12 Best Food Markets in London (2026 Guide): Where Locals Actually Eat

ByAbdelrahman Mohamed

You don’t need white-tablecloth restaurants to eat well in London right now. In 2026, food markets are where you’ll find the city’s sharpest flavours, fairest prices, and most dependable meals—especially when restaurant bills sting.

This isn’t about sightseeing or gimmicks. It’s about knowing where to queue, what to skip, and which stalls locals rely on week after week. Start here, and you’ll eat better almost immediately.

Borough Market

Borough Market isn’t just famous—it’s foundational. Trading in some form for over 1,000 years, it now attracts more than 4.5 million visitors annually, yet remains genuinely useful for locals.

In 2026, the key is timing. Arrive before 11am on weekdays to avoid crowds. Saturdays after 1pm are chaotic but electric.

What to eat: £9–£13 street food portions. Expect standout grilled cheese, Ethiopian stews, sausage rolls, and chocolate from Rabot 1745.

Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Opening hours (2026): Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm (closed Mondays). Bank holidays vary—check the official site.

Borough Market food stalls under railway arches near London Bridge

Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market works because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s equal parts food court, craft hub, and community space.

In 2026, it remains one of London’s best-value eating spots for variety: Japanese gyoza, Ethiopian platters, Italian pasta, and Korean fried chicken—most dishes £8–£12.

Address: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Opening hours: Daily 10am–5:30pm

Greenwich Market covered hall with food and craft stalls

The Kitchens at Old Spitalfields Market

This is where London’s food-truck scene quietly matured.

The Kitchens is curated, not chaotic. Expect consistently good food rather than viral gimmicks. Portions typically cost £10–£14.

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 11am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm

Address: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

Modern indoor food court at Old Spitalfields Market

Maltby Street Market

Maltby Street feels like a secret even though it isn’t one anymore.

Tucked beneath railway arches, this weekend-only market delivers some of the best desserts and comfort food in London. Expect £4–£6 pastries and £9–£12 hot dishes.

Opening hours: Fri 12pm–2:30pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm

Address: Ropewalk, Bermondsey, London SE1 3PA

Colourful stalls under railway arches at Maltby Street Market

Boxpark Shoreditch

Boxpark is no longer a novelty—it’s infrastructure.

In 2026, it functions as a late-opening, reliable food hub. Expect £10–£15 mains, £6–£8 cocktails during promotions, and live sports screenings.

Address: 2–10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11:45pm, Sun 11am–10:30pm

Shipping container food and retail complex at Boxpark Shoreditch

Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle)

Mercato Metropolitano is massive—and still evolving in 2026.

With over 40 traders, meals range from £8 pizza slices to £14 international plates. The venue remains open into late 2026 despite redevelopment plans.

Address: 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

Opening hours: Generally daily from late morning until 10–11pm. Always check the official site for events and closures.

Large industrial food hall at Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle

The Pattern You Start to Notice

Once you’ve visited a few of these markets, something clicks.

London’s best food isn’t hiding behind reservations or dress codes. It’s standing in the open, priced for repeat visits, designed for real life.

These markets aren’t trends. They’re the city adapting—quietly, efficiently, deliciously.

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