LA's Original Farmers Market
Moishe’s RestaurantPlenty of delicious Mediterranean staples like a falafal, chicken shawarma and gyro can be found on Moishe’s menu, but be sure to try the muhammara. Dip pita or veggies in this Lebanese spread of red peppers, olive oil, walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
Ulysses Voyage
Greek dishes from the owner’s Greek mama will satisfy your longing for the Old Country, and the lamb burger — a lean alternative to beef — with a spicy feta spread and grilled onions and a side of garlicky Greek fries will have you singing mama’s praises.
Tbilisi & Yerevan Bakery
The smell of fresh breads and rolls will lure you through the doors, and the Eurasian pastries will ensure a return trip. Stock up on flaky, not-too-sweet Turkish baklava made with filo, honey and nuts; Russian pirazhki, pastries stuffed with meat, mushrooms and onions; and Polish ponchik, deep-fried, glazed, donut-like treats filled with cream.
The French Crêpe Co.It seems like you’d accept this stand’s delicate, perfectly thick crepes filled with almost anything. Luckily, these French masters are using the good stuff. Start with the La Poissoniere, with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, sour cream and capers, and finish with one packed with warm Nutella hazelnuttiness and bananas.
Little Spain
The chef Alejandro Pages’ intense focus on authenticity brings the street food of Barcelona to this corner of LA. Tapas like patatas bravas, chicken and veggie empanadas, and dates with bacon make the ideal market snack. For something heartier, order the paella mariscos, which brims with saffron rice, clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp and vegetables.
Magee’s Kitchen
Magee’s has been serving hungry urbanites since the market opened in 1934. Though the menu is mainly American, it’s the Irish-style corned-beef sandwich that gets the best reviews. Served on rye, the juicy and tender meat goes best with a slathering of spicy mustard, with cabbage, potatoes and a pint of Guinness as the perfect sides.
Normandie Bakery
The croissants, brioche, macaroons and other sweet indulgences created by Normandy native Josette Leblond will transport you to the bakeries of France. Baked daily, the goods at the Original Farmers Market location are just as fresh and tasty as those found at the bakery's other location on LA's Westside.
Loteria! Grill Every day can be Taco Tuesday at Loteria! Chef Jimmy Shaw brings the flavors of his native Mexico City to LA. You’ll wish his made-to-order tacos served on warm, handmade corn tortillas came in a six pack. Be sure to try the smoky and sweet chicken mole poblano taco served with sesame seeds, onion and queso fresco.
Pampas Grill
Sample all of the fragrant deliciousness at this Brazilian buffet-style churrascaria (steak house) or pile your plate high with a few of the most popular: fried plantains and yucca, tender garlic beef, picanha (sirloin cap) and pão de queijo — heaven-sent cheese bread that’s crisp on the outside and chewy inside.
The Gumbo Pot
Find the authentic taste of N'awlins in Los Angeles at The Gumbo Pot, where Cajun classics such as gumbo and po'boys rule the menu. If you're in the mood for something sweet, don't miss the decadent powdered-sugar-dusted beignets. If you'd rather try something spicy, you won't be disappointed here. Order anything "blackened," and your taste buds are sure to be dancing with heat.
LA KoreaThose unfamiliar with the pronunciation of Korean barbecue morsels won’t be left behind at this tiny stand: You can just point to what you want, and the friendly staff will fill your plate. The best bet for first-timers is the bibimbap, a bowl filled with meats (typically sesame beef, pork or chicken), cucumber salad, carrots, bean sprouts, cabbage and chili sauce. Those in the know add ask for a fried egg on top.
Singapore’s Banana Leaf
Reminiscent of a Singaporean street-food stall, the Banana Leaf serves the flavors of Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Singapore (obviously). All of the dishes are festively served on a banana leaf (also obvious). The crowd favorite is mee goreng: pan-fried noodles with chicken or tofu, garlic and onions, chili, egg and a splash of lime. Try an Ice Kachang (ice, jackfruit, sweet bean paste, evaporated milk and rose syrup), a refreshing treat you couldn’t imagine if you tried.
Light My FireA tiny store that packs a big punch, Light My Fire’s shelves are stocked floor-to-ceiling with what must be zillions of flavors of hot sauce from around the world, many of which have names that sound dangerous (The Hulk, Ultra Death Sauce with Jersey Fire, Ghost Train). Many, however, have much more enticing names and are sure to add just the right amount of kick to your meal. Consult the store’s custom scale of hotness and get busy finding the condiment of your dreams.
Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market
This market contains everything you need to pack a fancy picnic: bread and crackers, a selection of international cheeses and olives, vinaigrettes and creative mustards, tapenades and dips, cookies and chocolates, and bottles of wine. There’s a little bistro if you have time to sit — coq au vin, fondue and anything with truffle oil will make you glad you did.
