Manchester’s dining scene has chalked up another win, with four local restaurants earning spots in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 for 2026.
From refined tasting menus to nostalgic British cooking, the city’s chefs continue to prove they can more than hold their own against the capital’s culinary heavyweights.
1. Skof (#29)
Leading the Manchester contingent is Skof, which lands at an impressive 29th place. Chef Tom Barnes has taken the skills honed at L’Enclume and turned them into one of the city’s most sought-after dining experiences. The result is a polished tasting menu that manages to feel ambitious without disappearing up its own apron.
2. Erst (#37)
Ancoats favourite Erst continues its steady rise, securing the 37th spot. Known for its seasonal small plates and seriously well-curated natural wine list, it remains one of Manchester’s most reliable bookings for those who like their food precise and packed with flavour.
3. Higher Ground (#39)
4. Winsome (#67)
The newest entry on the list is Winsome, which arrives at number 67. Its warm, generous approach to modern British dining has clearly struck a chord with judges, blending nostalgia, comfort and thoughtful cooking without feeling stuck in the past.
The quartet finished ahead of several of London’s most celebrated restaurants, including Brat, Kol, Sabor, Brawn, Kudu, Fallow, St. JOHN and Luca.
Not bad for a city that was once unfairly labelled a culinary underdog.
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