The 7 Best Food Markets in London Worth a Detour

London's food markets are as diverse as the city itself. Some have traded for centuries. Others have transformed former warehouses and railway arches into thriving street food destinations. Below are seven of the best food markets in London, each with its own flavour, atmosphere and must-try dishes.

1. Borough Market — London's most iconic food market

If you only visit one food market in London, make it Borough Market. Trading in some form for nearly 1,000 years, it's London's oldest food market and one of its most famous culinary destinations.

Today, artisan producers sit alongside some of the city's best street food traders. You'll find everything from freshly shucked oysters and handmade pasta to raclette, Ethiopian cuisine and the legendary slow-roast pork sandwiches from The Black Pig. Food lovers also flock here for Neal's Yard cheeses, artisan breads and locally sourced produce.

Busy? Absolutely. But Borough Market earns its reputation with every bite.

Closest landmark: London Bridge (stop 34) or The Shard

2. Seven Dials Market — Covent Garden's indoor food hall

Hidden just behind Covent Garden, Seven Dials Market brings together some of London's most exciting independent food traders beneath one Victorian warehouse roof.

Unlike many outdoor markets, it's an all-weather destination with communal seating, lively bars and rotating kitchens, making it perfect for rainy days or evening dining. Expect everything from handmade dumplings and fresh sushi to Indian wraps and Detroit-style pizza.

One of the biggest attractions is Pick & Cheese, the world's first cheese conveyor belt restaurant, where British cheeses arrive at your table sushi-style.

Closest landmark: Covent Garden (stop 32)

3. Maltby Street Market — London's hidden foodie favourite

Tucked beneath the Victorian railway arches of Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market feels like Borough Market's quieter younger sibling.

Smaller and less crowded, it's a favourite with locals looking to avoid the queues while still enjoying exceptional food. Independent traders serve everything from gourmet toasties and slow-cooked duck to handmade pastries, fresh coffee and craft beer.

The narrow Ropewalk creates an intimate atmosphere where you can wander between arches, chat with traders and discover something new around every corner.

Closest landmark: Tower Bridge (stop 36)

4. Broadway Market — East London's weekend favourite

Every Saturday, Broadway Market transforms into one of London's liveliest street food destinations.

More than 100 stalls line the historic street beside London Fields, selling artisan breads, fresh produce, international street food and handmade desserts. The atmosphere is as much a draw as the food, with musicians performing nearby and locals gathering to spend the afternoon browsing independent shops and cafés.

Whether you're craving Persian cooking, Scottish toasties or freshly baked pastries, Broadway Market captures East London's creative spirit perfectly.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, Broadway Market is one of the best London food markets to try.  

Closest landmark: London Fields

5. Old Spitalfields Market — Food, shopping and culture under one roof

Unlike many of London's food markets that are just for the weekend, Old Spitalfields Market welcomes visitors seven days a week.

Its covered Victorian market hall combines independent restaurants, artisan food stalls, fashion boutiques and craft traders, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon here. Popular favourites include juicy burgers from Bleecker, Chinese jianbing from Pleasant Lady, Italian pizza and the famously indulgent desserts from Humble Crumble.

With Brick Lane just around the corner, it's one of East London's best areas for food lovers.

Closest landmark: Brick Lane

6. Brixton Village & Market Row — Global flavours under one roof

Few places showcase London's multicultural food scene better than Brixton Village and neighbouring Market Row.

Originally built as traditional covered markets, they're now home to an incredible mix of independent restaurants serving Caribbean, Colombian, Japanese, Mexican, French and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Long-standing favourites such as Fish, Wings & Tings sit alongside exciting new openings, creating one of London's most diverse dining destinations. Between meals you'll also find independent bookshops, record stores and cocktail bars, giving Brixton its unmistakable neighbourhood character.

Closest landmark: Brixton

7. Camden Market — Street food from around the world

Camden Market isn't just famous for its underground, alternative fashion and live music. It's also one of London's biggest street food destinations.

Dozens of independent traders serve dishes inspired by cuisines from across the globe, from Korean fried chicken and Venezuelan arepas to fresh churros and handmade cookies. Food stalls spill through Camden Lock and the surrounding market lanes, creating a lively atmosphere that's every bit as memorable as the shopping.

Come hungry, arrive early if you can, and expect plenty of tempting choices before you've walked more than a few metres.

Closest landmark: Camden Lock

Getting around London's food markets is simple. Our Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour links many of the city's best-known landmarks, putting these foodie favourites within easy reach.

• Near London Bridge (Borough Market)

• Near Covent Garden (Seven Dials Market)

• Near Tower Bridge (Maltby Street Market)

• Near London Fields (Broadway Market)

• Near Brick Lane (Old Spitalfields Market)

• Near Brixton (Brixton Village & Market Row)

• Near Camden Lock (Camden Market)

It's a flexible way to explore London's neighbourhoods one bite at a time.

Explore by Open Top London Bus Tours