The tastiest food markets in LA

America’s most productive agricultural state, nearly 43 million of California’s 100 million plus acres of land are preserved for farming. Add to that the seductive Southern California weather, with clear blue skies year-round, and you’ve got the blueprint for bountiful farmers markets where commerce becomes community.

Although Los Angeles might not be well known for its get-out-and-walk sensibilities, weekly farmers markets brimming with local produce and unique specialty fare are popping up in neighbourhoods from Malibu to Downtown and everywhere in between. So, grab your shopping bags and follow along as we guide you through some of tastiest food markets in LA.

Opened in 1917, Grand Central Market is home to a 30,000 square foot food oasis providing space for some of Los Angeles’ top culinary entrepreneurs, while still maintaining the essence of its historic past. From fresh oysters to the finest homemade ice creams, imported chillies and a full-service cheesemonger, over 40 vendors make this Downtown foodie favourite one of the best markets in LA.

Hours: Seven days a week, 8am-10pm

Address: 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Founded in 1991, this open-air market sits smack bang in the centre of Hollywood, just steps away from the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visitors browse more than 160 vendors, offering everything from organic, local produce and handmade arts and crafts to live music and specialty brew coffees.

Hours: Every Sunday 8am – 1pm

Address: The corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Ivar Street, in the heart of Hollywood

In July of 1934, 12 farmers parked their produce-laden trucks at the empty corner of Fairfax and 3^rd in the hope of building a village where folks could gather to buy farm fresh fare. For more than 80 years this now partially covered food market has seen its fair share of Hollywood stars and U.S. presidents. Here, you can order gourmet meats butchered to your specifications right before your eyes, then walk a few stalls down and find yourself standing in a wine cellar carefully stocked with hard-to-find AOC wines of Bordeaux.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 9 pm; Saturday, 9am – 8pm; Sunday, 10am – 7pm

Address: 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036

One of the lesser-known farmers markets in LA, Montrose Harvest Market is a quaint open-air market tucked behind the Verdugo Mountains, just 12 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. In addition to local, organic fruits and vegetables, this market offers a wide array of fun, family-friendly activities including live music, a petting zoo and perhaps the best Hawaiian chicken you’re ever likely to taste.

Hours: Every Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (closed Easter Sunday)

Address: 2300 Honolulu Avenue at Ocean View Boulevard

The largest grower-only Certified Farmers Market in Southern California, here you’ll find yourself picking up produce alongside top local chefs and rubbing elbows with A-list celebrities. This open air market’s endless sea of vendors can seem overwhelming at first, but upon further inspection, you’ll enjoy superior quality crops and discover exotic foods.

Hours: Wednesdays 8:30 am – 1:30 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am – 1pm

Address: The corner of Arizona Avenue and 2nd Street

Written by Jennifer Fontaine.