Fear not if you’re a cash-strapped student or simply determined to embrace a lavish lifestyle despite limited resources. Indulging in dining out experiences doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Luckily, our vibrant city boasts a plethora of pocket-friendly dining options that cater to all culinary enthusiasts. Whether you crave a budget-friendly breakfast, endless pizza slices, or seek out regular meal deals, Manchester offers a range of affordable restaurants that will satisfy your appetite without breaking the bank.

Benefits of Eating Cheap in Manchester

Eating cheap in Manchester has a lot of benefits, including saving money and exploring the city’s diverse food scene. Manchester is known for its multiculturalism, which is reflected in the food available throughout the city. Eating cheap also means you can try more dishes without breaking the bank. You might even discover a new favorite restaurant that you wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Plus, you’ll be able to stretch your budget further and have more money to spend on other activities in the city.

Manchester’s Food Scene

Manchester’s food scene is diverse and constantly evolving. There are countless options for cheap eats, from cafes and lunch spots to street food markets and hidden gems. The city is known for its traditional British dishes, such as fish and chips and pie. Still, it’s also home to a variety of international cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern. Manchester has also become a hub for vegan and vegetarian food, with many restaurants offering plant-based options. No matter what your taste buds are craving, you’re sure to find something delicious and affordable in Manchester.

21 Affordable Places to Eat in Manchester

Mowgli Corn Exchange

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manchester, Mowgli presents an authentic Indian culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds without compromising your budget. Unafraid to unleash a symphony of spices, Mowgli delights in offering affordable delights. Among their cherished offerings, the tiffin boxes reign supreme, granting you a delectable journey through four tiers of chef-selected specials. With the option of rice or bread included, these delightful tiffin boxes are priced at a mere £14 or £16, proving that exceptional Indian flavors need not come at an exorbitant cost.

•  Central Manchester ⋅ City Centre
•  Restaurant Bar ⋅ Restaurant

Honest Burgers Manchester

Honest Burgers stands out not only for its impeccably cooked burgers and an enticing array of refreshing beverages but also for its esteemed reputation among the affordable dining establishments in the heart of Manchester. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or a vegan, this restaurant caters to all palates with a diverse menu. Additionally, for those sun-kissed occasions, Honest Burgers offers a breathtaking rooftop space, providing a perfect setting to savor your meal on warmer days.

•  City Centre ⋅ Spinningfields
•  Restaurant Bar ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Rooftop Bar

Slug And Lettuce Spinningfields

Beyond its reputation as the go-to destination for 2-for-1 cocktails, Slug and Lettuce establishments in Spinningfields, Didsbury, Deansgate, Albert Square, and Piccadilly excel at satiating your appetite without straining your finances. So, whether you crave a bottomless brunch experience, a hearty breakfast to start your day, or a juicy burger to satisfy your hunger, Slug and Lettuce has got you covered. With a diverse menu, they ensure that all your mealtime desires are met, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience that won’t weigh heavily on your wallet.

•  Spinningfields ⋅ City Centre
•  Lounge Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Walkabout Manchester Printworks

When it comes to finding affordable dining options in the heart of Manchester city center, Walkabout is your go-to destination, especially if you’re looking to catch the game. This lively establishment not only offers a wide selection of the finest beers and gins but also presents a delectable menu featuring wings, burgers, and sharable dishes. Whether you’re craving a refreshing beverage to accompany your meal or seeking a satisfying food experience, Walkabout delivers on both fronts. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, it’s a place where making the right choice is nearly impossible to miss.

•  Northern Quarter ⋅ The Printworks
•  Pub ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Sports Bar

Yates Manchester

Nestled in a prime location between Chinatown and the vibrant Gay Village, Yates Manchester offers an enticing combination of pub grub and an extensive selection of beverages, all at incredibly affordable prices. So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, you can indulge in satisfying full English or tantalizing breakfast wraps. The main menu is equally impressive, featuring a variety of delectable options such as Thai red curry, katsu curry chicken with chips, and an array of mouthwatering pies. At Yates Manchester, you can enjoy a culinary experience that perfectly blends convenience, taste, and affordability in a lively setting.

•  City Centre ⋅ Piccadilly
•  Pub ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Sports Bar

Footage, Manchester

Amidst the plethora of affordable establishments near Oxford Road, Footage emerges as a standout destination, boasting not only its distinctive and whimsical interiors but also offering an irresistible combination of low-priced cocktail pitchers and an array of tantalizing cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for an all-day brunch that satisfies every craving, indulgent loaded burgers, or delectable hot dogs, Footage has an extensive menu that is sure to please a diverse range of tastes. With a delightful assortment of crowd-pleasers to choose from, this unique venue ensures a memorable dining experience that won’t strain your budget.

•  City Centre ⋅ Oxford Road
•  Pub ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Sports Bar

The Lawn Club

Every Wednesday, The Lawn Club offers an irresistible deal that allows you to indulge in unlimited wings for just £10 per person, available throughout the entire day. Whether you have an insatiable love for wings or you’re up for a friendly all-you-can-eat challenge with your friends, this is the ultimate destination. In addition to the mouthwatering wings, The Lawn Club also serves up delicious pizzas and a selection of seasonal drinks, ensuring that your taste buds will be thoroughly satisfied. Head over to The Lawn Club and experience a feast that combines unbeatable value, delectable flavors, and a lively atmosphere.

•  Spinningfields ⋅ City Centre
•  Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Event Space

Turing Tap Manchester

Regarded as one of Manchester’s finest dining establishments for students, Turing Tap offers an ideal haven for budget-conscious individuals. With a diverse menu featuring an array of small plates, sharable dishes, as well as satisfying pizzas, burgers, and hearty pub mains, this pocket-friendly watering hole caters to all culinary desires. So, whether you’re in the mood for a casual gathering with friends or simply seeking a place to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank, Turing Tap excels in providing a satisfying dining experience that keeps a close eye on your pennies.

•  Oxford Road
•  Pub ⋅ Sports Bar

YO! Manchester Arndale

Eating Sushi on a budget? Let’s delve into that discussion. At YO! Manchester Arndale, prepare to be amazed. With an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan options alongside delightful, premium seafood choices, this place has got you covered. And if that’s not enough, their katsu curry and alternative main course dishes are here to tantalize your taste buds when you’re seeking something different from the ordinary menu fare.

•  Central Manchester ⋅ City Centre
•  Restaurant Bar

Lime Restaurant And Bar

Situated at the heart of Salford Quays, Lime Restaurant, and Bar stands out as a remarkable establishment, catering to all your casual dining needs throughout the day. From delectable snacks to satisfying lunchtime delicacies, indulgent dinner feasts, and delightful pre-theatre offerings, this restaurant has you covered for any and every craving that may arise.

•  Salford Quays ⋅ MediaCityUK
•  Restaurant Bar ⋅ Sports Bar

El Capo

At El Capo, the meeting point of vibrant Mexican street food and invigorating cocktails, you’ll discover a fantastic choice for budget-friendly dining in Manchester’s lively Northern Quarter. Indulge in an array of options, including tantalizing small plates, mouthwatering burgers, flavorful tacos, hearty burritos, crispy nachos, and succulent wings to satiate your craving for affordable and spicy delights. Meanwhile, their signature creations, each priced at a modest £7, will leave you thoroughly refreshed and captivated.

•  Northern Quarter ⋅ City Centre
•  Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Themed Bar

Northern Soul

Believe you’re well-acquainted with cheese toasties? Prepare to have your taste buds astounded as you sink your teeth into the sensational creations at Northern Soul. These delectable sandwiches take classic comfort food to new heights, featuring layers of bacon and tantalizing pickles that will leave you craving more. Conveniently situated near The Arndale, Northern Soul stands as one of Manchester’s finest casual dining establishments, providing the ideal spot for satisfying your cravings with quick and affordable eats.

•  Northern Quarter
•  Restaurant Bar

Rudy’s Peter Street

Prepare your taste buds for a pizza experience like no other at Rudy’s Peter Street, where perfectly cooked pies await you at an exceptionally reasonable price. Get ready to indulge in slices adorned with delectable toppings such as succulent roast porchetta, fragrant sage potatoes, tantalizing smoked mozzarella, and irresistibly caramelized onions, among others. This affordable gem offers an array of flavors that will leave you satisfied, all while keeping your wallet happy, as each delightful creation is priced under £12. So, get ready to savor the taste sensation that awaits you at Rudy’s Peter Street.

•  Albert Square
•  Restaurant Bar

Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn

Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn place beckons with an enticing array of Tex-Mex delights that won’t break the bank. Indulge in a variety of wallet-friendly options, ranging from scrumptious £5 tostadas and tantalizing cauli wings to generously filled burritos and overflowing tacos, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience without straining your finances. And to complement your meal, quench your thirst with their refreshing margaritas that perfectly accompany the flavors of the cuisine. At Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn, you can relish in the taste of Tex-Mex excellence while keeping your budget intact.

•  Northern Quarter
•  Restaurant Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar

Sandbar

Sandbar, a beloved destination for affordable and sustainable cuisine, breaks the stereotype that vegan food is always costly. Instead, this renowned establishment goes above and beyond, crafting delightful and wallet-friendly dishes. With their commitment to sustainability, Sandbar presents a diverse menu boasting approximately 20 delectable choices, all priced at a maximum of £15 for their mouthwatering 14-inch pizzas.

•  Oxford Road
•  Pub

Bundobust

Nestled in the heart of Manchester city center, Bundobust stands out as an exceptional eatery specializing in vegetarian and primarily gluten-free cuisine. Offering an affordable and laid-back dining experience, this restaurant is the perfect choice for budget-conscious food enthusiasts. Indulge in a delightful array of culinary delights, such as the tempting bhaji butty, the flavorful vada pav veggie burger, and the scrumptious Raghda this mushy pea cakes, all priced at a mere £6. To complement your meal, Bundobust also boasts an extensive selection of cocktails that will add a delightful finishing touch to your dining experience.

•  Northern Quarter

Crazy Pedro’s Pizza Parlour

Although Manchester boasts numerous affordable and trendy dining spots, Crazy Pedro’s stands out as a beloved establishment in the city. It’s irresistible offering of £10 pizzas and two cocktails for a mere tenner during the happy hours from Friday to Sunday ensures a fantastic dining experience without breaking the bank. Moreover, with an abundance of pocket-friendly options, Crazy Pedro’s has secured its place as one of Manchester’s cherished culinary destinations.

•  Deansgate
•  Restaurant Bar

Shoryu Ramen

Indulge in a delectable feast of fluffy buns, crispy tempura, sashimi, yakitori, and an array of other tantalizing dishes at Shoryu. This exceptional restaurant in the heart of Manchester city center offers a range of enticing deals, catering to various preferences. So, whether you’re an NHS worker or a student, you can enjoy exclusive discounts that make dining at Shoryu even more enticing. Moreover, Mondays are extra special, with a fantastic offer of two-for-one buns, solidifying Shoryu’s position as a prime choice among the city’s affordable dining options.

•  Central Manchester
•  Restaurant Bar

Trof Northern Quarter

Trof, situated in the vibrant Northern Quarter, stands out as an extraordinary destination offering an exceptional culinary experience with its distinctive blend of locally procured, fresh ingredients. Embellishing the menu are delectable, nourishing brunch options, hearty roast dinners, and an array of timeless pub favorites. An enticing aspect of Trof lies in its commitment to affordability, ensuring that no dish surpasses the £20 threshold, making it an ideal haven for those seeking high-quality fare without breaking the bank.

•  Northern Quarter
•  Party Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Elnecot

Experience the epitome of culinary charm at Manchester’s beloved budget-friendly dining establishments, where Chef-Owner Michael Clay orchestrates an irresistible symphony of small plates within an ambiance characterized by its minimalist yet inviting design. Embrace the allure of these date-night gems, where affordable indulgence takes center stage. Alternatively, for those seeking a family-friendly outing, Elnecot warmly welcomes both loved ones and four-legged companions, ensuring that every member of the household can partake in the delightful experience.

•  Ancoats
•  Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

THE BUTCHER

Unveiling an exceptional culinary experience that celebrates affordability without compromising on flavor, THE BUTCHER emerges as an illustrious brand renowned for its exceptional presence in acclaimed cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, and Ibiza. Delighting discerning palates, their menu showcases a medley of breakfast burgers inspired by the timeless eggs benedict, succulent beef infused with delicate truffle notes, and traditional cheese-topped patties that evoke nostalgic satisfaction. Situated within the dynamic Urban Playground, this distinctive location stands as an unrivaled destination to satisfy your gastronomic desires.

• City Centre
• Restaurant Bar

Read also:

• Top 7 expensive food in the world: Taco for $25,000
• 7 DISHES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO TRY AT HOME
• Top 11 romantic Restaurants in Manchester
• Top 11 Most Expensive Michelin-starred Restaurants in London
• Beyond Ordinary: 9 Most Expensive Fruits and Vegetables
• Exploring Ghent’s Culinary Scene: Top 6 Local Delicacies to Try
• Eat Like a Local: 5 Best Budget Restaurants in Ireland