Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Manchester for Fresh Flavors and Unique Dining Experiences

Discover the best seafood restaurants in Manchester, offering fresh, flavorful dishes from traditional fish & chips to exotic lobster and oysters. Explore these top five must-visit spots.

Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in Manchester for Fresh Flavors and Unique Dining Experiences
Seafood Restaurants in Manchester (image via Pinterest)

Manchester offers a diverse culinary scene, including some exceptional seafood restaurants that bring the fresh flavors of the ocean to the city. Whether you're in the mood for traditional fish and chips, oysters, or something more refined, these top five seafood restaurants in Manchester are sure to impress.


1. The Oystercatcher

The Oystercatcher is a popular seafood restaurant located in the vibrant suburb of Chorlton. Known for its fresh, high-quality seafood, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet stylish dining experience with a focus on simple, well-executed dishes.

Special Menu:

  • Grilled Oysters – Fresh oysters grilled with garlic butter and herbs.
  • Whole Sea Bass – Grilled and served with lemon and seasonal vegetables.
  • Lobster – Grilled or steamed, served with garlic butter or Thermidor sauce.

Location: 1A Manchester Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9PG
Contact Number: +44 161 312 8328
Official Website: N/A
Social Media Handle: N/A

Customer Experience:

The Oystercatcher offers a cozy and modern setting with a strong focus on fresh seafood. The simple, flavorful dishes and friendly service make it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Customer Favorites:

The Grilled Oysters are particularly popular for their fresh and vibrant flavors, while the Whole Sea Bass is praised for its perfectly cooked, flaky texture.

Rating:

4.7/5 (Google Reviews)


2. Randall & Aubin

Randall & Aubin is a well-known seafood and champagne bar located in Manchester’s city center. Inspired by the original London location, this restaurant offers a decadent menu that combines British and French influences, with a focus on fresh seafood and high-quality ingredients.

Special Menu:

  • Rock Oysters – Served fresh on ice with shallot vinegar and lemon.
  • Fruits de Mer – A luxurious platter of fresh seafood, including crab, prawns, mussels, and oysters.
  • Fish & Chips – A classic dish with beer-battered fish, triple-cooked chips, and tartare sauce.

Location: 64 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BN
Contact Number: +44 161 711 1007
Official Website: N/A
Social Media Handle: N/A

Customer Experience:

Randall & Aubin offers a lively and elegant atmosphere with an emphasis on quality and presentation. The combination of fresh seafood and a well-curated champagne list makes it a top choice for special occasions.

Customer Favorites:

The Fruits de Mer platter is a standout for its variety and freshness, while the Fish & Chips is a must-try for those seeking a classic British dish done to perfection.

Rating:

4.6/5 (Google Reviews)


3. The Midland's Mount Street Dining Room & Bar

Located within the historic Midland Hotel, the Mount Street Dining Room & Bar offers a modern take on traditional British cuisine, with a particular emphasis on seafood. The restaurant’s refined menu features a variety of fresh fish and shellfish, all prepared with contemporary flair.

Special Menu:

  • Cornish Crab – Served with avocado, lime, and chili on toast.
  • Grilled Scottish Salmon – With asparagus, hollandaise sauce, and new potatoes.
  • Seafood Risotto – A creamy risotto with prawns, scallops, and mussels.

Location: The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Contact Number: +44 161 236 3333
Official Website: Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
Social Media Handle: N/A

Customer Experience:

The Midland’s Mount Street Dining Room & Bar offers a sophisticated dining experience in a beautifully restored setting. The restaurant’s focus on seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation makes it a top choice for a refined seafood meal.

Customer Favorites:

The Cornish Crab on toast is highly recommended for its fresh, vibrant flavors, while the Seafood Risotto is loved for its rich, creamy texture and generous portions of seafood.

Rating:

4.5/5 (Google Reviews)


4. Wings Restaurant

Wings Restaurant is a fine-dining establishment in Manchester that is well-known for its excellent seafood and Asian-inspired dishes. The restaurant offers a luxurious setting with an extensive menu that includes both traditional and contemporary seafood dishes.

Special Menu:

  • Steamed Sea Bass – A delicate fish steamed with ginger, spring onions, and soy sauce.
  • Salt & Pepper King Prawns – Crispy prawns seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili.
  • Lobster with Ginger & Spring Onion – A classic Chinese dish featuring fresh lobster stir-fried with ginger and spring onions.

Location: 1 Lincoln Square, Manchester M2 5LN
Contact Number: +44 161 834 9000
Official Website: Wings Restaurant
Social Media Handle: N/A

Customer Experience:

Wings offers an elegant and intimate dining experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients and impeccable service. The restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere and expertly prepared dishes make it a favorite for special occasions.

Customer Favorites:

The Steamed Sea Bass is praised for its delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture, while the Salt & Pepper King Prawns are a popular choice for their bold, crispy flavors.

Rating:

4.6/5 (Google Reviews)


5. The Seafood Bar at the Ivy

Located within The Ivy in Spinningfields, The Seafood Bar offers a luxurious seafood dining experience in an opulent setting. The menu features a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, from oysters to lobster, all served with The Ivy’s signature style and attention to detail.

Special Menu:

  • Oysters Rockefeller – Baked oysters topped with spinach, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan.
  • Lobster Thermidor – A classic dish with lobster meat, brandy, mustard, and Gruyère cheese.
  • Caviar & Blinis – A luxurious starter featuring fine caviar served with traditional blinis.

Location: The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
Contact Number: +44 161 503 3222
Official Website: The Ivy Spinningfields
Social Media Handle: N/A

Customer Experience:

The Seafood Bar at The Ivy offers a glamorous and upscale dining experience with a focus on high-quality seafood and exceptional service. The stunning decor and attention to detail make it a top choice for a luxurious meal.

Customer Favorites:

The Lobster Thermidor is highly recommended for its rich, indulgent flavors, while the Oysters Rockefeller are a favorite for their decadent, savory topping.

Rating:

4.5/5 (Google Reviews)


Conclusion:

Manchester is home to an impressive array of seafood restaurants that cater to all tastes, whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a sophisticated dining experience. From the fresh, simple offerings at The Oystercatcher to the luxurious seafood platters at Randall & Aubin, the city’s seafood scene is diverse and vibrant. Each restaurant brings something unique, from The Ivy’s glamorous setting to Wings’ Asian-inspired delicacies. For anyone seeking fresh flavors from the sea, these top five seafood restaurants are a must-visit.


FAQ:

1. What are some of the best seafood restaurants in Manchester?

  • The top five seafood restaurants include The Oystercatcher, Randall & Aubin, Mount Street Dining Room & Bar at The Midland, Wings Restaurant, and The Seafood Bar at The Ivy.

2. Which restaurant in Manchester is known for a luxurious seafood dining experience?

  • The Seafood Bar at The Ivy offers a luxurious dining experience with dishes like Lobster Thermidor and Caviar & Blinis.

3. What is the most popular dish at The Oystercatcher?

  • The Grilled Oysters and Whole Sea Bass are customer favorites at The Oystercatcher.

4. Where can I find seafood with a French influence in Manchester?

  • Randall & Aubin offers a seafood menu that blends British and French culinary traditions, including a luxurious Fruits de Mer platter.

5. Is there an Asian-inspired seafood restaurant in Manchester?

  • Yes, Wings Restaurant offers Asian-inspired seafood dishes, including Steamed Sea Bass and Lobster with Ginger & Spring Onion.