Grand Central Market Los Angeles Day Trip: A Dining Experience

Amidst the lively hustle and bustle of Downtown Los Angeles sits the historic Grand Central Market. Since its doors opened in 1917, the Grand Central Market has represented and celebrated the diverse array of cultures and cuisines in the Los Angeles area almost a century ago.

Grand Central Market is a large, beautifully restored warehouse home to various vendors serving Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and American cuisine.

All of the food vendors of Grand Central Market are situated on the street level, while the lower level is designated for events. It also hosts the Grand Central Grand Central Market Bazaar on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The upper levels have been transformed into 120 luxury apartments. Although most of the vendors at GCM offer food-related items, there has also been a non-food vendor, Grand Central Jewelry, at the market since 1983.

Popular Food at Grand Central Market

China Café

One of the most popular places to eat at GMC is China Café. Their fan-favorite dishes include house fried rice and wonton soup. China Café offers the area’s fastest, most filling, and affordable Chinese cuisine. You get more value for your money here. The same can be said for other restaurants at GCM. China Cafe opened in 1959 and still serves the same menu, maintaining its original neon signs and counter space. China Café gets extremely busy, and the counter seating is next to impossible to sit at, but there are plenty of nearby seating options.

Egg Slut Grand Central Market

There is a popular eatery at GCM called Egg, which is particularly busy during breakfast time. Don’t be discouraged by the long line, as it moves quickly due to the fresh food and the many people being served. This place is a must-visit if you are a breakfast lover. Seating can be challenging but possible to find. Egg Slut and China China Café are by far the most popular food vendors at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles.

Sticky Rice Thai Restaurant

Our group decided to try Sticky Rice, a Thai restaurant at the market. We chose the beef Penang curry with jasmine rice from the menu, and it was a delightful combination of flavors. The dish was perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of salt, spice, and sweetness. We enjoyed our meal at the restaurant. Sticky Rice has three other Los Angeles locations. Website.

Oysters to Ice Cream at the Market

If you’re looking for spices, nuts, canned food, candy, produce, seafood, flowers, beer, meat, jewelry, liquor, a deli, fresh juice, or even just a plain old cup of coffee, the market has you covered. If you want a place to sit down and have a beer and seafood, try The Oyster Gourmet. If you wish for some out-of-this-world ice cream, hop to McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream.

Burgers and Tacos

If you are in the mood for a burger, head over to For The Win for the burger of ALL burgers. Craving Tacos? Head over to Maria’s or Tacos Tomas. Grand Central Market is an excellent place for families, a good place to meet friends, or just a quick stop to grab a bite on your lunch break. GCM has it all; the food is fast, of good quality, and conveniently located in one place.

A Unique Dining Experience

The Grand Central Market is a unique place that brings people from all walks of life together. Its diverse patrons can dine and relax in a friendly environment. The fantastic aromas from all the restaurants are part of every day at this unique Los Angeles Attraction. Visitors to the market seem genuinely happy, soaking up the atmosphere at GCM.

Getting To Grand Central Los Angeles

Grand Central Market is a beautiful place to enjoy lunch while exploring Los Angeles. Across the street from the market is historic Angels Flight, and the nearby Metro Red Line station connects visitors to the rest of downtown LA. Next door has a parking structure and a restroom on the lower level. Grand Central Market is at 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California.

Nearby Downtown Los Angeles Attractions

Olvera Street, Los Angeles

Olvera Street is a one-of-a-kind and captivating place that stands out from the modern buildings, residential and commercial spaces, dining spots, and nightlife venues of Los Angeles. It is a historic landmark that has preserved its authentic character and perfectly represents the city’s past.

Little Tokyo Los Angeles

Little Tokyo is located in downtown Los Angeles. It is the cultural center for Japanese Americans living in Southern California. The Japanese Village Plaza is the focal point of Little Tokyo and is where most community activities occur. You can easily spot the plaza by the enormous wooden fire tower at its entrance. Once you enter, you will find numerous stores selling items such as mochi ice cream, Japanese pastries, and bread.

Chinatown Los Angeles

Chinatown Los Angeles is a neighborhood that is home to around 25,000 residents. This vibrant Asian community was first established in 1938 and has since grown into a self-sustaining pillar of the Los Angeles community and a popular tourist attraction. It comprises many restaurants, herbal shops, and temples with pagoda rooftops, creating a tiny Asian world within the city.

Koreatown Los Angeles

When people think of shopping in Los Angeles, they often imagine high-end locations such as Rodeo Drive or Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. However, Koreatown offers some of the most remarkable shopping experiences in the city. You can find various malls with American-style stores with unique products and brands not located anywhere else.