Valentine's Day is fast approaching, which means many will be starting to look for somewhere romantic to take their better half. That said, it's not long since Christmas and with most of us cutting back in one way or another right now, it might not be feasible to splash the cash.
While Manchester has an impressive crop of high-end restaurants ideal for date nights, fortunately we're also spoiled for choice when it comes to great romantic spots to take your beau that won't break the bank. After a successful January, many restaurants in Manchester - some at the higher price point - are extending their discounts and offers into February, giving you even more options to choose from.
Below, we've rounded up 10 of the best places in Manchester where you can have a romantic meal and earn some brownie points for planning ahead - after all, it's the thought that counts.
Read more: Romantic Manchester restaurants that are perfect for Valentine's Day 2023
Rudy's
Occupying a small but intimate spot on Ancoats' Cutting Room Square, Rudy's quickly became the place in Manchester for Napoli-style pizza and Italian spritzes. Though it's spread it roots to the suburbs, it still remains one of the best - and most affordable - places for pizza in the city with a neighbourhood vibe ideal for a relaxed date.
Start with a Campari Soda (£5.50) with a free bowl of crisps before splitting a Margherita (£9) and Caprese Salad (£4.50). Room for a little more? Make sure to try their desserts for under a fiver including the Affogato (£4.50) or Gelato (£4).
Chakalaka
Down on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter you'll find Chakalaka, an independent South African-inspired bar and kitchen serving up a true taste of the Cape. Classic starts start from a fiver and include traditional South African dried meats such as Biltong as well as cheesy maize balls and chicken wings. Drinks wise you can't go wrong with a bottle of South African wine or cocktail - get two during Happy Hour for £10.
This February, they're also serving up foot-long South African sausages in brioche buns with a choice of sauce and a side of fries for £16 - what could be more romantic? Available from Friday, February 10 until Sunday, February 26, we anticipate a Lady & The Tramp-style sharing situation.
Chakalaka, 105a Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW
Beeswing
This well-appointed wine bar and kitchen is based at the Kampus Neighbourhood just over from Piccadilly. Perched over Nell's bar on Minshull Street, its wines come from across the world, while food wise expect North African-influenced, tapas-style small plates.
Impress your date by choosing the baked feta, sesame seeds, roasted peppers and honey, or one of Beeswing's gourmet meat or cheese boards with freshly baked bread - washed back with a chilled one. This February, they're offering 50% off food on Sunday's, 1-7pm, so if you have to delay celebrations, this could be just the ticket.
Beeswing, 24a Minshull St, Manchester M1 3EF
The Black Friar
One of the most handsome pubs in Salford, The Black Friar is already known for its top drawer pies, so getting them at bargain prices is simply an additional bonus.
All through February - including Valentine’s Day - you can grab yourself a pie and mash for the princely sum of £10. Current choices are chicken and leek, minced beef in short crust and Lancashire cheese and onion. The offer is daily from 12pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Fridays.
The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Manchester M3 7DB
The Alan
Now, a fancy, boutique hotel might not be the first place you think of for a cheap meal, however this striking, six-storey hotel with a bar and acclaimed restaurant on the ground floor is the perfect spot for those short on time or who might be going on to watch a show or film this Valentine's Day.
So, while you can pop in for a light bite like the whipped cod's roe (£6.50) or butterbean hummus (£5), might I suggest popping in for their Happy Hour (everyday 3.30pm to 6.30pm) where you can enjoy a Cumbrae Oysters for £1 a shuck and Telmont Champagne for £10 a glass.
The Alan, 18 Princess St, Manchester M1 4LG
The Edinburgh Castle
This abandoned Ancoats boozer turned gastropub has stood in Ancoats since 1811 in the heart of Britain's industrial suburb. Enter through a velvet curtain and either find yourself a candlelit table in one of the historic watering holes many nooks before settling in for some elevated pub fare.
After the success of our January offering, they're continuing the set menu into February, offering two courses for £25 or three courses for £30. Available slightly after the day itself, the offer runs between Wednesday and Friday between 5 - 6.30pm throughout February, so make sure to book soon.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub, 17 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EP
Blues Kitchen
OK, so traditionally chicken wings are not the food of love in the same way that, say, oysters might be. Or caviar. But they’re delicious, and in this case, bottomless.
The Blues Kitchen is offering up a bottomless chicken wings situation for a baffling £12 per person or £20 for two (romantic). So you get 90 minutes at it, and as many buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce and celery as you can manage. It’s every Sunday in February, so you’ll have to be either early or late for Valentine’s, but worth it.
13 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HN
10 Tib Lane
This candlelit, date-night favourite tucked away on Tib Lane has a distinct Parisian edge to it, making it the perfect spot for a Valentine's Day meal. With £1 oysters and elegant cocktails plus sharing plates - the latter is an option if you want to push the boat out a little more - this cosy restaurant is a great spot for a few drinks and snacks.
It's smaller plates, if you're watching the budget include Cumbrae oysters, bread with caramelised onion butter, smoked almonds and fries with house sauce, and it's slightly larger plates for a treat include smoked trout mousse with brioche toast (£9).
10 Tib Lane, Manchester M2 4JB
Canto
Another Cutting Room Square spot, this time a wonderful Portuguese restaurant with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired décor that might just make you feel like your abroad.
If you're looking to keep it under £20, then its worth heading down for its 3 for £18 offer, where you can choose - as you may have guessed - three separate dishes from its menu which spans pesticos, as well as meat, fish and vegetable plates. The special menu is available Monday to Thursday evenings, 12-5pm Friday and all day Sunday throughout February.
Canto, Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5DH.
El Gato Negro
Boasting an impressive tapas menu and set within the beautiful surroundings of a three-storey townhouse, King Street's El Gato Negro is perhaps one of the first places you would make a beeline for when planning a date night.
For something casual head down to the charcuterie bar to pick at cured meats and cheese with fine wines, while upstairs settle into one of its intimate booths and choose from a dishes such as Padron peppers, Boquerónes, and crispy fried baby squid. This February they're offering 3 dishes for £18 Monday through Thursday, 12-4pm and all day Sunday.
El Gato Negro, 52 King Street, M2 4LY
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