Best food markets in London

The hustle of street-food culture is no where better demonstrated than the iconic Borough Market. With a history spanning 1,000 years, it's a London institution and the benchmark British farmers’ market, set underneath the clattering viaducts of the railway. Visit this world-class food hub for exceptional produce (Brindisa, Ginger Pig meats, Neal’s Yard for cheese), and some of the capital’s hottest restaurants (Oma, Padella, Kolae). It's also the place to go for an enviable lunch on-the-go, with Ginger Pig's sausage rolls and Bread Ahead's doughnuts among the line-up (not forgetting the viral chocolate-drizzled strawberry pot, sold at an eyebrow-raising £8.50 a pop). It can get very busy with tourists and day-trippers on weekends; we suggest visiting on weekdays to beat the weekend queues.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Website: boroughmarket.org.uk

2. Broadway Market, Hackney

Situated in the north-east borough of Hackney, Broadway Market is a bustling cornucopia of street market treasures. Each weekend the thriving Saturday market will welcome more than 100 traders plying their wares, including specialist food retail and street food goodies from Richie's Caribbean Spices van to Latin Soul's female-led South American grub. There are also more than 70 shops, cafés and excellent restaurants surrounding the market which are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, from costermongers to greengrocers as well as the popular Benny's Broadway, the viral banana pudding spot. Due to its lively surroundings this Victorian street market has been the set location of numerous films, and is even rumoured to be the inspiration behind EastEnders.

Opening Times: Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
Address: Broadway Market, London Fields, London E8 4PH
Website: broadwaymarket.co.uk

3. Mercato Metropolitano, Mayfair

Arguably the most picturesque food hall in London's roster is Mercato Metropolitano, a former church turned opulent food hall market on the edges of upscale Mayfair. This Grade 1-listed building has had quite the makeover, boasting a glitzy food hall as well as rooftop terrace and wine cellar in the crypt. On the menu, you can order everything from lobster and oyster to dumplings, ramen and gelato. Meandering through the gorgeously restored space is an activity in itself, and we could happily spend a day here savouring the grand interiors.

Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10:30pm
Address: St. Mark's Church, N Audley Street, London W1K 6ZA
Website: mercatometropolitano.com

4. Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields

One of the oldest and most popular markets, Spitalfields is a seven-day-a-week destination filled with independent retail stalls and permanent street food traders under one large roof. Expect global cuisine from well-known names such as Brother Marcus (modern Eastern Mediterranean sharing plates), Fuwa Fuwa (Japanese soufflé pancakes) and the queue-accruing Humble Crumble (artisanal crumble). It's also one of the best places in London to purchase hard-to-find fashion pieces and original artworks. A leisurely stroll around the grounds can take a few hours, making it a great place to spend an afternoon with visitors.

Opening Times: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-8pm, Thur 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Address: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Website: oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

5. KERB Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden

KERB opened its first permanent, indoor food market in 2019 and its been a hit with foodies ever since. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this buzzy food hall is home to a 20-trader cluster of contemporary street-food talent, with street-food kitchens downstairs and terrazzo countertop cafes upstairs. It's a more refined approach to street food than your typical bang-for-your-buck grub, but it makes a vibrant, informal atmosphere to dine with friends, especially for groups with multiple dietary requirements. KERB has been in the vanguard of UK street food since 2009, curating traders at outdoor London locations and nurturing cooks as they create their own businesses. Recent additions include Colombian taco spot Los Gordos, Lucky’s Hot Chicken, and burger aces Mother Flipper.

Opening Times: Mon-Tue 12-10pm, Wed-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Address: Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX
Website: sevendialsmarket.com

6. Netil Market, London Fields

Located near East London's London Fields and Broadway Market, this small yet charming open-air market offers a delectable range of foodie treats, from hand-rolled sourdough bagels to East Asian noodles and NYC pizza by the slice. Housing a hotchpotch of permanent units and container stalls you'll find plenty of artisanal produce and bespoke retail for gift-giving, including trendy Venetian-inspired glassware, hair accessories and natural wine. The sounds of Netil Radio provide a groovy backdrop for market ambling, making a stylish weekend haunt for Hackney residents, day-trippers and tourists alike.

Opening Times: Mon, Tue, Sun 9am-6pm, Wed, Sat 9am-10pm
Address: 13-23 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
Website: eatworkart.com

7. Kingly Court, Soho

Soho's three-storey food hall, nestled within a side street off the famous Carnaby Street, is centred around an open-air courtyard and lures diners in with its brightly painted shopfronts and critically acclaimed restaurants. Tourists and foodies alike flock to this busy courtyard space due to its arsenal of fan-favourite eateries, including Indian eatery Darjeeling Express, vegan Tex-Mex Club Mexicana and freshly baked cupcake royalty Crumbs & Doilies, to name just a few. Syrian sharing plates, Japanese sashimi, classic Filipino dishes are also on offer – whatever your taste, you’ll find it.

Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 6am-11pm
Address: Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Website: thisissoho.co.uk

8. Market Halls, various locations

Set across four key areas of the city (Paddington, Victoria, Oxford Street and Canary Wharf), these smart food halls are fitted with flashy street food kitchens and live music stages. It was one of the first of its kind to kickstart the capital's surge in food halls, with the original site in Fulham now sadly closed. Communal seating and a buzzy atmosphere creates a space that's tailor-made for a post-work catch-up or a swift solo dinner, and the plethora of gourmet spins on street food gives diners the ultimate choice — from Malaysian street food Gopal’s Corner (the roti canai is a must-try) to Le Bab's modern kebabs and Aussie-inspired brunch and speciality coffee joint Farm Girl.

Opening Times: Mon-Tue 11am-10pm, Wed-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-8pm (Oxford Street location)
Address: 9 Holles Street, London W1G 0BD (Oxford Street location)
Website: markethalls.co.uk

9. Greenwich Market, Greenwich

Dating back to the 18th century, this historic covered market is known for its treasure trove of antiques, crafts, and clothing, but trinkets aside, its food line-up is not to be sniffed at – tuck into soft-shell crab burgers at Da Fish Ting, sample fist-sized chorizo scotch eggs or pick from a sugary selection of waffles, churros and chimney cakes. It also has a fair share of artisan products for gifting, including natural honey, handcrafted truffles and homemade fudge. What sets this market apart is its non-city charm – Greenwich's quaint village feel will make you feel like you've stepped outside of London, all while experiencing the best crop of traders the UK has to offer.

Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 10am-5.30pm
Address: 5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Website: greenwichmarket.london

10. Arcade Food Hall, Oxford Street and Battersea Power Station

This opulent food hall arrived on Tottenham Court Road in 2019 under the Grade-II listed Centre Point tower and has in recent years become a magnet for discerning foodies. A glamorous food hall sitting on the pricier side of the scale, diners can expect a menu of elevated street food such as fine Japanese dining and omakase from Sushi Kamon, Cantonese comfort food from Siu Siu and flame-grilled US smash burgers from Manna. It's a foodie destination in its own right, but it's also a handy refuelling pit stop if you're out and about shopping.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm (Oxford Street location)
Address: 103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB (Oxford Street location)
Website: arcadefoodhall.com

11. Eataly, Liverpool Street

Looking for a dose of la dolce vita? Then you should pay a visit to this expansive, all-things-Italia food market next to Liverpool Street station. Offering Italian cuisine in abundance, this clean-cut food hall is a feast for the eyes and a must for foodies with a penchant for Italian cuisine. Pick up fresh meat, fish and cheese from the counters or simply watch mozzarella being made in front of you. There's also restaurants, counters, bars, a café, and a cookery school; watch pizzaiolos sling wood-fired pizzas at Pasta e Pizza, or sip an aperitivo on the outdoor terrace, Aperol Spritzeria Terrazza.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-10pm
Address: 135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD
Website: eataly.co.uk

12. Camden Market Hawley Wharf, Camden

Camden's covered food market underwent a major development in 2021, the result being a slick, canalside complex of quirky independent shops, eateries and experiences, including a Curzon cinema and an underground theme park for kids. Situated on the edge of Regent’s Canal and stretched over two floors, diners can choose from more than 30 global street food options across its food courts, including the acclaimed Cantonese roast meats at Three Uncles. Located at the water's edge and overlooking the canal, it's a sun-soaked destination and impressive place to show off to visitors.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-8pm
Address: 1 Dockray Place, London NW1 8QH
Website: camdenmarket.com

13. Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey

Find this outdoor weekend street market tucked beneath the 19th-century railway arches in Bermondsey. Wonder through the narrow street flanked by colourful flags and discover a foodie haven, with the tantalising smell of sizzling grills enough to make you swoon. Since 2010 this hidden gem has evolved into a busy weekend spot, offering stellar food on a smaller scale – don't be fooled by its size, it's stacked with food, drink and artisan produce. Gyoza Guys (dumplings), Duck Frites (gourmet duck dishes) and The Beefsteaks (bavette steak and triple cooked chips) are just a few of the established names selling its wares. The market however often switches the roster up, keeping eagle-eyed visitors on their toes. Try it for a smaller alternative to Borough Market, which is just one mile away.

Opening Times: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
Website: maltbystmarket.squarespace.com

14. Southbank Centre, Southbank

Looking for a quick bite with riverside views to match? Behind the Royal Festival Hall you'll find Southbank Centre's weekend market filled with street grub, drinks and artisan produce. Mediterranean flavours and Asian flavours are aplenty, from Korean BBQ burritos to fresh Lebanese salads, as well as soul-warming comfort food like New Orleans Cajun fries and New York chopped cheeseburgers. For a gourmet sweet treat you cannot miss Choco Fruit's iconic Belgian chocolate-covered fruit kebabs. Located five minutes from Waterloo station, get your foodie fix before taking a post-prandial stroll along the Southbank for a dreamy Saturday in the city.

Opening Times: Friday 12pm-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk

15. Victoria Park Market, Tower Hamlets

A farmers' market in East London's prettiest park, this foodie-focused market was established in 2017 and has become a staple in the weekend diaries of many East Londoners. Located on a pedestrianised street called the Nightwalk, the market houses 20 food traders, from Turkish gozleme to Argentinian empanadas and Greek souvlaki, along with homemade cakes, local craft beer, a natural wine bar and even a Bloody Mary bar. At the Sunday market there's a focus on quality produce, with a curation of seasonal fruit and veg, locally baked bread, cheese, charcuterie, organic meat and more. There's seating for 100+ people, set to the occasional backdrop of live jazz, otherwise you can enjoy your goods within the park's gorgeous greenery. A spot-on destination for a food-fuelled Sunday stroll.

Opening Times: Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
Address: Between Bonner Gate and, Gore Road, London E2 9JW
Website: victoriaparkmarket.com

16. Brixton Village, Brixton

Dubbed as London's most diverse market, with more than 100 independent traders spanning the full gamut of sit-down restaurants, bars, cafes, fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers, fashion boutiques and homeware shops, a trip south of the river is not complete without a wander around this bustling South London hub. Consisting of Granville Arcade and Market Row, it's packed with top-drawer food spots amidst the Brixton bustle and the variety is second to none. Highlights include jerk chicken at local stalwart Fish Wings & Tings, cheap Japanese eats at Okan and newbie rotisserie Chuck's. Brixton Village has been given Grade II listing to reflect its history – look up and you'll notice the glazed and curved steel truss roof structure which is part of the village's original Art Deco design.

Opening Times: Mon 8am-6pm, Tue-Sun 8am-12am
Address: Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PS
Website: brixtonvillage.com

17. BOXPARK, Shoreditch

BOXPARK Shoreditch opened back in 2011 as the UK's first pop-up mall, exciting Londoners with its retail and street food units inside quirky shipping container architecture. It was the first of its kind to bring pop-up dining to London and was quickly known for its forward-thinking, Instagram-worthy offerings such as futuristic vegan cooking at King Cookdaily and the famous charcoal ice cream at Soft Serve Society. It's since evolved into a communal space to watch big-ticket sport events and live music, but you can still delight in your street-food favourites, from Vietnamese to Greek and bowls of fresh Italian pasta. It's opened venues in Wembley, Camden and Croydon, too.

Opening Times: Mon-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11:45pm, Sun 11am-10:30pm
Address: 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY
Website: boxpark.co.uk

18. Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall, Colindale

Boasting a whopping 32,000 square feet of space, this sprawling pan-Asian food hall in Colindale is the largest Asian food court in London, and makes a top-of-the-list destination for foodies with a passion for Asian cuisine. With more than 25 kiosks and seating for 450, its a vast open space to explore authentic dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand; bibimbap, spicy noodle soups, dim sum and congee are just a handful of dishes to choose from, not forgetting your marvellously sweet dose of Japanese patisserie, bubble tea and egg waffles to finish.

Opening Times: Mon-Thur and Sun 12pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm
Address: 399 Edgware Road, London, NW9 0FH
Website: bangbangoriental.com

19. Peckham Levels Food Hall, Peckham

This former car park is now a community-driven meeting place for arts, enterprise, food and drink, located off Peckham's legendary Rye Lane. Tuck into wings, fries and buns at Caribbean fusion The Grub Club or try bold Seoul flavours at Korean Masta's. You could even rent out its Japanese-themed Private Karaoke Room for a night to remember. Clamber up its signature pink-hued stairwell to discover its much-adored summer rooftop – order a local beer from the bar and revel in some of the best views of the city's skyline.

Opening Times: Weds-Thur 9am-11pm, Fri 9am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-1pm
Address: 95a Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
Website: peckhamlevels.org

20. Hackney Bridge, Hackney Wick

This trendy al fresco spot offers canalside views which are unrivalled on a warm summer's day in London. There's a large mezzanine and outdoor seating, but the ground floor is where you'll find the street-food traders, where you can get your fix of NYC-style smashed burgers, pillowy gyoza and katsu and Filipino barbecue. Welcoming up to 400 diners, the space encompasses bars, cafes, local independent retailers, workspaces studios and event spaces, too.

Opening Times: Tue-Thur 12-10pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Address: Units 1-28, Echo Building, East Bay Lane, London E15 2SJ
Website: hackneybridge.org

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