For the freshest produce and the coolest vibes.
Serving food in markets is an integral part of most cultures, yet it was only in the early Noughties that artisanal food hubs popped up in South Africa (of course, shisa nyamas and other roadside stalls have been staples of township life for decades longer). The delicious, down-to-earth trend gained momentum in the 2010s – and these days, everyone from foodies and fashionistas to fun seekers and families head to markets to stock up on ingredients and catch up with friends. They’re also hotspots for tourists looking for on-the-pulse ways to experience a city.
Not only do markets provide an opportunity to meet the makers, there’s also something deliciously sensory about sniffing freshly plucked herbs, groping pieces of fruit and vegetables before purchasing them, and sampling a smorgasbord of goodies that grab your attention – from olives and ciabatta to kombucha and craft gin.
Covid has, of course, made market-type experiences increasingly popular thanks to their (generally) outdoor settings. Here are our Top 20 tastebud-teasing choices!
Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Where Granger Bay
Despite its name, this farmers’ market is actually held at Granger Bay at the V&A Waterfront every Saturday and Sunday morning (and Wednesday evenings from November to March). Managed by the people who started the beautiful Oranjezicht urban farm, OZCF is a cheerleader for local produce and artisanal culture in Cape Town.
Its wonderfully chilled atmosphere makes shopping for weekly groceries a cinch – from fresh-from-the-patch veggies and herbs to cheese, meat and bread.
But if you’re here for a leisurely meal, grab a seat at one of the wooden tables and take your pick from the variety of international cuisines – vegans, carnivores, carb lovers, celiacs, chocoholics and diabetics are all catered for.
And, if the food offering wasn’t enough, there’s also a carefully curated section selling clothing, vintage items, shoes, houseplants and farm-to-vase flowers. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, space for the kids, and a family-friendly vibe with foot-tapping music.
Stand-out stalls
- The OZCF fresh vegetable and fruit stall
- Yen’s Vietnamese Street Food for pho, stir-fry, spring rolls and bánh mì
- Sepial’s Kitchen for Korean fried chicken or cauliflower (KFC!)
- Delifish for fresh and smoked fish and snoek pâté
- How Bao Now for vegan jackfruit bao
- A Taste of Klass for traditional Jewish Food
- Vadas Bakery for pastéis de nata
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Saturday, 8.15am – 2pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm (rain or shine)
Wednesday, 5pm – 9pm (3 November 2021 – 30 March 2022)
Contact 083 628 3426, market@ozcf.co.za
Where to find it Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront
Parking Granger Bay Parking Garage (R10 for four hours) or on Beach Road for free
The Neighbourgoods Market
Where Woodstock
Founded in 2006 by entrepreneurs Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro, this market arguably spearheaded the farmers’ market scene in Cape Town (and, perhaps the entire country). The duo’s aim was to revive and reinvent public markets as a civic institution, and they chose the Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River to do so, thus sparking the regeneration (some say gentrification) of the neighbourhood. A weekly platform for the top street-food chefs and food trucks in Cape Town to showcase their talents (alongside local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers, grocers, mongers, butchers and artisanal producers), it’s still one of the city’s top hangouts.
During Level 5 Lockdown, the venue was renovated to provide more seating and outside lounging areas. And every Sunday, mimosas are on the house from 10am to 12pm!
With live jazz bands in the morning, and DJ sets in the afternoon, as well as some of Cape Town’s favourite vintage traders, local designers, and antique collectors, there’s hardly a better way to step into Saturdays.
Stand-out stalls
- Shisa for traditional chakalaka, samp and beans, as well as steamed bread
- That Good Good for BBQ chicken tacos with butter-chicken dipping sauce
- Afrisian for Vietnamese street cuisine
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash.
Opening times Saturday, 9am – 3pm (rain or shine)
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 021 448 1438
Where to find it The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock
Parking Safe off-street parking is available on the CCT Field, directly opposite the Old Biscuit Mill. Entrance on Kent Street (R30 per car).
Cape Point Vineyards Market
Where Noordhoek
South Peninsula locals flock to this weekly Noordhoek community market every Thursday afternoon to take advantage of the long, light summer evenings. The festivities take place in the picnic area of the estate, just 1.2 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, so sea views are dished up with your choice of delicious fare. Sunsets are breathtaking – especially with a glass of CPV sauvignon blanc to hand. There is ample parking, and long stretches of open grass with a jungle gym for kids.
Dog-friendly? No
Stand-out stalls
- The Lamb Man for melt-in-your-mouth slow-roasted lamb neck
- Stoked Pizza for crispy wood-fired pizza
- Vegan churros from Don Churros (no eggs, and marvellous toppings)
- Pete Goffe-Wood’s Kitchen Cowboys for steak sandwiches and barbecue pork ribs
Please note No outside food and beverages can be brought into the market area.
Opening times Thursday, 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 789 0900, events@cape-point.com
Where to find it Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek (via M3)
V&A Food Market
Where V&A Waterfront
In the 19th century, the Old Power Station brought power to the Cape Town dockyard, blazing a trail for trade in Cape Town and the continent. Today, this powerhouse of innovation is still generating bright ideas at the V&A Food Market. Here, you’ll find more than 40 food and beverage stalls, selling an array of artisanal goodies to eat and drink.
If you don’t feel like a larney restaurant experience between before or after shopping, this bustling warehouse offers indoor and outdoor seating, plus there are two great bars with over 15 beers on tap.
Dog-friendly? No
Stand-out stalls
- Las Paletas for Colombian-style 100% natural ice lollies
- The Ugly Dumpling (by chef Sepial Shim and her son Mooru Yeo) for addictive Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) and other finger-licking Asian favourites
- Seven Colours Eatery by celebrity chef Nolu Dube-Cele for pocket-friendly African stews, samp, pap, vetkoek and tripe
- Cape Malay House by halaal chef Ammaarah Petersen for curry-filled rotis, breyani and marsala steak sandwiches
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Monday – Sunday 10am – 7pm (from 1 November 2021; 24 January – 30 April 2022)
Monday – Sunday 10am – 8pm (16 December – 23 January 2022)
Closed on Christmas Day
Contact 021 418 1605
Where to find it Old Power Station, Building 19, Dock Road, Pierhead, V&A Waterfront
Night Market at Boschendal
Where Franschhoek
The setting of this illustrious estate between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch is one of the most stunning of the hundreds of wine farms in the Cape. The maze of gardens and magnificent mountain views are themselves heavenly, but on magical spring and summer nights, there are few better places to be than the weekly Friday Night Market in the Werf precinct. Live music, craft stalls and a wonderful array of artisanal food and drink vendors (pizza, burgers, braaied meat, baked goods, wine, cocktails) set the scene for a fun and festive night out with family and friends.
The good time continues on Saturday and Sunday mornings, where visitors to the estate can – cup of coffee and pastry in hand – shop for artisanal homeware, fresh produce and take-home treats from the Farm Shop’s outside set-up.
Stand-out stalls
- The Oyster Guy
- Aniseed Curries
- Wicked Waffle
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Friday, 6pm – 9pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Contact 021 870 4200
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein (via N1, R44)
The Farm Village Market
Where Noordhoek
Head over to this popular open-air market if you feel like a midweek celebration with friends, delicious food, live music and a glass of vino (or homemade ice cream). It happens every Wednesday afternoon (weather-dependent), offering an array of tasty eats and fresh takeaway goodies – from Italian and Mexican to vegan and even potjiekos. The surrounding Farm Village stores are open too – so you can shop and eat to your heart’s content! And, there’s no need to worry about the evening chill, the market is held under a tent with gas heaters to keep things toasty, come rain or shine. There’s also a play area for entertainment and lots of open space – so bring along the children and your frolicking furry friends.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Stand-out stalls
- Saffron Eatery
- Kirsten’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream
Opening times Wednesday, 4pm – 8pm
Contact 021 789 1390, info@thefarmvillage.co.za
Where to find it Noordhoek Farm Village, corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek
The Lourensford Market
Where Somerset West
The layout of this market in Somerset West is rather nifty. Food, craft and fashion stalls are arranged in a horseshoe shape around a communal eating area, with lovely views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. An award-winning garden with loads of space to throw down a blanket borders the market, and there’s a dedicated children’s area on the other side. Plus, the market is completely under cover, which means you’re sheltered from the sun in summer, and the rain in winter. Oh, and the coffee is excellent.
The Friday night Twilight Market offers an enchanting evening atmosphere, with fairy-lit trees; while on Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy a family-friendly Winelands outing.
Stand-out stalls
- The Samoosa Specialist
- Boeretroos for great coffee (the office coffee fascist has given it the thumbs up)
- Tunisian Delight for tapas
- Taos for poké bowls and sushi
Dog-friendly? Yes
Opening times Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 072 284 1654, hello@lfhm.co.za
Where to find it Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West (via N2, R44)
Blue Bird Garage Market
Where Muizenberg
The bohemian flair of this beachside suburb is captured at this characterful market, housed in an old postal plane hangar in Muizenberg. Artisans, artists, bakers and brewers gather every Thursday and Friday evening for a vibrant night market that brings to mind New York’s buzzy East Village. It’s got heart, as they say. In addition to the delicious food on offer, the market boasts a delightful range of books, clothes, jewellery, ceramics and more. The unique venue gives the Blue Bird Garage Market an urban edge, but it’s more than laidback enough for a perfect family outing. Children have their own play area that includes a jungle gym.
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash.
Stand-out stalls
- Juicy Kebab for authentic Turkish kebabs
- Plethora Vegan for salads, bakes, burgers and cakes
- Rocking Beans Coffee for coffee, donuts and cakes
- Aeroplane Jane Vintage for vintage clothing
Opening times Thursday, 4pm – 9pm
Friday, 4pm – 10pm
Contact 084 405 3544 (Laura), 082 920 4285 (Marcus), bluebirdgarage@gmail.com
Where to find it 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg (via M3)
Hermanus Country Market
Where Hermanus
The Hermanus Cricket Club is the venue for this fabulous weekly market that bursts with community spirit (and recently celebrated its 15th birthday). Here, you’ll find an array of fresh organic produce, homemade pastries and desserts, artisanal breads, handmade cheeses, home-smoked fish, happy-hen eggs and wheat-free bakes – and their makers. Drinks on offer include wine, gin, craft ciders and beers, freshly pulped juices and locally roasted coffee from Tulip Roasters.
It doesn’t get more local than this. The traders come from the nearby towns of Baardskeerdersbos, Wolwengat and Tesselaarsdal, and their wares are all lovingly homemade. All the traders sell their own goods, so you can find out exactly what goes into each product.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Stand-out stalls
- Veronica’s for allergen-free baked goods and tasty vegan meals
- Sanity Farm for free-range pork pies
- Scotch eggs and butternut-and-coriander chicken sausage
- Carole Dods for souvlaki
- Las Paletas for artisanal ice creams (try the watermelon and mint!)
- Folke & Goode for craft beer
- The Beanery for excellent coffee
Opening times Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Contact 083 657 0191, Info@hermanuscountrymarket.co.za
Where to find it Corner of Fairways Avenue and Jose Burman Drive, Hermanus (via N2, R43)
Chilled Market at The Range
Where Tokai
Scenically situated between Tokai Forest and the wine farms in the Constantia Valley, this family-friendly market boasts magical vineyard and mountain views and is decidedly relaxed. Food-wise, you can continent-hop: Mexican and Greek or Chinese and Italian. And you won’t go thirsty – sample the craft beers on tap, local wines from the valley, tipples from a gin bar, or an assortment of soft drinks and hot beverages as the kids dash about on the wide-open lawn or play on the jungle gym and jumping castle. They can also pummel playdough and enjoy craft activities. Relax in the marquee to the sounds of live music, on the covered seating outside, or by the fireplace in the log cabin.
Stand-out stalls
- Earthfire Pizza
- Wicked Waffles
- Dragon Sushi
- Rib Republic
- The Diner
Dog-friendly? No
Opening times Friday, 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 713 2340, info@therange.co.za
Where to find it The Range Function and Conference Centre, Orpen Road, Tokai (via M3)
Freedom Weekend Market
Where Paarl
Situated in the heart of the Winelands between Paarl and Franschhoek, the Freedom Weekend Market is where foodies and lovers of all things pretty meet for coffee or a chilled bite. Relatively new to the scene (it opened in October 2020), it’s quickly become a local favourite thanks to the wide variety of stalls and live music.
It’s a wonderful Winelands outing for the whole family, plus it’s mostly undercover so you’ll be protected from the elements no matter the weather.
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash.
Stand-out stalls
- Pinsa for Roman-style flatbread
- Loaves By Madame Baker for bread and pastries
- Crumbitious Cakes for homemade cupcakes and other baked goods
- Diesel and Dust for ice-cold beer
- Baconville for cheese and charcuterie platters
- Legendairy Creamery
- Khioma Clothing
Good to know The Freedom Market Run (5km, 10km or 15km) takes place in the surrounding areas and finishes at the market.
Opening times Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Sunday, 9am – 3pm
Contact 083 458 6452, annelet@freedomweekendmarket.co.za
Where to find it Freedom Village, 301 Wemmershoek Road, Paarl
Vegan Goods Market
Where Tokai
The Vegan Goods Market takes place bimonthly – on the second and last Sunday of the month. It’s a welcoming and inclusive space where people can conveniently and easily shop for vegan, eco-friendly and cruelty-free food, beverages, home and body products.
Stand-out stalls
- Rumina’s Fruit & Veg and Berries Express for a wide variety of fresh, local produce
- Plants Only for decadent vegan desserts
- Sunshine Foods for a vegetable burger
- Baoing Out for crunchy spring rolls and Cape Malay-style koeksisters
- Romeo & Vero Vegan Butchery for meat alternatives
- Vegan Street Food for vegan fried “chicken” and breakfast buns
- Wow Yummy Juices for freshly-made juices and smoothies
- The Soap Chef for handmade, cruelty-free body products
- Kasimbi Metalworks for hand-crafted jewellery
- Ditto Foods for creamy vegan ice cream
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a lead, and away from the main market area.
Opening times Select Sundays, 10am – 3pm
Contact 063 214 6880, vgmsouthafrica@gmail.com
Where to find it The Range, Orpen Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Franschhoek Village Market
Where Franschhoek
In the centre of town under ancient oaks, this community market is a warm and convivial coming-together of local food, craft and artisanal purveyors offering delicious things to eat and drink to the soundtrack of live local musicians.
It’s a wonderful outing for the whole family (with a play area for kiddies to run free) and offers visitors a peek into the community life of the village (which is different to the gloss and glam of the ultra-high-end restaurants, hotels and boutiques).
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash.
Stand-out stalls They vary each weekend so there’s always something new!
Expect melt-in-your-mouth shwarmas, rotis filled with fragrant curries, gourmet pancakes and delicious braaied meat, as well as snacky foods, beer, wine and coffee, and loads more.
Opening times Summer: Saturday, 9am – 3pm (weather-dependent)
Winter: Saturday, 10am – 3pm (weather-dependent)
Contact 0073 172 8080, 066 232 2215, info@fhkvm.co.za
Where to find it 29 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek (via N1, R45)
Mojo Market
Where Sea Point
This vibrant market on Sea Point’s main drag boasts 25 food outlets and 10 clothing stalls in a 2 000-square-metre area – with the added attraction of the Promenade a mere stone’s throw away.
It’s quite unique to have a double-volume sea-facing market on Sea Point’s bustling Regent Road that sells clothing, jewellery, accessories and homeware. Most food stalls have upgraded to bamboo and other biodegradable cutlery. There’s live music daily and big screens to watch sport.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Stand-out stalls
- The Mussel Monger for the freshest mussels and oysters
- Earthfire Pizza for crispy wood-fired pizza
- Tortilla Modern Mexican
- Vlerk for lip-smacking chicken wings
- Manga Cape Town for sushi
- Monty’s Burger Bar
- Tao’s Yum Dim Sum
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Contact 021 422 4888, graeme@themojohotel.com
Where to find it 30 Regent Road (between Church and Clarens Road), Sea Point
Bay Harbour Market
Where Hout Bay
A vibrant marketplace in an old fish factory in the harbour in Hout Bay, with seagulls wailing and oodles of atmosphere. The market, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, brings together local craftsmen, artists and musicians. Browse through over 80 stalls vending fashion and footwear, jewellery and interior decor before sitting down for a bite and drink. In summer, the patio, with its refreshing ocean air, is the place to be; when the temperatures start to plummet, sit inside next to the fire.
Stand-out stalls
- Afrika Bloks for beautifully framed and mounted images of real-life journeys across the globe
- Relish & Savour for a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine
- Antiques and Vintage for a collection of vintage clothing items and pieces dating back to the Georgian period
- Sea Bar for fresh seafood, such as calamari, prawns, mussels and oysters
- Iced Dream for Italian gelato
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 (via M62 or M6)
Blaauwklippen Family Market
Where Stellenbosch
The perfect way to spend a relaxed day with family and friends, this weekend market’s unpretentious farm vibe is what makes it so popular. Held in the shade of enormous fig trees, the market has a seasonal focus and a strong emphasis on local, organic and sustainable food, produce and goods. In addition to a rich variety of food stalls that caters to most tastes, as well as crafts, wine tastings, and entertainment for the kids, its location on one of the oldest and most picturesque wine estates in South Africa make for a wonderful day out.
Children will relish the two jungle gyms with slides, ladders, swings and a zipline.
Stand-out stalls
- Piroschka’s for flammkuchen (German thin-crust pizza)
- Tuist for hand-crafted ice cream
- Tunisian Delights for Mediterranean delicacies
- Splash for freshly made juices and smoothies
- Ishushu for wood-fired pizzas
Dog-friendly? Yes
Please note Bring-your-own picnics are not allowed.
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 021 880 0133, familymarket@blaauwklippen.com
Where to find it Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, R44 Strand Road, Stellenbosch
Elgin Railway Market
Where Elgin
Take a trip back to Victorian times at this Art-Deco themed market in Elgin that was once an apple warehouse. Originally built by Italian prisoners of war, the building still sports beautiful tapered concrete columns; and the industrial-style interior with elaborate metal archways and overhanging viewing decks, bridges and lanterns adds a steam punk edge. A wonderful selection of stalls awaits, including food, drink, jewellery, clothing, and ceramics, while live music plays throughout the weekend, and plenty of activities keep the children entertained (like the climbing walls; R20 for 10 minutes).
Dog-friendly? Not inside, but outside is an area specially reserved for well-behaved dogs on leashes, with bowls of water available.
Stand-out stalls
- The Station Grill for ribs and burgers
- J&J Sushi
- The Rolling Pin for cakes, tarts and quiches
- The Steam Café for home-ground aromatic java
- Elgin Valley Wine Shop for a selection of excellent Overberg wines
- L-Gin for artisanal gin
- Corlies for pizza
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 4.00pm
Contact 021 204 1158, info@elginrailwaymarket.co.za
Where to find it Oak Avenue, Grabouw (via N2, R321)
Natural Goods Market at Century City
Where Century City
After the success of their cosy winter night market, Century City now hosts a vibrant summer market in the square with live music, and an array of food and drink stalls. Lounge in the spacious outdoor park, while the kids enjoy the free activities on offer.
With plenty of draft beers, pink G+Ts, chilled bubbly, and enough organic wine and cider to go around, it’s a great way to end your weekend.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Stand-out stalls
- Sprung Spring Rolls
- Churros for Spanish-style pastries
- The Veg Kitchen for vegan meals
- Tally-ho Farm for fresh produce
Opening times Last Sunday of the month, 9am – 2pm (summer)
Contact 083 353 8376, naturalgoodsmarket@gmail.com
Where to find it Central Park, Park Lane, Century City, Cape Town
Country Craft Market at Southey’s Vines
Where Somerset West
This open-air craft market has been going strong for over 35 years, offering a platform to local craftspeople and a relaxing park-like setting for families to enjoy a day out. The authentic artworks and crafted items are sold by the creators themselves, so you can really get an idea of the passion and inspiration behind each piece. Hungry? The Country Kitchen offers numerous food and drink stalls.
Dog-friendly? Yes, and they have their own watering hole.
Stand-out stalls
- Toi-!kwiten Ostrich Egg Creations
- Luree for fabric household products
- Vincent Crafts for carved wooden animals
- Endinako Trading for beaded baskets
Opening times Selected Saturdays, 9am – 2pm (twice a month in summer). Visit their website, Facebook or Instagram for exact dates.
Contact 021 843 5002, 083 461 8448, info@countrycraftmarket.org
Where to find it Southey’s Vines, 186 Main Road, Somerset West
Earth Fair Food Market
Where Constantia
Southern ’burbs-dwellers are starved of cool things to do on weeknights, which is where this market comes in that recently moved from the Builders Warehouse complex to a field in Constantia. On Wednesday evenings, the variety of dinner options, such as Indian curries, burgers, pizza, Thai bowls and more, will hit the spot, while the Saturday morning market has enough fruit, vegetables and other goodies for you to stock up for the coming week. Seating is at communal tables on an open-air grassed area with picnic areas to enjoy.
Dog-friendly? No
Stand-out stalls
- Berry Lady for frozen berries
- Dr Juice for fresh fruit and vegetable juices
- Origin Coffee
- Ciao Bella for pizzas
- Cannabliss for a selection of CBD products
- The Diner for burgers
- Five craft beers on tap
Opening times Wednesday, 4pm – 9pm
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Please note The bar and some of the vendors remain open until 10pm on Wednesday nights, and 4pm on Saturdays.
Contact 061 108 1530 (whatsapp only), info@earthfairmarket.co.za
Where to find it Corner St Joan’s Road and Timour Hall Road, Constantia, Cape Town
