Manchester has been at the forefront of British innovation for years, and is even considered by many as being England’s true capital, making it the ideal place for people to book a cheap holiday in one of the cities great value hotels. Manchester continues to be as innovative today and never seems to sit still, producing revolutionary entertainment, excellent musicians of all musical types and even champions in the sporting world. And the same can be said about its food, Manchester has some of the finest restaurants in Great Britain that will have even the harshest food critics wanting more.

Michael Caines at Abode

The ABode on 107 Piccadilly is one of the most acclaimed Manchester hotels, and is the home to the double Michelin starred celebrity Michael Caine and his restaurant. Here you can enjoy an exciting range of menus such as tastings, grazing and a la carte’s created by both Michael and the executive Mark Rossi. The restaurant serves European cuisine, with the champagne bar supplying a large variety of drinks from New World estates and European vineyards that compliment each dish.

The Michael Caine dining experience involves either starting off in the bar area with a bottle of champagne, then moving to enjoy the every changing a la carte menu in the beautiful dining room, or simply remain in the bar while you enjoy anything from the grazing menu.

The restaurant is open Monday through to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:30 for lunch and from 18:00 to 22:00 for dinner.  Prices starting from £7.50 for tartar of marinated tuna from the grazing menu to £26 for the sirloin of Cumbrian beef dish.

The French

The French restaurant lays claim to the first restaurant in the U.K to achieve a Michelin star and has been living up to expectations for over a century. Its quality has been well received over the years and has been recognised and visited by many famous faces including celebrities, royalty and even presidents.

The restaurant can be found in the 4 star Midland hotel on Peter Street, and boasts a lavish 1900′s atmosphere with aesthetically pleasing décor. The French is truly one of the top restaurants in town, and with a quality menu from the noteworthy head chef Paul Beckley, its superb interior, its collection of some of the finest wines in Manchester and its exceptional service; it’s easy to see where it obtained its reputation.

The French is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm to 10:30pm and if you were to visit on Tuesday or Thursday then you can enjoy a glass of wine on the house with any starter.

Second Floor Restaurant

Boasting great panoramic views of Manchester and towering glass walls, the Second Floor restaurant is Harvey Nichols heart and soul offering hearty shoppers the ideal place to unwind, drink and eat. The restaurant overlooks the Exchange centre and is open long after all the shops have closed, 9:30pm most nights.

Over the years the Second Floor restaurant has become a well established high quality restaurant and is headed today by Chef Stuart Thomson, who brings to the table many British classics and award winning dishes all from locally produced ingredients.

The restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy any kind of dining, from a Sunday lunch to a romantic fine dining evening; there are also opportunities to book the restaurant for parties and private events.

Prices start from £32 per person for a two course meal; however they usually operate many special deals such as buy one meal and get one free if you have a Hi-life Diners card. Opening times are lunch Monday to Saturday noon to 3pm, Sunday noon to 4pm. Afternoon tea Monday to Sunday 3pm to 5pm and dinner Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 9:30pm.

Chaophraya

Winner of the Pride of Manchester Award for Best Restaurant in Manchester 2008 and Members Favourite Restaurant in 2009 and 2010, the Chaophraya is one of the best Thai restaurants that can be found in Manchester.

Just above Sam’s Chop House, this Thai gem will have you amazed as soon as you walk through the door. You’ll be greeted with a smile and extraordinary décor that may make you think you’ve walked into Bhumibol’s private restaurant.

Chaophraya can seat over 200 people, both in its restaurant and bar areas and has been charming visitors from all over the world in true Thai style with its 120 cover a la carte menu since 2006. It’s perfect for any dining occasion and if you’re looking for something a little different then you could always try their Yee Rah Sizzler Grill and for the true Thai experience you can opt to be transported to the restaurant via an authentic Tuk Tuk, the only restaurant in Manchester to offer such a thing.

Prices start from £8.50 for a main meal from the lunch menu, and if you happen to have a Hi-life Diners card then you can also benefit from the restaurants buy one get one free offer on main meals just as you would in the Second Floor restaurant in Harvey Nichols. The Chaophraya is open every day from noon to midnight.

Room

Room offers a unique modern spin on its restaurant and cocktail bar. Just on King’s Street, Room combines retro and antique to make a truly beautiful restaurant. 2 AA Rosette accredited, Room can entertain and indulge up to 120 diners and 80 drinkers at the bar and key to its Rossette award is head chef Pete Taylor and his traditional dishes, each with their own contemporary twist. Pete Taylor also provides a menu especially for people looking to avoid gluten or dairy and don’t be surprised if some of your meals turn up on a slab of slate.

You can enjoy Room’s sophisticated menu and surroundings from as little as £14 for 2 course and wine. Room also accepts the Hi-life Diners card for those looking to take advantage of two for one on main meals. Opening times are from 12pm to 11pm Mondays to Wednesdays and 12pm to 2am Thursdays to Saturdays.

Linen

Linen offers modern British dining at its finest and can be found on the upper floor of Manchester 235 with its stylish welcoming environment. The restaurant has a few unique perks which separates it from the other restaurants in Manchester. You can enjoy your meal before or after a few games on the gaming floor, as membership isn’t required. Linen is also the place to be if you wish to enjoy novelty or special events such as the Superhero Art Exhibition. There’s also Silver Screen Sundays, where you can buy a two course dinner in Linen, popcorn and a classic film ticket for £15, choose from an array of classic films such as Leon, Trainspotting and The French Connection to name a few, and watch them on the big screen again.

Lienen also accepts the Hi-life Diners card, where you can benefit from a 50% discount on your total food bill if two people dine Monday to Thursday. You won’t be disappointed by the service and the interior will have you never wanting to leave. Linen is open every day of the week from 5pm to 11pm.

Ocean Treasure

The Ocean Treasure restaurant in the Great Northern Warehouse on Watson Street is Manchester’s little part of the Far East. Ocean Treasure specialises in serving traditional Cantonese food at the hands of China Town’s finest master chefs.

The first thing that welcomes you when you enter the restaurant is its superb cosy interior, which isn’t what you’d usually expect from a Chinese restaurant.

You’ll find a casino near the restaurant, which is available for those wishing to try their hand at the slots before or after your meal. Access to the restaurant is separate from the casino, so you’ll be able to bring your family to enjoy what the chefs have to offer.

Ocean Treasure can cater for parties of up to 80 people and private dining for 2, making the restaurant ideal for any occasion. Open from noon to 1am Monday to Friday, Saturday 5pm to 3:30am and Sundays 5pm to 1pm, Ocean Treasure is even the ideal spot to enjoy some late night dining.