The best restaurant breakfast in Manchester

The best restaurant breakfast in Manchester

From quaint spots serving up freshly baked pastries to buzzy eateries crafting hearty full English spreads, this guide will list some of our favourite restaurants where you can kick-start your day with a tasty breakfast in Manchester. Whether you're craving a leisurely brunch enjoyed streetside in the sunshine or a quick grab-and-go bite, Manchester covers all bases when it comes to brekkie. Here's where to go and what to eat if you're looking for a great restaurant in Manchester to enjoy your first meal of the day.

In this guide
  1. Where to enjoy a restaurant breakfast in Manchester
    1. Caravan – House-roasted coffee
    2. Albert's Schloss – A Manc classic
    3. Asha's – Twists on classics
    4. Cosy Club – Cosy brekkie spot
    5. Dishoom – Indian-inspired breakfast
    6. Ezra & Gil – Seasonal changing menus
    7. Mamucium – Breakfast in the NQ
    8. Masons – Local ingredients
    9. Medlock Canteen – Classic faves and more
    10. Sausage Shack – A great start to the day
    11. The Green Lab – A wellness hub
    12. The Lead Station – Brekkie in an old police station
    13. Trof – Creative dishes in a trendy space
    14. The Smithfield Social – NQ staple
    15. Thyme Out Food Co. – A family-friendly hub
    16. The Pen and Pencil – A Northern Quarter mainstay
    17. Fress – Bottomless brekkie

Where to enjoy a restaurant breakfast in Manchester

Caravan

House-roasted coffee

Caravan offers all-day dining, including breakfast, with indoor and outdoor seating options. Start your day with breakfast or brunch, best enjoyed with their house-roasted coffee. There's also bottomless filter coffee for those in need of a caffeine boost. If the weather permits, enjoy your breakfast in one of the two outdoor terraces, or if you're not stopping for long, opt for a takeout coffee from the brew bar. Inspired by New Zealand's trail hiking huts and wool sheds, the space is flooded with natural light and adorned with recycled materials.

Albert's Schloss

A Manc classic

Albert's Schloss provides a comforting escape from the hustle of Manchester's city life. Although the venue is synonymous with Manchester nightlife and the restaurant scene, they also serve breakfast, which ranges from a classic full English to things like avocado on toast, Turkish eggs, and various other dishes, including veggie options. 

Asha's

Twists on classics

Asha's, founded by Bollywood star Asha Bhosle, is located in a Grade II-listed former shipping warehouse decorated in a bold design. Breakfast is served on the weekends, alongside signature cocktails and mocktails. It includes twists on the classic breakfast dishes, like masala omelettes and avo on toast with honey chilli mayo.

Cosy Club

Cosy brekkie spot

Located at the Corn Exchange, Cosy Club is an all-day destination that happens to serve a great breakfast menu. Decorated with bold patterned wallpaper and eclectic art, it retains its original features, creating a cosy atmosphere. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner which includes international dishes, along with children's meals and a diverse drinks list. It's perfect for big groups.

Dishoom

Indian-inspired breakfast

Dishoom's breakfast menu offers a journey through Indian-inspired morning dishes. From the iconic Bacon Naan Roll to the hearty Keema Per Eedu, each dish is packed with flavour and plays homage to the old cafés of Bombay, as does the whole restaurant. The fare is best paired with their famous Chai and freshly-squeezed juices.

Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
ezraandgil.co.uk
Ezra & Gil Peter Street
ezraandgil.co.uk
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street

Seasonal changing menus

Ezra & Gil's breakfast menu celebrates wholesome dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes but includes things like classic smashed avocado on sourdough, dippy eggs, and creative takes on the traditional eggs benny; there's something for everyone. Pair your meal with their speciality coffees or freshly-squeezed juices for the ultimate brekkie in Manchester.

  • 20 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 49 Peter St, Manchester City Centre
    Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
    20 Hilton St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Ezra & Gil Peter Street
    49 Peter St, Manchester City Centre
  • Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
    ezraandgil.co.uk
    Ezra & Gil Peter Street
    ezraandgil.co.uk
  • Ezra & Gil Hilton Street Ezra & Gil Peter Street

Mamucium

Breakfast in the NQ

Mamucium offers a northern twist on beloved dishes, serving up food and cocktails in Manchester's Northern Quarter. The contemporary space boasts ample lighting and city-inspired artwork. With locally-sourced ingredients and regularly-changing menus, Mamucium offers a breakfast featuring things like meaty baps and eggs.

Masons

Local ingredients

At Masons, it's all about British cuisine amidst chic and spacious interiors. Locally-sourced ingredients are crafted into tasty dishes, like eggs bennie, a classic full English, and granola bowls. Enjoy yours with a hot drink, or stick around until later when the gin trolley makes an appearance. 

Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen – Restaurant breakfast
Medlock Canteen

Medlock Canteen

Classic faves and more

Medlock Canteen, a bustling bistro situated in the heart of the city, offers food served throughout the day, including at breakfast time. There's a menu chock full of classic favourites like avocado and eggs, a classic full English, and a vegan version, amongst many other dishes. They also serve more creative dishes like crab and gruyére omelette. There's indoor and outdoor seating and a line-up of music and events for entertainment. 

Sausage Shack

A great start to the day

Specialising in quality halal sausages, the Sausage Shack serves a variety of sausage-based dishes, including baps, hot dogs, bowls, and more, all crafted in collaboration with a Michelin-starred chef. Breakfast dishes include burritos, full English breakfasts, baps, and waffles alongside milkshakes, hot drinks, and soft drinks. Catering to vegan diners and offering takeaway options, this restaurant ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The Green Lab

A wellness hub

The brainchild of Manchester sisters Nikita and Kanika, The Green Lab is a well-being hub prioritising sustainability. Decorated with fairy lights, plants, and local art, it offers a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs, including at breakfast time. You can build your own nutrition bowl or choose from pre-made options. Homemade juices are also available. Below, a fitness studio hosts group classes.

The Lead Station

Brekkie in an old police station

Established in 1995, The Lead Station is a prominent player in Chorlton's dining scene. Housed in a former police station, this sought-after bar and restaurant serves a menu of modern and traditional dishes with global influences. Breakfast options include things like a traditional full English, avocado and eggs, eggs bennie, pancakes, waffles, and more. Kid-friendly meals are also available, alongside a range of drinks from coffee to cocktails.

Trof

Creative dishes in a trendy space

Trof, an iconic restaurant in the heart of the Northern Quarter, is celebrated for its hearty portions of comfort food and trendy vibe in a historic building. The menu offers a fusion of traditional British favourites with modern flair, including at breakfast time, where things like the vegan full English (as well as a meaty version), sausage and egg baps, and lamb shakshuka take centre stage, all crafted from locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Restaurant breakfast
The Smithfield Social

The Smithfield Social

NQ staple

In Manchester's Northern Quarter, The Smithfield Social is a trendy spot for a delicious breakfast. Options range from Turkish eggs to Brooklyn bagels, with classic breakfast fare also available. Enjoy your first meal of the day out the front at their streetside tables, or keep it cosy indoors amidst stylish surroundings.

Thyme Out Food Co.

A family-friendly hub

Kick-start your day at Thyme Out Food Co., a family-run and family-friendly café in West Didsbury renowned for its tasty brunch offerings. Opt for classic dishes like the full English breakfast or eggs Florentine, or explore their daily specials. The cosy interior and welcoming atmosphere are complemented by a terrace, which is ideal for enjoying breakfast in the sunshine during warmer days.

The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Restaurant breakfast
The Pen and Pencil

The Pen and Pencil

A Northern Quarter mainstay

Brunch and lunch are served at The Pen and Pencil in the Northern Quarter, ranging from bagels, French toast, and cooked breakfasts to burgers and sandwiches. Their name and inspiration stem from the notorious mid-20th century bar situated on East 45th Street in New York's 'Steak Row'. This establishment, frequented by newspaper journalists and ad men, earned its reputation as the original 'Mad Men' hangout. Enjoy your brekkie with one of their homemade smoothies, like the Triple Berry Cleanser or The Natural Hulk.

Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant breakfast
Fress Restaurant & Bar

Fress

Bottomless brekkie

For those who like to start their day with an American breakfast, look no further than Fress in the Northern Quarter. They serve all kinds of classics here, from their legendary waffle burgers to fluffy pancakes and even afternoon tea. If you're sticking around for brunch, they offer a bottomless option with things like French toast, a full English, and more.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.