Queen Victoria Market

Between Queen & Elizabeth St, Melbourne

Vic Market is the Queen of Melbourne markets, being the biggest, oldest (I think?) and still managing to remain among the cheapest. There's a huge variety of produce, including plenty of exotics, the meat section is reliably good quality at reasonable prices, and the deli rocks. Plus, who can resist an 8am bratwurst and strong latte when you finish a good morning's marketing?

Preston Market

Between St George's Rd & High St, Preston

Okay, so I love the diversity of this market - you can hear every language and see every national dress here on a Saturday morning - but I don't find the produce or deli shopping as reliable as the Vic. The butchers and fishmongers, on the other hand, are serving up some of the freshest meat at the best prices in Melbourne. Plus, you can find a huge range of grains, spices, nuts and dried fruit traditional to North Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Sadly, I have yet to find a quick brekky or lunch worth eating at the end of my marketing.