I am talking about the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market. This place claims to be the “original farmer’s market”. They may be right. The market started to operate in 1934 with farmers selling their goods from their trucks to the community. With time great eateries and restaurants were established in the area and it became a popular place to have lunch or dinner (especially for Hollywood stars).
Los Angeles Farmer's Market Tower
Inside the market
Today, the market is a historic Los Angeles landmark and a popular tourist attraction. You can see tourist buses dropping people from all around the world in the area. It gets pretty crowded on weekends (they even run out of parking space). In fact, it gets so crowded that you can’t even walk properly down the aisles. The key is to visit during the week or early on the weekends.
Produce section
Candied Oranges
For what I saw, this place deviates a little from the whole “market” concept. In a farmer’s market you expect to see a lot of people selling fruits, vegetables, flowers or plants. There are also fresh meat and fish vendors. There are others selling their homemade or artisanal goods.Some sell their country of origin, hard to find specialties. The focus is on local people selling their goods to the community. These places usually have space for some stalls serving ready to eat food to hungry shoppers but this is not the focus of the whole event.
Fresh Crab
Dried Fruit
Hot Sauce
I felt like the tables were turned in the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market. It fills more like a giant food court. The majority of the stalls are dedicated to restaurants instead of locals selling their raw, unprocessed or homemade goods. I am not saying the Market is not good because of this reason. I am just saying that for me, the place does not necessarily fit the “farmer’s market” proper description. I expected to see a wide variety of produce, meats and fruits from all the greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas (since we are so close to the food growing areas). Instead, I just found restaurants and prepared food stalls. That is the difference between what is here in Los Angeles and what I saw in Vancouver’s Granville Island. In Granville, there are people doing different and unique things with food. Here is Los Angeles, well, there is variety but not necessarily uniqueness.
Even ground meat has style in Los Angeles
Tiramisu
Like I said, don’t get me wrong. The Farmer’s Market deserves a visit. The place claims more than 100 restaurants, shops and stores. Here is a list of the food you can try:
- Italian
- Crepes
- Mexican
- Japanese
- Korean
- Chinese
- Argentinean/Brazilian
- Middle Eastern
- Barbecue
- Cajun
- Seafood
- Spanish
- Singaporean
- Vegetarian
- Ice Cream
- Gelato
- Doughnuts
- More bakeries that you can imagine
With all this selection, you will need to go like five times to try a lot of these restaurants. I have tried the Middle Eastern and Singaporean food. The food was really good.
Next to the Market, you can find The Grove which is a big retails and entertainment complex. After you get stuff with food from the Market, take a stroll thru this shopping area. There are a lot of stores to see (some are affordable). The scene is great and there are entertainment possibilities for all the members of the family. There is even a trolley that makes a fun ride for all the family.
The Grove
Trolley running around The Grove
Jumping Waters Fountain
Now the water if going down!!!
Old car
The Farmer’s Market is located at 3rd and Fairfax and it is really close to Wilshire Boulevard (where a lot of museums are located). If you are around the area, consider stopping by to get some delicious food.
Tip: bring enough money because the food prices are quite high (expect to pay 10 dollars per person for a plate of food).
Pay a visit to this special place in Los Angeles. You may get a surprise. When we went earlier this year, there was a spring celebration. There were performers from different parts of the world. I absolutely loved the performance from these Japanese drummers (see the video below).
And remember you can have anything you like for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
For lunch banana split
This looks like a fun place to visit…Me+Food=always fun! I’ve never been here before, I might have to check it out soon!
Mica recently posted..San Pedro Market-one last thank you
Mica,
Go and try the food at one of the many restaurants. Remember to save space for dessert. The place is full of bakeries.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
I definitely don’t think “farmer’s market” when I think of LA, but everything looks delicious here. Interesting that it was the “original” farmer’s market.
Laurel recently posted..Wine Walks in Germany
I am not sure if they are the original on the area (or what original means to them). The Los Angeles country is surrounded by many food growing area. That is why I was expecting to see more fresh variety. I have been to others markets in other cities and they offer tons of local products.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
This market looks like a great place to wander for awhile. I’m like you and prefer actual “farmers markets” but I do like wandering markets. I haven’t been to this one but will make note of it for my next trip to LA
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Romantic Lago Maggiore
You are right. It is a great place to walk around, decide what you want to eat, absorb the atmosphere and then stroll thru The Grove. Fun (and yummy) place to spend half or full day.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
This looks like an incredible farmer’s market. Something for everyone! Looks like the Grove would be fun, too. I’d like to ride the trolley — I’m a sucker for rides like that.
The trolley ride is actually short but it’s fun. The thing is that the place has offering for the whole family. When we went, even the Eastern bunny was around saying hi to kids.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
Yes, I was surprised when we went there too – I was used to our Farmer’s Market here in Lexington, Kentucky with lots of fresh local fruits and veggies. It’s mostly restaurants, as you said. But still worth a visit, especially if you are hungry!
Jan Ross recently posted..The Engineering Marvel That is the Hoover Dam:Part One
At least, I am not the only one who have noticed this. Like you said, it is worth a trip but not sure why they still call it Farmer’s Market. I guess it has to do a lot with the history of the place.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
Hi Ruth, the place looks absolutely beautiful. You know, over the 6 times I have visited Los Angles since 1997-2001, I never quite got the chance to visit this place and now regret it. One day, I will go back.
David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai Picture
You have to come back. There are a lot of places to check out.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
Farmers markets are the best! A fun way to spend a Saturday stocking up on fresh groceries for the week and indulge in some ice cream and baked goods.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..I Finally Left Buenos Aires
Don’t get me thinking about the ice cream and baked goods. You can easily forget about eating a proper lunch (if there is something like that) and have only cake, cookies and ice cream. I will need to go one day and try that.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah
I love candied oranges. They are so yummy.
adventureswithben recently posted..Florida Travel Cocktail Podcast is Now Available on iTunes!
I have never tried them. I wonder how they taste.
Ruth recently posted..Papillon Photos: Zion National Park, Utah