Even though Manchester is my closest city, I rarely ever visited before moving away for uni (apart from the Christmas markets and maybe an annual shopping trip). But also, I never really found my love for food until going to uni and so a Manchester trip would often include (and still frequently does tbf) a trip to TGI Fridays. Although TGI’s absolutely CANNOT be faulted, I know the menu inside out. And so a job in the center and a best friend with a brand new flat in the city gave me all excuses I needed to explore the foods of Manchester.

Almost Famous

Almost famous is one of those places I’d heard sooo much about but never been. For some reason I thought it was kinda like a five guys – but it’s so much more! Before we even get started on the food, the Northern Quarter positioning and the cool artsy building you climb into, is all part of the full experience here.

We glossed over the menu (as if I hadn’t exhausted it for the past 3 days) and I found myself in a foodies dream – all 4 of us got DIFFERENT BURGER! If you’re a foodie, you’ll know that this meant I could check out 4 different options to review and take pictures of! Unfortunately my not-so-foodie friends did not appreciate this and dug in before I could capture the beauty, so here’s my burger…

I cannot recommend this place enough; every flavour has been crafted and you absolutely get what you pay for. But If you have plans after dining here, cancel them. You’ll be full AF!

Shakedown

I was introduced to Shakedown from the previously mentioned bestie who has just moved to Manchester – a situation I take full advantage of course! After trying a few waffle takeaway places (what else is there to do in lock-down hey?), she eventually came across this gem. I feel like I’ve got my very own food taster who tries out all the takeaway’s in Manchester and then invites me over to have the best ones. Everyone needs a bestie like that!

I was so impressed at how the waffle AND ice cream arrived so effortlessly and tasted completely fresh! I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. Get this one on your lock-down list because we all deserve a little treat right now.

Federal Café Bar

I’ve only been to Federal once, but managed to go during the Eat Out To Help Out scheme , and cost me something silly like £6! I got poached eggs on sourdough with chorizo, halloumi, and some crazy tasty sauces – to die for. You know when a restaurant just knows their flavour combos – they know!

And even though only a small portion (from a girl who’s eyes are quite often bigger than her belly), I was completely full after this brunch.

And the staff were really friendly, which makes the food taste nicer right?

Mackie Mayor

I have become a little obsessed with Mackie Mayor and have got into a habit of taking everyone I can that hasn’t been yet; almost like it’s my own place to show off lol. You really don’t expect to walk into such an atmosphere. I think its so cool and fresh and exactly what every foodie is about. Rather than your typical restaurant, this place has taken an old building and turned it into an indoor/outdoor food hall filled with benched seating, a variety of cuisines and drinks, expanding the whole outer edges of the place.

I love that whoever you go to Mackie Mayor with, they will find something that takes their fancy. Whether it be pizza, a chicken burger, tacos, ramen, or even a roast dinner. Where else can you go where you can be eating a bowl of ramen, sat next to your mate eating a roast dinner?

This place is definitely on my list for a post-lock down meet up!

Home Sweet Home

I visited Home Sweet Home after having a disappointing brunch in NQ (hence why not mentioned on this blog lol), and needed more to eat. It wasn’t until we got inside that we saw the beasts that are the HSH cake slices! There was no going back from there. I got the Battenberg slice  – not my usual choice but after trying Battenberg blondies, I couldn’t not! My friend went for the Jammy Dodger and we were both absolutely delighted to have eaten such baked-joy.

I worried that they might be all style and no substance, but I was gladly mistaken. 

Rudy’s

As it turns out, Rudy’s is a bit of an institution for Manchester foodies and it should be a crime that it took me so long to go. This was another place I managed to visit during the Eat Out To Help Out scheme but tbh the prices were so decent anyway. We visited the restaurant in Ancoats but there is also a restaurant on Peter Street, and others across the country. Their reputation absolutely precedes them and I can see why they’re so popular with the Mancunians.

They’re offering delivery options to get your Rudy’s fix at home while we aren’t allowed to visit the restaurant, and even 25% off Monday-Friday this week! They’re also doing ‘Bake at Home’ pizzas – how cool! So you can order online or even collect from the pizzeria if you want a trip out, and bake it at your own leisure. How cool!

If anyone has any other places that I must try in Manchester, I am always open to suggestions and love finding a hidden gem. Just drop a comment on the blog 🙂

Lucy