Feeling that carb fatigue? Trust us when we say, the Secret Media team’s waistbands need a break. If you’re foregoing the more beige dinner options in a bid to be a little healthier this month, there’s no need to sacrifice flavour or satisfaction – which is exactly why we’ve rounded up the very best healthy restaurants in Manchester to help. Read on for your dose of guilt-free dinner inspo.
1. The Green Lab
Putting a focus on health and wellbeing at their Dale Street venue, The Green Lab is more of a lifestyle destination than just a restaurant. With a ‘Health Lab’ set up in 2022, where guests will be able to take advantage of a number of fitness classes, alongside their ‘Mixing Lab’, where visitors can create their own nutrition bowls, smoothie bowls, and tuck into healthy bao buns, wraps and more, The Green Lab is truly a holistic experience. Our favourite part? The whole place is completely calorie transparent, helping to avoid any accidental overindulging if you’re watching what you eat. Plus, it’s MyFitnessPal friendly and delicious. The Green Lab, 32-34 Dale St, M1 1FY.
2. Evelyn’s Cafe Bar
While Evelyn’s isn’t a designated spot for healthy fare, they do have a number of considerably healthy dishes on their menu. Taking inspiration mostly from Asia when crafting their menu, guests can enjoy far less fatty dishes than your average burger or pizza, with delicious plates such as the spicy beef salad, tofu laksa, tandoori trout and so much more. The Evelyn’s environment is also a cleansing one to be in, with botanical décor and light wood interiors, you really feel like eating your greens and feeling as light as your surroundings. Halal-friendly options are available here too. Evelyn’s Cafe Bar, 44 Tib St, M4 1NB.
3. The Counter House
A fantastic ‘neighbourhood eatery‘ offering ‘comfort classics and health inspired dishes’, The Counter House has an absolutely massive menu – packed full of comfort food, lighter dishes and tasty small plates. Think roast salmon, sriracha chicken, baked Thai crab fishcakes and spicy glazed tofu, as well as a number of tasty sharing dishes that are perfect for those who simply want a little taste while eating well. If you do decide to throw the whole health kick out of the window, TCH’s incredible Sunday roast is up there with the very best, piled high with veggies, proper succulent meat and a massive Yorkshire pud. The Counter House, 35 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6AJ.
4. Federal
If you fancy eating lighter in a more casual setting, any of the Federal locations in Manchester will serve you well, whether its Deansgate, Northern Quarter or the new Oxford Road spot. With simple breakfast and brunch offerings, Federal makes sure you’re fed and watered ever so coolly. The breakfast menu includes granola, porridge and acai bowls, whilst you can get your hands on Turkish eggs, banana bread or classic smashed avo and poached egg on toast for brunch. Federal do have more indulgent options that are worth a look, but perhaps save that for the other 11 months of 2023! Federal, 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester, M4 1EY | 194 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3ND | R3 No2 Circle Square, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7FS.
5. The Allotment Vegan Eatery
While vegan doesn’t necessarily mean ‘healthy’, at The Allotment, it kinda does. Focusing on plant-based and gluten-free dishes, guests can expect tons of seasonal produce – the kind of stuff you can really fill up on without feeling too bad afterwards. Using local and sustainable growers where possible, The Allotment offers plates such as tofu ramen, colourful salads, and a tofu coconut curry, as well as smaller, veggie-packed dishes such as tenderstem broccoli and chicory, cauliflower ‘wings’, and miso maple mushrooms.
At the moment, The Allotment have a lunch deal offering two small plates and a hot drink for just £12, Monday – Friday. The Allotment has also been named one of the best vegan eateries in the world, so get it while it’s hot! Get the greens and grains in! The Allotment Vegan Eatery, 1-3 Cathedral Gates, M3 1SW.
6. Nam
A favourite among the team here at Secret Manchester, NAM is a hidden gem within the now well-established Ancoats community, offering authentic Vietnamese dishes. Offering both small plates that you can really get stuck into – as well as bigger dishes of healthy Pho, Vermicelli noodles, salads and more – guests can tuck into summer rolls packed with veggies, yummy bao buns, and Vietnamese curries, with plenty of both protein-packed and veggie options available. NAM, Unit 2, 33 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6AJ.
7. Bondi Bowls
Bondi Bowls is a Manchester success story, bringing signature flavour-packed salad bowls, soup bowls and smoothies to legions of punters, eager to make healthier food choices on the go. Located in Manchester’s Kampus, Bondi Bowls is an all-day brunch offering from morning til night – with a unique menu to include global flavour inspirations from the likes of India, Mexico and Australasia. It includes their signature Açaí Bowls and Poké Bowls, which have proved popular with delivery customers, and truly brings the taste of sunshine to your New Year. Bondi Bowls, Kampus, 57 Chorlton St., Manchester M1 3FY.
8. House of Fu
Hailing from across the Pennines, Leeds-born ramen spot House of Fu has now opened a Manchester branch. Situated on Manchester’s Portland Street within the walls once occupied by the Architects Society, House of Fu serves up classic and inventive bowls of ramen, vibrant rice dishes and homemade gyoza, all paired with carefully selected cocktails, craft beer, sake and wines. This is not to say that it’s a completely healthy option, but whether you fancy a light bit of sushi or salad, or tucking into something a bit more hearty, House of Fu is here for you. House of Fu, 113-115 Portland Street, M1 6DW.