4 Manchester restaurants among UK’s top 100 by SquareMeal

A total of four restaurants have been named in the 2026 edition of SquareMeal’s Top 100 UK Restaurants, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a culinary hotspot.

Skof, Stow, Higher Ground, and Winsome all made the cut in the annual list, which recognises a mix of new openings, long-standing favourites, and innovative concepts across the UK.

Higher Ground (Image: Google)

Skof, ranked second overall, is the debut solo venture of chef Tom Barnes.

SquareMeal said: “Nothing short of outstanding. Barnes brings a level of technical precision and innovation that matches his alma mater L’Enclume, but delivers it in a more down-to-earth fashion.

“Winning a debut Michelin star is testament to its brilliance, and surely just the start of greater things.”

Stow, at number 31, was praised for its ‘infectious sense of fun.’

SquareMeal described it as ‘all swagger,’ with ‘hip-hop booming, chefs inches away and flames roaring from the grill.’

The guide highlighted the restaurant’s ‘knockout cooking,’ including its ‘legendary smoked cream tart.’

Higher Ground, ranked 41st, was recognised as a British bistro that ‘showcases everything this little island has to offer.’

Located in the city centre, Higher Ground is known for its seasonal British menu, changing regularly to reflect produce from across the UK.

Winsome, listed at number 50, was described as ‘straightforward in style, Anglocentric, and driven by quality British meat.’

The restaurant received praise for its generous Northern hospitality and enthusiasm with SquareMeal noting it delivers ‘brilliant meats and sauces’ in a setting reminiscent of St John, though with ‘a few quirks of its own.’

The guide was compiled based on nominations from readers and critics, with SquareMeal explaining:

SquareMeal’s editorial team said: “Your restaurant nominations direct our attention to incredible restaurants flying under the radar, reinforce our critics’ findings, and serve as an invaluable measure of local esteem.

“We’ve visited (and revisited) countless contenders, honing in on those that exemplify what the UK does best.

“The outcome is a list built on performance, value, and quality.

“From affordable gems to remarkable experiences worth forking out for, each restaurant deserves its spot among the top restaurants in the UK.”