Last Updated on 2 April 2026 by Colette
Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat or a full pre-theatre dinner, there’s plenty of great places to eat near the Manchester Opera House – in fact you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Manchester city centre is packed with restaurants and bars, and conveniently the Opera House theatre is located right near to a busy hub of restaurants in Spinningfields and Deansgate so there’s plenty of options for theatre goers within a relatively short walk!
If you’re looking for parking near Manchester Opera House you’ll find that here, or the Manchester Opera House is about a ten minute walk from Deansgate Station and about seven minutes to the tram stop in St Peter’s Square.
Here are some of the top restaurants within walking distance of Manchester Opera House – listed in order of proximity:
20 stories, No. 1, 1 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3EB
20 Stories is a destination itself – an iconic restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Spinningfields, Manchester and one I’ve not yet managed to go to but which has recently been voted the best restaurant in Manchester. If you’re planning to visit 20 Stories before or after a show at Manchester Opera House, you’re going to want to book.
20 Stories is round the corner, just a 1 minute walk from the Opera House theatre!
The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
If you’re looking to eat your pre-theatre dinner in some seriously lush surroundings, the Ivy Manchester is a gorgeous venue just a 2 minute walk form Manchester Opera House. Again, if you want eat or drink at The Ivy ahead of watching a show at the Opera House, you’re going to want to book.
Hawksmoor Restaurant, 184 -186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
The Hawksmoor Manchester is easily a favourite of ours – but I’m not sure I’d recommend it for pre-theatre dining unless you have considerably more restraint than Dave and I who usually walk out of the Hawksmoor full to bursting and definitely not ready to sit in the theatre. In fact, it’s actually a great option for dinner after a matinee performance (which is what we did last time we were in London) and is just a 3 minute walk from the Opera House.
Rudy’s Pizza, Peter Street, Petersfield House, Peter St, Manchester M2 5QJ
If you’re looking for a super relaxed pre-theatre dinner, Rudy’s will see you right. These guys absolutely know how to make a pizza (and are in fact on my list of the best places to get pizza in Manchester)
Rudy’s Pizza is a 4 minute walk from Manchester Opera House and just down the road from The Albert Hall (which is currently my favourite live music venue in Manchester).
Almost Famous, Great Northern, Peter St, Manchester M3 4EN | PERMENANTLY CLOSED
If burgers are your vibe then Almost Famous is a great option for a pre-theatre bite to eat. These guys are partnered with the same butcher that delivers to Buckingham Palace so you’d best believe the beef is good!
Almost Famous is in the ground floor of the Great Northern, easy to find and just a 4 minute walk to Manchester Opera House.
Book a table at Almost Famous.
Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR
If you follow these guys on instagram you’ll know why I’ve put them on the list – serving up indulgent Alpine dishes all day long, you’re going to struggle to choose!
Albert’s Schloss is a 4 minute walk from Opera House Manchester and to be honest, looks like so much fun you might want to go there after the theatre rather than before!
Book at table at Albert’s Schloss.
Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3AP
Located on the Avenue, just a 5 minute walk from the Opera House is Australasia – a modern Australian and Asian fusion restaurant offering a contemporary dining experience with a menu featuring dishes inspired by the flavours of Australia and Southeast Asia.
Don Giovanni, 1, Peter House, Oxford St, Manchester M1 5AN
Situated on Oxford Street, and a ten minute walk from Manchester Opera House Theatre, Don Giovanni is a long-established Italian restaurant that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 30 years. The restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, and seafood. Don Giovanni offers a special pre-theatre dining menu with two courses priced at £23.95 or three courses for £28.95.
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
Situated on Oxford Street inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is The Refuge. This stylish restaurant and bar housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building. The menu features a mix of innovative and classic dishes typically served as small plates, while the bar serves creative cocktails.
Tucked away in a cosy booth, we managed to spend a whole evening chatting, eating and drinking The Refuge, the only problem with booking it for a pre-theatre dinner is that you won’t want to leave!
The Refuge (which is actually just over the road from the Palace Theatre) is a 13 minute walk from Manchester Opera House so a bit of a stretch but its basically a straight walk so you won’t get lost!
Hotel Gotham, 100 King Street, Manchester M2 4WU
Hotel Gotham is the furthest spot on the list but they do a spectacular afternoon tea (I speak from experience) and some fabulous cocktails in a very luxe feeling environment so if you fancy a treat it’s probably worth the 13 minute walk (or you could just hop an Uber of course!) If you’re planning a trip to Hotel Gotham for afternoon tea before your theatre show, you’re going to want to book!
Book a table at Hotel Gotham.
These restaurants provide a variety of culinary experiences near the Manchester Opera House (and within reasonable distance of the main shopping areas of Manchester in case you’re looking to freshen up your wardrobe, pick up some gifts or indeed top up your child’s growing Jellycat collection), from refined fine dining to casual and comforting British and international cuisine. It is of course advisable to check the availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak times or if you are attending a show at the Manchester Opera House. Spontaneity is not your friend in this situation and you might find yourself going hungry!
Have a read of these posts next:
Our guide to Manchester theatre
What’s on at the theatre in Manchester this Christmas?
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