Fill Your Belly at Some of Los Angeles County’s Best Food Halls
Mercado La Paloma
3655 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles; mercadolapaloma.com
This is a bustling lunch and dinner spot for the downtown L.A. crowd, so parking can be a little bit difficult, but it’s really worth it because once inside, diners will find some of the best food in the city. The Mercado is located in what was once an old garment factory by the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation as a place for small entrepreneurs and artisans, and now it houses countertop restaurants.
Eats: Mercado features the fabulous Taqueria Vista Hermosa, which serves some of the best al pastor tacos in Los Angeles. It’s also home to the Food Network-recognized Chichen Itza, which serves Yucatan dishes and is known for its Cochinita Pibil, pork cooked in banana leaves. But the star among the all-stars at the moment is the Michelin-rated Holbox. Yes, there is a Michelin Star-rated restaurant at this food hall. It’s run by chef Gilbert Cetina, who previously cooked alongside his father at Chichen Itza. Not surprisingly, lines can go out the door for this spot, but it’s worth it for Yucatan dishes like Live Urchin and Scallop Ceviche, the Taco de Pulpo en su Tinta, which is a braised and fried Gulf of Mexico octopus in calamari ink sofrito, and the Langosta al Carbon, a local spiny lobster live from their own tank served with cilantro rice, black beans, and house-made tortillas.
The Original Farmer’s Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; farmersmarketla.com
Local farmers started selling vegetables here back in the 1930s and now the Original Farmer’s Market is home to a vibrant collection of restaurants serving food from all over the world, including Asian, South American, French, Greek, and American comfort dishes.
Eats: Some of the best comfort food here comes from a Cajun spot named The Gumbo Pot. Diners here will not only grub on some classic and filling meals but they’ll also feel like adventurous grubbers because the restaurant serves dishes like gator gumbo, yes, made from a real alligator, (it’s tail actually) frog legs and more common dishes like fried chicken and catfish.
Spring Arcade Building
541 S. Spring St., Los Angeles; thespringarcade.com
Years ago, the ground floor of the Spring Arcade Building housed discount electronic, clothing stores, and toy shops. Today it’s home to a roster of respected restaurants that include Asian, barbecue, and comfort food spots.
Eats: The best place is the insanely popular Guisados, which serves braised and stewed meats on tacos in house-made thick tortillas. There are a lot of options here, so save some time and order the sampler plate. It comes with steak picado, bistek roja, tinga, mole, chicharron, and cochinita pibil tacos. It’s basically a sample of culinary heaven on a plate. And for an added dessert bonus, loosen your belt and go next door to Uli’s Gelato. The building is the gelato shop’s headquarters where they make the gelato that can be purchased at various grocery stores. And while you can’t order from a counter, they have a gelato vending machine there where you can get some of their cold treats like the Fresh Mint Stracciatella gelato. It’s made with real mint leaves, not extracts, so technically it probably counts as a salad.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a city that offers a wide range of culinary options, from high-end restaurants to casual food halls. Whether you’re in the mood for some delicious tacos or comfort food, there are plenty of options to choose from. By visiting some of the best food halls in Los Angeles County, you can experience a variety of cuisines and flavors in one place.
FAQs
Q: What is a food hall?
A: A food hall is a type of culinary destination that features a collection of restaurants and food vendors under one roof.
Q: What types of cuisine can I find at a food hall?
A: You can find a wide range of cuisines at a food hall, including Asian, Latin American, French, Greek, and American comfort food.
Q: Are food halls suitable for all ages?
A: Yes, food halls are generally suitable for all ages, but some may have specific age restrictions or rules regarding children.
Q: Can I make reservations at a food hall?
A: It depends on the specific food hall and restaurant. Some may accept reservations, while others may be first-come, first-served. Be sure to check ahead of time to confirm.
