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Healthy Restaurants in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Contrary to popular belief, eating out doesn’t always have to be a slap-up feed to match the gluttony of King Henry VIII’s favourite tea. No, believe it or not, you can actually go out and eat without destroying your calorie intake for the week in fell swoop.

And this is where we come in. If you like to eat, but you also like to be able to fasten your trousers afterwards, then this is the guide for you. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the best healthy restaurants in Manchester.

 

Our top picks

Real Junk Food Project Manchester

Real Junk Food Project Manchester, 85 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EQ - Visit now

Don’t be fooled, the name is a lie. This is about as far from junk food as it gets. This is a project designed to bring high-quality, healthy meals to people on low and unstable incomes right in the city centre. The idea is admirable and the food delicious, without ever feeling worthy.

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Courtesy of Real Junk Food Project Manchester

Evelyn’s Cafe Bar

Evelyn’s Cafe Bar, G18 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1NB - Visit now

Evelyn’s is a cute little space, smack dab in the centre of ‘the city’s thriving artistic community’, as every London-based journalist with access to Google likes to describe it. The menu is a simple mix of plates, large and small, complete with sides and sandwiches. It’s all hearty, homecooked food which leans towards the wholesome and slightly unusual. Think hummus, freekah and octopus (though not all at once, that’d be madness).

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Charlie Spargo

Umezushi

Umezushi, Unit 4, Mirabel Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1PJ - Visit now

Clued-in insiders have known for a while that Japanese restaurant Umezushi is one of Manchester’s best hidden destinations. The menu is jam-packed with healthy options, and everything is remarkably fresh no matter what time or day. It’s one of Manchester’s must-try restaurants, especially if you’re looking for something that won’t destroy your budget or inflate your waistline.

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Burgess Cafe Bar at IABF

Burgess Cafe Bar at IABF, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5BY - Visit now

This small but perfectly-formed café also serves as the in-house bookstore for the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. The breakfast and lunch menus change daily, featuring simple, seasonal good-for-you dishes. Everything is locally sourced, including coffee from Didsbury’s well-regarded R Coffee and meat from Frosts Butchers in Chorlton. Lunch is largely made up of belly-filling soup and non-processed sandwiches, making it ideal for a quick midday stop-off.

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Image courtesy of IABF

Comptoir Libanais

Comptoir Libanais, 8-19 The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3HF - Visit now

If you’re looking to keep things hearty and healthy, you can’t go far wrong with Lebanese cuisine. This popular Spinningfields restaurant has plenty of choices, ranging from protein-rich cuts of marinated meat to flavour-packed rice dishes and big bold salads. Oh, and don’t forget the falafels. Never forget the falafels.

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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.

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