The Mediterranean guide to dining out in Manchester

Once a small family-run deli in the Campfield Arcade, Dimitris has evolved over the last 30 years into a stalwart on the city’s hospitality scene. The independent Greek taverna is a hit with the locals and tourists alike, serving some of the tastiest Mediterranean mezes in a fun and lively atmosphere. Set in a beautiful arcade with an alfresco terrace adorned with twinkling lights, enjoy a taste of the Med with a vast menu running from sharing mezze plates such as moussaka and kebabs, to Greek specialty mains, including gamberoni prawns and keftedes. Decked out in chequered tablecloths and earthy tones, the taverna is far more ‘country kitchen than haute cuisine” in their own words.

A household name on the Manchester scene, Simon Shaw is the man behind award-winning success stories El Gato Negro and Canto. While both these venues are heavy on the tapas and Spanish cuisine, Shaw’s third venture Habas is a Middle Eastern affair, drawing on both ingredients and influences from the shores of the Mediterranean. Centred around a huge open kitchen and Chef’s table, the food menu is a social dining concept, inviting guests to order huge sharing platters, sensational seafood dishes and both hot and cold mezze options. The eatery itself is housed in the old wine cellars of the impressive Manchester Club, a gothic listed building in the heart of Manchester’s central business district. 

Liverpudlian export Maray arrived in Manchester this year, with the first venue outside of Liverpool opening its doors just off Albert Square. Famed for its ‘disco’ cauliflower and buttermilk chicken, the restaurant is inspired by the Marais neighbourhood in Paris, which is packed with Middle Eastern flavours, alongside bold wines and cocktails. Small plates include the likes of falafel, lamb kofta and baked halloumi, while Maray’s signature dish is their ‘disco’ cauliflower, served whole and doused in a potent mix of harissa, tahini, pomegranate and chermoula. Unlike the traditional homely atmosphere of several of the eateries on this list, the contemporary Parisian influence is evident at Maray with the decor clearly nodding to French cafe culture.

Offering a unique menu of Lebanese dishes, this colourful eatery is a decor-driven space bringing authentic and healthy Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of stylish Spinningfields. To complement its original menu, you’re greeted with everything from geometric tiles to quirky jars of ingredients lining the walls when you enter the restaurant – there’s even a traditional souk shop selling everything from handmade bags to dry ingredients. When it comes to the food, choose from Man’ousha flatbreads, slow-cooked tagines and Lebanese burgers, alongside a range of mezze dishes. 

Although often associated with all things pizza and pasta, Sicilian cuisine also takes influence from Greece, Spain and the Middle East. Serving traditional food and drink from the region, Sicilian NQ is a neighbourhood bistro specialising in both big plates of pasta and sweet treats. Standouts on the menu include the signature arancini, fried balls of rice stuffed with slow-cooked ragu and oozing cheese, alongside fresh filled pasta dishes and potato gnocchi. There’s also an entire menu dedicated to traditional desserts, including cannoli, the region’s celebrated pastry tube packed with the likes of sweet ricotta or chocolate paste. 

Rozafa is another Greek-Cypriot eatery focusing on both the country’s traditions when it comes to food, and offering a welcoming, family atmosphere. With an original venue in Stockport, the Princess Street site is in the prime location to attract hungry diners with an extensive menu spanning Souvlaki kebabs, stuffed vine leaves and other traditional Cypriotd dishes. For a city that is not famed for its seafood restaurants, the fish offering is truly impressive at Rozafa, with sea bass, octopus and even swordfish steak on the menu. Promising a ‘true Greek feast,’ the Mega Meze plates are packed with dishes specially selected by the chef and served in three waves.