Time for a date night? Whether it’s with your mates or your one and only, we all deserve a treat after the gruelling year we’ve all endured. Sweatpants might be all that fits us right now, but you can bet your ass we’ll be polishing up for a night on the town at one of these beautiful restaurants in Manchester. Read on for our pick of some of the prettiest places in the city, whether it be for an occasion or a special treat.
1. Tattu
An oriental paradise right here in Manchester, Tattu is undeniably one of the beautiful restaurants – situated within the bustling Spinningfields district of our city. Serving up a contemporary menu of Chinese-inspired dishes and featuring a giant cherry blossom tree right in the middle of the restaurant, Tattu is the perfect place for a long-awaited date night, with not only a romantic atmosphere on offer, but a number of small plates that are perfect for sharing over an intimate dinner. Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, M3 3EB.
2. Firefly
A transformative venue that switches from chilled LA vibes by day, to cosmopolitan vibes by night, Firefly is both lively and swanky – the perfect recipe for a date night. Expect live DJs, bottle service, cocktails and a menu packed with LA-inspired tapas such as crispy duck tacos, Korean chicken and tempura prawns. Firefly, Suite 2, Ground Floor, One New Bailey, Stanley St, M3 5JL.
3. Australasia
A Manchester-favourite for special occasions, Australasia – also known as ‘the one you enter via the glass triangle on the street’ – features a clean, minimal interior, that absolutely oozes chic vibes. The menu is just as wonderful, too, with extensive Australasian-inspired options varying from sushi, Robata grilled meats, Asian small plates and more. Cocktail-wise, it’s quite the field day – with endless Asian-inspired flavours to try out during your visit. Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Deansgate, M3 3AP.
4. Victors
Covered in beautiful wisteria, Victors is an extra special venue, with something beautiful to capture your attention at every turn. Set over two floors, guests can enjoy the venue for every meal – from brunch to dinner – with a diverse menu on offer with dishes spanning from sushi and burgers to Sunday roasts and salads. Victors, 46 London Rd, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DZ.
5. The Edinburgh Castle
The stunning refurbished pub that sits alongside a number of other fantastic venues in the super-cool Ancoats neighbourhood, The Edinburgh Castle provides a romantic, up-market setting that’s perfect for date night thanks to its low lighting and deep, rich colour choices. Run by the same team that’s behind Manchester favourite Cottonopolis, the menu boasts British dishes such as posh fish and chips, aged duck, bangers and mash and more. The menu is ever-changing, dependent on the season, so be sure to check out what’s in store. The Edinburgh Castle, 17-19 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5AW.
6. Menagerie
One of the most Instagrammable and beautiful restaurants in Manchester by a mile, Menagerie is full of picture-perfect moments, from their incredible birdcage booth, the stunning angel mannequin that floats over the top of the bar, their many, many neon quotes and even doves which are suspended from the ceiling. On the menu, you’ll find a whopping variety of dishes – including sushi, pasta, steaks, fish, lamb and salads, as well as a fantastic cocktail list and best of all, some seriously moreish desserts. Menagerie, One New Bailey, New Bailey St, M3 5JL.
7. Peter Street Kitchen
Not only does Peter Street Kitchen reside in a building with the most stunning exterior, but the inside doesn’t disappoint either. Minimalistic with a luxury edge, the restaurant is bright, warming and ever-inviting – as is the menu. Serving high-end Japanese and Mexican cuisine, guests can expect dishes such as Wagyu beef, sushi, paprika ribs and salmon tartare. If that wasn’t all, the restaurant also offers a six-course tasting menu, a breakfast experience and even a fully vegan menu, too. Peter Street Kitchen, Free Trade Hall, Peter St, M2 5GP.
8. Grand Pacific
One of the most opulent restaurants in Manchester, the beautiful Grand Pacific offers a contemporary take on global food – with influences taken from all over Asia when forming their menu. We’re talking everything from Korean hot plates to an Asian fusion burger, as well as kimchi topped steak and lamb massaman curry. If that wasn’t all, the restaurant serves up an extra special High Tea, with delectable treats such as Arancini, lobster buttered crumpets, tuna tartare, Eccles cake and more, and a sweeter option which is complete with lemon tarts, chocolate truffles, scones and macarons. Grand Pacific, 50 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN.
9. 20 Stories
A restaurant with a view, 20 Stories is a serious hotspot throughout the year, thanks to its panoramic views of the city that can’t be found anywhere else. The restaurant is beautiful inside out, with a modern, luxurious feel inside, and a sleek-yet-botanical vibe outside. The menu is just as high end, too, with dishes such as native lobster, roast skrei cod, racks of lamb and so much more. The restaurant also serves up a variety of tasty cocktails, as well as a fantastic afternoon tea that’s perfect for special occasions. 20 Stories, NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB.
10. The Ivy
The Ivy has long-reigned as one of the most beautiful restaurants not only in Manchester but across the UK. Offering up three floors in the Manchester venue – each with a completely different experience – the restaurant is unbeatable if you’re after a lively date night, with a fantastic atmosphere flowing from floor to floor. On the ground floor, you’ll find a stunning, floral brasserie, the second – a decadent, oriental-inspired Asian restaurant, and on the rooftop – a bright, summery floral terrace also serving the varied brasserie menu. The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG.
11. Masons
Situated on the ground floor of Manchester Hall, Masons Restaurant boasts a luxury, art deco-style theme, with warm lighting setting a welcoming mood. Specialising in classic, British dishes, guests can visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch, with an array of gins, cocktails, port and more on the drinks menu. For the grub, expect locally sourced produce making up classic dishes such as Cheshire pork, slow-braised beef cheeks, Manchester cheese pie and Duck Confit – to name a few highlights. Masons Restaurant, Ground Floor, Manchester Hall, 36 Bridge St, M3 3BT.
12. Delhi House Cafe
Fairly new in town after their quiet opening just last summer, Delhi House Cafe is a stunning new addition to the bustling Corn Exchange – with beautiful, luxury décor that screams ‘Indian summer’. Specialising in cafe-style dishes that are super popular in India, the restaurant offers contemporary and halal-friendly dishes such as curries, biryani, bread and tandoori meats, with India-meets-America desserts, cocktails, wines and more available. Delhi House Cafe, Unit 10, The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR.