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. 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 Botanist
You couldn’t possibly get any homelier than The Botanist on Deansgate, which is decked out from bar-to-restaurant with cottage-style interiors which feature lovely rustic finishes. The menu is incredibly diverse too, with burgers, hanging kebabs, fish & chips, pies and more available to choose from – as well as a number of cocktails to wash it all down with when seeking refuge from a chilly day. The Botanist, 78 Deansgate, M3 2FW.
4. 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.
5. 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. Canto, Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5DH.
6. Three Little Words
Sitting pretty alongside the Manchester Gin city centre distillery, Three Little Words is perfectly decorated with plush velvets, industrial lighting and exposed brick – combining Manchester’s iconic industrial vibes with something a little cosier. Naturally, the bar is fully stocked with a variety of gins to warm you up after a cooler autumn day, which can be accompanied with a filling dish from their lovely kitchen. Three Little Words, 12-13 Watson St, M3 4LP.
7. 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. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP.
8. Bay Horse Tavern
A pub-style spot in the heart of the Northern Quarter, the Bay Horse Tavern 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.
9. 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.
10. Dimitris Tapas Bar Taverna
Echoing traditional Greek tavernas that pepper the motherland, Dimitris 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! Dimitris Tapas Bar Taverna, 1-3 Campfield Arcade 1, 322-326 Tonman St, Deansgate, Manchester M3 4FH.