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The best independent restaurants in Manchester

Looking to eat out in Manchester? Take a look at our suggestions for the best independent restaurants in Manchester on our tasteblog.

Tom Pressman

21-02-2025

Meat and vegetables being cooked on an open cooker and tossed.

Independent restaurants Manchester.

On the map for its iconic music and fashion, Manchester’s independent scene has always thrived! With a love and appreciation for arts and culture, this northern city is a hub for all things artistic, unique and independent - and their restaurants are no different! Manchester has got so much to offer when it comes to food, and plenty of great restaurant deals to enjoy, too! Choose from make-your-jaw-drop dessert joints, spots with the best hearty food around, and a whole host of cuisines to boot. We’ve rounded up a few of the best independent restaurants and amazing deals in Manchester that we think are must-tries. Keep reading to find out which mouth-watering Manchester independents are top of our list, and get planning your next evening out!

Namii Kitchen and Cocktails.

Looking for a fancy little place to settle into some irresistible food, washed down by a menu of tempting cocktails? Namii Kitchen and Cocktails might just be the best independent restaurant in Manchester for you! This authentic spot puts priority on flavour but doesn’t sacrifice atmosphere, aesthetics or presentation! Visit this vibrant Asian restaurant which has a selection of tasty signatures to choose from, as well as wok, grilled and seafood dishes inspired by Vietnamese culture.

As if it didn’t already sound good enough, wait until you see their cocktail menu. Sip on their unique drinks, each inspired by either earth, air, water or fire. This ambient restaurant is the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions or take that special someone out for date night in Manchester!

Enjoy a delicious 25% off your total bill at Namii from Monday to Thursday - just be sure to call the restaurant in advance!

MANCHESTER, NEW YORK STREET.

Chorizo in a white ceramic bowl with wine and seasoning, on a wooden table.

Evuna

For the sweet, sunny taste of España, head to

Evuna on Deansgate. Spoilt for choice is an understatement when it comes to their menu, treating foodies to a selection of classics like paella, fish and meat dishes, and our favourite: tapas.

Located on the longest road in the city centre, Evuna serve an authentic & delicious fresh tapas menu, as well as their famous boutique wine and premium Spanish draft beer.

Whether you’re stopping by for a snack and a drink at the bar, or gathering together for a big tapas spread, you’re sure to love it here. Top tip: if you skip straight to the tapas section, make sure Carrillada de Cerdo (Iberian Pork Cheeks, for non-Spanish speakers, like us) is one of the 547 dishes you order!

Get a taste our tastecard’s 2 for 1 deal at Evuna from Sunday to Thursday.

MANCHESTER, 277 DEANSGATE.

Person using flame torch to create fire in a bowl.

Italiana Fifty Five

If it’s Italian you fancy, you need to book a visit to Italiana Fifty Five to get your taste bud-tingling fix! Previously named Cibo, the restaurant is located just off Deansgate on Liverpool Road and brings a taste of Naples to Manchester city centre. Italiana Fifty Five is a delightful little place, offering Mediterranean charm and a enu of mouth-watering Italian classics. With stonebaked pizzas, fresh fish delivered daily, flame-grilled steaks, and a whole host of fantastic vegan options, we can guarantee there’s a dish for you.

The restaurant is on the doorstep of the Manchester Opera House, Bridgewater Hall, and the Great Northern cinema complex, making it a fabulous place to visit for a pre-show meal or after a day of exploring the city. Wondering what to order? We love a dish that comes with a bit of theatrics, so we’d recommend ordering the Penne Reggiano. This indulgent pasta dish is flambéed in a giant cheese wheel right at your table to create a creamy cheese lover's dream – our mouths are watering at the thought. Book your visit to sample all of their tasty dishes today at this pick from our Manchester independent restaurants not to miss!

From Sunday to Thursday, you can enjoy a 2 for 1 deal at Italiana Fifty Five with tastecard when you call in advance.

MANCHESTER, 3-11 LIVERPOOL ROAD.

Level 3 Lounge & Restaurant at The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

Take your dining experience to the next level when you visit the Level 3 Lounge & Restaurant at The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. One of the best independent restaurants in Manchester, this bougie spot breathes class and sophistication, making it the perfect spot for date night or a special occasion. With a stunning cityscape view, it doesn’t get much more romantic than this!

Pop open a glass of wine and make lasting memories over a delicious pasta dish or freshly baked pizza. Whether you’re visiting for afternoon tea or a classy evening meal, Level 3 Lounge & Restaurant is an amazing choice for guests and locals alike!

Tuck into a 2 for 1 deal at Level 3 Lounge & Restaurant at The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel from Sunday to Friday daytime and Saturday daytime with tastecard. Call the restaurant in advance to secure your savings!

Manchester | Portland Street, M1 4PH.

Images sourced directly from partners and/or their Instagram accounts. All restaurants available on tastecard at the time of publishing.