Five Manchester restaurants named in OpenTable’s top 100 in the UK

Restaurant booking platform OpenTable has revealed its latest list of top 100 UK restaurants and a handful of Manchester eateries have made the cut – including one surprise entry. 

The website compiles the list using around 1.2 million OpenTable diner reviews, as well as other metrics like ratings, percentage of reservations made in advance and five-star reviews. 

Here are the five Manchester restaurants that featured in the list. 

Bar San Juan

This Chorlton tapas restaurant is no stranger to these best restaurant lists and is regarded by many as one of the best places for tapas in Manchester. It has authentic Spanish interiors and a delicious small plates menu to match. On Opentable it has a 4.9/5 star rating based on 1309 reviews, scoring 4.8 or 4.9 across the board for food, service, ambience and value. 

One of the more recent five-star user reviews said: “Really lovely food and great service. You can't make a bad choice menu wise, lovely little eatery. We'll definitely be back.” Another said: “Best tapas in Manchester, only place I will go now for Spanish food . Great service and authentic.”

Higher Ground

This bistro and bar in the city centre offers an a la carte menu, but is known for its reasonably priced set menu of £40 per person lunchtime service, or £55 per person evening service. Their menu focuses on seasonality and locally sourced produce. It has an OpenTable rating of 4.8 based on 311 reviews. 

One recent happy customer and OpenTable reviewer said: “What a fantastic place. Wonderful menu paired with excellent wine. Superb service from Daniel throughout. Can’t wait to go back.” Another said: “Simply amazing food, knowledgeable and attentive staff and a lovely atmosphere. Faultless.”

Karen’s Diner

Probably the most surprising entry on the top 100 for Manchester is Karen’s Diner, the gimmicky interactive restaurant where the staff are intentionally rude to customers. It has a rating of 4.6 stars based on 2,293 reviews. Despite the restaurant’s premise, it has a score of 4.7 for ambience. 

A recent customer commented on OpenTable: “We booked this for my wife’s birthday. It was hilarious from start to finish. Especially thanks to Amber, she was quality! We will definitely be coming again.”

Hawksmoor Manchester

Hawksmoor has a reputation for its steaks and roast dinners. It has a rating of 4.7 based on a whopping 9,203 user reviews, with 4.8 stars for both food and service, 4.7 for ambience and 4.3 for value. 

One recent five-star review said: “Exceptional service and attention to detail with regards dietary requirements. Steaks were cooked to everyone’s liking and the beef dripping fries were a big hit. The service was on point and made a special evening exceptional.”

The Ivy Asia

The second floor of The Ivy in Spinningfields is the fifth a final Manchester entry on the top 100 list. It serves up pan-Asian cuisine and a menu of “theatrical” cocktails, as well as DJs and other entertainment. It has an OpenTable rating of 4.8 based on 3,782 reviews, with 4.8 for food, service and ambience and 4.4 for value. 

One recent customer and OpenTable reviewer said: “Great visit to the Ivy Asia. Food portion size was good for sharing and all guests enjoyed the dishes we selected. Lovely ambience, lively but not too loud. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to the next. I would highly recommend.”