The Ultimate Guide to the Best London Food Markets

This is a list of some of the best London food markets.

Food markets offer a vibrant, budget-friendly alternative to restaurants. They provide a chance to explore the city’s culinary diversity and local culture in an authentic setting. And since London is such a melting pot of different cultures, it’s no surprise it’s also home to a gazillion different food markets scattered around town offering all kinds of foods from Afghani to Turkish to Korean, Ethiopian, Venezuelan, Polish… you name it! And here you’ll find a list with some of the top food markets in the capital.

1. Borough Market

• Location: London Bridge, Central London
• Vibe: London’s most renowned food market, with fresh, high-quality produce, gourmet food stalls, and artisan vendors.
• Must-Try: Fresh oysters, British cheese, German cakes and other international street food from around the world.
• Fun fact: you’ll recognise it from the well-known movie Bridget Jones’ Diary. Her flat in the movie was just above The Globe pub!
• Bonus tip: if you feel a little overwhelmed by choice at Borough (there’s SO MUCH!), you can choose to hop on a guided tour from the likes of Get Your Guide.

2. Camden Market

• Location: Camden Town, North London
• Vibe: Eclectic, quirky and bohemian, Camden offers more than just street food—it’s a cultural hub. To be honest, it’s a world away from the punky, gritty market that it once was but it’s still a popular attraction and, food-wise, it’s never been more diverse than it is now! (if you want a glimpse of Camden Market in all its punk glory, I recommend the movie This Year’s Love or the British TV show As If)
• Must-Try: Halloumi fries, Asian-fusion dishes and churros. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

3. Maltby Street Market

• Location: Bermondsey, South London
• Vibe: A smaller, less crowded market known for its artisanal food.
• Must-Try: Gourmet cheese toasties, artisanal chocolates, freshly brewed coffee and incredible steak and chips.

4. Broadway Market

• Location: Hackney, East London
• Vibe: A bustling mix of street food, craft beers and locally sourced produce. Ideal for a Saturday stroll.
• Must-Try: Turkish flatbreads, Caribbean jerk chicken and vegan pastries.

5. Southbank Centre Food Market

• Location: Southbank, Central London
• Vibe: Located along(ish) the Thames, this market offers global street food just behind the Royal Festival Hall. It’s one of my favourites and it takes place every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday.
• Must-Try: Ethiopian stews, Korean burrito, Turkish gözleme and French crepes.
• Bonus tip: on the other side of the RFH you’ll find a popular second hand BOOK MARKET!

6. Exmouth Market

• Location: Clerkenwell, Central London
• Vibe: A hidden gem with a diverse range of international foods and boutique shops.
• Must-Try: Falafel wraps, gourmet doughnuts and street tacos.

7. Greenwich Market

• Location: Greenwich, Southeast London
• Vibe: Historic setting with a lively atmosphere, blending arts, crafts and street food.
• Must-Try: Venezuelan arepas, Brazilian churros and Argentinian empanadas.

8. Old Spitalfields Market

• Location: Shoreditch, East London
• Vibe: A blend of food, fashion and art. The perfect spot for foodies and culture enthusiasts.
• Must-Try: Bao buns, sushi burritos and Ethiopian coffee.
• Bonus tip: very near but not quite at the market you’ll find the most delicious nepalese momos from Tibet Kitchen, a little truck parked at 7 Dray Walk, London E1 6QR
• Bonus tip #2: not quite a market tour but Viator offers a London East End food tour that goes through Old Spitalfields and also some other iconic eateries in the area such as the legendary Beigel Bake – the bagel shop that NEVER closes (seriously, never. Not even on Christmas!)

9. Leather Lane Market

• Location: Clerkenwell, Central London
• Vibe: A lunch hotspot for workers in the area, offering delicious and affordable street food.
• Must-Try: Middle Eastern shawarma, freshly made pasta, and Vietnamese pho.

10. Covent Garden Market

• Location: Covent Garden, Central London
• Vibe: Famous for its high-end shops and restaurants, but also home to a delightful food market.
• Must-Try: French patisserie, lobster rolls and gourmet brownies and cookies.

11. Berwick Street Market

• Location: Soho, Central London
• Vibe: One of London’s oldest markets dating back to 1778, this Monday-Saturday market is a popular attraction right in the heart of Soho amongst local workers and tourists
• Must-Try: Falafel, Greek souvlakis and Afghan and Malaysian curries.

12. Broadway Market

• Location: Tooting, South London
• Vibe: An indoor market with a multicultural and community feel, offering a mix of global street food and vintage goods.
• Must-Try: Jamaican jerk chicken, Mexican tacos, Lebanese shawarma and vegan-friendly dishes like falafel wraps.

13. Mercato Metropolitano (Mayfair)

• Location: Mayfair, Central London
• Vibe: An upscale but welcoming food hall offering a more intimate and chic experience with artisanal food and drink options.
• Must-Try: Handcrafted pizzas, fresh pasta and gourmet burgers. Don’t miss the specialty cocktails!
• Fun fact: it’s IN A CHURCH!! and the bar is at the altar!! 😂

14. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle)

• Location: Elephant & Castle, South London
• Vibe: A buzzing, community-focused food market with a huge range of international street food stalls and eco-conscious initiatives.
• Must-Try: Neapolitan pizza, Vietnamese pho and Venezuelan arepas, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

15. Portobello Market

• Location: Notting Hill, West London
• Vibe: Famous for its antiques and eclectic mix of vintage and street stalls, Portobello also offers a variety of food stands along its colourful street.
• Must-Try: International street food like Argentinian empanadas, Brazilian pastel and Portuguese bakes. Don’t forget to check out the bakeries and fresh produce! Although there’s a small number of stalls there on a daily basis, the market is on its full glory on Fridays and Saturdays.

Why Markets Over Restaurants?

• Variety: You can sample foods from different cultures in one place.
• Affordability: Markets are generally more budget-friendly compared to traditional restaurants.
• Local Culture: Markets offer a lively, local atmosphere that gives a real taste of the multicultural hub that is London.

Have you been to any of these or have another one to recommend? Let us know in the comments! We’ll be doing a part 2 as this list is definitely not entirely complete – so little time, so much to eat!

Now, if you’re looking to escape the capital instead, may I interest you in some days trips?

This is a list of some of the best London food markets.