Traditionally not many restaurants offer outdoor space in which to eat your meal here in Manchester, owing to the fact that the weather is usually awful.
But with more post-lockdown space and a spate of good weather – now is the time to check out these exceptional restaurants where you can eat outside…
Levanter
The Ramsbottom favourites have been causing serious tremors in the Manchester restaurant scene over the last few years and once you sit down and try their dishes – you’ll see why. If you’re in Rammy you’ll see that you can now enjoy their delights outside, in their proper nice garden terrace. Just look at that board above and tell me you’re not salivating at the choice.
Credit: @EatMCR
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has certainly impressed since opening back in 2019 and Julian Pizer’s menu of British classics are inventive and impressive. Although they’re currently operating with a reduced menu, it still features some crackers on there, including their Hasselback Potato which we still consider to be the “Best Potato in the World”
Bar San Juan
Certainly one of the best restaurants in Manchester, and easily the best tapas place, Bar San Juan has gained an impressive reputation over the years – with one of its most attractive traits being just how laid back and relaxed it is. There’s nothing better than sitting outside here with a couple of jugs of sangria and plate after plate of outstanding tapas. Heaven.
Erst
Erst is back and they’re once again serving up some truly stunning dishes that push the boundaries of taste and creativity. We’ve had so many good meals here, and with a constantly changing menu, you’re always surprised and impressed on every visit. They’ve got some lovely seats outside on the street in which you can eat, drink and watch the world go by.
Baratxuri at Freight Island
There’s now an added exceptional outdoor eating experience in the city centre, should you not live anywhere near Ramsbottom on an island or indeed don’t fancy getting public transport with a mask on. That’s right, Levanter’s sister venue Baratxuri is now set up at Freight Island at Mayfield and they’re serving up some truly outstanding BBQ’ed delights. A real highlight to a fantastic new outside space.
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Elnecot
Head Chef Michael Clay has recently unveiled a brand new menu at the excellent Elnecot in Ancoats and you can also enjoy it outside in the sun with the extra tables and chairs that they’ve put out on Cutting Room Square. We reviewed the new menu just recently and found it to be fabulous, with a wicked sting of eccentricity that ploughed through traditional dishes – taking them to a whole new level. Oh yeah, and they do Lambs Testicles – would you try them?
Porta
If you find yourself down in Altrincham this Summer, a meal out on the terrace of Porta should certainly be on the cards. A truly exceptional Spanish tapas experience, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, wine and even the cocktails. Oh, and their new Salford venue, over on Chapel Street has a huge terrace outside – so you don’t have to get on the tram to enjoy.
TNQ
I’m always a little bit surprised by just how good the food is at TNQ, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. Quite the opposite in fact, and with their exceptional outside sun trap terrace on High Street, you can tuck into some truly great grub. I’m a sucker for their Gloucester Old Spot Pork Belly, and you will be too. Oh and the Monkfish. If in doubt – get the Monkfish.
The Refuge
We’re really rather ecstatic that The Refuge is back open again, meaning we can enjoy their outstanding sharing plates and platters all over again, as well as order up one of the best Roast Dinners in the city. They’re operating on a new menu at the moment, one in which you can sample many of their most impressive dishes, while sat out in their outdoor terrace. Or better still, their Winter Garden is just as good as being outside (some would say better).
Tast Catala
With extra seating right out on King Street, now is the perfect time to enjoy Chef Paco Perez’s Catalonian tapas in the sunshine. He actually calls them ‘Tastets’ though, which are “more complex” than tapas – meaning you’re getting a complex range of flavours and textures in every single small plate. Pair with some wine and you’ll think you’re on a terrace in Barcelona I promise.
Nutters
Andrew Nutter is a man who once you meet – you’ll never forget. Trust me. He’s a lot like his restaurant in that respect then because once you eat at Nutters – you’ll never forget how good it was. You’ll be impressed with a menu that is big on local and regional produce and with it being out in the sticks – there’s loads of space outside in which to sit, enjoy the sun, enjoy the countryside and more importantly – enjoy the food.
Dakota Grill
Open once again and boasting a brand-new look for their beautiful terrace, Dakota Grill has become a real destination on the fringes of the Northern Quarter for great food and creative cocktails in proper bougie surroundings. The steaks here are some of the best you’ll have in the city – so go for one of those, followed by cheese specially selected by Manchester’s Crafty Cheese Man.
The Church Inn, Mobberley
No trip to Mobberley would be complete without a visit to The Church Inn. In fact, it’s so good here that most people are only actually in Mobberley to go here. Not me though. I went to try every single boozer in the village, but once I got there – I just had to eat some food in the garden outside. It’s proper pub grub but done exquisitely well. They also have a show-stopping roast dinner here.
One88
Take a trip up to Whitefield (or perhaps you live close by) and you will be thoroughly impressed with what One88 has to offer. An offering that also includes a large terrace and (hopefully) sunshine. The menu features some fantastic classic dishes – all done exceptionally well. If you’re struggling to decide – go for a steak – they never fail to impress.
