Best Places to Eat in Macclesfield: A Local’s Guide
Oh, I’ve been excited to write this one. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a foodie – and having a partner who is a chef has only expanded this further. Macclesfield has so many brilliant places to offer, so I’m very excited to share some of my absolute favourites with you!
The Depot
The Depot, Rear 68 Chestergate, Macclesfield SK11 6DY
Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 8pm | Treacle Market Sundays: lunch service
Bookings: Large groups only – walk-ins welcome otherwise
🌱 Veggie options available | 🐶 Dog friendly | 👨👩👧 Family friendly
Now, I think most Macclesfield locals would attest to this – The Depot is absolutely brilliant.
During the week, The Depot is used as the base prep kitchen for Honest Crust (also located in the Picturedrome and other vendors in Manchester, Stockport, and beyond). But when Friday and Saturday roll around, they open from lunchtime for quite frankly some of the best sandwiches ever to be consumed by yours truly. Then homemade pasta rolls around after lunch.
The chefs at The Depot know exactly what they’re doing, with a versatile and variable menu each week featuring key seasonal ingredients alongside some incredible sweet treats – including the best Guinness cake I have ever consumed. Ever.
The space itself is really something unique, with a lovely outdoor seating area that’s particularly well-loved in summer, as well as a cosy indoor section. This is the perfect place to bring friends on a weekend day or evening if you want to impress them – I’ll just say that I know of at least one person who’s been convinced to move to Macclesfield after a visit here!
My recommendation: come on the last Friday of every month for their Slice night, where you can grab some pie and listen to DJs from 5pm. Absolute vibes.
Recommended dish: The mortadella sandwich and a slice of Guinness cake. Trust me on this one.
Elaf
Elaf Restaurant,14 – 18 Jordangate, Macclesfield SK10 1EW
Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 10pm | Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 10pm | Sunday: 1pm – 10pm
Booking recommended
🌱 Veggie, vegan & gluten free options | 👨👩👧 Family friendly | 🍷 BYOB
I’d like to point out that at the time of writing this, I am hungry – and thinking about Elaf’s food is making me type faster (and seriously debate going there for tea tonight).
Elaf is our local Lebanese and Syrian restaurant, and it’s family run. This has been a spot I’ve frequented for many years now, and it’s a perfect option if you’re looking for something delicious but also fresh and on the healthy side, with plenty of incredible veggie options.
One of my favourite things to do here is order a few different starters to share with friends and just chow down. As someone who is currently trying to incorporate more plant-based meals, it’s amazing to have so many different veggie options that are genuinely delicious rather than an afterthought.
Oh, and it’s BYOB – so keep that in mind if you fancy bringing a bottle of wine! A delicious meal AND you save on drinks. What’s not to love?
Recommended dish: A cold and hot mezze platter to share, and the shawarma chicken. Absolutely outstanding.
Picturedrome
Picturedrome, Chestergate, Macclesfield SK11 6DY
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 10pm | Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Bookings: Large groups and events only – walk-ins welcome otherwise
🌱 Various dietary options across vendors | 🐶 Dog friendly | 👨👩👧 Family friendly
Okay, we love the food hall. By “we” I mean me. One thing I love about food halls is the sheer variety on offer – if you’ve got a group of people who all like completely different things, this is the perfect place to take them.
The Picturedrome has 10 different independent vendors varying from Reserve Wines (you can probably guess what they do best) to Honest Crust (who, as mentioned, source their ingredients from The Depot – and whose manager happens to be my partner in crime) to Chilli B, for what I can only describe as the best Thai food. I won’t spend this whole section listing each vendor because they all have different specialities and you’ll just have to go and have a nosey for yourself – half the fun is discovering what takes your fancy!
The space also hosts events from time to time, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their socials if you fancy something like a wine tasting or a floral workshop (I may have done both here – can you tell?).
And before you leave, make sure you check out Dick’s General Store and Modern Woolfare in the entrance and outdoor seating area – both owned and operated by some brilliant local creatives and absolutely worth a browse if you’re visiting over the weekend.
Recommended dish: A burrata garlic flatbread from Honest Crust, some waffle fries from Good Burger, and a pint from Blackjack Brew Co. The holy trinity, if you will.
Sutton Hall
Sutton Hall, Bullocks Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0HE
Open every day – hours vary (check website)
Booking recommended
👨👩👧 Family friendly | 🐶 Dog friendly (front bar and outside garden)
Now, Sutton Hall has been around for a while – specifically over 480 years according to their website. I can’t say I’ve been going there quite that long, but I have been a regular for the last few years, and it’s easy to see why.
The surroundings alone are worth a visit – it’s a stunning setting. But as soon as you get inside you’ll immediately understand why it’s such a beloved spot. From afternoon teas to a top-notch Sunday menu, Sutton Hall is the perfect pub lunch or dinner destination – whether you’ve worked up an appetite on a nice walk nearby, you fancy a pint in the sun, or (if you’re reading this in winter) you just want to cosy up by the fire. All valid reasons, all equally brilliant.
Recommended dish: The mixed roast on the Sunday roast menu is an absolute must. On any other day, the crispy beef salad is outstanding.
Viceroy
Viceroy, 22 Ingersley Rd, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5RF
Open daily: 4:30pm – 11pm | Sunday: 1pm – 11pm
Booking recommended
👨👩👧 Family friendly
Okay, so this is the perfect place if you just want something comforting, guaranteed to be delicious, and paired with wonderful service. I will admit I have come here on a hangover a couple of times – no regrets whatsoever.
Established for over 27 years in Bollington, the Viceroy are experts in creating some genuinely gorgeous Indian dishes. Locals love popping in here for a birthday dinner, a nice midweek evening out, or for those times when you’ve accidentally not done the food shop and need a proper meal (we’ve all been there).
It’s the kind of place that just feels like a warm hug – reliable, delicious, and always worth it.
Recommended dish: Chicken majhani and fried rice with a peshwari naan bread. An absolutely iconic combination.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – my personal guide to the best places to eat in Macclesfield! From Lebanese mezze and homemade pasta to Sunday roasts and 27-year-old curry institutions, this town really does punch well above its weight when it comes to food.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new favourite or a visitor trying to make the most of your time in Macc, I genuinely hope this list helps point you in the right direction. And if you think I’ve missed somewhere that deserves a mention – because I absolutely have, there are so many brilliant spots – let me know; I’m always looking for my next foodie adventure!
