Manchester’s Southern suburbs are bustling hubs filled with some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Rather than sticking to the city centre when planning a meal out, hop on the East Didsbury tram line to discover some of the most delicious and inventive eateries in the city. Here are just a few of the best places to eat in Chorlton, West Didsbury and Didsbury Village.
Gusto
Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, $$$
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Located in the heart of Didsbury Village, Gusto is renowned for its contemporary take on traditional Italian cuisine. Sit out on the terrace for people watching, or pick a table indoors to enjoy the bustling atmosphere. We recommend ordering from their pasta menu and enjoying a couple glasses of red wine with your meal.
At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the clue is in the name at Crazy Wendy’s. Situated on West Didsbury’s popular Burton Road strip, you’ll always hear loud music and screams of delight emitting from this eccentric eatery, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. The North-eastern Thai food is great, but it’s the entertainment that keeps people coming back. We won’t give too much away, but the cabaret here is not to be missed.
Bar, Restaurant, British, Beer, Wine, Pub Grub, Fast Food, $$$
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Just down the road, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in the whole of Manchester, tucked away behind a small unassuming façade. Volta has an excellent reputation. They’ve been reviewed in the national press and have picked up several awards along the way. The menu consists of a tempting array of regularly changing small plates inspired by the European travels of former executive head chef Alex Shaw. Go with a group of friends, and attempt to sample everything on the menu.
If it’s pizza that you fancy, you can’t go wrong at Double Zero. Located opposite the bus station in Chorlton, this Neapolitan pizza place is as well known for the buzzing atmosphere as for the delectable pizzas, all baked in minutes in their signature pizza oven. Choose from a selection of traditional or more unusual toppings, and don’t forget to bring your own wine or beer to wash it down.
You can’t fail to notice Albert’s when going down Barlow Moor Road. The large outdoor patio is always flooded with people enjoying a late lunch or dining in the evening. Well-heeled diners head here to experience the elegant menu that offers contemporary updates on traditional gastro-pub cuisine, and they stick around afterwards to work their way through the equally impressive cocktail menu.
Greens has been a firm fixture in West Didsbury since TV chef Simon Rimmer opened the restaurant back in the 1990s. Their menu is renowned for taking a contemporary look at vegetarian cuisine and offering a wide range of dishes that satisfy even the hardiest meat-eaters. Expect the usual vegetarian offerings, such as battered halloumi and chips but with refreshing twists, as well as more unusual dishes.
One of the best tapas restaurants in the whole of Manchester, Bar San Juan has a stellar reputation that guarantees a long wait, so make sure to call ahead or plan to dine early to beat the crowds. This snug little establishment always has a cracking atmosphere with revellers spilling out onto the street and enjoying jugs of sangria while they wait for tables. Expect the usual tapas treats such as paella, patatas bravas and omelettes at this authentic Spanish eatery.
Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Seafood
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Perfect for a special occasion, Azzurro is only open on Friday and Saturday nights, so make sure you book ahead to secure a table. This cosy Italian restaurant nestled at the end of Burton Road specialises in seafood and has an impressive small menu with a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes. Keep your eyes peeled on their Twitter feed for regular offers, such as Friday steak nights and the occasional free bottle of wine.
