You can't say the restaurant scene in Greater Manchester isn't varied.
Whether you're into hearty British food or authentic Spanish flavours, there's a reason why our city is often regarded as one of the most exciting places to eat.
The prestigious Michelin Guide rounds up the globe's very best restaurants, and 18 in our region have made their way into the current listings.
READ MORE: Greater Manchester's best vegan and vegetarian restaurants
The guide covers those granted worthy enough to own a Michelin star (or three), as well as those with a Bib Gourmand which recognises good quality and good value restaurants.
There's also a green star for sustainable restaurants, with Stockport's Where The Light Gets In first earning the achievement in 2020's Michelin Guide ceremony.
The newest addition to this year's guide is the Mediterranean-inspired Habas in the city centre, which has received knockout reviews since opening last year.
Michelin adds new restaurants to their recommendations each month, but these are the twenty that remain the best of the best in Greater Manchester as we start 2022.
Here are all the Greater Manchester restaurants who are included in the Michelin guide.
El Gato Negro, city centre
What the Michelin Guide says: "The buzzy ‘Black Cat’ sits in a pedestrianised street. The ground floor houses a bar, the first floor plays host to an industrial-style dining room and the top floor is home to a private events space with a retractable roof.
"Appealing tapas dishes include meats from the Josper grill."
What we say: Simon Shaw's King Street restaurant has been winning awards and topping best restaurant lists ever since it opened, and for good reason.
When we reviewed it in 2016, we said: "Put simply, El Gato Negro is bloody brilliant. It has that understated, easy going charm that is hard to capture and easy to get wrong if you try to force it.
"By putting the food at the centre of everything, the rest of it - location, rooftop bar, open kitchen, all of that - orbits around it quite nicely. If it can keep up the early work - the casual brilliance that belies the blood, sweat and tears powering El Gato behind the scenes - it has to be considered one of Manchester's best restaurants. Yes, it is that good.
"This time, the stars have aligned on King Street. And El Gato Negro shines more brightly than most."
Where the Light Gets In, Stockport
What the Michelin Guide says: "This large, loft-style restaurant is located on the top floor of a Victorian coffee warehouse and its open kitchen forms part of the room. The surprise menu is formed from whatever they have foraged that day and beasts are brought in whole and fully utilised. Matching wine flights focus on natural wines."
What we say: It's hard to have this much fun at dinner - Sam Buckley and his team of chefs are engaging and each one proudly presents the dish from their own station.
With a menu that changes daily, you never know what you're going to get, but you can guarantee a spectacular evening.
In our 2016 review, we said: "Whether it’s a bull’s testicle entrée or biting the head off a fish before you’re at the table – the message here is clear: you’re in Sam’s world now, go with it. It’s uncompromising, exciting, in some places challenging, and all inspiring."
Tast, city centre
What the Michelin Guide says: "Tast is housed on the first two floors of this three-storey operation; ask for a seat on the lower level to watch the chefs behind the counter. Uncomplicated Catalan dishes are executed to a high level and are tasty and satisfying. A set menu is served in top floor Enxaneta Tast."
What we say: When we visited Tast back in 2019, we were incredibly pleased with their 'confident service' and 'good quality linen'. A must at any fine establishment, we're sure you'll agree.
Our review states : "Go to Tast for a playfully inventive menu, carefully executed, and a relaxed, classy environment. Back of the net for me."
Erst, Ancoats
What the Michelin Guide says: "A modern, industrial-style wine bar run by a group of friends, laid-back Erst offers something refreshingly different in the city.
"It specialises in natural, low-intervention wines – many of which you can buy to take home – accompanied by a selection of flavoursome small plates."
What we say: This is one of our favourite restaurants in Greater Manchester and we even went as far as to name Erst as the best meal we ate in 2019.
"With December rain pelting the windows and the small restaurant murmuring with laid-back chatter and the sound of meat sizzling on the grill, the feedback is unanimous.
"Erst is a restaurant our city should be very, very proud of."
Mana, Ancoats
What the Michelin Guide says: "There is so much to love about Mana, not least of which is the service; the team create a relaxed atmosphere, while at the same time letting you know that this is a place that’s serious about its food.
Chef Simon Martin has spent years garnering experience and ideas from restaurants around the world and now brings this knowledge to Manchester. The room is modern, with an impressively high ceiling and immaculately laid tables set with bespoke earthenware and china.
"The smartly fitted open-kitchen is a reflection of Simon’s clear, unadulterated vision; here the chefs create exciting modern dishes with Nordic influences. These are packed with originality and, while at first they might appear simple, are complex in their delivery. The menu is a 12-16 course surprise which unfolds throughout the evening and is perfectly paced."
What we say: When we reviewed Mana just weeks after its opening, we found 'a remarkably assured operation' with a 'clear, strong, and exciting' vision.
Mana is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience and a real bucket list visit for fine-dining Mancunians.
Adam Reid at The French, city centre
What the Michelin Guide says: "An intimate hotel restaurant created in the Belle Époque age and brought up-to-date with a moody colour scheme, striking chandeliers and booths down the centre of the room.
"Boldly flavoured modern dishes focus on one main ingredient and the chefs present and explain the dishes themselves. Desserts are playful."
What we say: From our 2017 review, we wrote: "It's more relaxed, more...fun. A lunch time hangout as well as a fine dining destination. There’s a confidence about it that should be catching the attention of any passing inspectors.
"There’s a quiet determination about Reid, but on this showing, one of Manchester’s finest chefs is grabbing his chance to be in the spotlight with both hands."
OSMA, Prestwich
What the Michelin Guide says: "Located in the city’s northern suburbs, OSMA is a nod to the owners’ birthplaces – Oslo and Manchester.
"Breakfast, salads and open sandwiches are replaced in the evening by tempting small plates. The stylish room comes with an open kitchen, a communal island table and smart curved banquettes."
Bull & Bear, city centre
What the Michelin Guide says: "Start with a cocktail in the bar beside the marble fireplace, then head through to the ‘bear pit’ – the elegant former trading room of the Manchester Stock Exchange – with its marble pillars and wonderful domed ceiling. The menu offers an appealing mix of British brasserie classics."
What we say: The arrival of Tom Kerridge to Manchester was all anyone could talk about, but we also struggled to stop talking about those giant TVs he erected all over the restaurant.
Our review said : "The food here is great, but there's room for improvement, and a clearer focus is needed - does anyone want to drop £80+ on a lunch for two and then spend the whole time watching telly?"
Canto, Ancoats
What the Michelin Guide says: "Grab a seat at the counter to watch the chef’s hard at work preparing a mix of vibrant Spanish and Portuguese small plates. The fish dishes are the best, along with the delicious Portuguese custard tarts. The room has a fun, industrial feel and is decorated with traditional blue tiles."
What we say: We loved El Gato Negro's new Portuguese sibling, especially the decor inside and the 'prego' steak sandwich. We wrote: "El Gato Negro is a tough act to follow, but Canto looks set to corner the neighbourhood market nicely."
63 Degrees, Northern Quarter
What the Michelin Guide says: "The bustling Northern Quarter is home to this family-run restaurant. The experienced owner-chef hails from France and his classic dishes are cooked with pride and passion using both local and imported French produce. The set lunch represents good value."
What we say: It's been a while since we visited 63 Degrees for a review, but back in 2016 we said : "I would eat there all the time... if I could afford it."
Perfect Match, Sale
What the Michelin Guide says: "At this simple, honest little bistro you’ll find Jacinda in the kitchen creating tasty, well-crafted dishes from across Europe, while Andrea picks out the perfect match for each dish from the wine list. Andrea’s family make Prosecco back in Italy and some of their wines are here to try."
White Hart Inn, Oldham
What the Michelin Guide says: " Never one to stand still, this 18C stone pub on the moor is constantly evolving. It’s a busy place but the staff have it all under control and there are comfy bedrooms for those wishing to stay. Dining takes place in a large rear room; the appealing menu has a British heart and global influences."
What we say: From a Sunday roast review in 2019, we said: "For a special occasion meal with finesse but no fuss, The White Hart is up there with the best restaurants in Greater Manchester."
Borage, Bowdon
What the Michelin Guide says: "British and Polish flavours combine at this friendly neighbourhood restaurant located in a pleasant village. Well-presented, colourful modern dishes reflect the seasons and are full of flavour.
"The homemade breads are a highlight, as is the chocolate mousse."
Habas, city centre
What the Michelin Guide says: "From the same owners as Canto and El Gato Negro comes Habas, which occupies the old wine cellars of the magnificent former Manchester Club building.
"Small sharing plates are guided by the Middle East, with a few hints of the Mediterranean. The eye-catching décor has a rustic, slightly retro style."
Levanter, Ramsbottom
What the Michelin Guide says: "Joe has a passion for all things Spanish – he’s even a trained flamenco guitarist – so, unsurprisingly, his sweet little tapas bar has an authentic feel.
"The menu is dictated by market produce; be sure to try some of the freshly sliced Iberico ham. He also owns the nearby Basque-style Baratxuri pintxo bar."
Allotment, city centre
What the Michelin Guide says: "A basement in the heart of the city plays host to this spacious modern restaurant with a rustic bar and a dining room adorned with monochrome photographs.
"Flavour-packed vegan dishes take on a modern approach and are prepared with skill and care; the cauliflower 3 ways is very tasty."
Bird at Birtle, Rochdale
What the Michelin Guide says: "A very popular restaurant in a modernised pub. Start with a cocktail on a comfy sofa or out on the terrace then head upstairs to the stylish dining room with its balcony and fell views. Classic dishes are given a modern touch."
What we say: "The service is friendly, the atmosphere is warm and the kitchen team can cook with delicacy and precision, while also serving up proper good plates of northern pub food.
"'Simple food, cooked really well'? Mission accomplished."
20 Stories, Spinningfields
What the Michelin Guide says: "On the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, beside the Opera House theatre, is this huge design-led restaurant.
"A central cocktail bar divides the room and there’s a large glass-fronted roof terrace with super views. Modern British menus offer everything from refined dishes to homely classics."
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