Higher Ground, the critically acclaimed Manchester bistro led by chef Joe Otway and partners Richard Cossins and Daniel Craig Martin, has been officially named one of the world's best restaurants through its inclusion in the 2026 '50 Best Discovery' list. This online collection, curated by the team behind The World's 50 Best Restaurants, celebrates a wide selection of the globe's most exciting dining destinations.
A Prestigious Recognition
Established in 2002, 50 Best recognizes the best restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards worldwide. The 50 Best Discovery is an extension that explores a broader range of establishments recommended by the 50 Best Academy, which comprises over 3,000 international experts. Higher Ground's inclusion places it alongside a stellar selection of venues globally.
Joe Otway expressed gratitude: 'We feel grateful to be acknowledged in any of these listings and awards, it’s a testament to the work our incredible teams put into practice every single day. And of course it’s all due to the constant support of the amazing community of guests that keep our wheels moving each week.'
From Pop-Up to Permanent
Higher Ground began as a pop-up in Manchester city centre in early 2020. The team, who met while working at the high-end farm-to-table restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York, built their own farm, Cinderwood, and launched the acclaimed wine bar Flawd in Ancoats in 2021. The permanent Higher Ground restaurant opened in February 2023, quickly establishing itself as one of Manchester's most talked-about dining spots. It holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and has been listed in the National Restaurant Awards for four consecutive years. The trio recently expanded their footprint with Bar Shrimp, a seafood-led cocktail bar adjacent to Higher Ground.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
The restaurant's style is defined by its close relationship with UK produce, much of which comes from its own farm in Cheshire. Menus change daily based on seasonal peaks. Offerings include whole-animal butchery from organically reared animals, hand-rolled pasta made with British grain, and sustainably caught seafood cooked over coal. The wine list focuses on small-scale European producers.
Sample menu items include oysters with preserved garlic, green pea and wild garlic fritters with Berwick Edge, and coal-roasted scallop with cauliflower and spring garlic dressing. For sharing, the Isle of Mull Cheddar tart with mustard leaf is a favourite, along with hand-cut ravioli with Crown Prince squash, ricotta, and lemon thyme. Desserts feature cane sugar ice cream with pear caramel or sea buckthorn meringue tart.
Customer Praise
Guests have described the experience as 'outstanding.' One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: 'Amazing food with knowledgeable and attentive service. Excellent wine list and advice on choice. Great evening. Very talented head chef, who was happy to stop and chat. Will be going again v soon.' Another commented: 'Outrageously tasty food. Locally sourced meat, veg from their own market garden. Amazingly friendly staff. Best restaurant experience in UK!'
Opening Hours and Events
Higher Ground is open Wednesday for dinner and Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. A seasonal menu is available at £40 per person for lunch and £65 per person for dinner, alongside an à la carte menu. Sundays feature 'Cooking with Friends' events; the next is set for Sunday 2 August with acclaimed American chef Gregory Gourdet. The restaurant is located at Faulkner House, New York St, Manchester M1 4DY.
