SquareMeal has released its list of Top 100 restaurants in the UK and three places in Manchester have made the list. 

On the list for 2022 is Adam Reid at The French, Hispi and Erst.

SquareMeal is the UK’s leading independent restaurant guide and it deliberately excludes London restaurants to allow venues from around the UK to be recognised.

SquareMeal brings the Top 100 list together using thousands of reader votes and their own expert critics, featuring everything from fine dining experiences through to farm-to-table restaurants and gastropubs.

3 Manchester restaurants on Squaremeal's Top 100 list

16. Adam Reid at The French

Situated within the iconic Midland Hotel, Adam Reid brings his modern British cooking to the heart of Manchester city centre. 

Reid has been the recipient of 4 AA Rosettes and is a one-time winner of BBC’s Great British Menu competition. 

Squaremeal writes: "We’ve had our share of thrilling encounters here – from seared scallop with trout roe and roasted onion broth to a superbly executed dish of salt-aged duck with vivid purple beetroot and pickled elderberries.

"Other standouts have a noticeable North Country accent – think nibbles of dripping toast with grated tongue or a Lancashire ‘tasty’ cheese and onion pie with lovage and eel, as well as a meat-free combo of ‘tater ash’ with mushroom ‘catsup’, bread and butter.

"To finish, rhubarb jelly with ginger malt ice cream is one option, but don’t miss Reid’s ‘Golden Empire’ dessert – an award-winner from his Great British Menu 2016, consisting of a golden candy apple adorned with hazelnut crumble and meadowsweet custard."

42. Hispi 

Chef Gary Usher brings his third venture to Didsbury, following on from his critically-acclaimed Burnt Truffle in Merseyside and Sticky Walnut in Chester.

Didsbury is one of Manchester's must-visit suburbs with a cool and relaxed vibe. 

Squaremeal writes: "The confident, concise menu shows all of Usher’s trademarks, starting with satisfyingly chewy rye bread served with Lincolnshire Poacher butter.

"After that, the food does all the talking, from cured cod loin with smoked cod’s roe, radish, lime and vermouth dressing to braised featherblade with mushroom mayonnaise and truffle and parmesan chips, or roasted lamb neck with glazed Roscoff onion tart, courgette and mustard leaf pesto.

"The superb-value lunch menu (£17 for two courses, £19 for three) and early-evening offer (£18 for two courses, £21 for three) are popular with local punters, while the drinks list has enough variety to suit parties from all walks of life."

72. Erst

Located in another of Manchester's coolest suburbs, Ancoats, Erst is described as 'industrial-chic'.

Modern and light, the dishes are served as small plates designed to share with friends and family. 

Squaremeal writes: "Erst’s focus is on simple seasonal food, natural wines and craft beers.

"The decor is stripped back and simple – concrete floors, abstract artworks on the walls and a stainless steel-topped bar with an open kitchen.

"The concise, confident menu of snacks, small plates and sharing dishes focuses heavily on the grill, while the wine list features vintages from small producers using organic and often biodynamic processes."