There’s a reason why people flock to Santa Monica Farmers Market every weekend. Spanning several blocks, the market is lined with produce tents that overflow with plump fruits and vibrant vegetables, all glistening under the Santa Monica sun. Problem is, LA’s mother-of-all-markets is only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays—and the hectic atmosphere can leave you overwhelmed.
For those who like things a little more low key, here’s some of the best farmers markets in LA for food foraging.
Smorgasburg
The mecca of Los Angeles farmers markets, it doesn't get more bustling than this downtown open-air extravaganza where LA locals and trendy tourists converge for a great feed every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Load up on a global spectacular of the city's culinary best, then head to the bar for a brew or two. If you're lucky enough, you may also nab yourself a few luxe vintage pieces to take home too. Frequented by A-listers like Chrissy Tiegen and John Legend, keep your eyes peeled for a few celeb spottings while you're there.
Image credit: Smorgasburg | Instagram
Hollywood Farmers Market
Open on Sundays from 8am-1pm, Hollywood Farmers Market is located along a quiet strip of residential housing between Sunset Blvd and Hollywood Blvd, near the legendary Walk of Fame. Its mission is to support the community through sustainable agriculture and affordable, healthy food, and it regularly holds educational programs in nutrition, urban agriculture and food industry entrepreneurship. But if that’s not your speed on a lazy Sunday morning, just come for the luscious avocados.
Image credit: Hollywood Farmers Market | Instagram
Beverly Hills Farmers Market
Given the geography, it makes sense that Beverly Hills Farmers Market leans towards the bougie side of farm-to-table living. Just steps away from Rodeo Drive, the market boasts pristine produce that’s fit for a Martha Steward photoshoot, and an on-site petting zoo full of clean, cuddly farm animals. It runs on Sundays from 9am - 1pm and is open rain hail or shine, but let me tell you: people lose their minds when it rains in Los Angeles. So on those rare occasions when the weather’s looking grim, it’s best to pick an indoor activity.
Image credit: Beverly Hills Farmers Market | Instagram
Culver City Farmers Market
This small-scale neighbourhood market is open from. 2-7pm every Tuesday, and is a popular choice for locals and cooking enthusiasts who come for the handmade smallgoods, Italian pastas and small batch pickles. The quality of fruit and vegetables available here are unlike anything you’d have tried from the supermarket before, and in Summer, the rich aroma of farm-fresh tomatoes wafts all the way down the street.
Image credit: Culver City Farmers Markets | Instagram
Malibu Farmers Market
Families, surfers and coast-dwellers all converge on Malibu’s fresh produce market each Sunday for their weekly veggie shop. But it’s the on-site cafe–which specialises in savoury and sweet crepes using market-fresh ingredients–that’s the true drawcard. A traditional breakfast crepe comes crammed with eggs, mushrooms, cheese, onions and baby spinach, while a hearty lunch option might include marinated chicken breast, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and basil. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t even entertain the idea of getting a small serve of the dessert crepe with sliced bananas, strawberries, duke de leche and whipped cream–just opt for the large upsize, or order two serves.
Image credit: Malibu Farmers Market | Facebook
The Original Farmers Market
During the Great Depression, a bunch of entrepreneurial farmers thought it would be a smashing idea to load up their trucks with produce and sell it on the street corner of Fairfax and 3rd. Turns out they were onto a winner, because this is how one of the best farmers markets in LA was born. The Original Farmers Market, located near Beverly Grove and West Hollywood’s Fairfax district, has attracted many famous faces over the years–including Marilyn Monroe, U.S. presidents, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Gordon Ramsey, and it’s played multiple cameo appearances in Jimmy Kimmel Live. In addition to the shopping, the market has become a dining destination in its own right, with several eateries–including a very decent seafood bar and French bistro–living in between the produce stalls.
Image credit: Original Farmers Market | Instagram
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