London is Europe’s best city for food markets

New research from the travel analysts at Radical Storage can reveal the best food markets in Europe, according to over 300,000 Google reviews, and almost 1,100 establishments to determine which markets have the nicest food and offer the best value for money.

Food markets and dining halls have been a staple of European culture for centuries. While vendors have been selling delicacies on the streets since the days of Ancient Greece, the ornate covered markets and grand food halls we know today are a 19th-century phenomenon.

These culinary institutions, from London’s Borough Market to Amsterdam’s Cuyp Market, have become sources of municipal pride, as well as a cultural melting pot where international cuisines from the cities’ immigrant communities take centre stage. They are also a vital part of Europe’s food and drinks industry, which turned over €1.1 trillion in 2023.

To work out which European city has the best food markets, the research analysed all cities that have at least five food markets — variety is the spice of life, after all! We then created a simple index which takes into account the average Google Reviews rating of all markets within the city, and the number of markets in total.

With a combined score of 8.36, London takes the crown as Europe’s best food market city. With 33 markets and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the British capital stands above all others.

It’s no secret that London is a world-renowned food destination, with the city’s distinct international culture playing host to cuisine from across the UK and all over the world. Its food and market halls are also essential visits in their own right, from trendy upscale Camden to the city’s oldest space — Borough Market.

Locals and tourists alike love London’s food markets, giving them an average rating of 4.5 stars. Two hidden gem markets help it stand above the rest. Islington’s Junction Market and Southwark’s Tabard Street Market — both rated at 4.7 stars, embody London’s independent street food scene.

London markets dominate British street food scene

With the UK’s capital standing above the rest as Europe’s best street food city, it should come as no surprise that its markets dominate the list of the highest-rated markets in Britain. Styled as ‘London’s Newest Street Food Hall’, The Junction Market is just a stone’s throw away from Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, and is popular with football fans and Islington residents alike.

With a rating of 4.6, London’s Borough Market is arguably the most famous institution on this list, and it has become an essential destination when visiting the capital.

With 70 different food vendors under the arches, our research defines it as the UK’s best street food market – its 4.6 star Google rating is a sign that fans the world over love its market stalls. Many of its vendors have been selling on the site for generations, from Nana Fanny’s Salt Beef to Richard Haward’s Oysters.

Glasgow’s Dockyard Social fits the trend of modern gentrified food halls, yet it has become highly popular with locals and shares its 4.6 rating with the longer-standing markets of London and Liverpool.

The cheapest food markets in Europe

Five UK markets also feature among the 10 cheapest in Europe. It would seem that Glasgow’s Dockyard Social offers high value for money, with its 4.6-star rating making it one of the UK’s best. A meal there will cost an average of just €14.03.

Featured Photo by Lucas Davies on Unsplash.