A Local's Guide to South Melbourne Market

This Inner City market is one of Melbourne’s best places to spend a morning. The sprawling indoor pavilion is chock-a-block with gourmet providores, delicious eateries, vintage stores and local makers worth browsing. Everywhere you turn there’s another stall vying for your attention (and your pocket!), so to help you navigate the South Melbourne Market like a pro, we’ve rounded up a list of our must-visit spots to eat and shop.

Mama Tran Dumpling

Is there anyone you’d trust to make delicious dumplings more than mama? One of Melbourne’s hidden gems, Mama Tran Dumpling is the epitome of no-frills, authentic 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.

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.

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. 

Padre Coffee

Before hustling your way through the market, charge your batteries with a 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.

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 rolls and verdant salads for lunch. Wash it all down with housemade sodas, Toby’s Estate coffee and Mörk hot chocolate.

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 wheel of French Fromage, Emerald Hill Deli has you covered.

Gewürzhaus Herb and Spice Merchants

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

The Little Wine Shop

For a 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.

The Fresh Pasta Shop

Want to enjoy the silky luxury of fresh pasta without the hours of effort? Stop by the Fresh Pasta Shop and pick up ready-to-cook, homemade pasta that leaves the 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 deliciozo!

Azalea Flowers

Spruce up your home with 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 with. From long lasting weekly bunches to gorgeous bespoke creations, they’re masters of hue, shape and foliage.

Suki McMaster

Australian designer Suki McMaster’s homewares will add a 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.

The SuperCool

The SuperCool is a one stop shop for consciously sourced, fun and eye-catching homewares. 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 “see-through” stall. 

Koenji Vintage

Koenji stocks a delightfully eclectic range of retro fashion and handcrafted accessories. Taking cues from the quirky street style trends of Tokyo, you’ll find funky dresses, jumpsuits, 80s blouses, vintage kimonos and more. If you’re into vibrant colours, loud prints and one-of-a-kind pieces that’ll attract attention, this shop is for you.

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. 

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, their designs are comfortable and casual enough to go straight from the yoga studio to the café.

Is the South Melbourne Market a fave of yours and can't get enough of a good weekend market? Here are 10 more to visit, from bountiful farmer’s markets to treasure-filled vintage markets. If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your couch, check out these gorgeous online furniture stores, plant nurseries and fashion destinations.