Manchester is easily a foodie hotspot of the UK, home to some of the best food and drink around. As a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ I have spent the last three and a half years trying as many places in and around the city as possible, from the new, trendy cafes, to the old, hidden-away classics. Food & Drink’s new series, City Guides, aims to share the wisdom collected by our writers and shout-out some of our favourite places that we just keep going back to.
Our first guide won’t stray too far from ‘home’, focusing on some of our favourite spots on campus and along Oxford Road. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick where to grab lunch or head for a pint after lectures, so here are some great spots for coffee, lunch, drinks, and more.
Bold Street Coffee
The best coffee on campus is a highly coveted spot, with so many to choose from. While the £1 filter coffee at the Students’ Union (SU) cannot be argued with, my pick is Bold Street Coffee on University Green. Though certainly a little pricier, the coffees are all under £4 and also buy you one of the best study spots on campus. Clearly designed for students, all of the tables are spacious and there is no lack of plug sockets when inevitably needed. The lighting is great and the playlist never fails, usually resulting in me giving my headphones a well-needed rest. Regardless of all of the perks, the coffee is genuinely great, as is the matcha, and there are a load of customisations available. That said, the food is certainly on the pricey side, and while tasty, there are more worthwhile options available on campus.
Pizza Co.
This series would be amiss without paying its dues to the faithful student favourite—Pizza Co. Nestled among the takeaways opposite Manchester Metropolitan University, Pizza Co. is a night out staple for a reason, serving pizzas for £4 and a huge menu of kebabs, cheesy chips, and more. The legacy of the place speaks for itself, whether it’s 3pm or 3am, it is a welcoming space for all. Our recommendations are the cheesy tomato pizza, chicken & chips, and their hashtag fries (not just because of the great name). Above all, any order is made better with their garlic mayo, for which a less is more philosophy does not operate. Make sure to follow their famous Instagram page @pizzacofriends; try to spot your course mates on there, or go and pay them a visit after your next night out and have a chance to be in the spotlight yourself.
Zaytoni
Only a couple of doors away is another student classic, Zaytoni. It is a reliable, affordable, and quick lunch spot, only slowed down by the hoards of students at 1pm all waiting for their shawarmas: a testament to their popularity. The lamb shawarma is our pick for a flavourful, filling lunch, or, for the veggies, the falafel wrap is a failsafe at only £5. Without a doubt the most bang-for-your-buck lunch you can find in and around campus, other than the SU itself.
Federal
A little further down Oxford Road, in Circle Square, is Federal. One of the great brunch places in Manchester, this is one of three locations, with the other two in Deansgate and NQ. As self-proclaimed ‘antipodean brunch masters’, the menu is in fact faultless, and the Oxford Road spot is a perfect place to catch up with friends or take a visiting family member on the weekend. While the weekly french toast specials are always delightful, the star of the menu is the cheddar corn fritters, available after 12pm everyday. Served with smashed avocado, bacon and a poached egg, these are filling, cheesy, refreshing and flavourful; though slightly pricier at £15, they are worthwhile nonetheless.
For a cheaper bite, head to Federal any weekday before midday for their breakfast deal: an avocado, egg or bacon bagel with any coffee or tea for only £5.95. Seeing as their coffees are usually around £4, this is an unmissable deal, and the bagels make for a substantial breakfast. They have a better hot drink selection than most, serving matcha, beetroot, or turmeric lattes- if a more colourful and less caffeinated option is your preference. Whether you splurge on an afternoon brunch, or drop by between morning lectures, Federal always has a welcoming atmosphere, a dog or two to pet, and a range of delicious food and drinks.
EatGoody
EatGoody is a Korean Fusion Café that has long been a hidden gem for students in the know. A family run business that caters well to the needs of student lunch, it has been featured in The Mancunion as early as 2012.It is perfect if, like me, you are a cold lunch hater, but also don’t want to break the bank without forcing yourself to another depressing lunch. It is tucked away behind Oxford road, just off of Grovesnor street and shares a building with The Sandbar and a bike repair shop.
EatGoody offers lunch box deals, specials deals, or various offers depending on the day. They serve the common stars of Korean food like bibimbap or bibimbap style dishes, alongside tteokbokki (rice cakes), as well as other cuisines like Japanese Katsu curry. Set over two floors, the downstairs holds the small dining area, filled with wooden tables and stools. It gives lunchtime a very cosy vibe, that kind of reminds of a school hall in a delightfully charming way. The food is delicious yet not extortionate and the portions are well sized. The so-called ‘small box’ is more than filling, although if you do have a big appetite you can get a larger box for just a little bit more. The Mancunion also featured it back in 2023, diving into the history of this family run business and its longtime integration within the student community.
EatGoody is open Tuesdays-Fridays 11:00m-3:00pm
YES bar
Though not technically on Oxford Road, our final choice is YES bar. Located on Charles Street (just off Oxford Road), YES does it all. A music venue, food spot, and cocktail bar, there are multiple floors to discover. YES has an inviting atmosphere and an interior worthy of your next instagram story, especially if you head to the top floor where they have a heated roof terrace which is stunning both in the sun and lit up at night. Upon entering YES, you are hit with the enticing scent of Pepperoni Playboy’s pizza stand, offering pizzas by the slice from £3.60 or whole from £14. Perfect to share with your friends over drinks, of which there is a great selection. Pints are affordable and the cocktails are particularly tasty, the grapefruit paloma is a must-try. YES is the perfect date night or hang out spot, with good food, good drinks, and good music.
