Bank account ready for a blow this month? Enjoying everything Manchester has to offer doesn’t have to cost the Earth – including going out for some good old grub with your pals. If you’re keeping your wallet under lock and key this month, check out our guide to the best cheap restaurants in Manchester.
1. Bunny Jackson’s
If there’s one place that won’t break the bank, it’s Bunny Jackson’s. From 25p wings to cheap as chips hot dogs and bar snacks – this is the place for those who like to snack on American grub whilst having a few drinks with friends. For those who want to fill up for the night, burgers come in at less than a tenner, too. You can’t go wrong one of the best sheap Manchester restaurants around! Bunny Jackson’s, 1 Jack Rosenthal St, M15 4RA.
2. Wolf at the Door
Another seriously cheap Manchester restaurant, Wolf at the Door serves up tacos from just £1, with bao buns starting at just £2. There’s no catch either, just turn up any day of the week and tuck in. Pair it with one of their natural wines, and you’re onto a winner. Wolf at the Door, 30-32 Thomas St, M4 1ER.
3. Rudy’s
Rudy’s is so good, it’s always a pleasant surprise when you get the bill and remember just how budget-friendly it really is. Pizza prices range from £5.60 – £9.90 (the more expensive options being the meatier ones!), and each pizza is bigger than the huge plate it’s served on. The value for money is incredible, particularly since it’s officially the best pizza in the UK, and the atmosphere is perfect for a catch-up with mates. Not only is Rudy’s one of the most-loved restaurants in Manchester, it’s also a cheap and cheerful number. Rudy’s, 9 Cotton St, Ancoats, M4 5BF | Petersfield House, Peter St, M2 5QJ.
4. This & That
A Manchester institution since the 80s, This & That is one of the city’s favourite spots for good Indian food, serving an ever-changing menu of homemade curries for guests to enjoy. And it’s a seriously cheap spot, too, with curries costing a maximum of £8! If you’re a veggie, even better, with prices of just £6 for a serving of rice with three different curries. The menu changes every day, so be sure to check what’s on next time you fancy a bit of spice in your life. This & That, Soap St, M4 1EW.
5. Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn
Liquor & Burn is a lively NQ Mexican spot with a difference. They have 2 for 1 Margaritas all day every day, with a cheeseburger taco to try out if you fancy splashing a few more pennies. The general menu consists of packed burritos priced at around £10 each, with a number of snacks to choose from that range from £4.50 in price, to £8.50 for a monster pile of nachos. If you’re looking for a cheap Manchester restaurants that oozes cool and casual, Liquor & Burn is a good one! Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn, 100-102 High St, M4 1HP.
6. Trof
Not only does Trof serve up a lovely menu full of hearty faves such as giant chicken burgers, fish and chips and even a stunning Sunday roast, but they also do it at a reasonable price. Offering up 50% off food once every week (previously Thursdays, currently Mondays so make sure you check beforehand!), those eating out on a budget can enjoy some seriously cheap grub at one of Manchester’s best city centre hotspots. If you miss it, not to worry, because a huge majority of their menu comes in at less than a tenner per dish anyway. Trof, 8 Thomas St, M4 1EU.
7. Rosa’s Thai Café
Now a British institution, Rosa’s Thai Café prides itself on authentically Thai cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, with no frills. Having said this, their restaurants are beautifully done, simplistic and casual in the classiest of ways. Not only does Rosa’s Thai serve the most amazing food from Pad Thai to Thai green and red curry, as well as a curated vegan menu, but it has a unique cocktail menu consisting of house favourites. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy Thai Ginger Spritz or a Boozy Lemongrass and Pandan Iced Tea, or something tamer in the form of bubble tea or ginger ale, you’re guaranteed to experience something new. And a meal and drink can come in at as low as £15, even less if you’re trailing sobriety! Rosa’s Manchester, 184 Deansgate, The Old Courthouse, Manchester, M3 3WB.
8. YES
Introducing: We Can Be Gyros. The new, David Bowie-inspired gyros outlet at Manchester’s YES fills the hole left by Doner Summer, taking a turn to Greek cuisine from Turkish Donner – think Greek flavours all in a neat flatbread package, perfect for late night scrans or lunch on the go.
Fillings include halloumi, vegan sauces, meat and cheese, of course stuffed with homemade fries and slathered in your choice of salad ingredients and sauces. Prices start from £3.50 for fries, and We Can Be Gyros also offers meal deals for £8.95 and £10.95, making this a convenient and affordable option for on-the-go satisfaction, and one of the best cheap restaurants in Manchester. YES, 38 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB.
9. Pieminister
A labour of love, Pieminister truly celebrates the miracle of ethical pies. Get your hands on a ‘Mooless Moo’ (Jackfruit ‘steak’, craft ale & black pepper) or a ‘Kate & Sidney’ (British beef steak, kidney & ale) with lashings of gravy for just £6.50, available to take away if you’re in a hurry. For an extra quid, try one of Pieminister’s Boss Pies, elevated to create something truly special, including ‘Tikka To Ride’ (Free range British chicken tikka, onion bhaji top & herb relish). They also have a choice of pie meals which include sides, or an express lunch (Mon-Fri) for between £8.50-£10 – what a way to perk up your day! Pieminister, 198 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3NE | 53 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PD.
10. Mr Su
What if you could choose exactly what goes in your noodle bowl, completely mix and match, up to you? Well, Mr Su to the rescue, because this Chinese restaurant with a difference has taken Manchester by storm, bringing traditional Chinese dumplings and noodles to Circle Square on Oxford Road.
The menu features speciality made-on-site dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients including lamb and Chinese leaves, a tempting snack with six costing just £3.90; £7.50 for 12; and if you’re feeling particularly hungry, 18 and 24 to share with friends or simply devour by yourself, setting you back just £10.90 or £13.90 respectively. Yep, 24 dumplings for under £14! Mr Su, 7 Nobel Wy., Manchester M1 7FU.