I go to farmers markets most weekends. Not all of them, obviously — Melbourne has over thirty — but I’ve built up strong opinions about which ones are worth the trip and which are just car park markets selling supermarket-grade produce at premium prices.

Here are my eight favourites, in no particular order, with specific recommendations for each.

1. Queen Victoria Market — Farmer’s Shed

Not the main Queen Vic Market (which is a whole separate conversation), but the dedicated Farmer’s Shed section that operates on specific days. This is where actual farmers sell directly.

What to buy: The stone fruit from Goulburn Valley growers in summer is exceptional. Also the mushrooms from a farm in Kyneton that sells varieties you’ll never see in Woolies — maitake, lion’s mane, pioppini.

When: Check the QVM schedule — Farmer’s Shed operates specific hours within the broader market days.

2. Collingwood Children’s Farm Market

This one has a feeling that no other market matches. Set in the grounds of the children’s farm beside the Yarra, with goats and chickens wandering about while you shop. It’s a scene.

What to buy: The bread stalls are the star here. There’s a baker from Daylesford who does a seeded rye that I’d drive an hour for. Also excellent eggs from genuine free-range operations.

When: Second Saturday of each month.

3. CERES Organic Market

In Brunswick East, this market is focused on organic and biodynamic produce. The vibe is earthy, the produce is excellent, and the food stalls make it worth lingering.

What to buy: Organic greens and herbs that are noticeably better than their conventional equivalents. The heirloom tomato selection in summer is staggering. Also, the guy who sells fermented vegetables — his kimchi is properly funky and cheap.

When: Every Wednesday, rain or shine.

4. Alphington Farmers Market

Small, manageable, and consistently good. This is my go-to when I want to be in and out in 45 minutes with great produce.

What to buy: Excellent lamb from a farm in Gippsland. Seasonal vegetables from a market gardener near Werribee who grows things nobody else bothers with — celtuce, agretti, garlic scapes. Also, remarkably good honey from a local apiarist.

When: First Sunday of each month.

5. Prahran Market

Not technically a farmers market — it’s a permanent specialty food market. But the quality is consistently high and the range of produce is unmatched in Melbourne.

What to buy: The fish counter has the best selection in the inner suburbs. The cheese room is outstanding — they’ll let you taste before you buy, which is how cheese should always be sold. And the specialist greengrocer upstairs has produce from small Victorian farms you can’t find elsewhere.

When: Tuesday to Saturday.

6. Gasworks Farmers Market (Albert Park)

On the site of the old gasworks in Albert Park, this market has a strong local following and a good mix of produce and prepared food.

What to buy: The olive oil stalls are excellent — multiple Victorian producers who’ll let you taste and compare. Great spot to build your olive oil knowledge. Also, a bakery stall that does an outstanding potato and rosemary focaccia.

When: Third Saturday of each month.

7. Eltham Farmers Market

A bit of a drive from the inner city, but worth it. The northeast Melbourne location means proximity to some excellent small farms in the Diamond Valley and Yarra Valley.

What to buy: Berries in summer — particularly the strawberries and blueberries from farms in the Yarra Valley that pick and sell the same morning. Also, excellent preserves, relishes, and chutneys from cottage producers.

When: Second Sunday of each month.

8. Coburg Farmers Market

Scrappy, lively, and reflecting the incredible multicultural character of Coburg. This is where food cultures collide in the best way.

What to buy: The Lebanese bakery stall does flatbreads that are incomparably better than anything packaged. Turkish-Australian producers selling borek, sucuk, and spreads. Also, some of the cheapest quality vegetables of any Melbourne market.

When: Second and fourth Saturday of each month.

General tips

Bring cash. Most stalls take card now, but some don’t, and the card minimums can be annoying at small stalls.

Go early for choice, late for bargains. The best produce is there at opening. The best deals are in the last hour when sellers want to avoid carting stock home.

Talk to the sellers. Ask what’s good today. Ask how to cook something you don’t recognise. These people grew the food. They know more about it than any recipe blog.

Bring your own bags. Obviously.

The best thing about farmers markets isn’t the produce, honestly. It’s the connection to where food comes from. That changes how you cook. And that’s the whole point.