5 Tampa Bay Food Markets You Have to Visit on Saturday Mornings
- Giselle Prince
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
It is an occurrence as old as time, now relegated to the weekend in order to accommodate those working folks who are only able to partake at the end of a long work week.
For many, the weekly ritual of strolling through a bustling market filled with local vendors selling goods and products, while having a direct interface with not just vendors but other patrons and consumers has become more valued than ever.
One of the things that makes the Tampa Bay area unique is it is a large metropolis that still feels like a small town. Market's here still have that rural feel where everyone is a neighbor, and you can buy everything you would find in a country market out West as well as some exotic items from the Caribbean while enjoying a latte or a strong cup of Joe. It's the best of both worlds.
SATURDAY MORNING MARKET
via: Saturday Morning Market Instagram
Where: 1st St. & 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg
Time: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With over 170 vendors Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg has become hands down the largest farmers market in the region. Patrons faithfully return each and every Saturday for produce picked from the market's farm as well as an innumerable selection of prepared foods. Make your selections of arts and crafts, flora and fauna while tapping your toes to the sound of live music. There is plenty of room for you to congregate and strike up a conversation with a new friend.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
via: Whole Foods Market Tampa Instgram
Where: 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa,
Contact: 813-874-9435
It's your one stop shop for all your organic needs. Stop by their self-serve buffet for a bite before or after shopping. Pick your choice of everything from soups and salads to choice meats and cold cuts. Quench your thirst with your pick of some of the finest selection of on tap draft beers. Customers can't stop raving about the fresh taste and quality of the foods.
MAZZARO’S MARKET
via: Mazzoros Market
Where: 2909 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL
Contact: 727-321-2400
It's as if you've died and gone to Italian deli heaven. That's why food lovers can't stop raving about Mazzaro's Market. There is so much to choose including delicious pastries and breads from their gourmet bakery to your choice of fresh or frozen prepared foods with everything from, soppressata, macaroni pie, yummy ravioli, and rice balls. Did we mention that all pastas are handmade? Visit their butcher, wine and cheese room with fresh made mozzarella. Enjoy a large helping of creamy gelato or stop by their coffee bar for a rich warm cup of joe. It's not difficult to see why customers from near and far a make their way to this culinary respite each week.
MURPHY'S MARKET
via: Murphy's Market Instagram
Where: 3483 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL
Contact: (352) 686-8900
This old-world style family-owned market is reminiscent of all the personal attention of yesteryear. For customers who still want that intimate corner deli vibe when shopping for fresh produce and premium cold cuts, then this is the place for you. Sausages are made fresh daily in their butcher shop, and they are also known for their large selection of Italian cheeses pepperonis and raviolis. Stock up on home-style fresh pressed peanut or cashew butter made right in front of you. Best of all, if you can't find what you are looking for, you can also special order almost anything from one of their friendly staff representatives.
NATURE'S FOOD PATCH MARKET & CAFE
via: Nature's Food Patch Market Instagram
Where: 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater, FL
Contact: 727-443-6703
This popular community health food store & café committed to offering a broad array of fresh, organic and natural products. Customers rave about their personal care section is stocked full of many supplements, homeopathic remedies, protein products in addition to the classics like dental, skin, hair, baby products. Their cafe boasts a not only makes delicious sandwiches, but they also have a wide selection of fish and chicken available to heat and eat. Don't forget to try their salads and soups made from scratch just like you Grandmother used to make it.