Manchester’s thriving restaurant scene is one of the best in the UK – and it also happens to be one of the most romantic. If you’re looking for a glamorous dining destination for a special celebration or a hotspot that’s guaranteed to impress on your first night out, the best date restaurants in Manchester offer the perfect dining experience for couples, from classy wine bars with delicious sharing plates to fine dining gems with breathtaking views.
A high-end Mexican Japanese fusion restaurant is perfect if you and your partner share a love of world cuisines, while a classic British eatery lets you bond over a traditional Sunday roast on a relaxed weekend date. Catch up over fiery flame-cooked dishes at a restaurant that specialises in charcoal grill cooking, or split a whole lobster and a bottle of fine Loire Valley wine at one of Manchester’s most revered French restaurants.
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Read on for the 10 best date restaurants in Manchester
For one of the best date restaurants in Manchester with Instagrammable decor – don’t miss The Ivy Brasserie, Spinningfields in Manchester
Opulent decor and sumptuous world cuisine make The Ivy Brasserie, Spinningfields one of the best romantic restaurants in Manchester for an unforgettable date night. This sprawling, four-story eatery begins in the ground floor brasserie, which has a gorgeous retro-inspired bar and a chic, 1920s-inspired use of patterns. Decadent menu items, like lobster linguine or brick-roasted half chicken served with truffle, are perfect for a special anniversary meal. Vegan diners can also tuck into the plant-based burger or the sweet potato curry. Vintage-style cocktails perfectly complement The Ivy’s Art Deco aesthetic. Try the perfect lady – a gin, peach, and lemon combo – or the Havana rum and mango jungle bird. As well as the brasserie, The Ivy Spinningfields also houses on the top floor an Asian restaurant and an incredible indoor roof garden – the first in Manchester – the Ivy Roof Garden, Spinningfields which has stunning views and a tropical greenhouse feel.
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For contemporary British food at one of the best date night restaurants in Manchester – try Albert’s Shed in Manchester
Located in Manchester’s fashionable canal basin area, Albert’s Shed is a cute, stylish spot for a date. This spot is known for serving British food with world cuisine influences. Sustainably caught cod served with chips and mushy peas is a no-fuss, English classic that’s perfect after some sightseeing in Manchester’s nearby historical centre. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the jerk oxtail stew offers pull-apart tender beef in a richly spiced gravy served with coconut rice. Albert’s Shed also serves up a hearty Sunday roast with all the trimmings, making it one of the best romantic restaurants in Manchester for some relaxed couple’s time on the weekend. The restaurant’s wine list features a range of premium vintages, including bottles of Laurent Perrier Brut and Dom Perignon champagne. Comfy booths and outdoor seating with lots of surrounding greenery and twinkling fairy lights add to the cosy, intimate vibe.
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For spectacular French wine at one of Manchester’s best romantic restaurants – visit 63 Degrees in Manchester
63 Degrees in Manchester is a family-owned restaurant that serves French cuisine made from locally sourced produce. The warm decor and elegant presentation make dining here feel extra special and go some way to explaining why 63 Degrees is one of Manchester’s best date night restaurants for celebrations with your loved one. Head chef Eric Moreau specialises in cooking meat at a temperature of 63 degrees, giving it an irresistibly tender and succulent texture – for something extra decadent, try the restaurant’s signature dish of chicken slow-cooked at 63 degrees and served with a luxe truffle sauce. Continental starters, such as Brittany oysters or fois gras terrine, hark back to Moreau’s French roots, while the whole buttered lobster or rib-eye steak for two are ideal for a memorable occasion. The wine list features a selection of French wines, including prestigious vintages from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux region, and the intimate vibe promises a relaxed, romantic evening out.
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For magical views at one of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester – try 20 Stories Restaurant in Manchester
Winner of the Best Restaurant in Manchester 2023 at the British Restaurant Awards, 20 Stories Restaurant has unparalleled cityscape views and is one of the best date restaurants in Manchester if you truly want to impress. Situated on the 19th floor at No. 1 Spinningfields, it features a restaurant, bar, and terrace with magnificent vistas over the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows and chic, minimalist decor help keep the viewpoint centre stage. The food is contemporary British, with a focus on sustainable sourcing, and the restaurant offers an a la carte menu as well as a Valentine’s Day menu. Sample elegant mains like roast guinea fowl served with truffle mash or the treacle-cured fillet of beef. Sharing dishes like the 35-day aged Porterhouse steak or the whole lobster with parmesan fries are ideal for date night. As for drinks, you can toast to your love with a sweet French Beaujolais or an artisan cocktail.
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For modern Asian cuisine and tropical cocktails – book a table at Lucky Cat in Manchester
Lucky Cat Manchester, owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, is known for serving delicious and stunningly presented Asian food. The menu includes a range of Asian cuisines, including Japanese sushi and sashimi, Korean dishes, and Chinese bao buns. These classic dishes are served on sharing platters, making them the perfect fare for a romantic date night in the city. A spicy tuna maki set is great served alongside salted monkfish tempura, or why not share a platter of bao buns stuffed with tender hoisin duck? Lucky Cat also runs a three-course set lunch menu for £38 per person, which features pork and kimchi gyoza dumplings and a chocolate tofu dessert. Wash them down with signature Asian-inspired cocktails, like the lychee, sake, and vodka Ureshii or the Japanese gin martini. The restaurant is located inside a historic bank building and has a modern, spacious feel and lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for a fun night out.
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For traditional tapas that will take you straight to Spain – try BAR SAN JUAN in Chorlton
BAR SAN JUAN recreates the warm, lively atmosphere of a Spanish taverna in Chorlton, Manchester. Serving traditional Spanish tapas, this little bar is one of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester for couples who love to travel and try new cuisines. Open until late, it offers a range of meat, fish, and vegetarian tapas plates in intimate surroundings. Clams in garlic and parsley sauce transport diners to the Spanish coast, while the pisto con queso de cabra combines slow-cooked tomatoes and aubergine with salty goat’s cheese. For meat lovers, the pulled lamb served in red wine sauce is a must-try. The bar offers a selection of Spanish beers and carafes of sangria that are perfect for sharing. Decorative wall tiles and a rustic, relaxed feel give diners a taste of traditional Spanish dining culture.
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For romantic dining at a stylish Manchester wine bar – head to ERST in Manchester
Chic, contemporary dining meets a classy, European wine bar at ERST, one of the best romantic restaurants in Manchester. The menu takes inspiration from French, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine and offers sharing plates that are ideal for a fun first date. Start your meal off with oysters with a chili and lemon garnish or a flatbread with tahini and sage. For a main, the plaice and clams cooked in sherry is a popular choice. The restaurant also has a great range of specialty pork dishes, like the moist porchetta pork roast or the mortadella ham with Italian soft cheese. Enjoy wine by the glass and pair each plate with the vintage of your choice or select a bottle for the table from the extensive bar selection. As well as classic vintages, ERST specialises in natural wines, while the lively atmosphere and welcoming service make it a real treat to visit.
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For unique fusion cuisine at one of Manchester’s best date restaurants – don’t miss Peter Street Kitchen in Manchester
Peter Street Kitchen in Manchester offers a truly unique fusion of Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Named by the British Restaurant Awards as the UK’s Best Luxury Restaurant in 2019 and the Best Culinary Experience 2022, Peter Street Kitchen blends the skilful precision of Japanese dining with the intense heat and flavours of Mexican food. Go for the six-course omakase sushi and sashimi menu and experience Japanese dishes freshly made to order and curated by the kitchen team. Other popular menu items include the black cod cooked with green chilies on the robata charcoal grill and the ribs glazed with paprika and mezcal. The bar menu also features light bites and a range of signature cocktails, including a selection of house martinis. Kitchen-side bar seating is ideal for a get-to-know-you first date, while intimate booths make Peter Street Kitchen one of Manchester’s best romantic restaurants for couples.
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For charcoal-grilled delicacies that make a perfect BBQ date night – don’t miss WOOD Manchester in Manchester
WOOD Manchester blends high-quality, seasonal produce with rustic cooking techniques to create an innovative dining experience. The menu features a range of items cooked on the restaurant’s charcoal grill, making it one of the best romantic restaurants in Manchester for couples who love barbecue. Meat lovers can tuck into the All the pork feast – a selection of pork cuts flame-roasted over the grill. Meanwhile, the BBQ roasted monkfish is a delicious option. Diners that prefer plant-based options will also find plenty to enjoy, with charcoal-grilled veg mains like artichoke in chervil cream or glazed tender mushrooms. Menu items come with a recommended wine pairing from the restaurant’s extensive bar, and you can also choose from Belgium beers and local gins. The decor is a mix of natural and organic materials with a chic, airy industrialism that gives Wood a hip, modern vibe.
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For traditional Indian cuisine with a Bollywood superstar host – head to Asha’s in Manchester
Founded by Bollywood superstar Asha Bhosle and winner of a Nation’s Curry Award in 2023, Asha’s Manchester serves traditional Indian cuisine in a sleek, stylish environment. The restaurant was also listed in the MICHELIN guide in 2020. If you love Indian food, Asha’s is the perfect spot for a date night meal in Manchester’s cultural centre and theatre district. Blending family-style Indian cooking with modern techniques, popular dishes here include the spicy lamb chop kebab and the aromatic chicken tikka masala. Asha’s also specialises in decadent sharing plates, such as the Emperor’s platter, which features lobster, chicken skewers, and lamb chops, or the vegetarian kebab plate. Enjoy as well the restaurant’s line of vegetable curries, such as the corn kofta masala. Share some non-alcoholic mocktails or celebrate with a champagne, vanilla vodka, and butterscotch creation. The vibe at Asha’s is sophisticated and low-key, making it ideal for couples.
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Whether you love a cosy, intimate spot or prefer a trendy hotspot, these best date restaurants in Manchester promise a romantic night to remember. Keep things classic with a traditional plate of British fish and chips near Manchester’s waterfront, or go global with Indian and Asian restaurants for a magical night out. With so many restaurants to choose from, you’ll never run out of date night ideas.
