London’s Best Food Halls: Where to Eat on a Budget

Although London (and England generally) gets a bad rap for “terrible food,” the trope has changed beyond recognition in the last 30 years. Today, London is one of the world’s most diverse culinary capitals, boasting an incredible range of food from all over the globe and several Michelin-starred restaurants. But for those of us on a budget, there is one secret to eating the best of the best in this foodie-centred city: London’s food halls.

What is a Food Hall?

A food hall is essentially an elevated food court, giving visitors a modern twist on traditional casual dining and a diverse, vibrant gastronomic experience. Unlike a food market, which focuses on raw ingredients and takeaway items, a London food hall typically houses a variety of small eateries and food vendors under one roof. At the centre, family-style or cafeteria-style seating, with large tables set close together, brings diners together in a social and collaborative atmosphere. Since the weather in London can be unpredictable, these often-covered halls are the perfect place to dine indoors.

Some of these halls also feature bars serving British craft beers, fine wines and artisanal cocktails, which only enhances the experience. A few stops on this route, such as Harrods, Spitalfields and Greenwich, blur the line between food hall and food market, but all of them are worth the detour.

Map of London’s Best Food Halls

Hours and Addresses

Harrods Food Halls	Knightsbridge, 87–135 Brompton Road	Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11:30am–6pm (browsing only until noon)
Market Halls Victoria	Opposite Victoria Station, Terminus Place	Open daily; confirm hours. Groups of eight or more can book
Mercato Mayfair	Bond Street or Marble Arch	Mon–Thu 9am–11pm; Fri–Sat 9am–midnight; Sun 9am–10:30pm. Open bank holidays; bookings for six or more
Kingly Court	Off Carnaby Street; entrances on Carnaby, Beak and Kingly streets	Open daily from late morning until late; each venue’s hours vary
Arcade Food Hall	Tottenham Court Road station, at the base of Centre Point	Open from morning until late; order from your seat on your phone
Seven Dials Market	Covent Garden station, 35 Earlham Street	Mon–Tue noon–10pm; Wed–Thu noon–11pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm. Tables for four or more can be reserved inside
Flat Iron Square	Borough station	Hours vary by day and run to midnight Thu–Sat; check before going
Eataly London	Liverpool Street station, 135 Bishopsgate	Check eataly.co.uk for hours
Old Spitalfields Market	Liverpool Street or Aldgate East	Open seven days; stall and trader hours vary
Boxpark Shoreditch	Shoreditch High Street	On short-term lease extensions; confirm it is trading
Greenwich Market	DLR Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich, or a Thames riverboat	Daily, about 10am–5:30pm; antiques on Tue, Thu and Fri

Seven Dials Market

Seven Dials Market is tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden and housed in Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, a 19th-century former banana and cucumber warehouse that the street-food collective KERB transformed into its first permanent market in 2019. The vibrant hall merges historical charm with contemporary culinary flair. With its boutique stalls of local bakers, charcutiers and other producers, Cucumber Alley is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or a coffee. In contrast, the Banana Warehouse is a bustling, lively area with street-food kitchens and communal tables downstairs and countertop cafés upstairs, ideal for a leisurely meal and socializing.

The market features a rotating selection of the city’s street food vendors and artisanal producers. From mouth-watering burgers and sushi rolls to artisanal cheeses and Taiwanese pancakes, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The diversity of cuisines reflects London’s multicultural spirit, from Indian kati rolls to Thai dishes and beyond.

My favourite spot in the market is Pick & Cheese, billed as the world’s first conveyor belt cheese restaurant. A 40-metre belt carries a rotating selection of more than 25 British cheeses, reminiscent of the sushi conveyor belt system, and you sit at the counter as a parade of small plates passes by under transparent lids. The cheeses are carefully sourced from the UK and range from familiar names like Red Leicester to small-producer finds such as Yorkshire Pecorino and Cornish Gouda. Each plate is paired with a complementary condiment, such as Earl Grey tea jelly, sherry cherries or hazelnut brittle, and the plates are colour-coded by price.

Boxpark Shoreditch

Boxpark, nestled in the heart of trendy Shoreditch, stands out with its unique structure. Billed as the world’s first pop-up mall when it opened in 2011, it is built entirely from refurbished shipping containers stacked over two floors, which gives it an industrial yet chic vibe. Shoreditch is known for its urban street art, with buildings canvassed in colourful graffiti and murals that add an edgy atmosphere to the area. Boxpark was only ever meant to be temporary and has been trading on short-term lease extensions, so confirm that it is open before you go.

This innovative food hub hosts a diverse range of eateries on its upper deck, offering a taste of global street food. The compact, cozy eateries in the shipping containers create an intimate and eclectic dining experience that captures the Shoreditch aesthetic. Black Bear Burger is one of the most popular spots to eat inside Boxpark, known for its burgers and fries.

Greenwich Market

Your route ends at Greenwich Market in southeast London. The journey takes some time, but visiting this amazing part of town is well worth it, and when you arrive you can wander one of the city’s most historic and charming markets. Traders were gathering here as early as the 14th century, and the market officially opened in 1737 under a royal charter. Its covered hall dates to 1831, and the market retains much of its original character. It sits in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, alongside the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.

The market is known for its vibrant and diverse array of stalls and focuses on arts, crafts, antiques and unique handmade items, making it a fantastic spot for one-of-a-kind gifts. But Greenwich Market also boasts an impressive selection of street food stalls, with cuisines from around the world that reflect London’s multicultural makeup. From freshly made street food like churros, pies and Thai curries to gourmet sweets and pastries, the market is a haven for food enthusiasts looking to sample different flavours in a lively atmosphere.

Flat Iron Square

Cross the river to Southwark and you’ll find Flat Iron Square, an indoor-outdoor food, drink and music hub set among the brick railway arches of Borough, which has quickly become a destination for food lovers in London. It opened in 2016, and its food-and-drink half has since moved about 200 feet along to a sister site, while the live music venue Omeara stays under the arches. The blend of historical architecture and modern urban environment is still captivating.

The festoon-lit yard is lively, with weekly quizzes and DJ nights, and the venue also hosts live sport on its many screens. Hours vary by day, but it stays open until midnight from Thursday to Saturday, so it appeals to the late-night crowd. Covered and heated areas keep the British weather at bay in the cooler months, and in the warm summer this is one of the liveliest spots to relax with a cold beer from the on-site brewery and taproom.

The traders rotate, so the menu changes, but recent names include Breddos Tacos and Cluck Farmyard, a favourite for crispy fried chicken. Look out, too, for Greek souvlaki, Neapolitan pizza and plenty more street food around the communal tables.

Harrods Food Halls

Harrods Food Halls is like stepping into a culinary wonderland. As you walk through the grand doors, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer luxury of the place, and each corner tells a story of elegance and fine taste. Think of it as a place to browse, taste and bring something home rather than a sit-down food court.

The air is filled with enticing aromas that lead your senses on a delightful journey, from freshly baked bread and pastries that waft a comforting warmth to exotic spices that hint at far-off lands. As you meander through the aisles, the vibrant colours of the fresh produce catch your eye, with fruits and vegetables arranged with artistic flair. Nearby, a selection of fine cheeses, each with its own texture and taste, invites you to indulge.

Perhaps the most mesmerizing corner of the Fresh Market Hall is the seafood. Iced displays boast an array of fresh fish and shellfish that look as if they have just leapt from the ocean, and chef-made dishes are prepared close by with an almost theatrical precision. Then there is the sweet section, a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. In the Chocolate Hall, delicate pastries, luxurious chocolates and beautifully crafted desserts are displayed like jewels in a crown. Throughout your visit, the knowledgeable and courteous staff are happy to share the stories behind the food, offer cooking tips or simply guide you through the plethora of choices.

Market Halls Victoria

Market Halls Victoria was my go-to lunch spot when I lived in Westminster. The beautifully renovated Edwardian building, which has housed a shopping arcade, a restaurant and the Pacha nightclub since it was built in 1909, now plays home to a diverse range of culinary options across three floors.

With more than eight kitchens, the line-up changes often, but recent menus have ranged from dumplings, salt beef sandwiches and noodles to kebabs, burgers, pasta, tacos and curries. The communal dining encourages a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, making you feel like one big happy family, even when surrounded by strangers. In addition to the food vendors, the hall has several bars spread across its floors serving craft beers, spirits and wine. The rooftop terrace, which looks out over Victoria Station, is the place to be on a warm evening (weather permitting), with the city lights coming on across SW1.

Arcade Food Hall

Just outside tourist-friendly Soho, at the foot of Centre Point on Tottenham Court Road, is the Arcade Food Hall. It first opened in 2019, was disrupted by the pandemic and was relaunched in 2022 under the JKS Restaurants group in a tighter, more curated format. Its kitchens take you on a culinary journey from the Middle East to the USA, with stops for Nepalese street food, Southern Thai, Japanese sushi and tacos along the way. The design is sleek and contemporary, with an open-plan layout that feels spacious yet inviting. Most vendors work through a direct-to-table ordering system that lets you browse the myriad options on your phone and order from your seat without lining up.

When your food is ready, it is brought to you wherever you sit. Come with a big group to try all the different options, whether that’s shawarma smothered in garlic sauce, North Indian street food from Hero or Southern Thai at Plaza Khao Gaeng. Arcade is not just about dining, either. There are arcade games, cocktails and an incubator space showcasing emerging food brands, which add to the lively, entertainment-driven atmosphere.

If you’re elsewhere in town, Arcade now has two more London halls: Arcade Battersea, inside Battersea Power Station (opened in July 2023), and Arcade Covent Garden on Bedford Street (opened in May 2026).

Eataly London

Head east to Broadgate, on the edge of the City of London and a short walk from Spitalfields, where Eataly London sits beside Liverpool Street Station. It is the first UK outpost of the international Eataly chain, which celebrates Italian gastronomy. The sprawling Italian food emporium opened in spring 2021 and fills about 42,000 square feet over two floors.

The concept of Eataly revolves around the motto “Eat, Shop, Learn.” It comprises a variety of Italian restaurants, cafés and food counters, each specializing in a different aspect of Italian cuisine. You can enjoy a range of dining experiences, from pizza and pasta to an open wood-fired grill at the restaurant Terra, plus a terrace on Bishopsgate for sunny days. The emphasis is on high-quality, authentic ingredients, many of them from Italy.

Beyond dining, Eataly London is a paradise for food shoppers. The marketplace sells Italian products including cured meats, cheeses, olive oils, artisanal pasta and more than 2,000 Italian wines, and its dairy makes fresh mozzarella. It’s the perfect place to buy ingredients for cooking Italian dishes at home, and a cookery school, La Scuola, is on site. So even if you didn’t make it anywhere else in Europe besides London, you can come home with a bag of Italian foodie souvenirs!

Mercato Mayfair

If you’re after a food hall set inside a beautiful historic building with a real wow factor, head to Mercato Mayfair, a short walk from Oxford Street. It occupies St Mark’s Church, a Grade I-listed building from 1828 that was deconsecrated in 1974, and it offers fresh, artisanal and sustainably sourced food in a setting of stained glass and grand architecture. After about 30 years on the Heritage at Risk Register, the church was rescued by a two-year, £5-million restoration by the Grosvenor estate, reopening in 2019 as a modern eatery that welcomes people from the neighbourhood and beyond.

Kitchens fill the main floor and a first-floor gallery, with plenty of seating beneath the church’s arches. The market offers a range of culinary experiences, from authentic Neapolitan pizza and dumplings to fish burgers. Down in the vaulted crypt, exposed brick and low lighting make a cozy nook for a drink, and the German craft beer poured at Mercato Mayfair is brewed at the group’s Elephant & Castle site. And for one last treat, make a trip up to the rooftop terrace, a quieter perch above the bustle of the neighbourhood.

Spitalfields Market

Stepping into Old Spitalfields Market is quite a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to food. Trading here dates back to the 17th century. And the airy Victorian market hall of glass and iron that you walk into today, entered through its 1887 façade on Commercial Street, was built by Robert Horner. Walking through feels like taking a mini world tour of cuisines in the heart of East London. When you first enter, the aromas hit you, a compelling mix that makes your stomach rumble. Stalls change, but you can expect the likes of falafel wraps, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, or fresh pasta rolled and cut right before your eyes, which is almost as good as eating it.

The variety is incredible, from spiced Asian dishes that pack a punch to classic British pies that are all about comfort. And an indulgent bakery stall or two for anyone with a sweet tooth. One of the best things about the food at Spitalfields is the passion of the people who make it. These aren’t just vendors; they’re chefs and food lovers who care about what they’re serving. And you can stop and chat with them, get to know their story and sometimes even pick up a cooking tip or two.

Seating Area

Then there’s the setting. Spitalfields has a cool, slightly edgy vibe that makes everything taste better. Grab your food and find a spot in the communal seating area, surrounded by the buzz of the market, the chatter of people and the occasional street performer adding to the ambiance. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an experience, and every bite seems to carry a bit of the market’s eclectic energy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a meal at Spitalfields is a little adventure amid the city.

Kingly Court

Kingly Court is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Tucked away off Carnaby Street, in the angle between Carnaby Street and Beak Street, this three-storey courtyard feels like a secret urban oasis once you step inside. The open-air setup, enclosed by pastel-painted buildings, creates a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. Each level, lined with an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés, offers a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re craving pizza, tonkotsu ramen or Indian and Syrian cooking, there are more than 20 restaurants and bars to choose from. Every eatery has its own character.

The ambiance is lively, especially in the evenings, when conversation, laughter and the clinking of glasses fill the courtyard as friends gather for meals or drinks after a day’s work. What makes Kingly Court special is the tranquil escape it offers while still sitting in the heart of London. The open-air courtyard lets sunlight play through by day and frames a glimpse of the city’s ever-changing sky. And sail-like canopies provide shelter when it rains.

The fashion boutiques and independent shops of Carnaby just outside make it a perfect spot for a leisurely day out. In Kingly Court, there’s a sense of community and warmth. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a place to connect, relax and soak in the eclectic energy of London, and each visit feels like discovering new flavours and experiences, leaving you with a longing to return.

---

London may still carry a bad rap for “terrible food,” but this route from Knightsbridge to Greenwich shows how far the trope has been left behind. Better still, every one of these food halls is open daily, so wherever you’re staying, an excellent meal on a budget is never far away. These fantastic halls are a treasure trove for anyone exploring London’s diverse culinary landscape. So pick a starting point, follow the route and come hungry.

Happy Travels, Adventurers