The Best Places to Eat in Manchester: A Foodie’s Guide

Adam Reid's guide to his favourite food spots in Manchester...

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Looking for the best restaurants in Manchester? Who better to guide you than one of the city’s own chefs? Adam Reid was born in Manchester and is chef/patron of Adam Reid at The French, the award-winning restaurant. He picks his top restaurants in the city…

Adam Reid

Adam Reid started his culinary career at age 16, having trained at Paul Heathcote’s School of Excellence. Born and raised in Manchester, after working in Michelin-starred kitchens around the country, Adam returned to his hometown in 2013 to join Simon Rogan to launch The French at The Midland Hotel as Head Chef for the first time. Winner of ‘Manchester Chef of the Year’ in 2014, he later took over the reins of The French and introduced innovative new menus showcasing his own style of modern British cuisine.

If you haven’t recently dined at The French, you may also recognise Adam from the 2016 BBC2 Great British Menu series, which he won with his spectacular dessert, The Golden Empire. Book a seat at his newly-installed ‘chef’s counter’ for a culinary experience like no other and unparalleled interaction with the chefs behind the highly-acclaimed restaurant.

So, who better than Adam Reid to give us his low-down on the best restaurants in Manchester? Read on…

Adam’s Pick: The Best Restaurants in Manchester

Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor is always great for steaks. They are true leaders of quality in Manchester as they have real integrity when it comes to the product and don’t compromise on this. The service is great too!

Hispi

Hispi in Didsbury produces excellent food in a really personal setting. Gary Usher hits the nail on the head there with simple but tasty food in an environment which allows you to relax. I love Gary Usher’s group so Hispi and Hawksmoor are real favourites.

Umezushi

Umezushi is a go-to for simple, quality Japanese cuisine which is very well priced. It’s loved around Manchester, and the railway arch in which it is based gives the restaurant great character.

Yuzu

Yuzu in Chinatown and is another Japanese restaurant which I love. The sashimi and tempura dishes are amazing. Lunches in particular are a favourite of mine as they’re quick and tasty.

El Gato Negro

Simon Shaw’s El Gato Negro really nails the Manchester dining scene. The venue is relaxed yet stylish, and his take on tapas is really original – it’s no surprise the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand two years in a row!

Adam Reid is the chef patron of Adam Reid at The French, at The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS. Visit the-french.co.uk for more information.