Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, is of course one of the world’s most famous football stadiums, the scene of so many magical moments over the years. From Cantona’s popped collar and the seemingly endless instances of “squeaky bum time”, all the way back to the Busby Babes, George Best and Bobby Charlton, fewer places are more iconic.
What is perhaps less famous and iconic are the food options in the area, which broadly encompass some of the less agreeable high street chains and a few burger vans with their inexplicably enticing aroma of frying onions.
Sure, the latter always hits the spot on the walk up to the stadium, but if you’re keen for a proper sitdown meal prior to kickoff (or after, of course), then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are a few great options close to Old Trafford, if you just know where to look.
That’s why you’re here, right? Helping you know exactly where to look for the best restaurants close to the Manchester United stadium, here’s where to eat near Old Trafford.
The Wharf
Ideal for scenic waterside views, a pie and a pint…
Fancy a pie and a pint? You could, of course, have one in the stands, which, as reported by the Mirror, is home to the cheapest pint in the league, with a Madri costing £3.40. Old Trafford’s pies aren’t bad value either, clocking in at £4.40. Or, you could sit down and actually enjoy one at The Wharf…
A half hour’s walk from Old Trafford, The Wharf in Castlefield is a great spot for those seeking a traditional British pub experience (bevvies, chanting, an atmosphere of increasing tension as jaws get tighter…).
With its cosy interiors and a picturesque canal-side setting, it’s the perfect place to get lubed up and fed before the match. The menu boasts classic pub grub which, whilst not in line for a Michelin star anytime soon, certainly hits the spot – think sausages and mash, fish and chips, and a Sunday roast that’s well regarded in these parts. Starters are crowd pleasers too with patatas bravas, crispy squid and halloumi fries on the lineup.
Kitsch, we know, but we’re a sucker for the Wharf’s chipolatas with honey mustard – a beer snack and a half, make no mistake. Big fan of their steak sandwich, too.
For those who like to be a little comatose in their Stretford End seat, The Wharf’s ale selection is second to none, offering the perfect, frothy, flat pint to accompany your meal and get you mildly buzzing for the game.
Website: brunningandprice.co.uk
Address: 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST
Cafe Football
Ideal for hearty, football-themed dishes…
For the United aficionados who like a side order of unintentional high camp with their pre-match meal, Cafe Football is a must-visit. Owned by Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, this restaurant serves up a football-themed menu that doesn’t skimp on flavour.
The atmosphere is enveloping, with memorabilia adorning the walls and live matches often screened. The menu is, to be honest, a little confusing, as it doesn’t fully commit to the United theme in its dish billings. Sure, you can get a ‘Scholesly’ steak suet pudding, which, missing a trick, hasn’t been flavoured with ginger, or a ‘Match Fit’ Kashmir beef curry (nope, the link’s lost on us, too), but that’s about it for the football-themed food, except an inexplicable mention of Messi over some chips. Not to worry; this is decent food just seconds from the ground, making it a venue that scores high on ambience and convenience.
Be warned; you’ll need to book a table well in advance of match day.
Website: hotelfootball.com
Address: 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0SZ
Akbar’s
Ideal for enjoying Britain’s national dish before watching its national sport...
Craving something spicy? Akbar’s on Liverpool Road is a short journey from Old Trafford and is famed for its authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere is matched by its bold flavours.
Signature dishes include the chicken jalfrezi and the lamb rogan josh, but it’s their humble naan that steals the show – so large it’s served on a skewer, slapping you across the face literally rather than with flavour, as it swings in front of you.
At Akbar’s, it’s the chicken tikka masala for us everytime- there’s something quite poetic about digging into one of the UK’s favourite dishes before enjoying an afternoon watching our favourite sport, don’t you think?
Sitting opposite the excellent Manchester Science and Industry Museum, you’ve got your whole day out sorted if you choose to take lunch here.
Website: akbars.co.uk
Address: 73-83 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ
The Dockyard
Ideal for a lively atmosphere, craft beer and hearty pub grub that’s the perfect pre-game fuel…
The Dockyard offers a modern gastropub experience with a menu that aims to cater to all. On the menu are your usual British pub grub classics, as well as hotdogs (more of an American football thing, if you ask us) and poutine from Canada (another popular sports dish from across the pond), both of which are perfect for pre-game fuelling.
Located in the nearby MediaCityUK, it’s a great place to mix with a diverse crowd, from sports fans to media types. Their craft beer selection is impressive, and when paired with a Dockyard burger or halloumi fries, it’s a match made in heaven, even if ETH serves up another stinker inside the stadium.
Website: dockyard.pub
Address: B3, 4 Left Bank, Irwell Square, Manchester M3 3AN
Just A Short Tram Ride Away From The Stadium…
While the immediate vicinity of Old Trafford offers a rich tapestry of tastes, a brief 15-minute tram journey on the pink line opens up a world of culinary excellence in Manchester City Centre. Here are some establishments well worth the short trip…
El Gato Negro
Ideal for award-winning tapas…
El Gato Negro is a highly acclaimed tapas restaurant that brings the flavours of Spain to Manchester. The atmosphere is as vibrant as the streets of Barcelona, and the tapas are perfect for sharing. From the expertly sourced presa Iberica to the oozing, umami-filled croquetas, each dish is a celebration of Spanish cuisine.
We love this place, and have also named it on our roundup of where to eat near Manchester Piccadilly. High praise indeed.
Website: elgatonegrotapas.com
Address: 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY
ÖRME
Ideal for Scandinavian tekkers applied to seasonal British ingredients…
Nestled in the heart of the city, ÖRME is a contemporary dining spot that prides itself on its New Nordic-inspired menu. The dishes are crafted with locally sourced ingredients and are a testament to minimalist beauty and flavour. It’s a dining experience that’s both refined and grounded in nature.
Website: restaurantorme.com
Address: 218 Church Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9DX
Higher Ground
Ideal for natural wine and seasonal sharing plates…
Higher Ground is a pop-up turned permanent, known for its innovative approach to local produce and sustainability. The menu is ever-changing, reflecting the best of what’s in season, with a broadly British focus on the plate.
The chefs here create dishes that are as pleasing to the palate as they are to the eye, and even more pleasing to the wallet, quite frankly, with the lunchtime seasonal sharing menu clocking in at just £35. On that menu, the Pitchfork (a small batch producer of the good stuff, not the guys who gave Born To Die 5.5) cheddar and brown crab tartlet is simply sublime. With a fine selection of low intervention wines, this is a gently sophisticated, pleasingly light affair, and a delicious way to warm-up for the game.
Website: highergroundmcr.co.uk
Address: Faulkner House, New York St, Manchester M1 4DY
Adam Reid At The French
Ideal for a set tasting menu of modern British (not French) cuisine …
For those seeking a serious touch of luxury, Adam Reid At The French provides a fine dining experience that is hard to surpass. Located in the historic Midland Hotel, the restaurant offers a modern British menu that has earned it four AA rosettes. The tasting menus are a journey through texture, taste, and innovation. Sure, you might need a Rashford-sized salary to afford the £145 a head menu, but this one’s a genuinely superlative dining experience. The sweet section, particularly the tipsy cake, is particularly good.
Website: themidlandhotel.co.uk
Address: 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
Hawksmoor Manchester
Ideal for a classic, classy steakhouse experience…
A short tram ride will also bring you to Hawksmoor Manchester, a well-known and always-reliable haven for steak lovers. Renowned for its ethically sourced British beef, this restaurant offers a meaty menu that’s cooked to perfection. The ambiance is that of a classic steakhouse with a modern twist, and the service is impeccable. Whether you’re in the mood for a fat-tastic rib-eye or a tender fillet, Hawksmoor is a destination that promises to deliver a top-notch dining experience.
Website: thehawksmoor.com
Address: 184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
Getting To Old Trafford
Travelling to Old Trafford for a match day or a stadium tour is straightforward, whether you’re coming from Manchester City Centre, Manchester Piccadilly, or flying in from further afield.
From Manchester City Centre, you can hop on the Metrolink tram service, which offers a direct and efficient route to the stadium. The journey typically takes around 15 minutes, and trams run frequently, especially on match days, to accommodate the influx of fans.
If you’re starting at Manchester Piccadilly, the city’s main train station, you’ll find it just as easy. A short walk to the Piccadilly Gardens tram stop will allow you to catch a tram directly to Old Trafford, ensuring you arrive with plenty of time to soak up the pre-game atmosphere.
For those flying into Manchester, and with services such as parking at Manchester airport affordable, you’ll find the airport a fairly stress-free experience. Once you’ve secured your vehicle, you can take a tram from the airport to Cornbrook tram stop and change for a service to Old Trafford. Alternatively, a taxi or a pre-booked car service can whisk you directly to the stadium, allowing for a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re in Manchester looking for a quick bite before the game or a leisurely meal after, the area around Old Trafford and the nearby city centre have you covered.
With just a short tram ride separating you from some of the city’s finest dining establishments, there’s no reason not to indulge in the diverse and delicious options available. Except, of course, you just want to watch the game without reeling from a massive tasting menu or obscenely-ordered curry…