Steak Restaurants in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Looking for the best steaks in Manchester? Of course you are. Nothing says luxury (and climate change) like a big slab of meat, cooked medium rare. And Manchester has a whole host of top-class steakhouses in which to blow your hard-earned pay packet. This guide focuses mostly on those restaurants that make steak the headline act of their menu, but we’ve included a few wider-ranging destinations that have superb steak dishes on the menu too.

So, whether you prefer your steak rare, medium or well-done – in fact, no, if you’re eating steak well done you’re barely eating steak at all, begone with you – we have expert recommendations for all the most barnstorming beef-based bistros, brasseries and, er, buffets in town. This one’s for the Desperate Dans amongst us.

Our top picks

Gaucho Manchester

Gaucho Manchester, 2a St Mary’s Street, Manchester, M3 2LB - Visit now

The steak scene in Manchester has hit fever pitch in recent years, with countless newcomers trying to make their mark. But where some places can have a slightly off-putting atmosphere, Gaucho takes a more elegant approach – nothing too pompous or macho, just top-quality produce prepared beautifully, with countless subtle touches that most competitors couldn’t even imagine.

Gaucho Manchester
Gaucho Manchester

Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3WB - Visit now

A night dining at Hawksmoor doesn’t come cheap. But then, quality rarely does. The steaks are arguably the finest in the city, and the starters aren’t far off. If price is no object, Hawksmoor stands tall among Manchester’s finest restaurants.

Image courtesy of Marketing Manchester

James Martin Manchester

James Martin Manchester, 2 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP - Visit now

James Martin’s Manchester restaurant delivers a solid high-quality experience. It’s certainly not one for vegetarians, as the most visually impressive and tastiest dishes are all geared around hefty chunks of meat, but it’s a top-drawer option for those of the carnivorous persuasion.

Ian Jones

Alston Bar & Beef

Alston Bar & Beef, Cathedral Street, Manchester, M4 3TR - Visit now

Alston places itself carefully towards the top end steakhouse – making the bold assertion it’s bringing the best steak to Manchester. Originally set up in Glasgow, they use only the finest Scottish beef, each animal and cut chosen specifically for its quality and flavour by their expert butcher.

Alston Bar & Beef
Charlie Spargo

Wood Manchester

Wood Manchester, Jack Rosenthal Street, Manchester, M15 4RA - Visit now

Wood has plenty to offer, but the steak is there for those with more of an appetite. This hefty slab of flat iron arrives with a hunk of bone marrow butter slowly dissolving into the meat, raising the meatiness quota to near-illegal levels. It’s wonderful and deeply satisfying, as is the double-take purple potato salad that comes with it.

Ian Jones

The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel

The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Salford, M3 5LH - Visit now

The Beef Wellington is raved about, and the best is exactly what is delivered – unsurprisingly, considering this is the chef’s favourite dish.

Ian Jones

Store Street Exchange

Store Street Exchange, 1 Auburn St, Manchester, M1 3DG - Visit now

The slices of steak at Store Street Exchange are second to none, cooked beautifully pink in the middle and topped with a rich buttery sauce.

Ian Jones

Tariff & Dale

Tariff & Dale, 2 Tariff Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 2FN - Visit now

The bone marrow steak burger here is as good as it sounds, with a dill pickle, two slices of brie and all the crispy veg on a sweet brioche bun above a huge patty.

Martin Kevill

Where to go in Manchester

Manchester
Restaurant
Fairfield Social Club

Launching in spring 2024, Fairfield Social Club is a multi-purpose site next to Angel Meadows Park in the Green Quarter.

Manchester
Restaurant
Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours is a relaxed, fun wine tour, taking in four or five venues across three hours, plus six high-quality glasses of wine.

Manchester
Restaurant
The Little Sri Lankan

The Little Sri Lankan is an acclaimed pop-up caterer, specialising in Sri Lankan food events in around Manchester and the North.

Manchester
Restaurant
MUSU Restaurant & Bar

Musu is a modern Japanese restaurant and bar in Manchester City Centre, specialising in awe-inspiring food. We take an advance look at their festive menu. 

Manchester
Restaurant
House of Fu Manchester

First Leeds, now Manchester. Expect picture perfect ramen, gyoza and cocktails at the upcoming restaurant and cocktail bar.

City Centre
Restaurant
Allpress
at NOMA

Allpress at NOMA is a home to all things coffee, with a café and seasonal menu incorporating locally sourced ingredients.

Manchester Visitor Guides

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.

Photo of the Halle orchestra at Bridgewater
Music Venues in Manchester

Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.

Private Dining Rooms in Manchester

The best private dining spaces in Manchester's leading restaurants. This is where you and your guests can be fed by professional chefs in a private room.

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.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Parks and Gardens in Manchester

There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.

Manchester District Guides

Spotlight on

Things to Do in Cumbria

Our guide to the best things to do in the Cumbria and the Lake District, including Penrith, Kendal, Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Music in Manchester and the North

Spotlighting global artists who all, in one way or another, break the mould, we preview the best gigs happening this side of Christmas and beyond.