Whether you’re planning a festive work night out or catching up with old friends, Manchester’s restaurants have got you covered with some incredible festive fusion. We’ve rounded up the best and most creative items you can get including burgers, bhajis, bao buns and everything in between.
Nell’s – Christmas Brie, O Christmas Brie pizza
First up is Nell’s, and they’ve treated us to a veggie pizza like no other. Topped with brie, pink pepper, mozzarella, red onion, cranberry BBQ sauce and pomegranate seeds, this one is a sight to behold. Available by the slice, but we doubt you’ll only want one, so it’s also available as a 14” or whopping 22”.
Maray – Maray Sprouts
This is Maray’s second Christmas in Manchester, and that means one thing, it’s the return of the Maray Sprouts. An unmissable menu item, it includes crispy sprouts, a chestnut tahini and cranberries. Make sure you grab your pals to book in. You can find them just off Albert Square.
Northern Soul – The Crimbo Dinner Sandwich
Northern Soul did a call out a while back for ‘cheese testers’ to try its Christmas menu, and we are pleased to say the chosen testers smashed it. By this, we mean the Crimbo Dinner grilled cheese is back on the menu. Crown of turkey, sausage & herb stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, in a grilled cheese topped with a Yorkshire pudding and a pig in blanket lollipop. This one has been around for years, and it’s easy to tell why – it’s simply incredible.
North Bar & Little Bao Boy – Minced Pie Bao
In the heart of Circle Square, North Bar and Little Bao Boy have been busy slinging out bao buns and pouring pints for just under a year. Making this year its first Christmas in Manchester, and they have come armed with a load of festive treats on the menu. The highlight of the lot is one for the minced pie lovers. The minced pie bao is a deep fried bao bun, tossed in cinnamon sugar and stuffed with mince pie filling. Unbelievable scenes.
Almost Famous – Son of a Nutcracker
We couldn’t have a list of festive food, without including the pioneer of gimmick burgers in Almost Famous. It’s Son of a Nutcracker burger is up there with some of the biggest burgers we’ve ever seen. It includes, and brace yourself for a long list, a cheeseburger, spiced sausage patty, melty cheese, buttermilk fried chicken, AFC gravy, Christmas slaw, bacon jam, sweet spices BBQ sauce, bacon ketchup, brandy buttered pepper mayo, topped with a cheddar jalapeno and chorizo sausage roll, a pig in blanket all served with a pot of dipping AFC gravy. Some elements are Christmassy, others not so much, but it looks Christmassy so it’s on the list, good luck getting your mouth around this one.
Bird of Prey – Festive Gravy Mac
Bird of Prey has released its Christmas menu, and there is bound to be something you’ll like on it. For us, the Festive Gravy Mac tops the list, it consists of mac & cheese topped with brie, turkey bacon bits, crispy onions, gravy and rocket. A must try for the mac and cheese lovers, and a bargain at under £6.
Bundobust – Sprout Bhaji
Bundobust has launch its sprout bhajis which contains crispy onion, sprout, broccoli spiked with fennel and chilli served with a spiced cranberry chutney. A very inventive addition to the list, and we love it.
Yard & Coop – Christmas Wrappin
Yard and Coop is stepping up its Christmas offering this year with a stall at the Manchester Christmas Markets and is in our list of must visit stalls. Don’t worry, they’re still frying up fried chicken in the Northern Quarter, and our pick from the festive menu is Christmas Wrappin. A Yorkshire pudding burrito stuffed with buttermilk fried chicken, creamed cheesy sprouts, cranberry hot sauce and stuffing balls. Served up with a pot of chicken gravy for dunking.
Dishoom – Turkey Raan
Another South Asian festive item is the Turkey Raan from Dishoom. A whole Turkey leg is prepared in the raan style until tender where it is served up with broccoli, chilli sprouts and a spiced cranberry chutney. Definitely worth a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Bab – Festive Bab
Finally, to top off the festive feast list is another Northern Quarter favourite, Bab. It has launched a whole Christmas menu and the highlight of the lot is the Festive Bab. Homemade flatbread topped with turkey, pigs in blanket, pork stuffing, creamed veg, pickled red cabbage, roasted carrots and parsnips, roasted chestnuts and Bab’s spicy gravy. This is definitely an upgrade on the greasy kebabs you’re used to after a night out.
Any we have missed? Let us know on socials which is your favourite.