Edinburgh, a city with spectacular hills and stunning architecture, is a haven for food lovers. The city’s bustling, vibrant local markets are an absolute delight for those of you who appreciate artisanal food. Teeming with local produce, these markets not only offer a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes and ingredients, but also allow you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich gastronomic tradition. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey across some of the best local markets in Edinburgh for artisanal food.
The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Situated on Castle Terrace, with a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle, lies the city’s famous Farmers’ Market. As one of the most diverse markets in Scotland, it provides a platform for local farmers and artisan food producers to showcase their fresh, high-quality products.
The market, held every Saturday, hosts over 30 regular stallholders offering a plethora of items ranging from organic vegetables, rare breed meats, and freshly caught seafood, to artisanal bread, delectable cheeses, and locally brewed spirits. There’s a real sense of community here, with vendors passionately sharing stories behind their creations.
Among the outstanding vendors is Peelham Farm, renowned for their high-quality organic meats and charcuterie, and the Thistly Cross Cider, known for their hand-pressed, fermented fruit ciders. The market, with its feast of flavours and friendly atmosphere, is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts looking for the freshest local produce.
The Stockbridge Market
Located in the heart of the city, the Stockbridge Market is a treasure trove of artisanal food. Open every Sunday, this market is a hotspot for authentic Scottish cuisine and international gourmet food.
With an impressive blend of vendors offering a variety of food products, the market is a gastronomic delight. From the melt-in-your-mouth smoked salmon from Dunkeld Smoked Salmon, to the crumbly, creamy cheddar from the Isle of Arran Cheese Shop, every stall represents a unique culinary journey. Come here to pick up the perfect ingredients for a homemade meal or to savor the mouthwatering ready-to-eat dishes from around the world.
The Leith Market
Leith Market, nestled in the vibrant waterfront district of the city, is a wonderful exploration of local Scottish produce. This Saturday market has a relaxed, bohemian vibe and is filled with a selection of quality fresh foods and artisanal products.
Get a taste of the finest Scottish cheese from the Lanark Blue cheese stand or sample the exquisite smoked venison from the Great Glen Charcuterie. The market also hosts a monthly vegan quarter, a haven for plant-based food lovers, featuring a variety of vegan-friendly food stalls.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, the market offers an array of irresistible treats. Try the heavenly chocolates from Coco Chocolatier or the delectably fluffy vegan doughnuts from Considerit Chocolate.
The Grassmarket Market
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket Market is a vibrant community market that takes place every Saturday. The market is a delightful blend of artisan food vendors, thrift stalls, and local arts and crafts.
The food section of the market is impressively diverse, featuring everything from fresh farm produce to gourmet food stalls. The stand-out stands include the EverythingCHILLI stall, known for their spicy, tongue-tingling products, and the Caurnie Soaperie, famous for their organic, hand-made soaps made from edible oils and herbs.
The Grassmarket Market is not just a food market, but a social gathering spot. With live music, friendly stallholders and a lively atmosphere, it is a great place to spend a leisurely Saturday, sampling some of Edinburgh’s finest artisanal foods.
The Morningside Farmers’ Market
The Morningside Farmers’ Market, held on the first Saturday of every month, is a favourite among locals. This quaint market, situated in one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods, offers a wide variety of local and organic produce.
From the succulent meats from Puddledub Pork, to the fresh, seasonal vegetables from East Coast Organics, every stall promises high-quality produce. There’s also a delightful range of artisanal treats to discover — the mouthwatering homemade pies from Jarvis Pickle and the flavourful, locally made honey from the Honey Cottage are just a few examples.
The Morningside Farmers’ Market, with its warm, community-centric vibe and diverse food offerings, encapsulates the spirit of Edinburgh’s love for fresh, local, and artisanal food.
The Portobello Market
Located by the sea, the Portobello Market offers a tranquil setting to leisurely explore a fantastic selection of artisanal food. Held on the first Saturday of every month, the market is a delightful mix of local produce and handcrafted goodies.
For those with a penchant for seafood, the market boasts a delightful selection of fresh catches from Amity Fish Company. The company prides itself on using sustainable fishing methods, ensuring that you get the freshest and most responsibly sourced products. The market also caters to those who enjoy a bit of spice in their life, with The Spice Witch offering a variety of homemade chutneys, relishes, and spice mixes that pack a punch of flavor.
Quench your thirst with the crisp, refreshing apple juices from Thistly Cross Apple Juice, a local favourite. And don’t miss the mouth-watering baked goods from The Wee Boulangerie – their freshly baked sourdough bread and croissants are out of this world.
The Portobello Market, with its serene atmosphere and remarkable selection of artisanal food, is a true delight for food lovers.
The Waverley Market
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Waverley Market takes place every Friday and is a paradise for those seeking the best of Scotland’s artisanal food.
The market is home to a broad range of vendors, each offering something unique. From the fresh, organic vegetables from East Coast Organics, to the homemade jams and chutneys from Berry Good, there is something for everyone. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by the Chocolate Tree for their handcrafted chocolates and heavenly hot chocolate.
The market also hosts artisanal food producers from around the world. Sample the deliciously authentic Greek olive oil from Olive Branch, or taste the exotic spices of the Middle East with Sam’s Spice Box.
The Waverley Market, with its central location and diverse offerings, is a foodie’s dream come true.
Edinburgh’s local markets provide a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that’s a joy to explore. Each market has its own distinct character, featuring a variety of local and artisanal foods. From the diverse selection at the Farmers’ Market, to the unique offerings at the Portobello and Waverley Markets, there’s something for everyone.
These markets not only offer fresh, high-quality products but also provide a platform for local farmers and food producers to showcase their passion and dedication. There’s a real sense of community at these markets, as vendors share stories of their craft, and customers learn more about where their food comes from.
So, whether you’re a local food enthusiast, a curious tourist, or just someone who appreciates good food, Edinburgh’s local markets are a must-visit. They promise a gastronomic adventure that is both delightful and rewarding. So go ahead, explore these markets, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary tradition. Enjoy the feast of flavours that Edinburgh has to offer!
