The Best South Melbourne Market Food Stalls to Visit

This long-adored inner city market is one of Melbourne’s best places to spend a market morning. The sprawling indoor pavilion is chock-a-block with gourmet providores, delicious eateries, artisan creatives, vintage stores and local makers worth browsing for unique finds.

Everywhere you turn, there’s another stall vying for your attention (and your pocket!), so to help you navigate the labyrinth like a pro, we’ve rounded up a list of our must-visit spots to eat and shop; here are the best market stalls at the South Melbourne Market.

Best South Melbourne Market Stalls: Eat & Drink

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Pizzateca Lupa

With so many reliable mainstays, it’s always an exciting time when this market lands a newbie. Pizzateca Lupa is the new kid on the block, setting up its pizza-slinging digs on the iconic Cecil Street corner, and the rave reviews are coming in hot and fast. The all-day, Roman-inspired cafe has a simple menu paying homage to Italian delights – think pizza by the slice, mouthwatering pasta (we have our eye on the Cacio e Pepe ziti), fresh antipasti and, of course, a few sweets (dolce) to seal the deal. Whether you’re popping in for a savoury snack and an alfresco vino or a slice of tiramisu with a warm cappuccino, you’ll find every dish prepared with love, the Italian way.

116 Cecil Street, South Melbourne

UGO Burrata Bar 

Discover the cheesy magic of UGO Burrata Bar, led by renowned Italian Chef Dario Di Clerico. It’s all about the decadence of burrata, with a menu of modern dishes highlighting its fresh and gooey allure. From morning delights like Weet-Bix and mushrooms to the hearty Brocco with broccoli, potatoes and chilli oil, each dish is a cheese lover’s dream.

Don’t miss Ugo’s focaccia sandwiches, featuring tantalising combinations and all crowned with creamy burrata. Celebrating the essence of Italian craftsmanship in every bite, make sure you arrive hungry!

Deli section, South Melbourne Market 

La Central

Discover an authentic taste of Spain in the heart of Melbourne at La Central. Inspired by the bustling markets of Barcelona and Madrid, this charming delicatessen is a treasure trove of Spanish delights. From exquisite olives to artisanal cheeses and the finest Jamon Iberico and Serrano, you can pick up delights to take home with you, but in our opinion, the best way to experience La Central is to take a seat and linger longer. Indulge in the finest anchovies and savour authentic tapas, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market around you.

Deli, South Melbourne Market

My Cookie Factory

When the sweet craving hits, make a beeline for aisle D and get your hands on a jumbo, NY-style cookie at My Cookie Factory. Never skimping on quality, fillings or flavour, these doughy creations have been perfected to be just the right amount of chewy and crunchy. With homemade goodness in every bite, and flavours like Dubai chocolate, classic choc chip, oatmeal raisin and crème brûlée, be sure to grab a few extras for the sweet tooth friend in your life.

 Shop 170

Mama Tran Dumpling

Is there anyone you’d trust to make delicious dumplings more than Mama? One of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets, Mama Tran Dumpling is the epitome of no-frills, no-fuss Asian cuisine. Located at stall 35, this market mainstay serves up 16 varieties of dumplings, BBQ pork buns, dim sims and a variety of rice and noodle dishes.

Every item on the menu’s a winner, but you can’t go wrong with the steamed crystal prawn dumplings. With over 35 years in the dumpling game, if you want a delicious, fresh, and cheap lunch or snack on your travels, this is the place for you.

Stall 35, South Melbourne Market

Agathé Patisserie

It’s almost impossible to leave South Melbourne Market without a few treats from this beloved French patisserie. Their crisp, butter-rich croissants and galettes are some of the best in the city, encompassing both classic styles and flavourful twists such as pandan, matcha red bean and café au lait. They also create lush whole cakes, tarts and savouries to take home for a delightful afternoon treat. Set aside some time – there is often a winding line leading to the glass cabinet filled with French goodies!

Stall 63, South Melbourne Market

Claypots Evening Star

The Claypots outpost at South Melbourne Market embodies all the fun and freshness of the original restaurant in St Kilda. Blackboards list each day’s specials, which could include bouncy king prawns in sambal, a delicate piece of Cajun flathead, or grilled garfish with za’atar. They often have live entertainment on the go as well, making it a brilliantly vibey place to spend a summer evening. 

Shop 110-116, South Melbourne Market

SMS Oyster Bar 

If you’re an oyster fan and looking for a little fancy fare in between perusing the stalls and stores around the market, the Oyster Bar at South Melbourne Seafoods has your name on it. The oysters are freshly shucked each morning and come from every direction, including plump beauties from St Helen’s in Tasmania to salty and sweet SA morsels. 

You can also try tuna and salmon poke bowls, lobster rolls, fresh sashimi packs, delicious cooked mentaiko and delicious prawn katsu sandos. It’s the freshest catch in the market, every time! 

Deli aisle

Bambu 

Dine inside or outdoors (while staying protected from the elements undercover) and enjoy a fusion feast at Bambu Eating House. A fun experience for in between browsing or worth the trip alone, Bamnbu offers delicious hawker-style Asian plates and an innovative cocktail list. With a menu designed to take guests on a modern journey through Southeast Asia, go for the lush pork belly bao and scrumptious chilli prawn dumplings, and save room for the spicy chicken san choy bow and scrumptious duck and lychee curry. Drinks-wise, the Kiwi cocktail is a must. 

Stall 92, Cecil Street

Padre Coffee

Before hustling your way through the market and filling your tote with fresh produce, charge your batteries with a quality cuppa from Padre. One of Melbourne’s most respected names in coffee, they bring in freshly roasted beans from their Brunswick East HQ to be brewed to perfection. Enjoy single origin or seasonal blends in espresso, batch brew, cold drip or V60 form, paired with a freshly baked pastry to go.

Deli aisle

Proper & Son

For a reviving post-shop brunch, head to Proper & Son, where they bring the best of the market to you on a plate. Expect lots of fresh, vibrant produce prepared in their open kitchen, from bowls of perfect fruit over muesli for breakfast to brisket and meat rolls and verdant salads for lunch. Wash it all down with housemade sodas, Toby’s Estate coffee and Mörk hot chocolate. They’ve been at it for a decade, so best believe only the best quality will do.

Food Hall

Best South Melbourne Market Stalls: Cooking

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Babes Farm Fresh Produce

Farm fresh, every time. That’s what you can expect from the selection of eggs, honey, condiments, milk, soaps, jams and cream at Babes Farm Fresh Produce. Free-range eggs from Victorian chooks come with a card to tell you exactly which farm they have been sourced from – from East Gippsland to North East Victoria. This is shopping thoughtfully, keeping an eye out for Victorian farmers in a sustainable way. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Aisle C

Georgie’s Harvest

On your next visit to the market, say hello to Australia’s only potato shop! Supporting local farmers, seasonality, and an extraordinary passion for food, the potato varieties you might find on hand include Cecile, Viking, Russet Burbank and Virginia Rose, as well as gorgeous and flavoursome pumpkins like Golden Nuggets and Jarrahdale. 

Yams, log-grown mushrooms, fresh chilli, turmeric, wasabi, Australian garlic and lovely handcrafted condiments also dot the rows. Simply put, it’s superb produce that has Georgie’s Harvest sitting squarely on the foodie map, with fiercely loyal customers to prove it.

Stall 50, Coventry Street 

Hagen’s Organic Butcher

Hagen’s Organic Butcher is an organic and biodynamic haven nestled within South Melbourne Market. As Hagen’s fourth and most iconic store, it completely redefines the butcher shop experience.

Discover a unique setting where customers are encouraged to engage directly with the butchers – wander over to the standing fridges and strike up a conversation, gaining insights, techniques, and cooking tips straight from the experts. Renowned for their marinated ribs and irresistible BBQ offerings, we also suggest you keep an eye out for their premium Wagyu cuts, available on select days. 

Food Hall

Gewürzhaus Herb and Spice Merchants

This compact shop certainly packs a punch as a mini-wonderland of herbs, spices, teas and condiments. They stock hundreds of products sourced from around the world that will turn everyday dishes into show-stopping meals. We love their specialty spice blends that make flavourful cooking and baking a breeze, with a spice for everything, from seafood masala and Louisiana Cajun to apple pie speculoos cookies.

Food Hall

The Fresh Pasta Shop

Want to enjoy the silky luxury of fresh pasta without the hours of effort? We can’t blame you. Stop by The Fresh Pasta Shop and pick up ready-to-cook, homemade pasta that leaves the supermarket packet stuff in the dust. They make all your favourites, from tortellini and cannelloni to gnocchi and linguini, plus sauces, lasagna, arancini and gluten-free varieties to keep everyone happy. Molto delizioso!

Deli aisle

Emerald Hill Deli

A trip to the market wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Emerald Hill Deli’s famous walk-in cheese room. Melbourne’s real-life Narnia for cheese lovers, you’ll find everything from truffle brie to Scamorza smoked Mozzarella within their seemingly endless selection.

Quality meats, bread, pasta and take-home meals are always in abundance, and its mighty range of Australian and imported gourmet goodies means you’ll find something new to take home every visit. Regardless of whether you’re after a mid-morning pastry or a wheel of French fromage, Emerald Hill Deli has you covered.

Stall 32

Little Wine Shop

For a delightful drop to go with dinner, visit the Little Wine Shop for all your vinous needs. Stocking a diverse range of Australian and imported wines, beers and spirits, their experienced and passionate staff are on hand to help you find the perfect pairing. Who knows – you may discover a new favourite!

Stall 65

Best South Melbourne Market Stalls: Home & Gifts

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Azalea Flowers

Spruce up your home or make someone’s day with fresh blooms from Azalea, where each arrangement blossoms with creativity and personality. Florist Michael Pavlou and his team specialise in Australian natives, sourcing the season’s most stunning flowers each day to work into floral bouquets. From long-lasting weekly bunches to gorgeous bespoke creations, they’re masters of hue, shape and foliage.

Coventry Street

WOW Vinyl & Memorabilia 

Explore WOW Vinyl and Memorabilia at South Melbourne Market, your destination for quality original and remastered LPs alongside a curated collection of music memorabilia amassed over 40 years. Dive into a treasure trove of European imports, each LP meticulously selected for its quality and authenticity. From rare finds to timeless classics, every record tells a story waiting to be rediscovered. It’s a go-to shop for music lovers and unique gift-seekers alike. 

Aisle G

Suki McMaster

Australian designer Suki McMaster’s homewares and prints will add a colourful dash of joy to any room. Kitchenware, cushions, wall art and stationery all feature cute and colourful illustrations depicting native animals, flora and local landmarks (think Melbourne trams and Luna Park). Her products are a godsend for when you’re stuck for gift ideas!

Aisle B

The SuperCool

The SuperCool is a one-stop shop for consciously sourced, fun and eye-catching homewares and gifts for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your home, studio, car or office, they’ve got products you’ll love to display. Spy linens, artwork, planters, toys, books, accessories, kitchenware and bucket loads more at their artfully arranged stall. Have a little one to buy for? The collection of newborn, toddler and children’s clothing and footwear is some of the best we’ve seen.

SO:ME Space

South Melbourne Market: Fashion

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Freckly Ollie

This Australian children’s wear label has a huge following, and their South Melbourne Market stall is the perfect place to feel their quality fabrics up close before investing. Each piece is designed and handcrafted in their Melbourne studio using eco-friendly linens, vintage cottons and surplus wools. Featuring soft, minimalist prints and colours, they’re made to give little ones comfort and freedom to play, while looking super cute at the same time. 

Aisle B

Luna & Soul

If you’re in the market for some new activewear, swing by Luna & Soul for stylish and ethically made pieces you’ll want to wear everywhere. Using sustainable natural fibres coloured with toxin-free plant dyes, their tops, bottoms and jumpsuits are made to be kind to both your skin and the earth. Made for busy days and quiet moments, their designs are comfortable and casual enough to go straight from the yoga studio to the cafe for a spot of work.

Centre aisle

Is the South Melbourne Market a favourite of yours, and you can’t get enough of a good weekend market? Here’s a bunch more to visit, from bountiful farmers’ markets to treasure-filled vintage havens. Prefer to shop from the comfort of your couch? We’ve rounded up the most gorgeous online furniture stores to explore, so you can refresh your space without leaving home.