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Takeaway and online food delivery options from Manchester restaurants are becoming hugely important. Restaurants might be temporarily closed to the public, at least for sit-down meals, but that doesn’t mean we food-lovers aren’t craving something a little more exciting than what we can knock up in our kitchen. Sure, time-rich chefs might be posting recipe videos ad infinitum, but it misses the point. Sometimes it’s a well-earned treat to have a lazy day followed by a lazier evening, propped up with an awesome meal.
Thankfully, some enterprising restaurants recognise this and, for the time being at least, have pivoted their business toward at-home dining via takeaway, making meals in their workplace kitchens and using food delivery services to reach the people of Manchester or allowing safely-executed, socially-distanced collection. Naturally, this isn’t quite the same experience as an actual restaurant meal – how could it be? – but it’s not far off.
And it’s important to note that modern delivery apps take a hefty chunk of profits from struggling restaurants (that’s tech’s big society in action, right there), so before you click ‘buy’ make sure to check with the restaurant if they have alternative methods – some will let you collect or offer their own food delivery staff. If you’re looking to support Manchester’s restaurant scene, make this your first step.
But most of all, explore the takeaway and food delivery service offerings of some of the city’s finest chefs and food vendors. Go for your favourite meals or branch out and try a dish you haven’t had before, and if you can afford to, leave a decent tip. The more support we give right now, the stronger and more resilient the city’s food scene will be when it finally returns. Until then, dim the lights, stick on some smooth jazz and tuck into the North’s finest food, right in your own home. We have also rounded up the best alcohol delivery services and food delivery and kit meals in Manchester.
Here are our picks
Rosa’s Thai Cafe Manchester, The Old Courthouse, 184 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB - Visit now
Looking for some of the best Thai food in the city to eat in the comfort of your front room? Look no further. Rosa’s Thai Cafe offer some of the most delicious South East Asian cuisine this side of Bangkok.
The Sparrows, 16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF - Visit now
This raved-about pan-European restaurant has teamed up with YaoYao Noodles for delivery, meaning you can order from both and they’ll combine your order. Collection is available every day up to 9 pm, while delivery is available from Tuesday to Sunday, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The Hip Hop Chip Shop, 44 Blossom St, Manchester, M4 6BF - Visit now
A chippy dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century? Stop clutching your pearls, Hip Hop Chip Shop do a mean line in carb-heavy treats and you can get your order delivered by cycle from 6 pm to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Peru Perdu, The Cotton Factory, 74 Princess St, Manchester, M1 6JD, Manchester,, M1 6JD - Visit now
Some of the brightest and most beautiful food in Manchester, Peru Perdu do a glorious line in Peruvian-inspired food. And now they’re doing a click and collect grocery service where you can buy such delights as Uruguayan Wet Aged steak to cook at home, fresh vegetables and herbs, quinoa and a wonderful array of wines.
Mughli Restaurant & Charcoal Pit, 30 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M14 5TQ - Visit now
If you’ve been within sniffing distance of Curry Mile, you’ll know Mughli. Those incredible aromas, courtesy of the legendary charcoal pit, waft up and down the strip and if they’ve never made you crave a lamb kebab, well, you’re a liar. They’re now offering takeaway options, both delivery and collection and… my mouth’s watering just typing this.
This & That Café, 3, Soap St, The Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1EW - Visit now
If you haven’t eaten at This & That, can you really say you’ve experienced Manchester? This no-frills, back-alley cafe just happens to sell the most delicious, skillfully-made array of curries this side of Mumbai. Now they’re offering a range of hampers, priced between £30 to £90, jam-packed with enough food for a dozen lockdowns. Seriously, these hampers are an absolute bargain, just like the place itself.
Common Bar, 39-47 Edge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1HW - Visit now
NQ stalwart Common are offering the chance to buy a vast range of pizza or booze from their menu to take away and eat and drink elsewhere. Walk up and order a slices or drink directly or use their newly-adapted app instead.
Pot Kettle Black, Unit 14, Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now
Pot Kettle Black are known for supplying Manchester’s hungry workers with the best breakfast, brunch and lunch choices around. Happily, their PKB Bakehouse offshoot are delivering baked bread and pastries across Manchester (M1 to M4 postcodes), with free delivery for orders over £10.
Zouk, Unit 5 Chester Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5QS - Visit now
With a lengthy menu, chock-full of new generation Indian and Pakistani meals, it’ll take many months before you tire of the dishes offered up for delivery or collection by Zouk. Our tip? Get the butter chicken. Then get it again.