Adelaide Central Market

Like every major Australian city, Adelaide has a good selection of cafes and restaurants. In fact, locals will argue that given their size, the city punches above its weight in terms of great places to eat (and accolades for their best eateries). I can certainly remember one glorious meal, at the Bridgewater Mill, in 1998, that rivals anything I ever experienced elsewhere in Australia.

That said, Adelaide has one ace up its sleeve in terms of food – the charming and historic Adelaide Central Market. The oldest part of the current complex was built in 1900, but, the market’s roots stretch back to January 1869. The large, covered and comfortably spaced central area has stalls with everything from fresh produce (a lot of it organic and regional), seafood, cold meats, cheeses, through to cakes, coffee and speciality shops (including several Asian stores). My parents go there to buy their cold meats and Yerba Maté and I always make a pilgrimage to the Smelly Cheese shop, which has the best selection of European cheeses I have ever seen in Australia.

Unlike markets in most other cities, Adelaide Central Market is, as the name implies, centrally located – a short walk from the business district and near the heart of the city. The market has ample parking as well as being serviced by the excellent Adelaide Tram system (free within the centre of the city, with a $2 park and ride option from the edges of the city).

“Get out of the Supermarket whenever you can.” Michael Pollan, Food Rules

While nowhere in Adelaide ever feels crowded, the Market always has a vibrancy and buzz. Partly that is because local office and retail workers rely on it as a cafe and eating destination. Also, Central Market is popular with families and given the issues Australia is now facing with obesity (Obesity is now more deadly than smoking), it is reassuring to see young kids shopping with their parents among the fresh, regional and seasonal produce!