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10 Best Restaurants near St. Peter’s Square That Will Make You Go, “Mmm!”
St. Peter’s Square is a central hub in Machester, where arts, culture, and business meet. It’s one of the city’s top attractions… or is filled with the city’s top attractions.
Can you imagine walking all around the area, enjoying the architecture, and suddenly you hear your tummy gurgle? All that walking burns off energy, and you need to eat if you don’t want to pass out!
Refuelling your body is not a problem in St. Peter’s Square. We’ve got a curated list of tried and tested restaurants that will bring you on a tasteful journey, including classic British favourites and global flavours!
The Anthologist
Media credit: theanthologistmanchester
Address: One St Peter’s Square
Distance from St Peter’s Square: 1-minute walk
Contact: 0161 667 0640, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: 12 pm – 9 pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 11 am – 11 pm
- Friday: 11 am – 12 am
- Saturday: 10 am – 12 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Pricing: $$
The Anthologist is one of the closest restaurants to St. Peter’s Square, if not the closest—it’s in front of Manchester Central Library. It’s not the distance that had us coming back, it’s the food, taste, drinks, and the vibe!
They bring the outdoors indoors with a nice shelf full of potted plants, bringing in a lovely atmosphere for lunch or brunch dates with your mates. But it’s the food where this eclectic Manchester restaurant truly shines.
You can’t go wrong with fried chicken and waffle for something savoury and sweet. But the drinks menu steals the spotlight, which is filled with a good number of delicious selections, including really good orange wines!
Pro Tip:
Avoid after-work hours if you prefer a quiet dining time.
Wagamama
Media credit: wagamama_uk
Address: 2 St Peter’s Sq
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 1-minute walk
Contact: 1613 024 630
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm
Pricing: $$
Every Brit knows Wagamama, a well-loved massive chain of Japanese restaurants that’s probably one of our first introductions to Asian food. So it’s natural we add this to the list, especially since it’s right in front of the tram stop at St. Peter’s Square.
Sure, it’s not the most authentic Asian food, but it’s the kind that brings you comfort when you’re craving some—pretty sure we all have our go-to orders here. But if you’re new to Manchester, one of our favourites is the Tantanmen beef brisket ramen!
When you’re hungry, there’s always something here that will make your tummy happy. The popular curries are not to be missed, especially the marinated chicken thigh coconut kare, as well as the delicious chicken gochujang rice bowl for a spicy kick!
Pro Tip:
If you have allergies, it’s best to order in person at the shop because they don’t cater to specific instructions online.
The Paramount
Address: 33-35 Oxford St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 2-minute walk
Contact: 0161 233 1820
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 8 am – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 8 am – 1 am
Pricing: $$
Go on a very short walk from St. Peter’s Square to reach The Paramount, a JD Wetherspoon pub that’s not like your usual spot. It’s casual and more spacious than other pub grubs in Manchester, and surprisingly, there are quite a lot of tables here!
This is the kind of place you go to after work or after a fun yet tiring day out in St. Peter’s Square. The menu will give you a food coma because it’s absolutely packed with loads of different choices, including burgers, curries, pizzas, and noodles!
The menu is so full you’ll probably spend a couple (or more) minutes browsing. We do have a recommendation—the fiesta brunch adds a little spice in the morning, which is made with poached egg, toast, pico de gallo, grilled Halloumi, and guacamole.
Looking for a meal won’t be too difficult if you like classic breakfast and your usual pub grubs. What you need to spend time on is the drinks menu, which seemingly has endless choices!
Pro Tip:
Always check the daily deals first. You get free drinks with over 150 options (except for breakfast deals).
The Tea Room by Pommery at The Midland
Media credit: themidlandmanchester
Address: The Midland Hotel, Peter St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 2-minute walk
Contact: 0161 235 4782, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 4:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Spend your afternoon at The Midland, a stunning Manchester hotel, for luxury tea time with your best mates. The Team Room by Pommery brings a lavish setting with delicious bites, bespoke tea, and a gorgeous view of St. Peter’s Square.
This classically British afternoon tea is not to be missed, especially when you get the finest service. The scones, which are freshly baked, are perfectly buttery, while the selection of cakes brings just the right amount of sweetness.
Of course, the premium tea here is the highlight! You won’t be disappointed with the quality of the tea, including the hotel’s private blends. You choose from a wide selection, but a classic Earl Grey is a guaranteed success unless you want something light.
Pro Tip:
Add a nice touch by picking either the Excellence or the Royal Afternoon Tea to include a glass of champagne.
Adam Reid at The French
Media credit: thefrenchmcr
Address: The Midland – 16 St. Peter St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 2-minute walk
Contact: 0161 235 4780, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Thursday: 6 pm – 8:30 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Pricing: $$$
The Midland Hotel excels at fine dining. Adam Reid at The French is exactly the kind of experience that will take you on an exquisite, flavourful journey where British cooking commands the spotlight—but of course, the menu is coupled with Reid’s own style.
Get ready for a fancy dining experience with a tasting menu made by the Manchester-born chef, where each meal is carefully curated and with an obvious delicate touch. There’s a northern welcome with every bit of the meals.
We cannot spoil anything when it comes to the menu, but we do have this to say: every plate perfectly complements the next. The flavourful dishes are not overwhelming in flavours but are crafted to delight all senses.
Pro Tip:
Book a reservation, especially for special occasions, to ensure you get to dine on the date you prefer! The restaurant is only open 4 days a week.
If you’re dairy-free, contact the team first to inquire about the menu before booking your reservation. They don’t cater to vegan and dairy-free options.
Gio’s Ristorante
Media credit: ellie_eeats
Address: Spaces, Peter House – 5-7 Lower Mosley St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 2-minute walk
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 12 pm – 10:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
At Gio Ristorante, every bite will take you on a delicious trip to Italy. There’s a variety of dishes, from fresh pasta to Neapolitan pizza, where every bite is fresh, flavourful, and so very Italian!
The casual vibe also makes dining here very relaxing, like you’re always welcome. And once you see the menu, you’ll go Mamma Mia! If you like a mildly rich dish, the risotto paesana is deliciously creamy, and cooked with chicken, mushrooms, and tomato sauce.
Based on our experience, this Manchester restaurant does get busy because many theatregoers drop by before a show. We recommend checking the 2-course pre-theatre menu that won’t make you feel bloated yet full enough to enjoy the show.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on dining here before the theatre, book a reservation to ensure you get a table—you don’t want to be late for the show!
Frankie’s Toasties
Media credit: thefrankies.co.uk
Address: 98 A Portland St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 3-minute walk
Contact: 07586 102 740, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 8 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 8 am – 10 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 8 pm
Pricing: $
Frankie’s Toasties is a yummy stop after a day out exploring St. Peter’s Square. Sometimes, comfort food is just what you need to charge up your battery, and that’s what you’ll get here—no fuss, no pretentiousness, just a feel-good meal!
Everything here is casual but loaded with deliciousness for affordable prices—yes, you don’t have to spend a fortune here! I know “toasties” is in the name, but the milkshakes take centre stage—sinfully scrumptious, especially the classic chocolate!
The chicken tikka and cheese toastie is a favourite amongst our staff—it’s absolutely filling for only £5.75! There are vegan options, even if only a few.
The bottom line? Dining at Frankie’s Toasties is fun and casual, perfect for quick bites before you move on with the rest of your day!
Pro Tip:
Go for the build-your-own toastie if you’re a picky eater.
Wawin
Media credit: wawinveganchinese
Address: Don Giovanni Rear Entrance, Bale St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 3-minute walk
Hours: Monday – Friday: 1:30 pm – 9:45 pm
Pricing: $
Vegan and Chinese in one sentence? Yup, Wawin in Manchester brings 100% vegan Chinese meals right in front of The Midland Hotel. Although this place only accepts takeaways, it’s a nice spot to get your order delivered at work.
It’s typical for Chinese restaurants to serve large portions, which is exactly what you’ll get here (perfect for sharing… or not!). Even with the absence of meat, there are loads of options cooked with vegan alternatives that are rich in flavours.
If you love noodles, go for the vegetable chow mein and pair it with the popularly delicious vegan chicken skewer with satay sauce, a meal that perfectly captures the right texture, which is something non-vegans will appreciate.
But of course, no Chinese takeaway is complete without sweet and sour (tofu, in this case) and spring rolls.
Pro Tip:
Wawin Manchester is only available in Manchester through Deliveroo. Order at least 20 minutes before you leave for work if you want to bring the food home.
Turtle Bay
Media credit: turtlebayuk
Address: 33-35 Oxford St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 3-minute walk
Contact: 0161 2364 101
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Friday: 11 am – 1 am
- Saturday: 10 am – 1 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
The Caribbean cuisine of Turtle Bay will give you food coma. The meals are a burst of flavours, where it feels like your palate has been transported to a different island—away from Manchester!
And that’s not a bad thing. Dining here is like going on a little vacation, with rich flavoured curries and smokey jerk chicken—basically, perfectly spiced soul food! We recommend the beautifully charred jerk pork belly!
The beverages? A sip will sweep you away on a spontaneous trip to the Caribbean! There’s a wide selection of cocktails and rum, including tropical libations that will fire up the mood!
Pro Tip:
Dining with your mates? Go for a 2-hour bottomless brunch with endless servings of drinks! This is a perfect celebration for special occasions or if you just want to have a yummy night out!
The Refuge
Media credit: therefugemcr
Address: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – Oxford St
Distance from St. Peter’s Square: 6-minute walk
Contact: 0161 233 5151
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 12 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
The Refuge knows how to do dining right! This place is a design wonder, with high ceilings, intricate pillars, and fascinating furnishings—that alone is a reason to visit this restaurant!
The food is next level, where British ingredients meet international flavours! You cannot pass up on all-day Sunday roasts! The perfectly cooked beef, with just the right tenderness, is served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and a flavorful beef gravy.
For something a little more romantic (a Valentine’s Day date, perhaps?), afternoon tea at the Winter Garden will elevate your dining experience. It’s like a conservatory but with a classic and elegant touch, where you’ll be dining on sweet and savoury treats!
By the way, this restaurant is dog-friendly! Order the dog roast bowl for Sunday roast!
Pro Tip:
Visit from Thursday to Saturday for a lively dining time with good music!
