Manchester boasts one of the UK's most vibrant Persian dining scenes outside of London, with over 35 authentic Iranian restaurants concentrated along the famous Curry Mile in Rusholme and throughout the city. From traditional family-run establishments serving time-honored recipes to modern fusion restaurants offering contemporary interpretations, Manchester's Persian culinary landscape reflects the city's diverse and welcoming character.

Cuisine Styles

7

Regional variants

Opening Hours

12:00-23:00

Typical times

The Famous Curry Mile

Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, known as the Curry Mile, is home to Manchester's highest concentration of Persian restaurants. This vibrant stretch offers everything from quick kebab shops to elegant dining establishments, making it the heart of Manchester's Middle Eastern cuisine scene.

18

Persian restaurants on the Mile

24/7

Some establishments open

£8-25

Price range per person

Persian Cuisine Guide

🥘 Main Dishes

  • Ghormeh Sabzi: Herb stew with lamb or beef
  • Fesenjan: Walnut and pomegranate stew with chicken
  • Chelo Kebab: Grilled meat with saffron rice
  • Zereshk Polo: Barberry rice with chicken

🍚 Rice & Sides

  • Tahdig: Crispy rice bottom
  • Chelo: Plain saffron rice
  • Kashk-e Bademjan: Eggplant with whey
  • Mast-o Khiar: Yogurt with cucumber

🍞 Bread & Starters

  • Sangak: Traditional Persian flatbread
  • Lavash: Thin flatbread
  • Mirza Ghasemi: Smoked eggplant dip
  • Dolmeh: Stuffed grape leaves

🧁 Desserts & Sweets

  • Baklava: Layered pastry with nuts
  • Sholeh Zard: Saffron rice pudding
  • Halva: Sesame-based confection
  • Persian Ice Cream: Rose and saffron flavors

Persian Restaurants by Area

Rusholme (Curry Mile)

The epicenter of Manchester's Persian dining scene with authentic family restaurants and late-night eateries.

  • 18 restaurants
  • Average: £10-25
  • Open until late

City Centre

Upscale Persian restaurants catering to business diners and evening entertainment.

  • 8 restaurants
  • Average: £20-35
  • Business lunches

Fallowfield

Student-friendly Persian restaurants with generous portions and affordable prices.

  • 6 restaurants
  • Average: £12-20
  • Student discounts

Didsbury

Refined Persian dining in an affluent suburb with modern interpretations of classic dishes.

  • 5 restaurants
  • Average: £18-30
  • Family-friendly

Student-Friendly Options

Manchester's large student population has shaped the Persian restaurant scene, with many establishments offering special deals, generous portions, and budget-friendly options near the universities.

🎓 Student Discounts

10-20% off with valid student ID at participating restaurants

🍱 Lunch Deals

Weekday lunch specials from £8-12 including rice and drink

📦 Takeaway Portions

Generous portions perfect for sharing or multiple meals

Dining Tips for Manchester

🕐 Best Times

Lunch 12:00-15:00 for weekday deals. Dinner from 18:00. Weekend evenings get busy. Many Curry Mile restaurants open until 2:00 AM.

💰 Pricing

Lunch deals from £8. Evening mains £12-25. BYOB allowed in many places (£2-5 corkage). Student discounts widely available.

🥗 Dietary Needs

Extensive vegetarian options. Most restaurants are halal. Vegan dishes available on request. Gluten-free options increasingly common.

🚌 Getting There

Easy bus routes to Rusholme from city centre. Limited parking on Curry Mile. Walking distance from student areas.

Northern Persian Hospitality

Manchester's Persian restaurants embody the city's famous Northern hospitality, combining traditional Iranian warmth with Mancunian friendliness. This unique blend creates a welcoming atmosphere that has made the city's Persian dining scene beloved by locals and visitors alike.

🫖 Complimentary Tea

Traditional Persian tea often offered before and after meals

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Atmosphere

Many restaurants are family-run with children welcome

🏈 Football Friendly

Many places show football matches, blending local and Persian culture