Preston Market

Preston Market feels much more like an everyday local market. It has that lively, slightly chaotic “real market” vibe, with vendors calling out to promote their produce. Prices here are noticeably cheaper than Queen Victoria Market, asparagus was only $1 a bunch, probably because it is peak season. For tourists, this may not be the place if you are expecting oyster bars or the more polished setup that QVM has. But it is still worth a visit if you enjoy exploring authentic local markets. There are plenty of stalls offering diverse cuisines, fresh produce, baked goods and deli items. It gives a nice glimpse into the daily food culture of the neighbourhood.

Decently sized market, has a lot of different shops and food stalls, mostly focused on Mediterranean. A little old in some parts but has its charm.

I love, love, love, getting up early and heading to Preston market before it gets busy. It’s wonderful, watching the Christmas decorations,. Not everything is open at 6 AM, but I can visit my favorite fruit vendor. Prices cannot be beaten by anyone else in the area. Additionally, it’s wonderful to support a very local economy. Such a special place. Also, if you’re vegan, check out the wide selection of borek at Tammy‘s. Incredible

This very busy cafe is located in the deli section at Preston Market. On offer is a lovely range of sweet and savory treats. Coffee always excellent, service quick. Highly recommend this place. 👍👍👍 Another excellent place located in the Centreway at the market is the flower shop. Beautiful fresh blooms always at good prices. Highly recommend this place too. 👍👍👍

I recommend visiting it. All of its natural product stores are incredible. It is very well laid out. You will love so many products and its warm, wonderful atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this market square, which is right next to the train station.

Great stores. Fresh food and always great prices. Preston market is brilliants and needs support. Its that good my cousin travels all the way from hamilton once amonth to do his shop for fresh fish.chicken.beef.pork and more. Highly recommend it to anyone.

Great market. Great atmosphere. Many interesting shops with character. Much better than the new shiny strip malls (Northland, westacre etc) where you have to walk half a mile just to buy a loaf of bread. Parking is a bit hard to find on market days.

Freshest organic food and very reasonable prices. Make sure to obey the car park rules and get there early. This place is so important to local community and everyone should be against greedy developers.

Its excellent if you want fresh vegetables and fresh meat or fish. There is a some take away food options but its not overly amazing.

I love this place, it's been around since my first year of school and all through my childhood, now when I go back I eat a nostalgic jam donut and take some friends. Dinner in the halls and even some wondering. I know 5 stars is a lot. But how often can you time travel and take a literal walk through your child hood.

Preston market comes to life on Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. The busiest of these days is Saturday where you will have to pull out your best 'Asian driver' move to score a parking. You snooze you lose at Preston market carpark. seriously. On these market days, parking is free for the first 2-3 hours. If you visit on other days you have to pay metered parking, and yes they do check. On non market days, the Asian store, Taco truck, some of the cafes, bakeries and discount store on site are still open. So will some of the random clothes, kitchenware and trinket stores However it's when the market days are on that this market truly comes alive. Seafood and meat section is located towards the middle of the market. Nearby, beautiful fresh and cheap flowers are abundant and it's hard to go home without one of these pretty bunches. There's a lot of fresh fruit and veg stalls and you will eve find some of the more tropical types towards the Asian grocer areas. You MUST not miss the fresh pasta in the deli section where there is also homemade pasta sauces. My other favourite stop is the Tip Top bakery stall where you can buy your usual bread, crumpets, breadcrumbs, raisin toast etc for a fraction of what they charge you at the supermarket, do not miss these ladies, they always put a smile on your face. Come hungry, you will want to snack on some pizza slices, vietnamese street food, pho, or if you are sweet tooth like me, get the ricotta canoli and Greek donuts drizzled with honey. Finally. You will want to get yourself those hot jam donuts and wine ( spot the wine barrel!). If you really have to, there is an Aldi on site and Woolies across the road.

Preston Market ain't a fuckin' tourist attraction like it's cousin in the city, it's a fuckin' market where real people buy real groceries for their real lives in the real inner-northern suburbs. No, it isn't big on decorum (what genuine markets are) and no, you won't get a lot of service with an Ivanho smile; what you do get though is the real fuckin' deal. Like any suburban market, Preston has the trappings of cheap clothing and pretty crappy hawker food. Where it is superior is in the meat department. This is the place for pork in Melbourne. Mostly due to the big Vietnamese population in Preston, pork related goods here move faster and therefore are fresher and the butchers really know how to cut them. The butcher we frequent is happy to de-bone and give advice about cook times and general preparation. The Asian grocers here are awesome too, and there's a super place for socks. There's a baker on the way in and though the delis maybe don't stack up against a few others around town, there are still some bargains to be found. There's a piano in the centre of this place, where these cute old men will play on Saturday arvos if you're lucky. I love this place, and I love it's people.

Preston Market is a unique experience. Not only will you get good value fresh produce, but you will also get a dose of authentic multicultural Melbourne. It's my favourite market in Melbourne, I love the atmosphere. Getting there is no drama as it coincides with Preston Train Station and there is lots of parking, although at peak times it doesn't feel like it. Located just off High Street it is handy to Preston's shopping precinct and restaurants. The market itself is easy to navigate as it is divided by food genre. Butchers, poultry and fishmongers , greengrocers, delicatessen and bakery sections. Then they have a clothing and gifts area. The central aisle is home to seating, more shops and many many quick eat options. Cafes and variety stores are dispersed throughout the market too, just to mix things up a little. The produce is priced lower then their equivalent at Melbourne's other markets, this reflects the atmosphere. Preston Market is a lot more 'gritty' then Queen Vic, South Melbourne or Prahran. Preston Market is no show pony, it's a real market for real people. The range of produce and eateries reflects the multicultural nature of the market. Asian groceries are opposite Greek cafes, Latin music is played as you chomp on sushi. Vietnamese Noodles are slurped near Polish deli's. It is the mix of multicultural vendors that attract an even more diverse clientele. This is the market to visit for a range of Asian, European or Middle eastern produce or to hear at least ten languages spoken, and that's on a quiet day!

While I haven't had all that much experience with farmers markets (with the exception of the Adelaide Central Markets), I must admit that I was delighted when I pulled into a carpark on my first week in Melbourne and discovered it. It is pretty much what you would expect from your typical markets, though it isn't that large (but large enough). Ignoring the Aldi attached to it, there is a section full of fruit and veg stalls, another section full of meat stalls, and a pretty large food hall as well. However what is really cool about this place are the maze of little stalls that run off from the main throughfares. Okay, I won't necessarily say that you will find everything here (I still haven't found a second-hand book stall), however there are quite a lot of things to keep you entertained for quite a while. The best part is that not only is it cheap, but the fruit and veg stalls stock more than just what you would expect from your standard supermarket. Mind you, most of the stalls accept cash only, so make sure you have some if you are looking to buy anything.

It's good to have an old piece of art. I like how it's still here. But it doesn't have the basic needs, such as Coles, Aldo etc. It only has stores opened up by non-famous people. Why not have at least one major shop? And plus, they have a tall building, why not add a second level?

I have no doubt in saying Preston Market is Melbourne's premiere market for food. Sure it isn't pretty, and is not laid out terribly well. It is certainly necessary to have a good browse around the market before you commit to buy anything, in case there is a better stall at the other end of the complex. But for pure variety and price it is top of the list. Preston Market feels a lot more like an Asian market than Queen Vic and South Melbourne markets. It just has that special smell and slightly dirty look. The fresh produce is also not always super fresh either. But if you know where to look you can find all sorts of quality. I also like the fact that the fish and meat section of the market is separated by glass walls, keeping in the smell that permeates the area. My only real criticism is the fact that it isn't open on Sundays. What is up with that?

Don't go to Preston Markets expecting charm, decorum or any to derive any kind of aesthetic pleasure from your surroundings. You'll leave disappointed. Do go to Preston Markets if you need to do a jolly good food shop at bargainous prices; have very sharp elbows and fancy a day out somewhere a little rough around the edges but nigh on perfect in the eyes of foodies. Granted, Preston Market isn't as pretty or atmospheric as central Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market or the South Melbourne Market but it's still better - and miles cheaper - than shopping at your local big brand supermarket. Boasting over 130 shops - comprising 12 greengrocers, 7 delis, 6 fish shops, 6 poultry shops, 12 butchers and 2 supermarkets - Preston Market is a bit of a gem and a hugely busy and successful one at that. Founded in 1970, Preston Market has the air of an old East London farmers market but is also the place to go if you're after niche Asian or Middle Eastern ingredients for a fraction of supermarket prices. There's even a rather good goslem store and a Turkish food shop selling some pretty exceptional Turkish Delight and things like spices and legumes in bulk. A true Melbourne gem.

I'm not entirely sure what's happening here. Is this a flea market? Fresh food market? General identity confused market offering a bit of everything. I think so. There's a lot on offer here. Squished into the space is fruit, veges, European infused deli plus the usual meat/fish/poultry. With a smoothering of food stalls from around the world. Two things had me confused. As a regular market goer around town I couldn't understand the lack of ATMs. Most of the stores didn't accept cards and cash is king. One ATM line had around 20 people waiting. Secondly the price of meat/fish/poultry was near identical across all the stores. A hint of insider collusion floated around. I find it hard to believe that every store uses the identical supplier, hence identical prices. Maybe it's true? Maybe it was just the deli vendors that I went to but 2/3 were rude and borderline spiteful. Only buying for one I didn't need a slab of pate` or half a kilo of salami. Yes I did notice how after the first few centimetres you curved the knife to double what I had actually asked for. No I don't think asking for 100gs of salami is cause for death stares. All in all cost wise I wasn't impressed across the meat-fruit/vege-flower selections. Not compared to other Melbourne markets, which I frequent regularly.

Great range of shops and fresh fruit and veg. I especially love that there is an organic grocer and a re-wine where you can take back your wine bottles to refill cheap. The deli section gets me super excited to overdose on cheese too! My only fault is trying to find a park on Saturday morning. An issue which I think is exasperated by their ridiculous opening hours. For people who work full time, Sat morning is basically your only option. Many a Sunday have I yearned to head down and ended up cursing 'damn you Preston market! Why won't you open on a Sunday?!?'

Preston Market has everything that one could possibly want in a market: It is a real "markets market" and isnt about glamour, tourism or being too oversanitized. It is simply a place where everyday people can go and buy good quality food and average clothes. The market is undercover and contains a "food court" type area selling every type of food you could possibly want in a hurry. There is an excellent meat section with very nicely priced fish and seafood as well as red meat. The fruit and vegetables sold are high quality and it is possible to do a whole weeks worth of shopping in the market alone without having to set foot in a supermarket. The atmosphere is as a market should be - with the old men standing around chatting and the greengrocers shouting at everybody about how good their produce is and the aroma of the doughnut van wafting through the air. There is a nice amount of hussle and bustle and its a throwback to an era before this fast paced era of convenience which we live in now! I highly recommend a visit to this market - even if you arent going to buy anything!

Preston market for me is one of the best markets l have ever seen it has fresh produce from all the foods ,and everything is at low price .ln our lovely market you can shop from clothes ,house products,garden accessories ,etc .There is lovely entertainment for the whole family and you can sit and enjoy your coffee and have a lovely lunch .

Preston Markets has all the qualities of a great market. It's good value and they have a huge variety of goods from fresh fruit and veges to meat to cheap homewares. Plus it's all undercover. I have only recently journeyed to this market, (despite hearing for years about how good it is) but will be making weekly trips back to do the grocery shopping.

There's been some changes to Preston Market and I'm liking it! Beyond your usual meat, deli, vege sections (which are all still good) there is now an Artist Market, PAM Lane. They offer homewares, handbags, gluten free stuff Etc Etc Etc. There are heaps more cafe and food options since I last visited - marinated lamb stall (smelt great) paella, crepes and a new cafe or two. There's also the addition of the Fresh Hood Market next door which is opened later than the usual market (and on Sunday's). It's definitely worth checking out if you haven't been there in a while :)

Preston Market beats the hell out of any other market in Melbourne. Whether you are after fruit, vegies, meats, fish, flowers, don't go past Preston Market. Everything is always fresh and cheap. It smells like a market, and service is what you'd expect in a market (pretty low). It gets very busy over the weekends, and I'm sure half the people driving around the carpark shouldn't have a licence, so be prepared to hurl abuse out your window.

Yes, the food is fresh, cheap and you can get it large qualities. Fruit, veggies, meat and more - much given the label 'Continental' by the overhead signage (go on, count them!). The market bleeds out into the carpark - here you'll find donut vans and street performers every now and again, along with the sounds of cooking demos echoing from inside. Here, like many markets, it's the people and situations you find that are better than what you come to shop for. The meetings of people, the overheard conversations, the frantic rate at which the fruit sellers shout prices in an attempt to get you to buy. If you've got a morning free, grab a coffee in one of several shops within and simply sit and listen to the madness that surrounds. Then get stuck in to finding yourself some Continental treats.

Yes Preston market is a bit of a kerfuffle, rife with plenty of overcrowding and madness, and that mixed market element to it. But so what, Queen Vic market is a little bit like that; lots of stores selling flea market and crappy toys, and it's an eclectic mic of everything. Maybe not as well planned as some of the others, but it's all there. For fruit and veg, the total area is smaller than queen Vic or South Melbourne, but the meat section is far larger. It isn't as genteel as the others, and will test your patience, but cut away from the crowds, confusion and mayhem and it's on track. But it will definitely test your prowess of concentration.

All your needs can be met at this market. If you need 100 toilet rolls they have it, fresh fruit and veg of course they sell it, if you need delicious sweet jam filled doughnuts they provide it. Good atmosphere and its only a few minutes away from public transport.

The meat & fish area is enclosed in glass walls. Unfortunately it is really noisy as they have these giant extractor fans that removes all smells from this area. Why are other markets without these noisy fans? It is really hopeless if you want to communicate with sellers or other people. How do the elderly cope with this burden? It also needs more acceptance of credit & debit cards without any minimum spend rules or any surcharges. I have not seen any surcharges so at least that is good news.

Yesterdaymy husband and I just quickly dropped by to buy a couple of things missing from our fridge. We would never expect something violent would happen to me. When we finished our 1 minute shopping and were on our way squeezed out, from no where, an old man punched me so bad in my back. He accused me of hitting his elbow. The strength of him was just so huge that I couldn't even stand on my feet. So many shoppers around confronted him for me and asked us to ring police. Somebody fetched security for us. That man was full of lies. He accused me for causing bruise of his elbow which was apparently old injury of his. He also said he only gently pad on my back which was lie again. When the security was looking for some witnesses after talking to us, the shoppers who saw what happened were all gone. I am currently at a delicate situation which I cant speak up in public at this moment, but I told the security staff and said I might need to rush to hospital for a check up. If anything goes wrong, we do need to get police to find him. It was a horrible experience. He helped us to get his details on his driver's licence. I had never encountered anyone this violent in the past. I am still feeling frightened. I will not shop at Preston Market again, as I can't foresee what would happen there, which is rather sad.