Manchester is the beating heart of the North, attracting no shortage of visitors to take in a game at Old Trafford, a show at The Palace Theatre, or visit the venues that birthed some of the biggest legends in British music. But after a long day of exploring, hunger will start to set in — and you’ll need to find somewhere to eat.
Whether you’re a student new to the area or visiting from further afield, we know all the best spots to get your grub on without even needing to leave the sofa. Delivery to your doorstep? Don’t mind if we do. These are the best takeaways Manchester has to offer.
Best Italian Takeaways
Pasta Evangelists
Alright, maybe we’re biased — or maybe we make truly exceptional food. You be the judge. Pasta Evangelists has launched its takeaway service in Manchester, serving the Northern Quarter and beyond with hot, fresh, restaurant-quality pasta.
In as little as 15 minutes, we deliver our homemade dishes all throughout Manchester. So, whenever a plate of delicious pasta is on your mind, our delivery partners have got you covered. Anyone for a lunchtime lasagne? How about a midnight mac and cheese?
Alternatively, if you’re searching for a home-cooking experience to impress your friends, family, or that special someone, we can send out one of our easy pasta recipe kits with next-day delivery. Inside each kit, you’ll find the pasta, sauce and curated accompaniments you need to prepare an authentic Italian meal in minutes.
Choose from boar ragù with mafaldine, ‘nduja sausage and mascarpone, or any one of our exciting vegan kits, including pistachio and lemon pesto with creste di gallo.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana
When Mancunians fancy a spot of lip-smacking Italian fare, they’ve got all their bases covered. We’re pasta lovers, in case it was unclear — but if you do have a hankering for our doughier relative, you can find Manchester’s best pizzas at Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana.
This Portland Street staple ranks among the top-rated eateries for the whole city, serving up a delightful assortment of world-class takeaway pizzas. The choice of toppings is all yours, but reviewers especially recommend the triple pepperoni and capricciosa. Then, top it all off with a traditional Italian dessert — the Tiramisu goes down a treat.
Best Indian Takeaways
Hungamaa
Looking to take a culinary journey that will fly you a little further afield? How about over to India? Hungamaa offers an eclectic selection of Indian plates, from Punjabi samosas to dahi balla chaat (lentil balls).
Hungamaa’s extensive menu spans vegetarian-friendly options too, with the likes of paneer makhani, bhindi masala and baingan ka bharta (a traditional dish made with grilled aubergine) among its mouthwatering mains. But perhaps the most interesting part of the menu is the ‘Indo-Chinese’ section, offering a fusion take on two of the most popular Asian cuisines. Here, you can indulge in veg hakka noodles or an array of fried rice options — regular or schezwan style.
This & That
This & That is a Manchester mainstay, cooking up a storm of South Asian food just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Gardens. The humble family-run café refers to itself as the ‘home of rice and three curries’, offering a huge selection that has cemented it as one of Manchester’s favourite curry houses.
But get them while they’re hot — for each day of the week, This & That rotates its menu to a different selection of flavoursome curry options. Monday offers lamb and pumpkin, chicken, and mixed veg, Tuesday sees lamb karahi chops take centre stage, and Friday offers liver and kidney creations. As well as this dynamic rotation, you can enjoy all your regular sundries — samosas, naan, roti, paratha, and more.
Best Japanese Takeaway
Teppanyaki Chinatown
Teppanyaki follows a simple enough motto — no gimmicks, no tricks, just high-quality, delicious food. We’re all in. This spot in Manchester’s Chinatown sells authentic Japanese plates fresh from its bustling kitchen. Order in your choice of nigiri, sashimi, or maki rolls, as well as a selection of hot and handmade appetisers like miso soup, yakitori and kushiyaki.
Almost ready for your main course? You can pick from a delectable mix of meat fillets, special orders and seafood dishes, like monkfish, scallops and sea bass. Or, mix it up with a noodle dish cooked in the restaurant’s sweet Tonkatsu sauce.