Renowned for its rich culinary traditions and discerning palates, French cuisine has gained quite a name for itself and Manchester is lucky enough to be home to some impressive French restaurants. From its chic bistros to its intimate brasseries, you can get a taste of France right here in Manchester without having to jump on a plane.
Step into these enchanting French restaurants in Manchester and you’ll be transported to the romantic streets of Paris where you can indulge in classic dishes like coq au vin and bouillabaisse, prepared with authentic French flare. Complete with elegant décor, impeccable service, and an air of sophistication, these French restaurants in Manchester offer a dining experience like no other.
1. Man Bites Frog
Situated in Chorlton yet once you step into Man Bites Frog you will feel like you’ve entered a bohemian French café with its eclectic décor and cosy furniture. Whilst the menu is not totally French, you’ll find little nods to the European country with a cheese and sundried tomato ciabatta made with Gruyère cheese and perfectly seasoned frites (chips to us Mancs). Sprinkled with rosemary salt, these skinny fries can also be topped with cheese or sambal for a gorgeous, flavoursome snack.
Man Bites Frog also serves up cheese burgers, shawarma kebabs, chip butties and crispy whitebait, all of which can be enjoyed with wonderfully-crafted cocktails including French martinis, negronis and margaritas. To top if off, you can sit back in their outdoor terrace and play table football at the restaurant – for chilled vibes and tasty food this is the place to visit. Man Bites Frog, 378 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 8AZ.
2. 63 Degrees
At 63 Degrees in Manchester, you can experience the delightful ambience that’s associated with French restaurants and it is a must-visit for any aficionado of French cuisine. Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, expertly prepared with a touch of finesse from either their à la carte or set lunch menu. Begin your meal with the likes of homemade fois gras terrine, sea bass and avocado carpaccio or snails with Vouvray reduction.
Revel in the showstopping Vollaile 63 Degrees, a succulent chicken dish cooked to perfection sous vide and served with Kalamata olives. And let’s not forget the exquisitely prepared salmon or the classic fillet steak served with Bearnaise sauce – both stars of the menu. Plus, be sure to order the Dauphinoise potatoes and courgette muffins to accompany your main. 63 Degrees has an extensive wine list, with staff on hand to recommend wines to compliment your chosen dish. On Tuesdays, the restaurant offers a five course tasting menu costing £45, with optional wine flight. 63 Degrees, 104 High St, M4 1HQ.
3. Côte
Situated just off Deansgate, Côte serves up a diverse menu featuring a range of tantalising dishes for you to feast on for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. This French restaurant also offers plenty of delightful options for vegans and vegetarians. Indulge in the vegan Côte burger or relish timeless classics such as the French onion soup or cheese soufflé.
For meat eaters, choose from likes of Breton fish stew, beef bourguignon, tuna niçoise and a selection of steaks of different cuts served with watercress and crispy frites. Or why not enjoy a steak with triple cooked truffle chips for the ultimate main course? But be sure to save room for the decadently rich chocolate mousse though! Plus what’s French cuisine without a crêpe? Tuck into Côte’s praline crêpe served with chocolate, caramelised bananas and vanilla crème fraîche, for the epitome of French indulgence. Côte, 4-12 St Mary’s St, M3 2LB.
4. Brasserie Blanc
Situated in the Marriott Hotel in Hale Barns is located close to Manchester Airport, meaning if you’re looking for sophisticated French restaurants before your trip (or want to continue your holiday after) this is the place. The brasserie has a beautiful floral ceiling with soft pink booth seating and foliage hanging from the above to create chic conservatory vibes.
Indulge in classic French cuisine favourites such as cheese soufflé and escargots (snails) with garlic and herb butter and baguette. Tuck into the likes of Provencal lamb roulade with Dauphinoise potatoes and lamb jus; chicken ballotine and ratatouille; pan-fried sea bream with bouillabaise sauce; and chateaubriand steak to share. Finish your dining experience at Brasserie Blanc with a zingy slice of tarte au citron or discover the best French fromage with a cheese selection served with crackers and accompaniments. Brasserie Blanc, Marriott Hotel, Hale Rd, Hale Barns, WA15 8XW.
5. Adam Reid at The French
While not necessarily French and more modern British, Adam Reid at The French in Manchester still offers the finesse and luxury you find in top French restaurants and spots in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant within one of Manchester’s oldest hotels, The Midland, is a gastronomic haven, serving a delightful array of dishes that will certainly tantalise your taste buds.
The menu takes you on a culinary adventure, with each dish paying homage to the North West and incorporating a touch of the region in every course. Guests will find impeccable attention to detail as they indulge in meticulously crafted and elegantly presented plates. A standout dish is the ‘fish pie’ and you also can expect delicious drinks and wines recommended from the sommelier to create an unforgettable dining experience. Adam Reid at The French, The Midland, 16 Peter St, M60 2DS.
6. Stretford Canteen
The bistro on Chester Road is one of the friendliest neighbourhood restaurants in Greater Manchester serving great French dishes full of flair and without all the fuss. After years of pop-ups and supper clubs, Stretford Canteen opened a permanent restaurant in 2022, serving a contemporary dishes that adapt with the seasons.
Expect the likes of braised lamb shoulder with anchovy, pea and mint for spring and squash and crispy sage galette for autumn. The specials board is always brimming with intriguing dishes and drinks to try as well as offering a cracking and oh-so-cheesy Croque Monsieur on a lunchtime. Stretford Canteen, 118 Chester Rd, Stretford, M32 9BH.
7. Climat
Climat is Manchester’s wine-led restaurant from the team behind Chester’s beloved Michelin Guide restaurant, Covino. Situated on the eighth floor of Blackfriars House, the restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the city and has an outdoor terrace that is perfect for al fresco catch-ups over drinks and dinner dates.
Described as ‘Parisian-expat food’ and born out of a desire to pair incredible foods with incredible wines, the impressive venue features an ever-changing menu including some unbelievable vol-au-vents. Alongside features like minimalist interiors and stone-wash walls, the terrace also includes four beehives which are the perfect ode to Manchester and once established,the honey will feature in dishes on the menu. Climat, 8th Floor, Blackfriars House, St Mary’s Parsonage, M3 2JA.