The best places for lunch in Manchester – All within 10 minutes walk of NOMA.
One of the joys of working at NOMA is that you have a vast array of lunch spots, right on your doorstep. From street food to pub grub, take-out sarnies to eat-in thalis, you can have something different every day of the week.
But where should you go and what should you eat? We’ve rounded up the best places for lunch in Manchester, all within a comfortable 10-minute walk of NOMA, so you can squeeze a delicious feed into your break.
And if you’re hungry for culture and company instead of food, remember that there are loads of free things to do in and around NOMA, including a series of fantastic lunch clubs at our very own Altogether Otherwise.
Allpress Espresso
Lunchtime caffeine injections come courtesy of Allpress Espresso, but that’s not all they’re good for. Their focaccia sandwiches are the perfect grab-and-go lunch – try the squash and pesto, it’s amazing. And if you’re eating in? You can’t go wrong with eggs and soldiers. 3 Redfern Building, Dantzic St, M4 4AH. Within NOMA.
Arndale Market
Not sure exactly what you fancy? A trip to the Arndale Market is in order. Step inside and you’ll find a buzzing hub of street food vendors all under one roof, selling everything from gigantic burritos and lamb kebabs to smoked meats and Thai curries. The hardest part is making a decision! 49 High Street, Manchester, M4 3AH. – 5 minute walk from NOMA.
Banh Vi
Vietnamese street food is the order of the day at Banh Vi. Baguettes come loaded with lemongrass chicken or sticky pork belly – expect a big hit of flavour in every bite. And if you prefer rice bowls, the crispy oyster mushroom is a plant-based sensation. New Century Hall on 34 Hanover Street, M4 4AH. Within NOMA
Cafe North
A little indie cafe that runs a fine line in brunch, Cafe North makes breakfast a lunchtime affair. They have freshly-made omelettes, big bowls of shakshuka and hearty plates of huevos rancheros. Got a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to a stack of pancakes, topped with strawberries and Nutella. 66 Shudehill, M4 4AA. 6 minute walk from NOMA.
Evelyn’s
Exposed brick walls, natural light and plants aplenty make Evelyn’s feel like a lunchtime escape. It’s a relaxed sit-down affair that will see you tucking into a brunch menu that runs from avocado on toast to tuna poke bowls and sumac chicken. Got that Friday feeling? Maybe a Tommy’s Margarita is in order. 44 Tib Street, M4 1LA. 7 minute walk from NOMA.
Federal Cafe Bar
Inspired by the relaxed coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand, Federal is one of Manchester’s most chilled-out lunch spots – and the ciabattas are well worth the walk. Try the hummus and sweetcorn falafel, perfectly paired with mayo chutney and house pickles. 9 Nicholas Croft, M4 1EY. 9 minute walk from NOMA.
Gooey Bakery
They are, perhaps, best known for their sweet treats, which range from Ferrero Rocher donuts to Rolo cookies, but Gooey is also great for lunch. Brunch runs all day and the sandwiches are utter perfection, with fillings like crispy satay tofu, gochujang beef and katsu chicken. 103 High Street, M4 1HQ. 6 minute walk from NOMA.
Koi Fusion
Whether you fancy a Thai curry, a spicy chicken ramen bowl or Japanese-style tapas that will take you from teriyaki tofu to prawn gyozas, Koi Fusion is the place to go. If you’re planning a team lunch, their 24 or 48-piece sushi platters are a great shout. New Century Hall on 34 Hanover Street, M4 4AH. Within NOMA.
Mackie Mayor
A great spot for lunch in Manchester, Mackie Mayor brings together a host of food and drink favourites, all under one roof. From Mumma’s fried chicken burger to New Wave Ramen’s lamb tantanmen, you never have to eat the same thing twice. Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle Street, M4 5BU. 6 minute walk from NOMA.
Nell’s Pizza
Cheap and cheerful lunches don’t get much better than this. Head to Nell’s and get a 14-inch pizza from just £7.77 every weekday until 4pm. Try the ‘Shroom with a View – it’s a vegan favourite with mushrooms, house tomato sauce, cashew cream and just a hint of chilli. 39 Edge St, M4 1HW. 8 minute walk from NOMA.
Parmogeddon
Masters of the Chicken Parmo and regulars on the city’s street food scene, Parmogeddon will make lunch the highlight of your day. Go for their signature dish and enjoy crispy fried chicken smothered in creamy béchamel, or even better, brie with hot honey. New Century Hall, 34 Hanover Street, M4 4AH. – Within NOMA.
Pizza Loves You (PLY)
Carl Fraenki-Rietti has taken his experience of working in Michelin-starred restaurants and used it to elevate the humble pizza to new heights. 24-hour proved, hand-stretched dough is topped with the likes of honey and n’duja chicken. They do gyros too! PLY at New Century Hall on 34 Hanover Street, M4 4AH. Within NOMA.
Pot Kettle Black
Pot Kettle Black has something for everyone. The all-day brunch menu takes hot and toasted open sarnies into the PM, while the Benny Bar offers six twists on Eggs Benedict. Don’t want breakfast for lunch? Go for the Caesar salad or the chicken schnitzel bun. Angel Gardens, 1 Rochdale Road, M4 4GE. Within NOMA.
Rustica
Rustica is an institution. The hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop has been feeding hungry Mancunians for over two decades, serving hearty sarnies and hot brews – always with a smile. With fillings ranging from Moroccan lamb to feta and roasted veg, you’ll be spoiled for choice. 1 Hilton St, Manchester, M4 1LP. 10 minute walk from NOMA.
Skof
The recent recipient of a Michelin Star, Tom Barnes’ Skof is one of the most sought-after lunch destinations in Manchester. Their four-course lunch tasting menu is ever-changing, but you can expect to dig into delights like confit potatoes with grilled leek and Sladesdown duck with Boltardy beetroot. It’s the place to be right now, so make sure you reserve your table well in advance!
Skof, 3 Federation Street, Manchester, M4 4BF. Within NOMA.
The Marble Arch
If it’s a pub lunch you’re after, head over to The Marble Arch. The Grade-II listed building has an traditional pub vibe, which is perfectly paired with a menu of traditional pub grub. Treat yourself to a hearty steak and onion pie or dig into a bowl of Indian spiced cauliflower risotto. 73 Rochdale Road, M4 4HY. 6 minute walk from NOMA.
This & That
Famous for its ‘rice and three’, tucked away down an alleyway with only a small sign to mark its place, This & That is a favourite with those in the know. Every day, they cook up a selection of traditional curries for a simply bargainous price, making this one of the places to grab lunch in Manchester city centre. 3 Soap Street, M4 1EW. 7 minute walk from NOMA.
Yard & Coop
24-hour brined chicken, dunked in buttermilk and fried to crispy perfection – Yard & Coop is the guilty pleasure you never knew you needed. Chicken comes on its own or in a burger, with all manner of delicious sauces. And if you’re veggie, they give oyster mushrooms the same treatment. 37 Edge St, M4 1HW. 9 minute walk from NOMA.
