PCOS-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés in Manchester (Nutritionist Approved)
- Lisa Smith Nutritionist
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Eating out with PCOS doesn’t have to mean starting over
One of the most common things my clients ask is:
“What do I do when I’m eating out? I don’t want to undo all my hard work.”
Here’s the truth: you can absolutely support your hormones and still enjoy food out, without feeling guilty or restricted. It’s not about perfection. It’s about making realistic choices that still align with your goals.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch between meetings or meeting friends for dinner in the Northern Quarter, this guide will help you find PCOS-supportive options across Manchester.
These are spots I recommend to clients when they want balanced meals, blood sugar-friendly choices, and a bit of flexibility built into their routine.
What makes a meal PCOS-supportive?
When eating out, I look for options that help you:
Balance blood sugar (think: protein, fibre, healthy fats)
Reduce inflammation (e.g. quality oils, whole foods, colourful veg)
Support digestion and energy
Avoid food that leaves you bloated, foggy or craving sugar an hour later
It’s not about ordering the plainest salad. It’s about being intentional, choosing meals that leave you feeling satisfied, not sluggish. Here’s another post that will help you make good choices to support PCOS when eating out.
PCOS-Friendly Manchester Picks
(All independently selected. No sponsorships or ads.)
Located in the heart of Manchester, The Allotment Vegan Eatery offers an entirely plant-based menu that showcases the versatility of vegetables.
Best for: Anti-inflammatory, dairy-free meals
A great choice if you’re reducing dairy or following a more plant-forward plan. Their food is vibrant and satisfying without relying on ultra-processed meat alternatives.
What I’d order:
Sweet potato katsu with kimchi slaw and edamame, or the tempeh bowl with fermented veg and tahini dressing, great for gut support and hormone balance.
Evelyn's Café Bar provides a relaxed atmosphere with a menu that blends international flavours with healthy options. Best for: Dinner out with a functional food twist
Stylish but grounded. Middle Eastern and Asian-style dishes that often include herbs, spices, and good quality oils, all great for inflammation.
What I’d order:
Charred aubergine with tahini, grilled fish with lentils and greens, or the slow-roasted lamb with vegetables. Ask for dressing or sauce on the side if you want more control over oils/sugars.
Situated in the Northern Quarter, The Green Lab focuses on promoting wellness through food. Best for: Custom bowls, smoothies and gut support
Focused on nutrition-led meals and gut health. You can build your own nourish bowl with a protein base, fibre-rich veg, and healthy fats.
What I’d order:
Build your own bowl: start with quinoa or brown rice, add grilled tofu or salmon, roasted veg, and fermented slaw or kimchi. Top with tahini or olive oil dressing.
As Manchester's first fully gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free restaurant, The Remedy Kitchen caters to various dietary requirements.
Lots of flexible build-your-own options and clear ingredients. You can easily customise meals to keep blood sugar steady without feeling restricted. Best for: Brunch with protein and balance
What I’d order:
Grilled chicken or smoked salmon on sourdough with avocado and poached eggs. Ask for extra greens or a side salad to boost fibre.
Located in Hale, just outside Manchester, The Garden Eatery focuses on nourishing the body and mind. Their menu features organic, locally sourced ingredients with options like 'Green Goddess Bowl' and 'Turmeric Lattes'. The café also hosts wellness events, fostering a community centred around health.
Pret or Leon – On-the-go options
If you’re between appointments or travelling, chain options like Pret and Leon have become more PCOS-friendly with higher protein choices and reduced carb load. Best for: Grab-and-go, without the blood sugar crash
What I’d order at Pret:
Chicken and avocado protein box or smoked salmon egg pot with a green side.
At Leon:
Chargrilled chicken hot box with slaw, or halloumi wrap
Manchester’s first dedicated açai café, located in Deansgate, Manchester and Altrincham. They offer a variety of premium, organic açai bowls, superfood smoothies, and a seasonally changing brunch menu, catering to various dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free options. Their mission is to transport customers to the Amazon Rainforest through their nutritious offerings. A new açai café is also opening in Altrincham soon!
Tips for PCOS-Friendly Eating Out
Even when a menu isn’t ideal, small tweaks can help you stay on track without overthinking every bite.
1.
Prioritise protein
Always build your meal around protein with eggs, chicken, fish, tofu or tempeh. This helps stabilise blood sugar and reduce cravings later. Here are some great PCOS-friendly 30g protein meal ideas.
2.
Add fibre where you can
Ask for extra greens, a side salad, or beans/lentils. Fibre supports hormone clearance and gut health. Learn more about how fibre supports hormone balance in this post.
3.
Be mindful of sugar-loaded sauces or dressings
Sauces can be a hidden source of sugar and poor-quality oils. Ask for dressing on the side and taste first before adding.
4.
Don’t skip meals to “make up” for eating out
Skipping meals disrupts blood sugar and increases cravings. Eat regularly it’s better to plan a balanced plate than to restrict then overdo it later.
5.
Let go of all-or-nothing thinking
One meal doesn’t make or break your progress. If you enjoy a treat, enjoy it and move on. Long-term hormone support comes from consistency, not restriction. Find out why restriction and extreme diets are bad for your hormones in this post.
Real life matters too
You don’t need to stay home with Tupperware forever to manage your PCOS. Food freedom and symptom support can co-exist. The key is learning what works for your body and building flexibility into your routines.
In my 12-week PCOS programme, I help you create realistic nutrition habits that fit your life, including how to eat out with less stress, fewer symptoms, and more confidence. Because this isn’t about perfect plans, it’s about progress that actually sticks.
Want practical food-first support for PCOS?
I am a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist and health coach offering nutrition advice for PCOS weight and fertility, locally in Manchester and online for clients across the UK.
Start with my 7-Day PCOS Reset, packed with simple swaps, hormone-friendly recipes and real-life strategies to get your blood sugar and energy back on track.
Or book a Quick Start Nutrition Reset Session for personalised advice, symptom mapping and a 3-step plan tailored to your lifestyle.
Book a free PCOS Strategy call to explore how my nutrition Programme can help you manage PCOS symptoms naturally.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP or healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
Updated June 2025 to reflect new PCOS research and nutrition strategies..
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