5 Best Brunch Restaurants in Manchester (2025 Guide)

Manchester is a city where rich history, modern culture, and an evolving food scene meet, making it one of the UK’s best spots for a great brunch. Whether you’re a local looking for your next weekend hangout or a visitor eager to explore the city’s café culture, Manchester offers a brunch scene that is as diverse as its people. From hearty full English breakfasts and Mediterranean-inspired dishes to indulgent sweet treats, there’s something for every taste and occasion.

After reviewing recent ratings, guest feedback, and updated menus for 2025, here are five of the very best brunch spots in Manchester worth adding to your must-visit list.

1. Evelyn’s Café Bar

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Located in the creative heart of the Northern Quarter, Evelyn’s Café Bar offers a stylish, plant-filled space with a menu that blends global influences and seasonal produce. In 2025, the restaurant continues to stand out for its live-fire cooking using a charcoal Inka grill, which infuses dishes with rich, smoky flavors. The menu balances health-conscious plates with indulgent options, from spicy shakshuka and za’atar mushrooms on toast to fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

Customer reviews from early 2025 praise the friendly, attentive service and the consistently fresh quality of the food. One recent diner described their breakfast as “creative, beautifully presented, and full of flavor,” while another highlighted the Sunday roast as “one of the best in the city.”

Pro tip: Evelyn’s operates on a walk-in only basis for brunch, so arrive early on weekends to avoid a wait.

Website: Evelyn’s Café Bar

2. Federal Café & Bar

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Bringing a taste of Australia and New Zealand to Manchester since 2014, Federal Café & Bar has become a brunch institution with multiple locations across the city. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, with sunlit interiors, greenery, and a menu that draws long queues every weekend.

The all-day brunch menu is packed with favorites like smashed avocado on sourdough, halloumi & chorizo hash, and Turkish eggs. Those with a sweet tooth will love their French toast with seasonal berries. Drinks range from flat whites (some of the best in Manchester) to fresh juices, kombucha, and cocktails—two-for-£12 deals make it an especially popular choice for brunch with friends.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across thousands of reviews in 2025, Federal remains one of Manchester’s most loved cafés. As one reviewer put it: “The wait is always worth it—everything feels fresh, generous, and made with care.”

Website: Federal Café & Bar

3. The Koffee Pot

Image source: tripadvisor.com

If your idea of brunch is a classic full English breakfast done right, The Koffee Pot delivers it with no fuss and plenty of charm. A Northern Quarter fixture for decades, it’s known for generous portions and a retro vibe that feels warmly nostalgic.

The full English here includes bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns, black pudding, beans, and grilled tomatoes—exactly what you need after a late night or before a busy day. There are also vegetarian and vegan breakfast options, alongside eggs Benedict and stacks of fluffy pancakes.

While it may not be the most Instagram-perfect spot, The Koffee Pot wins with authenticity, hearty food, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back.

Website: The Koffee Pot

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

4. The Refuge by Volta

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Inside the iconic Principal Hotel, The Refuge by Volta offers an upscale brunch experience in one of Manchester’s most beautiful dining rooms. The high ceilings, Victorian details, and modern touches make it a perfect choice for special occasions or leisurely weekend meals.

The brunch menu blends the familiar with the exotic—think full English breakfasts, eggs royale, and Middle Eastern-inspired shakshuka with harissa. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails (the Bloody Mary is a standout) for the full experience.

In 2025, The Refuge continues to receive praise for its polished service and attention to presentation, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.

Website: The Refuge

5. Home Sweet Home

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Quirky, colorful, and unapologetically indulgent, Home Sweet Home has built a reputation for being the place to go when you want comfort food with personality. Located in the Northern Quarter, its eclectic décor makes you feel instantly at home.

Menu highlights include towering pancake stacks dripping with syrup, breakfast burritos bursting with flavor, huevos rancheros, and decadent homemade milkshakes. In 2025, the café has also expanded its plant-based menu options, making it a great choice for groups with varied dietary preferences.

Home Sweet Home is perfect for lazy brunches with friends where conversation flows as freely as the coffee refills.

Website: Home Sweet Home

Read More: Top 5 Pizza Places in Manchester You Must Try

Conclusion

Manchester’s brunch scene in 2025 reflects the city’s personality: diverse, welcoming, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer a polished, Instagram-ready café, a buzzing international-style coffee shop, or a hearty, traditional breakfast joint, the city delivers.

From the refined plates of The Refuge to the homely indulgence of Home Sweet Home, these five brunch destinations offer not just great food, but experiences worth savoring. Next time you’re in Manchester, make time for at least one—or better yet, work your way through all of them.

FAQs

What time is brunch served in Manchester?
Most restaurants serve brunch between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekends, though weekday timings vary.

Do these spots offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, most have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes. Always check the latest menu before visiting.

Should I make a reservation?
For Evelyn’s, brunch is walk-in only. Federal and Home Sweet Home also accept walk-ins, but The Refuge benefits from booking ahead—especially for large groups.

What’s the average cost of brunch in Manchester in 2025?
Expect to spend £10–£20 per person, excluding cocktails or specialty drinks.

Are they family-friendly?
Yes, all five restaurants welcome families, and some offer child-friendly menu items.