You might be forgiven for thinking the number-one tourist attraction in South Australia would be the vineyards of the Barossa, or wild Kangaroo Island. But each year, it’s the Adelaide Central Market that attracts the crowds, luring more than nine million hungry visitors annually. It was even recognised recently as the third best food market in the world.

Locals would be the first to tell you they aren’t all that surprised. My dad’s favourite treat was a pork pie from the Corner Deli; my sister’s a cheesecake from the old Polish stall. My mum worked at one of the fruit stalls as a teenager, which she still frequents during her weekly shop. It’s woven into the fabric of the city – and it’s about to get even better.

The Central Market is undergoing one of the most drastic expansions of its 157-year history, adding 53 stalls to what is already one of the largest covered food markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Here’s what to expect from the update of Adelaide Central Market.

Credit: Adelaide Central Market

What is happening to the Adelaide Central Market?

During the $600-million project, the size of the Central Market will essentially double, thanks to a two-part extension – Market Square and Market Expansion. The Market Expansion will expand the existing, ground-floor footprint of the market, out towards Victoria Square. Market Square will encompass a mixed-use residential, hotel and retail precinct, including a 40-storey tower.

The project was announced in 2019, with works starting in 2022, and an expected completion date later this year. The original market will remain largely untouched. It’s projected that the expansion will welcome at least a million extra visitors per year.

Credit: Adelaide Central Market

What is going into the Market Square development?

Market Square is the epicentre of the new Adelaide Central Market, with accomodation, retail and offices in a new, purpose-built precinct and tower.

The site will be the home of Australia’s first Treehouse Hotel , with SH Hotels & Resorts opening a 248-room hotel, complete with restaurant, bar and a street-level cafe.

The Atrium will be a soaring, glass-roofed expansion of the market floor, with all-new stallholders and shops, with extra seating available under its vaulted roof as well as across a new 3000-square-metre rooftop terrace that promises views out over the city.

Related story: This food market was just ranked as the best in Australia (and third best in the world)

What stalls are coming to the Adelaide Central Market?

The market team has just announced more of the 50-plus new stallholders, who will take up residence later this year.

They include an urban taproom from Findon-based brewer Shapeshifter Brewing Co, a cafe from the market’s speciality coffee roasters Grind Roast Masters, and a Colombian stall offering ready-to-eat arepas and empanadas.

They join some big-name South Australian brands such as Never Never Distilling Co from McLaren Vale, plus the cult Banana Boogie Bakery.

Credit: Adelaide Central Market

The full list of new traders announced so far is as follows:

• Banana Boogie Bakery, a South Australian bakery that has racked up national accolades for everything from best vanilla slice and sausage roll to best bakery.
• Caffe Fontana, from the team behind specialty coffee and tea retailer Grind Roast Masters Central Market.
• Crepe Bar, which will be tossing French crepes to order, alongside house-made lemonade.
• Frantic Whisk, with biscuits and stroopwafels (Dutch waffle biscuits) from the Adelaide Hills-born bakery.
• Freestone Farm, bringing an urban farm gate from its Riverland property, offering pantry goods, fresh produce and wine.
• Geranium Shop, with colourful homewares and gifts.
• Hummus Hustle, with the Lebanese hummus bar from James Place bringing its house-made hummus and build-your-own bowls.
• Juan’s Torta Cantina, a Mexican cantina and sandwich shop that has won over Bowden with its tortas.
• Local Kitchen Co., with the home-style ready-made meals that have seen it expand to five other locations.
• Madam Seafood, an affordable fishmonger with a try-before-you-buy policy.
• Matcha K, which will import top-grade Japanese matcha, along with desserts made in house.
• Never Never Distilling Co, with a city-side bar and shop for the acclaimed McLaren Vale distillery.
• O’Sushi O’Bento, which moves into the Central Market after a 15-year stint in the adjoining Chinatown.
• Poderos, a South American grocer that took part in the Market’s popular Producer In Residence pop-ups, and returns with their arepas and empanadas.
• Red Cacao, an artisan chocolatier hailing from the Adelaide Hills.
• Rohde Egg Co., delivering fresh, free-range eggs from a family-owned Clare Valley farm.
• Shapeshifter Brewing Co, a craft beer brewer from western Adelaide.
• Sushi Train, a longstanding market favourite.
• The Honey Shoppe, with a new stall for a Central Market longtimer.
• Yuku Do, a Japanese-styled cafe trading in matcha, sandos and onigiri. 

What is the Adelaide Central Market expansion opening?

Market Square and the Market Expansion are both due to open in late 2026.

Is the Central Market still open during construction?

Never fear, shoppers, the Central Market is trading as usual right throughout the project, open from Tuesday to Saturday every week during the day (as well as the popular Friday night trading). The entries on Grote and Gouger streets are still open.

To learn more and follow the market’s progress, visit adelaidecentralmarket.com.au