We’re all for living independently here in Manchester, but one thing that can still feel a little weird is going out to eat alone. We’re here to tell you, it’s all OK, and that we have the list for you! So, listen up, here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Manchester for solo dining.
1. Erst
A gorgeous Ancoats spot, Erst is a natural wine bar and restaurant, boasting stripped-back yet up-market décor. Each wine on their menu is specially selected due to its ‘quality’ and ‘character’, with wines available to try by the glass, or by the bottle if you fancy.
Try the new and trendy orange wine, or an array of reds, whites and sparkling alongside a number of small plates that are designed for sharing. The wines at Erst go perfectly with their dishes like their charcuterie selection, pickled mussels, flatbreads and grilled ex dairy sirloin served on the bone. This one’s great for being a bit fancy and treating yourself to a gorgeous bit of food and a glass of wine, truly giving you some ‘you time’. Erst, 9 Murray St, Ancoats, M4 6HS.
2. Ornella’s Kitchen
A former baker at Manchester favourite Pollen, Sicilian-born Ornella Cancila opened the pasta-deli as a love letter to her homeland, and in our humble (English) opinion, we reckon it passes the test with flying colours. The real star of the menu at Ornella’s Kitchen is the range of filled sourdough focaccia, with options including salami, ‘nduja, aubergine, olive pesto and salsa verde.
You can also expect Italian classics at this Denton establishment including arancini, bucatini carbonara or aubergine and scamorza ravioli, plus gelato sandwiches in brioche buns and sumptuous Sicilian cannoli to finish. This one makes for a more casual, yet endlessly delicious solo dining option, just outside of Manchester. Ornella’s Kitchen, 10 Manchester Rd, Denton, M34 3LE.
3. House of Fu
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of umami-packed ramen on a cold, drizzly day – or any day for that matter. 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 delicious option is pretty casual, and no one would bat an eyelid seeing a solo diner here, plus, it makes a pretty easy dining spot for Manchester city workers looking for a bite to eat after work. House of Fu, 113-115 Portland Street, M1 6DW.
4. Crazy Pedro’s
Pizza at Pedro’s? Enjoy it outside on their al fresco terrace, or inside the groovy dive, with no judgment for solo diners. Enjoy a beer and a slice at this casual spot, as well as an extensive menu of strong cocktails served up in red party cups. Crazy Pedro’s, Short St, M4 1AA | 55-57 Bridge St, M3 3BQ.
5. Ducie Street Warehouse
Home to a gorgeous South-facing terrace, on the drier and warmer days, Ducie Street Warehouse guests can soak up the sun with a fantastic menu of food and cocktails – with plenty of delicious dishes to tuck into while you admire the beautiful Manchester cityscape. Think huge focaccia flatbread boards, tapas-style small plates, and brunch dishes designed to enjoy that satisfying egg yolk bust.
Elsewhere in the stunning restaurant, which boasts a casual yet cosmopolitan vibe, guests can enjoy large plates such as flat iron steak, ginger ale battered fish, roast lamb rump, tomahawk steaks and 1kg wheels of camembert – we can’t think of anything better to shovel into your mouth whilst solo dining at this Manchester gem. Once you’re done with dinner, you can catch the latest films in the Mini-Cini, or book in for some yoga, as DSW offers some of Manchester’s best entertainment, alongside aparthotel complex Native – you can’t go wrong! Ducie Street Warehouse, Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP.
6. New Century
Although not an individual restaurant in itself, New Century is the transformed music hall with a whole load of extras, including a food hall with some of Manchester’s favourite vendors. Choose from fish and chips, all sorts of Asian cuisine, and incredible pizza from Hip Hop Chip Shop, Banh Vi, The Spice Yard, KOI Sushi and Wild By Ply. The food hall setting means that all visitors are mixing and matching anyway, so there’s no need to feel insecure. What’s more, once you’ve stuffed yourself silly, you can hop over to Sadler’s Cat pub for a tipple – the perfect solo dining experience in Manchester! New Century, 34 Hanover St, Manchester M4 4AH.
7. Side Street Studio
Brand new concept Side Street Studio is an experiential destination which aims to offer a platform for the Manchester’s arts, music and design talent to share their craft with the community. Currently taking up the restaurant residency is Dainā, an Asian dining concept utilising creative cooking, Asian techniques and British and local ingredients.
On the carefully crafted menu of small plates diners can expect bao buns, made in-house, alongside the likes of red braised pork belly with marinated egg, and smoked mackerel with daikon and lemon. This funky new Manchester spot is a cosy little space, perfect for solo dining, drinking and generally having a lovely time. Side Street Studio, ABC Building, Lower Byrom Street, St. John’s, Manchester, M3 4AE.