Brisbane's top 10 food and fresh produce markets 2015

Brisbane residents have always loved their produce markets. Our first (in Market Street in the CBD) was erected in 1867. Today there are dozens and judging by the crowds of basket-wielding shoppers, our supermarkets must be quiet places of a Saturday and Sunday morning. From our newer to more established markets, here's a rundown on the city's best.

Red Hill Markets

Stalls line a gentle slope past old trees leading down to Ithaca Creek and a footbridge. The organisers say that 95 per cent of the produce is straight from the farm. Pick up grass-fed beef from Mt Samson Paddock to Plate, who breed and butcher their own cattle, or some ruby-hued Noosa Reds tomatoes. There's also in-season Stanthorpe apples, Italian and Spanish deli goods, plenty of vegetables, coffee and hot and cold snacks.

The lowdown: Laid-back but upmarket vibe.

Saturday 6am-noon, 98 Fulcher Road, Red Hill, redhillmarkets.com.au

Woodridge Station Markets

Technically it's in Logan rather than Brisbane, but we're happy to claim this great market as one of our own. Loads of fresh produce, often "homegrown" or from nearby smallholdings. You'll find unusual vegetables and herbs and exotic south-east Asian fruit, all very well priced. There's also a section serving global street food breakfasts with dishes from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The lowdown: Global market for food lovers and cooks.

Sunday 6am-2pm, Woodridge Station, Croydon Road, Woodridge, visitlogan.com.au

Love Your Local Markets

Skewed more to instant gratification than grocery shopping, there's a bar and a children's entertainment area at this evening market, as well as plenty of food stalls to snack your way through. Pick up a pie from the almost legendary Goat Pie Guy, or some sticky ribs and chicken wings from That BBQ Joint. Or take home some deli goods and DIY. There are also visiting food trucks.

The lowdown: Friday night park party.

First and third Friday of the month, 4pm-8.30pm, Morningside Panthers, Hawthorne Park, Bulimba, loveyourlocalmarkets.com.au

Brisbane MarketPlace Saturday Fresh Market

Most of us know them simply as the Rocklea markets. If it's been a while between visits, it's time to get out there again. There are more than 200 stalls, with a strong concentration of fresh produce due to the proximity of the wholesale markets.There are also plants, bread, fish and meat as well as a food court. Prices are very competitive, especially just before closing time.

The lowdown: Bargain hunters bring your trolleys.

Saturday 6am-noon, 252 Sherwood Road, Rocklea, $3 per vehicle or $1 per person (children under 15 years, accompanied by an adult are free), brisbanemarketplace.com.au

Jan Power's Farmers Markets

Jan Power's Farmers Markets are all a mix of fresh produce and manufactured goods, with a more artisanal focus than some of Brisbane's other markets. There are beautiful breads and French cheese, smoked fish and in-season fruit and veg. The Wednesday markets offer a refrigerated drop-off service for city workers, so you can pop back after work for your shopping rather than trying to squeeze it into the office fridge.

The lowdown: Perfect for dinner-party supplies.

Powerhouse markets at New Farm every Saturday 6am-noon; City markets in Reddacliff Place every Wednesday 10am-6pm; Check here for Mitchelton and Manly dates: janpowersfarmersmarkets.com.au

Eagle Farm Markets

If you took all of Brisbane's food markets and mashed them into one, Eagle Farm would be the result. There are about 100 stalls, both outdoors and inside with a spread of everything from upmarket deli lines, to fresh fruit and vegies, meat, fish, eggs, honey and more. There are also a heap of food stalls selling snacks from banh mi to gozleme, perfect for Sunday morning grazing.

The lowdown: A great all-rounder and heaps of on-site parking.

Sunday 7am-12.30pm, Eagle Farm Raceway, 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot ($2 entry fee), eaglefarmmarkets.com.au

Northey Street Organic Markets

Still Brisbane's only organic market, Northey Street has a relaxed, hippie-ish and family-friendly feel.You'll need to skip the sleep-in, it all begins winding down just before 11am. As the name suggests, everything is organic, including the meat, and there's a concentration of stalls with an ethical and healthy focus. Wander through the on-site permaculture farm and buy bunches of freshly picked herbs.

The lowdown: Don't expect cheap, but ideal for people who care about the provenance of their food.

Sunday 6am-11am, corner Northey and Victoria streets, Windsor, nscf.org.au

Davies Park Markets

Perfect for those of us who like a bit of a Saturday morning lie-in, these tree-lined markets wind down to the Brisbane river, and are open until the convivial hour of 2pm. There's live music and fresh food from culturally diverse stalls, such as Greek and Hungarian. Many market-goers grab a coffee or hot chai and breakfast, and sit on the bank under the trees, before browsing the stalls of fresh in-season produce, meat and artisan deli items.

The lowdown: Family- and dog-friendly

Saturday 6am-2pm, Montague Road, West End, daviesparkmarket.com.au

Kelvin Grove Village Markets

Easily navigable, these markets are not the biggest in the city but they offer just about everything in fresh organic produce, to seeds, nuts, olives and deli specialities. There's a global feel, with food stalls offering food from Peru and Eritrea. Plus plenty of straight-from-the farm fruit and vegetables, a coffee stall, baked goods and more.

The lowdown: A real locals' regular with plenty of on-street parking in the village.

Saturday, 6am-1pm, Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove

Carseldine Market

Carseldine Market opened mid-year and is already proving highly popular with northsiders. It's quite spread out, with butchers, baristas and bakers, as well as fishmongers, fresh herbs, juice bars and greengrocers. There's also brunch fare such as crepes or rosti, baked goods and handmade chocolates.

The lowdown: Family- and dog-friendly (you can even get your pet washed while shopping).

Saturday 6am-noon, Old Carseldine QUT Campus, 532 Beams Road (corner Beams and Dorville roads), carseldinemarkets.com.au