked extremely hard and couldn’t be happier with this result!”

Also making a place in the top 50 is Gary Usher’s bistro Hispi in Didsbury, which comes in at number 42.

“Offering hearty British and modern European plates and highly affordable set menus, Hispi has won numerous awards and is a neighbourhood favourite of south Manchester,” says SquareMeal.

Ancoats restaurant and bar Erst makes number 72.

“From the team behind Trove bakery, Erst is an industrial-chic restaurant with a focus on seasonal menus, natural wines and craft beers,” says SquareMeal.

“The menu is concise, confident and filled with small plates and sharing dishes.”

The restaurant has picked up a string of accolades over the past couple of years, with food critic for The Observer, Jay Rayner, last year declaring it “one of the best meals of the year”.

Along with Adam Reid at The French, Erst was also included in the Michelin Guide for 2022.

Meanwhile, two restaurants in the North West made the top 10: L’Enclume in Cartmel, which was recently awarded three Michelin stars; and Restaurant Moor Hall in Aughton, which holds two stars.