Gloriously sunny skies, gourmet treats and the company of good friends… it’s an unbeatable combo, and the perfect reason to ditch the old restaurant routine, and try one of Pretoria’s many excellent food markets. Here’s our go-to guide.

Banting Real Food Market

Open: Every first Saturday of the month, 9am to 1pm

Grab a big straw hat and a picnic blanket for this market, which takes place once a month in Pretoria’s national botanical gardens. Although this market caters primarily for banting fans and specialises in wheat-free, sugar-free and low-carb products, there’s also an amazing range of fresh produce – and some live music to boot.

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Cowhouse Market

Open: Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 4pm

This market, located in Hazeldean Valley near Silverlakes, is as charming as the name suggests. There’s a variety of tasty treats, including ice cream, vetkoek and jalapeño poppers. Kids love the outdoor setting and pony rides, while adults have a chance to kick back with an ice-cold beer. This is a pet-friendly market, which means fur-kids are welcome too.

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Deep Roots Night Market

Open: Every first Friday of the month from 4pm

End your week on a celebratory note at the monthly Deep Roots Night Market. While a live music line-up sets the scene for a festive atmosphere, you’ll want to arrive with an empty stomach to make the most of the amazing selection of culinary delights on offer: from craft beer to milkshakes and churros to pitas. This is another pet-friendly market, and the perfect backdrop to relax with friends and family.

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Hazel Food Market

Open: Saturdays from 8am to 2pm

Without a doubt, this is one of Pretoria’s most popular food markets. You’ll want to get to there early before some of the more popular food items sell out. The astounding array of food items on offer includes traditional Dutch croquettes, Balkan burgers, crêpes and freshly made cheese and meat products. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the occasional night market.

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Irene Village Market

Open: The first and last Saturdays of the month, from 8am to 1.30pm

The Big Red Barn is a popular venue among the capital city’s mountain bikers and trail runners, and twice a month it hosts the Irene Village Market. While the original concept was an arts and crafts fair, market-goers will also find an array of delectable treats. For something more exotic, be sure to try the lamb pita. Bring along your four-pawed family members, as this is a pet-friendly market.

Market @ the Sheds

Open: Every last Saturday of the month, from 11am to 8pm

This vibey inner city market is a platform where some of the region’s finest musicians, artists, designers and other entrepreneurs showcase their goods. Entrance is R50 before 2pm and R100 thereafter, and there’s plenty of secure parking on Sisulu Street. In addition to the creative goodies on offer, market-goers can enjoy gourmet nibbles and yummy drinks like craft beer and fine wine.

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Market @ The Sheds. Photo by Eben Liebenberg.

Pretoria Boeremark

Open: Saturdays 5.30am to 9.30am

Experiencing this authentic farmer’s market means waking up at the crack of dawn, but anyone who’s ever been to the Boeremark will assure you it’s totally worth it. This market focuses on fresh locally grown produce and traditional farm-style fare. The doors open at 5.30am and although you have until 9.30am to peruse the stalls, the early bird catches the yummiest treats – in this case melkkos, crackling and vetkoek.

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Vegan Food Fair

Open: The second Sunday of every month, from 9am to 1pm

Pizza, burgers and milkshakes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of vegan food, but those are precisely the types of delicious treats you’ll find at the vegan food fair. Also on offer are heirloom veggies, baked goods, jewelry and a special stall for kiddies. Don’t miss the yoga and meditation at 9am.

Waenhuiskrans Plaas Mark

Open: Saturdays 8am to 1pm

Ever get sick of the city? The Waenhuiskrans Plaas Mark is just the place to shake off the stress of the daily grind and get a dose of fresh air and farm-style treats. Grab a cup of boeretroos (coffee) and a jaffle at this relative newcomer on the capital city’s market scene. Besides loads of yummy eats and fresh produce for stocking up your pantry, there’s a play area where kids can run around, as well as farm animals and live music.

Have we missed your favourite foodie market in Pretoria? Let us know in the comments below.