Looking for somewhere to woo your partner? Well, look no further than Manchester. The city is certainly not lacking in romance as there are plenty of swoon-worthy spots perfect for food, drink, special occasions and ambiance. We’ve rounded up some of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester that are sure to leave you and your loved one head over heels.
1. The Spärrows
Tucked away under the railway arches in Manchester’s Green Quarter is The Spärrows. The restaurant is very much the definition of a hidden gem and perfect for those looking for a dining spot away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide 2023, The Spärrows is famed for its European pasta and dumplings. The restaurant offers a diversely continental offering, with its speciality being Spätzle; fresh egg pasta representing a vast geographical region of South Germany, Switzerland, Alsace, Austria and Sud Tyrol – Trentino and Alto Adige of Northern Italy. With 70s style retro furniture and bistro-esque interiors, it offers an intimate and cosy setting for couples to wine and dine.
📍The Spärrows, 16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF.
2. 20 Stories
If you and your partner are after a romantic meal with a view then Manchester city centre restaurant 20 Stories is a great pick. Situated in Spinningfields, it offers unrivalled views for you to feast on, as well as delicious set menus for special occasions including Valentine’s Day this year. Be sure to look out for their unique dining event where you can eat at sunset with the only source of light being candlelight, for the ultimate romantic evening.
📍20 Stories, No.1 Hardman St, Manchester, M3 3EB.
3. MAYA
Adding to the Michelin Guide restaurants in Manchester is MAYA and certainly is romantic too. Located in Manchester’s Gay Village and set over three floors to suit whatever dining mood you fancy, MAYA gives luxury with an art deco feel. From a canal-side brasserie space serving modern-European classics to a lower ground-floor, elegantly designed dining room that centres around an ingredient-led, locally sourced and seasonal menu. Plus, there’s even a subterranean den called The Pump Room that’s strictly no photos and videos.
📍MAYA, 40 Chorlton St, Manchester, M1 3HW.
4. Sicilian NQ
Hidden in plain sight in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Sicilian NQ brings a slice of sunshine with its Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers plenty of amore with their delicious Sicilian fare like arancini, cannoli and tagliatelle ragú siciliana alongside its trattoria-style interiors. Plus, nothing says romance quite like sharing a bowl of pasta or fighting over a slice of moreish tiramisu. Sicilan NQ is famed for its pistachio dishes including pistacchiosa (pasta in a creamy pistachio pesto sauce with pistachio mortadella), pistachio brioche and ice cream, so here you can go nuts!
📍Sicilian NQ, 14 Turner St, Manchester, M4 1DZ.
5. Climat
For lovers of wine and city views, there is wine-led rooftop restaurant, Climat. Nothing quite says romance than French cuisine. If you can’t afford a trip for two to the city of love that is Paris then head to one of the top French restaurants (and most romantic) in Manchester for plenty of ambience. The restaurant features over 250 wines from across the world, complimented by an ever-changing daily menu described simply as ‘food you want to eat’. With minimalist interiors like clay plaster walls and limestone floor, Climat let’s the views and food do most of the talking. Plus, with multiple options on where to sit such as the window, the kitchen counter and the outdoor roof terrace, you can choose how intimate you want your dining experience to be.
📍Climat, Blackfriars House St Marys, Parsonage, M3 2JA.
6. The Ivy Asia
One of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester to offer Asian-inspired cuisine in a lovely setting is The Ivy Asia. The Spinningfields spot boasts Far Eastern-inspired décor, gorgeous green tiled floors and booths to match that are perfect for an intimate dinner. The menu is completely inspired by Asia, taking inspiration from all corners of the continent when curating their menu. Think sushi, wagyu beef, buttermilk fried chicken with a Korean glaze, bao buns and aromatic massaman curry.
📍The Ivy Asia, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG.
7. Hawksmoor
If steak is your order of choice, then Deansgate steak restaurant Hawksmoor is one of the best spots to dine at. Whilst it may be more on the expensive side, it’s completely worth it if you’re looking for a meal that’s guaranteed to please. Serving British-bred, grass-fed beef only, guests can expect to enjoy beef that’s packed full of flavour, luxurious cuts, and a delicious array of cocktails to accompany. Our tip? Be sure to try the side of mash and creamy spinach as well as adding bone marrow.
📍Hawksmoor, 184-186 Deansgate, M3 3WB.
8. Albert’s Shed
Adding to the list of romantic restaurants in Manchester is Albert’s Shed. Located in Castlefield Basin, you can tuck into a meal right by the calm waters of the canal at this waterside restaurant – it might not be Venice, but it’s certainly not one to be sniffed at. From pies to pizzas, steaks to salads, burgers to bar snacks, there’s bound to be something on the menu to suit all tastes and appetites. Casual yet also elegant, guests can enjoy two courses for £14.95 per person so you needn’t have to break the bank in the name of romance.
📍Albert’s Shed, 18-20 Castle St, Manchester, M3 4LZ.
9. Fenix
Located in Manchester’s St John’s neighbourhood, Fenix, has some pretty sexy interiors. With stone paving and colour scheme, the high-end contemporary Greek-Mediterranean restaurant brings Mykonos to Spinningfields and when it comes to the evening it becomes a romantic, moonlit paradise. Tuck into the likes of fresh pita served with grilled aubergine, tomato confit and feta espuma, hummus and a smoked Taramasalata with fresh white fish roe cream, or hearty portions of spiced beef meatballs, grilled octopus with Aegean fava beans, shrimp ‘Saganaki’ and Wagyu beef dumplings.
📍Fenix, The Goods Yard Building, Goods Yard Street, Manchester, M3 3BG.