Altrincham has quietly become one of Greater Manchester’s most exciting food destinations, transforming from a struggling market town into a culinary powerhouse that rivals Manchester city centre. With award winning street food, chef led fine dining and a vibrant market scene, altrincham restaurants now attract food lovers from all over the United Kingdom. The reasons for this rapid rise are both impressive and inspiring.
Once dismissed as a typical suburban high street, this Trafford town has undergone one of the region’s most remarkable transformations. At the centre of this revival is a thriving restaurant culture that celebrates independent owners, local producers and world class flavours, all within a short tram journey from Manchester Piccadilly.
The Market That Changed Everything
The story of modern altrincham restaurants begins with Altrincham Market. Established in the year 1879, the historic Market House was struggling until Jenny Thompson M B E and Nick Johnson M B E led a major restoration in the year 2013. Supported by Trafford Council with an investment of £ 550,000, they transformed the Grade II listed building into a dynamic food hall that became the blueprint for many of Greater Manchester’s modern dining spaces.
Today, Altrincham Market House is full of life from morning until night. Independent kitchens serve everything from wood-fired sourdough pizza to steak plates, while the adjoining covered market hosts regional bakers, butchers and artisan makers. In 2021, Altrincham won the Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year Award at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, confirming its status as one of the most influential food destinations in the North West.
Local traders often say the market was the spark that changed everything. The results are clear, with Altrincham being nominated again for the same award in 2025. The growth of altrincham restaurants has been extraordinary.
Standout Altrincham Restaurants You Need to Know
Honest Crust
Based inside Altrincham Market House, Honest Crust is at the centre of the town’s food renaissance. Their slow fermented sourdough pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts have earned national recognition. Honest Crust won the Food Trader of the Year Award at the2024 Manchester Food and Drink Festival. Many regular visitors consider it one of the best pizza restaurants in the country.
Porta Tapas Bar
Located close to the market on Greenwood Street, Porta Tapas Bar brings authentic Spanish flavours to the wider world of altrincham restaurants. Founded by brothers Ben and Joe Wright, its walk in system creates a lively atmosphere similar to tapas bars in Barcelona. Popular dishes include presa Iberica with green mojo sauce, tenderstem broccoli with romesco and a rotating selection of croquetas. The zamorano cheese with quince is a well loved dish among locals.
The Con Club
The Con Club is set in the former Working Men’s Conservative Club and represents the new era of Altrincham restaurants. This two level venue features a microbrewery and serves an eclectic menu including sushi, ceviche and British classics. The bright interiors and heated outdoor terrace make it a favourite for all day dining. In the evening it transforms into a lively social spot with music and a welcoming atmosphere.
Bar Etna
Bar Etna is often named the best place to eat in Altrincham. Known for rustic Sicilian dishes, it serves generous plates that highlight the bold flavours of Italy. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and many guests become regulars thanks to the genuine hospitality and consistently excellent food.
Damo
Damo was opened by three Italian brothers who wanted to bring authentic Roman cooking to Greater Manchester. Their signature lasagne has reached cult status and the restaurant also offers vegan options and a creative brunch menu. The French toast tiramisu at brunch has become a quiet favourite among locals.
What Makes Altrincham Special
Diversity Beyond Expectations
One reason altrincham restaurants stand out is their impressive diversity. The town features Brazilian churrasco at Jardim Rodizio, Hong Kong street food at Harcourt, authentic Thai dishes at Nahm Prik, Lebanese and Syrian mezze at Yara and long established Cantonese dishes at Gonbay. There are multiple Italian restaurants with different culinary styles, as well as several venues that specialise in modern European cuisine.
This is not surface level diversity. It is deep, chef led cooking grounded in cultural knowledge and fresh ingredients.
Independent Spirit
The best altrincham restaurants are independently run. Owners live locally, support regional producers and contribute to the community. At the market, every trader is selected for quality and originality. Restaurants such as Blanchflower make everything in-house, from bread to pastries, while Tre Ciccio delivers Neapolitan-style pizza and roasted chicken from a terrace with a retractable roof. Even the Belgian Bar focuses on carefully curated beers rather than commercial brands.
New and Upcoming Altrincham Restaurants
Altrincham continues to grow as a dining destination. Recent openings include:
Nells Pizza: Opened its third site on George Street in late 2024, offering New York-style slices.
Yum Cha: Launched in the Stamford Quarter in 2024, serving dim sum and roasted meats.
Temple Street Claypot Rice: Opened in May 2024, specialising in traditional Cantonese claypot dishes.
Rudy’s Pizza: Brought their well-known Neapolitan pizza to Central Way in mid-2024.
Domus Italia: Domus Italia also opened a new location on Stamford New Road, adding another strong Italian option to altrincham restaurants.
Altrincham Market Food The Soul of the Scene
No discussion about altrincham restaurants is complete without focusing on the permanent traders at Altrincham Market House.
Tender Cow serves grass fed British beef in steak sandwiches and burgers. Their 10 ounce flat iron steak with garlic butter is a bestseller.
Great North Pie Company, which won Independent Food Producer of the Year at the 2024 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, serves artisan pies made with seasonal ingredients.
Picos Tacos brings bold Mexican flavours, while Rubens Mezze Grill offers Middle Eastern plates. Jack in the Box provides an ever changing range of craft beers from independent British breweries. Reserve Wines, run by wine expert Kate Goodman, offers a wide selection of bottles including natural and low intervention wines.
This communal dining setup creates an energetic atmosphere with long shared tables and open kitchens.
The Future of Altrincham Dining
Industry experts highlight several trends shaping altrincham restaurants for the future.
More chef led restaurants are emerging as experienced chefs look beyond Manchester city centre for new opportunities.
Food halls and mixed use dining venues are expanding, with spaces like Foundation combining sport, entertainment and high quality food.
Sustainability continues to grow in importance. Many restaurants emphasise local sourcing, reduced food waste and transparent menus. Blanchflower and The Con Club are leading examples of this commitment.
Altrincham Bars and Restaurants for Every Occasion
Best for Brunch
Blanchflower, California Coffee and Wine and Toast lead the brunch scene with creative dishes, house baked bread and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Best for Date Night
Porta offers a warm, candlelit setting ideal for sharing plates. Noria on Goose Green is known for Mediterranean dishes served in a cosy and intimate space.
Best for Groups
Yara, with its bring your own bottle policy, is perfect for gatherings. The Con Club and Altrincham Market House also have large seating areas that accommodate group dining.
Best for Vegetarians and Vegans
The Greenhouse Cafe specialises in vegetarian and vegan meals. Damo offers excellent plant based Italian dishes, and Nahm Prik has an entire section of vegan curries and stir fries.
Getting to Altrincham Restaurants
Altrincham is easy to reach. The Metrolink tram runs directly from Manchester Piccadilly, Deansgate, and MediaCityUK with frequent services. From the Altrincham Interchange, it is a short walk up Cross Street to reach the market and restaurants.
Parking is available near George Street and the Stamford Quarter, with larger car parks close to the market.
Insider Tips for Visiting Altrincham Restaurants
Altrincham Market House becomes very busy at weekends. Arrive early or after the main rush to secure a table.
Porta does not take reservations, so it is best to visit early or place your name on the waiting list.
Explore beyond the main market streets. Ashley Road, Goose Green and The Downs all have excellent restaurants that are sometimes overlooked.
Check seasonal menus. Many altrincham restaurants change their dishes regularly and the specials boards often feature their most interesting creations.
Greater Manchester’s Best Kept Food Secret
A decade ago, Altrincham was struggling. Today, it is one of the most exciting food destinations in the North West. Through thoughtful regeneration, independent ownership and a focus on quality, Altrincham has built a dining culture that rivals major cities.
Whether you want sourdough pizza in a lively food hall, Sicilian comfort food in a warm dining room or Hong Kong street food with craft beer, altrincham restaurants deliver exceptional quality and memorable experiences. The town is not trying to compete with Manchester city centre. It has created something unique and remarkable.
Read More: Peter Street Kitchen: A Stunning Japanese-Mexican Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Altrincham restaurants special
Altrincham restaurants are known for their strong independent culture, diverse cuisines, award winning market traders and chef led menus that highlight seasonal British and international flavours.
What are the best restaurants in Altrincham?
Popular choices include Honest Crust, Porta Tapas Bar, The Con Club, Bar Etna and Damo. Each offers a unique dining style that has helped shape Altrinchams reputation as a leading food destination.
Is Altrincham Market good for food?
Yes, Altrincham Market is one of the best food destinations in Greater Manchester. It features independent kitchens serving pizza, tacos, steaks, pies and desserts along with a covered market selling artisan produce.
What new restaurants have opened in Altrincham
Recent openings include Nells Pizza, Yum Cha, Temple Street Claypot Rice, Domus Italia and Rudys Pizza. These new restaurants continue to expand Altrinchams dining scene.
Which Altrincham restaurants are good for groups
Altrincham Market House, Yara, The Con Club and Tre Ciccio are excellent options for group dining thanks to their large spaces and relaxed layouts.
Where should I go for brunch in Altrincham
Top brunch spots include Blanchflower, California Coffee and Wine and Toast. They are known for house-baked bread, creative menus and fresh seasonal produce.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options in Altrincham
Yes, many Altrincham restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. The Greenhouse Cafe, Damo and Nahm Prik have extensive plant-based options.
How do I get to Altrincham restaurants?
Altrincham is easily accessible via the Metrolink tram from Manchester Piccadilly, Deansgate and Media City UK. It is a short walk from Altrincham Interchange to the restaurants.
Is Altrincham good for date nights?
Yes, Altrincham has many romantic dining options. Porta and Noria are especially popular for couples looking for an intimate atmosphere and high quality food.
What is the best time to visit Altrincham Market House
The market is busiest on weekends. To avoid crowds, visit before noon or after two in the afternoon. Weekdays are quieter and offer more seating.
Read More: Manchester Food Guide 2025