Best Fine Dining in North Downs

"Why: As with all of the other Ivy restaurants, this Manchester site is dripping in glitz and glamour, so breakfast here is as much about the surrounds as it is the food. Pastries and toast kick things off, while there are full English options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. If you fancy something a little more virtuous there is an extensive section dedicated to eggs and a light and healthy selection too, which features the likes of smoked salmon on rye bread and dairy free coconut yogurt with berries."

"From the ground floor brasserie serving all kinds of classic British dishes to the swanky Asian-inspired restaurant upstairs, the Ivy is the place to be. Not only are the interiors highly Instagrammable, but the food and drink selection is just as impressive."

"If gorgeous food, a fine dining experience and an environment steeped in history are your thing, then make The French your next restaurant of choice. Based within Manchester’s grand Midland Hotel, The French became one of the first UK restaurants to be awarded the honour of a Michelin-star. Since reopening in 2013, and again undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the restaurant has made rapid progress towards once again becoming one of the finest eating destinations in the country."

"The flagship fine dining restaurant at The Midland Hotel is Manchester’s long-standing answer to Haute cuisine. Now under the Manchester-born chef Adam Reid, winner of the BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu, who has brought The French a new sense of youth. Despite the name, The French focuses on British food using local ingredients and native flavours such as Beef Dripping, Rhubarb and Lancashire cheese."

"Adam Reid at The French is one of the city's top fine dining restaurants, boasting an array of awards from 4AA Rosettes to multiple inclusions in The Good Food Guide. The chef, a Manchester native, likes to put a twist on modern British food across a choice of four, six or nine courses."

"A Manchester-favourite for special occasions, Australasia – also known as ‘the one you enter via the glass triangle on the street’ – features a clean, minimal interior, that absolutely oozes chic vibes. The menu is just as wonderful, too, with extensive Australasian-inspired options varying from sushi, Robata grilled meats, Asian small plates and more. Cocktail-wise, it’s quite the field day – with endless Asian-inspired flavours to try out during your visit."

"This stylish subterranean restaurant in Spinningfields has long been a mecca for Manchester’s elite. Known for its splendid cocktails and sushi plates, this Valentine’s the restaurant will also have a special sharing dessert Valentine’s Bento Box for couples to split between them."

"Masterchef champion Simon Wood’s first restaurant is a relaxed venue with a wide range of choices to dine from. An a la carte menu featuring dishes that led Simon to his Masterchef title, and a seven-course tasting menu with exceptional wines to match. The open kitchen means you’ll spend every dining experience watching Simon create the dishes that brought him to the fore in 2015."

"Named after chef patron Simon Wood, 2015 winner of MasterChef, this First Street restaurant offers unintimidating high end dining in a relaxed setting. From truffled tortellini to tomahawk sharers, you won’t leave hungry."

"Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester."

"Situated in The Lowry Hotel on the Manchester/ Salford border, this fine dining breakfast menu is unbeatable. The restaurant itself is glass-walled and overlooks the Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. The decor includes purple leather chairs, semi-circular banquettes, Fornasetti plates and mirrors."

"A specialist Chinese restaurant in Manchester’s West Didsbury, Green Tea is unique in its offering of food specifically inspired by the Benxi region of C ..."

"This vegetarian and vegan bistro bar in Levenshulme is currently operating as a deli, takeaway and off license under the current restrictions. Dishes include a Superfood Salad, Jackfruit Curry and a Full Bonanza Breakfast with scrambled tofu, vegan sausages and Holy Grain sourdough with vegan butter. Call on 0161 257 2412 or pop in."

"05/06/2021: It was the best Margarette pizza I’ve ever eaten. The chef was so friendly and so was waitress. The environment was authentic."

"Tucked away in the suburbs of Withington is a fun little vegetarian restaurant called Fuel Café. Along with serving some of the best cheap vegan eats in Manchester, the spot hosts regularly live music nights, performances, and even has board games to keep you entertained."

"Although it is way smaller than most, it played a unique role in the history of Manchester and its music scene. The building was built in around 1862 but it was officially nicknamed Band on the wall when the landlord at the time, Ernie Tyson, placed a stage in the wall for musicians to play. HOW TO VISIT: Band on the Wall is still open and operating."

"One of Manchester’s most iconic live music venues, Band on the Wall gets a resounding thumbs up from reviewers. People love the eclectic mix of music styles and quiz nights at the Northern Quarter venue, and praised the “intimate venue” “great staff” and “stylish and well-furnished bar”. Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester"

"Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JZ - Visit now. It was the place with the funny name hanging on up there in the city’s Northern badlands. Edgy, hard, grotty, a bit studenty."