Long gone are the days when London’s culinary prowess was defined by jellied eels and mushy peas. Instead, London’s multicultural ethos shines through in its quirky food markets, chic food halls, and modern fusion cuisine. 

Forget the fancy restaurants, because the best food markets and food halls in London are where you’ll find the best eats – from ancient markets, like Borough Market and Spitalfields Market, which have been held for centuries, to brand new oriental food halls and street food markets where the beers flow until late in the evening.

With so many great London food halls, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best London street food markets and food halls for you. Stick to these unique London eateries, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time eating your way around the UK’s capital!

The 12 Best Food Markets and Food Halls in London

1. Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s most historic markets, with a long history that claims to extend back a thousand years. While it’s true that Londoners have been bartering and haggling by London Bridge for millennia, the current shape of the market dates back to 1756, when it was officially founded on the banks of the River Thames. 

Despite this illustrious history, Borough Market is always at the forefront of London’s eating trends, and you’ll love the impressive range of international, British, and fusion stalls that occupy the archways beneath London Bridge. 

Seafood wraps are served at Applebee’s Fishbox, sustainably sourced nuts are available at Food & Forest, and Hobbs Roast serves juicy meat sandwiches, dripping in fat and gravy. There are artisanal cheese shops, Italian delis, high-end wines, and mac and cheese. Return time and time again to Borough Market, and you’ll still find something new and exciting to indulge in.

2. Mercato Mayfair

One of the best food markets in London is Mercato Mayfair, which, rather unusually, is located within the deconsecrated nave of an old London church. St. Mark’s on North Audley Street is now a temple to food, and you’ll have a hard time choosing between Malaysian street food and authentic Neapolitan pizza. 

Vendors are arrayed around the main hall, with dining tables now taking the place of pews and an altar dedicated to wine. In summer, the rooftop terrace is a great place for a beer and a bite to eat, and in winter, The Crypt is a suitably sheltered place for a glass of mulled wine and a cheese board. 

3. Camden Market

Hipster Camden is known for its live music venues, its craft breweries, its independent shops, and its independently-minded residents. It should come as no surprise, then, that Camden Market is one of the most popular London street food markets.

Over 1,000 market stalls, traders, vendors, cafes, restaurants, and bars are sprawled across Camden Lock and the surrounding streets. You can shop for vintage clothes and records before digging into tacos at the Meathead Mexican, ordering fiery Indian street food at Curry Up Camden, and gorging on Southeast Asian dishes at Siam Noodle. 

Then there are Greek, Korean, Venezuelan, Italian, British, Turkish, Hawaiian, and so many more international food stalls. There are so many different places to eat that we’d recommend joining a Camden Market Food Tour to learn more. 

4. Harrods Food Hall

You’ll find Harrods, one of the world’s most iconic department stores, towering over Brompton Road, right in the heart of affluent Knightsbridge. Now owned by Qatari sheiks, Harrods first opened in 1849 and has since become a symbol of extravagant indulgence. 

This is high-end shopping at its most expensive, and you’ll see everyone from celebrities and royalty to wealthy business folk and city bankers shopping for clothes, jewelry, furniture, and more. But the best place to visit in this vast department store is the Harrods Food Hall. 

This ultra-luxe food hall is where the ultra-rich do their weekly shops (or at least, they might send a servant). You can spend thousands of pounds on Caviar, hundreds of pounds on gourmet cakes, and limitless sums on luxury hampers packed with cheese and wine. 

But browse through the charcuterie stands, stroll past the oysters, and you’ll find that some of Harrod’s gourmet sandwiches aren’t bad value!

5. Flat Iron Square

At Flat Iron Square, you’ll find some of the best street food in London. Found by London Bridge, outdoor seating and communal tables are arrayed under old stone archways. 

You can order everything from wild game burgers and tacos to buttermilk chicken and spicy noodles. Just take a stroll around and take your pick from the vendors.

As great as the food is, Flat Iron Square is an even better weekend hangout spot. Order beers from the Taproom, join in the quiz, and wait for the late-night DJs to take to the stage. 

6. Maltby Street Market

Maltby Street Market is hidden away in Bermondsey, where you’ll find restaurants, food stalls, and craft beer breweries all tucked away under Victorian railway arches. The best spots are found on The Ropewalk, where you can enjoy gyozas, empanadas, crepes, and banh mi at this self-styled international street food market.

While you’re visiting Maltby Street Market, you can also attempt the notorious Bermondsey Beer Mile. Vast numbers of old railway arches underneath the viaduct have been turned into craft beer breweries, with the goal being to visit as many as possible on the Beer Mile as you can!

7. Southbank Centre Food Market

The Southbank Centre Food Market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but it packs a real punch on London’s street food scene. Located on the south bank of the River Thames, right outside the Royal Festival Hall, you’ll love the choice when it comes to the pop-up street food vendors. 

This London food market is a seriously international affair, and curry lovers can choose from Ethiopian, Punjabi, and Mauritian curries. If you love Asian street food, there are Korean BBQ burritos, pad thai, and Japanese bento boxes, while the Mediterranean corner includes Sicilian pastries and Lebanese shawarma. 

8. Arcade Battersea

One of the newest London food halls is Arcade Battersea. Located within the repurposed halls of Battersea Power Station, which has been transformed into a chic new project that’s home to designer shops and gourmet eateries, you’ll love gorging on no less than 13 different types of cuisine and countless more beers and cocktails. 

This vast food hall serves stacked flatbread, icy gelato, and regional Thai specialties, as well as Cantonese-style dim sum and at least 36 different beers at any one time. There are three “proper” restaurants, too, at Arcade Battersea, serving smash burgers, grilled chicken, and bao buns. 

9. Bang Bang Oriental 

If you’re craving Asian cuisine, then Bang Bang Oriental is going to be one of the best food halls in London for you. Step inside the Edgware Road premises, and you’ll be transported across continents to a food hall that would be at home in Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur.

This is the largest Asian food hall in London, and they really have got the Asian world covered. There’s Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Sri Lankan, and, of course, plenty of bubble tea. The food hall is casual and communal, and you can find more formal dining options at the Golden Dragon Restaurant. 

10. Seven Dials Market

If you’re cruising around Covent Garden, or if you fancy a casual pre-theater dinner before hitting up the West End, then take a wander through Seven Dials Market. Located within the 19th-century Thomas Neal’s Warehouse, market stall holders here are proudly independent.

In Cucumber Alley, you’ll find tasty street food snacks and desserts, including dumplings, soft-serve ice cream, and sushi. The Banana Warehouse section of Seven Dials Market is home to Curry On Naanstop, Club Mexicana, and the Stakehaus, while Bar Nana serves healthy smoothies and juices during the day and transforms into a cocktail bar at night. 

11. Berwick Street Market

One of the oldest London food markets, Berwick Street Market has been held in Soho since 1778. From humble beginnings, this savvy market has kept up with the times, and today, it’s evolved into an excellent international street food market.

The diversity here is impressive, with Afghan Delights serving curries from Afghanistan, Jerusalem Falafel offering packed falafel wraps, and the Lime Hut serving Caribbean favorites. Berwick Street Market has stayed true to its roots, and you’ll find market stalls laid out under tarpaulins and gazebos, where traditional fruit and veg vendors are still doing a roaring trade with locals. 

12. Spitalfields Market

Head to the East End, and you’ll find one of London’s most historic markets is still very much in business centuries after its founding. Spitalfields Market traces its origins back to the 13th century when market traders began congregating in the fields outside London.

Today, Spitalfields Market is incredibly varied, and you can shop here for vintage clothes, suits, jewelry, bags, and more. There’s a dedicated Spitalfields Art Market, too, but best of all are the food vendors, who cook up a feast of international flavors from food trucks and market stalls. 

Chi Chi + The Pasta Family serves bolognese and gnocchi, while Mr Bombay offers spicy Mumbai favorites from a curry van. Wicked Fish batters and fries a mean fish and chips, and Dos Mas Tacos offers crispy tacos and packed burritos! 

There you have it! The 12 best food markets and food halls in London. What’s your favorite London food market?

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