Highlights of local farmers' markets in Los Angeles

To understand the culture of a city, a farmers' market is definitely a good place to go. They have a wide popular base in the United States, where local farmers sell fresh organic fruits and vegetables, craftsmen showcase their work, dessert shops, delis, and butcher shops are also common. They are not open every day and the prices are more expensive than chain supermarkets, but they are still bustling with crowds. Michelin chefs also come here to shop, why? Firstly, you can interact face-to-face with the people who produce the ingredients and learn about the local food culture and the stories behind the food. Secondly, the ingredients are all locally sourced and fresh. You can browse, eat, play, and even make purchases, and have a leisurely Sunday. Below are a few "markets" in the LA area that I recommend to you!

LA Farmers' Market

Let's start with this iconic farmers' market, which is as famous as Pike Place Market in Seattle and Chelsea Market in New York. Located next to The Grove, you can spend a whole day exploring it. There are over 100 stalls, restaurants, and food shops. It is open daily, but if you want to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, visit on the weekend. Here are a few recommended shops: Dragunara for chili peppers, Gill's for ice cream, Pampas for Brazilian barbecue, and TASCHEN at the entrance for books. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Foodies should not miss this place. Many of the vegetables you find in high-end restaurants come from here. It operates on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. The Sunday market is very close to the famous Third Street, and many celebrity chefs come here to select ingredients. Operating hours: Wednesday and Saturday 8:30 am - 1 pm, Sunday 9:30 am - 1 pm.

Hollywood Farmers’ Market

Also an outdoor farmers' market, it offers not only fruits and vegetables but also various other delicious foods and fresh flowers. Another major feature is the performances by street artists, and there are often free activities; Business hours: Sunday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Pacific Palisades Farmers Market

Open on Sunday mornings, it offers everything from fresh olive oil and Italian balsamic vinegar to handmade crafts by local artisans and freshly picked berries. There are also live band performances. Opening hours: Sunday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Beverly Hills Farmers Market

Walking down the street, the aroma of French crepes fills the air. Besides fresh vegetables, there is also top-quality cheese. There is a Petting Zoo nearby where you can bring children to play with small animals and ride ponies. Business hours: Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Brentwood Farmers Market

If you're lucky, you might spot a celebrity. Open on Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can find fresh Asian fruits and vegetables that are hard to come by, and there are plenty of delicious foods as well. Business hours: Sunday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Yamashiro Farmers’ Market

The view from Yamashiro (山城) is truly unbeatable. On summer nights, a farmers' market is held here on Wednesdays. Rather than calling it a farmers' market, it feels more like a night market. Enjoying the cool breeze, beautiful scenery, and delicious snacks, it really gives a 'mountain city' vibe. Operating hours: Wednesday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Grand Central Market

Lastly, I selfishly add Grand Central because, strictly speaking, it cannot be considered a farmers' market, but it has a strong farmers' market vibe and there are so many delicious foods here, such as Eggslut, Tacos Tumbras A Tomas, and great coffee from G&B. It is also open daily; hours of operation: Sunday to Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm.