Best Fine Dining in Guide

"A garden oasis nestled in Hardman Square, book a table for up to six guests (subject to availability) for the beautiful covered and heated ground floor terrace at The Ivy Spinningfields from 12 April and watch the world go by as you savour their seasonal specials and show-stopping serves. In addition, indoor reservations for the brasserie, roof terrace and glamorous late-night restaurant and bar, Ivy Asia, will be available from 17 May."

"Located in the heart of Manchester, The Ivy Spinningfields only opened in November 2018, but is already a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a little glamour. The Brasserie serves modern British classics while the The Ivy Asia and Bar serves Asian-inspired cocktails and sharing dishes with entertainment and resident DJs. There are also three private dining rooms - The Dalton, The Geisha Room and The Skylight Terrace."

"A firm favourite amongst Manchester's celebs, The Ivy Spinningfields boasts some of the city's most swoon-worthy interiors. For the perfect alfresco brunch?. Head through the main restaurant to the chic rooftop garden where you can tuck into British dishes under a the sun."

"Set in the iconic Midland Hotel, the cosy booths, stylish décor and relaxed atmosphere of The French by Simon Rogan makes for an opulent date night. Worthy of any special occasion, quality food is at the heart of this operation with meticulously crafted tasting menus. The French’s absent Michelin star is well documented, but the infamous missing star isn’t all bad - diners can experience Michelin standard food without the waiting lists and price tag."

"Head to The Midland Hotel to discover Adam Reid at The French, an award-winning upscale restaurant serving modern cuisine by chef Adam Reid. The restaurant uses only seasonal produce, and the menu offers a choice of four, six, or nine courses, all of which showcase classic British food with a contemporary twist. This is where you want to go for a special occasion or a fancy night out, and it's essential to book in advance."

"The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 2DS. Adam Reid has kept The French at the top of Manchester’s restaurant tree for many years, and while the grand dining room is opulent, the vibe feels less formal and the food continues to impress."

"Modern Australian food with Indonesian and Japanese influences, served in a glamorous subterranean venue in Spinningfields. Pacific Rim flavours are underpinned by classic European cooking techniques in a menu that spans sushi and sashimi to robata grilled meat and fish. Don’t miss the signature black cod."

"Enter through the curious glass pyramid, down a rabbit hole into the subterranean restaurant. The décor here is like the dress code of a flash nightclub: there’s a strict ‘no colours’ policy. White, accented by more white, bare brick and a splash of cream."

"Australasia (1 The Avenue), a glam subterranean bar-restaurant goes on late and gets busy. Visit pre-dinner to enjoy a rose and lychee martini. Check out our full review of Australasia here…"

"Fine dining made casual with a modern spin on British classics, in the shiny First Street development just outside Manchester’s city centre. High ceilings tower over dark wood and teal furnishings, with cosy booths and dim lighting. An open kitchen gives diners a view of the MasterChef at work."

"Named after chef patron Simon Wood, 2015 winner of MasterChef, this First Street restaurant offers unintimidating high end dining in a relaxed setting. From truffled tortellini to tomahawk sharers, you won’t leave hungry."

"Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester."

"Situated in The Lowry Hotel on the Manchester/ Salford border, this fine dining breakfast menu is unbeatable. The restaurant itself is glass-walled and overlooks the Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. The decor includes purple leather chairs, semi-circular banquettes, Fornasetti plates and mirrors."

"Take a loved one to the elegant and stylish Bertram’s Restaurant and enjoy adult-only dining with a difference. Start with drinks on the scenic Terrace Bar, followed by a sumptuous meal. Alternatively, opt for one of their popular afternoon teas – the perfect celebratory treat!"

"Savour the best cuisine of both France and Yorkshire at the elegant Le Bistro De Amis. Pop in for a coffee and sweet treat, relish a freshly prepared salad or sandwich or treat a loved one to a meal from their A La Carte offering. Menu specialities include chargrilled venison, pan roasted chicken breast and twice-cooked pork belly."

"Tucked away underneath the Olive Tree Brasserie, Elià is a trendy cocktail bar with a warm and chic atmosphere. The bar features 2 for 1 cocktail nights and regularly has live music and DJs to provide a soundtrack to your night, including indie and acoustic musicians. Sip on a classic cocktail or choose something creative and new, Elià is the place t..."

"Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Olive Tree Brasserie. The restaurant's laid back atmosphere is perfect for an evening of indulging in vegan and vegetarian starters, mains, and even desserts!"

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"Located near Preston Dock, the Ribble Steam Railway museum invites you to hop aboard a heritage train ride on one of their working steam trains. The museum makes a fantastic and interactive day out for all the family, delving into Preston's historical links to steam trains and Preston Dock. See their Diesel Locomotives, Steam Locomotives, miniature railway, and much more."

"Grayson’s Art Club – An exhibition of works selected by artist Grayson Perry during Grayson’s Art Club, the popular Channel 4 TV series. All the works on display are very personal visual representations of lockdown, made by the public, well-known artists and celebrities for Grayson’s Art Club.Between Friday 2 July and Sunday 29 August. Other exhibitions are also on too."