Cape Town, the “Mother City,” combines natural beauty, history, and culture. Beyond its iconic Table Mountain and pristine beaches, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse as its people. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal crafts and live music, food markets in Cape Town and its surroundings offer more than just food.
Here are 15 of the best food markets in Cape Town and its surrounding areas. This guide has something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or a local. Here’s a taste of the flavors, sights, and sounds of Cape Town’s food markets, from Oranjezicht City Farm Market to Franschhoek Village Market.
1. Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Location: Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hours: Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sundays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Instagram: @ozcfmarket
Contact 083 628 3426, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
The Oranjezicht City Farm Market (OZCF) is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh, organic produce and a lively atmosphere. Located at the V&A Waterfront, this market is a celebration of local farmers, artisanal producers, and chefs.
Personal Experience
“I remember my first visit to OZCF like it was yesterday. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and the vibrant colors of seasonal fruits and vegetables caught my eye. I grabbed a cup of locally roasted coffee and wandered through the stalls, sampling everything from organic honey to handmade pasta. It’s the perfect place to start your weekend.”
Key Highlights
- Farm-to-table produce: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from local farms.
- Artisanal goods: Cheese, bread, preserves, and more.
- Food stalls: Gourmet meals, from sushi to wood-fired pizza.
- Family-friendly: A kids’ play area and pet-friendly policy make it great for families.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning waterfront location | Can get crowded on weekends |
| Wide variety of fresh produce | Limited parking |
| Live music and entertainment | Prices can be higher than supermarkets |
FAQ
Q: Is the market open year-round?
A: Yes, the market operates every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.
Q: Are there vegan options?
A: Absolutely! Many stalls offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
2. Cape Point Vineyards Community Market
Location: Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek, Cape Town
Hours: Thursdays, 4.30pm – 8.30pm (October – April)
Instagram: @capepointvineyards
Contact 021 789 0900, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? No
Why Visit?
Set against the backdrop of the Noordhoek Valley, this market offers a unique blend of gourmet food, fine wine, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends or family.
Personal Experience
“As the sun dipped below the horizon, I sipped on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying a platter of local cheeses. The market’s laid-back vibe and live acoustic music made it one of the most memorable evenings of my trip.”
Key Highlights
- Wine tastings: Sample award-winning wines from Cape Point Vineyards.
- Gourmet food stalls: From sushi to artisanal burgers.
- Scenic views: Overlook the vineyards and mountains.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning sunset views | Seasonal operation (closed in winter) |
| Family-friendly atmosphere | Limited seating |
| Dog-friendly | Can get chilly in the evening |
3. Neighbourgoods Market
Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock, Cape Town
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Instagram: @neighbourgoods
Contact 021 448 1438, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
This iconic market is a haven for foodies and design lovers alike. With over 100 vendors, it’s a bustling hub of creativity and flavor.
Personal Experience
“The Neighbourgoods Market is sensory overload in the best way possible. From the smell of sizzling street food to the sight of handmade crafts, every corner offers something new. Don’t miss the famous pulled pork sandwiches!”
Key Highlights
- Artisanal food: Global cuisines, craft beers, and specialty coffee.
- Handmade goods: Jewelry, clothing, and homeware.
- Live music: Adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of vendors | Extremely crowded |
| Great for unique gifts | Parking can be challenging |
| Trendy, hipster vibe | Prices on the higher side |
4. Boschendal Friday Night Market
Location: Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Hours: Fridays 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (seasonal)
Instagram: @boschendal
Dog-friendly? Yes
Contact 021 870 4200
Why Visit?
This market combines the charm of a wine estate with the excitement of a night market. It’s a fantastic way to unwind after a long week.
Personal Experience
“The twinkling fairy lights and the sound of laughter filled the air as I explored the stalls. I indulged in a glass of Boschendal’s Pinot Noir and paired it with a wood-fired pizza—pure bliss.”
Key Highlights
- Wine and dine: Enjoy estate wines and gourmet food.
- Family-friendly: Kids’ activities and a safe environment.
- Seasonal produce: Fresh from the Boschendal farm.
5. Noordhoek Farm Village Market
Location: Noordhoek Farm Village, Cape Town
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Instagram: @noordhoekfarmvillage
Contact [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
This quaint market is perfect for those seeking a slower pace. With its farm-style setting and friendly vendors, it’s a true hidden gem.
Personal Experience
“I loved the rustic charm of this market. The homemade jams and freshly baked scones were a highlight, and the live folk music added to the cozy atmosphere.”
6. Time Out Market
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
Instagram: @timeoutmarketct
Dog-friendly? In the outside seating area
Why Visit?
This upscale food hall brings together the best of Cape Town’s culinary scene under one roof.
Our Cape Town version reflects the culinary and cultural trends of our city, gathering the best local talent under one roof. Chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists serve their magic at Cape Town’s quayside warehouse. Among them are Bertus Basson’s gourmet burgers, John van Zyl’s stunning seafood, Vusi Ndlovu’s open-fire cooking, and Peter Tempelhoff’s ramen. With a stage for live performances and seating inside and out, it’s a cooking spot.
7. Blue Bird Garage Market
Location: Muizenberg, Cape Town
Hours: Fridays 4:00 PM–10:30 PM
Instagram: @bluebirdgaragemkt
Dog-friendly? Yes
Contact 084 405 3544, [email protected]
Why Visit?
A quirky market housed in an old airplane hangar, it’s a favorite among locals for its eclectic vibe.
A characterful market housed in an old postal plane hangar captures the bohemian vibe of Muizenberg. A vibrant night market brings to mind New York‘s buzzy East Village at the end of the week. Besides delicious food (wraps, falafel, kebabs, Thai noodles, empanadas, sweet treats, etc. ), there’s fresh produce, flowers, books, clothes, jewelry, ceramics, and more. A unique venue gives the Blue Bird Market an urban edge, but it’s laidback enough for families. Kids have their own jungle gym; adults have two bars, including a secret gin bar.
8. The Urban Food Fair
Location: Corner St Joan’s Road and Timour Hall Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Hours: Fridays 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Instagram: @urbanfoodfair
Contact 073 791 3991, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? No
Why Visit?
The old Earth Fair Market has been replaced by a new market on the Timour Hall Villa Estate in Constantia. The farmers’ market continues to focus on fresh food, with cheeses, preserves, spices, and other goods for sale. Grab breakfast or lunch on Saturdays at the food stalls, and perhaps a craft beer. Live music accompanies dinner and drinks on Wednesday evenings. With picnic areas, jumping castles, and kids’ activities, there are communal tables on the lawn (under a stretch tent with heaters in cooler weather).
9. Root44 Market
Location: Stellenbosch
Hours: Saturdays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Instagram: @root44market
Contact 021 300 3935, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
The old Earth Fair Market has been replaced by a new market on the Timour Hall Villa Estate in Constantia. The farmers’ market continues to focus on fresh food, with cheeses, preserves, spices, and other goods for sale. Grab breakfast or lunch on Saturdays at the food stalls, and perhaps a craft beer. Live music accompanies dinner and drinks on Wednesday evenings. With picnic areas, jumping castles, and kids’ activities, there are communal tables on the lawn (under a stretch tent with heaters in cooler weather).
10. Lourensford Market
Location: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
Hours: Sundays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Instagram: @lourensfordmarket
Contact 072 284 1654, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
This Winelands market has a nice layout. Over 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. Besides beautiful gardens adjacent to the market, there’s a children’s play area (with fun activities like face painting and art jamming) and a picnic area. In addition to ribs, German wurst, and pizza, you’ll also find sushi and Korean fried chicken. On Friday nights, fairy-lit trees and party atmosphere await (bring your dancing shoes); on Saturdays and Sundays, a family-friendly outing awaits.
11. Blaauwklippen Family Market
Location: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Hours: Sundays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Instagram: @blaauwklippen
Contact 021 880 0133, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? No
Why Visit?
There’s nothing pretentious about this weekend market. The market takes place on one of the oldest and most beautiful wine estates, in the shade of big fig trees. There are a variety of food stalls, offering everything from chicken schnitzel and pizza to Asian dumplings and Dutch croquettes. There is also live music, a pump track, and two jungle gyms with slides, ladders, swings, ziplines, and a special toddler zone for children.
12. Franschhoek Village Market
Location: Franschhoek Town Hall, Franschhoek
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Instagram: @franschhoekmarket
Contact 073 172 8080, 066 232 2215, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
Right in the middle of town, under ancient oaks, this market brings together diverse local craftspeople and purveyors with local musicians jamming along. You’ll get a glimpse into the village life without all the glitz and glam of the high-end restaurants, hotels, and boutiques. Every weekend there’s something new to try! The menu features samoosas, Flammkuchen, pancakes and dumplings. Wine and snacks go well with a game of boules, too.
13. Hermanus Country Market
Location: Hermanus Cricket Club, corner of Fairways Avenue & Jose Burman Drive, Hermanus
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Instagram: @hermanuscountrymarket
Contact 083 657 0191, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes
Why Visit?
Community spirit abounds at this wonderfully rustic market at the Cricket Club. Shop for organic fresh produce, pastries and desserts, handmade cheeses, smoked fish, happy-hen eggs, and wheat-free bakes, and meet the makers from nearby Baardskeerdersbos, Wolwengat, and Tesselaarsdal hamlets. You can’t get more local than this. 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 or beer.
14. Hout Bay Village Market
Location: Hout Bay, Cape Town
Hours: Sundays 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Instagram: @houtbaymarket
Contact 082 096 0789, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes, on leash
Why Visit?
Taking place on what is essentially the village common, this is a place where locals can get together in relaxed Sunday mode under the trees. As with the previous Lion’s Club Craft Market, the outdoor market remains associated with the group. The market offers handmade goods, art, clothing, curios and homeware, as well as food stalls like churros, pastries and crepes, bacon and egg rolls, burgers and samosas.
15. Elgin Railway Market
Location: Elgin, Grabouw
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Instagram: @elginrailwaymarket
Contact 021 204 1158, [email protected]
Dog-friendly? Yes, in the outside sections
Why Visit?
Besides its wares, this market is unique in its setting and atmosphere. The venue is housed in a former apple warehouse, now transformed into a steampunk-style venue complete with elaborate wrought-iron arches, overhanging bridges, huge ceiling fans, and lanterns. You’ll find produce, jewellery, clothing, decor, vintage items, toys, and much more. Enjoy delicious global food, great coffee, and local L-Gin cocktails and cool-climate wines. The weekends offer live music, blacksmithing demos at the Solms Forge (nothing more steampunk! ), and roundabouts and jungle gyms for children to enjoy. Steam trains are always a highlight, regardless of age.
Final Thoughts
Cape Town’s food markets are more than just places to eat—they’re cultural experiences that showcase the city’s diversity and creativity. Whether you’re sipping wine at a vineyard market or exploring the bustling stalls of an urban food fair, each market offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Cape Town.
So, grab your tote bag, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore the best food markets in Cape Town and its surrounds.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
