Our List of SA’s Best Food Markets

IN THE MARKET – Our list of SA’s best food markets…

They’re popping up everywhere… and we’re here for it!

Neighbourhood markets showcase are often incubators of the best local talent, trade and cuisine.

Here’s a round-up of some of our favourites…

Market on Main

Located in the trendy Maboneng Precinct, this market brings the best of Gauteng-based food, produce and design to the inner city.

Here you’ll find everything from locally grown organic vegetables to vintage clothing and mouthwatering culinary creations.

Rosebank Sunday Market 

Filled to the brim with African crafts, international food, unique and interesting clothing, cool hobbies, intriguing collectables and antiques, and so much more.

It’s a true expression of South Africa’s vibrancy and dynamism. There’s also plenty of craft stalls, live music, kids entertainment and gourmet food traders. Arrive hungry!

The Playground

Formerly the Neighbourgood Market Situated in Braamfontein, this is a good place to spend a few hours if you’re looking to get inspired.

Here you’ll find a menu of gourmet street food and cocktails, and live music performances on Sundays.

Fourways Farmers Market

Now at the old Val Bonne Estate in Modderfontein Reserve, you and the family can enjoy some delicious and wholesome food, soak up some lovely sunshine and happy vibes, and take a stroll through a plethora of interesting and unique stalls offering carefully selected products that are local, artisanal and oh-so delicious.

Prison Break Market

From freshly baked bread to a German butchery and an authentic dairy deli — this is one of the newest hot spots on the market scene. It’s the perfect place to break out of your Midrand routine!

The Weekend Market JHB

Open every Saturday and Sunday, this lifestyle market is the perfect family weekend hangout, filled with everything from plenty of entertainment for the kids at Kids World, lots of unique and interesting market stalls, live entertainment and of course, a food area jam-packed with tantalising goodies.

Also, the kids will have a blast enjoying the super slide, carousel rides, jumping castle, foam pit, rocket rides, and much more. Entry to the water park costs R60 per adult and R90 per child, and includes access to all the rides and water slides.

Hazel Food Market

Situated in Menlo Park, Pretoria, relax in the communal sitting area with a cup of coffee and maybe some cherry nougat, to observe the cool crowd in their natural habitat!

Or load up on a delicious assortment of pates, pickles and fresh bread for an artful picnic.

Lavender Kontrei Market

Craft beer, and gin, and locally hand-crafted items with a variety of food stalls make this Pretoria market super popular.

There is also free kids’ entertainment like tractor and quad trailer rides, and a MyRun event for all ages every weekend.

I Heart Market

Located under the impressive arches of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durbs, this market showcases a colourful range of local art, crafts, fashion, jewellery and artisanal food.

After sampling some of Durban’s finest fare, you may even feel brave enough for a journey up the stadium’s SkyCar to take in a stunning panoramic view of Durban’s skyline.

Karkloof Farmer’s Market

If you need a break from entertaining your kids on a Saturday morning in the Midlans, this is the perfect place for them to let off some steam.

Pony rides, a giant sandpit, and a jungle gym for them; delicious wood-fired pizza, famous locally-made camembert, and wine tasting for you.

Maker’s Market (Salt Rock)

The Maker’s Market at The Litchi Orchard Market takes place every second Saturday of every month. This family-friendly market has lots on offer, including food, drinks and local crafts.

There are also some permanent restaurants and shops at the venue.

Oranjezicht City Farm Market 

Situated just outside the popular V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, this is a favourite spot for the whole family – offering a wide variety of fresh produce sourced from small producers throughout the Western Cape.

There’s also loads of foodie vendors serving up everything from vegan-friendly raw meals to freshly baked artisanal bread.

Neighbourgoods Market

This is the market that kick-started the return of food markets to the Mother City back in 2006. Situated at the uber-cool Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, this market is filled with everything your heart desires, from fresh produce and artisanal goodies to fashion ranges and interior design accessories.

Bay Harbour Market

Located in an old fish factory on the edge of the Hout Bay harbour, this market oozes character and charm.

The live music, seagulls and local traders make for a really fun experience, infused with the delicious aromas of freshly baked bread and braaing fish.

Blue Bird Garage Market

Muizenberg is known for its super-chill vibes and this market fits right in. Housed in an old postal plane hangar on the edge of this urban village and vendors offer up everything from vintage clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and essential oils to crepes, empanadas, and vegan treats!

Boschendal Night Market

With its expansive vineyards, rustic vegetable gardens, and landscaped farmyard, the beautiful and historic Boschendal Wine farm is worth visiting any day of the week, but on Friday afternoons, the fires are stoked, stalls begin setting up, and the live music begins!

Expect fresh farm produce, food stalls, and a scattering of artisanal stands with handmade local products. A wonderful experience for the whole family.

Wild Oats Community Farmer’s Market

Tucked away along the Garden Route, this Sedgefield classic is always worth the drive. Get lost for hours wandering through stalls of exotic ethnic food, freshly picked berries, warm pancakes, locally roasted Arabica coffee, antique treasures and handcrafted furniture.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood market mums?

Let us know in the comments below x