The Ultimate List of Romantic Restaurants in Manchester City Centre

Despite what the pundits say, romance isn’t dead and there are plenty of dining places in and around booming Manchester to get away from that big-city feel. To find space and enjoy some “just the two of us moments” in a great dining atmosphere. 

Whether you’re headed straight to the city’s famous Curry Mile, after a romantic trip around the museums and galleries, or after a game across Manchester’s legendary sporting venues, you’ll definitely find something with the right vibe and flavours for your romantic evening. 

With over 2000 restaurants across the city, finding an ideal destination can be tricky, but our list of Manchester restaurants will help you find the ideal date night location. 

It Starts With A Sexy Fish

Going by name alone, we have to start with Sexy Fish at Spinningfields. With an epic and brightly lit interior, it might not give off traditional romantic vibes, but there’s plenty to talk about and admire in the decor, and a lot going on to enjoy. 

The à la carte menu offers caviar and oysters, sushi and sashimi (raw) dishes with the likes of grilled sea bass and caramelised black cod for mains. Impressive cocktails or a smooth whisky will round off a great meal and make Sexy Fish (celebrating its 10th anniversary) a place you’ll want to come back to celebrate your own. 

Also at Spinningfields is another offshoot of The Ivy if you want to namecheck your destination on social media. The Ivy Asia, or The Ivy Brasseries and Roof Garden both make great romantic destinations, with pre-show menus if you’re off to a gig or play. 

If a sexy fish isn’t your thing, perhaps Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat sounds more appealing. If you’re willing to splash out, Lucky Cat offers plenty of Asian flavours and cocktails, but the bill can soon run up with endless small plates of California crab, spicy tuna or Wagyu beef in yuzu mustard. 

Testing 1-2, 1-2, One Eight Six

Deansgate’s One Eight Six (aka IVIIIVI) is billed as one of Manchester’s best kept secrets, and as such claims to offer where “the unexpected meets the unforgettable” which has to be most couple’s idea of a post-meal good date. Primarily a music and cocktail bar, head there to listen to soul, R&B and live beats and stay for the impressive hand-crafted cocktails. 

Also on Deansgate, Riva Blu is a stylish Italian restaurant that balances sophistication with warmth. The interiors are decked out in a coastal-inspired theme, with blue hues and soft lighting. The Riva Blu menu features meals with handmade pasta and fresh seafood.

Topped off with classic desserts like panna cotta and tiramisu, you and your date will find immediate comfort and a charming atmosphere in this cosy little ristorante

If big food is more your thing, Gaucho brings that sultry South American energy to your date. With dramatic interiors and low lighting, the menu is built around Argentine beef, but features ceviche and empanadas to broaden the range, with a perfect accompanying wine list that is led by some fine Malbecs.

The Cut & Craft also offers a romantic setting, with a subtle mood set in a restored Grade II listed bank, the interior is immaculate. With a contemporary British steak menu, and plenty of cocktails, couples will feel right at home, and enjoy the British pork belly or seafood tempura if beef isn’t your thing. 

Ramping up the Budget (Again)

While there’s plenty of well-priced dining in Manchester, the higher-end of the market is on the rise with Tom Barnes’ Skof offering Michelin-starred, as long as you can book early enough. Located in a former Victorian cloth warehouse, there is plenty of space and light to enjoy the finest British cooking. 

From a stuffed leg of Sladesdown duck to roasted Herdwick lamb broth, there are plenty of hearty meals that will live long in your minds, and plenty of refined sweets and puddings to top up the energy levels. 

For something more intimate, Stow is a small restaurant focused on “great ingredients cooked over an open fire grill with very little faff.” Open Wednesday to Saturday up to 8PM, it offers sirloin, skate wing or pork collar among other delights. 

And if you want to be in with the foodie crowd, you can book early and check out the likes of the new Chotto Matte, opening in October, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion powerhouse (doing well in San Francisco and London) in a sprawling rooftop space in the St Michael’s development. With your date’s sushi torched tableside, robata grill dishes, and late-night DJs, it’s a great location to eat and party with views over the city.

Manchester on a Date Plate

For couples who love going on a culinary adventure, Higher Ground offers a seasonal sharing menu featuring Orkney scallops and Manchester honey ice cream. Whether your date involves a binge around Selfridges or Harvey Nichols, or the Trafford Centre, taking in the sports and sights, you will find a number of fine restaurants and local landmark eateries around every corner.

Manchester is always moving fast, often ahead of the times when it comes to food and drink. From big names to cute little places where they know your name, there is something for every date, and for whatever else you are up to that day or night. Depending on what makes your date a “date” from ambiance, lighting, soul or just the food in front of you, this city has it all. 

Couples can enjoy a date on any of the continents with food and drink to take your soul travelling, even while your feet remain firmly in the northwest of England. Be it a soggy Mancunian night or in the height of summer after an evening walk along Mayfield Park.