Autumn is officially here, and we’re ready to throw ourselves into the new season headfirst, pumpkin spiced latte in hand. And to get into the spirit of all the good stuff that the colder months bring with them, we’ve rounded up some of the loveliest, most cosy restaurants in Manchester for dinner in the city.
1. Mowgli
Stepping inside Mowgli is a little bit like stepping into another world – thanks to its twinkling fairy lights, looming lit-up trees and swings for seats. The whole ambience is incredibly warm and welcoming, symbolic of the family-inspired food they serve up every day. On the menu, you’ll find a whole host of Indian dishes influenced by the country’s street food, with curries, British twists on classic dishes (for example the Mowgli Chip Butty) and a range of tandoori meats to choose from – all served small plate style.
📍Mowgli, 16, Corn Exchange House, 37 Exchange St, M4 3TR.
2. Albert’s Schloss
Albert’s Schloss has a homely feel to it all year round, whether you’re popping by for a meal or for a bit of a boogie. But the restaurant has a particular charm to it that’s ideal for a cosy Sunday roast. Sit back and relax with a German beer, experience the delight that is Schloss’s gorgeous roast (those Yorkshire puddings though) – all while taking in a bit of live music, usually in the form of soft Jazz or a Gospel Choir.
📍Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
3. The Ivy Roof Terrace
Complete with fire pits, plants galore and low mood lighting, The Ivy‘s roof terrace is a lovely choice for a special occasion (or just a glamorous Saturday evening) – with a gorgeous brasserie menu and an incredible dessert list. The atmosphere is both lively and homely, with hearty dishes perfect for warming up on a cold evening. The real star of the show, however, is the Chocolate Bombe on the dessert menu – which can only be described as a (very naughty!) taste sensation.
📍The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG.
4. Canto
A fresh and bright little spot tucked away in Ancoats with a European feel to it, Canto serves up tasty Mediterranean-inspired tapas – with a little something for everyone on the menu. The warm and welcoming restaurant mixes up its menu with seasonal flavours and ingredients, making it the perfect spot to relax while catching up with a friend any time of the year. Obviously, you can’t leave without having a pastel de nata, too.
📍Canto, Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5DH.
5. The Black Friar
Cementing itself as a firm favourite ever since its grand reopening in 2021, The Black Friar is most definitely the perfect gastropub in Manchester. Pairing classic pub-style decor with stylish finishings, the pub is home to an array of different zones, nooks and crannies to dine in, whether it be by the fire, or in their evolving garden – which in the wintertime, usually consists of a cosy, twinkling tipi. Tuck into a pie by the fire, watch the world go by by the window with a pint, or snuggle up in the garden with a cocktail. The possibilities feel endless at this truly stunning venue.
📍The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Manchester, M3 7DB.
6. Sunset by Australasia
Sunset by Australasia goes all out as soon as the sun dissipates, completing their pretty-in-pink décor with faux fur soft furnishings and even blankets to keep you warm out on their terrace (which also features a number of heaters to keep you warm from the outside cold). The menu is filled with Asian-inspired cocktails, with sushi, robata grilled meats and more available to eat. It’s been a local favourite for years, and despite being a terrace, it really is one of the most warming venues to visit over the colder months in the city.
📍Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP.
7. Bay Horse Tavern
Adding to the cosy restaurants in Manchester is pub-style spot in the heart of the Northern Quarter, the Bay Horse Tavern. It’s is a great place to warm up and it’s hard to miss it too, thanks to its fairy light-adorned exterior. Inside, the bar and restaurant are decorated in a cosy yet familiar style, with homely favourites on the menu including pie, bangers and mash and beef sirloin, making it one of the cosiest restaurants in Manchester.
📍Bay Horse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, M4 1NA.
8. The Edinburgh Castle
Sticking with the pub theme, the distinguished Ancoats pub The Edinburgh Castle is an absolute classic when it comes to cosying up on a cold night. Lit with romantic candles and small lamps, the atmosphere feels like a hug all year round, with warm coloured interiors to match. Expect proper pub grub to a high standard, including fish and chips, and artisan pies, paired with the best of tipples. The restored 1811 pub is a beautiful example, and somewhere to seriously consider for a special occasion.
📍The Edinburgh Castle, Henry St & Blossom St, Manchester, M4 5AW.
9. Dimitri’s Tapas Bar Taverna
Echoing traditional Greek tavernas that pepper the motherland, Dimitri’s in Manchester offers a real Mediterranean experience in one of the most wonderfully cosy restaurants around. With simple, traditional seating consisting mostly of wood, lightbulbs strung over the seating area and exposed brick walls, the interiors bring an air of being taken care of, along with the incredible scent of the wonderful tapas.
Small dishes are the order of the day, and although these can be on the light side, there are some hearty options available to warm your cockles, including Greek meatballs and a variety of skewers, all of which can be washed down with an Ouzo or two. Yamas!
📍Dimitri’s Tapas Bar Taverna, 1-3 Campfield Arcade 1, 322-326 Tonman St, Deansgate, Manchester M3 4FH.