If you are attending a show at AO Arena, you’ll want to couple that with an unforgettable dining experience. Find the perfect place to dine before the show from our list of the best restaurants near AO Arena.

Last updated: 30/04/2024 at 16:24 pm

If you’re heading to an event at the AO Arena in Manchester, you’ll surely be looking for things to do while in the city, including finding somewhere good to eat.

We can help you with choosing the right place, as we bring you 10 moreish options for restaurants near the AO Arena in Manchester for a perfect pre-show dining experience.

The AO Arena boasts a line-up of thrilling upcoming performances, featuring everyone from Peter Kay to Girls Aloud. Whatever your preference, AO Arena delivers! Enhance your show experience by indulging in a delightful meal a restaurant near AO Arena beforehand.

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The Spärrows

Modern European Cuisine

Starting off with a brilliant mix of comforting modern European cuisine, The Spärrows offers a great variety of handmade dumplings and pasta all of European origin.

From Italian Ravioli to Polish Pierogi, their dumplings menu can bring you some of the best flavours from around Europe. The house speciality Spatzle is a must-order.

At a roughly 10-minute walk from the arena, The Spärrows is one you have to try out. You’ll want to book ahead, though, as this is one of Manchester’s most popular restaurants.

Peaky Blinders Manchester

British Gastropub

Don’t let the name fool you - this is no gimmicky restaurant. At Peaky Blinders Manchester, you will indulge in truly homemade gastropub food, partnered with bespoke cocktails.

Enjoy brilliant British cuisine with a masterfully made cocktail while taking in the authentic 1920s twist that makes this restaurant unique.

A 15-minute walk from the arena makes this eventful venue one to visit while in the city.

Federal Cafe & Bar

New Zealand/ Australian Quick Bites

If you’re looking for something tasty during the day, the Federal Cafe & Bar offers a fantastic Antipodean breakfast and brunch menu.

The New Zealand and Australian-influenced cafe demands perfection from their food and drinks, using fresh quality ingredients and holding high standards for every drink made.

Add in their tasty cocktails and the 10-minute walk to the arena, and this small yet busy cafe should be your choice for a quick bite in a welcoming environment.

The Remedy Kitchen

Healthy Eating

Experience devotedly healthy dining at The Remedy Kitchen, where a fully gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free menu is on offer.

For anyone who is mindful about what they eat, this is the best place to come. The Remedy Kitchen’s focus on the health elements in their menus coupled with beautifully presented dishes inspired by nature provides a wonderful meal and environment for all.

At no longer than 10 minutes walk away from the arena, this is the best option for any health-conscious foodies.

Teppanyaki Chinatown

Outstanding Japanese cuisine

For authentic Japanese food, nothing in Manchester comes close to Teppanyaki Chinatown. The focus of serving outstanding Japanese cuisines partnered with authentic teppanyaki cooking provides you with an incredible dining experience.

Teppanyaki, meaning ‘grilling on an iron plate’, will bring you high-quality food cooked by a professional teppanyaki chef to ensure only the finest food for you to enjoy.

15 minutes is all it takes to walk to the AO Arena in Manchester from the restaurant.

Comptoir Libanais

Authentic Lebanese, Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Flavours

If you’re not familiar with Lebanese, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine, then let Comptoir Libanais get you interested and ultimately hooked.

The founder of this fine establishment has a goal to make Lebanese food as popular as Italian food, and he achieves that by bringing the best flavours to every meal.

Situated in the heart of the city, you will have a 15-20 minute walk to the arena, but public transport can ease that journey for you.

Street Urchin

Sumptuous Seafood

With a brilliant menu that changes often, Street Urchin is perfect for seafood lovers! Choose from a range of small and large dishes, each lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients.

Don’t fear this delightful restaurant if you’re not a fan of fish and other seafood. There are meat options available, as well as meals prepared for vegetarians and vegans.

A 15-minute walk to the arena makes this the best option for seafood near where you will be enjoying a wonderful event.

Dakota Bar & Grill

Luxurious Restaurant & Hotel

The Dakota Manchester features on our list of the best hotels near the Etihad Stadium (the home of Manchester City FC), and now its quality restaurant features on this list - and for very good reason.

The Dakota Manchester offers a fine experience in both their hotel and restaurant. The bar and grill offer simple yet beautiful dishes that showcase quality, seasonal produce. Every meal is expertly cooked and prepared, with their signature prime-cut steaks being the speciality.

It will take you no longer than 20 minutes to walk from there to the arena, so you will have time to let your exquisite meal mellow before heading to your event.

Vincenzo Trattoria

Fresh Italian Cuisine

It's hard to ever go wrong with Italian food, especially when cooked fresh and with the utmost love and care, which is exactly what you will get at Vincenzo Trattoria.

This restaurant is inspired by the former owner’s love for his family and passion for food. This comes across in every meal, with each one providing a sumptuous dish, from the pizzas and pasta to the seasonal specials.

The short 10-minute walk through the heart of the city to the arena is also a big plus for one of the city's best Italian restaurants

Sangam

Flavourful Indian Dining

Ending with a British favourite, Sangam Manchester City Centre is perfect for anyone who favours a unique Indian restaurant experience.

With chefs who have worked all across the globe, Sangam offers brilliant Indian dishes that provide incredible flavours and the finest dining experience to leave you fully satisfied.

This Sangam in Manchester is just a 20-minute walk from the arena. But be sure you are heading to the right one - there is another one in Didsbury, just outside the city. Unless you want a 2-hour walk to the arena, you’ll want to head to the Manchester City Centre restaurant.

We’ve focused on what to do before or after an event at the arena, but what about choosing the event to attend?

The AO Arena in Manchester is one of the UK’s leading indoor venues and has played host to some fantastic events and concerts, including Coldplay, Peter Kay and Premier League Darts.

2023 will see a number of fantastic live events once again across the year, and you can book premium tickets to every one of them through Seat Unique.

At Seat Unique, we are proud to be an Official Prime Experience Provider of AO Arena, offering fans access to official premium experiences at the venue through our trusted platform.

From Post Malone to WWE Live, you can see the very best of all the action at the AO Arena in Manchester with premium hospitality packages and VIP tickets.

You will benefit from comfortable seating in a prime location, access to the venue's hospitality lounge, and VIP entry, just to name a few inclusions.

Check out everything we have available at the AO Arena in Manchester across 2023 and 2024 and book official premium tickets and hospitality now.

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Be sure to check out our guide to the best hotels near the AO Arena in Manchester so you can enjoy the best night's stay to couple with a premium event.