A guide to the best food halls in Los Angeles and Orange County

There are few L.A. food destinations that are more iconic than Grand Central Market. This historic European-style food hall has operated on the ground floor of DTLA’s Homer Laughlin Building since 1917. There’ve been plenty of changes throughout the years—with some prompting concerns about the gentrification pushing older stalls to make way for newer, flashier ones—but that doesn’t detract from the fact that the culinary talent here is strong. In addition to the old-school vendors you must try (Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, for starters), some of the city’s best chefs have opened up shop here, including Fat & Flour’s pies and cookies from star baker Nicole Rucker; new-school tacos from Villa’s Tacos; lobster rolls and other seafood delights from Broad Street Oyster; and Dutch crunch sandwiches from Ghost Sando Shop. There's counter-service Thai food from Sticky Rice; vegan ramen from Ramen Hood; and freshly made pasta at Knead & Co. On warm summer nights, pick up a burger from For the Win, and sit out on the patio, then follow it up with a beer at Golden Road Brewery or a glass of wine and some oysters at The Oyster Gourmet. 

No longer just for Angels games and Disneyland trips, Anaheim now boasts a namesake food hall that's helped usher in a new era in the city's restaurant and nightlife scene. Split up into three revamped destinations, the block-sized district is anchored by the Packing House, a former Sunkist citrus plant that’s been converted into a handsome, modern food hall. The roster of merchants runs the gamut from full-service restaurants to niche vendors that specialize in grilled cheese, crepes, juice, bubble tea and more. Think of it as Orange County’s answer to Grand Central Market, albeit boozier—there are two bars and a speakeasy—and more suitable for lounging, thanks to comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a lofty, bright warehouse space. Need a place to start? Always go for the poutine at the Kroft. On the other end of the district sits the Packard Building, a mission-revival car showroom that now houses the Anaheim Brewery. Between the two you’ll find Farmers Park, a two-acre grassy field with a community garden and a dim sum restaurant. Surprise, suprise: This place is pretty popular, so expect to park in one of the surrounding lots during lunchtime.

Walk through 4th Street Market and you might think that this food hall is on the small side. Take a closer look and you’ll find that there’s plenty packed into the Santa Ana gathering place, with over a dozen vendors serving everything from pan pizza to falafel to ice cream sandwiches. First, though, you need to stop by Alta Baja Market, a specialty food store and deli that highlights the flavors of California, Mexico and the American Southwest with dried peppers, baked goods, cheese plates and beyond. Then work your way around the food hall, stopping by the nationally recognized Burritos La Palma, Nashville chicken specialist the Golden Eatery and plenty of others. An outdoor patio hosts occasional bands, while Recess by Playground invites visitors to kick back with some craft beer or a glass of wine.

How often do you see a food hall with a range of concepts from one chef? In Irvine, tucked deep into UCI Research Park, Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey built a micro food hall that’s open to all, giving us multiple ways to enjoy the cuisine of one of San Diego’s best chefs—and a business model that’s fairly unique to the format. Pick and choose from five different food stands, then pay up at the front register for quick mix-and-match bliss. There’s an all-day coffee shop with fresh pastries, beer and wine; breakfast burritos in the morning; hot and cold gourmet sandwiches with daily specials like salmon katsu sandos; poke bowls galore; and a greens-and-grains station where you can find local and heirloom produce served in healthful bowls. Finish with fresh cookies up at the register and a can or two of the hyper-curated, bougie and refreshing teas and sodas, for best results.