15 Best Gourmet Grocery Stores In Los Angeles

Going grocery shopping is often viewed as a mundane task that is nothing more than a necessary part of adulthood. However, Los Angeles has managed to take something as simple as grocery shopping and turn it into a gourmet excursion. In addition to standard staples like Trader Joe's and Vons, the City of Angels is also home to several upscale markets that allow you to bring home gourmet goods from all over the globe. From French markets that double as delicious bistros to charming cheese shops in the heart of Santa Monica, these specialty stores make weekly shopping all the more special.

Despite the fact that most of these shops are definitely on the expensive side of the aisle, shoppers are also able to find higher-quality meats, produce, and seafood. Many of the markets work directly with local farmers and butchers, ensuring that you have a better idea of where your food is coming from. We've rounded up some of the best gourmet grocery stores in LA so that you can fill your fridge with the best of the best.

Upon walking into Bristol Farms, guests are greeted with walls of color-coordinated vegetables, a premium hot bar, a poke bowl station, and more. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch on the go or are planning to stock up for a special dinner party, Bristol Farms has it all. The wine selection features plenty of high-end options that can make for great gifts, while the meat and seafood are consciously sourced so that quality reigns supreme. As it turns out, Bristol Farms used to be an iconic restaurant, so it's no wonder their food selection is on point.

If you catch a craving for something sweet, look no further than "The Cookie." These beloved treats are a Bristol Farms staple. As soon as you walk by the bakery section, you'll be hit with the smell of freshly baked cookies and won't be able to resist. "The Cookie" is also available in bite sized-form. From Santa Monica to West Hollywood to Pasadena, there are several Bristol Farms located all across Los Angeles.

For many shoppers, trendy grocer Erewhon represents the epitome of elite Los Angeles food culture. After all, it is the health food store of all health food stores. Surprisingly, the store's first location was a stall in Boston that sold macrobiotic and organic foods, but it didn't take long for founders Michio and Aveline Kushi to hit the West Coast. In the 50 years since its founding, Erewhon has expanded to eight different locations across Los Angeles County, offering a conscientiously curated selection of meat, seafood, snacks, supplements, and everything in between. That said, there's no denying that it is one of the most expensive grocery stores in all of LA, and potentially California.

It has also racked up Organic Retailer and B Corp certifications, meeting high standards of organic sourcing and supply chain ethics. Its produce section is not to be missed. All of its products are organic and sourced with the health of people and the planet in mind. From its famous buffalo cauliflower to Hailey Bieber's $17 smoothie order, the grocery's prepared food section has cultivated a cult following. Locals have also professed their adoration for the breakfast burrito, General Tso's chicken, and Brussels sprout salad.

This eye-catching grocery store is owned by a pair of twin sisters (and self-proclaimed best friends) Sarah and Boo and sells a gorgeous selection of charcuterie, beer, wine, and cheese. Additionally, the folks at Lady & Larder curate a seasonal assortment of locally grown flowers, fresh bread, caviar, tinned fish, jam, mustard, honey, and more. The grocer has perfected the art of tastefully curated charcuterie, and shoppers can choose from an assortment of six different made-to-order boards with various combinations of fruit, crudité, cheese, and charcuterie.

Lady & Larder also sells mini boxes that have been crafted with picnics in mind. Shoppers can also pre-order a selection of wine and beer. The shop's sommelier can hand-select a bevy of bottles for you, or you can opt for the "Kid Brother Beer," and Sarah and Boo's little brother (a certified cicerone) will hand-select a batch of fresh, local cans for you. And, if you swing by between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., you can order from Lady & Larder's secret lunch menu of innovative sandwiches, which are only sold in-store.

Since 2010, McCall's Meat & Fish Co. has offered an unbeatable selection of the highest quality fish, meat, produce, pastries, cheese, and snacks. With two locations — one in Santa Monica and another in Los Feliz — the grocer brings unbeatable ingredients to customers across Los Angeles. McCall's Santa Monica location even hosts a one-day-a-week deli called Mondays at McCall's. The weekly pop-up is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on, you guessed it, Mondays.

However, its menu is pretty extensive. It serves up sandwiches that are made to order, with hits like egg and cheese and a breakfast sandwich of the day. Its soups and stews aren't to be missed, either — flavors include spring chicken and veg, lamb chili, carrot bisque, and ginger mineral broth. If you're craving something cooler, you can opt for one of its salads or something sweet like its purple pudding treat. Monday at McCall's means baked goods, like the vegetable hand pies and granola. If you're not able to make it on a Monday, though, stop by any other day of the week for some of the best meats, seafood, and farmer's market-fresh produce.

If you can muster the energy to brave the crowds at Los Angeles' Original Farmers Market, make a beeline to the back corner of the market to find the delicious oasis cultivated by the folks at Monsieur Marcel. You may already know that Monsieur Marcel is one of the best French restaurants around — the family-owned establishment has carefully curated its menu of French classics for the past 25 years. But, over the decades, it's also cultivated a compelling selection of imported and domestic gourmet ingredients and kitchenware.

Monsieur Marcel's fresh seafood counter offers a wide range of wild-caught seafood, shellfish, and caviar. Its range of jams and jellies includes imported classics like Bonne Maman alongside house-made spreads like Monsieur Marcel's tomato preserves. Other sweets include a selection of European cookies, cakes, chocolates, and confections. The grocer also imports a wide range of artisanal pastas, primarily from Italy. Other savory selections include a wide range of sauces and spreads including L'Épicurien's artichoke pesto and Monsieur Marcel signatures such as its bacon ketchup, roasted garlic chianti sauce, and creamy vodka Parmesan sauce.

Since the opening of its first shop in Turin in 2007, Eataly has brought high-quality food, wine, produce, and more to its 35 stores around the world. Founder Oscar Farinetti sought to celebrate Italian cuisine by gathering high-quality, reasonably-priced dishes and ingredients in one central shopping space while offering opportunities for shoppers to enjoy and learn about Italy's iconic food.

Its sprawling, multi-story Los Angeles location might seem overwhelming at first, but if you take the time to peruse the grocer's shelves, snag a scoop of gelato, or enjoy a meal at one of its several restaurants, its thoughtful curation and delicious products are sure to draw you into the Eataly ethos. This unique grocery experience is best enjoyed over the course of several hours. Spend an afternoon at one of Eataly's cooking classes, chat with one of its sommeliers about its selection of wines, or grab a seat at one of its restaurants, cafes, or dining counters to refuel and take in the ambiance.

Since 2008, Andrew's Cheese Shop has brought an international array of delectable wine, beer, specialty goods, and of course, cheese to Santa Monica. The selection is curated by shop owner Andrew Steiner, who has traveled the world in search of gourmet products, and in the meantime has become one of Los Angeles' foremost experts on all things cheese. The shop offers a selection of gift bags, with a curation for every occasion.

Alternatively, you can collaborate with the cheesemonger to craft a show-stopping cheese platter. The fromagerie also offers a selection of lunch-ready grab-and-go sandwiches. Each sandwich is made with the shop's cheeses and meats, which are tucked into one of its freshly baked baguettes. Andrew's sticks to sandwich classics, with flavors including Italian, Caprese, Reuben, and turkey. The Santa Monica shop also hosts an array of cheese-centric events, including its popular grilled cheese and beer night and a Cheese 101 course.

Bay Cities Deli and Bakery is the definition of classic Italian. This iconic Los Angeles deli has been slinging sandwiches since 1925, and this near-century of culinary wisdom has produced some of the best ones in the city. The grocer offers cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, salads, sides, sliced cheeses, and sliced meats. It stocks enough ingredients to cook up essentially any sandwich that you can dream of, but the real reason that Angelenos flock to Bay Cities is its signature sandwich, the Godmother.

The famed dish is made with prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, genoa salami, and provolone cheese. The Bay Cities staff recommends ordering it with The Works, and we do too! The Italian dressing, lettuce, mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, and tomatoes cohere to create a scrumptious sandwich symphony. If you're looking for other sandwiches to compliment the Godmother, the Caprese is another crowd-pleaser that is stuffed with mozzarella, onion, tomato, basil, and oregano, and finished with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

La Española Meats Inc. has established itself as the premier place to go if you're searching for imported Spanish goods in Los Angeles. It stocks famous imports such as Ibérico and Serrano Ham and also carries a delicious array of charcuterie from top Spanish brands such as Fermin, Marcos, and Palacios. The staff at La Española has traveled across Spain in search of the best cheeses that the country has to offer, bringing cheeses from artisanal and midsize producers to the west coast.

The grocer honors the Spanish tapas tradition with its selection of eye-catching accompaniments. Spain is also the world's largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil, so it's no surprise that La Española has collected some of the best fruits from across the Mediterranean. The grocer has also scoured the famed wine regions of Andalusia to La Rioja to bring exquisite bottles back to the States. Shoppers also shouldn't miss out on its selection of Spanish sweets.

Farmshop is dedicated to showcasing California-inspired fare in all of its forms. It hosts a restaurant that serves up locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Farmshop also includes a bakery that offers house-made croissants, muffins, and cookies. The Santa Monica staple also includes a market, which features a curation of Californian chocolate, cheese, charcuterie, produce, and prepared foods perfect for a meal on the go. The grocer also offers a fine selection of wine, beer, and other beverages that pair perfectly with its bevy of foods.

Farmshop is the ideal spot to shop for picnic goods. Its selection of produce is gorgeous, its homemade margarita mix is the perfect afternoon refreshment, and the bakery churns out ideal picnic staples like baguettes, loaves of sourdough, and gooey cookies. Shoppers can even choose from a selection of fresh sandwiches. And, for an idyllic Sunday morning, pick up a pack of Farmshop Bakery's frozen butter croissants, pain au chocolat, or coffee cake (or splurge on all three).

This Eagle Rock-based cheese shop is dedicated to featuring artisan cheese, charcuterie, and handmade food products from small, independent Los Angeles-based producers. The staff at Milkfarm hand-selects each and every item offered in the shop, making them the perfect people to ask if you're stumped on what to grab on the way to your next picnic, party, or midnight snacking session. The grocer has also curated a delicious selection of craft beer, sake, cider, wine, and other beverages that you can take to go or enjoy alongside its selection of artisan sandwiches. The menu changes daily but is consistently delicious.

Previous menu items have included the HBB, which is a baguette with French ham, Fromage de Meaux, cracked black pepper, and herbed butter on a baguette, and the Prosciutto, which is made on a baguette with Fontina Val d'Aosta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, greens, and Marcona almond basil pesto. The Muffaletta with garlic aioli, salami rosa, Louisiana chopped olive salad, greens, fresh mozzarella, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil is another favorite, as is the famed Milkfarm grilled cheese.

Canyon Grocer by Kurt & Whey is the creation of a long line of cheesemongers. Its founder, Kurt Gurdal, was raised in Boston by Ihsan and Valerie Gurdal, who owned a famous cheese shop called Formaggio Kitchen. He continued his cheese education at London's Neal's Yard Dairy, and eventually hit the West Coast to expand the family legacy.

The staff at Kurt & Whey has leveraged its cheese expertise to curate a selection of customizable gift boxes, cheese platters that can be customized to accommodate a party of any size, and grazing tables that are both beautifully displayed and unforgettably delicious. Canyon Grocer also hosts a series of guided cheese pairings and classes where guests will learn the ins and outs of pairing cheese with wine, beer, spirits, chocolate, and more. Kurt Gurdal also specializes in partnering with wedding planners, businesses, wineries, and more to cultivate the perfect selection of cheeses for any occasion. He even acts as a consultant for new and upcoming cheese shops that want to bolster business.

Located in North Hollywood, Epicurus Gourmet brings an abundance of globally-inspired goods and groceries to the valley. This warehouse-style shop is transportive and reminiscent of what you'd find in a corner market in Spain, providing a unique shopping experience that is hard to come by elsewhere in the country. The warehouse boasts more than 2,400 different items, ensuring that guests are guaranteed to find something new and exciting to add to their pantry.

From the jams to the salts to the spices to the spreads, shopping at Epicurus Gourmet means adding flavors to your daily routine. Even if you don't consider yourself to be a seasoned cook, one visit will have you inspired to branch out in the kitchen and try something new. You'll also find more upscale groceries like caviar along with truffle-infused oils, fresh baguettes, and high-end seafood. End your shop with something sweet by picking up some cookies or gourmet chocolates.

When it comes to the Japanese market, Marukai Market has it all. With locations in West LA and Little Tokyo, locals are able to enjoy a true taste of Japan after a solid shop. In fact, the Marukai Market in West LA carries the largest selection of Japanese goods in the country. From ready-made sushi and bento boxes to savory and sweet snacks, you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the shelves and stations at Marukai Market. You can even pick up your favorite sake or Japanese whisky.

Some other must-try items include the frozen dumplings, sashimi-grade fish, frozen fish cakes, and one of the many ramen noodle packages. Whether you're a fan of sushi and sakura mochi or you're hosting a special Japanese dinner party, Marukai Market is the ideal one-stop shop for those looking to enjoy an authentic and traditional spread from the comfort of their own home.

Ever wondered what it was like to grocery shop in Malibu? Head to Vintage Grocers. This iconic shop is located just across from the beach and has been a consistent source of gourmet goods for locals since 2014. It is situated in the middle of the Trancas Market Center and is surrounded by the Kristy Grill & Bar, Malibu Brewing Co. and high-end jewelry store, Albertina. Basically, there is plenty to see and do before or after shopping at Vintage Grocers.

The full-service deli is great for grabbing a quick sandwich on the go, but you can also get a made-to-order pizza or even customize your own pasta dish. If you're looking to make the ultimate charcuterie board, explore the many imported cheeses and cured meats before grabbing a fresh baguette from the bakery. There is also a juice and coffee bar where you can get your caffeine fix while shopping or detox with a classic green juice.