The Finest 5 Michelin-Awarded Restaurants in Manchester, UK

Average bill: £83

Awards: 1 Michelin Star

Chef: Simon Martin

Situated in the vibrant Ancoats area of Manchester, Mana is an exceptional fine-dining restaurant led by the extraordinary chef, Simon Martin. With a strong emphasis on seafood and a fusion of contemporary British cuisine influenced by both Japanese and Nordic flavors, Mana offers an unforgettable dining experience that has rightfully earned it a prestigious Michelin star. The interior is exquisitely adorned, and the thoughtfully spaced tables provide patrons with a captivating view of the kitchen, further enhancing the immersive atmosphere.

The menu features a fixed-price, surprise multi-course selection served during both lunch and dinner. Chef Simon Martin's culinary expertise shines through in every dish, characterized by robust flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and a perfect balance of ingredients. Although patrons cannot choose à la carte or preview the dish list in advance, most have praised the chef's creations, such as tantalizing grilled carrot crudité, sublime sea urchin chawanmushi, delectable yakitori-style eel, and succulent salt-aged duck. Another favored dish is butter ice cream, which never fails to delight. To perfectly complement these culinary masterpieces, Mana offers an expertly curated selection of premium wines.

Average bill: £72

Awards: Green Michelin Star

Chef: Sam Buckley

Where The Light Gets In, located in Stockport, is an exceptional restaurant led by Chef Samuel Buckley. It serves delightful modern British cuisine and boasts the Green Michelin Star, which highlights its dedication to environmentally friendly practices. The interior exudes charm, with an airy and well-lit space featuring exposed brickwork and round tables. The open kitchen seamlessly integrates with the dining area, allowing guests to witness the skilled chefs preparing their dishes.

The menu at Where The Light Gets In is a surprise set, showcasing the best of British produce sourced from local farmers and fishermen. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is also evident in the utilization of herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown in its own garden, located just minutes away. Preservation techniques such as pickling, fermenting, drying, and salting ensure that flavors can be enjoyed long after the seasonal availability of ingredients. Some of the chef's signature creations include kohlrabi with elderflower and gooseberry, a rhubarb ripple ice cream sandwich with rhubarb kebab and milk jam, chicken skewers glazed in house-made soy sauce created from sourdough bread offcuts, and Beijing-style fried turnip cakes with British crab on top. The restaurant's well-curated wine list and exquisite coffee offerings perfectly complement the mouthwatering delicacies.

Average bill: £14 – £58

Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand

Chef: Simon Shaw

El Gato Negro is a renowned restaurant that has been honored with the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award from the Michelin Guide. Led by Chef Simon Shaw and his talented team, it offers a delightful blend of modern and traditional Spanish cuisine. The establishment spans across three floors, with a charming charcuterie bar on the ground floor, a cocktail bar on the top floor, and the restaurant occupying the middle floor. The interior exudes a rustic Spanish charm, with reclaimed brick walls and comfortable leather bar stools.

El Gato Negro's menu showcases a brilliant selection of tapas dishes. From delectable charcuterie boards featuring chorizo bellota and manchego cheese to tantalizing delicacies like chargrilled octopus with potatoes and capers, each plate is a testament to the skill and creativity of the kitchen. Vegetarians are also well catered to with options like patatas bravas and asparagus served with chimichurri and romesco sauce. To end the meal on a sweet note, churros with chocolate toffee sauce and traditional crème Catalan with orange and cinnamon are delightful choices. The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring an extensive selection of Spanish wines curated by Master of Wine Miles Corish. The bar staff, experienced and well-trained, create fantastic house cocktails and mocktails using the best local and artisanal craft spirits.

Average bill: £16 – £34

Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand

Chef: Franco Concli

The Spärrows, located in Manchester's Green Quarter, is a dining establishment that has earned well-deserved recognition with the Bib Gourmand Award from the Michelin Guide. The restaurant's journey began in 2019, when hand-made dumplings and pasta dishes were served in a cozy arch that could accommodate only twelve guests. Since then, The Spärrows has become a beloved destination for Manchester food enthusiasts, having relocated to a more spacious and elegantly designed venue. 

The restaurant's success is rooted in the collaboration between Chef Franco Concli and Kasia Hitchcock, whose shared passion for Tyrolean and Eastern European gastronomy is evident in their exquisite offerings. The house specialty, Spätzle, a Germanic variation of mac and cheese, shines as a must-try dish. Its creamy gruyere and Emmental cheese sauce, enriched with braised onions for a touch of sweetness, creates a comforting delicacy that is hard to resist. Guests can further enhance their meal with sides like sauerkraut and green salad, adding to the overall gourmet experience. Alongside this Swabian delight, The Spärrows’ menu features a variety of international classics, including Polish pierogi, Russian pelmeni, Italian gnocchi, and pappardelle. The restaurant also offers the option to customize the pasta and sauce combination, allowing guests to tailor their dining experience according to their preferences. The attention to detail extends beyond the food, with an enticing bar selection that includes German and Polish wines as well as a robust choice of sake and beer.

Average bill: £17 – £39

Awards: Michelin Selection

Chef: Eric Moreau

Nestled in the vibrant Northern Quarter of Manchester, 63 Degrees is a family-run restaurant that offers a unique and carefully considered approach to French cuisine. Recommended by the esteemed Michelin Guide for its exceptional food, the establishment boasts elegant interiors adorned with delicate crockery and crisp white tablecloths, creating a stylish and inviting ambiance.

Under the guidance of skilled owner-chef Eric Moreau, a native of France, 63 Degrees takes great pride in preparing classic dishes that showcase the finest local and imported ingredients. However, what truly sets the restaurant apart is its meticulous slow and low cooking method, executed flawlessly at a precise temperature of 63 degrees. This technique results in exceptionally tender delicacies that burst with unforgettable flavors. The menu offers an array of superb options, including indulgent Lobster César salad, exquisite homemade foie gras terrine, succulent Chicken 63 Degrees with Kalamata olives, and flavorsome beef fillet served with Béarnaise sauce. To complement these offerings, the restaurant presents an extensive wine list exclusively focused on French vineyards, showcasing organic flavors that are rarely found elsewhere in Manchester. This carefully curated selection enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to savor the perfect pairing for their meal.

We hope this gastronomic journey through Manchester's best Michelin-recommended restaurants has ignited your appetite and left you yearning for a culinary adventure of your own. We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations in the comment section below. Whether you want to praise a particular restaurant, share your personal dining stories, or exchange tips with fellow food enthusiasts, your comments will contribute to the vibrant conversation surrounding Manchester's culinary scene.