Ezra & Gil, named after the Hebrew words meaning “Helper” and “Happiness,” is more than just a café—it’s an evolving concept that has redefined the urban coffee culture in Manchester.
Born in 2014 in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Ezra & Gil was envisioned as a neighborhood hangout, a place that offers not only great food and coffee but also fosters a sense of community and connection.
With its laid-back ambiance and thoughtful design, Ezra & Gil quickly became a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The café’s success on Hilton Street led to its expansion, with a second location opening on Peter Street in 2021 and another in Liverpool in 2024.
Despite its growth, Ezra & Gil remains true to its roots, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
Menu Highlights: Breakfast Delights
Ezra & Gil is celebrated for its diverse and delicious breakfast menu, which caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout offerings:
- Toasted Senetra Sourdough: A simple yet satisfying choice, this toasted sourdough is served with salted butter and a choice of spreads, including marmalade, strawberry jam, marmite, Nutella, or peanut butter (€2.80).
- Free-Range Eggs on Farmhouse Toast: Enjoy your eggs scrambled, poached, or fried, served on hearty farmhouse toast (€6.00).
- Sausage Sandwich: This filling option includes two grilled Cumberland sausages on a buttered ciabatta, served with a side salad (€6.50).
- Beans on Farmhouse Toast: A comforting classic topped with Parmesan cheese (€6.50).
- Cherry Bakewell Porridge: Made with almond milk and topped with Amarena cherries, pistachios, almond flakes, and a Biscoff crumb, this porridge is a sweet start to the day (€6.50).
- House-Baked Granola: Served with Greek yogurt, nectarines, kiwi, raspberries, dark chocolate shavings, and agave syrup (€7.00).
- Veggie Sandwich: A flavorful combination of mushrooms, sliced avocado, and pan-seared halloumi on a buttered ciabatta, served with a side salad (€7.00).
- ‘Nduja Scrambled Eggs: Free-range scrambled eggs mixed with ‘nduja (a Calabrian spicy pork sausage) and topped with crumbled feta and spring onions (€9.50).
- ‘E&G’ Omelette: An open-faced omelette with seared cherry tomatoes, black olives, Manchego cheese, basil pesto, and rocket (€10.50).
- Smashed Avocado on Farmhouse Toast: A trendy favorite, featuring crumbled feta, red pepper drops, rocket, mixed seeds, a poached egg, a lime wedge, and chili oil (€11.50).
- Brioche French Toast: Coated with strawberry sugar and served with vanilla mascarpone, summer fruit compote, maple syrup, and a Jammie Dodger (€11.50).
- Classic ‘E&G’ Breakfast: A hearty option with Cumberland sausages, scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and farmhouse toast (€12.50).
- Vegan and Vegetarian Breakfasts: Several plant-based options, including the Vegan ‘E&G’ Breakfast featuring smashed avocado, mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, hummus, roasted garlic savoy cabbage, falafel, beans, and farmhouse toast (€12.50).
Lunch and Beyond: More Than Just Breakfast
Beyond breakfast, Ezra & Gil offers a variety of dishes perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Choose from pasta, salads, poke-style bowls, and sandwiches:
- Pasta Dishes: Highlights include the creamy Gnocchi Pesto Rosso with walnuts and parsley (€11.00) and the flavorful King Prawn Linguine with garlic, chili, and fresh parsley (€12.50).
- Salads and Poke Bowls: Fresh and light options like the Lemony Chickpea & Quinoa Salad (€10.00) and the Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl with soy and dill (€12.00).
- Sandwiches and More: Enjoy a range of sandwiches, from the Barbecue Chicken Melt (€11.00) to the vegetarian Halloumi & Roasted Peppers (€11.00).
Customer Reviews: What Visitors Love
Customers rave about the friendly service, vibrant atmosphere, and consistently delicious food at Ezra & Gil. Visitors appreciate the café’s policy of having “no laptop” tables, which fosters a more social environment and allows guests to enjoy their meals without distraction. The Classic English Breakfast and Sweet Potato and Chorizo Eggs Benedict are particular favorites, praised for their generous portions and excellent taste. Although the café can get busy, many agree that the wait is worth it for the quality of the experience.
Features of Cafe
Location
- Address: 20 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1FR, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Ambiance and Atmosphere
- Welcoming and laid-back vibe
- Strong social space for hanging out and connecting
- Certain tables designated as “no laptop” zones to foster a relaxed environment
- Busy but light and lively atmosphere, with options for people-watching
Menu Highlights
Breakfast Options
- Toasted Senetra Sourdough: Served with salted butter and a choice of spreads (marmalade, jam, marmite, Nutella, peanut butter)
- Free-Range Eggs on Farmhouse Toast: Scrambled, poached, or fried
- Sausage Sandwich: Two grilled Cumberland sausages on a buttered ciabatta with side salad
- Cherry Bakewell Porridge: Almond milk-based porridge topped with Amarena cherries, pistachios, almond flakes, and biscoff crumb
- ‘E&G’ Omelette: Open-faced omelette with seared cherry tomatoes, black olives, manchego cheese, basil pesto, and rocket
- Classic ‘E&G’ Breakfast: Cumberland sausages, scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and farmhouse toast
Pasta Dishes
- Gnocchi Pesto Rosso: Gnocchi in creamy red pesto sauce, with spinach, walnuts, and parsley
- King Prawn Linguine: Garlic and chili king prawns in white wine, with tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and parsley
Salads and Poke Bowls
- Lemony Chickpea & Quinoa Salad: Quinoa, roasted peppers, chickpeas, pickled cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette
- Prawn Salad: Garlic & chili king prawns, avocado, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, sesame seeds, and cocktail sauce
- Poke Bowls: Options such as avocado with sriracha mayo, chicken with teriyaki mayo, and smoked salmon with soy and dill
Sandwiches
- Barbecue Chicken Melt: BBQ chicken, red onions, mature cheddar, and fresh chili flakes on mixed leaves
- Halloumi & Roasted Peppers: Pan-seared halloumi, roasted peppers, beetroot, sesame seeds, rocket, and E&G sweet chili sauce
Dietary Options
- Extensive vegetarian and vegan options
- Customizable dishes to cater to dietary preferences
- Gluten-free choices available
Service
- Dog-friendly and attentive staff
- Quick service, even during busy periods
- Option to order at the bar with table number
Additional Features
- Home Essentials: Selection of cupboard essentials, desserts, and merchandise for customers to take home
- New Locations: Expansion to Peter Street, Manchester (2021), and Liverpool (2024)
- Ordering Options: Available for delivery through Deliveroo
Pricing
- Range of £10–20 per person
- Good value for money with generous portions
Customer Experience
- Positive reviews highlighting quality of food, friendly service, and enjoyable atmosphere
- Popular among locals and tourists alike
- Noted for its delicious coffee, creative breakfast options, and fast service
Final Thoughts
Ezra & Gil has become a beloved part of Manchester’s café scene, known for its unique vibe, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or just a cup of coffee, Ezra & Gil offers a memorable experience in the heart of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the opening hours of Ezra & Gil?
Ezra & Gil is open from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
2. Are there vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu?
Yes, Ezra & Gil offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including dishes like the Vegan ‘E&G’ Breakfast, salads, and several customizable dishes to suit dietary preferences.
3. Do you accept reservations, or is it a walk-in only café?
Ezra & Gil operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. However, they try to accommodate all guests as quickly as possible.
4. Is Ezra & Gil dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Ezra & Gil, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a meal or coffee with their furry friends.
5. How can I order food from Ezra & Gil for delivery?
You can order food from Ezra & Gil for delivery through their partner platform, Deliveroo. Just visit the Deliveroo website or app, select your dishes, and have them delivered to your location.
