Where to eat out in Manchester and have the best views

With stunning waterside views overlooking Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, Pier Eight at The Lowry naturally had to make the list! The interiors are beautiful with large, elegant windows in the dining room to admire the scenery in its full glory. This stylish restaurant features a modern British menu showcasing seasonal heritage ingredients and incredible meat sourced locally from Cheshire and Lancashire. And, of course, Pier Eight is perfect if you’re after a pre-theatre dinner before heading to a show at The Lowry. Plus it also offers a full bar menu in the Pier Eight bar if you’re after a more casual affair!

Situated at The University of Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery is The Whitworth Cafe – a simply phenomenal venue located amongst the trees where you’re suspended in a glass box whilst dining! This cafe is situated in a tranquil setting with a spacious dining room lined entirely with large windows overlooking a gorgeous arboreal backdrop, which is particularly beautiful when dappled with sunlight. The Whitworth Cafe serves a range of fresh and seasonal light bites, refreshments, brunch and lunch plates, artisan coffees, soft drinks and wines -–plus there’s also a healthy and reasonably priced children’s menu if you’re planning on bringing your little ones.

This 5-star luxury boutique hotel boasts a 2 AA Rosette restaurant called Honey Restaurant, which has spectacular city views across Manchester’s skyline. Inside, there are tables situated next to gorgeous rounded windows which are perfect for watching golden sunsets or viewing the cityscape from a height. Expect fine dining at this venue, with à la carte dishes like lamb rump, sea bass with fresh mussels, 16oz Chateaubriand and a to-die-for dark chocolate fondant. There are also delightful vegetarian options such as mushroom and chestnut parfait, shallots and thyme tarte tatin, and cauliflower cheese croquettes with smoked Winchester cheese truffle. Then head upstairs to Hotel Gotham’s bar, Club Brass, for a glass of bubbly overlooking the rooftops!

This buzzing wine bar in the heart of the city has large floor-to-ceiling windows and al fresco tables, which make for great people-watching! Live out your French cafe culture fantasies in this cute corner bistro, sipping on wine and sampling cheese whilst taking in the wonderful views of Manchester’s old and modern architecture as well as the general hubbub of city life. Take your pick from over 500 French wines that have been carefully hand-selected by the Salut team, including non-alcoholic options. There’s also a wide range of delectable charcuterie, cheese and mezze boards on offer with vegan friendly plates too.

The panoramic city views are truly iconic at 20 Stories. This rooftop venue in Spinningfields offers a plant-adorned terrace, private pergolas and a sophisticated restaurant with state-of-the-art interiors and 360 degree views across Manchester city centre. Foodwise, there’s a glamorous à la carte menu, afternoon tea menu, five course tasting menu (with a separate tasting menu for vegan diners), a pre-theatre dining menu and a three-course children’s menu for £12. And if you simply want to take in the scenes with a tipple in hand, 20 Stories also has a bespoke Aperol cocktail menu, an extensive wine list and impressive bar menu.

Located on Aytoun Street in Manchester, Roby 1844 offers a perfect spot for spontaneous meet-ups over food and drinks, with the added luxury of canalside views and live music. Inspired by the nearby Victorian Roby School, the venue spans two levels and promises a relaxed atmosphere, adorned with festoon lighting and waterside seating, complemented by an outdoor bar. Adding to its charm, Roby 1844 even accommodates canal barges, allowing passengers to dock and enjoy a drink on the terrace. The menu features street food favourites, including burgers, sandwiches, and vegan options like vegan dirty fries and pulled jackfruit baps. The drinks menu includes a variety of beers, spirits, wines, and cocktails.

El Gato has become the go-to place in Manchester for tapas with delicious Spanish dishes made from local and authentic Mediterranean ingredients. Picture tucking into tasty cured meats, cheeses, and seafood faves, all washed down with a cracking selection of top-notch wines. Upstairs, you’ll find The Black Cat, El Gato Negro’s exclusive bar, boasting a retractable roof that unveils stunning views of Manchester’s skyline, which you can enjoy over a cocktail or two.

Climat is a rooftop gem that’s all about good food, great wine, and stunning city vistas. Forget stuffy fine dining; this place is all about relaxed elegance and soaking in the cityscape while sipping on your favourite vintage. At Climat, the menu is a delightful mix of modern and classic dishes, all made with top-notch local ingredients. From fresh seafood to juicy cuts of meat, each plate is bursting with flavour and creativity, guaranteed to leave you coming back for more. Climat’s wine selection is nothing short of impressive, with bottles from all corners of the globe just waiting to be uncorked. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just starting your journey, the knowledgeable staff is there to guide you through the options and help you find your new favourite.

Tre Ciccio, a charming family-run Italian spot in Altrincham, serves up relaxed lunches during the day and offers cosy date night vibes once the sun goes down. And here’s the best bit? They’ve got a fantastic terrace where you can enjoy your meal al-fresco style surrounded by the greenery of Altrincham. One standout feature of Tre Ciccio is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced produce, ensuring that every dish bursts with flavour and goodness. Whether you’re indulging in a classic Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza  or try something more daring like the spicy carnivora pizza, you can taste the love and care that goes into every dish.

The Tea Room at The Midland is like stepping into a cosy corner of British charm right in the heart of Manchester. With its plush sofas, fancy chandeliers, and marble tables, it’s all about embracing the finer things in life. Here, you can kick back and enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience with all the trimmings – think delicate sandwiches, warm scones with lashings of cream and jam, and an array of sweet treats.

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just fancy a bit of indulgence, The Tea Room at The Midland Hotel is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up some old-school British vibes The Tea Room at The Midland in Manchester offers a unique vantage point to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Situated within one of Manchester’s most iconic hotels, guests can enjoy a glimpse of the bustling streets below through the Tea Room’s large windows.