The survey, which analysed answers from 1,001 respondents in Manchester and 1,005 in London, found that 59% of Mancunians have increased the amount they dine out over the last 12 months, compared to 44% of Londoners.
Alongside this, 62% of Manchester diners say the amount they are willing to spend when dining out has increased over the last 12 months, against 49% of Londoners.
The average Manchester diner eats out just under twice a month (5.7 times per quarter), and about one in seven diners (14%) eat out at least three times a month (11 times or more per quarter).
In comparison, just 6% of London diners eat out 11 times or more per quarter.
Mancunians are also shown to be more adventurous with their restaurant choices, according to Square.
Some 71% of respondents in Manchester say they like to see new menu items available when returning to a restaurant, compared to 60% of Londoners.
“Manchester is proving to be a central hub for foodies,” says Fi Sellick, head of UK strategy at Square.
“Our data across both London and Manchester paints a positive picture for the hospitality sector, but the Northern city is continuing to show that restaurant owners are not exclusively considering the capital as the best place to launch a business now.”
Manchester’s restaurant scene has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and has seen a huge influx of London-based brands open in the city of late including Blacklock, Big Mamma, Lina Stores and Caravan.
“We know that, despite economic instability, food and beverage businesses are still keen to grow and expand this year,” Sellick continues.
“Restaurant owners should consider what consumers across the country are looking for when eating out, and tailor the experience across different cities accordingly.”
More broadly, Square’s research reveals that the most important factors when it comes to getting customers to return to a restaurant include price and affordability (48%), and consistent quality of food (54%).
Interestingly, service quality is prioritised differently across generations with 59% of millennials citing this as an important factor, compared to 44% of Gen Z to whom affordability matters more.
Nearly half (45%) of respondents say they wouldn’t dine at a restaurant if there was a maximum seating time.
“Restaurant owners need to consider how they can make their processes more efficient without causing friction with customers,” Square notes.