The Guide to Los Angeles Food Halls and Marketplaces

Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and its thriving dining scene is a testament to generations of restaurateurs, from mom-and-pop eateries to Michelin-starred fine dining. Whether you're a visitor or a lifelong Angeleno, there's no better way to enjoy LA's global cuisines than exploring the city's food halls and marketplaces. From landmarks to modern destinations, get ready for a culinary trip around the world - no passport needed!

Located in the vibrant Figueroa Corridor of South LA, Mercado La Paloma (3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles 90007) is much more than a food hall. Founded by the nonprofit Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, the community center provides affordable retail opportunities, start-up capital and support; Esperan Salud, a public health drop-by clinic; and cultural events like art exhibits, live performances, and film screenings that support and showcase local artists.

Renowned as one of the best Yucatan-style restaurants in the country, Chichen Itza was opened in 2001 by the Cetina family: Gilberto Sr., Blanca and Gilberto Jr., who continues the family legacy with his wife Marissa following his parents' retirement.

In 2017, Cetina opened Holbox, which features seafood from the coastal regions of Mexico that showcases SoCal and Baja California ingredients. Accolades for Holbox include multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand nods and being named the 2023 Restaurant of the Year by the LA Times. The Live Urchin & Scallop Ceviche and Smoked Kanpachi Tostada are musts. The Langosta al Carbon is a showstopper - Santa Barbara spiny lobster live from their tank, served with cilantro rice, black beans, avo, pico and handmade tortillas.

Holbox and Chichen Itza grab the critical and social media spotlight, but don't miss the Tacos al Pastor at Taqueria Vista Hermosa or the signature Torta Oaxaqueña at Oaxacalifornia. While you're at the Mercado, you can shop artisan products at Artesenias Oaxacenas and Sihsahil.

No list of Los Angeles food halls would be complete without the landmark Grand Central Market (317 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90013) in Downtown LA. This 30,000 square-foot food market has welcomed tourists and Angelenos alike since 1917.

The wide variety of food vendors includes GCM institutions like Sarita’s Pupuseria (as seen in La La Land), China Café, Roast To Go, and Tacos Tumbras A Tomas. Newer favorites include The Donut Man, Eggslut, Knead, Sari Sari Store and Wexler's Deli. Get your seafood fix at The Oyster Gourmet and Broad Street Oyster Co; or satisfy your sweet tooth at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams and La Huerta Candy.

Shop legacy vendor Torres Produce for fresh fruit, vegetables and drinks; or stop by Valeria's for an extensive selection of Latin dry goods.

Located in the lower level of FIGat7th (735 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles 90017), TASTE Food Hall showcases an eclectic collection that includes an outpost of the Five Guys burger chain, alongside global cuisines from L.A. originals like Indus by Saffron, New Moon Café and Twist & Grill.

Famed K-town restaurant Parks BBQ features Oleego ("lay on" in Korean), a fast casual concept that invites guests to build their own bowls - start with galbi, bulgogi, shrimp or tofu; select a rice, noodles or greens; then choose from a variety of sauces and ban chan.

Corporation Food Hall opened in August 2017 on the ground floor of the 1915 Corporation Building (724 S Spring St, Los Angeles 90014). A boutique alternative to the massive Grand Central Market, Corporation Food Hall is conveniently located in the Historic Core of Downtown LA, just a short walk from hotels like the Ace and the Freehand. Despite its modest size, Corporation delivers serious culinary bang for the buck, from Southeast Asian at Buddha Belly to "freestyle pasta" at Funculo and Jamaican at Island to Table Patty Hut.

LA's largest weekly open-air food market, Smorgasburg features nearly 100 vendors curated from the next wave of SoCal’s food, beverage and shopping scene. Smorgasburg takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10am to 4pm at ROW DTLA. Smorgasburg is free to attend and open to all ages. (Sorry, no pets.)

The rotating lineup always includes vegan food vendors, such as Avocadamama, Cena Vegan, Champignon Eats, Donut Friend, Happy Ice, ManEatingPlant and Señoreata.

Be sure to check out the Smorgasburg Calendar for special events like the annual Hollywood Bowl Day, which features "Bowl" themed food specials, swag and giveaways.

For generations of Angelenos and visitors, "Meet Me at Third and Fairfax" could only mean one thing: see you at The Original Farmers Market (6333 W.3rd St. Los Angeles 90036). Opened in 1934, the landmark open-air marketplace has welcomed everyone from President Eisenhower to The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. A star in its own right, this famous Los Angeles Market has appeared numerous times on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Entourage, and cooking shows with Alton Brown and Gordon Ramsay.

While there are familiar brands like Chipotle and Starbucks, the Market's true appeal is the 100+ produce vendors, food stalls and specialty shops. Many of these small businesses have been family-owned and operated for decades, such as Magee's Kitchen, the Market's first eatery. You can start the day with the famous buttermilk hotcakes at Du-par's; or take a culinary trip around the world at longtime favorites like Pampas Grill (Brazil), Singapore's Banana Leaf, and Monsieur Marcel Bistro for a Parisian-style cafe experience.

Boasting more than 1,000 locations in South Korea, BHC Chicken opened its first U.S. location at The Original Farmers Market in February 2023. Acclaimed chef Neal Fraser's Fritzi Coop, Trejo's Tacos and Pasta Corner are also attracting a new generation of fans.

Along with its food and produce offerings, The Original Farmers Market hosts events throughout the year, from summertime outdoor music concerts to St. Patrick's Day and holiday festivities. Check out the Market's calendar for the latest happenings.

Opened in November 2020, Citizen Public Market (9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City 90232) is housed in the landmark 1929 Citizen Publishing Company Building.

The newest addition to Citizen, Ilé Bistro is the brainchild of Nigerian chef Tolu Eros. Opened in March 2023 in Nancy Silverton's Pizzette space, Eros' first brick-and-mortar is a more casual version of his underground fine dining pop-up. Customers choose from a Rice Bowl or Soup Bowl; select a base (Unity Jollof Rice, Spicy Pepper Soup), a protein (Roasted Chicken, Charred Cauliflower, Blackened Snapper, Grilled Steak) and a topping.

Another newcomer is Instagram darling Bang Bang Noodles, the hand-pulled noodle pop-up founded by chef Robert Lee in 2019. Lee's specialty is Shaanxi-style biang biang noodles, hand-pulled to order for "the freshest and tingliest bowl of noodles possible." Favorites include the signature Tingling Cumin Noodle (available dry or with noodle soup), Szechuan Garlic Noodles and Xi'an Tomato Dry Noodle. Vegan options available.

The food hall's other offerings include goodboybob, Go Go Bird, Jolly Oyster, Uoichiba and WEHO Sausage Co. Citizen's rooftop Bar Bohémien is inspired by the building's history, cocktail bars in Paris and New York, and the tapas culture of Spain.

Boasting panoramic views of LAX’s approach runways, The Proud Bird (11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles 90045) features a Food Bazaar with the famed Bludso's BBQ and global culinary options including American, Asian and Italian cuisines. The Mile-High Club Bar & Lounge offers aviation-themed cocktails on tap and the ReLAX Happy Hour for travelers - just show your boarding pass and enjoy drink specials all day.

The Proud Bird was originally opened in 1967 by David Tallichet, a World War II bomber pilot who founded Specialty Restaurants Corporation, which operates Castaway in Burbank, Odyssey in Granada Hills, Whiskey Red's in Marina del Rey and more.

Today the Proud Bird continues Tallichet's vision of a destination restaurant/event venue that celebrates the history of aviation: guests are greeted by a P-40 Flying Tiger replica suspended at the entrance; exhibits are devoted to the Tuskegee Airmen, Aztec Eagles, and Women Aviators; WWII aircraft are on view in the Outdoor Airplane Park. Free docent tours are available.

Attached to the Westfield Topanga shopping center, Topanga Social (6600 CA-27 #9038, Canoga Park, CA 91303) is a food hall bringing together 27 of Los Angeles' most talked about restaurants and food brands. These buzz-worthy foodie outposts come together with entertainment and luxury retail at Westfield Topanga in the West Valley. Topanga Social is a one stop microcosm for LA's diverse, entrepreneurial, and inspiring food culture.

Opened in December 2021, Blossom Market (264 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776) breathes new life into a former 1949 Masonic Lodge in San Gabriel's Mission District. The 13 food vendors in this relatively new food hall are chef-driven, mom & pop spots. Blossom Market is very family friendly-- beyond the vendor stands and tables, the space features a stage for live entertainment, an art gallery, a meeting room, a Wi-Fi lounge, and lots of outdoor seating.

BLVD MRKT (520 Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640) is an open-air food hall in Montebello, where each of the vendors operate out of revamped shipping containers. String lights stretch across long picnic tables, where people chat, snack, and drink beer from BLVD MRKT's beer garden. BLVD MRKT is a community-first affair: it hosts an incubator program for first-time restaurant owners in Montebello.

Located in the San Fernando Valley, Northridge Eats (9346 Corbin Ave, Northridge, CA 91324) is the valley's first and only food hall vending exclusively Asian cuisine. Fresh sushi, an Indian curry bowl, Singaporean chicken, ramen, and gyoza are just some of the offerings in this hall. Its four vendors are sure to have something on their menus that will satisfy your cravings at lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Visit Northridge Eats' modern but casual setting to experience the vast flavors of Asia all under one roof!