Best Lunch Restaurants in Manchester

Lunch for 2 on the seasonal £40 sharing menu in the Saturday before Christmas. I’d heard and read so many good things about Higher Ground but not managed to get here until now, all of which were entirely justified. The interior (my bag) is cool, stylish and well laid out, tables not too close to each other. A really friendly welcome when we walked in, genuine and warm. Superlative staff, informed, enthusiastic without being over attentive, and knowledgable. Wonderful food, a smashing selection of dishes from the full menu. Pea fritters, British crab, incrediblly tasty cured meat, golden beets, warm freshly baked bread & whipped butter, succulent leeks - all excellent. Then a sharing main of Dexter beef on a delicate but hearty mushroom spelt porridge and a bowl of mash homegrown on the HG farm in Cheshire. I’ll be attempting to recreate smoked butter at home but doubtless will fail to make it this delicious. For the quality of food, attention to detail, quality of service, this was £40 per head very well spent. Wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

The rib-eye was absolutely perfect, succulent and cooked to perfection! All four sides were delicious, we highly recommend the turnsworth mash, beef dripping fries, creamy spinach and mac&cheese. The wine was rich and the sticky toffee pudding was the cherry on top. The service was great, our host checked up on us regularly and made sure we had everything we needed. You never have to wonder how to call over for some help! The restaurant is beautiful and feels old and rustic however the noise levels were way too high, the acoustics need to be looked into as I found myself almost having to yell across the table. Some light jazz music would also be nice!

This was the most amazing food in a perfect venue. They really have transformed this building into the most amazing restaurant. The service is some of the best we’ve ever experienced. We had some brilliant recommendations on food and wine and I can’t thank the team enough for a wonderful evening.

Stunning food in a gorgeous venue. The beef and black truffle was out of this world. Lovely service and perfect for a Christmas lunch after Christmas shopping.

A great lunch for 6 of us at a capacious table near the kitchen area (as requested). The menu is extensive, plus there was a festive option. Service was prompt and courteous. One of our go-to places when meeting in Manchester. Sometimes we meet there just for cocktails or out door coffee in the summer