Cafe 19

You'll find this Northern Quarter favourite packed most weekends, and for good reason. The NYC borough theme could feel gimmicky, but they've committed properly – think Manhattan-sized portions and cocktails named after Brooklyn and Queens that actually taste like someone's put thought into them. The breakfast game is strong here: proper eggs Benedict that doesn't disappoint, fluffy pancakes that don't need Instagram filters, and coffee that'll sort you right out. It's the kind of place where you can roll in hungover on Sunday morning or bring your parents when they're visiting – the menu's broad enough to keep everyone happy. Service moves at a decent clip even when they're rammed, and the Lever Street location means you're right in the thick of things without the Arndale chaos. Book ahead for weekends unless you fancy hovering hopefully by the door.