Manchester is a lively city with a rich history and lots to see and do. It’s also home to many great cafes where you can relax, meet friends, or get some work done. Here are some of the best cafes in Manchester that you should check out. Pot Kettle Black is a popular cafe located in the beautiful Barton Arcade. It has a relaxed vibe and serves fantastic coffee and delicious cakes. It’s a great place to unwind. Listing some of the places to visit in London as well. Foundation Coffee House is modern and spacious cafe with lots of natural light. It’s perfect for working on your laptop or catching up with friends. They offer excellent coffee and a variety of healthy snacks and meals. If you’re looking for a cozy and welcoming spot, visit Nexus Art Cafe. This hidden gem also doubles as an art space, showcasing local artwork. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in some culture. Ziferblat is a unique cafe where you pay for your time, not drinks or food. It’s a comfortable and quirky space, perfect for reading, working, or playing board games with friends.Evelyn’s Cafe Bar offers a trendy, plant-filled environment with a great menu. They serve delicious coffee, fresh juices, and a range of tasty dishes, making it a perfect spot for brunch. Lastly, Koffee Pot is a Manchester institution known for its hearty breakfasts and friendly service. It’s the place to go for a traditional English breakfast or a comforting cup of tea.
Manchester’s cafes are as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Each one offers a unique experience, making finding the perfect spot to enjoy your coffee and unwind easy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these cafes are worth exploring with our Europe Tour Packages!
16 Best Cafes in Manchester
- Ezra and Gill Peter Street
- Fig + Sparrow
- Federal Cafe
- Blank street Coffee
- Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
- Foundation Coffee house
- Bold street coffee
- Moose Coffee
- TAKK coffee house
- Black sheep Coffee
- All the shapes
- Lupo
- Grindsmith
- Mackie Mayor
- Trove
- Koffee Pot
1. Ezra and Gill Peter Street
This dream of a café in the Northern Quarter is perfect for anyone who has ever freelanced or needed a place to plug in and crack on. It’s open all day, so if you want a light pastry and a strong coffee early on or if you’re looking for a vegan lunch or a pasta bowl, you’re covered. Ezra and Gil’s has a menu for kids, too, and it’s an easy venue to spend far too much time in. It is among the best cafes in Manchester. Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in London
2. Fig + Sparrow
Standing proud along Oldham Street, Fig and Sparrow is decked out in pretty fairy lights and has kept locals going since 2013. This neighborhood gem, and one of the best cafes in Manchester city center, also promises an enviable selection of authentic teas including Jade Monkey. They even have an exclusive blend by Grindsmith Coffee Roasters. If the weather is nice, check out their nifty outdoor terrace and mint-colored chairs, ideal for watching the world go by.
3. Federal Cafe
Another walk-in spot only is Federal Cafe, bagging prime positions in the Northern Quarter, Oxford Road, Deansgate, and Altrincham Market. You might have spotted these Antipodean-inspired hangouts on TikTok or by the lines of people around the block, eager to secure a place. It’s been named in the world’s top ten independent cafes list. The divine shakshuka has returned to the menu alongside corn cakes, bacon, and beetroot lattes. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
4. Blank Street Coffee
With fans including Molly-Mae no less, everyone went crazy over the Blank Street Coffee Manchester menu when the Piccadilly Gardens hub opened towards the end of last year, its first in the city. Hailing from Brooklyn, this stylish sage green emporium has its own bespoke cold brew collections and zingy one-offs like the strawberry cream fusion.
5. Cocoa Cabana Ancoats
They are one of the best cafes in Manchester with their experimental chocolates but the coffee is bang on, especially the Matcha blends and pumpkin spiced lattes. The decor is bright, airy, and ideal for enjoying some homemade brownies with a flat. It is among the best cafes in Manchester. Suggested Read: Day trips in London
6. Foundation Coffee House
Bright white tiles, exposed brickwork, statement globe lighting, and towering, foliage. Foundation Coffee Shop Manchester is a must for those who have espresso running through their veins. The new Redonda blend brings together notes of cherry, praline, and brown sugar, served without milk to appreciate the flavor. You can even hire the whole place for photoshoots, meetings, weddings, and pop-ups. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
7. Bold Street Coffee
In 2021, Bold Street Coffee made its way to Cross Street Manchester, having taken Liverpool by storm with graffiti-covered walls, inspiring community spirit, and, not forgetting, delicious coffee. Fill up on a full English before hitting the shops, or speed up your dreary daily tasks with a mug of silky good stuff from Papa New Guinea.
8. Moose Coffee
No rundown is complete without a mention of Manchester Moose Coffee, spanning across Liverpool and Leeds too. These caffeine captains draw inspiration from the great American and Canadian breakfast culture, with desired items including creamy scrambled eggs mixed with pesto and cured ham. The standard is high here, with frothy cappuccinos proving especially popular. The astronaut artwork is seriously epic too, you can even buy posters and tea towels to take home.Suggested Read: Festivals and events in London
9. Takk Coffee House
Takk is a love letter to Scandi coffee houses, and it’s been serving up hygge vibes to savvy Mancunians for years. It now has three outlets across the city, but we still love its Northern Quarter branch the most. It serves guest coffees from Europe and beyond the house brew is a single origin from Finca Miravalle in El Salvador. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
10. Black Sheep Coffee
You’ll find Black Sheep Coffee all over the world, from the UK to France and even as far as the Philippines. Although large in number, they don’t scrimp on quality and have incredible initiatives to combat homelessness. They’ve won awards for that. Alongside smoothies and shakes, these roasting legends whip up signature ‘black hoof’ using specialty-grade robusta beans.
11. All The Shapes
Prestwich may not rival Ancoats when it comes to food and drink, but there’s a lovely bunch of indie joints that are well worth the 20-minute tram from the city center. Our favorite is All the Shapes, a casual bar-restaurant-café serving up fun, family-friendly vibes. Its specialty coffee is best enjoyed with a wedge of cake on the pretty, sun-soaked terrace.
12. Lupo
Lupo Caffè Italiano is among the best cafes in Manchester, known for its authentic Italian vibe. It’s a bit hidden away, making it a cozy and special find. The owner, Nico, is from Italy and brings a genuine Italian touch to everything. The coffee is excellent, made with care, and served with a smile. They offer a variety of delicious pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, all freshly made.One of the highlights at Lupo is their amazing cannoli, a traditional Italian pastry that’s hard to find done right. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like you’re in a small cafe in Italy. Lupo is a great spot for a quiet coffee break or a light lunch. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Manchester, Lupo Caffè Italiano is worth a visit for a taste of Italy. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
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13. Grindsmith
While Salford’s Grindsmith is an easy one to miss, excellent coffee and chilled-out surroundings ensure that many who do find it make a note to come back. Funded by a Kickstarter campaign back in 2013 by mobile coffee heavyweights Peter Gibson and Luke Tomlinson, the eco-friendly wood-clad pod does at first look like a laboratory, with multiple coffee siphons emitting wonderful aromas.
14. Mackie Mayor
Two floors of Grade II-listed Victorian finery, including a stunning glass ceiling, make up Mackie Mayor named after Ivie Mackie, a local alderman who opened the venue in 1858 as a meat market. It’s a food and drink market in the Northern Quarter. And many come for the great food and drink offering but Wolfhouse Coffee offers some of the best java around. Dive into a range of espresso-based beverages and fancy pour-overs. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
15. Trove
Trove is a beloved cafe in Levenshulme, Manchester, cherished for its artisanal bread and delicious food. It started as a humble bakery but quickly expanded into a full-fledged cafe due to its popularity. The cafe exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with its rustic decor and communal seating.Their menu features a delightful selection of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes, all made with locally sourced ingredients and a lot of love. From hearty sandwiches to flavorful salads, Trove offers something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
Aside from their mouthwatering food, Trove also takes pride in their excellent coffee, brewed to perfection by skilled baristas. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast on the go or settling in for a leisurely brunch, Trove provides a cozy and satisfying dining experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
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16. Koffee Pot
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Koffee Pot is an iconic Manchester cafe, renowned for its hearty breakfasts and laid-back vibe. Situated in the vibrant Northern Quarter, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors. The cafe boasts a retro, diner-style decor with cozy booths and vintage furnishings, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.Their menu features classic English breakfast dishes, including the famous “Full Manc” breakfast, as well as a variety of other comforting options like pancakes and omelets. Vegetarian and vegan choices are also available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
In addition to their delicious food, Koffee Pot serves up a mean cup of coffee, perfect for kickstarting your day or enjoying one of their indulgent desserts. The friendly staff and relaxed ambiance make it an ideal spot to unwind and refuel after exploring the bustling streets of Manchester. With its affordable prices and generous portions, Koffee Pot is a must-visit destination for breakfast lovers in the city. It is among the best cafes in Manchester.
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