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.

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.

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.

Where to go in Manchester

Salford
Restaurant
Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar

Kallos is a Greek restaurant and wine bar in Salford, serving up exquisite dishes throughout the day and evening.

Manchester
Restaurant
Soap Street Pizza

Based at Nordie in Levenshulme, Soap Street Pizza put out the perfect pie: crispy base and inspired toppings.

GET BAKED Opening Day
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
GET BAKED

Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.

Winsome
Manchester
Restaurant
Winsome

Winsome delivers modern British food, cooked beautifully by chef-owner Shaun Moffat and his team.

Manchester
Restaurant
Renae

A music-led bar and creative hub in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

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.

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