London is one of the world’s top culinary centres, with a melting pot of international cuisines and cultures. Read on for our pick of the best markets and food halls, where a rich array of flavours comes together under one roof.
Borough Market
Established in 1756, this historic market emphasises high-quality, sustainable fare and social connection in an atmospheric setting. Located in Southwark, the hall is one of London’s largest, with over 100 stalls, stands and restaurants. There is a wide range of exceptional food and drink, from fresh produce to global cuisine. Highlights include Joli's Malaysian clay pot dishes, The Free From Bakehouse's award-winning gluten-free and vegan treats, and Borough Cheese Company’s spectacular wheels of comté.
Southwark Street, SE1
Old Spitalfields Market
At the heart of vibrant east London, this covered Victorian market has been located on the site for over 350 years. Open daily, there is a hand-picked selection of traders, craftsmen and artists championing quality and responsibly sourced products. In the centre of the market floor is ‘The Kitchens’, where a collection of chefs showcase the best of contemporary cooking. Look out for Indigo’s Indian street food and Ricebrother‘s authentic tofu puddings and rice rolls, which you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Homer Square, E1
Seven Dials Market
Tucked away in the cobbled streets of Covent Garden is this all-day dining destination with a line-up of independent businesses. Housed inside the historic Thomas Neal's Warehouse, the food hall features a vaulted glass roof, a vast gallery and an electric atmosphere to match. For incredible cocktails, visit one of the two bars and sample the ‘Seven Dials Sour’, which includes hibiscus, strawberry, pink lady apple and gin. Choose from one of the 20 inspiring stalls, dishing up everything from authentic West African flavours to fluffy Taiwanese pancakes.
Earlham Street, WC2H
Camden Market
This iconic destination is a bustling community of street food traders, creative sellers and independent stores, positioned next to the Regent’s Canal. The largest market in the capital, there are over 1,000 places to shop, eat and drink, with cult cafés, terrace bars and freshly baked goods. Head to Three Uncles for traditional Cantonese roast meats, lo mein and dim sum, or visit Buns From Home for freshly baked hand-rolled treats. For a more unconventional lunch, Yorkshire Burrito serves up a quintessentially British roast, wrapped in a fluffy Yorkshire pudding.
Camden Lock Place, NW1
Image above: Old Spitalfields Market
Image above: Seven Dials MarketEataly
An immersive Italian experience in the City of London, Eataly includes three restaurants, food counters, a café and even a cookery school. Take a trip through the market with over 6,000 Italian products, including rare pasta varieties and artisanal sauces or explore the counters for fresh fish, sustainably sourced meat and the finest cheeses. The food hall showcases a range of seasonal menus, from Roman-style pizza by the slice and handmade pasta to artfully baked pastries and seasonal creamy gelato.
Bishopsgate, EC2M
Mercato Mayfair
Located in a Grade I Listed former church on North Audley Street, Mercato Mayfair is a cavernous space filled with bars and dining options. Sister of the ever-popular Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle, there are two floors of ethically sourced cuisine, a rooftop terrace, a wine cellar and a community space. Here you can find an assortment of kitchens from around the world, where all the meals are created using local ingredients. For seafood enthusiasts, head to Molo for lobsters and oysters, while Steamy & Co serves up an array of bao, dumplings and ramen.
North Audley Street, W1K
Leadenhall Market
A beautiful covered market in the heart of the City, with a unique selection of boutiques and restaurants. This hidden gem has impressive architecture and a rich heritage dating back to the 14th century, standing on what was once the centre of Roman London. Open on weekdays, the vendors primarily sell fresh food, with cheesemongers, butchers and florists. This famous landmark is an ideal spot for drinking and dining in the heart of the Square Mile, with everything from Danish coffee and speciality Mexican dishes to an Argentinian Grill.
Gracechurch Street, EC3V
Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall
London's largest Asian food hall is full to the brim with vendors, restaurants and bars, with over 20 individual kiosks offering a diverse mix of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Vietnamese, Taiwanese and Malaysian meals. There’s something for everyone, so choose your favourite Asian cuisine or experiment with a new dish that you’ve never tried before. For a glorious, hearty bowl of Pho, try Café La Viet, or make your way to Uncle Chilli for bold, Sichuan flavours.
Edgware Road, NW9
Greenwich Market
Set within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, this bustling hub stands as a cornerstone of London’s market scene. Dating back to the 14th Century, the marketplace is where traders pour their passion and expertise into their products. Visitors can explore shops and stalls offering everything from food and drink to clothing, art, and antiques. Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re looking for a savoury, vegetarian or vegan meal, you’ll be spoilt for choice with traders from all over the world.
Greenwich Market, SE10
