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Places to dine solo in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Sometimes, eating out should be about just that. Eating. And if you want to focus entirely on the food, there’s no better option than unaccompanied dining. Whether you’re visiting Manchester for work, or simply fancy some me-time, this city has plenty of options for the solo diner. Plus, this way you’ll get through a meal without an annoying companion pestering for a bite (we’ve all been there). Here’s our guide to the best places in Manchester to eat and drink by yourself.

Our top picks

Pot Kettle Black

Pot Kettle Black, Unit 14, Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now

For breakfast, brunch and lunch, there are few better places than Pot Kettle Black. One of the highlights of Manchester’s recently-revitalised Barton Arcade, this bright breezy space serves up traditional daytime fare with a twist (the eggs benedict with paprika-cured pork loin is a must-try). And as the name suggests, they have a wide range of high-quality coffees and teas. Perfect for a few hours catching up with work, or simply watching the world go by.

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Pot Kettle Black cafe in Manchester.
Pot Kettle Black - courtesy of venue

Burgess Cafe Bar at IABF

Burgess Cafe Bar at IABF, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5BY - Visit now

If you have a more literary bent, head over to the small but perfectly-formed café at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. Refreshingly free of distractions (background music is a no-no), this is the ideal place to sit and read a book amongst like-minded people. The menu changes daily but the homemade soups are reliably excellent – hearty, filling and freshly-made.

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Trof Northern Quarter

Trof Northern Quarter, 8 Thomas St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1EU - Visit now

One of the original Northern Quarter bars and diners, Trof has remained popular over the years for good reason. No matter the time of day, you’ll find a reliably friendly atmosphere, along with high-quality food served til late, covering everything from snacks to hefty feasts. Our advice? Go for the breakfast. Then stick around until the sun goes down and enjoy a drink or three.

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Manchester Pubs

Yuzu

Yuzu, 39 Faulkner Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 4EE - Visit now

Japanese restaurant Yuzu in Manchester is the kind of place that beckons you to return, the counter makes the ideal spot for the solo diner.

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Yuzu Manchester
Yuzu Manchester

Eighth Day

Eighth Day, 111 Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 7DU - Visit now

Eighth Day is a veggie and vegan superstore that’s less of a shop-cum-cafe and more of a Manchester institution. The downstairs dining area is a great place to grab a quiet bite.

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The Northern Quarter Restaurant (TNQ)

The Northern Quarter Restaurant (TNQ), 108 High Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1HQ - Visit now

For dependable, modern British dining, the simply-named Northern Quarter Restaurant is worth a punt.

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Image of the TNQ Restaurant and Bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
By Ben Williams

The Refuge

The Refuge, Oxford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7HA - Visit now

Looking something a little more upmarket? You need the raved-about Refuge by Volta at The Principal Manchester (formerly known as the Palace Hotel) on Oxford Road. Led by local DJs The Unabombers, along with head chef Alex Worrall, here you’ll find a range of eye-opening small plates, influenced by the DJ duo’s trips around the world. This awe-inspiring venue has a menu to match the decor, no matter what time you decide to drop by.

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The glass atrium inside The Refuge
The Refuge by Volta. Photo: Gareth Lowe.

Where to go in Manchester

Kōdo Entrance
City Centre
Restaurant
Kōdo

Kōdo, a secret bar like no other. It is all about discovery. The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Ego Death
Manchester
Restaurant
Ego Death

Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.

Flat Iron Leeds
Manchester
Restaurant
Flat Iron Manchester

Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.

iStock.com/SimoneN
Deansgate
Hotel
Malmaison Manchester Deansgate

The building’s striking architecture combines classic brickwork with sleek, modern design elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of Manchester’s vibrant energy.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition is an elegant dining hall on Peter Street, home to Jaan and other high-level independent kitchens.

Stow
City Centre
Restaurant
Stow

Stow is a new fire-based restaurant on Bridge Street in Manchester, from the team behind Trof.

See all places

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