Where to eat in Manchester on a budget

If you’re a fan of a good toastie, the Northern Quarter is where you need to be. These Northerners have mastered the art of the grilled cheese sandwich, and you won’t believe the value you get. For around £7.95, you’re treated to a grilled cheese masterpiece with coleslaw or chips and a house pickle. The Soul, with its trio of premium cheeses, is a steal, and the Katsu and Festive Feta options are top-tier. Not just toasties, they’ve got mac ‘n’ cheese, frickles, and mozzarella bites – all budget-friendly and delicious. If you want quality food without breaking the bank, this Northern gem is where it’s at.

Pieminister is a small place with a big heart. It blends in well with the rest of the fascinating shops and delicious cafes in the Northern Quarter. It’s another place that serves great quality food at a low price in a funky space. Their meal deals are very good value and they have many unique pies on offer, including vegan options. We’re a big fan of their mash too! Classic pies start from £8.50, and they’ll keep you full for quite a while.

The newest dance soul of Manchester, established a couple of years ago, is one of the best places to dance in town. It hosts nights for all sorts of genres, from French dance to hip-hop, and is very much styled in how Manchester wants to represent itself at the moment: modern but industrial. YES sits just off Oxford Road, near the Factory night club and the University of Manchester Northern Campus. There are many reason people go to YES: for a boogie, to eat, to sing, to have a casual drink on the rooftop. The YES Kitchen has some of the best and cheapest pizza in the city. You can either get a full pizza or a slice, plus they do ‘half price slices’ from lunchtime to 6pm every day, which is not bad at all in our opinion.

Tucked in the heart of Didsbury, South Manchester, Neighbourhood Bar is the epitome of a snug community hub. With its inviting wood and brick decor, this spot effortlessly brings locals together in a warm and caring atmosphere. What’s more, it’s a budget-friendly haven, offering a laid-back setting for relaxed gatherings that won’t dent your wallet. Dive into their succulent pizzas, ranging from £8 to £14, and if you’re savvy enough to book a table on a Monday, enjoy a delightful 30% off. It’s the perfect spot for an affordable yet enjoyable experience, adding a touch of warmth and affordability to Manchester’s vibrant social scene. Cheers to good times without the financial hangover!

Listo Burrito can be found on Oxford Road, near the Oxford Road Train Station, and we think they may just have the best burritos in the city! Oh and they are cheap too – coming in at under a tenner. It’s a great place to grab a burrito and a beer in a very cool building. They also serve burritos in the University of Manchester Students’ Union, also known as the Steve Biko Building.

Located in the Northern Quarter, Almost Famous Burgers is actually a very apt name for this establishment. We absolutely love the place! They say that word of mouth is the best form of marketing and the words you hear about this place in Manchester always echo how delicious the food is. But it has still, in a strange way, remained under the radar. Almost Famous Burgers has a very chilled American diner atmosphere and certainly serves some of the best burgers in town. It ain’t expensive either, you can get a juicy double cheeseburger for £11.50.

This place is like the cool kid in town that’s been dishing out mouthwatering sandwiches, meats, and pastries for over 50 years. From sizzling ciabattas to heavenly coffee and delightful pastries, Barbakan is the go-to spot for those on a tight budget. Their toasted sandwiches, like the Caprese or the Mediterranean marvel, won’t burn a hole in your pocket, hovering around £6.20. And don’t even get us started on their Saturday BBQ German-style hotdogs – they’re legendary. In a nutshell, Barbakan is the dream lunch spot for the savvy spender.

This place isn’t just a brewery; it’s a beer haven with over 20,000 pints a month. Nestled in the historic St James Building, Bundobust offers an innovative experience with Gujarati street food that won’t drain your wallet. Snack on bar treats like Bombay mix or papads for £2.95 to £3.95, or dive into dishes ranging from £3.25 to £7.75. The smacked khakri, mince pie paratha, and okra fries are must-tries that won’t leave you hungry. If you’re on the hunt for affordable and delicious street food, the Bundobust Brewery is the place to be.

Rudy’s is the pizza sensation taking over Manchester, and for good reason. With locations across the city and beyond, including Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, and Liverpool, Rudy’s is the go-to for scrumptious yet reasonably priced Napoletana pizzas. Priced from £7.90 to just under £13.50, their pizzas, made with fresh dough, are a budget-friendly delight. The white-based pizzas like the Porchetta and Meridio are worth exploring, and each location boasts its own specials. For a unique taste experience, try the Didsbury special – guanciale and pear white pizza. Rudy’s is the perfect spot for a wallet-friendly pizza night with friends or family.