Grand Central Market: Foodie Heaven in Downtown LA
Grand Central Market is a lively destination for foodie lovers in Downtown LA. With an array of food to serve every taste bud, from pizzas to tacos, eggs to vegan ramen, you’ll find it all here. We hopped on downtown to discover which places you need to try in Grand Central Market and give you all the details you need to know before your own visit!
Table of Contents:
- Grand Central Market Location
- What is Grand Central Market?
- Vendors & Food
- Our Top Picks
- FAQs
- Exploring Downtown After Your Meal
Where is Grand Central Market?
Grand Central Market is in Downtown Los Angeles, it can be accessed either through their entrance on 317 South Broadway or 312 South Hill Street (opposite Angels Flight). You can get here either via public transport, or by driving. You’ll find that you can get the LA Metro Red or Purple lines to Pershing Square and walk the one block to the market. There are also lots of bus routes that drop off nearby. For a slightly longer walk you can get the train to Union Station.
If you’re choosing to walk from a location slightly further away, we recommend being cautious as to not walk into Skid Row by accident (this is located in a 54 block area bound by East 3rd Street, South Alameda Street, South Main Street, and 7th Street).
What is Grand Central Market?
First opening in 1917, Grand Central Market is LA’s largest and oldest market. When it first opened it took up the entire ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building. Today’s market is home to a bustling foodie metropolis with a wealth of cuisines from across the world, perfectly showcasing Los Angeles’s rich and historic immigrant communities.
Grand Central Market’s Vendors
Today Grand Central Market is home to 40 vendors with everything from Thai to Italian to desserts, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Amongst the vendors of Grand Central Market you can dig into the likes of delicious Japanese bento boxes, fresh seafood including oysters and clam chowders, indulgent burgers stuffed with fillings, fresh juices perfect for summer’s days.
One of the aspects that makes Grand Central Market special, is the neon signs that many of the vendors have, lighting your way to them!
Our Top Foodie Picks at GCM in Downtown Los Angeles
We’ve stopped by Grand Central Market multiple times over our years of visiting LA, so we have just a few favorite stalls that we think you need to try out too:
- Ana Maria – Located right in the middle of the market, Ana Maria’s serves up unbelievable tacos that are not to be missed. We chose to go with fish tacos, topped with salsa and salad. The portion sizes were huge – after ordering two each we struggled to finish them – I’d definitely recommend sticking with just 1 unless you’re ravenous.
- Eggslut – LA food royalty, Eggslut’s entire menu is inspired by, as the name would suggest, eggs! Our top picks from here are the Fairfax sandwich and coddled eggs. You won’t regret making this your lunch of choice at Grand Central.
- Olio Wood Fired Pizzeria – Pizza is never a bad idea and Olio’s serves up some of the most delicious! Grab a pizza and fight for a spot to sit and devour with friends!
- Sticky Rice – If you’re after some delicious Thai food, then Sticky Rice is the spot for you. When we ate here, we chose Pad Thai which was super yummy! Again, portion sizes, as with most of the vendors in GCM, are quite big!
Grand Central Market FAQs
There are lots of common questions about Grand Central Market and we’ve got the answers for you!
Yes – the market has its very own car park. You’ll have to pay for it – but we personally found it a safe option to leave our car where we didn’t have to worry about it. Especially if you’ve got a hire car, we think this is a good parking option for Downtown LA.
Grand Central Market itself is a safe location. It is a popular spot for tourists though which could attract pickpockets so keep an eye on your belongings. You should also research Downtown LA and where is safe before exploring around the market.
No, dogs are not allowed in Grand Central Market – so leave them at home or with a dog sitter when you visit.
Union Station is a 21 minute walk (1 mile) from Grand Central Market.
As a popular and aesthetic LA location, it’s no surprise the market has been used in movies, including La La Land, City of Angels, and I am Sam.
What to Do in Downtown After Your Food
The market is not the only place we think you should visit in Downtown Los Angeles. After you’ve indulged in some of the finest food the city has to offer, these are the things you can explore:
- Angels Flight Railway – Opening in 1901, Angels Flight is the world’s shortest railway, with two funicular carriages. A round trip will cost you just $2.
- The Broad – A contemporary art museum that’s free to visit. Here you’ll be treated to Andy Warhol’s, and Roy Lichtenstein’s.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall – Catch a concert, or just take in the architecture of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- The Bradbury Building – Feature in Blade Runner, you can pop into the foyer of the Bradbury Building – directly opposite the market, and take in the historic architecture.
- The Last Bookstore – Book lovers among your group will fall in love with one of LA’s best bookstores. The Last Bookstore is a huge shop filled floor to ceiling with tomes.
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