Shop & Eat at The Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market, located in the heart of Los Angeles, offers an experience to savor. If your vision of farmer's markets includes only a few wilting vegetables surrounded by surly vendors, it's time to broaden your horizons with this one.

The Original Farmers Market has gorgeous produce available for sale, but it's also a shopping and dining destination. In this guide, you'll learn all about the highlights of this LA gem.

Prime Vendors

Farm Boy Produce

A visit to the Original Farmers Market would only be complete by browsing one of the fresh produce sections. The perimeter is loaded with seasonal and perennial fruit selections, while the interior aisles host an array of veggies. Once you've visited, you'll see why Farm Boy Produce is a favorite among local vegetarians.

Michelina Artisan Boulanger

At Michelina, you can purchase a ham and cheese croissant or smoked salmon tartine to nibble on while you explore the Market. In fact, you can choose from an extensive menu of tempting breakfast and lunch selections. A wide range of sweet and savory pastries are also available at this artisan bakery.

Marconda's Meats

Owned by the DeRosa family, Marconda's Meats is a carnivore's dream come true. You may have difficulty deciding what to have for dinner when you feast on the meat case, which is teeming with thick steaks, pork chops, ground beef and lamb, handmade sausage, and classic roasts. Take advantage of the cold cuts section, and visit Marconda's Puritan Poultry before you leave the Market.

Monsieur Marcel Seafood Market

In a seafood kind of mood? In this stall, you'll find all sorts of tempting morsels from the briny deep, from fresh lobsters to salmon to escargot. To add a bit of spontaneity to your day, check out the daily catch to find out what came off the boat today and plan your meal accordingly.

Dining Destinations

Peking Kitchen

Once you get through the line (which often winds out the door), you can choose from various savory Chinese dishes. The food at Peking Kitchen is beautifully seasoned, flavorful, and exceptionally fresh. It would have to be—the place is too busy for any dish to sit around for too long.

Du-Pars Restaurant

Almost as old as the Market, Du-Pars is an LA staple serving classic comfort food. They're open 24 hours a day to satisfy your cravings, even in the wee hours of the morning. Highlights include their famous Creamed Welsh Rarebit, grilled Country Chicken, and anything from the breakfast menu. Be sure to save room for a slice of homemade pie.

Trejo's Tacos

Great Mexican food might be easy to come by in California, but Trejo's Tacos is a standout. They source their ingredients from various merchants in the Market, turning out burritos, salads, vegetarian specials, and traditional tacos. There are even vegan options available. Try one of their aguas frescas to wash down your meal selection.

Special Events

There's always something happening at The Original Farmer's Market. Check their website for details on the upcoming events, which vary depending on the season. The best thing about the Market is that you'll never have the same exact experience twice, so visit every time you come to LA.

While in the Los Angeles area, if you love hiking, you won’t want to miss the amazing views of the city from atop the Hollywood Sign. You’ll need to find parking for the Hollywood Sign, put on your hiking boots and start your adventure. Hooray for Hollywood!