London is a foodie's heaven.
You really can find amazing eateries on every corner of the city.
Trust me … I’ve tried!
Food markets have been popular for generations, but with more and more opening in London every year, it can be impossible to decide which ones are worth the visit!
That is why I have compiled a few of the best food markets in London.
Which I believe you should definitely try out during your time in the city.
It’s all based on personal experience and happy trial and error.
Let’s get started …
Located in east London, Old Spitalfields is one of London's oldest and most loved markets. This market has been around at this site since the 1600s and has only got bigger and better over its many years.
You can expect to find over 40 different food stands and restaurants located under the market hall with cuisines from all over the world, you might even struggle to choose what to pick!
Not only is this market a foodie's dream but it is also home to endless shopping stalls ranging from vintage clothes, plants, soaps, jewellery and heaps of art.
The market is open everyday come rain or shine but if you are hoping to avoid the crowds that come with the weekends, the best time to visit will be during the week. The whole market is under cover so you won't have to worry about getting wet whilst you wander or tuck into some food.
Just bear in mind that, if you are visiting London during winter, then it will still be chilly here!
Like most of the food markets in London, Spitalfields is free to enter and wander around. Do check their events calendar to see what's going on during your visit as they sometimes have workshops and themed market days that are well worth a visit.
Opening times: The market is open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm, Saturday 11am until 5pm and Sunday 8am until 5pm. Other restaurants and bars within the market might stay open later but the main market stalls close everyday at 5pm.
Must try: Dumpling Shack and the Naan wrap stand!
How to get there: You can walk from both Shoreditch High Street (London Overground) or Liverpool Street which is another large station on the London Overground. Alternatively, the Elizabeth, Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan underground lines are all close by making it even more accessible.
Maltby Street Market is one of London's (slightly) newer food markets as it only opened in 2010. Since then this hidden market has become beloved by locals.
This market purely focuses on amazing street food rather than selling an assortment of other gifts and trinkets like the others on this list.
It is a lot smaller and less well-known than the nearby Borough Market, but don't let that put you off as the few vendors they do have are some of the best in London!
The setting itself is one of my favourite parts of this market. It is located in the up and coming area of Bermondsey, hidden down Maltby Street with vendors in the railway arches. The quirky market is full of flags, decorations and lots of outdoor seating!
If you are celiac or gluten-free, this might just be your favourite market as it is home to La Pepia, a 100% gluten-free Venezuelan stall serving the most amazing arepas!
Come to this market hungry and ready to try as much food as possible!
Opening times: Only on weekends! Saturday from 10am until 5pm and Sundays 11am until 4pm.
Must try: Le Pepia and The Cheese Trucks' famous cheese toastie!
How to get there: A 15 minute walk from London Bridge station which is accessible by bus and by both the Jubilee and Northern lines. Read more in my guide on getting around London.
Although a lot smaller than some of the others on this list, Berwick Street Market is what I personally consider to be more of your traditional food market in London. You should expect to hear a lot of offers being shouted out at you which means it's a great place to snag a bargain!
It is one of the oldest food markets in London, dating back to 1778, in the Soho area.
It's a great place to grab some local produce like fruit, veg, meats and flowers but there are also some great street food stands serving dishes such as Afghan curries, burritos and falafel!
The markets are completely outside so it's not one for a rainy day but if you are looking for a cheap eat around Central London, Berwick Street Market is the place to go!
Opening times: Everyday between 8am and 6pm.
Must try: The fresh fruit and veg!
How to get there: Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus tube stops are both a short walk away.
Brick Lane is by far one of the trendiest places in London. The streets are filled with vintage shops, independent cafes, bookstores, street art, buskers, eateries and market stalls. While this area is always bustling, their market days are when the area really comes alive.
Whilst Brick Lane may be more well known for its huge vintage markets, which you should definitely check out, there's nothing better after a long day of shopping than grabbing some amazing street food!
You can find vendors all around Brick Lane but the Backyard Market open on weekends is the best place to pick up some fresh organic produce (and grab some great cheese samples!).
Boiler House Food Hall is also open on weekends and has a large collection of international cuisines including Moroccon, Polish, Malaysian and Korean food stalls. Located inside the Old Truman Brewery every Sunday are heaps of food stands alongside its craft and vintage market.
Opening times: While you will likely find food stands along Brick Lane during the week, the markets are open Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 5pm.
Must try: The giant German hotdogs and the Korean corn dogs.
How to get there: Brick Lane is a short walk from Shoreditch High Street station which is located along the London Overground line.
Located in the heart of the city with views over some of London's most iconic attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, South Bank has so much to offer. However, not many people know that Southbank Centre Market is a great place to pick up some affordable street food.
There are a few street food stalls along the Southbank walk but if you want to check out the full selection, head south away from the Thames and down the stairs to South Bank Square where you can find over 40 vendors serving up dishes from all over the world!
This market gets pretty busy, especially after work hours on a Friday evening, so you might have to be quick if you want to bag yourself a table.
If you are lucky enough to visit London over the Christmas period, the Southbank Winter Market has some of the best mulled wine in the city!
Opening times: Fridays 12pm until 8pm; Saturdays 11am until 8pm; and Sundays 12pm until 6pm.
Must try: Korritos Korean burritos and Pad & Sen’s incredible Pad Thai.
How to get there: Southbank Central Market is just a short walk away from Waterloo’s overground and underground stations.
Camden Market is another one of London’s hippest areas and is known for its nightlife, tattoo and piercing shops, boutique shops and vintage clothing stores.
While known as Camden Market, the area of Camden actually consists of around six different markets around the town, each with its own vibe and assortment of stalls.
I remember visiting Camden for the first time as a teenager and making the mistake of thinking the first market I came across on the high street was the whole market. You can imagine how disappointed I was when I saw that they only really sold London souvenirs and a lot of rude t-shirts!
Camden Lock Market is where you really want to head to find the foodie heaven! You will find an assortment of international food stalls underneath the bridge and some of the best vegan Asian food in the city.
In the courtyard of the market by the canal you will find tons more street food vendors, a lot made famous from TikTok including Yorkshire burrito and The Cheese Wheel which serves fresh pasta cooked in a giant wheel of cheese, yum!
Give yourself a good few hours to explore Camden as it really is a maze and I find new stalls and shops to explore every time I go!
Opening times: Camden Market is open every day from 10am until late.
Must try: My all-time favourite food stall is the Halloumi fries stand called Oli Babas.
How to get there: Take the Northern Line tube to Camden Town tube station and then it's just a simple walk up the high street.
If you are travelling to London in a group or meeting up with friends while you're there, Mercato Metropolitano is a great market option. Why should you all have to decide on one cuisine in a restaurant when you can sit in a market together and each order something from a different vendor?
Mercato Metropolitano used to be an old paper factory but is now a 45,000 square foot market hall that has a huge garden filled with tables and bars.
This market is a little more boujee than some of the other markets on this list but a lot of the street food still comes at an affordable price. It is also a late night venue, open until 1am on weekends with a lively atmosphere and great music!
Opening times: Monday through until Wednesday from 12pm until 11pm, Thursdays 12pm until midnight, Friday 12pm until 1am, Saturdays 11am until 1am and Sundays 11am until 10pm.
Must try: German Craft beer and the bubbly and cheese from Champagne and Fromage!
How to get there: Mercato Metropolitano is based in Elephant and Castle so is a short walk away from its namesake tube station (Bakerloo and Northern lines) as well as Borough tube station which is just on the Northern Line.
Based in a lively area of South London, Pop Brixton is a fun take on a London food market. Similarly to what you will see in Boxpark, Pop Brixton is built out of shipping containers, but brightly coloured and quirkily placed.
Pop is a community initiative that aims to give small local businesses a place to grow and thrive, meaning 100% of the food stands are locally owned companies.
They regularly host events, show sports and always seem to have live music on so if you are after a good time along with some delicious food, this one might be for you!
The market is open air but with a cover over so no need to worry about the rain ruining your evening but you may still want to bring a jacket.
There's a good assortment of food stands here with great veggie and vegan options so you are bound to find something that takes your fancy.
Opening times: Sunday through Thursday 9am until 11pm and Friday and Saturday 9am until midnight.
Must try: Baba G’s loaded fries.
How to get there: Pop Brixton is a short walk from Brixton tube station which is on the Victoria line but is also very easily accessible by bus no matter where you’re coming from.
If you are looking for a taste of Italy in central London look no further than Eataly!
The Italian market is based over two floors and includes three full sized restaurants, takeaway food stands, bars and even a cooking school!
The interior is beautiful and as soon as you enter you are hit with the smell of the Italian desserts up for offer.
Whether you are looking to buy some ingredients for your own Italian cooking, have a fine dinings sit down meal, taste some wine from London's largest collection of Italian wines, or just grab some take out food and go, you will not be disappointed by Eataly.
If you are looking to have a meal or sit for drinks on the terrace, it might be a good idea to book a table online, especially on weekends.
Opening times: Monday through until Friday 7am until 11pm; Saturday 9am until 11pm; and Sunday 9am until 10pm.
Must try: One of the 2000 wines on offer!
How to get there: Eataly is located right by Liverpool Street Station which is easily accessible by bus, via the Overground line and the Elizabeth, Hammersmith & City, Circle, Central and Metropolitan underground lines.
Mercato Mayfair is one of the most beautiful food markets in London as it's actually set inside of an old church, complete with an underground bar in the reconstructed crypt!
It is Mercato Metropolitano’s second site and is equally as good as their first.
The market spans over the whole ground floor of the church as well as the wrap-around balcony on the second floor. While it is spacious, the market can get really busy, especially when they have events on so get there early if you were hoping on getting a table, most notably the ones in the tunnels!
There are around 10 different street food stalls and vendors at Mercato Mayfair to pick from, but I highly recommend trying one of the incredible pizzas from Fresco.
One of the best things about this market, (other than the beautiful interior and amazing food!) is that it is so easy to get to! It is located on North Audley street which is just around the corner from London’s famous Oxford Street.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 10am until 11pm; Friday 10am until midnight; Saturday 12pm until midnight; and Sunday 12pm until 10pm.
Must try: German Beer from Germankraft and the delicious pizzas from Fresco.
How to get there: Mercato Mayfair is a five minute walk away from Bond Street tube station which is on the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines. It is also very accessible by bus no matter your starting location.
The first time I ever stumbled across the Market Halls Victoria, it was by complete accident, but now I visit as often as I can because it's just so good!
It is conveniently located right opposite Victoria train station, making it the perfect meeting place for friends. The food vendors are set over two floors and have a real mix of cuisines for pretty reasonable prices, given the location.
I will say it can be pretty tricky to find a table, especially at work finishing time but they do have a roof terrace with extra seating. This makes it perfect for a summer's evening or if you fancy braving the cold in winter.
Opening times: Sunday until Tuesday 11am until 10pm and Wednesday until Saturday 11am until 11pm.
Must try: The BBQ pork ribs from Hotbox!
How to get there: Due to it being opposite Victoria station, it makes Market Halls Victoria arguably the most accessible Food Market in London. Victoria station is one of the most popular Overground stations whilst the Underground has the Circle, District and Victoria lines. In addition, Victoria Bus Station is situated right outside the front doors.
Borough Market is my all time favourite food market in London!
It even features as one of my top picks in my guide of the best free things London has to offer.
It is probably what springs to mind when you think of London food markets as it has actually now been open for 1000 years!
Not only does it have heaps of street food vendors, ranging from apple crumble to truffle risotto, but it also has a produce market with butchers, cheese stalls, greengrocers and fresh baked goods. It is my dream to be able to do my weekly shop at Borough Market!
As you can probably imagine, Borough Market gets super busy. I tend to avoid it as much as I can during weekends as it is a bit of a tourist destination so if you can go on a weekday, you will likely find it a lot more enjoyable.
For a sneaky tip, if you head there before the lunch rush on a weekday, a lot of the food vendors give out some free samples as you are walking around!
You can easily explore this market yourself but if you do enjoy food tours and want to know a bit more about British cuisine and Borough Market itself, you can book this Walking Tasting Tour which covers both Borough Market and London Bridge and includes some tasty dishes to try!
Opening times: Open daily from 10am to 5pm but not all traders are there every day. Make sure to check their individual opening times if you have a stall in mind.
Must try: Humble Crumble and Hash Smash.
How to get there: Borough Market is a short walk from the London Bridge Overground station and underground station (Northern and Jubilee lines) and Borough tube station (Northern Line).
Seven Dials Market is a must-visit for any foodie in London!
Based in Covent Gardens, this market has heaps of incredible vendors to choose from; I'm still trying to work my way through them all myself!
Seven Dials is a bit fancier than a lot of the other food markets on this list but it undoubtedly still works out cheaper than picking a restaurant.
You will have likely seen some of their vendors on TikTok or Instagram as all of them are absolutely incredible. However, what stands out for me has to be Pick & Cheese! This is the world's first cheese conveyer belt and the whole concept is really cool. On Wednesdays you can get bottomless plates for only £25.99!
Opening times: Monday - Tuesday: 11am until 10pm, Wednesday through until Saturday 11am until 11pm and Sundays 11am until 9pm.
Must try: Bao buns from Yum Bun and a toastie from Pick & Cheese.
How to get there: Seven Dials is a short walk from Covent Garden underground (Piccadilly line).
However, I wouldn’t recommend going to Covent Gardens tube station personally as it’s always incredibly busy and the only way to the street is via a lift. You can easily walk from Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines) or Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth, Central and Northern Lines) tube stations.
While not officially a food market, I couldn’t justify not including Boxpark on the list!
Boxpark is a pop-up mall complex complete with a large seating area and heaps of independent food vendors. There are now three Boxparks scattered around London; one in Wembley, one in Shoreditch and one in East Croydon and they are all equally as good!
Not only can you enjoy some of London's best street food, but Boxpark is always hosting events, showing sports, and has heaps of activities to enjoy. This includes Axe Throwing, games and pub quizzes!
While usually you can just walk straight into any of the BoxParks, do check that there aren't any big sporting events on before you visit as you might find you need to pre-book to grab a table.
Opening times: The different venues vary but generally they are open everyday from 11am until late (depending on events).
Must try: For Cod’s Hake fish and chips!
How to get there: All are accessible via train, BoxPark Shoreditch is right by Shoreditch High Street station on the London Overground Line. Boxpark Wembley is right by Wembley Park station on the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines whilst Boxpark Croydon is right by East Croydon station on the Southern and Thameslink Overground service.
Portobello Market is one of London's most iconic markets, mainly known for its antiques and vintage fashion. You could easily spend a whole day in the Notting Hill area with so many beautiful streets, market stalls, and boutique shops to look in.
While the market is amazing to walk around every day that it's open, if you are a real foodie, Saturdays are when you will want to visit! Every Saturday vendors serve hot dishes from all over the world and I personally think the Caribbean food on offer is the best I have ever tried.
You might want to try and grab something you can eat on the go though as finding somewhere to sit on a busy Saturday can be quite a mission!
Portobello Market is also a great place to pick up fresh produce and organic ingredients. You can get anything from fresh fruit, olives, cheese, and my personal favourite, the mushroom stand which has the most incredible truffle oil.
Opening times: Monday through Wednesday 9am until 6pm; Thursdays 9am until 1pm; and Fridays and Saturdays 9am until 7pm. The market is closed on Sundays.
Must try: All of the Caribbean food, you won’t regret it!
How to get there: Portobello Market is a short stroll from Notting Hill Gate which is on the Central line as well as Circle and District lines, all of which are underground stations.
There are quite a few food markets in London that are famous, but Borough Market is probably the most well-known.
Most stalls tend to take both! However, since Covid, a lot of vendors have switched to card only so in some of the larger markets you might find that they do not take cash.
Everyone who visits will have their own personal favourites as they are all quite different.
I love Borough Market (who doesn’t?!) to pick up some fresh produce or a quick lunch on the go but I think Mercato Metropolitano or Boxpark are great options if you are going with a large group and want to socialise with a range of good food.
The food markets in London are obviously busy during meal times and especially on weekends! If you don't mind the crowds or waiting in line for your food then you can head to them whenever but if you want to see them less busy, weekday afternoons are ideal!
It really depends on what kind of food you're ordering but on average you should expect to pay anything from £4 to £20 plus.
Borough Market is London’s oldest and largest food market at 1000 years old!
Ideally … all of them!
If you have enough time of course.
Because, as you can see, there are so many awesome food markets in London; and these are just a few of the best!
I am always stumbling upon new markets when out exploring London so I will keep this list updated as I find more!
Now over to you …
Which food markets in London have you been to?
Do you think any deserve a place on this list?
Drop a comment below and let me know!
If you are travelling to London soon, here are some over posts you might find helpful for planning your visit:
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