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The River Restaurant, Manchester,

The River Restaurant

4.4 (388)
£26 to £40
French
The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Manchester, M3 5LH

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Fancy
Savour a truly unforgettable dining experience where each moment becomes a delicious memory. Inspired by the elegance and artistry of French cuisine, The River Restaurant offers a symphony of flavours, set against the backdrop of serene river views. Experience five-star with our two AA-Rosette restaurant.

Indulge in refined dishes crafted with passion from our Executive Head Chef Bartosz Syznaka, while basking in a luxurious, light-filled ambiance just a short walk across the Trinity Bridge from Spinningfields, Manchester.

Whether it's a special occasion or a spontaneous visit, our five-star service and exquisite flavours promise to transport you to a world of culinary delight.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    French, Afternoon Tea
  • Hours of operation
    Afternoon Tea Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Sunday Lunch Sun 12:00 pm–8:30 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Bartosz Syznaka
  • Private party facilities
    There is a separate dining room, which can comfortably seat up to 22 people, with natural daylight views along the river.
  • Neighborhood
    Manchester
  • Parking details
    Parking is complimentary for visitors dining at the hotel based on a minimum £30.00 spend, on production of a receipt and subject to availability.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Flame Grill Night

    Multiple dates available
    ‘Flame’ will be held every Thursday and will consist of a curated menu of grilled meats with a selection of premium cuts, signature marinades and sauces and expertly designed wine pairings. Guests will be treated to a number of different meat offerings including a tomahawk (£70), a 10oz Sirloin Steak (£60) and a 7oz Lamb Rump (£50) all designed to be shared between two people. Each dish will be served with a Tomato, Mushroom and Fries. PLEASE STATE IN THE NOTES WHAT STEAK YOU WOULD LIKE ON THE EVENING. A glass of wine per person will also be included in the offering - the perfect treat for any date night, after-work get togethers or anyone looking to start the weekend early with bold flavours in a vibrant setting.
  • Traditional Afternoon Tea

    £32.50 per person

    Jan 15, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
    Afternoon tea at The River Restaurant offers a luxurious experience, combining the charm of riverside dining with the timeless elegance of a classic British tradition. The afternoon tea menu changes monthly, with each menu promising a delightful array of carefully crafted savouries, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an indulgent selection of pastries and sweets. Paired with an extensive tea selection, from traditional blends to exotic infusions, it’s an afternoon of refined indulgence perfect for relaxation or celebration.
    Traditional Afternoon Tea Photo
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea

    £42.50 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Scones with fresh cream and a dollop of strawberry jam. Pastries and dainty fancies for polite popping into your mouth. And tea, as much as you can drink. Or a glass or two of Champagne.

What 388 people are saying

The River Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Manchester/Greater Manchester

    Good for special occasions

  • Manchester

    Great for brunch

  • Manchester

    Great for scenic views

  • Manchester

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The River Restaurant offers a "wonderful experience" with "amazing food" and "first-class service." Staff are "friendly and attentive," making guests feel "special." Highlights include a delightful afternoon tea with a "varied menu" and "fantastic" desserts. Despite occasional service hiccups, the restaurant's "beautiful surroundings" and "delicious" dishes ensure a memorable visit.
388 Reviews
  1. Chris

    London7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We were the only people in the restaurant when we arrived at 7pm. There was a function upstairs. We ordered the Tomahawk steak, no starters, and it took over 50 minutes for our food to arrive. We assumed it was due to staff trying to cover the function as well as the restaurant. We didn't get any feedback from the waiting staff. When the food arrived it was excellent and tasty, it was just a shame it took so long to arrive. Other people arrived around 7.45pm and they were served much more quickly than we had been.

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  2. Mark

    Manchester/Greater Manchester1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food , service and atmosphere . My wife and I had a wonderful night .

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  3. Brian VIP

    London67 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 21, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I like the restaurant but they have a strange policy of only opening on Thursday to Sunday. Monday to Wednesday you are seated in the bar with the bar menu. On the Wednesday we were there they did open the restaurant but only with the bar menu. Decent choice and our platter of big prawns was good. My wife’s salad was fine but sadly my steak sandwich was disgusting! It was an open sandwich smothered in a dreadful mustard sauce. The meat was tasteless and tough. How it got off the pass I do not know. Our waiter was excellent and took it off the bill. One other criticism is the awful policy of leaving the tip section on the bill blank. I added £20 tip as the staff were good. When I checked out on Friday there was £15 service charge. So the tip in total wad £35 on a £150 bill! Another moan is breakfast next day. We did not get down till 10:00 am and the hot breakfast buffet was disappointingly cool. That said an earlier sitting the next day everything was hot and good. Again staff were excellent and friendly. Final whinge about hotel, where we always stay when in Manchester. They have introduced a charge for anything ordered via room service. So a bucket of ice is charged at £5 plus service. I get the charges if you’re ordering food and beverage but a bucket of ice! Overall we love the Lowry but they need to keep an eye on standards.

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  4. Roger

    Manchester/Greater Manchester2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was given a voucher for a Cream Tea for Two, booking was very simple. Fantastic welcome on arrival and given a lovely glass of champagne each. We had the vegetarian and non vegetarian meal - sandwiches were ok, but the cakes and scones were fantastic. The service team were very attentive and riverside restaurant was lovely. Well worth considering if you’re looking for a cream tea in Manchester.

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  5. Lydz

    Manchester/Greater Manchester1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful place with absolutely amazing food. Both meat and vegan options were delicious. We were served by Denilson who was very helpful and took amazing photos!

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  6. Greg

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My Mum’s birthday lunch made special by the team, the food and the ambience. Great value too with the Sunday lunch deal.

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  7. Kristina

    Manchester/Greater Manchester3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Had afternoon tea here a few times now and this time it was to celebrate my friend's birthday. As always welcomed warmly and seated quickly. Everything was explained to us well and the food as ever so delicious. My friend enjoyed trying different teas and said the coconut one was delicious. So good to hear they change the menu every month which most places don't do. Cant wait to come back again soon.

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  8. William

    London8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Ordered the vegan meal but served the wrong meal, however soon rectified, Champagne cocktail particularly good.

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  9. Glenys

    Manchester/Greater Manchester1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A very relaxed and enjoyable afternoon tea can’t wait to to come again well done and thanks to all

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  10. Patricia

    Cheshire2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The restaurant is modern and well appointed, the toilets clean and numerous. The food was great, although the knife was unable to cut the beef and so a steak knife was requested.. We had thw Sunday Lunch menu.

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FAQs

The River Restaurant is rated 4.4 stars by 388 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Manchester/Greater Manchester
  4. Manchester
  5. Manchester

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The River Restaurant

The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Manchester, M3 5LH

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Manchester
  • Hours of operation
    Afternoon Tea Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Sunday Lunch Sun 12:00 pm–8:30 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    French, Afternoon Tea
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Parking is complimentary for visitors dining at the hotel based on a minimum £30.00 spend, on production of a receipt and subject to availability.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Bartosz Syznaka
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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