Kala Bistro on King Street, Manchester
Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Kala is a modern European bistro located on King Street in Manchester city centre, known for its carefully crafted dishes blending classic and contemporary flavours. With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Kala offers a refined yet accessible dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients and a well-balanced menu. It is celebrated for its quality cooking, warm hospitality, and a relaxed setting ideal for lunch or dinner in the heart of Manchester.
A brief summary to Kala
- 55 King St, Manchester, M2 4LQ, GB
- +441618393030
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Try the crab cake with curried mayonnaise for a balanced starter with subtle heat and texture.
- Reserve ahead for weekend lunches to ensure a table during busy periods.
- Enjoy the set vanilla cream dessert paired with rhubarb and rose granita for a refreshing finish.
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and attentive service.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Kala location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Kala
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Modern European Flavours
Kala on King Street stands as a distinguished bistro in Manchester’s vibrant dining scene, offering a menu that artfully combines classic European techniques with contemporary culinary creativity. The kitchen focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, crafting dishes that are both nuanced and approachable. From expertly prepared crab cakes with curried mayonnaise and soft-boiled eggs to succulent chicken schnitzel with shawarma-spiced butter, Kala’s offerings balance bold flavours with comforting familiarity.Atmosphere and Service That Enhance the Dining Experience
The ambience at Kala is relaxed yet refined, making it suitable for casual lunches or intimate dinners. The service is noted for being warm, attentive, and professional, contributing to a seamless dining experience. The interior reflects a modern aesthetic that complements the culinary ethos—unpretentious but polished, encouraging guests to focus on the food and company.Location and Setting in Manchester’s Historic King Street
Situated at 55 King Street, Kala benefits from its prime location in Manchester’s city centre, an area renowned for its mix of historic architecture and contemporary urban life. This setting places Kala within easy reach of cultural landmarks and shopping districts, making it an excellent choice for visitors and locals alike seeking quality modern European cuisine in a central, stylish environment.Menu Highlights and Culinary Philosophy
The menu at Kala is designed to offer a balance of flavours and textures without unnecessary complexity. Signature dishes include delicately spiced crab cakes, confit duck leg, and set vanilla cream desserts paired with rhubarb and rose granita. The culinary approach favors dishes that are satisfying and well-executed rather than overly elaborate, reflecting a philosophy that values both taste and value.Recognition and Longevity in a Competitive Market
Kala has maintained its presence in Manchester’s competitive restaurant landscape for over six years, a testament to its consistent quality and adaptability. While Michelin Guide listings have changed, Kala’s reputation endures through accolades such as AA rosettes and strong local patronage. The restaurant’s ability to navigate challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic highlights its resilience and commitment to excellence.Practical Details and Visitor Experience
Open daily from noon with varying closing times through the week, Kala caters to both lunch and dinner crowds. The pricing is moderate, offering good value for the quality and portion sizes served. The bistro’s welcoming environment and well-paced service ensure a pleasant visit, whether for a casual meal or a special occasion within Manchester’s dynamic culinary scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
John Bright Statue
0.2 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Dalton Entry
0.2 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.2 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Albert Memorial
0.2 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Manchester City Council
0.2 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.3 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
St. Peter's Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Connaught Building
0.4 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Arch of Chinatown
0.4 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Free Trade Hall
0.4 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.5 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.5 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Robert Owen Statue
0.6 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Canada House, Manchester
0.6 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
0.6 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Unmissable attractions to see
Saint Ann's Church
0.1 km
Discover St Ann's Church, Manchester’s neo-classical gem and historic city centre landmark, blending 18th-century elegance with vibrant cultural heritage.
St Anns Square
0.2 km
Historic heart of Manchester blending 18th-century charm, architectural heritage, and vibrant retail life in an elegant urban square.
2 Albert Square
0.2 km
Historic Albert Square in Manchester showcases Victorian Gothic grandeur with its iconic Town Hall and Prince Albert Memorial.
Albert Square
0.2 km
Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
St Mary's RC Church
0.2 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
Manchester Albert Square
0.2 km
Discover Manchester Albert Square, a stunning Victorian civic space where history, architecture, and vibrant culture converge in the city’s heart.
Market St
0.2 km
Manchester’s bustling pedestrian retail street linking major stations with iconic shops and vibrant city life.
Barton Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Barton Arcade, a Victorian marvel of glass and iron, where historic elegance meets boutique shopping in the heart of Manchester.
The Portico Library
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s historic Portico Library, a Greek Revival architectural gem and vibrant cultural hub since 1806.
House of Fraser
0.3 km
Discover luxury shopping and historic charm at House of Fraser Manchester, a premier department store on Deansgate.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
0.3 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
Manchester Cenotaph
0.3 km
Explore the Manchester Cenotaph, a historical landmark honoring the brave souls of the armed forces in the heart of Manchester.
Once Upon a Smile
0.3 km
A dedicated Greater Manchester charity base providing child-centred bereavement support, counselling and creative memory-making programmes in a compassionate, private setting.
Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
0.3 km
Manchester’s largest indoor shopping centre, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options in the heart of the city.
Manchester Art Gallery
0.3 km
Explore centuries of art and design in Manchester’s historic and dynamic city-centre gallery with free entry and family-friendly spaces.
Essential places to dine
Kala
0.0 km
Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Miller & Carter Manchester
0.0 km
Classic British steakhouse on Manchester’s King Street, serving expertly aged premium steaks in a warm, elegant setting with attentive service.
Sam's Chop House
0.1 km
Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
0.1 km
Historic Manchester chophouse serving hearty British classics in a warm, inviting setting since 1867.
10 Tib Lane
0.1 km
A refined French-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in Manchester’s historic core, blending seasonal small plates with natural wines and crafted cocktails.
Grand Pacific
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s gothic-inspired Pan-Asian cocktail bar with stunning décor, lively atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks in the city center.
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
0.1 km
Stylish Spanish tapas in a historic Manchester townhouse with a vibrant bar, open kitchen dining, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
0.1 km
Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
Browns Manchester
0.2 km
Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Annies
0.2 km
Experience hearty British classics and warm hospitality in the stylish, cozy setting of Annie's on Old Bank Street, Manchester.
Gaucho Manchester
0.3 km
Experience premium Argentine steaks and elegant dining in a spectacular historic church setting in the heart of Manchester.
San Carlo - Manchester
0.3 km
Experience authentic regional Italian cuisine in a stylish, celebrity-frequented Manchester hotspot known for elegance and vibrant atmosphere.
Australasia
0.3 km
Stylish Pan-Asian dining in Manchester’s Spinningfields with vibrant flavors, chic design, and a lively atmosphere for special occasions.
Climat
0.4 km
Sophisticated rooftop dining in Manchester with panoramic views, a Burgundy-focused wine cellar, and inventive seasonal sharing plates.
Gusto Italian
0.4 km
Experience elegant Italian dining in Manchester’s historic Elliot House, where 1920s charm meets fresh, contemporary cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Søstrene Grene
0.1 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Pulse
0.2 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Rams Gift World
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Menkind
0.3 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.3 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.4 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Amazonas Gifts
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Stare Society
0.4 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Hoot
0.5 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
0.5 km
Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
The Manchester Shop
0.5 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.5 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.5 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.6 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
All Bar One Manchester
0.1 km
Stylish wine bar on Manchester’s King Street offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively, modern atmosphere for casual dining and drinks.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.1 km
Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Corbieres Bar
0.1 km
Discover Corbieres Bar, Manchester’s cozy underground spot famed for its eclectic jukebox, vegan-friendly pizzas, and welcoming vibe.
Arcane
0.2 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.3 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
Be At One - Manchester
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar on Deansgate with 100+ drinks, private hire rooms, and unbeatable happy hour deals in the heart of Manchester nightlife.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.3 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Speak In Code
0.3 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
The Gas Lamp
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
MOJO
0.4 km
Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
The Old Wellington
0.4 km
Step into The Old Wellington, a historic Manchester pub blending centuries-old charm with hearty ales and classic British fare in the city centre.
The Washhouse
0.5 km
Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.5 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.5 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Liv Manchester
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
0.3 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Cargo
0.4 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
42's
0.5 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Satans Hollow
0.5 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
0.5 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
History Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.6 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Royal Vida Night Club
0.6 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Club Tropicana
0.6 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Funkademia
0.7 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
0.7 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Aatma
0.7 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.7 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Viva Manchester
0.8 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
