1932 Cafe & Restaurant

The Verdict

The phrase “a local gem” gets tossed around reasonably regularly, and there’s not usually much substance (by that, we mean food) to back it up. 1932 Café & Restaurant is not one of those cafes.

Tucked into the deepest end of the heritage-listed Manchester Unity Building, you’ve walked past it a hundred times without noticing this slice of history. From Victorian architecture to jazz music, 1930s art deco down to the antiqued umbrella stand—1932 Café & Restaurant is a miniature haven from the bustling CBD.

The breakfast-to-lunch menu is all flavour. AM sweet-tooths will love the brioche French toast with poached rhubarb, white chocolate pistachio coconut crumble and maple mascarpone sauce. There’s also a smoky roast pumpkin, hummus and poached egg plate, or classics like smashed av’ and banana porridge for traditionalists. If you're in a rush, they also offer anything-but-sad takeaway options like The Collins, a mouthwatering combo of scrambled eggs, carmelised balsamic onion jam, sriracha mayo, chives and American cheese on a soft brioche bun.

Lunch sees mouth-watering braised lamb shoulder ragu with linguini, rocket, grana padano and herbs march out of the kitchen while rotating and permanent pizzas are the ideal mid-week treat.

The drinks menu features fresh juices, and gut-friendly turmeric and matcha lattes. There’s even macadamia, lactose-free, almond, soy and coconut milk for the intolerant foodies among us.

The best part? They have an all-day liquor license, so a champagne breakfast is definitely on the table.

Image credit: Griffin Simm