Manchester’s Michelin Guide 2026: and Dining Suggestions
Manchester has solidly positioned itself as one of the most vibrant culinary hubs in the UK, and global attention is increasingly focused on it.
In February 2025, Tom Barnes’ Skof became just the second restaurant in Manchester to receive a Michelin star, joining the pioneering Mana located in Ancoats.
Nonetheless, the Michelin attention is not limited to just the starred establishments. The most recent Guide acknowledges a rising trend of restaurants in Manchester and Greater Manchester, featuring new Bib Gourmands and recommended venues that signify the city’s culinary transformation is merely in its infancy.
Michelin Star establishments
The dining venues in Manchester recognized with a Michelin Star for exceptional cuisine include:
Mana
Located in Ancoats, the restaurant Mana, which earned the city’s first Michelin star in over four decades in 2019, is expected to maintain its star status this year.
The flair of chef-owner Simon Martin “gleams prominently at this elegant, contemporary restaurant” in the vibrant Ancoats district, where “every well-placed table offers a view of the kitchen,” according to Michelin regarding Mana.
The atmosphere is unhurried, and the open-plan design imparts a sense of generosity, with the visible kitchen allowing for a showcase of culinary artistry. The surprise tasting menu features the finest British ingredients, including foraged items and a wide variety of seafood. These components are harmoniously combined to craft thrilling, unique dishes whose flavors linger in the memory.
42 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6BF
Skof
Skof has officially established itself among Manchester’s premier culinary establishments, acquiring the city’s newest Michelin star at the 2025 ceremony held in Glasgow.
Having been open for less than a year, this remarkable restaurant has swiftly made a significant impression with its bold yet polished take on fine dining. Housed within the historic Hanover building in NOMA—formerly a drapery warehouse from 1904—it integrates Manchester’s industrial legacy with contemporary creativity.
Michelin highlighted Skof’s blend of regional and global flavors, praising dishes such as amakase sorbet, Manchester honey ice cream, and Barney’s Tiramisu, which pays homage to Tom’s late father.
Lunch tasting menus commence at £50, while longer experiences featuring 12 or 15 courses are offered at £120 and £165 per person, respectively.
3 Federation Street, Manchester, M4 4BF
Bib Gourmand Restaurants
The following Manchester dining venues have earned a Bib Gourmand for their high-quality, reasonably priced cuisine:
Higher Ground
Lauded by television chef Rick Stein as one of his top dining establishments in the UK, Higher Ground has swiftly risen to become a premier destination in Manchester and has excelled in the Good Food Guide Awards.
Opened in early 2024 on New York Street, this vibrant British bistro and bar is operated by three friends—chef Joseph Otway, front-of-house specialist Richard Cossins, and wine connoisseur Daniel Craig-Martin—all of whom are also behind the beloved local establishment, Flawd.
The menu focuses on vibrant British flavors, featuring seasonal ingredients, and boasts a prominent counter offering views of the open kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, characterized by friendly conversation and a cheerful ambiance.
Faulkner House, New York Street, Manchester, M1 4DY
El Gato Negro
For those seeking genuine Spanish cuisine in Manchester, this vibrant establishment located in the city center is highly recommended; you can take a seat at the counter on the first floor to observe the chefs in action.
The enticing tapas offerings showcase premium Spanish ingredients, all at reasonable prices, with ample portions and abundant flavor. It is advisable to select around three dishes per individual, as the enthusiastic staff is well-versed in the menu and eager to provide recommendations.
52 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LY
The Spärrows
“Exceptional quality dishes and excellent value,” as noted by the Michelin Guide.
Nestled beneath the railway arches close to Victoria Station, in the Green Quarter of the city, lies this restaurant that focuses on pasta and dumplings. German spätzle holds a significant place on the menu—and in the name of the restaurant—but patrons can also anticipate options such as gnocchi, pappardelle, and pelmeni.
Every item at The Spärrows is crafted in-house, ensuring remarkable value, especially the standout Polish pierogi.
16 Red Bank, Green Quarter, Manchester, M4 4HF
Selected Restaurants
All the restaurants in Manchester recognized by the Michelin Guide for exceptional culinary expertise:
Maya
Located in the center of the city, just a short walk from Canal Street, Maya is a stylish new fixture in Manchester’s gastronomic landscape. Housed in a beautifully refurbished basement, it combines art deco elegance with a lively cocktail bar that complements its energetic surroundings.
The menu blends contemporary innovation with traditional techniques—creating dishes that are visually appealing and inventive while grounded in robust culinary foundations. Michelin highlighted elements such as an exquisitely prepared sauce bonne femme served with premium turbot, reflecting the kitchen’s expertise and meticulousness.
40 Chorlton Street, Manchester, M1 3HW
Bangkok Diners Club – new
Situated above the Edinburgh Castle pub in Ancoats, Bangkok Diners Club has swiftly established itself as an essential destination for those yearning for an authentic taste of Thailand. The atmosphere features a relaxed, retro-rustic charm, with dishes inspired by various regions of the country, from the bold, spicy notes of Isan to lighter seafood fare.
The team expressed their joy at being included in The Michelin Guide 2025 alongside the finest establishments in Manchester and extended their gratitude to all who have supported them thus far.
Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5EP
Erst
Described as a “modern, industrial-style wine bar” owned by a close-knit group of friends, Erst offers “something refreshingly unique in the city,” according to the Guide.
Praised by the Sunday Times and Jay Rayner in the Guardian, this wine bar located in Ancoats is operated by a collective of friends who aimed to establish a dining place they themselves would enjoy. It presents a unique experience for the city, featuring a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere and a concise selection of satisfying, contemporary Mediterranean small dishes to accompany its affordably priced natural wines, most of which are available for takeaway.
9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS
Winsome – newly opened
Set against the backdrop of Manchester’s industrial past, this lively new brasserie combines a minimalist, modern aesthetic with an energetic open kitchen. The menu highlights hearty and uncomplicated British cuisine with nostalgic influences.
Anticipate selections of cold cuts, filling homemade pies, whole fish, and a traditional mixed grill, all crafted with clear expertise and premium ingredients.
The robust and generous flavors reflect both heritage and confidence. Coupled with an enthusiastic young front-of-house staff, Winsome contributes a vibrant and inviting atmosphere to the city’s vibrant dining landscape.
74 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6JD
Adam Reid at The French
Described by Michelin as an “intimate hotel restaurant from the Belle Époque era, updated with a dramatic color palette, impressive chandeliers, and central seating areas,” this cherished dining establishment within The Midland Hotel is led by Adam Reid.
Adam uses quality ingredients to create dishes with bold, simple flavors that make for a stylish meal. As you’d expect in a Rogan-inspired kitchen, there’s a wealth of state-of-the-art equipment. The herbs, sourced from Cartmel, are stored in high-tech cabinets designed to maintain their freshness, as if they were just picked.
Located on the ground floor of the renowned Grade II listed Midland Hotel, this cozy setting features a dramatic color scheme, stunning light fixtures, and central booths. The namesake chef presents a multi-course tasting menu that humorously honors the North of England; the dishes are elegantly presented, deliver robust flavors, and reflect the chefs’ passion and individuality.
Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS
Pip at Treehouse Hotel – New
Situated within Treehouse Hotel, Pip provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The ambiance features a combination of reclaimed materials and vintage elements infused with rustic allure, crafting a cozy and welcoming environment highlighted by vibrant colors and distinctive personality.
Leading the establishment is Mary-Ellen McTague, a finalist in the I Love Manchester Awards and a renowned proponent of local ingredients and environmentally conscious dining.
Her culinary offerings are grounded in regional flavors, showcasing exceptional dishes such as a comforting Lancashire hot pot, enhanced by skillful techniques and robust tastes. The farm-to-table philosophy is evident throughout, complemented by an enthusiastic service team that exudes genuine warmth, ensuring that Pip embodies both quality and heartfelt hospitality.
Blackfriars Street, Manchester, M3 2EQ
Climat – new
Located on the eighth floor of Blackfriars House, Climat focuses on exceptional cuisine, fine wines, and spectacular views. The lively open kitchen operates with enthusiasm, presenting expertly crafted dishes such as halibut accompanied by spinach and sorrel.
The culinary approach is meticulous, flavor-driven, and refined—well paired with selections from an impressive wine list, which features both classic choices and contemporary discoveries.
Upon receiving the recognition, the team expressed their delight, attributing their achievement to the dedicated efforts of their staff and suppliers who made it attainable.
8th Floor, Blackfriars House, Parsonage, Manchester, M3 2JA
Stow – new
If you appreciate smoky flavors and a bit of showmanship, Stow is a must-visit. This hidden gem on Bridge Street doubles as a cocktail bar and fireplace kitchen, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with bar seating that allows diners to watch the chefs at work.
Diners can expect high-quality ingredients cooked over an open fire: premium cuts of meat, inventive vegetable dishes, and the famous smoked cream tart.
Reflecting on their Michelin recognition, the team commented on their pride. Just a year earlier, the space lacked barbecue equipment and furniture, and now they’ve earned a place in the prestigious Guide. “We are incredibly proud of our team,” they said.
62 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BW
Another Hand
This cozy bistro is located in Deansgate Mews, an elevated street that forms part of the renovated Great Northern building in the city center. Considerable effort is devoted to vegetarian dishes, which are not only visually appealing but also offer intense flavors, ideal for such a vibrant atmosphere.
253 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN
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