Sydney Food Markets: Where are the Top 10?

Friday August 21st, 2015

With such fantastic food products grown and livestock reared in New South Wales, it should be no surprise that foodie and farmers’ markets have sprung up all over Sydney from Marrickville to Darlinghurst. What is particularly gratifying, however, is their great diversity – from organic fruit and vegetables aimed at high-earning hipsters, to good-value produce for families on a budget. Here’s our pick of the top food markets in the city, with something for everyone.

Bondi Farmers’ Markets

Popular with tourists and locals alike, visitors flock to Bondi Farmers’ Market for seasonal fruit and vegetables, organically grown meats, freshly picked flowers, artisan breads, seafood, olive oils and much more. Where: Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi When: 9am-1pm Sundays

Eveleigh Farmers’ Market

This award-winning market puts you in touch – literally – with farmers and producers from the region. There are over 70 stallholders selling their own fruit and veg, as well as meats, smoked fish, bread, dips and chutneys. The ‘Blacksmith’s Workshop’ is a hub for demonstrations, sampling events and talks. It’s also a great place to grab a delicious coffee and catch up with friends and meet regular Eveleigh suppliers. Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh When: 8am-1pm Saturdays

Kings Cross Organic Food Markets

This is definitely one for those who prioritise organic food (although it’s important to note that not all of the produce on display is organic – check for the yellow ‘organic’ stall signs to be certain). Set up like a traditional outdoor market, Kings Cross OFM is a treat for all the senses with traders offering fruit and vegetables, bread and patisserie, local and imported cheese and salami, and also delicacies like Australian truffles. Where: Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street, Potts Point When: 8am-2pm Saturdays  

Marrickville Market

Run by the same organisation as Kings Cross Market, Marrickville has similar high-quality produce on offer. It also makes the perfect starting point for a day spent wandering around the fascinating suburbs of Marrickville and Newtown. Where: Addison Road Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville When: 8am-3pm Sundays

Newtown Community Market

Visiting this market is a great way to support the local community, as it’s the one of the ways that the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre raises funds for its support programs. Expect to find handmade German bread, cookies and muesli amongst stalls offering original artworks, plants, jewellery and much more. Where: Newtown Square (opposite station), 1 Bedford Street, Newtown When: 10am-4pm Saturdays

Paddy’s Market

These large covered markets have held a central place the city’s history for over 150 years. With over 1,000 stalls over its two locations, this is the place for reasonably priced fruit and veg on offer amongst clothing, crafts, souvenirs other and bric-a-brac. Where: Market City, Hay Street and Thomas Street, Haymarket When: 9am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday  

Riverside Market, Gladesville

Regulars visit Riverside for homemade sauces and jams, some interesting cuisines from Chinese to Turkish, fruit and veg, and delicious fresh bread. It’s also renowned for its excellent, seasonal homegrown soft and stone fruit. Where: Riverside Girls High School, corner of Huntley’s Point Road and Victoria Road, Gladesville When:  9am-3pm every second Saturday of the month

The Rocks Foodie Market

In a wonderful location between the Harbour and the Bridge, the Rocks offers smoked meats, preserves, chocolate and cheeses. It’s best known though for it’s wonderful street food, from BBQ skewers to Italian gelato. Where: Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks When: 9am-3pm Fridays

The Sydney Morning Growers’ Market

Another venue in a fantastic spot on the Harbour, the Growers’ Market has been up and running for 17 years. You’ll find a huge range of stalls with growers selling honey, fruit and veg, meats, bread, cheeses and coffee. Check out the monthly seasonal recipes from leading chefs available on site, ideal for helping you get the most of the produce on offer that month. Where: Pyrmont Bay Park, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont When: 7am-11am every first Saturday of the month

Sydney Sustainable Markets

This community-run market has a mission to help create a more sustainable future. You’ll find organic and low-chemical input produce including free-range eggs, rare breed meats, fish, handmade pasta, organic bread, and much more. There’s also the opportunity to support and build a relationship with a local farmer by committing to buy his or her produce each week. Where: Taylor Square, Darlinghurst When: 8am-1pm Saturdays With so many passionate producers of such great food, visiting one of Sydney’s markets is not only a great way to relax but also a source of inspiration.