Date spot in Manchester
Society
Pick from a handful of independent kitchens and grab a long table at the basement food hall under Barbirolli Square.
Barbirolli Square, near the Bridgewater Hall
Address: Society, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
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.
More from our Manchester guide
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.
Skof
Federation Street, NOMA
Address: Skof, 3 Federation Street, Manchester M4 4BF- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Settle in for a tasting menu at Tom Barnes's Michelin-starred restaurant in an old textile warehouse in NOMA.
Why it's a good date: Exposed brick and girders, no tablecloths and no dress code, so it feels relaxed for somewhere this serious about food. Tables are released month by month and go quickly, so plan ahead.