The food-loving TV personality, presenter and host, has published a list of his best gluten free restaurants in the city as part of the Maps project run by food insider platform FineDiningLovers.com showcasing the best restaurants around the world.
“Manchester is known throughout the world for its football and its music, but now it’s the city’s food and drinks that’s got people taking” says Matt. “And eating around the city on a gluten-free diet needn’t be a hassle either. There are plenty of options to make sure you get your fill – so here’s my guide to the best gluten-free spots in Manchester.”
Bundobust
Why it’s a Winner:
Since arriving in Manchester back in 2016, Bundobust has become a firm favourite for locals, foodies and critics alike. Specialising in vegetarian and vegan Gujarati street food and there’s a wide choice of gluten-free options. They recommend two / three dishes per person, but their combos are a great way to experience Bundobust with friends. They also have a brewery with huge tanks of their own beers lining the walls making modern beer designed with their food menu in mind. Guest beers swap and change but the Kirkstall Virtuous 4.5% session IPA, and the tamarind and ginger Imli Cider are permanently on tap – both gluten free. Bundobust has food that’s full of flavour, a very cool looking restaurant and knowledgeable staff. This needs to go on your list of places to visit… possibly at the top.
Recommended Dishes:
Okra Fries, Bhajis, Paneer Tikka, Raghda Pethis and Sweetcorn Chevdo.
Address:
61 Piccadilly, Manchester
Cottonopolis Food & Liquor
Why it’s a Winner:
This very cool and stylish restaurant and bar is based in a grade II listed building in the Northern Quarter and is named after the old nickname for Manchester. Attracting a relaxed, friendly crowd, the Japanese open kitchen has a whole raft of gluten-free dishes. It’s also where you’ll find some of the city’s best bartenders banging out cocktails, a great wine selection and an impressive sake menu. Lose hours with their bottomless brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and in the evenings and weekends, you’ll find handpicked DJs playing music to eat and drink to.
Recommended Dishes:
Duck Breast with Cherry and Plum Ponzo, Miso Black Cod, and Salt and Pepper Squid.
Address:
16 Newton St, Manchester
Evuna NQ
Why it’s a Winner:
If it’s authentic Spanish dishes you’re after then this is the place to go. Evuna started out pouring diverse varieties of Spanish wine for the people of Manchester, and has done for over 15 years. Today, they have four award-winning restaurants and, as well as an incredible wine selection, they offer an array of freshly-made Spanish dishes ranging from tapas and paellas to full Spanish banquets There isn’t much on the menu that doesn’t have the highly sought after ‘GF’ next to it – and as it’s tapas, you can pick and mix. The atmosphere is always buzzy and the staff are helpful and knowledgeable. If you like Spanish food and you find yourself in Manchester there is no reason for you not to call in.
Recommended Dishes:
Giant King Prawns, Iberian Slow-Cooked Pork cheeks and Galician-style Octopus
Address:
79 Thomas St, Manchester
Off The Wheaten Track
Why it’s a Winner:
You can’t beat a good cheese and onion pie – and at Off The Wheaten Track you’ll get one of the tastiest in Greater Manchester.
In fact, in this dedicated gluten-free cafe in Altrincham, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. Freshly made in their kitchen, there are pies, quiches and potato cakes. Recently, they made a lot of people very happy by introducing a mouthwatering selection of new pasties, including cauliflower cheese, baked bean and chorizo, and feta and Spinach. There are plenty of products to load up your shopping bag and take home too – bread, bagels, jams, pasta, cheese and organic wines. And whilst you’re there, get yourself a coffee and sit in the window seat watching the world go by. Safe in the knowledge that you just might be in the best 100% gluten cafe in the country.
Recommended Dishes:
Cheese and Onion Pie, Baked Bean and Chorizo Pasty, Potato Cakes.
Address:
8, 10 Oxford Rd, Altrincham.
Purezza
Why it’s a Winner:
Purezza first opened in Brighton in 2015, and was the first vegan pizzeria in the UK. Luckily for us though, they travelled up north and opened in Manchester last year. These guys pride themselves on being as inclusive as possible. They say that “everyone should be able to enjoy great pizza regardless of allergies and dietary restrictions,” which is great news for gluten-free pizza lovers.
A massive 98% of their menu is gluten-free and they’ve developed their own pizza dough called ‘Freedom Dough’. Purezza serves up world-class pizza that happens to be gluten-free, plant-based and organic – but even the restaurant itself is fitted out with recycled materials. This is exactly the kind of place you could take David Attenborough on a date.
Recommended Dishes:
Plant-based topping alternatives to Pulled Pork, Salami, Nduja and Mozzarella that tastes and melts just like dairy.
Address:
75-77 High St, Manchester.
Sweet Mandarin
Why it’s a Winner:
Sweet Mandarin has been an institution in Manchester since opening its doors in 2004. Owned by three sisters, this Chinese restaurant dishes up authentic food focusing on fresh, high-quality locally-sourced ingredients, using recipes that have been in the family for three generations. You’ll find an extensive gluten-free menu with pad Thai, rice and noodles, salt & pepper chicken balls and jungle green curry. Separate fryers, chopping boards and utensils make sure they avoid cross-contamination – even banning any gluten flour from the restaurant.They‘ve had an international bestselling cookbook and won the title of the nation’s best local Chinese restaurant on Gordon Ramsay’s TV show The F Word (beating 10,000 restaurants) so they’re definitely doing something right.
Recommended Dishes:
The locals’ favourite – Aromatic Crispy Duck Quarter with Lettuce wraps, Homemade Hoisin Sauce, Cucumber and Leeks.
Address:
19 Copperas St, Manchester
The Remedy Kitchen
Why it’s a Winner:
Nestled in the historic, grade II listed Royal Exchange building, The Remedy Kitchen is a health food restaurant that’s 100% gluten-free. Every dish on their menu is health and nutrition-focused – but this in no way impacts the flavour or quality. They’ve got you covered for breakfast, brunch or lunch and also have a mouthwatering dessert menu. Their ‘morning remedy’ breakfast packs a massive punch, with garlic and lemon hummus, avocado, baked tomato, mushrooms, home-baked beans, spiced celeriac on baked rosemary flatbread, microgreens, omega seeds and parsley oil. This is one of the go-to places for brunch in Manchester and is perfect to set you up for a day of shopping – Harvey Nichols and Selfridges are both within five minutes’ walk.
Recommended Dishes:
Fig & Pistachio Pancakes – it’s worth the trip just for those.
Address:
19, Royal Exchange, St Anns Square, Manchester
