As Slow Food people, we love buying our food directly from the person who grew, reared, or baked it. We’re very fortunate that Edinburgh has a vibrant farmers market scene that offers direct access to Scotland’s natural larder.
Of course, no single market is the same – thank goodness. So before setting out, it’s worth considering which one can deliver what you’re looking for. Are you in search of local organic vegetables? Maybe you crave street food prepared using local ingredients? Or perhaps it’s just a vibe you desire, to sip coffee surrounded by the lively Edinburgh food community. This guide is made for you!
As part of the global Slow Food movement, we apply three guiding principles to food: Good (delicious and seasonal); Clean (produced without harming the environment or animal welfare); and Fair (accessible prices for consumers and fair pay for producers). So that, in large part, is how we make our assessment.
1. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market (Castle Terrace)
- When: Every Saturday, 9am – 2pm
- The Vibe: Deeply local and producer-focused. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Castle, this is a serious shopping market rather than a tourist trap. You’re likely to find local chefs stocking up for the week, and keen home cooks filling their bags with fresh ingredients. One of our Slow Food members, chef Neil Forbes, runs a stall there.
The Slow Food Assessment:
- Good: Exceptionally high. This is the place to find specialised heritage ingredients, from wild venison and organic Scottish lamb to rare-breed pork and fresh coastal catches.
- Clean: Strong focus on small-scale, regenerative agriculture. Many stalls are certified organic or biodynamic, meaning the soil and biodiversity are cared for.
- Fair: Because you are buying directly from primary producers (the actual farmers), the supply chain is transparent. It supports rural Scottish economies directly, though prices tend to reflect the premium quality of the farming methods.
2. Stockbridge Market (Saunders Street)
- When: Every Sunday, 10am – 4pm
- The Vibe: High-energy, social, and a bit touristy. Stockbridge on a Sunday is often heaving! It leans heavily into street food, crafts, and lifestyle stalls. Young families in particular love it.
The Slow Food Assessment:
- Good: Outstanding for artisan cheeses, small-batch preserves, and local ferments (like kombucha and kimchi). The street food is delicious, though less focused on raw ingredients for home cooking.
- Clean: Excellent for low-impact, small-batch producers, including baked goods made with organic flours.
- Fair: Great platform for independent city businesses. However, because it includes hot food and lifestyle traders, the density of primary ‘field-to-fork’ farmers is lower than Castle Terrace.
3. Leith Market (Dock Place)
- When: Every Saturday, 10am – 4pm
- The Vibe: Bohemian, community-driven, and proudly independent. Located down by the Shore, Leith Market feels like a true neighbourhood hub. It’s relaxed, dog-friendly, and attracts a younger, creative crowd of locals rather than tourists.
The Slow Food Assessment:
- Good and Clean: Baked bread, fresh vegetables, organic meat, fresh fish – locally baked, grown and raised – can be found here, alongside craft goods, coffee and hot food. It’s a great place to see how the next generation is reimagining the city’s food system with sustainability at the core.
- Fair: Very accessible. On the first Saturday of every month, they host a dedicated ‘Vegan Market’ partnership, expanding choices for plant-based diets. It provides an affordable platform for Leith’s independent food entrepreneurs to connect directly with their community.
4. Grassmarket Market
- When: Every Saturday, 10am – 5pm
- The Vibe: Energetic and highly touristy. Located in the historic heart of the Old Town, this market is heavily geared toward visitors, featuring local crafts, souvenirs, and international street food.
The Slow Food Assessment:
- Good, Clean and Fair: While it’s a fun, lively spot to enjoy a break from sightseeing, it’s doesn’t necessarily provide what most Slow Food people are looking for. You won’t find mud-covered root veg or local butchers here, meaning it scores lower on the ‘local food chain’ scale for home cooks. But it’s still a fun celebration of independent Edinburgh trading.
Come and say hi!
These markets are where our Slow Food community meet up to talk food, share recipes, and support the producers keeping sustainable farming alive in Scotland. So why not get in contact, introduce yourself to the friendly Slow Food crowd, and let’s meet at a market for a chat with the makers!