Restaurants in City Centre - Piccadilly (Manchester)

The Arts Bar & Grill

Aimed primarily at Manchester's business people, this spacious, rather 80s styled bar and grill is situated on the third floor of the city centre Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel. Art's is well known as a good place to socialise and enjoy a cocktail - such as a kir royal - in the early evenings. The food menu includes interesting fusion choices such as a chunky fish soup with bullet chilli and saffron mayonnaise. For a main course, you could choose from pasta dishes or maybe an Arts grill. You might even be lucky enough to enjoy your food at a table with a panoramic view of the Northern Quarter.

Chaophraya Thai Restaurant & Bar

The Chaophraya Thai Restaurant & Bar brings Thailand to Manchester with authentic food and a luxurious setting. Choaphraya offers a wide variety of dinning experiences. Have a seat at the Yee Rah Sizzler Grill where lunch is cooked fresh while you watch. Stop by the extensive modern bar or dine a la carte for dinner. Don't have a ride? Arrange for the Tuk Tuk to pick you up, an authentic Thai three wheeled taxi!

Che Manchester

Whether you're looking for a romantic night out with that special someone, a funky place to snack and chat with a big group of friends, or even a hot club to get your groove on into the wee hours, Che is the place for you. Tapas are the order of the day at this bar/club/restaurant, where each floor (including an upstairs non-smoking area) has their own distinct vibe and menu. At Che, you can dine more formally, with a European a la carte menu, (if tapas aren't your thing), but either way be sure to try some of their fresh-fruit cocktails, they'll have you dreaming of Havana nights. Live music is a frequent treat at Che, and not just on weekends, so call ahead to reserve a table (or couch!) at this hip spot. Early bird specials and buffet menus are also available.

Ashoka

Situated close to Oxford Road in the heart of the city, Ashoka has been serving classic North Indian cuisine for over ten years and comes with a Curry Club recommendation. Inside, the decor is restrained, with a smattering of Indian artifacts lending the restaurant an unpretentious air. The menu is extensive and includes all the usual dishes (such as jalfrezi and tikka masala) along with more unusual specialties such as chicken shahjahan cooked with mild spices and fruit or the rich quail malchani in butter, tomatoes and cream. Ashoka is licensed and an extensive wine list is available on request.

Pizzadilly

Situated just off the main road between the railway station and Piccadilly Gardens, this cheerful Italian kitchen promises to offer an excellent choice of quality, filling lunches for those on a limited budget. Inside, it is small and fairly cramped - the decor is, by definition, basic but functional. The idea is that you pick up a small, medium or large tray and help yourself to the range of daily hot specials such as vegetable lasagna or cannelloni, various home-made pizzas or cold pasta salads.

The Star & Garter Hotel

This large turn of the century pub has established quite a reputation locally for its live music acts over the last few years. The Star & Garter Hotel started by offering free space to any band that could bring its own audience, and recently was the only pub-sized venue in the UK to put on Status Quo during a recent tour. Inside on the ground floor there is a traditional curved bar with a main room festooned with music posters and flyers, while the snug houses a pool table. Upstairs is the venue room with small raised stage, basic sound system and its own separate bar. It has a late license and also puts on regular club nights, such as Manchester's longest Indie club night Smile on Saturdays. Call for event timings and additional information.

Wetherspoons

In the busy Picadilly area, Wetherspoons attracts shoppers, elder members of the public, and Manchester United fans. A very good place to go for reasonably cheap food; pub meals, light snacks, breakfast menu and children's meals. They stock a large selection of real ales and bitters along with the usual pub favorites. Equally it is a cheap place for friends to go for a quick coffee and a chat, or a delicious hot chocolate to keep warm from all the cold Manchester weather. Keep an eye out for the great wine or ale festivals they like to hold with great drinks offers!

Bistro Style Bar

The Bistro Style Bar at the Place Hotel on Piccadilly, is the ideal place to unwind after a hard day at work. Select one of the delicious wines from the extensive drinks menu to help enhance the experience. Savor some of the Italian or American snacks that prove to be both scrumptious as well as wholesome. Call for additional information.

Beaujolais Restaurant

This cosy basement restaurant, with its distinctive red, white and blue neon sign outside the entrance, specializes in authentic provincial French cuisine and has long been regarded as one of the best in Manchester. Since 1968, this award-winning restaurant has attracted a wide range of clientèle, including many local celebrities.You can enjoy a three-course lunch for around GBP 10 and an evening menu compris, for GBP 16.50. A la carte starters cost from around £4 and include all the traditional home-cooked favorites including mussels, snails and delicious savory tarts. Mains - such as Agneau provencale or Confit de Canard - cost around GBP 13. There is also a fine selection of wines starting at GBP 10, plus a range of bottled beers and Kronenbourg on draught.

El Macho Cantinas

Situated half way down Portland Street, El Macho is the city's only genuine Mexican restaurant. Rustic stone flooring and wagon wheels adorning the walls give an authentic feel and add considerably to the atmosphere. Specialties include seafood and vegetarian dishes, their unique Aztec tamales and a vast range of imported Mexican beers. For diners on a budget there is an early bird special between 5:30p and 7:30p every day where you can enjoy two courses from the standard menu and a glass of house wine.

Malmaison Brasserie

Although this stylish brasserie is part of the fashionable Malmaison Manchester hotel, the reputation and quality of its cooking has attracted many non-residents to the restaurant, particularly for their popular set lunch menu. The interior of the Malmaison Brasserie adds to its appeal with a modish, opulent and very sophisticated feel. Here, you can enjoy a good selection of dishes including favorites such as confit of duck, honey glazed pork, and braised lamb shank.

Cocotoo

Much like the creature it's named after, Cocotoo is bright, noisy and colorful. A railway archway transformed into a vibrant hangout with painted domes, it's located in Manchester's city center. Although it is popular mainly for its ambiance, this restaurant serves Italian fare of pasta, pizzas and a variety of starters, desserts and mains. Italian wine and beer are also available. Friendly service, good food and the flamboyant decor keep the crowds thronging in.