Best food markets in Sydney

Food markets have mushroomed all over Sydney springing up everywhere from Parramatta to Peakhurst, Gladesville to Glenorie, Chatswood to Central Park. Here is our insider's guide on what to look out for at a few of the city's flourishing markets.

Eveleigh Farmers' Market

When: Saturdays, 8am-1pm

Where: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh.

Resident expert: Eveleigh Markets manager Sam Byrne.

What to fill your nanna trolley with: "Before I start shopping, I order a Croquet Madame for breakfast from Bird Cow Fish. I then go to Zavaglia's Gourmet Produce for raspberries, which is my baby daughter Evelyn's favourite thing to eat. If I'm feeling naughty, I get a triple chocolate brownie from Felix at Fare Gourmet, which are especially delicious. If I'm feeling virtuous, I grab a gluten-free kale and quinoa muffin from Cherie at Kitchen Green. I also stock up on Kurrawong Organics, which has fantastic chemical-free produce."

Local favourites: Charismatic barista Cesar pulls the crowds at Colombian Connection Coffee, while those craving a pork bun with chilli sauce from Kylie Kwong know to get in quick, as it's the most attended stall in the market. Farmer Greg from Linga Longa Farm looks the part with his dust-caked boots and Akubra and he loves to yack about his passion for pasture-certified meat. Procure a bottle of award-winning Robust olive oil from ALTO and honey from The Urban Beehive.

Hot tip for newbies: This is a doggie-friendly market. Check the canine code on the website.

Vibe: The once bedraggled blue-collar Eveleigh Rail Yards has been spiffed up and the market has a huge following thanks to an influx of inner-urbanites to the area.

Foodies' Street Markets, Peakhurst

When: Last Friday of every month, 3-9pm

Where: 825 Forest Road, Cnr of Isaac Street, Peakhurst

Resident expert: Creative director Krissy Chakos.

What to fill your nanna trolley with: "I would first pay a visit to Oakville Farm Fresh Harvest to pick up seasonal vegies. They have everything from Dutch carrots to black Russian kale. I love the fat raspberries and white figs from Berry Camilleri and they grow the most amazing mini watermelons. The Waroo Lamb stall sells hormone- and chemical-free lamb and does an unbelievable roast lamb and gravy roll. Cacaoette makes organic artisanal chocolates and my favourites are her passionfruit mallows and Cognac coffee truffles, which go nicely with a piccolo from Where's Marcel?.

Local favourites: Cream Fork makes guilt-free treats such as rocky road doughnuts and Nutella-stuffed cookies. At Taste of Europe, choose between goulash in a bread cob or langos, a Hungarian version of a flatbread with organic toppings. Ella's Wisdom is the spot for paleo vegan treats such as tiramisu made fromf coconut, dates and zucchini.

Hot tip for newbies: There is a man cave set up for Friday Night Football complete with beanbags and a Blackhorse Brewhouse stall selling local hand-crafted ales.

Vibe: With its multicultural crowds, trees festooned with fairy lights, and squeals of happy children, this night market has a festival feel.

Riverside Market, Gladesville

When: Saturday 8am-1pm

Where: Riverside Girls High School, Huntley's Point Road, corner of Victoria Road.

Resident expert: Market director Elizabeth Taylor.

What to fill your nanna trolley with: "First stop is to Mrs Bee, to stock up on honey and preserves. Next to Ahla W'Sahla, which has the best hummus and vine leaves in Sydney. I would get my sourdough bread from Brasserie Bread, cheese and apple condiments from Hillview Fine Foods and then on to K & Z Farm Produce to stock up on fruit and vegetables. I also love the sausages at Wootten Valley Meat and am always tempted by Hillview's bacon and egg rolls."

Local favourites: Pick up Peyton Blu Seafood's prized prawns, barramundi, salmon and mussels, and wholefood treats from Innocent Pleasures, which are baked using seasonal fruit such as apples, quinces and mandarins.

Hot tip for newbies: This is a great family market with lots of onsite parking, pony rides and a jumping castle.

Vibe: Fresh and folksy with a mix of young families, recent retirees and hungry soccer players cantering in and out of the space from the oval across the road.

The Sydney Morning Herald's Growers' Market, Pyrmont*

When: First Saturday of every month, 7am-11am

Where: Pyrmont Bay Park, Pirrama Road.

Resident expert: Growers' market creative director Myffy Rigby.

What to fill your nanna trolley with: "If I could, I would fill my nanna trolley to the top with marshmallows from Sweetness the Patisserie. I'm obsessed with them. If I had any room on top of the marshmallows, I'd squeeze in some Trunkey Bacon & Pork, some Pepe Saya butter and Formaggi Ocello cheese. I'd also pick up some sourdough from the Bread and Butter Project, where the team do amazing work to help secure sustainable employment for refugees."

Local favourites: Mandatory stop-offs include a bracing brew at Toby's Estate; the Chop Shop Carnivorium for some pork and truffle sausages; Pukara Estate for some olive oil, a few rolls with holes from Brooklyn Boy Bagels and farm-fresh organic vegies from Field to Feast.

Hot tip for newbies: Take a market tour with Tawnya Bahr.

Vibe: Cheerful stallholders, farmers' market nerds and inquisitive tourists all contribute to the market, now in its 16th year.

More food markets near you

Sydney Sustainable Markets
@ Taylor Square, Darlinghurst
WHEN: Saturdays, 8am-1pm

Ramsgate Organic Foodies Market
@ Ramsgate Public School, cnr Chuter Avenue and Hawthorne Street, Ramsgate Beach
WHEN: Saturdays, 8am-2pm

Bondi Farmers' Markets
@ Bondi Beach Public School, Campbell Parade, Bondi
WHEN: Sundays from 9am-1pm

Concord Farmers' Market
@ Cintra Park Car Park near Concord High School
9am-1pm, first and third Sunday of each month

Kings Cross Organic Food Markets
@ Fitzroy Gardens, Macleay Street, Potts Point
WHEN: Saturdays, 8am-2pm

Marrickville Market
@ Addison Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
WHEN: Sundays, 8am-3pm

Orange Grove Markets
@ Orange Grove Public School, cnr Perry Street and Balmain Road, Lilyfield
WHEN: Saturdays, 8am-1pm

EQ Village markets
@ The Entertainment Quarter, Lang Road, Moore Park
WHEN: Wed & Sat 9am-2pm

Paddy's Market
@ Market City, Hay Street and Thomas Street, Haymarket
WHEN: 9am-5pm, Wed-Sun

Newtown Community Market
@ Newtown Square (opposite station), 1 Bedford Street, Newtown,
WHEN: Saturdays, 10am-4pm

The Rocks Foodie Market,
@ Jack Mundey Place, The Rocks
WHEN: 9am-3pm, every Friday

Sydney Markets
@ 250-318 Parramatta Road, Homebush
WHEN: Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 6am-2pm, Sun 9am-4.30pm

* The Sydney Morning Herald is the publisher of Good Food