Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

With the threat of climate change on the horizon, it’s time to forget the aircon and take advantage of the slightly-worrying increase in temperature and eat outside, basking in the rays of the sun which will surely one day devour us all. But while it’s a cause for concern, for sure, we still need to eat so why not do it while wearing a t-shirt, shades and shorts?

But Manchester is known for its inclement weather, so where best for al fresco dining? We’ve hunted high and low to bring you the best restaurants in Manchester which offer a dedicated outside area where you can nibble at small plates or devour huge plates of grub, whatever takes your fancy. Here’s our guide to the best places to eat outside in Manchester. Our tip? Bring a backup big coat for when the weather will invariably change. You can thank us later.

Our top picks

New Century Kitchen

New Century Kitchen, Mayes Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 4ES - Visit now

The outdoor terrace will be a top-level destination in the coming months. Designed, as if by magic, to soak up all the sun’s rays, there’s currently a few highly-prized tables to eat at, but rumour has it by summer, this will expand all over Sadlers Yard, sharing the space with other NOMA businesses.

Following a £10m transformation, Manchester’s iconic New Century Hall will return in summer 2022 as a live music, performance and events space, with a creative college and food hall attached.

Ramona

Ramona, 40 Swan St, Manchester , M4 5JG - Visit now

Follow the lights. What used to be an old MOT garage, just off Swan Street, is now Ramona. Lit up in a yellow hue and yet hidden away behind tin walls, the warm atmosphere – and the firepits – will draw you in.

Duke’s 92

Duke’s 92, 18 Castle Street
Castlefield, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LZ - Visit now

Famous for its packed crowds during the summer months, Duke’s 92 is one of our favourite Manchester pubs. This is a canalside suntrap, and the ideal place to take in Castlefield’s charms.

The Oast House

The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, Spinningfields, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3AY - Visit now

Come rain or shine, The Oast House has you covered. With teepee’s and firepits to fairy lights and flowing beers. There is live music 7 days a week and all are welcome, its even dog friendly. What was once a pop up has now solidified itself into the city and is a must visit for an outdoor eating and drinking experience.

DIECAST

DIECAST, 51 Ducie St, Manchester, M1 2JQ - Visit now

A short walk from Piccadilly station, this indoor/ outdoor venue built into an old warehouse is largely becoming the place to be for any occasion. Food and drinks in the sun, DJ set and a cocktail or quick bite before heading out into the city.

Society Manchester

Society Manchester, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester, M2 3BD - Visit now

In an underused part of town sits Society, a large indoor and outdoor bar and restaurant. Head down the steps next to Bridgewater Hall towards the sparkling fountain and relax in this little suntrap. Famous for its street food like menus and extensive cocktail list.

Society Manchester

Foundry Project

Foundry Project, Smithfield Market Buildings, Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M41BD - Visit now

The self-styled ‘happiest place in town’ has landed at Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, replacing Bluu Bar in the historic Old Smithfield Market. An excellent outdoor space to eat and drink makes it an ideal location to soak up the sun with a drink and a bite to eat.

GRUB Manchester

GRUB Manchester, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF - Visit now

The legendary street food festival GRUB Manchester’s permanent home is under Archway 6 on Temperance Street (just behind Piccadilly train station), where it has set up a full-time events space and live music venue called Fairfield Social Club. Every Friday and Saturday sees the GRUB Food Fair, serving up an incredible variety of freshly-prepared food and drink from local independent businesses and grassroots traders – it’s even better in the sunshine.

Terrace NQ

Terrace NQ, 43 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1NA

High above Thomas Street, Terrace NQ offers a beautiful rooftop beer garden. When the sun is shining, this is easily one of the most pleasing places to sink a pint in the Northern Quarter.

20 Stories

20 Stories, No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

Probably the most dramatic views over the city, you can enjoy the sun while eating outside, twenty floors above the hustle and bustle. Thanks to new chef Hugson, the restaurant’s menu is becoming worthy of its views – fantastic British cooking, made with fresh ingredients and an eye on innovation without ever spilling over into gimmickry.

Zouk

Zouk, Unit 5 Chester Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5QS - Visit now

As you’d expect from a restaurant that’s been packing them in for well over a decade, Zouk rarely disappoints. All the dishes are high quality and the restaurant itself has a pleasing modern feel. Eat and drink outside, and enjoy the sweet shisha aromas throughout the hot summer months.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist, 3 Hardman Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3HF - Visit now

The Alchemist is one of Spinningfield’s most long-standing places to eat out, and despite the influx of restaurants snapping at its heels, it’s busier than ever, in no small part to the superb outdoor eating space.

The Alchemist

Where to go in Manchester

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City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
CUPRA City Garage

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Ancoats
Restaurant
Bruco

Bruco is a new restaurant in Ancoats, serving up stylish Italian small plates.

Samsi
Manchester
Restaurant
Samsi

Long-standing Japanese restaurant on Whitworth Street in Manchester with a pleasingly affordable menu.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

Manchester
Restaurant
Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.

Interior Decorations - Viet Deli
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Viet Deli

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Levenshulme
Restaurant
My Nawaab

Eye-catching banqueting hall in Levenshulme, with a wide-ranging buffet showcasing freshly-prepared Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

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