It will come as no surprise to Manchester residents or visitors that the UK’s so-called ‘second city’ is not exactly known for its fantastic weather. In fact, like most of Great Britain, Manchester probably sees more rainy days in a year than it does sunny ones. It is this fact though, that means there is all the more reason to make the most of the sunshine when it does make an appearance and head to one of Manchester’s best outdoor restaurants for dinner and drinks.
Everyone knows that the city of Manchester is home to a dynamic and eclectic restaurant scene, ranging from cheap and cheerful joints to glamorous fine-dining affairs, but it is true that most of Manchester’s dining establishments don’t offer outdoor space. This is slowly changing though, as dining alfresco becomes more popular and the summers in England seem to get longer (we guess that’s one positive effect of global warming?)
If you are on the hunt for an outdoor restaurant in Manchester that’s worth your time, you will be glad to know that we have rounded up the best alfresco restaurants in the city for your perusal. Our list of restaurants and pubs where you can dine outdoors takes in beer gardens, rooftops and intimate streetside terraces, so there is a little something for everyone. There are also plenty of different cuisines to choose from, with Manchester’s melting pot of restaurants covering everything from classic British grub to Thai street food.
Some of the outdoor spaces in our list are even available to enjoy all year round thanks to canny design hacks and the likes of faux fur throws and portable heaters. So, grab your Ray Bans and sun lotion and check out our pick of the best outdoor restaurants Manchester has to offer below - happy tanning!
Duke’s 92
What: One of the first ports of call for young Mancunians when the sun shines, lively Dukes 92 is often packed to the rafters on a blistering summer’s day. The expansive canal-side terrace is where to soak up some rays, enjoying cocktails or plates from Duke’s globe-trotting menu. Options include steaks served alongside skinny fries and peppercorn sauce or a lamb and halloumi salad, while ending with the chocolate volcano (pudding with a gooey fondant center) is a must.
Where: 18 - 25 Castle Street, M3 4LZ
20 Stories
What: Rooftop restaurants are a rarity in Manchester and rooftop restaurants with outdoor space even more so. Praise be for 20 Stories then, which offers a sleek and expansive outdoor terrace which benefits from sweeping views of the city. Something of a sun trap on sunnier days, guests here can top up their tans while tucking into a homely terrace menu which includes the likes of a fish finger sandwich, shepherd’s pie and a bao bun stuffed with Korean fried chicken.
Where: No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB
The Alchemist Spinningfields
What: Boasting a sizeable outdoor terrace by its entrance (which is fenced off from the rest of the street and protected from the elements by giant parasols), The Alchemist is a good shout for drinks and nibbles on a warm day. While most punters come here to Instagram the colour-changing, dry ice emitting cocktails, the all-day menu is also worth your time, offering avo on toast and pancakes at breakfast, followed by crispy pork belly or katsu curry for dinner.
Where: 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF
The Refinery
What: The Refinery may have gained a cult following thanks to it being the backdrop for hit Channel 4 dating show First Dates since 2020, but it has a lesser known secret weapon. That would be the year-round outdoor terrace it comes equipped with (heaters and faux fur blankets are provided in the winter months). Get cosy and take your pick from a menu of comforting classics, which includes mac ‘n’ cheese, a buttermilk chicken burger and fish and chips.
Where: XYZ Building, 1 Hardman Boulevard, M3 3AQ
The Anthologist
What: Chic and colourful cocktail bar and restaurant The Anthologist has plenty going for it, including lively brunches and a great value pre-theatre menu. The jewel in its crown though is the cosy outdoor terrace at the front of the venue, where you can enjoy the cool breeze while sipping on a house cocktail and tucking into comforting dishes such as beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce.
Where: One St Peter's Square, M2 3DE
Erst
What: Ok, perhaps ‘outdoor restaurant’ is a bit of a stretch when it comes to Erst, the industrial-chic natural wine bar and restaurant in Ancoats which has just a few streetside tables outside its doors. If you can bag a spot though, you will be rewarded with a menu of simple seasonal food cooked to the highest of standards. The menu changes often, but is always accompanied by a considered selection of natural wines and craft beers.
Where: 9 Murray Street, M4 6HS
TNQ Restaurant & Bar
What: Found in Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter and headed up by a Michelin-trained chef, TNQ marries edgy interiors with high-quality dining and offers a great value set lunch menu. The restaurant also benefits from a sun-trap terrace, which helps the likes of steamed Scottish mussels with tomato ragu and grilled monkfish with lemon and chive potato cake taste even better.
Where: 108 High Street, M4 1HQ
Tast
What: If you don’t have a holiday to Barcelona in the works, you can at least recreate part of the experience at Tast, which now has a streetside terrace where you can soak up the sunshine. Alongside all of the usual tapas fare here, such as ham croquetas and patatas bravas, you will also find ‘tastets’ (sharing plates which are bigger than tapas but smaller than main dishes) - tuck into the likes of duck egg with baby squid and tartare sauce.
Where: 20-22 King Street, M2 6AG
The Ivy Brasserie
What: Something of an all-rounder, this glamorous Manchester outpost of The Ivy offers menus that take diners through from breakfast till dinner, with brunch and afternoon tea inbetween. The restaurant also comes with two outdoor dining areas, including a rooftop garden that’s available for private hire and a ground floor terrace. While working on your tan, you can tuck Ivy signatures such as the shepherd’s pie and chicken milanese.
Where: The Pavilion, Byrom Street, M3 3HG
Hard Rock Cafe
What: Family favourite Hard Rock Cafe may be best known for the rock ‘n’ roll paraphernalia that lines its walls, but we’re more interested in the buzzy streetside terrace at this Manchester outpost. A place for calorie conscious dining this is not, so throw caution to the wind and order the likes of a stacked barbecue bacon cheeseburger and a hot fudge brownie topped with a mound of whipped cream and a glace cherry.
Where: Exchange Square Manchester, M4 2BS
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza Ancoats
What: Pizza restaurant Rudy’s has proved popular with foodies, now operating a handful of sites across the northern region. At this Ancoats location, you can enjoy your pizza on one of a handful of benches outside of the restaurant, which are perfect for small groups. On the menu, you can expect to find the likes of margherita and calabrese, plus Italian classics such as tiramisu for dessert.
Where: 9 Cotton Street, M4 5BF
Cane & Grain
What: A tiki bar and restaurant with an urban grunge look, Cane & Grain is all about rum, ribs, beef and bourbon. The restaurant also boasts a partially covered streetside terrace featuring a few bench tables which you can take advantage of when the sun’s out. Cocktails have fun names like ‘Radioactive Man’ and ‘Kentucky Dirthsake’ while stacked burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese fill out the gut-busting menu.
Where: 49-51 Thomas Street, M4 1NA
The Pen and Pencil
What: Found in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, The Pen and Pencil takes its name from the notorious mid-20th-century joint on New York’s ‘Steak Row’, although there’s more than just sirloin on the menu. Head here for brunch dishes, burgers and light bites such as chicken wings or spinach and feta rolls. Sunseekers will also be glad to know that The Pen and Pencil has a large outdoor seating area for those who prefer to dine alfresco.
Where: Fourways House, 57 Hilton Street, M1 2EJ
The Oast House
What: Often packed to the rafters on a summer's day, The Oast House is a rustic country pub slap bang in the middle of the city. It is also home to a huge beer garden which is the ideal place for dinner and drinks in the sun. Tuck into pub classics such as steak and ale pie or fish and chips, or if you want to really treat yourself, instead opt for The Oast House’s signature hanging kebabs which are accompanied by seasoned chips and flatbread.
Where: The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY
Thaikhun
What: The streetside terrace at Thaikhun is found under an iron-clad structure that has been prettified with hanging fairy lights and faux foliage. The restaurant has a built-in fun, carefree vibe, matched by the easygoing menu that is inspired by the lively street food markets of Thailand. While you get some fresh air, tuck into dishes such as massaman curry and grilled chicken satay and wash it all down with a Thai beer.
Where: 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF
Elnecot
What: Found in Ancoats, Elnecot is a neighbourhood bar and kitchen serving brunch, lunch and dinner which also benefits from an intimate streetside terrace that features a handful of tables. On the menu, you can expect to find a range of modern European dishes, ranging from mushrooms on toast for breakfast to baked prawns with gnocchi, hot sauce and bread at dinner. Prices are fair and staff are lovely too.
Where: 41 Blossom Street, M4 6AJ
Hatch
What: Ok so Hatch is more of a food market than a restaurant, but it certainly has plenty of outdoor space. The shopping and dining hub is made up of a variety of different street food restaurants and independent shops housed inside converted shipping containers. All you have to do is have a browse, pick the food you want to eat and then settle in on one of the bench tables dotted around the space - simple.
Where: 103 Oxford Road, M1 7ED
For a broader look at all of what Manchester’s food scene has to offer, check out our pick of the best restaurants in Manchester.