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Mala — Food courts in Manchester

Mala

Food courtsManchester

4.5 out of 5 stars4.5(3,815 reviews)

Quick info

+44 7479 592107
8 Dale St, Manchester M1 1JA, United Kingdom

About Mala

Mala is an outdoor food court on Dale St in Manchester, styled as a secret garden with fairy lights and plants. Several food vendors share the space, so one table can mix and match cuisines, from an Avocado Scramble with Aleppo butter to a pasta dish and a pistachio tiramisu. Guests seat themselves and pick their own spot, then order by scanning a QR code at the table, with the food brought out to them. Seating varies, with quiet corners, small hidden cabins and a library-style area next door. Live music plays in the garden, including a guitar player and a DJ. An in-house bar pours cocktails, niche beers and a range of non-alcoholic drinks.

Good to know

“Escape the city life within the city at Mala Secret Garden. Bustling crowds, jazz bands, vocalists, live DJ’s, guitarists, acoustic singers plus amazing weekly live entertainment. Serving delicious grub in house and local restaurants around Manchester. We have everything you’d desire from strict plant eaters to all-out carnivores. In house, we serve up the most mouth-watering cocktails, a great selection of niche beers and plenty of other fizz to fill your night. Designated driver? Not to worry. We have a wide selection of delicious non-alcoholic drinks to keep you satisfied. Escape to Manchester’s best outdoor green space! Hence why Mala in Hawaii means ‘garden’.”

  • Accessibility
    Wheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating

Reviews

4.5/5
3,815 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention live music, avocado scramble, multiple food vendors and outdoor seating area.

5★
2,999
4★
330
3★
145
2★
119
1★
222

Customer Review Summary

The garden-like atmosphere and live music are what reviewers raise most, describing quirky corners, fairy lights, natural light and a relaxed feel that suits spending a whole day. The food comes close behind. One diner calls the Avocado Scramble one of the best brunch dishes they have had, and two reviewers praise the pasta. The pistachio tiramisu, the lemon meringue soft serve and the milk hot chocolate also earn praise. The complaints concern the smash burger and the pacing. One reviewer found the smash burger under-seasoned, though the chips and patties were well cooked. Another says a burger was slow to arrive, and a third notes one person in their party was served well before the others. One diner dislikes a guitarist during lunch, and another says it is no place for quiet study. One reviewer suggests booking a table beforehand, and another recommends the outdoor seating on a nice day. With several vendors and ordering by QR code, one table could pair a full English with Caribbean food.

Featured reviews

  • Google user
    “Mala is just a different type of place, it's in its own league in terms of athmosphere. This is how you make a cafe/restaurant not just a place you go to eat, but to really absorb and enjoy for an entire day in good company. It's a must-go place in central Manchester, the food choices, the beverages, the cocktails, the natural world literally living and breathing within the same space as you, enormous, majestic. The open area is a joy to spend time in, alongside the hidden little cabins to the side. And now that Mala aquired the restaurant next door, they've managed to expand their feeling of cosyness to not just a nature refuge in the woods, but now also to a quirky little library. The entire space is a sensorial joy to explore, each area has its own little secrets and hidden cosy spots. This is a plave you'll want to keep coming back over and over again just to sit over there this time, or maybe over there, or actually now I wanna try this spot because it was taken last time. Go in, pick a spot, enjoy the live music, grab some yummy food, and enjoy. Don't worry, you'll be back for more, we all do.”
  • Google user
    “Food was great with plenty of options and then a variety of additions available, however the burger did take a little while to come out but that’s not a major issue as it was lovely! I had some sort of pasta with chicken and it was just the right about of spicy, for £10 as well it’s a bargain, small portion is a good size as well! Very calming atmosphere but I’m not a fan of a guitar player while i’m eating my lunch unfortunately, but that’s just preference he was a great musician. Highly recommend😁”
  • Google user
    “Wow this place is beautiful! I can with a group of about 7. The style is food vendors so once you seat yourself, your table has a QR code to scan and order food to be delivered to your table. Absolutely amazing atmosphere giving cottagecore, secret garden vibes the seating is very varied and there is a great variety.”
  • Google user
    “If you’re visiting Manchester, do yourself a favour and come to Mala. I ordered the Avocado Scramble and, without exaggeration, it was one of the best brunch dishes I’ve ever had. The combination of perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, creamy avocado, everything bagel seasoning and the Aleppo butter was incredible. Every bite was packed with flavour, and I genuinely considered ordering a second one because I didn’t want it to end. What makes Mala special isn’t just the food. The atmosphere is beautiful: filled with natural light, relaxed without feeling pretentious, and made even better by the live music. It feels warm, creative and welcoming from the moment you walk in. Even the little details stand out. The space is thoughtfully designed, the bathrooms are lovely, and seeing the place’s dog happily lounging in its own little bed somehow made the whole place feel even more charming and authentic. Manchester has no shortage of great cafés, but Mala is the kind of place you remember long after you’ve left. If you’re in the city, this should be at the top of your list. And whatever you do, order the Avo Scramble. Trust me. 10/10. Can’t wait to come back.”
  • Google user
    “Came on a late Saturday morning when the weather was really nice and it wasn't stupid busy like most places around were so ended up going in here blind, few reserved tables but plenty of seating options. Prices aren't too bad for the quality of food and ambience you get, went with two other people and one of us got our food about 15 minutes before the rest which was a bit annoying. No complaints other than that, would recommend especially the outdoor seating area if it's a nice day.”

Amenities

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
Accessibility· 2
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Location

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