So we might not be blessed with views of sandy clifftops and azure waters à la the Amalfi Coast, but there’s definitely some beauty in Manchester thanks to its ever-growing skyline. From reflective skyscrapers to winding canals that glisten in the sunshine, here’s our guide to the best restaurants with a view right here in Manchester.
1. 20 Stories
When it comes to dining with a view, 20 Stories has the best offering in the city. We’re talking 360-degree views of the whole city centre, with everything from the town hall to Beetham tower in full view. The stunning restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, too, meaning views are completely unspoiled by – God forbid – window frames or any other obstruction. Expect fine European cuisine, with lavish dishes including monkfish, lobster and more.
📍20 Stories, NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB.
2. Pier Eight at The Lowry
If it’s waterside views you’re after, Pier Eight has exactly that. Overlooking the Salford Quays, Pier Eight serves up a pretty fancy menu designed for pre-theatre dining, including smoked haddock, celeriac steak, gnocchi and more. Light floods through the restaurant thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, and if you’re lucky enough to nab a table by the windows, you’ll be treated to lovely views of the water.
📍Pier Eight, The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford, M3 5LH.
3. Honey @ Hotel Gotham
A hidden gem tucked inside the glam Hotel Gotham, Honey is blessed with tons of beautiful arched windows, which peer out onto King Street and beyond. Proud recipients of two AA Rosettes, the restaurant cooks up a curated selection of beautifully-made dishes that most certainly qualify as fine dining, including seabass, salt aged duck, 28-day Himalayan dry salt aged beef and more.
📍Honey, Hotel Gotham, 100 King St, M2 4WU.
4. The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel
Another instalment found at The Lowry Hotel – The River Restaurant shares a similar view as their sister restaurant, Pier Eight, except with a fine dining menu for guests to tuck into. Bright, airy and luxurious, The River Restaurant serves up stunning European dishes made with Great British produce, including organic chicken with black truffle, rib-eye steak sourced from Cumbria and more.
📍The River Restaurant, The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford, M3 5LH.
5. Roby 1844
Northern Quarter’s canalside bar and restaurant, Roby 1844, offers some fantastic, tranquil views that are pretty unexpected in the area. Sitting alongside the Rochdale Canal, guests can chow down on classic American grub such as burgers, wings, and more, while looking out onto the peaceful canal.
📍Roby 1844, 25 Aytoun St, M1 3AE.
6. The Alchemist, MediaCityUK
Another fantastic spot for views of the water, The Alchemist at MediaCityUK is perfectly located for those who prefer their lunch with a side of beauty. Enjoy some of the best cocktails in town, before tucking into Asian-inspired small plates presented in The Alchemist’s signature ‘sciencey’ fashion.
📍The Alchemist, The Bund The Quays, MediaCity UK, Salford, M50 3AB.
7. Climat
Recently opening in Manchester, Climat is one of the only restaurants in the city to bring over 250 wines from across the world as well as a view. The wine-led rooftop restaurant is situated on the eight floor of Blackfriars House and features minimalist interiors in order to ensure the panoramic views across Manchester’s city centre are the main visual attraction. Climat’s food offering is ever-changing and features small plates, sharing dishes and a daily bar snack menu which allows guests to create a totally bespoke, more casual and less restrictive dining experience.
📍Climat, Blackfriars House St Marys, Parsonage, M3 2JA.