Where to eat on Curry Mile in Rusholme

Creative Tourist

In the 1970s and 80s Curry Mile was a boomtown, full of enterprising immigrants from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh catering to the nation’s bottomless hunger for chicken tikka masala. Now, according to Haz, owner of Mughli, it’s fractured into three unofficial areas: the traditional curry mile, closest to town; what he calls the “shisha mile,” full of middle eastern cafes; and a leftover nether-here-nor-there bit catering mainly to students. But, where to eat on Curry Mile?

Some of the restaurants are still on the classic curry mile schedule – busy 7-10pm  and quiet until 1 am, when buses full of liquored up, hungry students on their way back from the city centre start pulling in, and frantic until 3 am. But the economic decline of the last few years has ushered in a time of transition on Wilmslow Road. Basically, Haz explains, traders are realising that serving up the same old grub in the same old way isn’t enough these days, and they have to change with the times, or go under.

With that in mind, here are some of the best restaurants, cafes and shisha bars on Curry Mile – and rest assured, these are all forward-thinking places to eat, well worth a special visit.

 

Our top picks

Mughli Restaurant & Charcoal Pit

Mughli Restaurant & Charcoal Pit, 30 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M14 5TQ - Visit now

Mughli is one of the curry mile’s most highly-regarded restaurants, and for good reason. Alongside the tried and tested classics, you’ll find a menu offering all manner of dishes from the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Kulchi, lahori minced lamb, chicken tikka

MyLahore

MyLahore, 14-18 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M14 5TQ - Visit now

MyLahore is a bright modern restaurant, with a contemporary feel. They serve fantastic Indian food, along with a few barbecue and Mediterranean dishes. The atmosphere is upbeat and ideal for a laidback bite to eat on Rusholme’s Curry Mile.

Al Madina

Al Madina, 76 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M14 5AL

A must-try place is the worker’s cafe, Al Madina – go for the lamb balti they make fresh every morning. If you ask for it ‘Apna style’ it means, ‘our way’ meaning it’s generally cooked slightly longer, with more spices. Also worth trying are the house-made gol-gappa: light-as-air semolina fritters you fill up you fill up with a potato and chickpea chaat as well as a tangy tamarind ‘khatta pani’ sauce – and then try to fit in your mouth without making a mess. It’s worth the embarrassment, honestly. And of course, the lamb balti, which is tender and deeply spiced.

Jaffa Restaurant

Jaffa Restaurant, 185 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M14 5AP

Jaffa’s always busy, and it’s easy to see why. Inexpensive, high quality food in a pleasant setting. Their fattayer, hummous and fresh dips are beyond compare – but go early if you want shawarma as they typically sell out.

 

Pastry House

Pastry House, Unit 2, Walmer St E, Manchester, M14 5SS - Visit now

Pastry House is a wonderful Lebanese bakery tucked away off Wilmslow Road. It started out catering mainly to restaurants, but its popularity necessitated the addition of an eat-in cafe. This is the place to come for sweet stuff like baklava, konafa with cream (my favourite), cashew fingers and the like as well as fresh, house-made labneh (an intensely sharp soft cheese) and savoury snacks. We try some moreish flatbreads: one flecked with za’tar and cheese, and the minced-lamb topped lahm belajin – like pizza but more interesting.

Where to go in Manchester

Renae Logo
Manchester
Restaurant
Renae

Opening in stages, renae begins its journey with the launch of its ground-floor neighbourhood music-led bar on Friday 28th March 2025. This laid-back yet stylish space will blend a cosy daytime shop with an intimate bar that flows from day into night, serving craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails at accessible prices.

Chakalaka
Manchester
Restaurant
Chakalaka

The very best of South African cuisine in an intimate, friendly space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Daisy
Manchester
Restaurant
The Daisy

The Daisy is one of Manchester’s more in-demand basement bars, offering an underground Paris-inspired night out.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Colourful Brazilian fine dining at Caroline Martin’s intimate restaurant, Sampa.

Hinterland bar and cafe
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Hinterland

Alcohol-free bar and cafe in the heart of Northern Quarter. Serving mocktails, 0% beer and all your alcohol free favourites.

Kōdo Entrance
City Centre
Restaurant
Kōdo

Kōdo, a secret bar like no other. It is all about discovery. The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Ego Death
Manchester
Restaurant
Ego Death

Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.

Flat Iron Leeds
Manchester
Restaurant
Flat Iron Manchester

Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Malmaison Manchester
Boutique Hotels Manchester

Some of the most unique places to stay in Manchester. We pick out the top upscale accommodations with a twist.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.

Manchester Restaurant Deals

Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.

Manchester Central Library
UNESCO City of Literature: Manchester

Manchester is the 26th UNESCO City of Literature, joining illustrious alumni from across the globe. Here's our guide to literary landmarks across the city.

Vegan Food in Manchester

Whether you’re a proud vegan or merely curious, let us guide you towards the best vegan food in Manchester for Veganuary.

UNITOM bookshop
Bookshops in Manchester

Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

We shelter here sometimes promo image. Featuring My Dog Sighs inside and abandoned building.
Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.