Best Food at Mercato Mayfair – What We’d Actually Order Again

Today’s mission? To track down the best food at Mercato Mayfair. We’re talking taste-test after taste-test, across every stall we can stomach, inside this food hall tucked inside a converted church in the middle of Mayfair.

The Mercato Mayfair setting is jaw-dropping. Think gothic arches, stained glass windows, and food counters in what once may have been confessionals. It’s dramatic, moody, and undeniably Instagrammable. But is the food actually any good?

That’s what I’m here to find out.

some food at Mercato Mayfair is fantastic. Some is a crime against food.

Let’s get into what to order, what to avoid, and where to sit when Mercato Mayfair is packed (which it usually is).

Quick info on Mercato Mayfair

• Location: North Audley Street, Mayfair
• Food: Multi-stall food hall, from sushi to pizza and everything in between
• Price: ££–£££ (Some stalls are good value, others overpriced)
• Open: Most food counters open from 12pm
• Be warned: No outside food or drink allowed (they’ll check!)
• Secret space: Rooftop terrace mostly covered and a great shout when seating is tight

Read on to find the best food at Mercato Mayfair.

What type of food is at Mercato Mayfair?

There’s sushi, pad Thai, Indian and Thai curries, bao buns, lobster rolls, pizzas by the slice, and desserts galore at Mercato Mayfair. It’s a bit of a global round-the-world in snacks and small plates.

The food stalls are located over three floors – basement, ground floor and the upper floor. There’s also a (mostly covered) roof terrace which provides much needed extra seating. It’s also a lovely place to hang out when the suns out.

We try something from every floor to bring you the definitive list of what’s worth it, and what isn’t, when hunting down the best food at Mercato Mayfair.

1. Nigiri at Sushi Tonari – £29 for 3

Rating – 3/5

Located in the basement, Sushi Tonari serves an omakase or a la carte selection of sushi in a quiet little corner. We go a la carte and try three nigiri:

• Scallop nigiri: a little bitter today, which is a shame because usually scallop is my favourite. Smells kinda fishy too.
• Sea bream nigiri with seaweed: medium firmness and the citrus twist is appreciated. Beautiful little bite.
• Hamachi nigiri: melt-in-the-mouth perfection. I’d eat a dozen.

But at £29 for three small pieces, laminated menus, and a basement view, this isn’t the best food at Mercato Mayfair. It’s fine. But pricey and not particularly exciting.

If you want better sushi, go to…
Affordable Conveyor Belt Sushi at Kulu Kulu, Soho

2. Classic Lobster Roll at Molo – £24

Rating – 1/5

On the upper floor we try the Classic Lobster Roll at Molo.

I really wanted to love this. But from the very first bite, disappointment sets in.

It’s not that the lobster is bad, but it’s bland. There’s no butter gloss, no herbaceous lift, no lemon sharpness to carry the sweetness of the meat. Just a soft roll, a mound of underseasoned lettuce underneath, and a smear of beetroot mayo on top that adds more colour than flavour.

It looks striking, yes – pink and plush like it should be juicy and indulgent. But where’s the punch? The richness? The texture? And for £24, I want all of that.

It’s one of the few things here that sounds more exciting than it actually is. Suffice to say, it’s not the best thing to order at Mercato Mayfair.

Don’t leave London without trying…
Don’t Miss the Shrimp Burger at Hanbaagaasuuteeki

3. Mango Lassi at Bindas Eatery – £5.25

Rating – 4/5

Happily, we find redemption at Bindas Eatery on the upper floor of Mercato Mayfair.

Their mango Lassi is luscious, thick, and green cardamom-infused. A total delight, and one of the best things to order at Mercato Mayfair.

4. Paneer Naan at Bindas Eatery – £15.75

Rating – 4/5

And the paneer Loaded Naan is filled with decadent scorched paneer, pomegranate, sweet chilli, and fresh chopped green chilli. It’s brilliant. Big portion too, and the naan is moreish and fluffy.

It’s some of the best food at Mercato Mayfair, hands down.

Start with one loaded naan between two, you’ll be full fast.

5. Potato Pizza Slice at Fresco – £8

Rating – 3.5/5

The potato pizza slice at Fresco is surprisingly good. It’s herby, carby, and deceptively flavourful. The rosemary-sage situation makes it taste oddly meaty, even though it’s vegetarian.

The base is more focaccia than pizza dough, chewy and satisfying. This is one of the sneaky best food finds at Mercato Mayfair.

Cross the road to get some of the best pizza in London at Crisp:
Hot Honey Halal Pepperoni at Crisp Pizza, Mayfair

6. Beef Bao buns from Steamy – £7

Rating – 2/5

The first bite of the beef bau bun is good, but I soon realise how oily the meat is, and not in a good way. It’s a shame, because it had potential to be a must order dish at Mercato Mayfair.

It’s one of those eats where halfway through you realise the joy’s gone. For that reason, I’d say to skip it. You’ll thank me later.

7. Chicken Pad Thai at Pad Thai House – £14.45

Rating – 2.5/5

This is one of the halal food options at Merato Mayfair, and its freshly cooked. The pad thai noodles are springy and nice, but the chicken doesn’t do much. I end up eating around it.

It’s not bad, but it’s also not good. You’d make a better one yourself at home, put it that way.

8. Banana Pudding at Vnilla – £6

Rating – 4/5

The banana pudding at Vnilla is one of the best desserts at Mercato Mayfair.

Head to Vnilla if you want dessert thats just soft, sweet, creamy indulgence that goes straight to the pleasure centre of your brain. And yes, it’s one of the best food picks at Mercato Mayfair.

It’s a no-holds-barred kind of pudding. Think squidgy ripe bananas folded into whipped cream with bits of juicy cake too.

They also offer rotating specials – like the Biscoff caramel version I try today – which adds a deep toffee richness that works so well against the fruity sweetness of the banana.

And if you want a delicious hot chocolate to go with your banana pudding, go here:
Is The Half Million Hot Chocolate Actually As Good As People Say?

Best Food at Mercato Mayfair: our rankings

Must orders:

• Paneer open naan at Bindas Eatery
• Mango lassi at Bindas Eatery
• Potato pizza slice at Fresco
• Banana pudding at Vnilla

Skip it:

• Lobster roll at Molo
• Beef bao at Steamy & Co
• Scallop nigiri at Sushi Tonari

Final thoughts on Mercato Mayfair

I’ve gotta be honest with you – you’re not coming to Mercato Mayfair for the very best version of anything. This is more food court than fine dining. But it’s fun place to graze, and if you know where to go (hello Bindas), you can eat well.

If you do visit, head to the rooftop terrace for a quieter seat. It’s covered, airy, and much more chilled.

Read more
The Ultimate List of What To Eat in London in a Week

Mercato Mayfair review
Address – St. Mark’s Church, 13A N Audley St, London W1K 6ZA
Nearest Tube – Bond Street