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9 Ashton-under-Lyne Dining Spots You’ll Be Bragging About to Everyone
So, here’s the deal: Ashton-under-Lyne might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of a foodie destination. But trust me, this town’s got some absolute belters you need to know about.
I learned this the hard way after one too many nights settling for a dodgy takeaway when I could’ve been indulging in melt-in-your-mouth steaks or wood-fired pizzas. Rookie mistake, eh?
Let’s save you from my regrets. Ashton’s dining scene is like a hidden playlist of bangers—once you find it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Whether it’s a café with cakes that’ll ruin every diet plan you’ve ever attempted or a spot where the burgers come stacked higher than your weekend laundry pile, our list has it all. These dining spots are about to change your perception of Ashton-under-Lyne.
Who needs London when you’ve got hidden gems like these right on your doorstep? Let’s get stuck in!
Pinocchio Restaurant
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Address: 157 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne
Contact details: +44 161 330 0078
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Pinocchio Restaurant is one of those spots that feels like a little slice of Italy right in Ashton-under-Lyne, complete with the aroma of fresh herbs and wood-fired pizza dough wafting through the air.
The menu covers all the classics, from creamy risottos to perfectly saucy pastas. Their pizzas are something special—thin, crisp bases topped with fresh ingredients that don’t overwhelm the flavours.
If you’re feeling indulgent, the lasagna is a winner: layers of pasta, rich ragu, and bubbling cheese that’s just the right amount of gooey. What really sets this place apart is the atmosphere.
It’s warm, cosy, and run by people who genuinely care about good food and happy customers. Whether you’re there for a romantic dinner or a family meal, you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile.
| Pro tip: Ask for their tiramisu for dessert, it’s the perfect sweet finish to an already satisfying meal. And grab a seat by the window if you fancy a bit of people-watching with your pizza. |
Lilly’s Bistro
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Address: Stamford Street Central, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7PY
Contact details: +44 161 343 5555
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat, 8AM-6PM;
- Sun, 9AM-5PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Lilly’s Bistro is one of those places that feels like a proper hidden gem, even though it’s right there on Warrington Street. Honestly, if you’re not already planning to eat, you’ll be making excuses to stay once you get a whiff of the place.
The menu? Solid. They do an all-day breakfast that locals swear by—whether you’re after a classic full English or something lighter, like smashed avo on sourdough for that “I’m being healthy” moment.
Lunchtimes are sorted too, with gourmet sandwiches and salads that are proper fresh and filling, not just leaves on a plate. Now, let’s talk cake.
Their homemade scones aren’t just scones—they’re fluffy, buttery clouds served with clotted cream and jam that could turn a bad day around. And don’t even get me started on the carrot cake—it’s like dessert therapy.
| Pro tip: Turn up early, especially if you’re after their scones, they vanish faster than you’d expect. Oh, and their coffee? Easily one of the best brews in Ashton-under-Lyne. |
Miller & Carter Ashton-Under-Lyne
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Address: King St
Contact details: +44 161 839 5550
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-11PM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Now, if you’re craving steak, and I mean proper steak, Miller & Carter is where you need to be. This place takes steak so seriously they’ve got a butcher’s block in the middle of the dining area—okay, maybe not, but they should.
It’s upscale, polished, and designed for those moments when you want to treat yourself without going full black-tie. Their steaks are aged for 30 days, so you know they’re not messing about.
Ribeye, sirloin, fillet—you name it, they’ve got it, and each cut is served with your choice of sauce (peppercorn is the fan favourite) and their signature onion loaf. Yes, onion loaf—it’s like a crispy, savoury bite of heaven.
Non-steak lovers aren’t left out either, with options like chargrilled sea bass or a vegan steak that actually tastes good (shocking, I know). Pair your meal with a glass of something from their well-curated wine list, and you’re sorted.
| Pro tip: Go for the chef’s recommendations on steak pairings, it’s like having a personal food advisor who actually knows what they’re on about. |
Sorriso
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Address: 9 Stamford Square, Ashton-under-Lyne
Contact details: +44 161 330 1112
Operating Hours: Tue-Sun, 5PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Sorriso is one of those places that feels like a hidden treasure—even though locals are definitely in on the secret. It’s got all the charm you’d expect from a family-run Italian restaurant: warm service, a cosy interior, and food that makes you want to book a one-way ticket to Rome.
The menu reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine. Start with their garlic bread—thin, crispy, and packed with flavour. Move on to the pasta, which is made fresh daily.
Their carbonara is the real deal, creamy and loaded with pancetta, and their seafood linguine? Let’s just say it’ll ruin supermarket pasta for you forever.
The pizza here deserves its own round of applause—cooked in a proper wood-fired oven, it comes out with a perfectly crisp crust and toppings that make you feel fancy. And don’t sleep on dessert; their tiramisu is the stuff of dreams.
| Pro tip: Book in advance. The locals love this spot, and tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Oh, and bring your appetite, you’ll need it. |
Old Cross Tapas and Grill
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Address: Upper Floor, Entrance on, 77 Penny Mdw, Old Cross St, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6EL
Contact details: +44 161 339 6666
Operating Hours: Wed – Sun 5PM-10PM (Closed Mon & Tue)
Pricing: £££
Website
If you’re after proper Spanish tapas in Ashton-under-Lyne, Old Cross Tapas and Grill should be top of your list. From the moment you sit down, it’s all about sharing plates and bold flavours that pack a punch.
You’ve got the classics like patatas bravas—crispy, spicy, and topped with just the right amount of sauce—and chorizo in red wine that’s rich, smoky, and ridiculously moreish. Their calamari is spot-on: crisp without being greasy and paired with a tangy dip.
But the grilled meats are where things get serious. The lamb chops are juicy, charred in all the right places, and seasoned perfectly, while the steak skewers are so tender they almost melt in your mouth.
No Spanish meal is complete without a drink to match, and their sangria is a proper winner. Fruity, refreshing, and dangerously easy to knock back, it’s the perfect companion to your meal.
| Pro tip: Go heavy on the grilled meats and pair them with a glass of Rioja. And if you’ve got room, their churros are an absolute must; crispy, sugary, and served with a rich chocolate dip that’s worth every calorie. |
Everest Café & Restaurant
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Address: 46 Old St, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6LB
Contact details: +44 161 339 8876
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Specialising in Nepali and Indian cuisine, this spot is all about hearty, spiced dishes that’ll warm your soul and leave you reaching for seconds.
The menu ranges from fragrant biryanis to rich curries, but the momos (Nepalese dumplings) are the real MVP here—steamed or fried, they’re little parcels of joy. Their Everest Special Curry is another must-try, packed with tender meat and a perfectly balanced spice blend.
Vegetarians are spoiled for choice, too, with dishes like paneer tikka and mixed vegetable curries. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a laid-back dinner with family or friends.
| Pro tip: Order the momos as a starter and thank us later, they’re a game changer. |
Bella Italia – Ashton Under Lyne
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Address: Fold Way, Ashton-under-Lyne
Contact details: +44 161 343 3456
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Bella Italia brings a slice of classic Italian dining to Ashton-under-Lyne, and it’s one of those spots that works for just about any occasion. Their pasta dishes are creamy, hearty, and downright comforting—think carbonara with a silky sauce or a fiery arrabbiata for those who like a bit of heat.
And the pizzas? They’re proper stone-baked beauties with crisp crusts and toppings that don’t skimp on flavour. The Diavola, with spicy sausage and chillies, is a crowd favourite, but you can’t go wrong with the classic Margherita either.
Don’t skip dessert—this is where Bella Italia really shines. Their gelato is the real deal, with flavours like pistachio, salted caramel, and chocolate that taste like they’ve been flown in from Rome. For something extra indulgent, try their Tiramisu.
The set menus are a lifesaver, offering two or three courses at a price that won’t have you crying at the bill. It’s family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ menu that’s as good as the adult options, but it’s also a solid choice for a low-key date night.
| Pro tip: Go for the set menu if you’re in the mood for value and variety, it’s a win-win. |
Mozaic Cafe & Delicatessen
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Address: 19 Warrington St, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6AZ
Contact details: +44 161 330 1122
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat, 8AM-6PM
- Sun, 9AM-5PM
Pricing: ££
Mozaic Cafe & Delicatessen is like that reliable mate who’s always ready with good food and a warm welcome. The menu’s got everything from fresh salads and sandwiches to hearty mezze platters that could transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
And the cakes? Oh, you’ll want to save room for those. Think carrot cake with just the right amount of spice or a decadent chocolate torte that feels like a hug in dessert form.
What makes Mozaic extra special is its deli section, where you’ll find shelves lined with olives, cheeses, and other goodies to take home.
| Pro tip: Order the mezze platter and a Turkish coffee if you want to feel like you’re holidaying without leaving Ashton. It’s a combo that hits just right. |
Five Guys Ashton Under Lyne
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Address: Fold Way, Ashton-under-Lyne
Contact details: +44 161 339 4567
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Five Guys is where you go when you’re serious about customising your cravings. You’re in charge here, from the patty to the toppings. Never had grilled mushrooms and jalapeños on your burger? Well, now’s your chance.
Their burgers are cooked fresh, juicy, and stacked high. The crisps? Absolute legends—golden, crispy, and available plain or Cajun-spiced. Plus, they’re not stingy.
A “regular” portion is basically enough to feed two people. Don’t overlook their milkshakes either; they’re thick, creamy, and can be customised with mix-ins like Oreos, peanut butter, or even bacon (yes, bacon in a milkshake works—it’s weirdly brilliant).
The vibe is upbeat and casual, with music pumping in the background and staff who actually seem like they enjoy being there.
| Pro tip: Grab some peanuts (they’re free) to snack on while you wait, and always go for the Cajun fries, they’re a crowd-pleaser for a reason. |
