Date spot in Manchester
New Wave Ramen
Warm up over big bowls of ramen at the small noodle bar on Tib Lane, just off Cross Street.
Tib Lane, city centre
Address: New Wave Ramen, 16 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Why it's a good date: A good rainy-day pick: steamy windows, rich broth and a quick, friendly turnaround. They keep space for walk-ins, but booking is safer on a Friday or Saturday.
More from our Manchester guide
Society
Barbirolli Square, near the Bridgewater Hall
Address: Society, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Pick from a handful of independent kitchens and grab a long table at the basement food hall under Barbirolli Square.
Why it's a good date: You can each order from a different kitchen and meet back at the table, and there's a proper bar in the middle. Handy before a concert at the Bridgewater Hall next door.
Freight Island
Baring Street, Mayfield, behind Piccadilly station
Address: Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PZ- Restaurant
- Cheap and cheerful
Wander the street-food traders at the old railway depot behind Piccadilly station, then find a table among the lights.
Why it's a good date: There's a lot of choice, so it's good when you can't agree on what to eat, and there's often music or sport on. It gets lively at weekends; go earlier in the evening for a calmer table.
Mana
Blossom Street, Ancoats
Address: Mana, 42 Blossom Street, Manchester M4 6BF- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book the long tasting menu at Simon Martin's Michelin-starred restaurant in Ancoats, where every table looks into the kitchen.
Why it's a good date: It's an evening built around British produce, cooked with real care and served in a calm, modern room. Tables go fast, so book well ahead for an anniversary or a birthday.