As someone who’s always hunting for good food on a budget, Manchester’s dining scene is like a treasure chest. From cosy cafes to buzzing street food spots, this city has so much to offer! Whether you’re a student, a visitor, or simply looking for a delicious yet affordable meal, here are my picks for the best affordable restaurants in Manchester. Each place is highly rated by foodies, and trust me, these places are sure to make your taste buds happy!
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Bundobust
Image Source: Official Website of Bundobust
If you’re a fan of Indian street food, Bundobust is a must-visit! Located in Piccadilly, this vibrant spot serves up vegetarian Indian street food with a twist. Their famous dishes include the Vada Pav, Bhel Puri, and Masala Dosa. Pair them with one of their craft beers for a match made in heaven. It’s great for groups, too, so grab your friends and go explore!
| Ambience | Lively, casual, and vibrant with a bustling, modern street-food vibe. Great for groups and casual meet-ups. |
| Costliness | Super budget-friendly; perfect for sharing plates without breaking the bank. |
| Top Dishes | Vada Pav, Bhel Puri, Masala Dosa |
Also Read: Looking for the best areas to live in Manchester? Check out this blog for more details.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
Image Source: Official Website of Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
Pizza lovers, rejoice! Rudy’s is one of the best affordable restaurants in Manchester, and it’s surprisingly affordable. Known for its light, airy dough and classic Italian toppings, Rudy’s has nailed the art of Neapolitan pizza. You’ll find it in Ancoats and Peter Street, with pies like Margherita and Calabrese for under GBP 10. My tip? Get there early – it’s popular!
| Ambience | Cosy, laid-back, and authentic pizzeria feel. Ideal for casual date nights or dining with friends. |
| Costliness | Very affordable, especially for the quality of authentic Italian pizza. |
| Top Dishes | Margherita, Calabrese |
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
Image Source: Official Website of Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
You’ll know you’re close to Northern Soul Grilled Cheese when you catch the smell of melted cheese. Located in the Northern Quarter, this place serves some of the best-grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve ever had. With creative options like the “Mac Attack” (a grilled cheese stuffed with mac and cheese), it’s a warm, cheesy delight you won’t want to miss. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese is one of the best affordable restaurants in Manchester. Later you can check out the nearby clubs in Manchester and experience the nightlife of the city.
| Ambience | Relaxed and retro with a friendly vibe. Great for a quick bite or comfort food fix. |
| Costliness | Easy on the wallet, and excellent value for comforting grilled cheese goodness. |
| Top Dishes | The Classic Grilled Cheese, Mac Attack Grilled Cheese |
The Hip Hop Chip Shop
Fish and chips with a side of hip-hop? Yes, please! The Hip Hop Chip Shop puts a funky spin on the traditional British dish. The vibe is unique, with hip-hop music and decor, and the food is equally impressive. Their crispy fish, chunky chips, and flavorful sides make it a solid choice for a quick, filling meal without breaking the bank.
| Ambience | Funky, hip-hop-inspired decor with a laid-back vibe. Great for a quick meal or a fun night out. |
| Costliness | Affordable for the portion sizes, with a great bang for your buck on British comfort food. |
| Top Dishes | Traditional Fish & Chips, Halloumi Fries |
Viet Shack
Image Source: Official Website of Viet Shack
If you’re craving Vietnamese, Viet Shack is where it’s at. This award-winning eatery in the Arndale Market serves up fresh, flavorful Vietnamese street food, from Banh Mi sandwiches to Pho and Vietnamese BBQ. The prices are wallet-friendly, and the portions are perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, the food is cooked fresh right in front of you!
| Ambience | Casual, street-food style with a lively market setting. Perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners. |
| Costliness | Extremely budget-friendly, ideal for a fresh and flavorful meal without overspending. |
| Top Dishes | Banh Mi Sandwich, Vietnamese BBQ, Pho |
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Another one of the best affordable restaurants in Manchester, Zouk is a vibrant spot offering Indian and Pakistani-inspired cuisine. From curries to grilled meats, the dishes here are aromatic and full of flavour. I recommend their Chicken Karahi and Lamb Chops, which are both favourites among regulars. The portions are generous, and the ambience is relaxed, making it a great spot for a casual night out.
| Ambience | Vibrant and inviting, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Great for groups and casual nights out. |
| Costliness | Very budget-friendly for the portion sizes, especially if you’re sharing. |
| Top Dishes | Chicken Karahi, Lamb Chops |
Also Read: Explore the outdoor adventures in Manchester and engage yourself in thrilling activities.
Almost Famous
For burger fans, Almost Famous is, well, famous! This place takes burgers to a whole new level with its creative toppings and massive portions. Located in the Northern Quarter, it’s an affordable way to satisfy your cravings. Try the “Famous Burger” or “Triple Nom,” packed with flavorful toppings. Just be prepared to get messy – it’s all part of the fun! Some of the coolest thrift stores in Manchester are also located in the neighbourhood and you can go shopping after a hearty meal.
| Ambience | Bold, colourful, and edgy, with neon lights and funky decor. Ideal for groups or casual nights. |
| Costliness | Surprisingly affordable for the quality and size of the burgers. |
| Top Dishes | Famous Burger, Triple Nom |
Evelyn’s Cafe Bar
Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, Evelyn’s Cafe Bar is a charming spot with a diverse, affordable menu. From brunch to dinner, they offer fresh dishes with a global twist. My personal favourites are the Kimchi Fried Rice and Salt & Pepper Squid. Plus, the interior is cosy, making it perfect for a relaxed meal or catching up with friends.
| Ambience | Charming and cosy, with a warm, bohemian vibe. Great for brunch or relaxed dinners. |
| Costliness | Reasonably priced for fresh, globally-inspired dishes; ideal for brunch on a budget. |
| Top Dishes | Kimchi Fried Rice, Salt & Pepper Squid |
Chilli Banana
Thai food fans, rejoice! Chilli Banana brings authentic Thai flavours to Manchester at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. This cosy restaurant serves classics like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Satay. The flavours are rich and bold, and the portion sizes are satisfying. Perfect for those days when you want a little spice in your life!
| Ambience | Cosy and inviting with a traditional Thai-inspired interior. Perfect for a relaxed night out. |
| Costliness | Pocket-friendly, especially for the quality of authentic Thai flavours. |
| Top Dishes | Pad Thai, Green Curry, Chicken Satay |
Also Read: Check out the cost of living in Manchester and make your study abroad plans easier.
Federal Cafe & Bar
Known for its amazing brunches, Federal Cafe & Bar is a little slice of New Zealand and Australia right here in Manchester. Located in the Northern Quarter, this cafe offers tasty breakfast and lunch options, like Smashed Avocado on Sourdough and Halloumi & Shakshuka. It’s a little pricier than some, but the quality and portion sizes make it worth it.
| Ambience | Bright and trendy, with a New Zealand and Australian vibe. Perfect for brunch dates and weekend breakfasts. |
| Costliness | Fairly budget-friendly, especially given the portion sizes and quality. |
| Top Dishes | Smashed Avocado on Sourdough, Halloumi & Shakshuka |
This & That
If you’re in the mood for a true hidden gem, head over to This & That in the Northern Quarter. This humble canteen serves Indian curries on a budget, and their “Rice & Three” combo (three curries and rice) is a favourite among locals. It’s hearty, delicious, and the closest thing you’ll get to a home-cooked meal for under GBP 7.
| Ambience | Humble and unpretentious, with a cafeteria-style setup. Great for quick, hearty meals. |
| Costliness | Exceptionally budget-friendly for hearty portions, perfect for anyone on a tight budget. |
| Top Dishes | Rice & Three (choose any 3 curries with rice) |
These 11 spots represent the best affordable eats in Manchester. Each offers something unique and delicious, proving that you don’t need to splurge to enjoy amazing food. So, next time you’re in the city, give one (or all!) of these places a try – your wallet and your taste buds will thank you!
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FAQs
Many restaurants on this list are great for students, but top picks include Bundobust for tasty vegetarian Indian street food, Northern Soul Grilled Cheese for comfort food, and This & That for budget-friendly curries.
Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza is known for its affordable and authentic Neapolitan pizzas, with options under GBP 10, making it a fantastic choice for a quality, budget-friendly pizza.
Federal Cafe & Bar and Evelyn’s Cafe Bar are both popular for brunch. They offer delicious, reasonably priced options that are perfect for brunch lovers.
Manchester offers affordable international cuisine at spots like Viet Shack for Vietnamese street food, Chilli Banana for Thai flavours, and Zouk Tea Bar & Grill for Indian and Pakistani dishes.
Yes! Bundobust specializes in vegetarian Indian street food, and Evelyn’s Cafe Bar has plenty of vegetarian options with fresh ingredients and global flavours.
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