Restaurants in Ancoats

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

The restaurants in Ancoats are fast-becoming recognised as some of the best in the UK, let alone Manchester. It’s a far cry from the old days, just two decades back, when this small suburb was a no-go area, dominated by crime and run-down buildings. These days it’s a laid-back area, populated by the city’s more bohemian residents, who are fed and watered by some of the finest bars and restaurants for miles around. This includes the city’s best bakeries, the city’s best pizza joints, and restaurants serving up all different kinds of cuisine from across the world.

Based next to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats has so far held out against the kinds of bars that have made the Northern Quarter less of an alternative enclave, and has a more laid-back and less hen party feel. If you’re looking for the best of Manchester, look no further. Here’s our guide to very best places to eat in Ancoats.

Our top picks

Canto

Canto, Fairbairn Unit A, Fairbairn Building, Henry Street, Manchester, M4 5DH - Visit now

Canto is the latest project from Simon Shaw, founder and Creative Director of the acclaimed tapas restaurant El Gato Negro. Porto-born Head Chef Carlos Gomes has created an authentically Portuguese menu, full of delightful small plates you won’t find anywhere else.

Ian Jones

Elnecot

Elnecot, 41 Blossom Street, Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ - Visit now

Elnecot was the first recorded name for Ancoats in 1212, and they do the district proud with their excellent array of cocktails and not-too-heavy courses.

Elnecot
Elnecot

Rudy’s Pizza

Rudy’s Pizza, 9 Cotton Street, Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5BF - Visit now

Widely-regarded as the best pizza restaurants in Manchester and beyond, Rudy’s is a must-try for fans of dough, cheese and tomato.

Image of Rudy's Neapolitian Pizza, Ancoats
Ben Williams

Erst

Erst, 9 Murray St, Manchester, M4 5BN - Visit now

Erst. is the latest creation from the team behind the popular Trove bakery. They serve simple, seasonal food from the grill, along with a wide range of natural wine and craft beers.

erst.

The Hip Hop Chip Shop

The Hip Hop Chip Shop, 44 Blossom St, Manchester, M4 6BF - Visit now

The Hip Hop Chip Shop has been one of the city’s best kept secrets for a while, the only problem being where to find it. Now firmly based at one of the city’s most high-profile areas, you can satisfy those throwback chippy cravings (almost) every night of the week.

The Hip Hop Ship Shop

Pollen Bakery

Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union St, Manchester, M4 6FQ - Visit now

This small but perfectly-formed bakery is well worth a visit for their unique take on sourdough bread and viennoiserie baked goods.

Pollen Bakery
Pollen

Where to go in Ancoats

Ancoats
Restaurant
The Wayfarer

The Northern Quarter pub with Live-music, outdoor seating and friendly staff, making this venue a more than enjoyable visit.

Ancoats
Restaurant
Ramona

If you haven’t heard of Ramona by now then where have you been? Taking Manchester by storm, Ramona is a Detroit Pizza restaurant, with a salty twist… Frozen margaritas!

Manchester
Restaurant
The Jane Eyre

The Jane Eyre is a high-quality neighbourhood bar in Ancoats, Manchester. We check it out after a recent refurb.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Flawd

Flawd is a neighbourhood wine bar based in Ancoats, from the team behind the wonderful Higher Ground dining experience.

Manchester
Restaurant
Canto

Modern Portugese food from the team behind the mighty El Gato.

Manchester
Restaurant
Viet Shack Restaurant

Arguably Manchester’s most well-known Vietnamese restaurant, Viet Shack started out as a hugely-popular street food stall before opening this restaurant in Ancoats.

Manchester
Restaurant
Erst

An offshoot of the popular Trove bakery in Ancoats, this new restaurant specialises in perfectly-formed and eye-catching small plates with a focus on environmentally-friendly practices.

Pollen Bakery
Manchester
Restaurant
Pollen Bakery

Popular bakery in the Ancoats and New Islington area, specialising in sourdough bread and viennoiserie baked goods.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.