Best restaurants and bars in Manchester according to Tripadvisor: including secret bar and Chinese restaurant

Tripadvisor has revealed the results of their annual Travellers’ Choice Awards, which includes a selection of the best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do across the world.

In light of this, we have rounded up must-visit restaurants and bars in Manchester based on the highest rated venues on Tripadvisor.

From a Chinese restaurant and an Indian eatery, to a secret bar and drinks inside a prison cell, our list includes both family-friendly and date night recommendations.

Find out more below including addresses and opening hours.

Top five bars in Manchester according to TripAdvisor:

1. The Washhouse

19 Shudehill, M4 2AF

Open seven days a week, The Washhouse is a secret themed bar which offers a strange twist on a laundromat.

Their ‘friendly staff won’t take care of your washing’, states the website, but will instead serve a range of delicious and wacky cocktails.

Cocktail prices start at £9.50 - and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available but you need to book in advance to get in.

The cocktail bar has 1,047 reviews on Tripadvisor -  and one customer wrote: “AMAZING atmosphere. incredible staff and a must visit!! so many surprises with a great selection of drinks. big shout out to matt cinel <3”

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday - 4pm to 1am

Thursday - 4pm to 3am

Friday and Saturday - 12pm to 3am

Sunday - 12pm to 11pm

Please note: Online bookings only, visit here to book

2. Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

1A Watson Street, M3 4EE

This bar is set up in a prison, where visitors are immersed into the real experience of becoming an inmate - including putting on an orange jumpsuit.

There is no set menu (it’s a prison!), but your cocktails are made by ‘inmates’ based on what alcohol you can sneak into your cell.

The spooky bar has 161 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “This was a brilliant experience from start to finish, we felt fully immersed in the story and the drinks were great!

“One of the group let the bartender know that she was pregnant and she added something special to the drink each time so she knew which was alcohol free but without making her feel left out, eg lime instead of a lemon garnish, we were very well taken care of and the actors were fabulous!”

Opening hours:

Monday and Tuesday - closed

Wednesday and Thursday - 7pm to 8:45pm

Friday - 4:30pm to 11:15pm

Saturday - 12pm to 11:15pm

Sunday - 2:15pm to 6:30pm

Please note: Bring your own alcohol - and sneak it past the warden!

3. Grey Horse Inn

80 Portland Street, M1 4QX

This quaint and traditional pub is popular for its cask ales and its cosy atmosphere.

As well as its great selection of Hyde’s fine cask ales, it also has a choice of gin, wine, bottled beers and more - and they serve a menu of hot and cold food.

The Grey Horse Inn also hosts numerous beer festivals throughout the year.

The traditional pub has 175 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “Old fashioned proper pub. Friendly, great atmosphere, welcoming, Brilliant beer, and very reasonable prices. Glad we visited”

Opening hours:

Sunday to Thursday - 12pm to 12am

Friday and Saturday - 12pm to 1am

Please note: This pub is dog-friendly.

4. Be At One

80 Deansgate, M3 2ER

This well-known chain is popular for its cocktails - and it has over 100 to choose from.

The Be At One on Deansgate has a modern interior and some of the coolest light features in the chain.

They also offer happy hour specials until 7pm everyday (excluding Saturday’s where happy hour finishes at 6pm).

The cocktail bar has 356 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “10/10 venue. Great atmosphere. Would recommend. One of the better Be At Ones in the UK. Loved it. Superb”

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday - 4pm to 1am

Friday - 3pm to 3am

Saturday 12pm to 3am

Sunday - 3pm to 1am

5. The Comedy Store

Deansgate Locks 3 Whitworth Street West Arches 3 & 4, Deansgate Locks, M1 5LH

The Comedy Store offers a range of stand up comedy, fine dining, great drinks and music.

Guests can book to see their favourite comedian (or someone new) and make use of the well stocked bar - which is reasonably priced.

The comedy bar has 3,461 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer wrote: “I went to the comedy club last night and I have never been to anything like this before so we didn’t know what to expect but I am so glad I booked it! It was hilarious and a really fun atmosphere and we will deffo be back.”

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday - 11am to 6pm

Thursday - 11am to 12am

Friday and Saturday - 11am to 2am

Sunday - 10am to 12am

Please note: Tickets are required, and you can see the comedy schedule here.

Top five restaurants in Manchester according to TripAdvisor:

1. The Laundrette

32 Beech Road, Chorlton, M21 9EL

Their food menu includes appetisers, Neapolitan style pizzas, salads, burgers, steaks - and yummy desserts.

On a Sunday, The Laundrette offers a roast dinner with your own choice of meat, all the trimmings and homemade gravy. There is also a vegetarian and vegan roast available.

As well as the extensive food menu, they offer a range of alcoholic drinks - including cocktails starting at £9.

There is also a south facing sun terrace, perfect for some alfresco dining on the low and comfy seats.

The restaurant has 2,924 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “What an amazing place. The food was fresh, the staff were so nice and the cocktail menu was fantastic. Would definitely come back :)”

Opening hours:

Monday to Sunday: 10am to 11pm

Please note: They cater for vegetarians and vegans.

2. One Plus Restaurant

42 Charles Street, M1 7DB

This venue is an authentic and unique Chinese restaurant spread over three levels.

Customers can enjoy a rice and noodle bar in the basement, a unique way of eating chinese hot pot on the ground floor and a chinese barbecue and seafood menu on the first floor.

Across all three floors, there is also a chance to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with your meal. With a glass of wine starting at just £4.25.

The restaurant also offers soft drinks including soybean milk, chinese tea, coconut juice and more.

The Chinese restaurant has 989 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “Amazing food. I feel so wholesome! Everything was up to standard and well made. Staff were nice and professional too.”

Opening hours:

Sunday to Tuesday - 11:30am to 10:30pm

Wednesday - 11:30am to 9:30pm

Thursday - 11:30am to 10:30pm

Friday and Saturday - 11:30am to 11pm

Please note: The meats on offer are NOT Halal. However, there are alternative options such as seafood or vegetables.

3. Revolution Parsonage Gardens

Arkwright House Parsonage Gardens, Arkwright House, M3 2LF

Revolution is a popular chain serving mouthwatering food and a wide range of cocktails and other alcoholic drinks.

The Parsonage Gardens venue has a range of big and small tables, for parties and date nights - as well as a choice of comfortable booths to sit in.

Their menu includes sharing platters, pizzas, seafood, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and desserts - all of which have vegan and vegetarian options.

They offer 2 for 1 deals on cocktails, and host cocktail masterclasses and bottomless brunches.

The cocktail restaurant has 731 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “Loved our meal with great cocktails. Wonderful service from Luke and Anna.. definitely be returning. Well done to the chef for 1st class food.”

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday - 11:30am to 10pm

Sunday - 12pm to 10pm

Please note: They cater for vegetarians and vegans.

4. Sangam Didsbury

762 Wilmslow Road Didsbury, M20 2DR

Sangam in Didsbury is a sophisticated eatery where customers have the option of bringing their own wine.

The vintage themed venue serves Indian street food, curries, seafood, kebabs - and they have a host of set menus which start at £29.90 per person and include two rounds of drinks.

Their food is also available for collection and takeaway, via UberEats and Deliveroo.

The Indian restaurant has 2,012 reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “Brilliant service from T-C! Great food and atmosphere, the food is brilliant and the restaurant is really clean. We will definitely be back. Thank you!”

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday - 4pm to 11pm

Friday and Saturday - 4pm to 11:30pm

Sunday - 1:30pm to 10pm

Please note: There is a £4 corkage fee to bring your wine.

5. MyLahor Manchester

14-18 Wilmslow Road, M14 5TQ

MyLahor is a British Asian restaurant where guests can tuck into everything from cheesy garlic naan and king prawns to vegetable samosas and malai tikka.

They also offer desserts including cornflake tarts, oreo cookies and jam coconut sponge, a kids menu and a vast range of drinks and milkshakes.

Their food is also available for collection and takeaway, via their website.

The Asian restaurant has 5,876  reviews on Tripadvisor - and one customer said: “It was my first time eating at Mylahore and Mohammed recommended some dishes that turned out to be great! Great service and will definitely come back and ask Mohammed for new recommendations.”

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday - 12pm to 12am

Thursday and Friday - 12pm to 1am

Saturday and Sunday - 1pm to 12am