When it comes to food, Manchester is full of hidden gems. You just need to know where to look…
Looking to discover your favourite foodie hideout? These restaurants might be out of sight, but trust us, they’ll stay on your mind. Come with us as we take you on a culinary journey to our favourite hidden restaurants in Manchester. From underground ramen bars to hole-in-the-wall sandwich slingers, these secluded eateries will have you rushing back for more – once you’ve found them, that is.
Maricarmen Tapas
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Escape to Spain without leaving Manchester at Maricarmen Tapas. Originally operating as a pop-up from a chocolate shop in Ancoats, the tapas bar now has two of its own venues. Visit either and you’ll be transported to a buzzing street in Barcelona with their authentic tapas and perfectly-paired tipples.
Keep an eye out for their ‘El Tableo’ experience. Boards topped with dishes like squid and aioli and patatas bravas are presented tableside. Just choose your faves and pay at the end. Even better – each dish is just £3.50.!
Maricarmen Tapas, 67 Great Ancoats Street, M4 5AB & 104 High Street, Manchester, M4 1HQ.
Fat Pat’s
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Get ready to discover your new lunchtime obsession. Fat Pat’s sling fully stacked sandwiches from a hole in the wall. Yep, you read that right. Hidden down an alleyway, you can get your hands on next-level sub rolls.
The menu gives you three choices – Hot Honey Chicken, Philly Cheesesteak, and Eggplant Muffuletta. And take it from us, each sarnie has been perfected to be deliciously addictive. They’re big enough to share, but you’ll want one to yourself.
Fat Pat’s, 88 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4GX.
Umami
Get ready, we’re going underground. It’s easy to miss Umami from the outside. But hunt it out and head downstairs to discover a laidback ramen and sushi bar that offers up all the tasty delights you’d expect from an Asian street market.
The lunch menu is a steal, with delicious options like wok-fried Pad Thai and fragrant Beef Rendang for just under a tenner. With prices like that, it’s hard to resist a side of Chicken Gyozas and the free green tea refills are a lovely touch!
Umami, 149 Oxford Road, Manchester M1 7EE.
Birria Brothers
Fancy a trip to Mexico? Funnily enough, it comes via a cafe. By day, The Koffee Pot serves brekkie, but come 4pm from Monday to Saturday, the Birria Brothers take over – slinging vibrant Mexican street food and legendary birria tacos.
If you’re hungry, get the OG Sharing Platter. It comes with rich, super tender goat birria, corn tacos and lots of zingy salsa. Plus, their happy hour will make you deliriously joyful – two frozen margaritas for £14? Yes please!
Birria Brothers, The Koffee Pot, 84-86 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE.
Another Hand
At the top of rainbow-coloured stairs just off Deansgate, you’ll discover Another Hand. They serve up creative, totally scrumptious small plates in an intimate setting. And they’re so good that stumbling upon them feels like discovering a well-kept secret.
Expect dishes like beautifully seared scallops with creamy curried carrot puree, and their hasselback potato is a real standout, spiked with smokey salt and black truffle. Our top tip is to sit at the counter, so you can watch the chefs working their magic.
Another Hand, 253 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN.
This & That
Credit: This & That
Tucked away on a derelict backstreet, This & That is a hidden gem worth seeking out. A ruby murray, to be exact. Serving lip-smackingly-good Indian curries canteen style, don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this is the place to find authentic curries.
This & That’s ‘rice and three’ puts the choice in your hands. Take your pick of meat and veg dishes packed with fresh spices and help yourself to a sprinkle of chilli, ginger and onion for an extra flavour kick. To refresh your palate, their mango lassi is a must.
This & That, 3 Soap Street, Manchester, M4 1EW.
On The Eighth Day
On The Eighth Day is your go-to destination for all things vegan. The ground floor features a deli and shop, but the real treasure is the café downstairs. For a healthy, hearty, well-priced lunch – this is the place to go.
They offer a variety of hot dishes, with staples like dahl and soup, plus creative specials like mushroom and ale pie. We like the fresh salad bar, with a slice of chocolate cake for pud. You know, for balance.
On The Eighth Day, 111 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7DU.
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