Up until recently, residents of Manchester and Cheshire wouldn’t consider Altrincham as a culinary hotspot. With the rejuvenation of Altrincham’s market, however, has come a wave of exciting eateries that are tempting diners away from the city centre. If you’re looking for a gourmet dinner or just a plate of really tasty food, these are the ten restaurants that need to be on your radar.
This authentically Italian eatery has proved so popular that a second venue in the city centre is currently in the works. Rather than the spaghetti dishes that you’ll find on other Italian menus, Sugo looks to the southern region of Puglia for inspiration, thanks to the roots of its two owners. The menu is refreshingly small and simple with a selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian pasta dishes to choose from. The best bit? The waitress carries dried examples of all the pasta types in her pocket to help you decide what to go for.
Frequently touted as one of the best pizza places in Manchester and the whole of the UK (only Rudy’s in Ancoats steals its crown), Honest Crust is a favourite of many visitors to Altrincham market hall. A permanent fixture inside the market, the hip pizza joint keeps things simple with its menu, offering a classic margherita, a couple of meat options and a Portobello mushroom pizza. So good you definitely won’t want to share.
This Lebanese/Syrian restaurant is a bit of a local secret, with many residents naming it their favourite Altrincham-based restaurant, however not many out-of-towners are clued in to its delicious dishes. There’s an impressive array of hot and cold small plates that can be shared meze style or chosen as a starter before embarking on the equally vast mains menu. We have it on good authority that their baba ganoush is not to be missed.
This elegant French restaurant is a good choice for a special meal with its overwhelming array of menus for all occasions. True to its French heritage, there are plenty of authentic dishes and twists on classic French cuisine with an array of appetisers, dishes designed for sharing and an optional cheese course. We recommend popping in for lunch when three courses will set you back just £13.95.
Another permanent fixture in Altrincham market house, Wolfhouse Kitchen is worth a trip to the market on its own. Serving main meals alongside a selection of delicious freshly baked cakes, the savoury side concentrates on Asian flavours. Noodle soups, steamed bao buns and Korean fried chicken burgers are highlights of the eclectic menu, but there are often daily specials to sink your teeth into.
This small tapas and wine bar is the perfect place to head for a cosy evening with friends or for a romantic meal for two. The delicious tapas menu is extensive, covering all of the expected Spanish small plates along with one or two surprises. Wine lovers will be pleased to know that the wine list is just as long as the food menu.
Just one more from inside the market hall, Tender Cow is firm favourite of meat-loving locals thanks to its focus on deliciously tender steak. Focusing on the less common cuts of steak, the chefs serve up meat-focused breakfast, brunch and dinners menus that tantalise the taste-buds. We recommend their flat iron steak served with garlic butter for a filling yet delicious meal.
A new sushi and Korean barbecue spot, Sushi Kimchi opened earlier this year to rave reviews. Housed with the Oxford Road Café on Wednesday to Saturday evenings, the authentically Asian menu will delight lovers of both traditional sushi, classic hot Japanese dishes such as katsu and ramen, and Korean barbecue starters and sizzlers.
Chorlton’s popular Jamaican eatery, The Drop has recently opened its doors in Altrincham serving a vast variety of Caribbean flavours. Their early bird boxes are great for light lunches, whereas their mains and big plates are definitely for those with a huge appetite to fill. The menu offers several vegetarian and vegan dishes, and has a spice rating for those who love their food mild or extra spicy. Their alternative Sunday roasts are delicious too.
Housed within a beautiful building previously used as the Working Men’s Conservative Club, the Con Club is one of the most exciting restaurants on the Altrincham food scene. Expect gastro-pub cuisine with everything from grilled meat dishes, to delicious seafood and even a raw bar with a selection of sushi. They also have their own micro-brewery on site, making this the perfect venue for both dinner and drinks.
