A kaleidoscope of cuisines in this most famous of suburbs; from Lebanese to Italian-Senelgaese, Chorlton has it all - and more...
By Ben Brown | July 22nd '22
From a tiny village to a middle-class haven during the late Victorian and Edwardian times, Chorlton stands today as a shining beacon of suburban success, packed with a whole host of independent businesses and a rather enthusiastically priced housing market to match.
Other suburbs across Greater Manchester are frequently referred to as “the new Chorlton” when they get a couple of new, trendy bars – but claims like this tend to diminish just how much of a significant presence Chorlton is as a community, a neighbourhood and as somewhere to venture out to on an evening to have a bite to eat and a few pints.
In terms of restaurants, Chorlton is like an absent father at Christmas, spoiling you with an overbearing amount of choice and quality. It’s home to some of Manchester’s most impressive eateries, from the majestic home-cooked Southern Italian dishes at The Creameries, to the juggernaut that is Bar San Juan – generally considered to be up there as one of the best tapas restaurants in the UK.
Here’s our selection of the finest eateries in Chorlton, and be warned – there’s a lot of them…
Right up there as one of the best tapas bars in the whole city, if not the UK, San Juan is one of Chorlton’s very best eateries and bars – and has enjoyed almost mythical status for years off the back of their flawless tapas, friendly service and boisterous atmosphere. You’ll have the best time ever here with some classic Spanish dishes, regularly changing specials, sangria and some fantastic Spanish wines. I implore you to book a table too – for this place gets very, very busy – especially on the weekends.
Bar San Juan, 56 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG
This year saw The Creameries transform into Campagna at The Creameries – a complete overhaul of their menu by Head Chef Mike Thomas, featuring Southern European country cooking with a commitment to impeccable seasonal ingredients. Working with owner Mary-Ellen McTague at the Creameries, he has been able to hone his craft and has developed a commitment to excellence and a passion for great ingredients. So you’ll find menus that feature snacks, fresh seasonal salads, homemade pastas and foccacia, delicious puddings and, on Sundays, a very special Al Forno menu.
Campagna at The Creameries, 406 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester M21 0SD
Freshly made pasta, pizza AND gelato?! That’s right, one of Chorlton’s newest residents offers just that – all encased in a cosy restaurant sat on Barlow Moor Road. Lucky Mama’s has transitioned from a backyard trailer to a full-time Chorlton eatery in less than 2 years, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant has combined owner Mamadou’s Senegalese heritage and co-owner Gaby’s half-Spanish, half-Chilean roots into everything they cook up, creating a complex but wildly delicious menu of pizza, pasta and sweet treats.
Lucky Mama’s, 565 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AE
A winning combination of outstanding Neapolitan pizzas and BYOB – meaning Double Zero is a massive favourite amongst the locals of Chorlton. With recent additions Rudy’s and Lucky Mama’s across the road, it seems like Barlow Moor Road is becoming a bonafide pizzeria hotspot. Double Zero pride themselves on their extensive menu of pies, plus some really rather excellent Italian starters and sides – including a cracking Antipasti Platter that is the perfect pre-cursor to the main, pizza-orientated event.
Double Zero Neapolitan Pizza, 368 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
A glorious restaurant up on Manchester Road that’s dedicated to fresh, seasonal fish dishes cooked over coals. This intimate neighbourhood eatery began its journey back in 2018, with a big focus on oysters, as well as coal-based cooking. Now easily one of the best seafood institutions in Manchester, its menus regularly change and adapt to keep up with seasonality and sustainability, but there’s always something for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters, too.
The Oystercatcher, 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG
Grab some fine Middle Eastern cuisine at Jasmine, a restaurant famous for its Makmour or ‘Moussaka’ – a delicious mix of tomato, onions and herbs cooked together in a tomato sauce layered with aubergines and served with rice. There’s also a great selection of hangover-curing kebabs, and loads for vegetarians and vegans, too – with their homemade falafel putting any falafel supermarket meal deal to shame.
Jasmine, 569 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AE
A smaller version of the famous vegetarian Indian restaurant in Ashton, Lily’s Chorlton offers a slightly condensed menu than its flagship restaurant, but one that still features a whole host of vegetarian Indian delights. You can grab everything from curries and samosas to ingredients and spices to try your hand at your own creation at home, as well as chai, Indian desserts and SO much more. It’s basically a one-stop shop for anything Indian-related in south Manchester.
Lily’s Deli, 102 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9SZ
An excellent Vietnamese street food eatery on Barlow Moor Road, serving up favourites such as Pork Belly Bahn Mi, Prawn Summer Rolls and some seriously good bowls of steaming Pho. It’s independent, family-run and a big favourite amongst locals – oh, and it’s fantastic value for money too.
Vietnamese Potbellied, 520 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AW
This one evidently speaks for itself. Voted year on year Manchester’s best pizza joint, Rudy’s has a very popular Chorlton destination where you’ll be able to feast on plates of its famous Neapolitan pizza. It’s located on Barlow Moor Road with a very inviting alfresco terrace, which is also a great place to enjoy an end-of-week Aperol.
Rudy’s Chorlton, 577 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AE
Nestled in between an abundance of esteemed eateries and cult coffee joints, you’ll find Electrik, Chorlton’s independent suburban cafe bar and club destination – a venue that has played a key part in the development of the suburb over the last 13 years. The bar is also joined by the very wonderful Four Side Vegan pizza who serve up fresh slices of vegan pies all day long and an exhibition space that sees a number of local, well-known artists showcase their work in the eclectic space.
Electrik, 559 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0AE
A fantastic little Nepalese eatery on Barlow Moor Road, with a menu that is dominated by their ‘Momo Bar’. Momo’s are a kind of dumpling that you find in Nepal, Tibet and Northern India; hand-folded dough parcels that are stuffed with a variety of fillings and then steamed or fried. Alongside the momos are Roti Wraps, Chow Mein and a selection of mains cooked in their traditional tandoori oven.
The Little Yeti, 495 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AG
Specialising in Southern Indian dishes and specialities, Amma’s Canteen is undoubtedly somewhere for Chorlton to be proud of, and is a huge favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. The husband and wife team behind it, Ganga and Saju, have created a menu featuring a wealth of family recipes and traditional favourites, with dishes coming from mothers, aunties and cousins from across India, from Kerala to Chennai. Their Chicken 65 is famed throughout the suburb as one of the very best – so make sure you order it.
Amma’s Canteen, 285 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester M21 7GH
One of the best things about Jerk Junction is their massive outside terrace, which is easily one of the best places to head when the sun comes out in the city. The smell of jerk chicken from the BBQ, with a Wray & Ting in your hand – nothing can beat it. There’s been a Jerk Junction here on Manchester Road for nearly 10 years now, but recently they’ve had a spruce up and a change of ownership and it’s better than it ever was. Most dishes are cooked on their custom-made drum BBQ – giving you the ultimate in authentic Jamaican cuisine, cooked to perfection every time.
Jerk Junction, 170 Manchester Rd, Firswood, Manchester M16 0DZ
With an extensive cocktail and coffee menu, alongside huge taco platters, Barrio Chorlton is a must-visit if you’re heading to Chorlton anytime soon. Launched in 2018, the restaurant has strived for the best across its entire Latin-inspired menu, which you can enjoy in its laid-back bar and restaurant, or outside in the suntrap secret garden. It also does a great brunch and packed burritos to indulge in as a mid-week treat!
Barrio Chorlton, 105 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EQ
A fantastic pub from the people behind Common and the Port Street Beer House, The Beagle is seemingly always busy – thanks to not just their selection of drinks but also their food menu. Naturally, they serve up pizzas from Nell’s – massive New York-style beauties made using the best 36-hour prooved dough and topped with local cheeses from Manchester’s Crafty Cheese Man. Oh, and they do 22-inch pizzas here too – perfect for sharing whilst having a few drinks.
The Beagle, 456-458 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0BQ www.beaglesabout.com
One of Chorlton’s newest and most popular eateries, Roti has been doing so well in the suburb that they recently opened up another restaurant in Stanley Square in Sale. For the uninitiated, Roti is a rather odd, but nonetheless brilliant fusion of Indian and Scottish cuisines, and is the kind of place where, when scanning the menu, you need to work out the stuff you’re not going to order. This unlikely mixture of cuisines might sound a little strange but trust us, it really works.
Roti Food & Liquor, 559 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AN
Chorlton’s no-frills local Lebanese spot offers a diverse menu of kebab dishes, mezze platters and hearty meat and seafood stews. Located on Barlow Moor Road, finely selected herbs and spices are at the crux of the restaurant’s offering, with a team of passionate chefs creating some of the tastiest Afghan and Persian cuisine this side of the city. If you make the trip – the meat or veggie mezze is a must – complete with lashings of hummus, salad, halloumi and olives.
Zaytoon, 352 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
Once upon a time, The Lead Station was a police station, but now you’re more likely to find it encouraging booze drinking and general tomfoolery rather than kerbing it. With a menu of delicious global cuisine that features traditional British pub classics amongst Thai and Argentinian flavours, it’s become a Chorlton institution that serves honest food and drinks to its eclectic clientele.
The Lead Station, 99 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EQ
This is a fairly new opening in Chorlton, which has been making waves ever since transforming the old Post Office into a full-time kebab shop. We made the trip a couple of weeks ago and tried the Mixed Chicken & Lamb Shawarma Samoon – the meat is all marinated in-house in their own secret blend of herbs and spices – “none of that doner you buy in ready-made” the man behind the counter told us. Post Box Shawarma truly is a one-of-a-kind experience, both in flavour and location.
Post Box Shawarma, 543 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PP
Easy-going independent eatery, Mary & Archie is the place to be for a spot of Chorlton-based brunch. With everything from the Full English to Breakfast Burritos making the cut, you know you’re in for a treat – especially when washed down with one of the bar’s expertly crafted cocktails. It also hosts a regular open mic night, as well as a quiz and various workshops across the year – so keep an eye out on its Instagram for any announcements.
Mary & Archie, 111 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG
Chorlton’s Thirsty Korean is a great, authentic restaurant that serves up dishes seemingly plucked straight from the streets of Seoul. There’s some seriously good Korean Fried Chicken in here, as well as a rather impressive selection of Soju – Korean rice wine which will get you bladdered in no time.
The Thirsty Korean, 127 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG
A fantastic, often overlooked restaurant, Off The Grid opened up to very little fanfare during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but has managed to cement itself as a real favourite amongst locals ever since. The menu mostly revolves around their flaming charcoal grill, with loads of meat, seafood and small tapas-style plates. Influences come thick and fast from Portugal, Argentina, Central America and Spain, think peri peri, chimichurri and total charred gratification – all served to share as much or as little as you please.
Off The Grid, 366 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
One of Chorlton’s best, and perhaps most unique, bars and eateries, Man Bites Frog’s food menu has a particular French lean to it, with the likes of White Bean Cassoulet, Steak Frites and Baked Camembert all in there. It’s rather more eclectic than that though, as they also offer up Lunch specials and mighty fine Roast Dinners on Sundays, that come with dauphinoise potatoes – keeping that French theme going.
Man Bites Frog, 378 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
Not to be confused with Didsbury pizza joint Proove, Proof has been serving delicious food throughout the day to hungry locals since 2007, and is still fiercely independent and community-driven. They have an expansive brunch menu featuring all of the classics, plus a selection of ‘Plates’ available for the afternoon and evening which are designed to be shared tapas style. Also worth a try are their excellent Charcuterie Boards – especially the cheese one packed with local choices courtest of The Crafty Cheese Man.
Proof Bar & Kitchen, 30 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PH
A vibrant and buzzing West Indian & Caribbean eatery on Barlow Moor Road, The Drop Bar Cafe serves up an expansive menu of classics, from their world-famous six-stage Jerk Chicken, to Curried Goat, Ackee & Saltfish and some banging sides. Their Fried Plantain are a must with any meal, and they’ve recently introduced ‘Hench Boxes’ which are perfect for sharing between two. Finally, they’ve got a fully licensed bar here, with some excellent rum cocktails.
The Drop Bar Cafe, 356 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
Home of seriously Instagram-friendly North American comfort food, Brewski serves up American brunch, poutine, burritos, burgers, mac and cheese and loads more, plus they’re pretty famous for their outrageously massive sharing platters. Their most recent ‘OG Mate Date’ Platter comes with 2x classic cheeseburgers, 1x Philly cheesesteak burrito, 1x BBQ jerk fried chicken burrito, poutine and Buffalo chicken tenders. As I said, they’re massive.
Brewski Bar, 537-539 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0UE
Barlow Moor Road’s Mexican ‘Little House’ started life as a little food stall at markets and events and quickly became a “small corner of Mexico in the local community.” There’s everything you’d expect from a Mexican restaurant on the menu, from Chimichangas to Quesadillas, Fajitas, Burritos, Tacos and more, plus a selection of more authentic and perhaps unusual dishes, including Elotes (sweetcorn topped with cheese and spice), Aztec Soup and Empanadas – South American pies stuffed with tasty, spicy fillings.
La Casita, 372 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
A fantastic curry house on Wilbraham Road, Chapati Cafe champions the famous ‘rice and three’ that you’d find in the Northern Quarter – and they’ve become a firm favourite in Chorlton because of it. Fresh and packed full of flavour, dishes are influenced by the Gujarat region famous for their light and invigorating ‘homestyle’ curries. The curries will be rotated each day, allowing visitors to the café to try a myriad of flavours, layered with aromatic depth, expertly prepared using the freshest and finest produce.
Chapati Cafe, 496B Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AS
Fried chicken with an Asian twist, Peck & Yard is unlike any chicken shop you’ll find elsewhere in Cholrton or even the rest of Manchester for that matter. Although they excel with their takeaway and delivery, Peck & Yard in Chorlton is also a sit-in restaurant, where you can grab a pew and tuck into their unique offerings, from Fried Chicken topped with a selection of Asian-style sauces, to stacked burgers, bao buns and Korean loaded fries.
Peck & Yard, 55 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PW
Bringing a unique mix of oriental dining to the heart of Chorlton, Yakisoba – which translates to ‘frying noodles’ in Japanese – serves a menu steeped in traditional Far Eastern flavours. It’s got something for everyone, from bento boxes with a bit of everything to steamed dumplings, stir fries and authentic curries – and a great list of booze, too!
Yakisoba, 360 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AZ
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