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

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.

Hatch

Hatch, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED - Visit now

Eat and drink in the sun at Manchester’s leading pop-up retail, street food and drink destination on Oxford Road. A regular entertainment programme is held in the yard, from spoken word and DJs to live bands and talks about architecture.

Hatch

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.

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.

Scene Manchester

Scene Manchester, 4a Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3AN - Visit now

Scene is one of the best Indian restaurants in Manchester, and there’s no better place to enjoy their spicy food than on their outdoor terrace. Every dish has been finessed into the best version of itself, never overpowered by spices, only enhanced. This is Indian food at its best.

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.

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.

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

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
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition is an elegant dining hall on Peter Street, home to Jaan and other high-level independent kitchens.

Stow
City Centre
Restaurant
Stow

Stow is a new fire-based restaurant on Bridge Street in Manchester, from the team behind Trof.

Millington Hall Farm
Altrincham
Event venue
Millington Hall Farm

Millington Hall Farm is a one of a kind destination offering field to fork dining alongside learning experiences that will stay with you long after your visit.

Off the Square
Manchester
Restaurant
Off The Square

Set in the beating heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Off The Square is state-of-the-art music and events space that plays host to live gigs as well as club nights.

Louis Restaurant
Manchester
Restaurant
Louis Restaurant

A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.

Manchester
Restaurant
Niwa Yakitori

Charcoal grill yakitori supper club held in a beautiful Tokyo-style backstreet cafe in the North Quarter.

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