Featured Image Caption: Tasty pulled pork sandwiches topped with creamy macaroni in a London market setting.
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Manchester’s known for its football, its music culture, and its vibrant nightlife. When I ask people why they come here, food rarely factors into the equation. More often than not, it’s the sort of thing that most people discover while they’re here.
They come for the football, but once they’ve discovered one of the local eateries, they stay for the food. So, if you’re planning a trip to the capital of the north and want to learn more about some of the food options, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, I (a local for 10 years) will take you through Manchester’s best options when it comes to food, whether it’s a local favourite or a hidden gem. It doesn’t matter what your preferences are; in this melting pot of a city, you can find everything, from far eastern cuisine to European favourites, and British classics. So, without any further ado, let’s jump in.
Rudy’s Pizza
Now a budding nationwide franchise, Rudy’s started with humble roots in its original restaurant located in Ancoats Square, which remains there today.
If you want a Pizza in Manchester, your options aren’t limited. If you want Detroit style? Try Ramona’s. Fancy New York style? Nell’s will be more up your street. Personally, I love having a Neapolitan pizza when I eat out. And despite the fierce competition in recent years from the likes of Ciaoo and Double Zero, Rudy’s still holds on to the top spot for me.
The sweet tomato base, perfect charred and chewy dough, and variety of toppings is enough to give pizza lovers everything they could possibly want.
Bundobust
As someone who grew up on a monthly Indian takeaway, I can safely say that some form of Indian is essential for my diet and mental health. The first time I had a Bundobust was at their site on Oxford Road, and my god, I was woefully unprepared for the dazzling variety of flavours on offer in their combo for 4.
I went in expecting a curry house and was met with a fresh take on Indian street food with tapas-style small plates that blow its competition out of the water – all while maintaining a layer of polite charm. On my second trip to Bundobust’s site in Piccadilly, I realised that the entire menu was vegan. As a devoted meat lover, this came as a complete surprise and made me look at vegan food with a new perspective.
It’s also worth pointing out that Bundobust also brews its own beers, so if you’re a fan of fresh lagers and IPAs with silly logos, you’ll feel right at home there. The last thing I will say about Bundobust is this: one of my best friends who grew up in India said that it is the closest thing he has had to authentic Indian cuisine since leaving. High praise indeed.
Pot Kettle Black
I wasn’t always big on brunch. I didn’t really see the point in it. It’s just breakfast… But later. That was until I sat down in Pot Kettle Black in Angel Gardens. It’s a wide open space full of people who are all cooler than me, all with various coffees in different shapes, sizes and temperatures, and digging into plates bursting with striking, vibrant colours.
I’ve since eaten there probably no less than 30 times. I love it. If you fancy an eggs benny, the bacon here is almost an inch thick and the perfect level of crispy, while the poached eggs are the most consistent of any brunchery in Manchester. The same satisfying yolk eruption every time. The Turkish Eggs, Black Pudding Benedict, and PKB Brekkie are all highlights, not to mention the coffee.
This coffee is different gravy. It’s fantastic. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the mood for a cortado, a flat white, or just an espresso; it’s good every single time. So good that I bought a pack of their grains, although I’m yet to properly replicate their results. Every time you sit down, you’ll be served with a jug of either tap water or ultrapure water fresh from an ice-cold bottle, which comes at a premium. If you want brunch in Manchester, you can’t go wrong with PKB.
Getting Around the City
You’ll have probably noticed me name-dropping certain city streets and boroughs throughout this article, and it might leave you feeling a bit confused about the best ways to get around Manchester.
Thankfully, Manchester is a pretty easy city to get around – yes, even to drive. There are plenty of car parks in town that offer reasonable rates, and if you don’t drive, you can take advantage of one of the best public transport networks in the whole of the UK.
The Bee network consists of a fully connected tramline that covers not only the centre of Manchester, but the Greater Manchester boroughs too. The fleet of buses offers a service that is equally as widespread and affordable, all while being completely electric.
By Toby Patrick
who is a freelance writer who covers a range of topics, including travel tips for hidden gems across the world.
Member since June, 2026
View all the articles of Toby Patrick.
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