The must-visit restaurants in spring around Manchester

This hidden gem in the Northern Quarter is the perfect spot for a relaxed brunch or lunch with friends. With a charming courtyard and a menu full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, The Smithfield Social is a must-visit this spring. The atmosphere is always lively and the staff are super friendly. Be sure to try the avocado toast, which comes with a deliciously tangy feta and mint salsa.

Named after the original title of the area now known as Ancoats, Elnecot is a dining destination spot, serving up wholesome British food with a focus on traditional cooking methods such as foraging and fermenting. Both seasonal and local produce are central to Elnecot’s ethos, meaning that the menu will be updated to reflect the arrival of spring. Previous staples on the spring menu have included Manchester Pale Ale braised ox cheek, pan-roasted hake and Lancashire pulled pork arepas. If the constantly evolving menu wasn’t exciting enough, the neighbourhood eatery also serves a top-tier Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

The spring season brings a sense of renewal and freshness, and NAM’s menu perfectly reflects this vibe. All of the dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are perfect for spring. For example, the spring rolls are bursting with bright and colourful vegetables, while the pho is made with light and fragrant broth that’s perfect for any day. The outdoor seating area is perfect for al fresco dining on a sunny day, and the indoor dining area is filled with natural light and vibrant colours that perfectly complement the season.

When the sun starts to shine and the flowers start to bloom, it’s time to head to Canto. This colourful Spanish restaurant in Ancoats offers a lively and festive atmosphere that’s perfectly suited for the season. The menu boasts a range of fresh and flavourful dishes, with a focus on seafood options that are perfectly light and refreshing for spring. And with a vibrant outdoor seating area that’s ideal for soaking up the sunshine, as well as lively indoor decor that transports you to the streets of Spain, Canto is a must-visit spot for spring dining in Manchester.

When the weather starts to warm up, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crisp glass of wine outside in the sunshine. At Salut Wines, you can do just that. This charming wine bar boasts a lovely outdoor seating area, a lovely spot to enjoy a glass (or two!) of wine from the extensive selection. With a focus on organic and biodynamic wines, Salut Wines offers a unique and sustainable wine experience, with plenty of refreshing whites, rosés, and light reds that are great for spring.

The delicate flavours that come from fresh seafood are most welcome during the months of spring. However, as a city that’s only bodies of water are the River Irwell and the Ship Canal, Manchester is not famed for its seafood restaurants. Bringing the best of the coast to Chorlton, The Oystercatcher is an intimate neighbourhood bistro, serving an interesting yet affordable menu of oysters, mussels, sea bream and more, cooked simply on a charcoal grill. Visit the nearby Sale Water Park either pre- or post-dinner for a lovely walk around the boating lake.

The arrival of spring means that the warm summer months are just around the corner – how about tucking into some tapas then, to get into that holiday spirit? Founded by Simon Shaw, El Gato Negro is an upmarket tapas restaurant set in an historic converted townhouse. Combining Spanish flavours with local ingredients, these are a creative take on tapas and there is always a refresh to the menu with the changing seasons. Previous editions of the spring menu have seen the delicious charcuterie section expanded and the welcome additions of chargrilled pork belly and Catalan fish stew. When it comes to seating, there are several options at El Gato Negro – you can wine and dine on the roof terrace, take in the sights and smells of the kitchen from the indoor restaurant, or enjoy your meal al fresco style on the pavements of King Street.

Prana is a bar and eatery in Altrincham with a dedicated live performance stage. From Latin bands to four-piece soul ensembles and live DJ sets, this is the place to be as it also operates as co-workspace. The mission is to provide wellbeing-food. Everything is locally sourced and meticulously prepared. Expect simple, elegant and beautifully presented dishes, where sustenance is an experience.

Store Street Exchange restaurant and Store Street Craft Bar offers a friendly and unique dining experience, where simple dishes are served with an exciting twist. At the heart of the restaurant and menu are two large rotisserie ovens that gently roast and self-baste chicken and meats so they are succulent and delicious. Try out the Store Street Half Goosnargh corn-fed rotisserie chicken and fries – the signature dish – or another favourite, the Store Street burger with sticky beef brisket! Store Street Exchange terrace, located at the side of the restaurant, is the perfect location this spring to sit back, relax and enjoy a cocktail or two in the sun!