Restaurants in Ancoats

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

The restaurants in Ancoats are fast-becoming recognised as some of the best in the UK, let alone Manchester. It’s a far cry from the old days, just two decades back, when this small suburb was a no-go area, dominated by crime and run-down buildings. These days it’s a laid-back area, populated by the city’s more bohemian residents, who are fed and watered by some of the finest bars and restaurants for miles around. This includes the city’s best bakeries, the city’s best pizza joints, and restaurants serving up all different kinds of cuisine from across the world.

Based next to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats has so far held out against the kinds of bars that have made the Northern Quarter less of an alternative enclave, and has a more laid-back and less hen party feel. If you’re looking for the best of Manchester, look no further. Here’s our guide to very best places to eat in Ancoats.

Our top picks

Canto

Canto, Fairbairn Unit A, Fairbairn Building, Henry Street, Manchester, M4 5DH - Visit now

Canto is the latest project from Simon Shaw, founder and Creative Director of the acclaimed tapas restaurant El Gato Negro. Porto-born Head Chef Carlos Gomes has created an authentically Portuguese menu, full of delightful small plates you won’t find anywhere else.

Elnecot

Elnecot, 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ - Visit now

Elnecot was the first recorded name for Ancoats in 1212, and they do the district proud with their excellent array of cocktails and not-too-heavy courses.

Elnecot

Rudy’s Pizza

Rudy’s Pizza, 9 Cotton Street, Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5BF - Visit now

Widely-regarded as the best pizza restaurants in Manchester and beyond, Rudy’s is a must-try for fans of dough, cheese and tomato.

Image of Rudy's Neapolitian Pizza, Ancoats
Ben Williams

Erst

Erst, 9 Murray St, Manchester, M4 5BN - Visit now

Erst. is the latest creation from the team behind the popular Trove bakery. They serve simple, seasonal food from the grill, along with a wide range of natural wine and craft beers.

The Hip Hop Chip Shop

The Hip Hop Chip Shop, 44 Blossom St, Manchester, M4 6BF - Visit now

The Hip Hop Chip Shop has been one of the city’s best kept secrets for a while, the only problem being where to find it. Now firmly based at one of the city’s most high-profile areas, you can satisfy those throwback chippy cravings (almost) every night of the week.

Pollen Bakery

Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester, M4 6FQ - Visit now

This small but perfectly-formed bakery is well worth a visit for their unique take on sourdough bread and viennoiserie baked goods.

Pollen Bakery

Where to go in Ancoats

Ancoats
Restaurant
The Wayfarer

The Northern Quarter pub with Live-music, outdoor seating and friendly staff, making this venue a more than enjoyable visit.

Ancoats
Restaurant
Ramona

If you haven’t heard of Ramona by now then where have you been? Taking Manchester by storm, Ramona is a Detroit Pizza restaurant, with a salty twist… Frozen margaritas!

Manchester
Restaurant
The Jane Eyre

The Jane Eyre is a high-quality neighbourhood bar in Ancoats, Manchester. We check it out after a recent refurb.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Flawd

Flawd is a neighbourhood wine bar based in Ancoats, from the team behind the wonderful Higher Ground dining experience.

Ancoats
Bar or Pub
The Edinburgh Castle Pub

The Edinburgh Castle is one of the standout venues in Ancoats, with a laid-back pub on the ground floor and the amazing Bangkok Diners Club taking charge of the restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Canto

Modern Portugese food from the team behind the mighty El Gato.

Manchester
Restaurant
Viet Shack Restaurant

Arguably Manchester’s most well-known Vietnamese restaurant, Viet Shack started out as a hugely-popular street food stall before opening this restaurant in Ancoats.

Manchester
Restaurant
Erst

Erst specialises in perfectly-formed and eye-catching small plates with a focus on environmentally-friendly practices.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.