From supplements to produce to takeout sushi, these high-end grocery stores want you to give them a chance
Erewhon has taken the city by storm, with its perfectly curated displays of fresh juices, ready-made organic meals, and complicatedly healthy snacks that simply scream Los Angeles. Erewhon has cemented itself as a West Coast staple, welcoming Angelenos clad in workout sets to browse the aisles of deliciously expensive groceries and making itself the envy of those tourists who watch their favorite influencers shop as they anxiously await their next L.A. trip.
From the $20 Hailey Bieber smoothie and decadent hot bar to its famously high prices, everyone knows and loves Erewhon, but what about the other local grocery stores giving them a run for their money?
Lazy Acres Market – Los Feliz
Founded in 1991 in Santa Barbara, Lazy Acres is a SoCal staple for fresh, organic products, including a wide variety of supplements, skincare and other wellness products. With a local neighborhood flair, this market is easy to get lost in, with a price tag high enough to feel luxury but doesn’t break the bank. Try out their line of homemade juices and smoothies, make your own poke bowl or pick up some sushi and snacks from the deli!
Anima Mundi Apothecary – Venice
One thing most upscale grocery stores have in common is their large selection of wellness supplements and beauty products, so why not find a place that offers all of that (and more!) in one gorgeous, peaceful spot? Look no further than Anima Mundi Apothecary in Venice, the holistic wellness destination that brings together herbalism, beauty and wellness. Founded by herbalist Adriana Ayales in Brooklyn, Anima Mundi blends ancient remedies and traditions from around the world with modern wellness. Stop by the Venice location to try out Anima Mundi’s skincare line, essential oils and adaptogens for all of your wellness needs!
Bristol Farms – Various Locations
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Bristol Farms is the quintessential upscale grocer, with an unmistakable interior that evokes a classic Los Angeles neighborhood feel. With a severely underrated juice bar and deli lunches, Bristol Farms flies under the radar. Visit the butcher for a selection of premium cuts or the full-service seafood counter to prepare for your next summer grill night. If you’re looking for dessert, try the delicious The Cookie line and order a cake from the bakery!
Gelson’s – Various Locations
Gelson’s was Erewhon before there was Erewhon. Known for its open and airy interiors and shelves adorned with colorful produce and fun organic snacks, Gelson’s blends upscale with traditional grocery store chain. The hot bar is a classic for lunch breaks or quick dinners, while celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s signature prepared salad line fills displays for a perfect healthy option when you can’t be bothered to chop produce. Definitely don’t skip the extensive wine selection or sushi counter next time you find yourself near a Gelson’s location.
Laurel Supply – West Hollywood
A new grocery store has entered Los Angeles…welcome Laurel Supply! This perfectly quaint market recently opened in West Hollywood, aiming to emulate that local neighborhood feel we all crave, while showcasing a variety of high-end products and a hot food bar that rivals the long-standing classics. Opened by the team behind Laurel Hardware and Laurel Grill, this spot is just that: a perfect local spot to shop, grab lunch and fuel up on caffeine for a long day in WeHo. Need a quick option for office catering? Look no further than Laurel Supply’s catering menu.
Fatty Mart – Mar Vista
This speciality grocery store is known for its selection of Asian goods, from hard-to-find ingredients to a vast selection of to-go items. Straight from the mastermind of Little Fatty restaurant’s chef David Kuo, this beautifully crafted orange grocery store has become a one-stop shop for all things Taiwanese cuisine, whether you’re a pro and in need of ingredients or looking to grab a quick bite for now, or a dinner for later. Try out the selection of banh mi sandwiches and rice bowls next time you’re craving a bit of Asian flair on the West Side.
Eataly – Various Locations
Eataly is a classic marketplace for all things Italian, from premium meats, cheeses and wines to pantry staples. It’s almost too easy to get lost in the aisles of pastas, sauces, olive oils and produce. Watch as chefs prepare fresh mozzarella and wood-fired pizza before making a selection of your own. With a modest selection of standard produce and other grocery items, Eataly is the perfect place to grab all of your dinner staples in a pinch, while surveying the premium Italian ingredients that feel like Italy in the western hemisphere. A trip to Eataly isn’t complete without grabbing some gelato downstairs at the Century City location, or an extra slice of pizza to go.
Rainbow Acres – Mar Vista
Rainbow Acres is a true Los Angeles gem; its doors have been open since 1981 as a manifestation of founder Howard Pollack’s vision to bring health foods to larger audiences. With its unassuming exterior, this spot may not seem like a worthy rival to L.A.’s most well-known upscale grocers, but don’t be fooled by appearances; what awaits customers is truly a health-food haven. It boasts a similar variety of healthy snacks and supplements to familiar chains, in addition to its delicious make-your-own sandwich and juice bar. If you’re looking to support a local, family-owned business that’s been doing the wellness thing long before it was a trend, check out Rainbow Acres.
Whether you already have a favorite upscale grocery store or are looking to spice it up, check out one of these spots the next time you’re too tired to cook or just want to browse endless aisles of beautiful produce.