Whether you’re a restaurant lover or simply a casual diner, it’s likely that you’ve heard of the Michelin Guide. This annual food bible doles out awards to what they consider to be the UK’s finest restaurants, and has international outposts around the globe too. However, despite Manchester’s ever-expanding food scene, the guide has historically overlooked the city. So, what is the deal with Michelin and Manchester?
The Michelin Guide was created by French tyre company Michelin, and continues to be published by them to this day. The first edition of the guide was published in 1900, but then it was simply a publication to encourage more people to drive which featured useful information for motorists, such as maps and listings for nearby hotels. Later on, restaurant reviews were added and the first edition of the Michelin Guide as we know it was published in 1926, which saw the initial introduction of the star system (at this time, just one star could be awarded).
As of now there are more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, but readers may be shocked to learn that as of the 2025 awards, only two of those restaurants can be found in Manchester. While it's now joined by Skof, until then, the sole Manchester restaurant bearing a star was fine-dining establishment Mana. When Mana received the accolade in October of 2019, it became the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Manchester since 1977.
In more recent years the Michelin Guide has introduced other awards - the Bib Gourmand, awarded to restaurants that display great value cooking, and the Michelin Green Star for those that go above and beyond when it comes to sustainability. A handful of restaurants in Manchester hold these awards too.
Scroll down for a bit more info on these restaurants, as well as a handful of others that are also listed in the Michelin Guide - who knows, they could be the next lucky recipients of a Michelin star.
Michelin star restaurants Manchester
There are just two Michelin star restaurants in Manchester on the books at the moment, but both are good'uns. Meticulous to the highest degree, but with more relaxed interiors than other Michelin star restaurants in the UK, Mana and Skof lead the charge.
Skof, NOMA
![broth poured into a bowl from terracotta teapot]()
What: A Simon Rogan alumnus, and former executive chef of L’Enclume when it won its third Michelin star, it came as no surprise when Tom Barnes’ restaurant Skof won a Michelin star. Thought up and finalised on the day, the restaurant’s 12 or 15 course tasting menus blend measured international influences and more local ingredients. Each course is just as addictive as it is beautiful, a testament to Barnes’ perfectionist tendencies and his relaxed but ambitious approach to fine dining - a combination that’s fully realised in ‘Barney’s Tiramisu’, a dish that he made for his late father. Skof also offers an outstanding lunch menu, for a fraction of the price.
Where: 3 Federation Street, Corporation Street, M4 4BF
Book now: Skof
Mana, Ancoats
![white meat in orange broth set in earth-like bowl]()
What: Mana is a fine-dining restaurant headed up by chef Simon Martin, formerly of two Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen. The restaurant’s sole offering is its 12-17 course tasting menu, which is a hyper-seasonal affair that evolves depending on which produce is available at the time. Expect expert, precision cookery such as Devon smoked eel marinated in blueberry vinegar, and crisp fried reindeer moss topped with cep powder and thyme salt. One look at the prices will tell you that dining at Mana is definitely in special occasion territory.
Where: 42 Blossom Street, M4 6BF
Book now: Mana
Green Michelin star restaurants Manchester
The green star has been around for more than five years now. But what exactly is a green Michelin star? Put simply, green star holders are restaurants that go above and beyond in their efforts towards sustainability. And while Manchester only has one green star restaurant, we’re confident more will follow.
Where The Light Gets In, Stockport
![bowl with colourful food and edible flowers]()
What: Once the top floor of an old Victorian coffee warehouse, this loft space is now home to one of the UK's most intriguing, thoughtful restaurants. Sam Buckley's seasonality and sustainability-focused restaurant serves a varied and oft-changing set menu made almost entirely from locally sourced and homegrown allotment produce. The stories of those producers are carefully told through beautiful, minimal plates that are just as delicious as they are impressive.
Where: 7 Rostron Brow, SK1 1JY
Book now: Where The Light Gets In
Manchester restaurants with a Bib Gourmand
So, what is a Bib Gourmand? The accolade is a level below a Michelin Star and indicates a restaurant that serves 'quality food at a value price'. Not to be knocked as Michelin’s less-valued award, the Michelin Guide isn’t all about fine dining and duly recognises restaurants with great but affordable food.
El Gato Negro, Central Retail District
![prawns at el gato nefro]()
What: Occupying three floors of an elegant converted townhouse, the bar and restaurant serves tapas dishes that combine modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques. It’s privy to multiple awards, including a Bib Gourmand, and features dishes such as salt cod croquetas with piquillo pepper purée and aioli, meatballs in tomato fritarda sauce and spiced aubergine with onion confit, fritarda sauce and lavosh bread.
Where: 52 King Street, M2 4LY
Book now: El Gato Negro
The Sparrows, Green Quarter
![ravioli in sauce at the sparrows]()
What: Pasta has prolificated all across the country, but The Sparrows takes a fresh approach, focusing on pasta-like dishes from all over Europe, not just Italy but also Central and Eastern Europe too. European dumplings like pelmeni and pierogi form the heart and soul of this carb-tastic love affair, and there's plenty more to try, including spatzle, fondue, smoked sausage, salumi platters and plenty of pickles.
Where: 16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF
Book now: The Sparrows
Manchester restaurants included in the Michelin Guide
There might only be one Michelin starred restaurant in Manchester, but the foodie city is home to many restaurants that feature in the Michelin Guide which is an achievement in itself. Take a look at some of our favourites.
Erst, Ancoats
![hands use cutlery to cut plates of meat and veg]()
What: Erst is a natural wine bar and restaurant serving a seasonal, sharing-style small plate menu. Simple, pared-back interiors complement a concise menu, but don’t be fooled. The dishes here are high quality stuff: think venison carpaccio with fermented celeriac, hazelnut and rocket, grilled flatbread and confit onions and bay pannacotta with prunes and PX. Sip on a selection of carefully selected natural wines from small producers alongside.
Where: 9 Murray Street, M4 6HS
Book now: Erst
Adam Reid at The French, Deansgate
![fish dish at adam reid at the french]()
What: One of Manchester's most prestigious addresses - particularly when it comes to food - The French is currently under the watchful eye of local lad Adam Reid, who brings a foundation of Lancastrian comfort food to his fine dining magnum opus at The Midland Hotel. The restaurant itself is grand and opulent, and Reid's menus show off the best of northwesterly ingredients and dishes, featuring elevated versions of British comforts like fish pie and tipsy cake.
Where: The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street, M60 2DS
Book now: Adam Reid at The French
Higher Ground, City Centre
![dining room with orange counter seats]()
What: This easy-going bistro and bar welcomes all with open arms, but the food that comes out of the kitchen is of exceptional quality, marking Higher Ground out as a huge hit when it reopened in early 2023. Expect seasonal British brasserie-style cooking, supported by a low-intervention wine list.
Where: Faulkner House, New York Street, M1 4DY
Book now: Higher Ground
63 Degrees, Northern Quarter
![63 degrees fish dish with white rose on table]()
What: Why 63 degrees? Apparently, it's the perfect temperature to brew coffee while also being the key to many of its slow and low-cook dishes on the menu. Designed to bring a taste of Paris to Manchester, diners can indulge in French favourites such as chicken ‘63 degrees’ with truffle paste, duckling fillet with blackberry reduction and whole lobster with tarragon.
Where: 20 Church Street, M4 1PN
Book now: 63 Degrees
The history of Michelin stars on Manchester’s restaurant scene
Mana and Skof may be the only restaurants to currently boast a Michelin star, but it they aren’t the first restaurants in the city to ever receive the accolade. In 1974, The French (now Adam Reid at The French) became the first (and only) Manchester city centre restaurant to be awarded a star, which it retained until 1977.
In 1998, Greater Manchester restaurant Juniper, based in Altrincham, was awarded one Michelin star, which it kept for 11 years until the departure of chef Paul Kitching. Manchester has never been home to a two- or three-star Michelin restaurant, but these are harder to come by – there are currently just ten three Michelin-starred restaurants in the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean to be in the Michelin Guide?
Michelin stars are a rating system used by the Michelin Guide to determine the quality of a restaurant. According to the guide’s current specifications, one Michelin star signifies 'high quality cooking that's worth a stop', two represents 'excellent cooking that is worth a detour' and three stars means 'exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey'.
Can you be awarded four Michelin stars?
There is often confusion surrounding just how many Michelin stars it is possible for a restaurant to receive. However, the highest accolade that Michelin currently awards is three stars, though it is possible to hold three Michelin stars and a green star.
Do you apply for a Michelin star?
No, there is no way for a restaurant to guarantee that it will be awarded a Michelin star. Michelin’s team of inspectors are entirely anonymous and pay for their meal in full, without the chef or waiting staff knowing that they are dining at the restaurant.
Can you lose a Michelin star?
Receiving a Michelin star is often the highlight of a chef’s career, but the guide also has the power to take them away. Throughout the years, several restaurants have lost stars following the departure of chefs or a change in standards.
Whether they have recognition from Michelin or not, there’s no denying that Manchester’s restaurant scene is a force to be reckoned with. Don’t believe us? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Manchester.