V&A Food Market Cape Town
A vibrant, multi-level food market in Cape Town offering global street food, fresh oysters, and live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
V&A Food Market Cape Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, multi-level food market in Cape Town offering global street food, fresh oysters, and live music.
"Stimulate your culinary senses with a world of flavors at this bustling food market."
🎯 Explore Both Levels
Don't miss out! Wander through both the ground floor and upstairs for the full spectrum of delicious options.
🤝 Share to Sample More
Go with a friend and share dishes to experience a wider variety of flavors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Global Street Food Delights
Indulge in a world of flavors, from authentic Korean and Greek to fresh sushi and Italian pastries. A true culinary adventure awaits.
Freshly Shucked Oysters
Savor the taste of the ocean with oysters shucked right before your eyes. A must-try for seafood lovers.
Vibrant Live Music
Enjoy the lively atmosphere enhanced by live music, creating a perfect backdrop for your dining experience.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the V&A Food Market
Budgeting for Your Culinary Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-try food options at the V&A Waterfront Food Market?
🎯 Explore Both Levels
Don't miss out! Wander through both the ground floor and upstairs for the full spectrum of delicious options.
🤝 Share to Sample More
Go with a friend and share dishes to experience a wider variety of flavors.
V&A Time Out Market
Food recs near V&A
🧐 Scope Out Popular Stalls
Look for stalls with queues; they often indicate the best and freshest offerings.
💰 Check Prices Before Ordering
Some dishes can be pricey, so it's wise to check menus before committing.
If anyone ever visits Cape Town, I can strongly recommend visiting these guys at the V&A Food Market. Huge selection of tea and associated paraphernalia. The owner is actually a Japanese tea master
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Both Levels
Don't miss out! Wander through both the ground floor and upstairs for the full spectrum of delicious options.
🤝 Share to Sample More
Go with a friend and share dishes to experience a wider variety of flavors.
🧐 Scope Out Popular Stalls
Look for stalls with queues; they often indicate the best and freshest offerings.
💰 Check Prices Before Ordering
Some dishes can be pricey, so it's wise to check menus before committing.
☕ O'Ways Tea Cafe Nearby
For tea enthusiasts, check out the owner's tea cafe, O'Ways, for a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the V&A Food Market's incredible variety of global cuisines and vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by live music. While some find it a bit pricey and commercialized, most agree it's a must-visit for a culinary adventure, especially when exploring both levels and sharing dishes.
"This place will surely stimulate your culinary senses. It is a market full with foods from around the world. From fresh Sushi to Italian bakes. Take your time to explore both upstairs and down before trying a few dishes. Go with a buddy and share the experience or have some alone time with a live band to entertain you as you dine."
Rodney Govender
"I really enjoyed myself at this food market theres a wide range of food to choose from , I went to a fish and chips shop and I have never tasted a fish so good and we also went to a pizza stop but honestly the pizza was too salty and we couldn’t finish it but the food market is a great experience you need to check this place out , the music outside is a total vibe"
Zamokuhle Gina
"About twenty small shops serving all types of food like a good court. There is an upstairs area with plenty of seating. Make sure you try the oysters that are freshly shucked right in front of you. Some of the places are hit and miss so make sure to see the ones where there are a lot of people. There is an ATM machine upstairs with the restrooms."
Yen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The V&A Food Market is located within the V&A Waterfront. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. It's also accessible via the MyCiTi bus service. Many visitors find it convenient to walk if they are staying within the Waterfront area.
Yes, there are several parking garages within the V&A Waterfront complex. Some offer free parking for a limited time, while others are paid. Check the V&A Waterfront website for the most current parking information.
While it's a bit of a walk (around 30-40 minutes), it's possible to walk from the Cape Town city center to the V&A Waterfront. Alternatively, you can take a MyCiTi bus or a taxi for a quicker journey.
Yes, the MyCiTi bus service has routes that stop at the V&A Waterfront, making it easily accessible by public transport.
If you're staying within the V&A Waterfront, walking is the most convenient option. Otherwise, a short taxi or ride-share will get you there quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the V&A Food Market is free. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase from the vendors.
The V&A Food Market typically operates daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially for specific vendor hours.
There is no admission fee to enter the V&A Food Market. It's a public space where you can browse and purchase food.
The V&A Food Market operates on a first-come, first-served basis for seating. There are ample seating areas, especially upstairs, but booking specific tables is generally not an option.
The market often hosts live music and can be quite lively, especially on weekends. Some Reddit users mention specific markets happening on Wednesday nights and weekends.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Redditors highly recommend the Korean and Greek options, as well as Seven Colours Eatery. Freshly shucked oysters are also a popular choice.
Yes, with a wide variety of international cuisines, you'll find numerous vegetarian and vegan options available across different stalls. It's best to inquire directly with vendors.
The market boasts a diverse range of international street food, including sushi, Italian bakes, Korean dishes, Greek specialties, and more, offering a true global culinary experience.
With so many different vendors, even picky eaters should be able to find something they enjoy. The variety ensures there's something for almost every palate.
You can get both! Many stalls offer substantial meals like ramen or full fish and chips, while others provide smaller snacks and treats.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere by photographing the colorful food displays, the bustling crowds, and the live musicians. The architecture of the market itself also offers interesting shots.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the food and the general market scene. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their staff.
The market has a mix of natural light from large windows and artificial lighting. It can get a bit dim in certain areas, so consider using your phone's night mode or a camera with good low-light performance.
Look out for the oyster shucking stations, the diverse food presentations, and the lively interactions between vendors and customers for unique photo opportunities.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer a good balance of activity and softer lighting. Weekends are more visually dynamic due to crowds and music.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for stalls with visually appealing food and consider options like pizza, pasta, or simpler international dishes. The market is generally spacious, making it manageable with strollers, and there are seating areas available. It's a great place for a casual, fun meal where everyone can find something they love.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for stalls offering more affordable options like pastries, smaller snacks, or dishes from cuisines known for value. Walking around and comparing prices before buying is essential. Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays when crowds are thinner, potentially leading to a more relaxed and less rushed decision-making process.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The V&A Food Market Experience
Many visitors highlight the vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, which adds a festive soundtrack to your dining. The quality and presentation of both the food and the kiosks reflect a competitive spirit among vendors, ensuring a high standard. While some Redditors have expressed concerns about the market being a 'tourist trap' and prices being high, others find it to be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience, especially when sharing dishes to sample more.
Key takeaways for visitors include taking your time to explore both upstairs and downstairs, looking for popular stalls, and considering sharing dishes to maximize your tasting experience. The market also features amenities like ATMs and restrooms, making it a convenient stop for a meal or a snack.
Navigating Vendor Variety and Value
However, the market has also faced criticism regarding its pricing and vendor selection. Some Reddit users feel that the market has become overly commercialized, with 'little guys' being replaced by satellite stalls of established restaurants, leading to higher prices. For instance, a bowl of ramen has been noted at R250. This has led some to prefer the 'old' food market.
Despite these concerns, many visitors still find value in the experience, especially if they approach it with the right expectations. Recommendations include trying specific stalls like Seven Colours Eatery, or enjoying the Korean and Greek options. The advice to walk around and sample before committing, or to share dishes, can help manage costs and ensure you try the best offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit