Out for a few bevs catching up with mates? Or fancy sharing some top-class grub with your nearest and dearest? You’re gonna need some fuel – and we know just the places. From drool-worthy American style big eats, to tasty Mediterranean tapas, check out Secret Manchester’s guide to the best spots for sharing platters and small plates in Manchester.
1. Brewski
The King’s of the sharing platter here in Manchester, Brewski offers up some incredible options – including the absolutely whopping 20-inch brunch board packed with sausage patties, steak, bacon, pancakes and all the trimmings that originally stole the show. If you fancied something a little on the smaller side, their Mate Date platters are perfect for sharing with one other, with fried chicken burgers, chicken tenders, quesadillas, burritos, fries and so much more. Brewski, 58 W Mosley St, M2 3HZ.
2. Fress
While Fress’s main menus are mostly suited to demolishing solo, their Afternoon Tea is perfect for sharing – packed with tasty treats such as pancakes, fried chicken and even mac & cheese balls. The tasty tiered food experience is stuffed with both sweet and savoury items which are sure to have you and your chosen pal leaving stuffed, with the whole thing costing just £20 per person. Fress, 62 Oldham St, M4 1LE.
3. Canto
Nothing beats a good bit of tapas when socialising with friends, and Canto’s Portuguese-inspired offering is absolutely delicious. The casual restaurant in Ancoats has a wide selection of small plates which are ideal for sharing, with veggie, meat and fish options available. Canto also offers a lovely drinks menu stocked full of cocktails, European wines and beers, too – perfect for washing their Mediterranean inspired grub down with. Canto, Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5DH.
4. Evuna
Another tasty tapas spot in Manchester’s city centre, Evuna provides stunning authentic Spanish grub – with fine Spanish wines imported to accompany. The menu is packed with veggie, meat and fish options, including dishes such as Iberian slow-cooked pork cheeks, octopus, Spanish meatballs and, of course, croquetas. Evuna, 277-279 Deansgate, M3 4EW.
5. The Refuge
Sundays are like no other at The Refuge thanks to their whopping Sunday Roast sharing platter. And if this doesn’t induce top button popping, we honestly don’t know what will. Filled to the brim with an array of meats and all the trimmings, the huge platter serves two people (with extras on there, too!), including beef, chicken and pork piled high to enjoy. The Refuge, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Oxford St, M60 7HA.
6. Sunset by Australasia
Another delightful spot for small plates, Sunset by Australasia has a small but sweet menu of Japanese inspired dishes, including sushi, grilled meats, fish, sides and premium steaks. The sharing taster selections are, of course, perfect for sharing, with a number of menu highlights making up the wooden platter. To accompany, there’s a huge cocktail menu available too, boasting Asian inspired concoctions that are seriously tasty. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP.
7. Cane & Grain
A popular drinking spot in the Northern Quarter, Cane & Grain has some great grub on the menu – all fitting with the bar’s American theme. The menu features a ton of dishes that can be ordered for one, but if you fancy a bit of food over a few pints with mates, their ‘Feastin’ Trays’ are finger-lickin’ good – with a large tray packed full of meat that’s perfect for two. Cane & Grain, 49, 51 Thomas St, M4 1NA.
8. American Pies
A relatively new concept from the team behind Brewski, American Pies knows how to do good, filling grub. Serving hearty portions and sharing boards that are great for enjoying during date night, guests can roll up their sleeves and tuck into packed boards filled with beige goodness, including deep-fried lasagne bites, meatballs, garlic knots, chicken tenders and more cheese-lathered goodness! American Pies, Unit 1, 58 W Mosley St, M2 3HZ.
9. Ducie Street Warehouse
Putting a focus on the social element of dining, Ducie Street Warehouse offers a fantastic menu to share with friends, boasting an array of dishes that are perfect for splitting between 2-4 people. Think tasty lamb cutlets, miso-glazed seabass, 800g tomahawk of Cheshire beef, and even a whopping 1kg of camembert for dipping. Ducie Street Warehouse, Ducie St, M1 2TP.