Student Life

Eating Out

Close-up of a burger and onion rings

Whatever kind of food you are craving, you are sure to find it in Manchester.

From high-end restaurant dining to celebrate a special occasion, to deliciously-fresh street food on the go, this city has mouth-watering international flavours ticking every box! 

Our cosmopolitan culture means we have cuisines from across the globe. Meat feasts, vegan cafes and everything in between line the streets of Manchester. You won’t have to search hard for something you like.

The famous Curry Mile is a stretch of road running through Rusholme boasting a series of award-winning restaurants and kebab houses, with a vast array of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Middle Eastern cuisines. Keep your eyes peeled for the special deals on offer on Curry Mile.

Old favourite Chinatown is packed to the brim with a delightful mix of upmarket eateries around the main square, and great value for money buffets. You can expect to come across a number of excellent Japanese, Korean and Malaysian restaurants in Manchester too.

One of Manchester’s specialities, along with an exciting nightlife, is casual bar food of the delicious variety! Barely a week goes by without a new relaxing dining venue or pop-up bar opening, so you will never be short of options when on the lookout for something tasty and affordable. Pie & Ale, Almost Famous and Byron Burger are big hits with the student community, along with a range of other pizza and burger joints.

You are never far from a quaint tearoom or contemporary coffee shop in Manchester. A hot brew, seasonal cake or tasty sandwich is just around the corner! For independent outlets, why not take a stroll through the Northern Quarter, where Soup Kitchen, Teacup and Home Sweet Home are all big favourites.

Sometimes it is great to just stick with what you know and love, and you will find plenty of classic student staples in Manchester. Nando’s, Frankie and Benny’s, McDonald’s, KFC – take your pick! Many of the big-name eateries offer student discounts.

If you are in the mood to treat yourself, or even better, someone else is paying, Manchester is the place to be for fine dining. Chef Adam Reid heads up The French at The Midland, which has been awarded 4AA rosettes. If you want Michelin Star dining, don't miss Mana in Ancoats. Not to be outdone, Jamie Oliver is the face of Jamie’s Italian, and James Martin Manchester is also a popular haunt.

The streets of Manchester are often lined with carts and pop-up food stalls, many of which are spotted together when it’s time for a food festival or one of the city’s regular markets. Albert Square is home to a number of gatherings of food stalls, and is a key part of Manchester’s Christmas markets. Elsewhere, Arndale Food Market is a good option for year-round local produce that satisfies the taste buds.

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