Manchester

The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | December 2022

From fine Japanese dining to smashed burgers, acai bowls and a new rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city, there's lots to look forward to this month.

Georgina Pellant - 1st December 2022

It’s nearly the end of the year, and what a year it’s been. We’ve seen Manchester’s bar owners and restauranteurs battle against the odds, not just to stay open but to bring new concepts to the city too.

As we enter the final month of the year, it’s safe to say we’ve got some exciting new openings to look forward to over the Christmas period – from smashed burgers and naughty fries, to new dessert houses selling the likes of Smores donut sandwiches and ice cream sundaes.

Elsewhere, you’ll find healthier options, too. Acai and The Tribe, formerly housed at the Arndale Market, has moved over to Deansgate Mews with wholesome fruit-laden superfood bowls and gluten-free everything, whilst on Bridge Street new opening MUSU is bringing fine Japanese dining to the city in a whole new way.

As we say, lots to get excited about. Keep reading to find out where to put on your list this December.

Acai and The Tribe, Deansgate Mews

Selling beautiful acai bowls, brunch plates and more, this little gem used to be at the Arndale Market but has just moved – taking over the old Butcher’s Quarter site on Deansgate Mews.

Found within the Great Northern Warehouse complex, everything here is gluten free and suitable for veggies or vegans, with owner Alisha even making her own granola in house to ensure it suits everyone’s dietaries (and keep the cost of her bowls down).

MUSU, Bridge Street

This high-end Japanese restaurant is bringing a theatrical ‘multi-sensory’ dining experience with exquisite service, sashimi, sushi wine and more.

Dine from specially created 7 and 11 course tasting menus with wine pairings, or opt for a traditional ‘chef’s choice’ experience at its six-seat Omakase counter.

Masa Bakery, Prestwich

Opened by baker Rick Marlow, MASA is a soon-to-be neighbourhood cafe and bakery in Prestwich.

First launched in 2020, he began baking out of his mum’s garage in Macclesfield to keep busy on furlough. Offering local home deliveries and a little market stall, MASA soon built up a solid wholesale customer base – supplying the likes of Yas Bean, Dokes Prestwich, The Nags Head Haughton and more.

Specialising in sourdough and foccaccia, Rick’s now preparing to launch a new bakery in his hometown before Christmas with the cafe set to open in February next year.

Now That’s A Burger, Ducie Street Warehouse

Super Happy, who operate the counter at Ducie Street Warehouse, have just launched their own burger line this month and it is elite.

The sandwich dealers bake all their own bread daily, now they’ve ventured into the smashed burger world.

Available for collection and delivery only via Deliveroo, we’re talking sexy house baked potato rolls, housemade pickles, the best burger ‘Super sauce’ and fried buttermilk chicken dipped in Szechuan chilli oil. 

Creams Cafe, Manchester Arndale

Popular UK dessert chain Creams has taken over a massive new 2,325 sq ft store in the centre’s Halle Place, joining the likes of burger restaurant Archie’s and fellow newcomer Pizza Luxe.

Here, sweet tooths can get their fix on a range of flamboyant and indulgent desserts. From takeaway ice cream cones to boxes of Biscoff and icing-laden donuts and slices of cake, the cafe will sit in an ideal place for shoppers looking for a mid-afternoon sugar lift.

Gooey Cafe, Trafford Centre

Manchester’s lockdown sugar dealers Gooey have opened a Christmas-themed cafe at the Trafford Centre offering festive afternoon teas and breakfast with Santa, as well as exclusive festive bakes.

Housed inside Selfridges, the 30-seat Christmas cafe menu features seasonal treats like a smores cookie pie, a Snowman choux, a layered chocolate orange cake and Gooey’s beloved millionaire’s shortbread with a Christmas twist.

Climat, Blackfriars House

This stunning new rooftop restaurant in Manchester city centre boasts more than 250 different wines on the menu, a Michelin-recommended pedigree (from the team’s other site, Covino, in Chester), and beehives on the roof.

From its eighth floor position in Blackfriars House, diners will be able to take in the sights of Manchester, including the (currently scaffolded) Town Hall, the ornate rooftop of Barton Arcade, and the spire of St Ann’s Church.

The 100-cover restaurant has crafted a menu of modern British feasting-size dishes – ‘food you want to eat’ – geared towards groups of three or more to share. Think whole turbot, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and ex-dairy cuts on the bone.

North Brewing Taproom, Circle Square

Independent Leeds-based brewery North is opening a taproom at Circle Square, bringing its beer to Manchester’s Oxford Road.

Tipped to open this month, North Taproom will see popular beers from its core poured alongside an ever-changing line-up of beers, wines, cocktails, ciders, and spirits.

Read more: This Manchester bar is selling PINTS of Bloody Mary and a slice for six quid

The bar will feature 24 draught lines, including eighteen lines of keg beer and one cask, all pouring North’s ever-evolving range of classic beers, specials and collabs, alongside food from Leeds-based eatery Little Bao Boy.

Feature image – The Manc Eats