eat your heart out at the best food halls in Manchester

Everyone knows Manchester's food scene is one of the best in the UK. They've got the famous curry mile, top sandwiches and endless street food from all over the globe. What a blessing, honestly. Sometimes having too much is difficult though! What if you're craving an Indian curry and a Korean rice bowl at the same time? Or do you have a picky mate who only eats fried chicken and chips while you like to try new things? 

Well, Skiddle's got you covered. You don't need to be arguing about where to eat when you can go to a food hall instead where everyone's cravings will be satisfied! We've looked into our favourite food halls across the city so you know where to go. Good munch, platters and sides along with DJs and themed nights? Further proof that Manchester's food scene is consistently winning. 

Freight Island

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When: Thursday to Friday 4pm-11pm, Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-10pm 

Where: 11 Baring Street, M1 2PY

First up, we have Freight Island in Mayfield Depot. And it isn’t just one of the best food halls in Manchester; they also host plenty of events, like pop-up markets, live entertainment, and DJ sets that soundtrack the evening. A colourful warehouse-style building with indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect hangout spot with your mates for a good bite.

If you keep arguing about where to eat, then Freight Island has got you covered because they pretty much have something for everyone. There’s Texas-style barbecue as well as Brazilian open-fire barbecue for the meat lovers. The popular Fuku, a local favourite, serves up Asian fusion dishes like rice and chips bowls, crispy chicken wings, bao buns and fusion burgers.

There are also 22” inch pizzas, juicy smashed patties, as well as a bar serving local ciders and brews. And because a sweet treat is always needed after a heavy meal, Oh My Cheesecake will be satisfying your sweet tooth with some of the creamiest cheesecake on a stick, cookie dough with all sorts of toppings, cake pops and milkshakes to wash it all down. 

Kargo MKT

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When: Monday to Friday 8am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-10:30pm

Where: Media City, Central Bay, M50 3AG 

If you’re interested in food from around the globe, from Palestine to Ethiopia and Korea, then Kargo MKT is one of the best food halls to eat out. They have 19 independent food vendors with high-quality, delicious food. With a waterfront sun terrace, pop-up events throughout the year and live music, Kargo MKT is praised for its stunning setting and atmosphere.

When it comes to the food, you’ll travel the world while staying in one place! Start with some small plates from Baity Palestinian Kitchen, which is nationally known for its handmade Palestinian dishes. Their hand-whipped hummus is a favourite. Have Renata’s fresh pasta or some delicious pan mei from +84. Finish it all off with the well-loved ice cream-stuffed croissants from Drip & Drizzle Desserts.

Grub

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When: Every Saturday 10am - 4pm

Where: Campfield, Grape Street Market, M3

If you’re a fan of bustling street market stalls serving up all kinds of street food, Grub is the place to go. A kilometre-long market from St John's to Grape Street, walk through an ever-changing loop of plates, snacks and ingredients that’ll keep you curious and surprised. 

Every Saturday from 10 am, over one hundred food traders will be serving up fresh dishes from dumplings to moules, baked goods, Italian dishes, moules and frites, and so many more dishes. Inspired by traditional European markets, you can also browse and buy fresh and homemade produce and ingredients like sourdough bread, organic matcha, and sauces. It’s pretty much a dream day out for any food enthusiast.  

Arndale Food Market

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When: Market Street, M4 3AQ

Where: Monday to Saturday 8 am- 8 pm, Sunday 11:30 am - 5:30 pm 

Let’s face it, the Arndale shopping centre on Market Street can be an overwhelming maze. It can be hard to figure out where to eat when there’s a load of options, especially if you’re tired from all the shopping. And yeah, there’s plenty of restaurants there, but forget about the big chains in the food court! Instead, take the escalator up and walk through to a corner where you’ll find the award-winning Arndale Food Market. 

The place is always bubbling with energy as people explore a range of independent street food outlets. With vegan, vegetarian and halal options, there’s pretty much something for everyone here. From fresh seafood, vegan menus, Mexican food, indian, smoothies, sweet treats and so much more! In true market style, they also have a butchers selling fresh meat, fishmongers selling all kinds of fresh seafood, as well as fruit and vegetables. 

Hello Oriental

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When:  Monday to Saturday 8 am- 8 pm, Sunday 11:30 am - 5:30 pm 

Where: Market Street, M4 3AQ

For all the noodle and rice lovers! Hello Oriental is a restaurant-style food hall serving dishes from across the East Asian region, which is perfect for sharing. Two floors, live DJs, a bar, screenings for sports and insane offers like unlimited wings; it’s the perfect place for big groups and hangouts.

With vegan and halal options also available, they do warm and cosy dishes like Cantonese roast meats, hot pots, pho and rice bowls. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing and cold, they have delicious Asian salads, summer rolls and plenty of sushi rolls. 

House of Social 

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When: Monday to Wednesday 9am-9pm, Thursday to Sunday 9am - 10pm

Where: 10 Sir Howard Bernstein Approach, M15 4ND 

Another one on the list is House of Social with five independent delicious kitchens, alongside a house bar serving up cocktails, beers, wines and barista-style coffee. With live events, DJs, and themed nights like book swaps and parties, this venue is another perfect place for a get-together to share food between with your mates. 

Have a Hong Kong-inspired meat platter from Choi Wan or some delicious Greek small plates and dips from Kardia. Play some pool while biting into Burger & Beyond’s award-winning burgers or a slice of pizza from The Swagman Pizza, which was awarded Pizza Chef of the Year. If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s also traditional punjabi food, gyros and fried chicken. 

Mackie Mayor 

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When: Tuesday to Thursday 9am - 10pm, Friday to Saturday 9am - 11pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm. 

Where: Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle Street, M4 5BU

Mackie Mayor is a bustling industrial-style building with plenty of space. Perfect for families and large groups, it’s a dog-friendly space and has a play area for children too. Everyone’s going to be happy with the options from nine delicious independent kitchens.

There are rare bread steaks from Tender Cow, or tacos and nachos with frozen margaritas from Pico’s. Chilli B do traditional Thai fusion food with creative twists and is a great option for sharing. And if you’re looking for something cosy, there’s spicy ramen and fried chicken being served, too. 

Society 

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When: Sunday to Thursday 12pm - 11pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm - 12am 

Where: Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, M2 3BD

And finally, to close our list, we have Society. With five independent kitchens and their own bar, the food and drink are all about quality here. With live DJs to accompany your feast, experiment with loaded hash browns or fish tacos from El Piloto or some Korean soul food from Yoki. Slap & Pickle are serving up some delicious fried chicken and burgers while Momzoku offers Japanese street food like donburi bowls, gyozas and sushi platters. 

Want to know more about Manchester? Skiddle's got you covered. Here's the city's best pubs, clubs and delicious, cheap eats

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