West Didsbury has become a real Manchester hot-spot, and if you’re visiting the region, you’d do well to get to know some of the mainly independent eateries along Burton Road, Lapwing Lane and not forgetting Nell Lane.
Before a recent relocation to slightly sunnier climes, we lived in West Didsbury for nearly twenty years and have seen the way the area has developed and grown. Not too far from Manchester Airport (if you’re flying in), and with great road and tram links, it’s very much become a foodie destination. If you know the area, you’ll have your own favourites and your own views, but if you don’t know the area, here’s a mini-guide to eating out in West Didsbury. This guide is from a personal perspective, so apologies in advance if there are any inaccuracies – websites included so you can contact the establishments yourself. (And, in the interests of fairness, the list starts off on Nell Lane, winds up Burton Road, along Lapwing Lane and back down Burton Road).
Thyme Out Delicatessen, Nell Lane – with an extensive menu, this eatery covers all bases, from breakfast to brunch to lunch options. Recently licensed, you can also enjoy a wine or a beer. Although maybe not at 9am. Unless it takes your fancy…You can also enjoy the Mancehster weather – and honestly, it is warm quite a lot of the time! – in the enclosed garden at the back, or the covered terrace at the front.
Thyme Out Delicatessen
The George Charles, Burton Road – a relative newcomer to the area is this bar which has established itself quickly, on the strip. Sunday lunches are popular, as are the Hog Roasts which are frequently served up outside on warmer days.
Azzurro Restaurant, Burton Road – West Didsbury’s only family run, independent Italian restaurant, priding itself on the seafood offerings (all sourced from renowned local fishmonger, Out of The Blue) and the specials’ board. Be aware that this restaurant is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings, so booking is essential. We’ve seen lots of very disappointed walk-ins who turn up by chance…
Azzurro Restaurant
Saison Bar, West Didsbury – a good choice if you like to mix your craft beers with your food. Serving up from early morning with breakfasts and bruch through to dinner and with bar snacks in between.
Saison Bar
And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon, Burton Road – super-cute tea-room, offering afternoon teas, cakes (all made on the premises), lunchtime sandwiches and speciality teas and coffees.
And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon
Green Tea, Burton Road – this Chinese restaurant, which to be fair if you walked past and looked in, still looks open, actually closed some years ago. Rumours abound about its next incarnation, the strongest being that it will be transformed into a bar…
The Rose Garden, Burton Road – the owners of this award winning restaurant are currently enjoying some family time, although they have promised to pop up again from time to time…
Crazy Wendy’s, Burton Road – Thai food, karaoke, and Wendy. We’ll leave you to check out the website…
Wok & Flame, Burton Road – a take-away with the offerings you’d expect, but when not too busy, Wing, the owner, will often concoct something a bit off-menu. The salt & pepper chips are a personal recommendation 🙂
Pomegranate Restaurant, Burton Road – an extensive Persian menu, with all dishes cooked on the premises, with the option of full dishes or “tapas” style. Can get busy so booking is advised, although there is a small outside area with tables.
Pomegranate
Mary & Archie’s, Burton Road – good for drinks, good for food. All cooked on the premises and do a great Sunday lunch.
Mary & Archie
Rustik, Burton Road – bar/restaurant offering breakfast, brunch and dinner.
Gurkha Grill, Burton Road – a staple on the strip. If Nepalese is your favourite, Gurkha is one of three in West Didsbury, all giving excellent quality.
Pinchjos, Burton Road – Spanish/Mediterranean tapas style dishes, with some unusual options on the menu. Recently has opened at the weekend for brunch too.
Pinchjo’s
Sakura House, Burton Road – Japanese restaurant, with plenty of options if you like Sushi, Sashimi, Noodles etc. Closed on a Tuesday.
Cocoa Cabana, Burton Road – this chocolate emporium has recently relocated to larger premises on Burton Road (168) and as well as selling hand made truffles, it does a mean afternoon tea menu, fresh lunchtime sandwiches and (personally speaking) the best hot chocolates around…
Cocoa Cabana
Nemaste Nepal, Burton Road – another very popular, and long standing, Nepalese restaurant. It is a large restaurant, so you will rarely find yourself being turned away.
Proove Pizzeria, Burton Road – we’ve heard great things about Proove, but hands up, we’ve not visited yet as it opened after we moved. However, we’ll be putting that right in December…
Bistro West, Burton Road – sad news for people of West Didsbury & beyond. This fab bistro closed a coupel of weeks ago so that owners Philip and Rachel could get out of the kitchen and embark on new adventures.
Great Kathmandu, Burton Road – the third part of the trinity of Nepalese restaurants in the area, all of whom live easily together and definitely complement one another.
Indique, Burton Road – this restaurant prides itself on its unique Indian dishes. And rightly so. Definitely worth a visit.
Indique
Greens Vegetarian Restaurant, Lapwing Lane -any restaurant which has the strapline “Terrifying Carnivores Since 1990” is worth a visit. And if that doesn’t grab you – as well as a very extensive & innovative vegetarian and vegan menu – then you might just get a glimpse of Mr Twinkle Toes himself, Simon Rimmer…
Greens
Pizza Express, Lapwing Lane – you know the deal with Pizza Express. Consistent, plenty of choice, very child friendly and usually you’re OK not to book, as it’s housed in the very big old Post Office building.
Wine & Wallop, Lapwing Lane – more a bar offering well selected wines and beers, but also a selection of bar food.
Didsbury Kitchen, Lapwing Lane – hands up, we’ve never visited, but have read good things about it. If you try and recommend, let us know and we’ll put right…
Chilli Banana, Lapwing Lane – another relatively new addition, but offering traditional Thai dishes in contemporary surroundings.
GB Pizza Co, Lapwing Lane – due to open imminently…
The Lime Tree, Lapwing Lane – a West Didsbury mainstay, offering seasonal menus and with meat from its own smallholding on the border of Cheshire/Peak District.
Piccolino, West Didsbury – the website states “Piccolino in Didsbury has brought Milan to Manchester with it’s glamorous 35 seat all-weather alfresco terrace”. Maybe the pizzas and the pasta, but not the Milanese weather 😉
The Metropolitan, Lapwing Lane/Burton Road – West Didsbury’s “gastro-pub” which goes from strength to strength. With a cavernous interior (and cosy fires and zoned off areas) and a huge outdoor area, it’s perfect all year round. With a separate restaurant area, you can avoid the bar if you’re focused on your food.
The Metropolitan
Burton Road Bakery, Burton Road – a real West Didsbury institution, offering a day time eat-in menu (or eat out on the terrace when the sun shines), as well sandwiches, soups, pastries etc if you’re in more of a rush. The veggie breakfast is superb.
Burton Road Bakery
Volta, Burton Road – another relative newcomer to West Didsbury, but picking up awards for their food. Small plates, Peoples’ Lunch and Sunday Platters.
Volta
Folk Cafe Bar, Burton Road – an eclectic bar/restaurant. You won’t miss it – look out for the palm trees 🙂 Food served from breakfast through to evening – and menu changes regularly.
Folk Cafe Bar
To our knowledge, all West Didsbury food places offer vegetarian options, some offer vegan too and quite a few are child (and dog) friendly. But, if you don’t know these places our advice is to contact in advance and clarify any queries – they’re all very friendly people and will love to meet you.
So, there you have it – a Food Odyssey through West Didsbury. Definitely enough choice to keep you going, however long you visit for 🙂
