Showcasing true Northern grit, our city’s entrepreneurs said a big “F YOU” to the economic uncertainty this year as well as emerging stronger post-pandemic, resulting in a swarm of brand new restaurants and bars for the people of Manchester to enjoy, with some becoming the absolute best openings of the year. From delicious pizzerias to huge food and drink destinations, here’s some of the best new restaurants and bars to grace Manchester in 2022.
1. Hello Oriental
Contemporary underground market hall Hello Oriental, specialising in Chinese cuisine, is a food lover’s paradise. Spanning three whole floors, some of which sit underground, Hello Oriental provides Mancs with a one-stop destination for Chinese and Vietnamese grub, and forms part of the huge new Circle Square development, which is set to continue to be a go-to for food, drink and live entertainment into the new year. Hello Oriental, Unit 3B, South Pavilion, 2 Symphony Park, M1 7FS.
2. Sonata
Opening in the former Boots on King Street, Sonata has brought a whole new vibe to Manchester – merging New York City prohibition vibes with jazz and cabaret. There, guests are able to enjoy live entertainment every single night, alongside refreshing drinks and classic 1920s vibes. King Street has slowly been developing as not only a premium part of the city for shopping, but one where Mancs can drink, dine and party, too – much like its Northern Quarter and Spinningfields counterparts- and Sonata has very much assisted in that. Sonata Piano & Cabaret Lounge, St Ann’s Alley, M2 6AJ.
3. The Deansgate
More of a reopening than necessarily a new opening however this iconic pub is definitely worth adding to the list of best new restaurants and bars for 2022. The Deansgate officially reopened to the public in November 2022 following a significant investment which restored the venue to its former glory and features a few new touches. Having closed its doors back in March 2020 during the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the site remained closed until being acquired earlier this year. What’s more the refurbishment also saw the return of The Deansgate’s much-loved festoon lighting, which had previously adorned the venue for decades – helping bring a little sparkle back to Deansgate. The Deansgate, 321 Deansgate, M3 4LQ.
4. Gooey
Gooey has become a Manchester institution thanks to its tasty, New-York inspired treats varying from warm and gooey cookies to sugar doughnuts stuffed with a variety of fillings making up the delectable menu. But after a few years popping up in the Northern Quarter, one of Manchester’s favourite sweet treat brand opened a new neighbourhood bakery and café in August 2022. Gooey Bakery & Café offers their largest bakery selection yet introducing croissants, cruffins and pastries alongside their insta-famous warm, gooey cookies and sugar coated stuffed brioche doughnuts; with classics, specials and crowd-pleasers all made from scratch daily. It’s also become a must-visit brunch spot thanks to the likes of its show-stopping Gooey French Toast stuffed with dulce de leche. Gooey Bakery & Café, 103 High St, M4 1HQ.
5. MNKY HSE
Little nuggets of Mayfair have been trickling their way into Manchester over the years – with China White and Mahiki paving the way for an influx of new businesses taking a chance on the Rainy City. Now Latin American hotspot MNKY HSE has joined Manchester’s vibrant hospitality scene bringing with it tacos, caviar, ceviche, sea bass and more for guests to tuck into, alongside luxurious platters designed for sharing and stunning cocktails inspired by the region. Menu highlights include their epic £1000 platter filled with caviar, Kamchatka King crab legs, ceviches, Ostra Regal oysters, tacos, sushi and more, alongside a large selection of meat and fish cooked on the robata grill. MNKY HSE, 18 Lloyd Street, M2 5WA.
6. The Beeswing
Manchester’s wine scene is absolutely thriving and its love for a natural wine is definitely not disappearing any time soon. However, this summer saw a new addition arrive in the city in the form of The Beeswing. The indie wine bar and kitchen serves up an exquisite wine selection alongside a wide variety of delicious pinchos, small plates, as well as cheese and charcuterie platters. Pair their delicious food and drink offerings with an absolute suntrap of a terrace overlooking the lush gardens and canalside and you have a perfect summer spot that makes this wine bar worthy of being one of the best bars and restaurants to come out of Manchester this year. The Beeswing, KAMPUS, 24a Minshull Street, M1 3EF.
7. Climat
From the team behind Chester’s Michelin Guide restaurant, Covino, Climat is the much-anticipated, wine hotspot has arrived at Blackfriars House and is one of the only new restaurants this month in Manchester boasting a rooftop terrace. The restaurant features over 250 wines from across the world, complimented by an ever-changing daily menu described simply as ‘food you want to eat’. Climat has also resurrected a cult classic, vol-au-vents which have become a staple to the ever-changing menu. Climat, 8th Floor of Blackfriars House St Marys, Parsonage, M3 2JA.
8. Libertine
Libertine, a restaurant and bar housed within one of the grandest landmark sites in Withington opened up in August, offering a place where guests can eat well, drink well, soak up the atmosphere and listen to good music. Located in the old District Bank building on Wilmslow Road, a number of beautiful original features have been unearthed and lovingly restored to the venue, so that they now play among the wooden tables and rustic décor of the restaurant and bar. With a big focus on beer (20 keg lines and four cask lines on offer) as well as a cocktail list with classic drinks alongside some delicious signature offerings created by the team, it’s been a go-to spot for a tipple as well as Sunday roast for both locals and visitors to Withington. Libertine, 437 Wilmslow Road, M20 4AN.
9. MUSU
Opening on Manchester’s Bridge Street in November this year, MUSU sets itself apart by bringing “a new breed of restaurant that offers both the pinnacle of fine dining and a totally immersive experience”. At MUSU, guests can choose their dishes from each section of the menu to suit their own personal taste preferences, tuck into a set menu curated by chef Michael Shaw that comprises seven and eleven course options or entrust the chef to create the perfect menu. Like the meaning of the restaurant’s name, there are “infinite possibilities” at one of the best new restaurants to arrive in Manchester. MUSU, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN.
10. Provence
Named after one of France’s popular wine regions, all day wine bar and coffee house Provence opened its doors in Manchester in the autumn, offering wine for every occasion (quite literally) and ‘wine-oke’ on the menu. Located in the Manchester business district of Spinningfields, Provence has a non-traditional approach to wine, which sees guests select from a menu categorised by ‘wine occasions’ as opposed to a typical region or flavour profile. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends, a date night spot, a pre-dinner treat, or a post-work pick-me-up with colleagues, the uniquely grouped wine menu will match the perfect wine to your mood and current life situation. Provence, 3 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, M3 3HF.
11. New Century
Manchester’s new events, music, and food and drink destination, New Century, located between Victoria Station and Shudehill in the 20 acre NOMA neighbourhood, has opened its 10,000 sqft kitchens for the first time. The stellar line up of independent food traders are now serving in their new Manchester home housed within the remarkable Grade II listed building to become the social heart of New Century. You’ll find six incredible traders including Adam Reid of The French with his brand new concept ‘The Butty Shop’; Zumuku Sushi bringing independent Japanese cuisine, Banh Vi bringing their unique, plant-based Asian food; Tom Lowe’s Tallow serving only sustainably sourced, 28 day dry aged beef dishes; BaoBro23 bringing beautiful bao buns; and lastly. Wild by PLY, an elevated pizza concept from Northern Quarter’s PLY. New Century, 34 Hanover St, M4 4AH
12. Fuwa Fuwa
A café specialising in the viral food sensation, Japanese soufflé pancakes, known as Fuwa Fuwa, opened its doors in Manchester New Square in October, and Mancs can’t get enough of that jiggle jiggle. Fuwa Fuwa, meaning ‘fluffy fluffy’, is North America’s largest soufflé pancake and dessert café, and to accompany all that sweet fluffiness, offers unbelievable flavours to top their soufflé pancakes with. For all those chocolate and coffee lovers out there, drench those wobbly pancakes with tiramisu flavours or keep it classic with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Fuwa Fuwa, Unit B302, Carding Building, Whitworth Street, M1 3NR
13. Dokes Pizzeria
Expanding new concept Dokes Pizzeria – which until July 2022 was only available at the Society food hall – Clay and co. took their ‘Anglo-Saxon’ pizzas to a whole new neighbourhood, selecting Prestwich as the winning contender for their brand new, intimate restaurant. Taking over a spot on Bury New Road, Dokes Prestwich is the perfect all-day dining destination – not only serving proper stone-baked pizza topped with the finest British produce (think Welsh chorizo, cured pig’s cheek and English cheeses), but an array of brunch and lunch dishes, too, which mirror the delectable British dishes served at sister site, Elnecot. Dokes, 449A Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 1AF.
14. Salt & Pepper
After having to permanently close its stall at Arndale Market in April this year, Salt & Pepper has finally found a new permanent home in the Northern Quarter. The popular food stall served delicious food at Black Dog Ballroom over the summer but sibling owners Chloe and Cash have finished the year on a high by opening their own venue just a stone’s throw away from their former residence. Customers can pop in for their classic, much-loved dishes from their previous Manchester pop-up restaurants but also enjoy new stuffed wraps and a family curry sauce recipe. Salt & Pepper, 60-62 High Street, M4 1EA
15. Exhibition
Situated in the iconic St George’s House, Exhibition, a new 6,000sqft concept comprised of three independent kitchens, two bars, and dedicated exhibition spaces for local artists opened in Manchester bringing the best of food and drink plus more. The award-winning kitchens include Prestwich favourite and Michelin Guide named Osma bringing a new relaxed edge to their famous Scandinavian concept, alongside Caroline Martins of the Sao Paulo Project with a brand new version of her Brazilian-British fusion cuisine. Plus Ramsbottom’s Basque fire cookery restaurant, Baratxuri, has joined the line-up of traders at Exhibition, all offering unique plates to suit all tastes and levels of hunger. Exhibition, St George’s House, 56 Peter Street, M2 3NQ.