Tattu
The ultimate in destination dining in the city, Tattu is perfect for a romantic dinner, especially if you get to back yourself a seat underneath the stunning Cherry Blossom Tree upstairs. Everything exudes elegance and sophistication, and the modern Chinese menu is still exceptional after all of these years. Add some theatrical cocktails with loads of dry ice and you’re all set.
Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, Manchester M3 3EB
tattu.co.uk
Adam Reid at The French
There’s very few places as romantic as the pure opulence that is The Midland Hotel, with it’s timeless elegance and tendency to impress German dictators in the 40s. Couple this ageless sophistication with an outstanding British menu from chef Adam Reid and you’re all set for a wonderfully romantic evening in every respect.
The French, The Midland, 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
www.themidlandhotel.co.uk
Abeja Tapas Bar
Manchester’s smallest tapas bar, there’s just something purely romantic about sitting in Abeja and tucking into tapas and wine. You’ll almost instantly forget that you’re in a shipping container under the Mancunian Way, transported to a traditional little tapas bar on the streets of Madrid. It’s easy to spend hours in here, eating, drinking and chatting, the only bad thing about it is that at some point it has to end and you’re back on Oxford Road in the rain.
Abeja Tapas Bar, Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED
hatchmcr.com
Australasia
A big one with the influencers, and for good reason, Australasia is nestled underground in the heart of Spinningfields. It serves a menu of modern Australasian food and Japanese influences with fresh flavours for you to enjoy in its laid back, stylish sanctuary. You’re guaranteed to have a gorgeous time, especially if romance is on the cards.
1 The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3AP
australasia.uk.com
Bar San Juan
Probably the very best tapas bar in the entire of Manchester, and a place where I managed to ensnare a wife – San Juan is just perfect for a date or romantic meal for two. There’s the flawless tapas, the friendly service and the boisterous atmosphere, coupled with jugs and jugs of Sangria and you’ll have the best time ever.
Bar San Juan, 56 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG
Cottonopolis
Another one for those dates that love to dance, Cottonopolis is a true Manchester gem that serves asian-inspired menus in its lively restaurant. DJs take to the decks every weekend in the listed building that gives a nod to Manchester’s industrial past, so it’s great for a weekend bash with your pals, too!
16 Newton St, Manchester M1 2AE
www.cottonopolis-nq.com
Dakota Grill
Very chic and sophisticated – Dakota offers up the perfect setting for a romantic encounter – one which can be enhanced with Champagne, a few cocktails on their stunning (heated) terrace, and, if things go well – a stay in one of the gorgeous rooms upstairs. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of dishes, including Wagyu Steaks, Red Deer Loin, and an indulgent Squab Pigeon with beetroot, foie gras and truffle.
Dakota, 29 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JL
www.dakotahotels.co.uk
63 Degrees
It’s well-known throughout the world that the French know what they’re doing when it comes to romance. I mean, they wouldn’t call Paris ‘The City of Love’ for no reason would they?! What better place to enjoy a romantic meal then than the exceptional 63 Degrees in the Northern Quarter – over an impeccable meal and some of the world’s finest wines?
63 Degrees, 104 High St, Manchester M4 1HQ
63degrees.co.uk
Dishoom
One of the best places to enjoy Indian food in Manchester is Dishoom. The restaurant’s menus are to DIE for, featuring dishes such as the Black Dahl, Breakfast Naan and Gunpowder Potatoes, to name but a few. The smell of incense and fragrant spices hits you as soon as you walk through the doors and the staff are always mint, too.
32 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
www.dishoom.com
Erst
One of the city centre’s most exciting and innovate restaurants, the accolades have been coming thick and fast for ERST over the last 18 months or so. Sitting down in the open, comfortable restaurant, enjoying some outstanding small plates alongside world-class natural wines – well, it doesn’t get much more romantic than that.
Erst, 9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6H
www.erst-mcr.co.uk
Hawksmoor
One of the city’s top steak restaurants, Hawksmoor is great for the carnivores out there! Located in a late Victorian courthouse on Deansgate, the restaurant specialises in the best dry-aged beef, sustainable seafood and seasonal UK based farm produce. It’s a great place for intimate dining with your other half, as the dimly-lit setting and aphrodisiac meals may leave you feeling a little hot under the collar!
184 – 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
www.thehawksmoor.com
Ivy Asia
On the second floor of The Ivy you’ll find the Ivy Asia, a stunning, maximalist sanctuary serving Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine. The whole floor is complimented by a show-stopping green stone floor set against striking gold furniture, and there’s even a resident DJ soundtracking every evening to get you in the party spirit. This is a good one for any disco loving dates that think they belong on Interior Design Masters.
The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
www.theivymanchester.com
20 Stories
With views right across the city, of course 20 Stories is a great place to impress your hot date. The glamorous restaurant has a cosy rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a range of unique cocktails with 360 degree views of Manchester, snuggled up underneath heaters and the arm of your crush! The food menu is also outstanding, focusing on fresh, seasonal British food.
NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB
www.20stories.co.uk
The Black Friar
One of Salford’s newest restaurants, The Black Friar offers an extensive list of drinks and food delights, which put a spin on modern pub classics. It’s cosy, welcoming interior encapsulates the building’s original features and the beer garden is a great place to enjoy a few cocktails in the summer sun! This restaurant is a great place to treat yourself to a proper outstanding meal, whilst also making you feel right at home.
41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB
www.theblackfriarsalford.co.uk
@sophontoast
The Oystercatcher
An intimidate neighbourhood eatery, The Oystercatcher makes for a fantastic romantic encounter – especially if you get your hands on that massive Seafood Platter with plenty of Oysters on the side. Aphrodisiac food innit – what else do you want?!
The Oystercatcher, 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG
www.theoystercatcher.org
Tre Ciccio
Italian restaurants are pretty much the ideal romantic destination, especially if you buy spaghetti and do that bit from Lady & The Tramp. Except, Tre Ciccio don’t actually offer up pasta – rather unique for an Italian restaurant – but absolute brilliance when you’re in there. Instead, they offer up Chicken & Roast Potatoes – which can be enjoyed as part of a huge sharing platter – both of you tucking in, licking each other’s fingers and sinking glass after glass of vino. Very romantic indeed.
Tre Ciccio, 4a Moss Ln, Altrincham WA14 1BA
Also – 16-18 Market Pl, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HT
www.treciccio.co.uk
The Moor
The part here where The Moor in Heaton Moor becomes romantic is in the sheer excellence of the food; a menu of modern British that is finely focused on the quality of local ingredients – which really makes this place shine. Your partner cannot fail to be impressed in here – especially if you plump for the Rib of Retired Dairy Cow and Confit Chips.
The Moor, 27 Shaw Rd, Stockport SK4 4AG
www.themoorrestaurant.co.uk
The Sparrows
Located in Green Quarter, The Sparrows is a modern continental restaurant serving nothing but the best in continental food. The restaurant offers a wide range of handmade dumplings and pasta of European origin, all complimented by a choice of traditional sauces and freshly baked bread. It’s a big one with the foodies, as its rich, moreish food has won the restaurant multiple awards and the tightly gripped hand shake of critic, Jay Rayner.
16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF
www.thesparrows.me
The Refuge
The Refuge is renowned for its mint parties and extravagant interior, as it sits in a Grade II listed building right in the middle of Oxford Road. As well as hosting some of the city’s best DJs and art exhibitions, it’s got an amazing restaurant serving small plates, afternoon tea and a pretty impressive Sunday roast. The drinks menu also features a tonne of fancy cocktails and gin serves to really impress that special someone.
Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
www.refugemcr.co.uk
The River Restaurant
Set inside Salford’s fabulous 5* Lowry Hotel, it’s hard to get more romantic than an elegant meal over at The River Restaurant, made even better with the fact that you can pair it with a stay in one of the rooms upstairs for the ultimate romantic evening. Chef Dave Ashton will impress you with his innovative dishes, order a nice bottle of wine and finish the evening in the main bar with a Gin & Tonic and live piano – ticking all the boxes.
The River Restaurant, The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford M3 5LH
www.thelowryhotel.com
The Wild Goose
Sitting in the site of former Alty institution, Francs, The Wild Goose serves a ‘retro-esque’ menu with a modern twist, bringing back Anglo French classics such as French Onion Soup. It’s the perfect place for a date because not only is the food absolutely banging, but the candle-lit setting serves as a fitting location to stare lovingly into the eyes of your one true love.
2 Goose Grn, Altrincham WA14 1DW
www.wildgooserestaurants.co.uk
