Romantic menus, exclusive Valentine’s specials & unmissable dining experiences

Looking for the best Valentine’s Day restaurants in Manchester? Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a stylish city-centre date night, or a relaxed Valentine’s meal with standout food, Manchester’s restaurant scene delivers in spades for 2026.

From limited-edition Valentine’s menus to sharing plates, steaks, and diner-style comfort food, here’s your ultimate guide to Valentine’s Day dining in Manchester, including where to book right now.

❤️ Best Valentine’s Day Restaurant Offers in Manchester

Canto Manchester – Valentine’s Day Special Menu

📍 Ancoats

Canto Manchester is serving one of the best Valentine’s Day menus in Manchester on 13th and 14th February. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant has created exclusive dishes designed for sharing, making it ideal for couples.

The menu includes fresh oysters with a choice of Bloody Mary dressing or leche de tigre, followed by tuna tataki paired with a vibrant vegetable ceviche. For the main event, a 300g charred sirloin steak cooked over fire and finished with Manchego sauce is designed to be enjoyed together. Dessert is a delicate meringue layered with coffee cream, cherry notes, and dark chocolate shavings.

👉 Book Canto Manchester for Valentine’s Day:

Make a booking at Canto

Why it ranks: Limited-edition dishes, romantic Ancoats setting, and a menu built for sharing.

El Gato Negro Manchester – Valentine’s Day Sharing Plates

📍 King Street

For couples who love Spanish flavours and social dining, El Gato Negro Manchester is offering special Valentine’s dishes available 13th and 14th February.

The Valentine’s menu focuses on sharing, starting with a mixed croquettes plate featuring Payoyo cheese croquettes, piquillo pepper croquettes, and a chicken chorizo paella bowl. Mains include a roasted rack of lamb with pistachio and herbs served with green olive potatoes, alongside king scallops with ginger pea purée and coriander gremolada.

👉 Reserve El Gato Negro Manchester:

Book With Us

Why it ranks: Central Manchester location, premium ingredients, and a relaxed yet romantic tapas experience.

🥩 Hawksmoor Manchester – Steak After Eight Menu (February Special)

📍 Deansgate | 🗓 Every evening in February (after 8pm)

For couples who believe Valentine’s Day should involve serious steak, Hawksmoor Manchester’s Steak After Eight menu is one of the strongest date-night offers in the city this February.

Available after 8pm every evening in February, the menu is designed for two, four or six people and includes:

Starters (choose two):

Hawksmoor smoked salmon, Old Spot belly ribs, or Hawksmoor Caesar salad

Main:

Chateaubriand sharing steak, served with peppercorn, bone marrow or béarnaise sauce

Sides (choose two):

Beef-dripping chips, creamed spinach, English salad, mac & cheese

Puddings (choose two):

Peanut butter shortbread, sticky toffee pudding, or seasonal pavlova

Drinks:

Two welcome cocktails (Martini or sour cherry Negroni), plus a good glass of red wine each with the main

💷 £150 per couple (£75pp)

🍷 Available every evening in February after 8pm

This is a brilliant alternative to traditional Valentine’s menus — indulgent, social, and perfect for dates, mates or a February night out that feels special.

👉 Book Hawksmoor Manchester:

Manchester

🍔 Alternative Valentine’s Dining in Manchester

Mollie’s (Millie’s) Diner Manchester – Relaxed Valentine’s Dining

📍 Old Granada Studios

Not every Valentine’s Day needs white tablecloths. Mollie’s Diner Manchester offers a more relaxed, fun alternative with classic American diner comfort food in retro surroundings.

From burgers and shakes to brunch plates and desserts, it’s ideal for a casual Valentine’s date, daytime plans, or a post-dinner stop. It’s especially popular for couples wanting something different from a traditional Valentine’s set menu.

👉 Book Mollie’s Diner Manchester:

Diner

Why it ranks: Laid-back vibe, all-day dining, and a unique Valentine’s option in Manchester.

🍷 More Romantic Restaurants in Manchester for Valentine’s Day

These restaurants don’t always advertise Valentine’s menus — but they’re consistently among the most romantic restaurants in Manchester:

20 Stories – Rooftop views and contemporary British food

Dishoom Manchester – Warm, atmospheric Indian dining perfect for dates with stunning food

💡 Tip: Many of these restaurants run Valentine’s set menus — check booking notes carefully.

📅 Valentine’s Day Dining Tips for Manchester

Book early: Valentine’s weekend (13–14 February) is one of the busiest of the year Check menus: Some Valentine’s dishes are only available on specific dates Mix it up: Pair a romantic dinner with a relaxed brunch or diner stop City centre books fastest: Ancoats, King Street, and Spinningfields fill up first

❤️ Final Word: Where to Eat on Valentine’s Day in Manchester

Whether you’re after an indulgent steak dinner, Spanish-style sharing plates, or a laid-back diner date, Manchester has some of the best Valentine’s Day restaurant options in the UK.

For exclusive Valentine’s menus, Canto and El Gato Negro are top picks. For something more casual and fun, Mollie’s Diner offers a refreshing alternative. Whatever your style, book early — and let Manchester do the rest.