You’ve heard of it, most likely visited it, and it’s probably where you get your fancy cheese from. We Adelaideans all know how amazing it is – but now it’s received another accolade, being named Australia’s favourite food experience in the 2025 Delicious 100 Awards.
Can you guess where?
Most of us can visualise it by day with an overwhelmingly tempting display of homemade pasta, gourmet delights, colourful stalls of fresh fruit and veg, fresh fish from South Australian seas, European-style bakeries, international flavours, and speciality ingredients. It’s an Adelaide institution.
Yep, it’s the world-renowned Adelaide Central Market – one of the largest and oldest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, operating since 1869.
But have you been on a Friday night?
It’s the lively buzz on a Friday that thousands of Delicious readers voted as their favourite Australian food experience.
These Friday nights are, according to Valerie Henbest from stall 44’s Smelly Cheese Co. “a party-like atmosphere, where people are relaxed and conversational.”
“People come at the end of a busy week to enjoy a glass of wine, a bite to eat and listen to some great live music.”
Valerie and Smelly Cheese Co. have been a Market staple for 25 years, and she says the Delicious 100 announcement shows that the Adelaide Market is still as vibrant as ever.
“As a community of stallholders, we love Friday evenings as people are excited to try and taste new things and have the weekend ahead to entertain, cook and indulge.”
“It’s always been a fabulous place for families, where children can learn where produce comes from and discover various cultures through food. And a mecca for interstate and international visitors.”
She goes on to say, “Friday nights are particularly enjoyable for vendors and patrons alike. The acknowledgement from Delicious magazine’s national voters reinforces how magical the Adelaide Central Market is to all who wander through the stalls.”
With live music kicking off at 6 pm on Fridays, market-goers get good vibes to accompany the incredible food. Local musicians like Ollie English, Brian Ruiz, and Laura Hill have all entertained locals, visitors, and stallholders while they meet friends, shop, and explore.
The Delicious 100 expanded has expanded its criteria over the past couple of years from just high-end restaurants to bakeries, cafés, distilleries, and takeaway shops.
South Australia has seen multiple experiences make the list, including regional businesses Dandelion Vineyard’s Wonder Room, Maranaga School, Ondeen, Silver Sands Beach Club, Thelma, The Farm Eatery, and Elementary by Soul Co. in Mount Gambier, among others.
When it comes to fine produce, we’ve really got it in spades here in South Australia, and the place where you can experience the best has always been and always will be… the Adelaide Central Market.
It’s no surprise it holds a special place in the hearts of South Australians and why so many view it as a must-see when visiting our city.
So, whether you’re a laksa lover, falafel fan or paella pro, get amongst it at the Adelaide Central Market on a Friday night (open late until 9 pm).
Adelaide Central Markets
WHEN: Friday nights, with live music kicking off at 6 pm.
WHERE: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
MORE INFO: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/
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