Constantly voted among the best food destinations, the food markets in Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands are part of an amazing local food culture not to be missed.

The reasons to plan a trip to South Africa are many, from the amazing wildlife, stunning and varied landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a fascinating history and diverse culture. And if you are anything like me, exploring the amazing local food and fantastic wines will be part of that list too.

Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands are constantly voted among the best food destinations globally thanks to the unique fusion of different cuisines that blends African, Indian, Malay/Asian, and Dutch influences.

The region also boasts a broad mix of casual street foot through to fine dining. Including a huge number of lively food and neighbourhood markets. These markets are more than your usual farmers market selling fresh produce. From street food to local wines, handicrafts, fashion and jewellery along with live music and entertainment they have evolved into hugely popular places for social gatherings, attracting locals and visitors alike.

Your guide to the 10 best food markets in Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Winelands

Below I have rounded up 10 of the most popular food markets you should absolutely seek out on your next trip to Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.

Oranjezicht City Farm Markt

Where: Cape Town, Haul Road (off Granger Bay Boulevard)

When: Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm, Wednesday night market 4pm – 9 pm (Sep to April)

The hugely popular outlet of Oranjezicht Urban Farm located near the bustling V&A Waterfront right in the centre of Cape Town remains the darling of local food markets. In addition to an abundance of a wide range of seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits the market sells artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads and pastries, preserves, smoked fish, and charcuterie.

It is also the perfect spot for a light lunch (or dinner on Wednesday nights during the summer months). Choose from a selection of gourmet burgers, sandwiches, flammkuchen and French crêpes, to dim sum, sweet fruit-filled pies and samosas coming in a range of more than 30 different fillings, then head to the seating area overlooking the stunning Table Bay.

Boschendal Friday Night Market

Where: Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel, Franschhoek

When: Friday, 6pm – 9pm (closed in winter)

One of my favourite places in the Cape Winelands, Boschendal Wine Estate, over the last few years has transformed from a formidable winery offering excellent wine tasting options and on-site dining into a full-blown working farm hideaway.

The Friday Night Market on the estates’ historic Werf is one of the first established at the local wineries. It boasts live music, craft stalls, a huge offer of artisanal food and drink (which comes directly from the farm or local vendors including pizza, burgers, braaied (grilled) meat, oysters, and of course local wine.

Good to know: The market is free to attend but places at the hugely popular event are limited, so make sure to come early. Also, important, Boschendal is a cashless destination.

Blaauwklippen Family Market

Where: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, R44 Strand Road, Stellenbosch

When: Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm

One of the longest running food markets in the Cape Winelands, nestled at one of the oldest wine estates in the region, Blaawklippen Family Market remains one of the most exiting happenings. It boasts street food from local vendors, including Mexican street food, Asian dishes, Greek Gyros, Middle East and South African food.

In addition, you can sample wines from the estate and there is live music along with stalls selling handmade crafts and home décor to fashion, jewellery, and unique gifts.

Good to know: The market is running year-round with seasonal focus and taking place outdoors if the market will open depends on the weather (which usually is only an issue on select weekends during the local winter). No pets are allowed to the market.

Root44 Market, Stellenbosch

Where: Corner of Annandale Road and R44, Stellenbosch

When: Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 5pm

Weekends in the Cape Winelands are not complete without a trip to Stellenbosch and its amazing Root44 Market. Located in proximity to some of the areas great wineries and their surrounding vineyards, the market features a large number of stalls offering delicacies like nachos, tacos, ribs, pizza, mussels, oysters, seafood, and grilled meat.

Don’t miss the wine-tasting room, coffee shop and art gallery on the upper floor.

And did I mention the live music?

Good to know: The market is pet friendly though dogs must be on a leash.

Lourensford Market

Where: Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West

When: Friday, 5pm – 10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4pm, closed during the winter months from June to August

The market boasts more than 70 stalls offering food, craft and fashion nestled next to the estates stunning garden area. So, bring your picnic blankets and dig into the wide range of food from wagyu burgers to ribs, pizza, sushi, and fried chicken. Finish with waffles and fudge. Wash it all down with the estate wines, cocktails and local craft beer.

Good to know: On every first Friday of the month the market hosts a local artist or DJ. For the event, a R20 parking fee is required.

Cape Point Vineyards Community Market

Where: Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek

When: Thursday, 4.30 pm – 8.30 pm

The on-site winery restaurant, the tasting room offering a superb sushi menu, the courtyard with its BBQ food, the daily picnic offerings, and the estates wine tasting options are more than reasons enough to visit Cape Point Vineyards. But nothing beats romantic sunsets filled with live music and a glass of sparkling MCC, crisp white or lovely red from the winery’s wide range while watching the sun set over the ocean.

The beautiful picnic area on the lawn offering sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean has become the weekly summer hotspot in the Cape Town area.

Delicious succulent lamb, wood-fired pizzas, curry and sushi to steak sandwiches, dim sum, samosas and curries, spring rolls and sweet treats (there are 20 different styles of Belgium waffles sold at the Wicked Waffle food truck) along with stalls selling hand-crafted soaps, candles, jewellery and more are waiting for you!

Good to know: No pets are allowed, and no food and beverages from outside

Blue Bird Garage Market

Where: Albertyn Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town

When: Thursday and Friday, 4pm – 10pm

Located in a colourful postal-plane hangar, Blue Bird Garage Market reunites local artisans, specialty cooks, bakers, producers and local artists and designers.

Various food stalls offer a wide selection of delicious food like wraps, falafel, kebabs, ribs, Thai noodles, empanadas, sushi, fish and chips, and salads. And off course you should not miss the sweet treats such as fudge, cupcakes, cheesecake, brownies and donuts.

In addition, have a drink at Bicycle Bar from local beers or ciders on tap to wine and tequila or a gin and tonic (and more cocktails) at the Speakeasy Bar.

Bay Harbour Market

Where: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town

When: Friday 9.30am – 9pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am – 5pm

Offering views over spectacular Chapman’s Peak and the beautiful Hout Bay, this neighbourhood market is located inside a former fish factory.

Bay Harbour Market boasts round about 100 food vendors along with stalls selling jewellery, fashion and handicrafts. Indulge in fresh seafood platters, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, soups, sushi, and Mexican food along with artisan sweets.

There is also live music and entertainment.

Good to know: now pets are allowed

Elgin Railway Market

Where: Elgin Station, Oak Avenue, Elgin

When: Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 4pm; Wednesday and Friday, 4pm – 8.30pm (bar and limited food traders)

Located in the Overberg region, around one hour from Cape Town, Elgin Valley is one of the still lesser-known Cape Winelands regions. In addition to wine, the area is famous for its apple orchards and once used to be the largest producer of apples in South Africa.

The exciting Elgin Railway Market is indeed nestled at a former apple warehouse which has been converted into an art deco community market featuring craft stalls from vintage items, décor, and jewellery. Completing the offer are many fantastic food stalls, the Steam Coffee Shop, a bar, and wine shops.

The venue is open daily from around 9am to 4.pm and on Wednesdays hours extend to 8.30pm with a limited number of food vendors opening their stalls. Meanwhile, the full community market runs over the weekends. That’s when there is also live music and special entertainment for kids.

The food offer on full market days ranges from fresh Poke bowls, fragrant curries and Thai food, spicy chicken, Mediterranean dishes, pizza, ribs and burgers, and the iconic South African biltong. For dessert, sweets treats are plenty, ranging from home-made fudge to ice-cream, handmade chocolate, and a large selection of cakes.

At the bar you can choose from local wines, beer and cider. Meanwhile, the artisanal L-Gin gin bar serves local craft gins.

Good to know: On select weekends, the historic Ceres train is running Cape Town to Elgin Railway Station, so a visit to Elgin Railway Market is easy as a breeze if you are staying in Cape Town area.

Hermanus Country Market

Where: Hermanus Cricket Club, on the corner of Fairways Avenue and Jose Burman Drive, Hermanus

When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm; in December and January also on Wednesday and Friday evenings for a special Summer Night Market

More than 50 stalls boasting food, art, ceramics, handicrafts, leather and wood products, clothing, jewellery, and cosmetics along with fresh produce from fruits and vegetables to handmade cheeses, smoked fish, fresh pastries and baked goods make Hermanus Country Market a hugely popular venue for both locals and visitors on Saturday mornings.

Meanwhile, the ready-made food offer ranges from burgers, souvlaki, bobotie pies, lamb, pancakes, arancini, and yes bacon doughnuts!

Local wines, cider and beer are plenty as well. Plus, there is live music and lots of activities for kids.

So, if you are planning a trip to Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands, make sure to seek out a few of these markets while in the area. They are absolutely worth for the food or sampling some of the excellent lo