The 10 Best Places to Eat in the Northern Quarter, Manchester

Looking for the best places to eat in Manchester’s Northern Quarter? You’ve come to the right place.

I’ve been living in central Manchester for many years now and have been fortunate to visit many of the fantastic eateries in the trendy Northern Quarter. In this list, I want to highlight my personal favourites as well as showcase the diversity of cuisines available in this buzzing area.

From Vietnamese and Italian classics to creative takes on modern British cuisine, and an uber-popular food hall, there’s something for everyone in this foodie haven. And, since the area is so youthful, it’s generally a relatively affordable place to dine, with plenty of eateries that won’t break the bank.

I hope you enjoy exploring the Northern Quarter’s culinary scene as much as I have. It’s always worth keeping an eye out for new openings and dining specials in the area.

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Best Places to Eat in the Northern Quarter

I have personally visited all the restaurants featured in this article and am continuing to try new places. This list will likely continue to grow over time.

Noi Quattro

£ | Italian | 120 High St, M4 1HQ

Noi Quattro is a purveyor of traditional Neapolitan pizza in the Northern Quarter. Run by four Italian friends, this spot prides itself on perfecting its pizza dough and sourcing quality Italian ingredients.

The menu offers a wide selection of pizzas, ranging from the classic Margherita to more indulgent combinations featuring blue cheeses, traditional Italian ham, and sausage. My husband and I have tried various options and have always been pleased with our choices.

A signature item on the menu is the Cuoppi – a traditional Italian street food that includes a mix of deep-fried vegetables, dough bites, and seafood, all served in a paper cone. They make for a perfect starter while you wait for your pizza.

Noi Quattro can get quite busy on weekend nights, so be sure to book your table in advance to avoid missing out. If you don’t fancy going out, Noi Quattro is also available on delivery apps.

Yard & Coop

£ | Fried Chicken | 37 Edge St, M4 1HW

Yard & Coop is the Northern Quarter’s answer to uninspiring fast-food joints. This busy spot specialises in all things fried chicken, offering everything from wings with delicious homemade sauces to epic burgers and hearty sides.

The menu also includes a selection of cocktails, beers, and soft drinks, all served in a stylish, airy space that blends rustic and industrial design elements.

I was initially nervous about visiting Yard & Coop, fearing the menu might be too indulgent. While many dishes do firmly sit in the ‘cheat meal’ category, they are undoubtedly worth the occasional detour from a healthy diet.

The chicken, succulent and coated in buttermilk and crumbs, is, of course, the star of the show. I chose the classic combo of waffle, fried chicken, and bacon, which was delicious. Portions are generous, so you might find that you don’t need any starters or sides.

Overall, I think Yard & Coop is a great spot to get your friends together for a relatively affordable night out that doesn’t compromise on flavours.

Viet Soul

£ | Vietnamese | 67a High St, M4 1FS

An aromatic bowl of pho (left) and Ksenia and the dumpling starter (right)

Viet Soul brings the traditional flavours of Vietnam to the Northern Quarter, served in a stylish setting that blends industrial influences with decorative touches from the Far East.

The menu features Vietnamese staples such as pho noodle soup, fragrant curries, stir-fried noodle dishes, and summer rolls. For something a little different, consider trying one of the burgers, where East meets West in creative flavour combinations. You can pair your meal with a selection of Vietnamese beers, wine, or cocktails, including both classic favourites and inventive concoctions.

My husband and I loved the aromatic pho, packed with fresh herbs, as well as the steamed dumpling starter, served with a flavourful sauce that had a nice kick. We also found the meal to be great value, with a starter, two mains, a beer, and a glass of wine coming to under £50—which is not bad at all in this day and age.

To book a table, call 0161 526 0385.

Mackie Mayor

££ | Food Hall | 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU

Ramen from New Wave Ramen at Mackie Mayor

Mackie Mayor, a stylish food hall housed in a historic former Smithfield market building, is easily one of the most popular places to eat in the Northern Quarter – and with good reason.

The airy space, which retains many original Victorian features, is home to a range of independent traders serving dishes from around the world, from pizza and burgers to Thai street food and Mexican tacos. There’s also an extensive selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails on offer.

One of my favourite traders at Mackie Mayor is New Wave Ramen. As the name suggests, their hearty Japanese soup is the star of the show. I’m always impressed by the flavour and quality of the ingredients. The crunchy karaage chicken is also a real treat.

Mackie Mayor operates on a walk-in basis, although groups of more than eight can book in advance. Expect it to be busy, especially on weekends, so you might have to wait for a table.

Purezza

££ | Plant-based Pizza | 75-77 High St

If you follow a plant-based diet or are simply looking to try something different, consider booking a table at Purezza. This industrial-chic eatery has made a name for itself with its plant-based sourdough pizzas, which come with a choice of bases, including a gluten-free option.

There are some creative toppings, such as bourbon and kimchi or butternut squash and Calabrian chilli. You can pair your pizza with a selection of tasty small plates or finish with a sumptuous dessert.

My husband and I particularly enjoyed the fluffy pizza base, and as someone who doesn’t drink much, I appreciated their selection of alcohol-free spritzes with a variety of flavour combinations. If you’re up for dessert, I can highly recommend their chocolate doughballs.

My only minor gripe is that the menu uses terms like pepperoni, ham, and various cheeses, which are actually their vegan alternatives, not the real thing. As non-vegans, we found this a bit confusing – just because you can somewhat replicate the texture, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the same product.

Maki & Ramen

££ | Japanese | 78-88 High St, M4 1ES

Rainbow roll with different types of fish at Maki & Ramen Northern Quarter — Rainbow roll

For a taste of quality Japanese food, look no further than Maki & Ramen. This modern restaurant, decorated with cherry blossoms, offers a varied menu of classic dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun at a reasonable price.

From flavoursome ramen and delicate sushi to mouthwatering donburi and moreish sides, there are plenty of sumptuous options to choose from. On our last visit, my husband and I went for the ramen and sushi rolls.

We’re happy to report that the signature tonkotsu ramen is a must-try, while I particularly enjoyed the warm spice of the tantan ramen, flavoured with chilli oil and minced pork. We also shared the rainbow roll and were impressed by the high quality of the ingredients.

Be sure to leave room for dessert. We had the delicate mochi balls with gelato – you can try multiple flavours in one go – and the banana fritters with vanilla ice cream. Everything was absolutely delicious and made for the perfect finish.

Complementing the food menu is a well-curated selection of wine, beer, and both classic and signature cocktails. I loved the funky cherry blossom cocktail, which was the perfect refreshment on a warm summer’s day.

Japanese cuisine is one of my favourites, and if you feel the same, Maki & Ramen should be on your list. If you’re new to it, this is a fantastic place to start your journey.

Trof

££ | Modern British | 8 Thomas St, M4 1EU

I feel like Trof is the quintessential Northern Quarter establishment. Housed behind one of the historic facades of the area, it is an all-day eatery and bar that serves food and drinks around the clock, from breakfast to dinner and everything in-between.

While it is known for its roasts and indulgent food specials (their French toast toppings can get quite creative), Trof also boasts an extensive beer selection and a superb collection of bourbon.

My husband and I have been to Trof for brunch, and although the menu is not super extensive, the food was great, and the team doesn’t skimp on quality ingredients. Also, as a bonus, I find that Trof’s brunch menu offers good value for money compared to many other brunch spots in the city.

A note on the interiors: Trof stylishly combines industrial elements, a rustic feel, and some luxurious touches like leather seating. It makes for one cosy place to be.

Sicilian NQ

££ | Italian | 14 Turner St, M4 1DZ

This compact eatery, tucked away on Turner Street, is the place to go for hearty pasta, mouthwatering Sicilian street food, and an extensive selection of sumptuous sweets. The pasta menu also changes regularly, meaning there’s always a reason to go back.

Some of my favourite dishes include the Mr Mount Etna arancini, with its cheesy and beef ragù centre, the rich homemade pistachio sauce pasta, and the moreish cannelloni.

I know it’s all a bit on the indulgent side, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself. Pair your meal with an Italian wine or beer to complete the experience.

If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, you can also visit just for dessert. Sicilian NQ creates its own Italian cakes, which you can enjoy by the slice in the restaurant or pre-order whole for collection.

Deano’s

££ | Italian American | 20-26 Edge Street

Mozzarella sticks at Deano's — Crispy mozzarella sticks

Deano’s is a cosy spot serving cocktails and hearty Italian-American classics, located on the buzzing Edge Street, which is usually teeming with punters when the sun is out. Clad in wooden panels and featuring comfy booths and retro tunes, it’s a stylish place to spend the evening, whether you’re just out for drinks or sitting down for a full meal.

The menu isn’t huge, but it features all-time favourites that hit the spot, such as carbonara pasta, crispy chicken parmigiana, and deep-dish pizza with staple toppings like pepperoni and meatballs. When my husband and I went, we shared the delectable crispy mozzarella sticks and tucked into the beef shin pappardelle and chicken parmigiana.

Deano’s boasts a good selection of cocktails, including various spritzes, classics like margaritas and espresso martinis, as well as a few craft options. We had the strawberry and peach spritz, which was perfectly refreshing on the hot day we visited.

One word of warning – if you’re heading there for dinner, come hungry. The portions are generous.

TNQ Restaurant

££ | Modern British | 108 High St, M4 1HQ

Ksenia at TNQ (left) and steak and salads

Spearheaded by chef Anthony Fielden, TNQ has been serving superb modern British fare in the heart of the Northern Quarter since 2004. The seasonal menu changes every three months, allowing foodies to explore the depth and breadth of the best ingredients the British Isles have to offer.

The cosy dining room is filled with natural light during the day, thanks to its large windows overlooking the remaining wall of the historic wholesale fish market. The restaurant also has an outdoor seating area, perfect for those rare sunny days.

Alongside the seasonal à la carte menu, TNQ also offers two- and three-course express menus, priced at £21 and £26 respectively, between 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. It’s a great way to experience this independent spot without breaking the bank.

My husband and I have visited TNQ multiple times and have tried both its special offer menus and classic à la carte dishes. We always have a positive experience and love the accompanying wine list as well.

I’ve also found that the team working at TNQ is always at hand to provide recommendations on the best wine pairing for your dish or the best cooking level for your cut of steak. The place really does feel like the ultimate neighbourhood restaurant that you just keep coming back to.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for more foodie inspiration in Manchester, check out this guide to the best places to eat in Ancoats. This trendy neighbourhood bordering the Northern Quarter offers great gastronomic experiences too, including one of Manchester’s only two Michelin-starred restaurants.

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The 10 Best Places to Eat in the Northern Quarter, Manchester