What Food To Try in Manchester and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Manchester for 2024.
National currency: Pound Sterling, symbol — £ (international currency code GBP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Manchester cafes and restaurants
$19.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $12.71
$76.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $50.82
$8.4
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.62
What to Try in Manchester
Must-try Dishes
Full English Breakfast - A hearty mix of sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. It’s a comforting way to fuel your day and is best ordered at a local café, ideally mid-morning when the breakfast rush has settled.Beef and Onion Pie - Tender beef slow-cooked with onions in a rich gravy, encased in buttery pastry. This classic pub dish is a staple for lunch or dinner, often enjoyed with a side of mashed potatoes and peas.
Butter Pie - A unique dish made with potatoes, onions, and butter in a flaky pastry crust. While it’s a simple vegetarian option, it’s a beloved local specialty, often served at chip shops and enjoyed on Fridays, a nod to meat-free traditions.
Manchester Tart - A custard tart with a jammy layer and topped with coconut. Often served in cafés, this dish is a nostalgic favorite, although it's more of a dessert idea than a main dish—perfect for a sweet ending to a meal.
Chippy Tea - Crispy battered fish served with chunky chips and curry sauce, customarily enjoyed after a long week. Locals usually grab this takeout option on a Friday evening after work, creating a casual yet hearty meal.
Cavaquinho with Pease Pudding - A surprising combination of spicy sausage and creamy pease pudding. It’s typically eaten as street food and enjoyed while walking around local markets.
Seasonal Game Pie - A rustic pie filled with venison, pheasant, or rabbit depending on the season, wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for warming dinners during autumn and winter, it reflects Manchester's rich culinary heritage.
Stottie Cake Sandwich - A thick bread sandwich usually filled with ham, pease pudding, or bacon. This local favorite is particularly filling and is commonly eaten for lunch or as a quick snack on the go.
Desserts & Drinks
Manchester Tart - Manchester Tart (fruit tart) - A tempting pastry with a buttery base, filled with raspberry jam, custard, and topped with coconut and cherries. Commonly enjoyed at tea time or special gatherings, it’s a nostalgic favorite for many Mancunians.Flat White - Flat White (smooth coffee) - A velvety coffee made with espresso and microfoam, smoother than a latte but equally rich. You’ll find it buzzing in independent cafes, perfect for mid-morning catch-ups, but don’t be surprised if locals skip the sugar—it’s meant to shine on its own.
Shandy - Shandy (beer and lemonade mix) - A refreshing combination of beer mixed with lemonade, often served ice-cold on sunny days. Popular during summer festivals, though be prepared for locals to have strong opinions about the proportions; it's a divisive topic!
Ice Cream - Gin & Tonic Sorbet (boozy frozen treat) - A refreshing and zesty sorbet with hints of gin and tonic’s botanicals, a unique twist on classic ice cream. Best enjoyed on hot afternoons in the park, people adore it for its adult flair, but watch out—this could catch you off guard if you’re expecting something sweeter.
Blackcurrant Cordial - Ribena (fruity drink) - A concentrated blackcurrant syrup mixed with water for a fruity refreshment, enjoyed particularly in the warmer months. Locals often mix it with soda for a fizzy kick, and while it’s perfect any time, sipping this while picnicking makes for a quintessentially Manchester experience.
By the way, watch out for that gin sorbet—it sneaks up on you with its alcohol kick!
Food and Groceries in Manchester
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.44 |
| Bananas | $1.57 |
| Oranges | $2.57 |
| Potatoes | $1.67 |
| Apples | $2.57 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.46 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3.2 |
| Imported Beer | $5.15 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $10.16 |
| Milk 1L | $1.4 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $10.38 |
| Chicken | $7.44 |
| Cigarettes | $16.5 |
| Rice | $2.05 |
| Local Cheese | $7.8 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Manchester, mealtimes reveal a fascinating rhythm of local life. Lunch typically takes place around noon to 2 PM, while dinner starts buzzing from 6 PM to 8 PM. Many locals opt for a quick but hearty lunch during these hours, especially in bustling areas like the Northern Quarter and Deansgate, where nearby office workers form queues. A casual meal can set you back about £7-£10, while dining in more upscale spots might reach £15-£30.
The city’s dining districts vary significantly in price. For instance, the trendy Northern Quarter is often seen as pricier for comparable meals found in the more residential areas like Whalley Range or Longsight. I paid £12 for a lovely curry in the Northern Quarter recently, but just a few miles away, you could enjoy a similar dish for around £8 in a local eatery.
Regarding payment methods, cash still rules the roost in smaller establishments, but most places now accept card payments and mobile wallets. Oh, and before I forget, it's common to see a service charge of around 10-15% added to the bill in more formal dining settings, so check your receipt before tipping extra.
Tipping in Manchester is generally at the discretion of the diner. If the service has been up to scratch, rounding up to the nearest pound or leaving 10% is common practice. Just be aware that in some places, especially high-end restaurants, they may include service in the total bill, which can lead to confusion.
An interesting local habit is the swift consumption of food at lunchtime. Many locals prefer to eat quickly, often standing at counters or grabbing a takeaway. This can create a bustling atmosphere, especially in the city center during lunch hours. But a common mistake for visitors is to linger too long in cafés or restaurants during peak times, unaware that locals tend to eat and clear out swiftly.
For those unfamiliar with the city's dining scene, it's advisable to make reservations, especially for dinner during the weekend. Many popular restaurants book up quickly, and attempting to walk in can be disappointing.
As the seasons change, so too do the menus—think warming dishes in the winter that give way to fresher fare as spring rolls in. It's a great idea to keep an eye on local markets, which often reflect these shifts and can be perfect for finding seasonal ingredients and meals.
With all the exploration Manchester has to offer, it's always wise to pay attention to peak hours and be mindful of dining customs. This will help you better enjoy the vibrant food culture without a hitch.
The city’s dining districts vary significantly in price. For instance, the trendy Northern Quarter is often seen as pricier for comparable meals found in the more residential areas like Whalley Range or Longsight. I paid £12 for a lovely curry in the Northern Quarter recently, but just a few miles away, you could enjoy a similar dish for around £8 in a local eatery.
Regarding payment methods, cash still rules the roost in smaller establishments, but most places now accept card payments and mobile wallets. Oh, and before I forget, it's common to see a service charge of around 10-15% added to the bill in more formal dining settings, so check your receipt before tipping extra.
Tipping in Manchester is generally at the discretion of the diner. If the service has been up to scratch, rounding up to the nearest pound or leaving 10% is common practice. Just be aware that in some places, especially high-end restaurants, they may include service in the total bill, which can lead to confusion.
An interesting local habit is the swift consumption of food at lunchtime. Many locals prefer to eat quickly, often standing at counters or grabbing a takeaway. This can create a bustling atmosphere, especially in the city center during lunch hours. But a common mistake for visitors is to linger too long in cafés or restaurants during peak times, unaware that locals tend to eat and clear out swiftly.
For those unfamiliar with the city's dining scene, it's advisable to make reservations, especially for dinner during the weekend. Many popular restaurants book up quickly, and attempting to walk in can be disappointing.
As the seasons change, so too do the menus—think warming dishes in the winter that give way to fresher fare as spring rolls in. It's a great idea to keep an eye on local markets, which often reflect these shifts and can be perfect for finding seasonal ingredients and meals.
With all the exploration Manchester has to offer, it's always wise to pay attention to peak hours and be mindful of dining customs. This will help you better enjoy the vibrant food culture without a hitch.