Manchester has fully embraced the food hall concept. Whether you're chasing handmade tacos, proper Neapolitan pizza, steaming bowls of ramen or a pint while your mate orders something completely different, there's now a spot for every craving. From beautifully restored market buildings to huge warehouse spaces packed with independent kitchens, these are the Manchester food halls worth making room for...
Tangerine
One of Manchester's freshest food hall additions, Tangerine has landed in New Bailey with a cracking event programme, strong coffee and an all-day line-up that covers everything from breakfast meetings to late-night bites. Current traders include Egg & Co, Madre, Slap & Pickle, Osma and Sourhouse. Worth visiting just to see how many plates you can convince your mates to share.
Arch 60-61, 13-17 New Bailey Street, Salford M3 5FS
House of Social
Five kitchens, one roof and absolutely no arguments over where to eat. House of Social brings together some serious names, including Mughli, Burger & Beyond, Choi Wan, OK Taqueria and Dough Religion. Add a huge bar, DJs and plenty of space, and you've got one of the city's best new hangouts.
10 Sir Howard Bernstein Approach, Manchester M15 4ND
Exhibition
Part food hall, part drinking den, part restaurant. Exhibition feels a little more polished than your average street food spot without losing any of the fun. The current kitchen line-up features Baratxuri, Jaan by Another Hand, Osma and Sticky Fingers, meaning you can jump from Basque grills to Indian flavours and Detroit-style pizza in a single sitting.
St George's House, 56 Peter Street, Manchester M2 3NQ
Mackie Mayor
The grand old favourite. Set inside a beautifully restored Victorian market, Mackie Mayor still delivers one of the strongest collections of independent traders anywhere in the city. Grab pizza from Honest Crust, tacos from Pico's, ramen from Takio Ramen, fried chicken from Mumma's, Thai dishes from Chilli B, steaks from Tender Cow or finish with doughnuts from DGHNT.
Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle Street, Manchester M4 5BU
Society
Small but mighty. Society has become one of Manchester's most reliable food halls, especially if craft beer is as important as dinner. Current traders include Yoki Social Table, Manzoku, Burgerism and Chaat Cart, covering Japanese, burgers and Indian street food in one easy stop.
Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester M2 3BD
New Century
The revival of this iconic music venue came with a food hall that deserves just as much attention. You'll currently find Banh Vi, Egg & Co, Madre, Parmogeddon and Winsome serving everything from bánh mì and tacos to Teesside's finest parmesan sandwiches. Live music upstairs is the perfect excuse to stick around.
34 Hanover Street, Manchester M4 4AH
Kargo MKT
MediaCity finally got the food hall it deserved. Kargo MKT packs an impressive range of independents into one bright space overlooking the Quays. Current traders include Baity, Burgerism, Fat Pat's, House of Habesha, PLY, Spice & Grind, Super Fry Guys and What's Your Beef.
Central Bay, Quayside MediaCity, Salford M50 3AG
Freight Island
Still one of the biggest food and drink destinations in the city. Freight Island is less about grabbing a quick lunch and more about making an afternoon disappear. Current food traders include Mia's Arepas, Mega Gyros, Ornella's Little Kitchen, PLY, Smokey Trotters and Voodoo Ray's, alongside plenty of bars and live entertainment.
11 Baring Street, Manchester M1 2PY
Campfield Market
The newest addition to Manchester's growing market scene sits inside the beautifully restored Campfield building. The food hall line-up is still developing and regularly changes with residency programmes and pop-ups, so traders rotate throughout the year rather than remaining permanent.
Barton Street, Manchester M3 4NN
Arndale Food Court
It might not have the Instagram lighting of some newer arrivals, but the Arndale remains one of the easiest places in the city to satisfy a group with wildly different cravings. Alongside familiar high street favourites, the neighbouring Arndale Market is home to long-standing independents including Hong Thai, Panchos Burritos, Little Italy, The Fish Hut, Hunan Restaurant and Siam Smiles, making it one of Manchester's best-value places to eat.
Manchester Arndale, Market Street, Manchester M1 1WR