Michelin Guide 2023: 16 Greater Manchester restaurants that made the list

Deciding where to go for dinner in Greater Manchester can be very tricky these days as there are just so many great spots to choose from.

There are plenty of guides and lists online to help you choose, but if you don’t want to scroll through hundreds of reviews and prefer an expert opinion, the Michelin Guide 2023 is the place to look.

There is still only one Michelin-starred restaurant in Manchester – mana, haute cuisine inspired by chef-owner Simon Martin’s travels through Japan and Nordic countries – but several more have received honourable mentions in this year’s restaurant guide.

There are 15 Manchester eateries in the 2023 Michelin Guide, which includes one new entry. Here’s where you can find them and what the reviewers have to say about them.

Erst

Located on Murray Street in Ancoats, Erst is a specialist natural wine bar that also serves up a menu of small plates, which are designed for sharing and constantly change depending on what is in season. These dishes range from £3 to £14. The Michelin Guide describes the vibe at Erst as “laid back” and offering “something refreshingly different in the city.”

Mana

Mana, on Blossom Street in Ancoats, is Manchester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. It serves creative haute cuisine, mainly seafood, inspired by chef-owner Simon Martin’s travels through Japan and Nordic countries. Describing the food at mana, Michelin reviewers said: “Powerful flavours are the chef’s hallmark, and the sophisticated, modern dishes are precisely crafted, original and well-balanced.” This one is

Canto

Also located on Blossom Street, is Canto. It is one of the cheaper Manchester spots featured in the guide and specialises in Mediterranean dishes from Spain, Portugal and Italy.

The Michelin reviewers said: “Grab a seat at the counter to watch the chef’s hard at work preparing a mix of vibrant Spanish and Portuguese small plates. The fish dishes are the best, along with the delicious Portuguese custard tarts.”

63 Degrees

Located on 104 High Street in the Northern Quarter, 63 Degrees is a Parisian-style brasserie. The name is a reference to both the perfect temperature for serving coffee and cooking poultry, according to the restaurant’s website.

The Michlin reviewers said: “The experienced owner-chef hails from France and his classic dishes are cooked with pride and passion using both local and imported French produce. The set lunch represents good value.”

Habas

Habas, at 43a Brown Street, is yet another eatery from the team behind Canto and El Gato Negro. The Michelin reviewers commented: “From the same owners as Canto and El Gato Negro comes Habas, which occupies the old wine cellars of the magnificent former Manchester Club building. Small sharing plates are guided by the Middle East, with a few hints of the Mediterranean.”

Adam Reid at The French

At the more expensive scale of Manchester restaurants featured on the Michelin Guide is Adam Reid at The French, located on Peter Street.

The Michelin reviewers said: “Adam Reid’s multi-course tasting menu is very much a homage to his Northern roots, with dishes having names such as ‘a warm Northern welcome’, ‘yesterday’s dinner’ and ‘today’s tea’. Personable chefs explain and finish each course off tableside, and dishes are richly flavoured with the occasional playful touch.”

El Gato Negro

El Gato Negro on King Street is regarded as one of the best places to go for tapas in the city centre. The Michelin reviewers described the vibe at El Gato Negro as “buzzy” and noted that the “appealing tapas dishes include meats from the Josper grill.”

Tast

Also located on King Street is Tast, which is co-owned by Manchester City manager Pep Guadiola and specialises in Catalan food. The Michelin reviewers said: “Watch the chefs behind the counter while enjoying drinks and tapas on the ground floor; later in the week, the upstairs restaurant opens, serving a larger menu of tapas, grills and unfussy Catalan dishes.”

Another Hand

Another Hand, located at 253 Deansgate Mews, is a new entry on the Michelin Guide for 2023. The Michelin reviewers said: “A café by day, this 24-seater space morphs into a restaurant by night, offering an appealing array of sharing plates which champion produce from local, ethical growers. The eye-catching dishes are served one at a time and their flavours are punchy and pronounced. Craft beers and low intervention wines accompany. Service is bubbly and the atmosphere, buzzing.

Where The Light Gets In

The only Stockport restaurant included in the Michelin Guide is Where The Light Gets In. The Michelin reviewers said: “This large, loft-style restaurant is located on the top floor of a Victorian coffee warehouse and its open kitchen forms part of the room. The surprise menu is formed from whatever they have foraged that day and beasts are brought in whole and fully utilised. Matching wine flights focus on natural wines.”

The White Hart

Located on the beautiful Saddleworth Moors is the The White Hart pub in Lydgate. The Michelin reviewers said: “This 18C stone pub on the moor is a place that constantly evolves. It’s usually busy but the staff have everything under control and there are comfy bedrooms for those wishing to stay. Dining takes place in the cosy Tap Room or smart brasserie; the appealing menu has a British heart and global influences.”

OSMA

Prestwich is home to many great cafes and restaurants, but the only one to make the Michelin Guide 2023 is OSMA. The reviewers said: “OSMA is a nod to the owners’ birthplaces – OSlo and MAnchester. Breakfast, salads and open sandwiches are replaced in the evening by tempting small plates. The stylish room comes with an open kitchen, a communal island table and smart curved banquettes.”

Perfect Match

Winner of the Neighbourhood venue of the year 2022 at the Manchester Food and Drink awards, Perfect Match, is located on 103 Cross Street, Sale. The Michelin reviewers said: “At this simple, honest little bistro you’ll find Jacinda in the kitchen creating tasty, well-crafted dishes from across Europe, while Andrea picks out the perfect match for each dish from the wine list. Andrea’s family make Prosecco back in Italy and some of their wines are here to try.”

Borage

You can find Borage at 7 Vale View, Vicarage Lane, Bowdon. The Michelin reviewers said: “British and Polish flavours combine at this friendly neighbourhood restaurant located in a pleasant village. Well-presented, colourful modern dishes reflect the seasons and are full of flavour. The homemade breads are a highlight, as is the chocolate mousse.”

Levanter

The menu at Levanter in Ramsbottom is “dictated by market produce,” the Michelin reviewers say, adding “be sure to try some of the freshly sliced Iberico ham.”