The 15 Best Food Markets in Cape Town + Surrounds

When you’re looking for all things artisanal, authentic and delicious, markets are where to find them. Everyone from foodies to families and fun-seekers heads to Cape Town’s markets to stock up on produce, sample the latest fare, and catch up with friends. They’re also a boon for visitors looking for on-the-pulse ways to experience a city like the locals do.

Markets come in all shapes, from early-bird gatherings to night market streetfood soirées; from laidback community farmers’ markets to social hotspots that offer an alternative to pubs and restaurants. What they all have in common is a chance to meet the makers, to appreciate the sensory delight of fresh-from-the farm produce, and sample a smorgasbord of goodies that grab your attention. Here are our top 15 tastebud-teasing choices!

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Managed by the folk who revived the Oranjezicht urban farm, OZCF is a cheerleader for local produce and artisanal culture in Cape Town. Take your pick from a rainbow harvest of in-season veggies, herbs and fruit (including some rare beauties often celebrated with a special feast day), alongside cheeses, breads and bakes, preserves, smoked fish, charcuterie and more. Stay for a leisurely meal, with a variety of global cuisines on offer and a few stalls run by city restaurants, where you can try their fare. Special diets are well catered for. There’s plenty of outdoor seating overlooking Table Bay, a bar area for craft beers and cocktails, and a real buzz.
Good to know You can also visit the Oranjezicht farm at 87 Upper Orange Street on weekdays, from 8am – 2pm.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Saturday, 8.15am – 2pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Wednesday, 5pm – 9pm (October – March)
Contact 083 628 3426, market@ozcf.co.za
Where to find it Haul Road, off Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Cape Point Vineyards Community Market

South Peninsula locals flock to this weekly community pop-up to take advantage of the long, light-filled evenings in summer. Festivities take place in the lakeside picnic area of the wine estate, just 1.2 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, so sea views are dished up with your choice of delicious fare – from melt-in-your-mouth lamb, wood-fired pizzas and sushi to steak sandwiches, deep-fried chicken noodles and sweet treats. Sunsets are breathtaking, more so with a glass of CPV sauvignon blanc in hand. There is ample parking, and long stretches of open grass with a jungle gym for kids. It’s a perfect taste of the countryside in the city.
Dog-friendly? No
Opening times Thursdays, 4.30pm – 8.30pm (October – April)
Contact 021 789 0900, info@cape-point.com
Where to find it Cape Point Vineyards Estate, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town

Neighbourgoods Market

Founded in 2006, this market at the Old Biscuit Mill arguably spearheaded the farmers’ market scene in Cape Town and sparked a regeneration of the neighbourhood. Today, it’s morphed into a celebration of street culture – food, design and music – and is still one of the vibiest weekend hangouts. The top street-food cooks in town (alongside farmers, fine-food purveyors, bakers and so on) offer an array of flavours: tuck into tacos, Cape Malay curry, paella, West African jollof, seafood, steak-and-stout pies, Korean bulgogi, Syrian coffee and pastries… There’s a wine bar and cocktails, live music or DJs, plus you can pick up young-designer clothing, vintage collectables and decor.
Good to know There’s secure parking at College of Cape Town across the road, for a small fee.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Saturday, 9am – 6pm
Sunday 10am – 6pm
Contact 021 448 1438, info@neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Where to find it 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Boschendal Friday Night Market

This illustrious estate has one of the most stunning settings in the Winelands. The maze of gardens and mountain views are lovely on any day, but on magical spring and summer evenings there are few better places to be than the market on the historic Werf. Live music, craft stalls and an array of artisanal food and drink – both from the farm itself and like-minded vendors (think baked goods, pizza, burgers, braaied meat, samoosas, toasted nuts, oysters, wine, cocktails) – set the scene for a fun and festive night out with family and friends. There are tables under the trees, bean bags and lawn seating, or bring your own blanket for a picnic supper of market-foraged fare under the fairylights. For the kids, there’s the added bonus of The Treehouse playground, which is right next to the Werf.
Good to know Entrance is free, but numbers are limited. Get a free ticket on Quicket. Boschendal is a cashless farm; cards, Zapper and SnapScan are used.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Friday, 6pm – 9pm (closed in winter)
Contact 021 870 4200
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel, Franschhoek

Noordhoek Farm Village Market

Beila oh Photography

This charming neck of the woods provides a lovely outing on any day, but especially midweek when the open-air evening market is abuzz. It’s perfect for a casual get-together with friends, delicious food and a glass of vino, bubbles, gin or cold draught. There’s an array of tasty eats – from Italian, Mexican and Indian to nori wraps and Kristen’s famous Kick-Ass Ice Cream. Some of the Farm Village stores are open, too, including The Foodbarn Deli (we dare you to leave without a sweet treat!) – so you can shop and eat to your heart’s content. Settle in at a bench table on the newly expanded astro lawn while the kids head to the playground.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Wednesdays, 4pm – 8pm (weather dependent)
Contact info@thefarmvillage.co.za
Where to find it Village Lane, off Noordhoek Main Road (M6), Noordhoek, Cape Town

Time Out Market

Like its counterparts in Lisbon, New York, Miami, Montreal and Dubai, the Cape Town iteration  reflects the culinary and cultural trends of our city, gathering the best local talent under one roof. At Cape Town’s quayside warehouse, you’ll find kitchens and bars where well-known and up-and-coming chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists serve their magic. Think Bertus Basson’s gourmet burgers, John van Zyl’s stunning seafood, open-fire cooking from Vusi Ndlovu, ramen by Peter Tempelhoff, among others. With a stage for live performers and seating inside and out, it’s a cooking spot in more ways than one.
Good to know Nosh Cafe is an all-day breakfast and coffee stall open from 8am.
Dog-friendly? In the outside seating area
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 9.30pm
Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 10.30pm
Where to find it Old Power Station Building, 19 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Blue Bird Garage Market

The bohemian vibe of beachside Muizenberg is captured at this characterful market, housed in an old postal plane hangar. Artisans gather at the end of the week for a vibrant night market that brings to mind New York’s buzzy East Village. In addition to the delicious food (wraps, falafel, kebabs, thai noodles, empanadas, sweet treats and more), there’s fresh produce, flowers, books, clothes, jewellery, ceramics, and more. The unique venue gives the Blue Bird Market an urban edge, but it’s laidback enough for a perfect family outing. Children have their own play area with a jungle gym; grown-ups have a choice of two bars, including the secret gin bar.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Thursdays + Fridays, 4pm – 10pm
Contact 084 405 3544, bluebirdgarage@gmail.com
Where to find it 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

Bay Harbour Market

An old fish factory in Hout Bay’s harbour is now a vibrant marketplace, with seagulls wailing and oodles of atmosphere. The market brings together “eats, beats, arts and crafts”, with over 80 stalls to browse for fashion, footwear, decor and wellness products, before sitting down for a bite and drink to the beats from local musos. The menu includes Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine, Asian flavours, Filipino burgers, seafood, delicious bakes and authentic gelato from local institution Ice Dream, plus there are four bars to order your favourite tipple. The patio is the place to be in summer; in winter, there are fireplaces to keep things cosy.
Dog-friendly? No
Opening times Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9.30am – 4pm
Contact 084 370 5715, info@bayharbour.co.za
Where to find it 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town

The Urban Food Fair

A fresh new market has taken the place of the old Earth Fair Market on a field on the Timour Hall Villa Estate in Constantia. It continues the farmers’ market focus on fresh food, with plenty of fresh produce, cheeses, preserves, spices and other goods for sale. Stock up for the week and grab breakfast or lunch on Saturdays from the food stalls, and perhaps a craft beer. On Wednesday evenings, save yourself from mid-week cooking and grab dinner and drinks to the accompaniment of live music. Seating is at communal tables on the wide lawn (under a wide stretch tent with heaters in cooler weather) with picnic areas, jumping castles and kids’ activities to enjoy.
Dog-friendly? No
Opening times Wednesday, 4pm – 9pm
Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Contact 073 791 3991, michael@foodiescapetown.co.za
Where to find it Corner St Joan’s Road and Timour Hall Road, Constantia, Cape Town

Root44 Market

This weekend market serves as a one-stop showcase of Stellenbosch wines, along with delicious comfort foods, in glorious surroundings. It’s a glass-brick-and-mortar foodhall with an amazing array of stalls and two wine bars, with live bands, indoor and outdoor tables and lush lawns to picnic on. If you’ve got a foodie craving, it’s covered – from tacos, corndogs and “loaded” mac ’n cheese to gatsbys, hotdogs, mussels, pulled eisbein and souvlaki – plus a multitude of Asian flavours, luscious cakes and all-day breakfasts. There’s also an “art route” of mini galleries and a splash fountain that kids will love in summer.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 5pm; also public holidays
Contact 021 300 3935, info@root44.co.za
Where to find it Audacia Road, off the R44, Stellenbosch

Lourensford Market

The layout of this Winelands market is rather nifty. More than 60 food, craft and fashion stalls are arranged in a horseshoe shape around a communal eating and bar area with views of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains and live music. The estate’s gorgeous gardens border the market, with lots of space to throw down a picnic blanket, and there’s a children’s play area (with fun activities such as face painting and art jamming). There’s a range of delicious fare, from ribs, German wurst and pizza to sushi and Korean fried chicken, plus estate wines and craft beer. Come on a Friday night for fairy-lit trees and a party atmosphere (wear your dancing shoes); on Saturdays and Sundays you can enjoy a family-friendly Winelands outing.
Good to know Every First Friday of the month, there’s a rocking performance from a local artist or a themed night with a DJ.
Parking costs R20 per vehicle (waived if you purchase any estate wines).
The market closes for winter from June – August.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Friday, 5pm – 10pm
Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 072 284 1654, hello@lfhm.co.za
Where to find it Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Road (M168), Somerset West

Blaauwklippen Family Market

This weekend market’s unpretentious farm vibe is what makes it so popular. Held in the shade of big fig trees, on one of the oldest and most picturesque wine estates, the market is all about seasonal, local, sustainable and organic. An assortment of food stalls cater to most tastes, offering anything from chicken schnitzel and pizza to Asian dumplings, Dutch croquettes and Tuist’s small-batch ice cream. In addition, there are handmade clothing and craft stalls, live music, and tastings of wine and gin, while children will love the pump track and two jungle gyms with slides, ladders, swings, zipline and special toddler zone.
Dog-friendly? No
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 880 0133, familymarket@blaauwklippen.com
Where to find it Blaauwklippen Estate, Strand Road (R44), Stellenbosch

Franschhoek Village Market

Right in the centre of town, next to the church and under ancient oaks, this market is a warm and convivial coming-together of diverse local crafters and purveyors, with local musicians jamming along. It’s a wonderful outing for the whole family (with a play area for kiddies to run free), and offers a different peek into the community life of this village, away from the glitz and glam of the high-end restaurants, hotels and boutiques. Stalls vary each weekend so there’s always something new to try! Expect melt-in-your-mouth samoosas, delicious Flammkuchen, gourmet pancakes and delightful dumplings. There’s always a game of boules going, too, best enjoyed with a glass of wine and some snacks.
Good to know Most traders accept credit cards or cash.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Saturday, 9am – 3pm (winter from 10am)
Contact 073 172 8080, 066 232 2215, info@fhkvm.co.za
Where to find it 29 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

Hermanus Country Market

The Cricket Club is the venue for this wonderfully rustic market that bursts with community spirit. Browse the quirky crafts and stock up on the best of the Overberg’s organic fresh produce, pastries and desserts, handmade cheeses, smoked fish, happy-hen eggs and wheat-free bakes – and meet the makers, some of whom come from the nearby hamlets of Baardskeerdersbos, Wolwengat and Tesselaarsdal. It doesn’t get more local than this. Enjoy some comfort food (burgers, souvlaki, bobotie pies, lamb with roosterkoek, pancakes or jalapeno bombs wrapped in bacon), washed down with Hemel-en-Aarde wines, regional craft gin, cider and beer, fresh juices or great coffee.
Good to know In December and January, there are popular Summer Night Markets on Wednesday evenings.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 083 657 0191, info@hermanuscountrymarket.co.za
Where to find it Hermanus Cricket Club, corner of Fairways Avenue & Jose Burman Drive, Hermanus

Hout Bay Village Market

A real community market on what is essentially the village common, this is a place for locals to get together under the trees in relaxed Sunday mode. The outdoor market replaces the previous Lion’s Club Craft Market and is still associated with the organisation. Browse stalls of handmade goods, art, clothing, curios and homeware, pick up a range of tempting foods, from churros, pastries and crêpes, to bacon and egg rolls, burgers and samosas, and kick back in the shade to enjoy Hout Bay’s majestic mountain views.
Good to know The market is weather-dependent
Dog-friendly? Yes, on leash
Opening times Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 082 096 0789, houtbayvillagemarket@gmail.com
Where to find it Mainstream Park (opposite Mainstream Mall), Hout Bay, Cape Town

Elgin Railway Market

This is a market you visit for its unique setting and atmosphere as well as its wares. It’s housed in a former apple warehouse, transformed into a spacious Art Deco, steampunk-style venue, complete with elaborate wrought-iron arches, overhanging bridges, huge ceiling fans and lanterns. The selection of stalls offer produce, jewellery, clothing, decor, vintage items, toys and much more. Choose from a variety of delicious global fare, great coffee and don’t leave without sampling the local L-Gin cocktails and Elgin cool-climate wines. There’s live music on weekends, blacksmithing demos at the Solms Forge (can’t get more steampunk than that!) and for children – apart from exploring the fascinating building and climbing up the Silo Tower – lots of fun on the jungle gym and roundabouts. The arrival of the puffing steam train, of course, is a highlight no matter your age.
Good to know Make an adventure of it and book tickets for the Ceres Rail vintage steam train, which runs from Cape Town on certain weekends, delivering passengers straight to the market.
Dog-friendly? Yes, in the outside sections
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 4pm (full market)
Wednesday + Friday, 4pm – 8.30pm (bar plus limited food traders)
Monday, Tuesday + Thursday, 8.30am – 4pm (no food traders, only coffee)
Contact 021 204 1158, info@elginrailwaymarket.co.za
Where to find it Elgin Station, Oak Avenue, Elgin

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