Sure, massive super markets like Ralphs have plenty of great stuff to pack your shopping carts with, but trying a local gourmet market-restaurant every once in awhile can really excite the foodie in all of us! Los Angeles might not be the classic walking town that some other major cities are, but luckily we still have a bunch of great Gourmet Market Restaurants and shops to easily pop into. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and unique market goods, these spots seamlessly blend sit down cafés with shops fit for party snacks, gifts, or just a fun change from your daily schedule.

Artisan House

Head downtown to find this restaurant and its adjoining market. The market carries deli style items from sandwiches and salads to canned goods (like pasta sauce), plus beer and wine. The restaurant has a wide spread of ingredients serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, artesian cocktails, and bar food. Their rich restaurant selections include wild boar meatballs, and “The Winter Squash” cocktail made with gin, chardonnay, pumpkin juice and a lemon peel. Our favorites: the filet mignon & risotto!

Joan’s on Third

This a perfect spot to grab a café breakfast or pick up all the goodies you need for a picnic lunch on the go. They have a wide variety of olives, cheeses, and pastries. If you have a group of ten or more in dire need of sandwiches, you can send in an order form to make things quick and easy. They also make gift baskets like cascading towers of cupcakes and wine and cheese pairings sure to impress any recipient. If you care to dine among trendy celebrities like True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard, Amanda Seyfried,  Amber Heard, Kate Bosworth, then this spot’s for you!

Bay Cities Deli

You might be familiar with this Santa Monica sandwich spot as the perfect post beach stop. They’ve been around since 1925 and have a variety of groceries covering Italian food, Argentine, Greek, French, and Middle Eastern. They made their pasta and bread on site, boasting fresh breads and rolls every 20 minutes. Pick up some gourmet cheeses, cannoli, a gift basket, or even an espresso machine.

French Market Cafe

It’s nearing two decades that this spot has been serving Venice from their Abbott Kinney café. A French couple owns the spot and they keep food items in the French style, like a creamy lobster bisque or Panini to enjoy on the outdoor patio. The market is filled with French goods like Foie Gras and Nutella, and the wine cellar has over 100 wines. Even iff they don’t have something specific that you’re looking for, they will do whatever they can to find it for you.

Froma

Unique options abound at this food and wine café plus retail shop. The Melrose location is great for grabbing a glass of wine or dinner options post shopping. They have international as well as domestic products like caviar for your next Sunday dinner party. Gift basket options include salamis, crackers, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and lots and lots of cheese. Maybe if you’re lucky some of it will get re-gifted right back to you!

Bottega Louie

Whether you are in the mood for some good Italian food, brunch, a glass of wine, or macarons, this spot is a destination for all of your senses! The entire brilliantly white  10,000 square-foot Bottega Louie is chic, lively and insanely busy almost all the time.   For those who want to take a bit of the Bottega Louie experience on the go, head over to the pastry counter for one of the best tasting pistachio eclairs or a pastel box of electric-colored macaroons.