Categories > Guides and Tips
Uncover the 12 Best Food Halls in Manchester That Foodies Swear By
I have a love-hate relationship with food halls. Love them because I get to taste the best of everything in one place. Hate them because I can’t stop myself from trying a bit of everything and leaving stuff beyond belief.
My mates call me the food hall connoisseur of Manchester, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
So, whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just looking for a new place to munch, I’ve got the inside scoop on the top food halls in Manchester. These spots are sure to delight your taste buds and maybe even introduce you to a new favourite dish.
Mackie Mayor
Media from mackiemayor
Address: 1 Eagle St
Contact details: +44 161 222 6111
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 9AM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 9AM-11PM
- Sun 9AM-6PM
On the edge of Manchester’s beloved Northern Quarter, you’ll find Mackie Mayor, a Grade II listed market building, the last remaining gem from the old Smithfield market. This place is packed with some of favourite street food vendors, making it a top spot for foodies.
With its urban, relaxed vibe, you can easily spend the whole day here, from breakfast to dinner. There are nine independent kitchens and bars showcasing the best regional food and drink, including Honest Crust Pizza, Tender Cow, Baohouse, Fin Fish Bar, and Reserve Wines.
Whether you’re after a coffee or something more exotic, they’ve got you covered. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so bring your furry mates along for the feast.
| Pro tip: Head over on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more leisurely meal. |
Freight Island
Media from freightislandmcr
Website: Freight Island
Address: 11 Baring St
Contact details: +44 161 302 8780
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 4PM-11PM
- Fri – Sun 12PM-11PM
If you like your street food served with a side of entertainment, Escape to Freight Island is the place for you. Right in the heart of Depot Mayfield’s regeneration, this market and festival space is a playground for food and drink lovers.
It’s got everything from “the most popular burger in Manchester” to American pies. Freight Island isn’t just about the food; they team up with local chefs to create one-of-a-kind dishes, so there’s always something new to try.
| Pro tip: Book a table in advance for the weekend to secure a good spot and avoid disappointment. |
Diecast
Media from diecastmcr
Website: Diecast
Address: 22 Addington St
Contact details: +44 161 228 3600
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-11PM
- Sun 12PM-8PM
Diecast is a party venue and ‘creative neighbourhood’ just a five-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. This 250,000 square foot space comes from the folks behind Ramona and Firehouse, set in a former Victorian diecasting factory.
It’s a blend of industrial machinery with swanky design—think leather banquettes, marble top tables, and exposed air ducts. The beer garden even has reconditioned vintage ‘rum caravans’ you can book for a private party.
Open four days a week, Diecast boasts Manchester’s largest selection of frozen daiquiris and a long list of craft beers. Their ‘neo-pan’ pizzas are a must-try, Neapolitan style but pan-fried for that sweet, fluffy crust.
| Pro tip: Check out their rotating craft beer selection – there’s always something new to try. |
Society MCR
Media from society.mcr
Website: Society MCR
Address: 100 Barbirolli Square
Contact details: +44 161 989 6000
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 11AM-10PM
- Thu – Sat 11AM-11PM
- Sun 11AM-9PM
Society MCR is a newer addition to Manchester’s food hall scene but it’s quickly became a favourite. Located right in the city centre, this place brings together a variety of food vendors and bars under one roof.
Whether you’re after Japanese soul food, Korean fried chicken, or classic British bites, Society MCR has you covered. The vibe is sleek yet welcoming, with plenty of communal seating and a buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for both quick lunches and long dinners.
They’ve got a solid drinks menu too, with craft beers, cocktails, and wines aplenty.
| Pro tip: Try out the ramen – it’s one of the best in the city. |
GRUB
Media from grubmcr
Website: GRUB
Address: 50 Red Bank
Contact details: +44 161 302 8888
Operating Hours:
- Wed – Thu 4PM-10PM
- Fri 12PM-11PM
- Sat 12PM-11PM
- Sun 12PM-6PM
If you love a good street food market, GRUB is your spot. Nestled in the Green Quarter, this place is all about championing local, independent food vendors.
They’ve got a rotating lineup, so there’s always something new to munch on, from mouth-watering burgers to vegan delicacies. The atmosphere is chilled, with plenty of seating both inside and out, making it a perfect hangout spot.
GRUB is also known for its fantastic selection of craft beers, ciders, and even cocktails, ensuring you won’t go thirsty while you eat. They also run events like plant-based Sundays and beer festivals, so there’s always something happening.
| Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday for their fully vegan food market – even meat lovers will be impressed! |
Hello Oriental
Media from hello_oriental_mcr
Website: Hello Oriental
Address: 3 Circle Square
Contact details: +44 161 237 5660
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-10PM
Hello Oriental is a bit of a gem in Manchester’s food scene. Tucked away in Circle Square, this Asian food hall offers an array of delicious eats from different corners of Asia.
From dim sum and bao buns to steaming bowls of pho and sushi, it’s a paradise for lovers of Asian cuisine. The place is modern and stylish, with a lively vibe that makes dining here a joy.
They also have a fantastic Asian supermarket, so you can pick up some ingredients and try recreating the dishes at home.
| Pro tip: Their bubble tea is a must-try – it’s the perfect sweet treat to round off your meal. |
New Century Kitchen
Media from newcenturykitchenmcr
Website: New Century Kitchen
Address: New Century House
Contact details: +44 161 222 3456
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Once home to a legendary dance hall, the iconic New Century Hall re-opened in summer 2022 as a remarkable new social destination in Manchester’s NOMA district. The ground floor now hosts New Century Kitchen, a bustling food hall and the heart of New Century.
This place features six independent street food traders offering a variety of global cuisines including pizza, sushi, steak, burgers, Vietnamese, and Indian street food. The terrace spills out onto Sadler’s Yard, perfect for al fresco dining.
The mid-century style bar and interior add a touch of elegance to your dining experience. Alongside the diverse food options, you can enjoy local beers, wines, creative cocktails, artisan coffees, teas, juices, and smoothies.
| Pro tip: Check out the live music schedule – catching a gig here adds a great vibe to your dining experience. |
Bury Market
Website: Bury Market
Address: 1 Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ
Contact details: +44 161 253 6520
Operating Hours: Wed, Fri, Sat 9AM-5PM
Bury Market isn’t just any market; it’s a Mancunian institution. Located in the heart of Bury, this market has been serving the community for over 500 years.
It’s a bit of a trek from central Manchester, but totally worth it. The market is massive, with over 300 stalls offering everything from fresh produce to street food.
The famous Bury black pudding is a must-try – you’ll find it at multiple stalls, all claiming theirs is the best. The vibe is bustling and friendly, with traders more than happy to chat and offer samples.
| Pro tip: Go early on a Saturday to get the best pick of fresh produce and avoid the midday rush. |
The Produce Hall Stockport
Media from theproducehall
Website: The Produce Hall
Address: 24 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1EU
Contact details: +44 161 222 5555
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-10PM
Over the last 160 years, Stockport’s Produce Hall has seen it all – from fish and meat markets to cheese stalls and sweetshops. Today, it’s a bustling food hall home to a variety of kitchens and bars that cater to all tastes.
The bar offers an eclectic mix of local beers and beverages from further afield, while the kitchens serve up a delicious array of food daily.
Whether you’re craving Caribbean soul food, Mexican treats, stone-baked pizzas, burgers, or Cambodian cuisine, there’s something for everyone. The hall’s historic charm combined with its vibrant food scene makes it a perfect spot for a casual meal or a night out.
| Pro tip: Try the tapas – it’s a crowd favourite and perfect for sharing with friends. |
Foodie Friday’s Stockport Market
Media from skfoodiefriday
Website: Stockport Market
Address: 24 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1EU
Contact details: +44 161 474 5555
Operating Hours: Last Friday of every month 6PM-9PM
Foodie Friday’s at Stockport Market is the ultimate end-of-the-month treat. Held on the last Friday of each month, this event transforms the historic market into a bustling hub of food and drink.
With a variety of street food vendors, live music, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a fantastic way to kick off the weekend. The event draws in food lovers from all over, and the options range from gourmet burgers to exotic curries.
The community vibe is strong, making it a great place to meet friends and enjoy some great food.
| Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot and make the most of the evening – it gets busy fast! |
Altrincham Market
Media from altymarket
Website: Altrincham Market
Address: Greenwood St, Altrincham WA14 1SA
Contact details: +44 161 233 3750
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-10PM
Altrincham Market set the standard for foodie havens like Mackie Mayor and Stockport Produce Hall. This market is a trailblazer in revamping the local food scene. It’s split into three sections: the Market House Indoor Food Hall, the outdoor market square, and a large covered market area.
Inside the Market House, you’ll find six permanent kitchens, a bar, a coffee house, and even a chocolatier. Honest Crust is a must-try, known for its award-winning sourdough pizza.
Don’t miss the Scotch pies from Great North Pie Company or the juicy meat dishes from Tender Cow. Outside, the market square hosts smaller permanent artisan food traders, while the covered area features around 60 transient crafters, fresh food mongers, florists, and more.
| Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday for their artisan market – you’ll find unique crafts and local produce alongside your meal. |
Arndale Market
Media from arndalemarket
Website: Arndale Market
Address: 49 High St
Contact details: +44 161 833 9851
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Sat 9AM-6PM
- Sun 11AM-5PM
Arndale Market transformed itself into a food hall long before it became trendy. As a longstanding produce market, you’ll still find well-regarded butchers, greengrocers, and fishmongers.
But now, it’s also a hotspot for food from around the world. The market offers a variety of fragrant and flavorful dishes, perfect for grabbing on-the-go or enjoying in the seating area.
Try the gigantic sandwiches from Stockport favourites Rack, savour South American stews from Little Piece of Bahia, or warm up with a bowl of ramen from Tokyo Tokyo. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in luck with options like smoothies, milkshakes, crepes, cakes, and pastel de nata.
Beyond food, the market is a treasure trove of stalls selling jewellery, clothing, footwear, technology, and beauty services.
| Pro tip: Head to the Vietnamese stall for some of the best pho in the city – it’s a hidden gem! |
