It’s no secret that Melbourne is home to some incredible markets, although South Melbourne Market is number one when it comes to size, history and cultural mix. This Melbourne market is the soul of South Melbourne and it also draws Melbourne residences from the other side of the Yarra.
If you have never been to South Melbourne Market, or have been meaning to get back to buy goodies for a special event or even just for tonight’s dinner ingredients, you are in luck. We have put together a complete guide to visiting the market so you can explore some of the finest Melbourne market stalls and how to get there.
South Melbourne Market deli’s
Deli goods are probably one of the biggest drawcards to choosing a Melbourne market over a supermarket. You do not get the same range and cultural influence at a supermarket, and there is no opportunity to talk to the stall vendors about the products. We have asked many silly questions over the years (what’s the difference between sopressa and hot salami?) and always walked away more informed with ideas and inspiration for a recipe. There is also the convenience and luxury of getting a kilo bag of coffee beans while you pick up cheese, olives and other antipasto items at the same spot in the market.
The word delicatessen is a German word, translating to “to eat” which is derived from the French word “delicious things”. There are plenty of delicious things to eat at the Melbourne Market and you will find a great cultural mix. You will find Spanish delis (La Central at Stall 45), Polish delis (My Polish Deli at Stall 37), Greek delis (Emerald Deli at Stall 23), Turkish delis and many other international influences/
- Theo’s Deli (Stall 16)
- Vangeli’s Deli (Stall 7)
- The Fresh Pasta Shop (Stall 22)
- My Polish Deli (Stall 37)
- Pickadeli (Stall S4)
There are also great stalls that offer everyday items like coffee, tea, oils, spices and even bread. The beauty of the South Melbourne Market is that the stalls are mostly mixed in with one another, so you can find deli goods throughout your visit. Many of these markets delis have websites of their own to order items or organise custom goods.
Picture of the deli goods at Emerald Deli.
Picture of the cheese cabinet at Pickadeli.
Bakeries and cake shops in South Melbourne
Melbourne markets are always a melting pot of cultures and food, and the South Melbourne shops might just be the most diverse. There are many South Melbourne bakery options to be found in the sheds, whether you are looking for a fresh loaf of bread, a festive cake, small cakes and biscuits, and those hot savoury baked goods.
Depending on the time you get to the South Melbourne Markets, you are going to find baked goods that utilise seasonal fresh produce and have a heavy cultural influence. There have been many times we have ventured to different South Melbourne shops in search of some croissants and bread, only to leave with cannoli, baklava and some Turkish sweets that are well worth the line to get them. Keeping an open mind will allow you to taste some of the most incredible bakeries and cake shops.
We have found our favourite stalls over the years by trying the ones that had a big crowd around them, and asking what they recommend. Picking up a cake, biscuits, cupcakes, cannoli, bagels and other baked goods can make attending a picnic or a party so easy if you don’t have to make it yourself and want to arrive with something more impressive than what is available at Coles or Woolworth’s.
- Agathé Pâtisserie (Stall 63)
- Cannoleria (Stall
- Cobb Lane Bakery (Stall 42)
- Flour Pattisserie (Stall 110)
- Joy Cupcakes pop-up (Stall 45A)
Picture of pastries from Cobb Lane Bakery at South Melbourne Market
Fresh produce and local farmers
If you are looking for a market experience where you can meet your local farmers and support local, this may not be the market for you. While there is fresh produce and some local farmers it is more than a farmer’s market! You can expect to find all kinds of goods at this market so familiarise yourself with the stall holders before you attend so you can identify which local farmers you wish to visit.
Flowers in South Melbourne Market
Visiting a flower market is one of the best ways to access the freshest and most affordable flower ranges, and you are likely to leave with a broader selection. Wedding florists and event planners are often some of the first customers of the day. There are also some beautiful indoor plants and terrariums if you are looking for gifts or some greenery around the house. The reputation of these flower stalls even has some locals referring to the market as the South Melbourne flower market.
With the rise of freeze-dried flowers, you can also find flowers various South Melbourne shops that exclusively sell these popular bouquets. There are even some South Melbourne florists that offer flower delivery in South Melbourne – so you can bring the magic of this market to your friends and family.
Keep an eye out for these flowers at the market:
- Azalea Flowers (Stall 49)
- Emerald Hill Nursery and Florist (Stall 182)
- PJ’s Plants (Stall 158)
- Terrarium Laboratory (Stall 67)
- Zikiri Flowers (Stall 120B)
Our favourite flower shop at the Melbourne Market has to be Azalea Flowers as they have stunning native bunches that are very well-priced. You can easily walk away with a gorgeous bouquet for under $10. If you are looking for something really specific, jump on their Instagram so you can see what kind of South Melbourne flowers are in bloom.
Picture of Azalea Flowers at South Melbourne Markets
The history of the 1867 market
Like many institutions in Melbourne, the market has a rich history that dates back to 1867. As the oldest market in Melbourne, it was brought to fruition by the people when the public sent a petition to the government at the time requesting a market. This community-led origin has continued through the decades and has spanned 10 acres of land with the stall variety and quality growing over time.
The sheds were first erected in 1866 and stood firm until the 1980s when a fire and two bombs eventually rendered the original structure unsuitable. The 1867 South Melbourne Market received electricity in 1924 and gradual enhancements brought the market to the efficient precinct that it is today. Even the roof has been remodelled to capture rainwater, generate electricity from solar power, and keep the temperature comfortable inside South Melbourne Market year-round.
The market has created a legacy for supporting local makers and eating local fresh produce. The 1867 South Melbourne market has also pledged that it will never offer inauthentic Indigenous art, caged eggs and animal fur that has been sourced unethically.
Picture of South Melbourne Markets in 1889
Picture of the South Melbourne Markets in 1920s
Is South Melb Market open today?
The South Melbourne shops have straightforward opening hours, and you can head there every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am. The cafes and restaurants that are located in and around South Melbourne Market will have their own opening hours so if you are heading out for a coffee in South Melbourne, be sure to check the opening times of the outlets on the market website on the Instagram’s of the outlets themselves.
You should also note that there are always different pop-up stalls that will rent a space for a limited time. Following South Melbourne Market on Instagram is a great way to see new arrivals and pop-ups that might have something you love and when these pop-ups leave the South Melbourne Market.
How to get to South Melbourne Market?
The South Melbourne Market can be accessed by tram, car, bike or bus. The South Melbourne Market is on the corner of Coventry Street and Cecil Street. The South Melbourne Market website has detailed instructions on how to get to South Melbourne Market so check it out! You can also find information on the PT website.
If you plan on driving to the market, there are places to park but they can go quickly and you might need to drive further out to get one. The York Stree car park is very close and you can enjoy two hours of free parking at South Melbourne Market – but there are only 75 parks.
If there are no more York Street car parks at South Melbourne Market, there is also rooftop South Melbourne Market parking that can be accessed on Coventry Street. This is not free but it is very convenient and you can use the lift to head straight down to the market. This is a great option if you are picking up lots of market goods or are collecting a large volume of flowers at South Melbourne Market.
Which is your favourite stall at the South Melbourne Market? You can follow our Melbourne food exploits on the blog, or see what we are up to on the Around Melbourne Instagram.
