The best affordable restaurants in Manchester

Rudy's Pizza Napoletana, originating in Manchester, has rapidly expanded into a widespread chain of pizzerias throughout the UK. Its success hinges on the freshly prepared dough, left to ferment for 24 hours and then cooked for a mere minute, resulting in a delicate, Neapolitan-style crust. The affordable pizzas come with authentic toppings, including frequently updated specials, all complemented by an array of cocktails, wines, and other beverages.

Lily's Indian Vegetarian Cuisine in Ashton-under-Lyne and its spin-off deli in Chorlton have been a beloved part of Manchester's dining scene for years. The family-run venues offer an array of affordable Indian street food, curries, and more, all completely vegetarian-friendly. The original restaurant is a pleasant spot for a dine-in meal, while the deli is convenient for a quick, warming takeaway lunch.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese is on a mission to offer top-notch grilled cheese sandwiches, and they're doing a fine job so far. This bright yellow paradise for lovers of American-style comfort food makes toasties with their signature golden sourdough and three-cheese blend, adding a variety of toppings and sides such as mac 'n' cheese or fried pickles. It's food for the soul as well as the bank account, as you can easily get your fill for under a tenner here.

The Bundobust eateries combine Indian street food with craft beers in a dynamic space and are a favourite among budget-conscious diners in the heart of Manchester. The atmosphere here is characterised by shared tables, an abundant selection of beers at the bar, and an overall industrial design. The menu ranges from small nibbles like parathas to more substantial offerings such as dhal or vada pav.

Bunny Jackson's epitomises the quintessential American dive bar, complete with all the essentials. Situated near the University of Manchester and open daily until late, this boisterous and spirited bar boasts a selection of American beer and whisky, broadcasts NFL games, features a pool table, and offers regular happy hour deals. It's also famed for its affordable pub fare, particularly its chicken wings, priced at just 25p each.

Even if you're on a budget, you can experience delightful Vietnamese flavours. Banh Mi Co Ba specialises in banh mi, the famed Vietnamese baguette sandwich, and offers an array of fillings, including vegetarian choices. The menu also features bao bun sandwiches, pho, and rice-based dishes alongside snacks like summer rolls. You can round off your meal with a robust Vietnamese coffee.

The Hip Hop Chip Shop in Ancoats takes classic British comfort food and updates it with heaps of urban flair. This eatery boasts a relaxed, vintage atmosphere, enhanced by its quirky decor and hip-hop soundtrack. It's renowned for its inventive takes on traditional fish and chips, and in 2023, it earned the accolade of being the UK's second-best chippy. The food here is affordably priced and filling, and a kids' menu is also available.

Little Aladdin offers vegan comfort cuisine in a quaint, traditional setting in the Northern Quarter. A favourite among vegan diners and those on the lookout for good value alike, the eatery provides both takeaway and dine-in options in a lively, cosy space. The menu features an array of curries, along with biryani, wraps, burgers, and sides such as chips and naan bread.

Sausage Shack is far from the dodgy spot indicated by its name, except when it comes to the affordable prices. This stylish, contemporary eatery is revitalising the classic British sausage, offering top-quality halal sausages in baps, hot dogs, bowls, and various innovative dishes, with the menu developed in partnership with a Michelin-starred chef. Takeaway is available as well.

Rustica is a beloved Manchester landmark. Renowned as one of the city's top sandwich shops, it occupies a corner spot in the Northern Quarter and regularly attracts crowds of hungry Mancunians. Staffed by efficient, no-nonsense ladies, this takeaway eatery offers a wide array of stacked sandwiches. The quick turnaround, variety, and convenience make this one of the best choices for a cheap lunch in Manchester.

This & That, a modest yet charming family-run curry house founded in 1984, is nestled on Soap Street in the Northern Quarter. Renowned for its homemade dishes crafted with fresh, whole spices for the best flavour, the eatery offers a concise menu that changes daily. Patrons can expect to find a variety of options, including the likes of chicken tikka masala, lamb with spinach, and mixed vegetables.

Tampopo, a popular chain of pan-Asian restaurants found across the nation, offers a selection of iconic dishes from across Asia. At these contemporary venues, the menu features specialities like Korean kimchi rice, duck pancakes, Thai curries, Japanese ramen, and Malaysian nasi goreng, allowing diners to embark on a gastronomic tour of Asia at a fraction of the price of an airplane ticket.

Mackie Mayor in Manchester is a cool, contemporary food court housed in a historic market hall, the last fully preserved structure of the old Smithfield market. This fashionable venue is home to an array of local vendors serving everything from decadent street food to artisanal cheeses, set within a busy industrial space. Mackie Mayor is a prime destination for those seeking great food and a trendy atmosphere in the Northern Quarter.

Habesha Restaurant may appear unassuming from the exterior, but inside, diners are greeted with a colourful space adorned in deep red hues and embellished with traditional decor. The menu offers a concise yet diverse range of meat and vegetarian dishes; all served atop injera bread and at affordable prices. Ethiopian beers or wines are available to complement your meal.

I Am Pho serves up flavourful Vietnamese dishes in a no-frills environment. This budget-friendly eatery features a plain white dining area accented with charming floral decorations. The menu prominently features pho, alongside other traditional Vietnamese fare such as banh mi, salads, spring rolls, and rice dishes. To enhance the dining experience, Vietnamese beers and wine are available. 

Liquor & Burn draws its inspiration from the sumptuous culinary delights experienced on an LA–Mexico road trip. The bar pours tangy cocktails, agave spirits, an extensive selection of tequila, and lageritas, while the kitchen menu flaunts Mexican flavours in tacos, burritos, loaded fries, and various sides. Deals like Taco Tuesday and other weekly specials are a regular feature, but the food is already priced to move as is.

When Mancunians want an authentic taste of Himalayan cuisine, The Little Yeti is a go-to choice. Its eye-catching bright yellow façade makes it easy to spot. Inside, you'll find a rustic dining area with exposed brick walls and outdoor seating options, with takeaway also available. The focus here is on street-food dishes such as momos, roti wraps, chicken wings, and chow mein. It's all available at bargain prices.

Located in Arndale Market, Pancho's Burritos is an award-winning food stall offering authentic Mexican fare. Vibrantly coloured and eye-catching, they're known for their authentic Mexican dishes made from traditional family recipes. Patrons can enjoy a selection of burritos, tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas, available with a range of meat and vegetarian fillings, all at affordable prices.

Rosa's Thai, originally launched in London, is now a nationwide chain for laid-back, affordable dining in a nice setting. The Rosa's Thai restaurants use British ingredients to craft authentic Thai dishes, with menu highlights including the likes of sweetcorn fritters, pad Thai, and various curries, complemented by an array of colourful cocktails. The Manchester branch is set in a Grade II-listed building.

The Pieminister restaurants keep it old-school with their menu of pies and mash, though contemporary updates and twists, such as vegan options or Mediterranean variants made with filo pastry, are also available. You can enjoy your traditional British food in modern spaces, with takeaway – including cold pies for home cooking – available too.