The Best of Larchmont Village, A Neighborhood Gem in LA
Whenever anyone asks me what neighborhood I love the most in LA, it is without question the neighborhood where I lived and worked for many years—Hancock Park / Larchmont Village. We recently sold our house and moved to North Carolina, and walking to Larchmont is one of the things I miss most about living in LA. Bordering Hollywood, Hancock Park, and Korea Town, historic Larchmont Village is one of the most charming neighorhoods in LA.
While Covid meant a lot of closures and changes, it has seen a resurgence in the last year or two, now featuring 50+ shops and restaurants with the newly developed Mercantile on the south end of the street. A huge draw is the Farmers’ Market happening every Wednesday from 1pm-5pm and Sunday morning from 10am-2pm. Though Larchmont Village is considered the south end of the street, it’s been expanding further towards Melrose with the opening of Cafe Gratitude a few years ago. If you’re looking to treat yourself, it’s worth nothing that this is the best massage I’ve had in Los Angeles.
For any out-of-towners, put this on your list for a local experience, and scroll down to see my favorite spots to eat, drink + shop.
But First, Coffee:
Go Get Em Tiger – If you’re into fancy lattes with homemade almond milk, this is the place! It is a true coffee “bar” where you order at the counter like you would a cocktail. It will set you back about as much too, but well worth it.
Groundwork Coffee Co – If you don’t want to wait in line at Go Get Em Tiger, they have amazzzzing coffee too!
Cakes & Ice-Cream:
Salt & Straw – A Portland transplant known for their unique flavor combinations like Rice Shrimp Sushi with Lime and Stumptown Coffee & Compartes Love Nuts.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – The newest addition to Larchmont, Jeni was one of the first of the artisanal ice cream shops using whole ingredients and no synthetic flavors.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery LA – This bakery can accomodate most food allergies including gluten, wheat and dairy. I have stopped by many times to accommodate vegan and gluten free friends (including myself!). It’s also insanely adorable.
Clark Street Bakery– One of four locations in LA, they are known for their sourdough bread, but you cannot go wrong. Their lunch is fantastic—don’t sleep on the Jamon Beurre!
Levain Bakery – Known for their bread and most famous chocolate chip cookies, Levain is a New York transplant. Great to treat yourself or take to your next dinner party.
Wine + Cheese:
Larchmont Wine + Cheese – While you go here for the obvious, the secret is hidden in the back. They make sandwiches until the homemade bread runs out. Go early as there is always a line. Pro tip: Call ahead for takeaway. Your sandwich will be waiting at the front when you arrive!
Shop:
Buck Mason – My husband’s favorite clothing store carrying a curated selection of high-quality men’s classics.
Catbird – The fine jewelery store made famous in New York has opened on Larchmont!
Shorthand – Honestly, my dream store, and I’m SO sad it opened after we moved. This is a wonderful stationery shop, complete with all sorts of fun notebooks, pens, cards, etc.—many from Japan.
Larchmont Beauty – Hands down the best beauty supply store in Los Angeles. From high-end skincare like Natura Bisse to every hair product imaginable, it’s a beauty lover’s paradise.
Blue Mercury – If you can’t find it at Larchmont Beauty, you are sure to find it here. A broad selection of high end makeup, skincare and hair products.
Credo Beauty – If you’re into clean beauty, this is the place for you. Selling such luxury brands as Westman Atelier, Ilia, and RMS, I found the staff super knowledgable last time I was in town and came home with a slew of new things to try.
Skin Laundry – A laser facials spa, where you can buy a membership or get a facial over lunch.
Malin + Goetz – All natural, gender neutral skincare products that will bring that luxury hotel feel to your home bathroom.
Diptyque – High-end intoxicating candles, perfect for a gift.
Velvet by Graham and Spencer – It’s a good thing this opened right as we were moving across the country! It’s one of my favorite places to shop for elevated basics.
Midland Shop – A gift shop that champions makers of well made goods—from unique home decor to jewelry and clothes, there’s something for everyone.
Chevalier’s Books – They have moved into a smaller space across the street from their old location. It is one of the oldest independent book stores in Los Angeles.
Eat:
Great White – This all day cafe from Venice opened recently in the old Cafe Parisienne space. With a focus on breakfast, which is greatly needed in our neighborhood, they offer a variety of comfort food and healthier options. It’s quite the hot spot now, so reservations highly recommended.
Le Petit Greek – Sadly, this has closed, but they opened a new restaurant called Greek Eats on 3rd street that I can’t wait to try.
Bettola- This is in the old Vernetti spot…Italian by the group that brought you Terroni. Outdoor seating available.
Village Pizzeria – The closest you’re going to get to New York style pizza in Los Angeles. They are now open Wed-Saturday from 3:00pm-8:30pm. And Sunday 3:00pm-8:00pm. *Takeout available. Limited menu.
Le Pain Quotidien – They have finally reopened for limited indoor and outdoor seating!
Cookbook Market – This darling neighborhood market first opened in Echo Park, expanded to Highland Park and is now in Larchmont! Seasonal produce, wine, gourmet foods, as well as a restaurant. I’m so jealous it opened after we moved!
Sam’s Bagels – There are quite a few bagel places now giving Sam’s a run for their money, but it’s still a very good option. *Takeout only
Kreation – If you’re in the mood for a $14 smoothie or water infused with CBD, this is the place! And who isn’t, right?!
Cafe Gratitude – Located on the Melrose end of Larchmont, this popular vegan restaurant is one of the trendiest spots in town, but the food is also great (if you’re in the mood for something healthy).
Meet you on Larchmont!
Photos of me by Ashley Burns
PS. The ultimate guide to Silver Lake
It all sounds lovely and amazing! I’d just change “beware, it’s vegan,” to “wonderfully, it’s vegan!”
Hahahaha!
Thank heaven! While I enjoy vegan baked goods, LA is flooded with them and you’re looked at with disdain if you want the real original thing! So nice to know where to find full fat, full wheat baked goods!
Hahaha! I’m so with you!!
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You say “beware this place is vegan, I believe cake is made out of flour and water”….flour and water are both vegan. I believe you mean to say gluten free, which is not the same as vegan. Erin McKenna’s is an allergen free bakery.
How could you leave out the fried avocado bowl at Tacos Tu Madre????
Well to be honest, for a while they had a B rating and I got turned off but I’d be willing to go back and try it again! I’ve only had the fish bowl there, so this gives me a reason! 🙂
Crisp Clean Cute!