Our pick of lunch spots in Manchester.
I’m loathe to declare any meal ‘the most important’ because, to me, all meals are created equal. But lunch will always have a special place in my heart. On a weekday it means a break from work, on a Saturday it often involves a pint and on a Sunday it means gravy. What’s not to love? It also helps that we have some of the finest lunch spots right here in Manchester.
1. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
The UK’s first gourmet grilled cheese restaurant, serving pimped up grilled cheese sandwiches, mac ‘n’ cheese and shakes, all set to a soul soundtrack. With restaurants in the Northern Quarter and Piccadilly, your never far away from a tasty toasted sandwich so there’s always time to nip out for one while you’re at work. 10 Church St, M4 1PN and Manchester Piccadilly M1 2GH.
2. Moose Coffee
The modern diner serves American-style breakfasts and 25 different brunch dishes, from pancakes to potato hashes, including seven choices for eggs benedict alone! Known as Manchester’s worst kept secret, diners should expect to wait for a table any day of the week but can enjoy one of their life-changing coffees while they wait. York House, 20 York St, M2 3BB
3. The Bay Horse Tavern
The Bay Horse Tavern is a modern take on a Victorian Pub, based right in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. On those days when a sandwich won’t do the trick, satisfy your lust for booze, gravy and carbs with The Bay Horse Tavern’s pie and a pint lunch deal. Choose from chicken and broccoli, mushroom and leek or steak and ale, all served with a side of gravy and either chips or creamy mash and either a pint of Bay Horse Gold ale or Bay Horse Pilsner for £8.50. 35-37 Thomas St, M4 1NA.
4. Platzki
The restaurant offers a modern fusion twist of flavours from Poland. The concept was created by two food fanatics who took a humble Polish potato pancake and turned it into a taste fest. And with breakfast being arguably everyone’s favourite meal of the day, Platzki’s brunch menu is perfect for those who are tired of eating the same old avocado on toast. Unit F Deansgate Mews, 255 Deansgate, The Great Northern Building, M34EN.
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5. The Koffe Pot, Northern Quarter
The Koffee Pot is a Mancunian institution that’s been serving up hearty no-nonsense British classics to the good people of Manchester for the last decade. Their fry-ups have been known to cure the worst of hangovers and their smoked kippers, haddock rarebit and haggis have made the Koffee Pot the go-to-caff for lunches, brunches and all-day breakfasts. 84-86 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE
6. Peck and Yard
The people at Peck and Yard are proud purveyors of tasty chicken served with homemade oriental sauce. Their formula is simple but oh so effective, simply pick your chicken, your sauce and your side. Or if you’re not in the mood to choose, go for one of their ready specials. Gluten free, veggie and vegan options are also available. 55 Manchester Rd, M21 9PW.
7. Crazy Pedro’s
Part pizza joint, part bar, Crazy Pedro’s brings us the best of both worlds with its legendary lunch deal – two slices and a drink for a fiver. The dough is made fresh every day and topped with a host of weird and wonderful things, from the classic to the downright bizarre (look out for sweet Baby Cheesus at Christmas). 55-57 Bridge Street, M33BQ. 1 Short Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1AA
8. Frankie’s Toasties
Toasties are the ultimate convenience food, all you need is bread, cheese and fire and you’ve got yourself a tasty sandwich. Frankie’s Toasties, the UK’s first toastie restaurant, has opened in Manchester, offering ‘straight up’ toasties with a selection of outrageously good fillings, including Nutella, Supernoodles, alphabet spaghetti and loads more. 98a Portland St, M1 4GX.
Also published on Medium.