Top Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Manchester for 2024

Manchester has established itself as a premier dining destination, boasting a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants that offer exquisite culinary experiences. These establishments are known for their exceptional quality, creativity, and service, making them must-visit spots for food enthusiasts. Here are the top five Michelin-starred restaurants in Manchester.

1. Mana

Mana is Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant and has quickly become a symbol of modern British fine dining. Led by Chef Simon Martin, who trained at the renowned Noma in Copenhagen, Mana offers a tasting menu that is both innovative and deeply rooted in local ingredients. The dishes often change based on the season and the availability of ingredients, showcasing the chef’s creativity and commitment to sustainability.

Special Menu:

• Tasting Menu – A multi-course journey featuring dishes like aged duck, sea buckthorn, and various foraged ingredients.
• Fermented Vegetables – Highlighting the restaurant's focus on preserving seasonal flavors.
• Wild Seaweed – Utilized in several dishes to bring a taste of the British coastline to the plate.

Location: 42 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6BF
Contact Number: +44 161 826 0505
Official Website: Mana
Social Media Handle: Instagram

Customer Experience:

Mana offers a minimalist and modern dining environment with an open kitchen that allows diners to observe the meticulous preparation of their meals. The restaurant’s focus on local ingredients and innovative techniques makes it a standout in Manchester’s dining scene.

Customer Favorites:

The tasting menu is particularly praised for its creativity and the use of local, seasonal ingredients that deliver bold and unexpected flavors.

Rating:

4.8/5 (Google Reviews)

2. The French by Simon Rogan

The French, located in the historic Midland Hotel, is a prestigious fine dining restaurant that has earned its place as one of Manchester's most acclaimed dining establishments. Under the guidance of Simon Rogan, the restaurant focuses on modern British cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients sourced from Rogan’s own farm in the Lake District.

Special Menu:

• Tasting Menu – Featuring dishes like salt-aged duck, Jerusalem artichokes, and black truffle.
• Vegetarian Tasting Menu – A creative selection of plant-based dishes using the freshest seasonal vegetables.
• Signature Desserts – Often incorporating foraged ingredients and unique flavor combinations.

Location: The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Contact Number: +44 161 236 3333
Official Website: The French
Social Media Handle: Instagram

Customer Experience:

The French offers a luxurious and refined dining experience with an emphasis on meticulous presentation and bold flavors. The elegant setting within the Midland Hotel adds to the overall experience, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

Customer Favorites:

The salt-aged duck is often highlighted for its rich flavor and perfect execution, while the vegetarian tasting menu is celebrated for its creativity and depth of flavor.

Rating:

4.7/5 (Google Reviews)

3. Adam Reid at The French

Adam Reid at The French is another Michelin-starred gem located within The Midland Hotel. Chef Adam Reid, known for his modern British cuisine, has created a menu that reflects his passion for local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. The restaurant’s focus is on delivering a memorable dining experience with every dish carefully crafted to perfection.

Special Menu:

• Tasting Menu – Includes dishes like poached turbot, pigeon breast, and Lancashire cheese.
• Afternoon Tea – A refined selection of sandwiches, pastries, and teas served with a modern twist.
• Dessert Tasting Plate – Featuring a selection of seasonal desserts with a focus on British ingredients.

Location: The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Contact Number: +44 161 236 3333
Official Website: Adam Reid at The French
Social Media Handle: Instagram

Customer Experience:

Adam Reid at The French offers an intimate and sophisticated dining atmosphere with an open kitchen that allows guests to watch the chefs at work. The restaurant's commitment to using local and seasonal ingredients shines through in every dish.

Customer Favorites:

The poached turbot and pigeon breast are highly recommended for their delicate flavors and beautiful presentation, while the dessert tasting plate is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.

Rating:

4.7/5 (Google Reviews)

Read More: Top 5 Buffet Restaurants in Manchester: Indulge in an All-You-Can-Eat Experience

4. Tast Catala

Tast Catala, backed by Michelin-starred chef Paco Pérez, offers a unique fine dining experience with a focus on Catalan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of traditional Catalan dishes, using high-quality ingredients sourced from both Spain and the UK. Tast Catala brings a slice of Barcelona to Manchester with its sophisticated menu and elegant setting.

Special Menu:

• Tasting Menu – A selection of Catalan-inspired dishes such as Iberico pork, octopus, and crema Catalana.
• Tapas Menu – A variety of authentic Catalan tapas, perfect for sharing.
• Signature Rice Dishes – Paella and other rice dishes made with traditional Catalan ingredients.

Location: 20-22 King St, Manchester M2 6AG
Contact Number: +44 161 806 0547
Official Website: Tast Catala
Social Media Handle: Instagram

Customer Experience:

Tast Catala offers a refined and stylish environment with a focus on authentic Catalan flavors. The sophisticated decor and attentive service enhance the overall dining experience, making it a top choice for fans of Spanish cuisine.

Customer Favorites:

The Iberico pork and crema Catalana are frequently praised for their rich flavors and authentic taste, while the tapas menu is loved for its variety and creativity.

Rating:

4.5/5 (Google Reviews)

5. 63 Degrees

63 Degrees is a family-run restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, offering a modern take on classic French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its elegant dishes, often centered around the sous-vide cooking method, which allows the food to be cooked at a precise temperature, enhancing its flavors and textures. While not yet Michelin-starred, 63 Degrees is often regarded as being on par with many Michelin-starred establishments in terms of quality and innovation.

Special Menu:

• Poularde de Bresse – A succulent chicken dish cooked sous-vide and served with seasonal vegetables.
• Foie Gras – A rich and delicate dish served with house-made brioche and a fruit compote.
• Chocolate Fondant – A classic French dessert with a molten center, served with vanilla ice cream.

Location: 20 Church St, Manchester M4 1PN
Contact Number: +44 161 832 5438
Official Website: 63 Degrees
Social Media Handle: Instagram

Customer Experience:

63 Degrees offers an intimate and cozy dining experience with a focus on high-quality French cuisine. The restaurant’s elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, combined with its dedication to using the finest ingredients, makes it a must-visit for food lovers.

Customer Favorites:

The Poularde de Bresse is highly recommended for its tender and flavorful meat, while the Chocolate Fondant is a must-try for dessert enthusiasts.

Rating:

4.6/5 (Google Reviews)

Conclusion

Manchester has become a culinary hotspot, attracting food enthusiasts from across the globe. Its selection of Michelin-starred restaurants showcases a diverse range of cuisines, each offering a unique fine dining experience. Whether it's the innovative dishes at Mana or the Catalan-inspired flavors at Tast Catala, Manchester's Michelin-starred venues excel in creativity, quality, and service. These restaurants are a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a premier dining destination, and a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy world-class cuisine.

FAQs

1. Which restaurant in Manchester was the first to receive a Michelin star?
   Mana was the first restaurant in Manchester to receive a Michelin star. It is known for its modern British cuisine and seasonal tasting menus.

2. What type of cuisine is served at Tast Catala?
   Tast Catala offers Catalan-inspired dishes, bringing a taste of Barcelona to Manchester with its sophisticated menu of tapas, rice dishes, and traditional Catalan flavors.

3. What is the signature cooking method at 63 Degrees?
   At 63 Degrees, the signature cooking method is sous-vide, which allows food to be cooked at a precise temperature, enhancing its flavor and texture.

4. Are there vegetarian options at Michelin-starred restaurants in Manchester?
   Yes, restaurants like The French by Simon Rogan offer a vegetarian tasting menu, showcasing creative plant-based dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

5. Do these restaurants require a reservation?
   Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance for any of Manchester’s Michelin-starred restaurants due to their popularity and limited seating.