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A round wooden board of meat and cheese with a collection of jams and spreads as well.
Sliced meats and cheese board from Agnes in Pasadena.
Wonho Frank Lee

20 Los Angeles Gourmet Shops for Building the Perfect Picnic Basket

The best way to enjoy the incredible LA weather and sunshine

by Matthew Kang
View as Map
Sliced meats and cheese board from Agnes in Pasadena.
| Wonho Frank Lee
by Matthew Kang

There are multitude to specialty stores in Los Angeles putting together incredible food products that work as picnic basket ingredients. With LA’s helpful weather lasting for most of the year, those wanting a bit more than the Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods selections can head to these gourmet shops for curated charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, breads, salads, and desserts that somehow taste better under the sun. Here now, 20 gourmet purveyors and shops to try around Los Angeles to build a picnic basket around.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Gasolina Cafe

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This Spanish cafe and marketplace in Woodland Hills is a great one-stop shop for picnic goers in the Valley, with cheeses, chips, wines, meats, and other readymade provisions to throw into a basket.

21150 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 914-4033
(818) 914-4033
Cheese and charcuterie board at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills.
Cheese and charcuterie board at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills.
Gasolina Cafe

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Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

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Bay Cities is known for their Italian submarine sandwiches, but the rest of the place remains a formidable Italian specialty store for pickled things and other picnic-friendly items. Grab a pre-made godmother sandwich and load up on other goodies for the basket.

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-8279
(310) 395-8279
An open-faced Italian cold cut sandwich.
Bay Cities deli godmother sandwich.
Bay Cities

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Gjusta

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Gjusta is the one-stop shop for eating some of the best prepared foods in Los Angeles, from the smoked and cured fish to the house-baked breads and desserts. Prices are up there, so be ready to spend, but the quality is worth it.

320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-0320
(310) 314-0320
Fish plate at Gjusta in Venice.
Smoked fish plate from Gjusta.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Clementine

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West LA’s longtime sandwich and specialty store Clementine works for morning or afternoon picnics, with plenty of tasty items ready to eat on a grassy field.

1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 552-1080
(310) 552-1080
Clementine Picnic
Takeout cheese and charcuterie from Clementine.
Clementine

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Eataly

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It would make sense that this huge emporium of Italian food would make for a great picnic ingredient spot. While it’s tucked into the large Westfield Century City, the selection here basically guarantees that you’ll have the best possible picnic with cheeses, salumi, wine, and other premade foods stretching in every direction. Don’t skip the chocolates and pastry too for a sweet finish.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067
(213) 310-8000
(213) 310-8000
Eataly Los Angeles
Eataly, Los Angeles
Wonho Frank Lee

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The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills

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With new ownership under Dominick DiBartolomeo after decades of operation from Norbert Wabnig, the famous Cheese Store of Beverly Hills will continue to be one of the West Coast’s best places for cheese and other specialty foods. The store sells bread, charcuterie, and other picnic-ready foods, plus a decent amount of wine, too.

419 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 278-2855
(310) 278-2855
Cheeses from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Cheeses from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Gabe Harder

Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique

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Certainly one of the more high end places to get a picnic basket together, Petrossian in West Hollywood is properly kitted with smoked fish, sliced meats, and of course excellent caviar. Call ahead to have them assemble a takeaway package.

321 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 271-6300
(310) 271-6300
Smoked fish, meats, and caviar with champagne from Petrossian.
Smoked fish, meats, and caviar with champagne from Petrossian.
Jakob Layman

Also featured in:

Joan’s on Third

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One of the best-known grab-and-go specialty stores in the city, Joan’s on Third continues to draw in crowds for its selection of cheeses, salads, and sandwiches in a central location.

8350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-2285
(323) 655-2285
Joan’s on Third.
Joan’s on Third.
Joan’s on Third

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Vromage

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Vegan cheese lovers will find relief at this longtime Hollywood shop that makes incredible dairy-free cheeses. There are also some sandwiches and salads to take to the park.

7988 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 745-0157
(323) 745-0157

Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Bistro & Seafood Market

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Tucked into the Original Farmer’s Market, Monsieur Marcel is a destination for cheese enthusiasts and Francophiles who don’t mind the journey here to prepare the ultimate picnic basket. Sip on a glass of wine before heading out to your favorite park.

6333 W 3rd St #150, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-7792
(323) 939-7792

Angelini Alimentari

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Just before the pandemic, Angelini Osteria realized it could reach a wider audience with a handy daytime destination with prepared foods, baked Italian pastries, and other picnic-ready items.

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 297-0070
(323) 297-0070

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Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese

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Sporting some of the best sandwiches in town, the lines at Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese start right around lunch. The shop also has plenty of prepared foods, cheese, and wine (obviously, in the name) that work for picnics nearby this central LA neighborhood.

223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 856-8699
(323) 856-8699

Surfas Culinary District

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This longtime hangout for chefs is a great place to see a wide variety of specialty foods. Previously in Culver City, this new Mid-City location offers much of the same stuff, from sandwiches and cheese to jarred and pickled things.

3225 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(310) 559-4770
(310) 559-4770

The Oaks Gourmet Market & Cafe

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Franklin Village’s Oaks Gourmet is a longtime neighborhood shop for high-end foods and prepared items. A good stop before going up to Griffith Park.

1915 N Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 871-8894
(323) 871-8894

La Española Meats, Inc

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Located in South Bay, this industrial-looking market and production facility is the best place for Spanish food lovers to fill up on cheese, meats (many of which are cured on the premises), olives, and bocadillos — little sub sandwiches that are just a delight to eat.

25020 Doble Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710
(310) 539-0455
(310) 539-0455
Inside La Española in Harbor City.
Inside La Española in Harbor City.
Matthew Kang

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Say Cheese

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This Black-owned cheese shop and gourmet food store in Silver Lake is a longtime haven for those needing beautiful boards of sliced meats, cheese, and more, with a convenient location between Griffith Park and the LA River.

2800 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-0545
(323) 665-0545

Also featured in:

Botanica Restaurant and Market

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Boasting an extensive marketplace with California and Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, Botanica offers a handy selection of prepared items, wine, and other goodies from Wednesday to Sunday for anyone looking to have a picnic at Silver Lake meadows.

1620 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 522-6106
(323) 522-6106
Wine and other prepared foods from Botanica in Silver Lake.
Wine and other prepared foods from Botanica in Silver Lake.
Botanica

Also featured in:

DTLA Cheese

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Grand Central Market’s DTLA Cheese works as a good stop to pick up some of the city’s most extensive cheeses before heading to LA Historic State Park or another wide green space around Downtown.

317 S Broadway #45, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 290-3060
(213) 290-3060

Milkfarm

Copy Link

Eagle Rock’s enduring cheese and specialty food shop from owner Leah Park-Fierro is a great place for custom made boards and other prepared foods that work for picnics. Small sandwiches and some beers/wines help round out the selection for those who want some more substantial fare in their baskets.

2106 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 892-1068
(323) 892-1068

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

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Pasadena’s bright and airy restaurant Agnes is a full fledged gourmet shop in the front with cheeses curated by co-owner Vanesa Tilaka. It’s a good place to load up on cheeses, wine, and other specialty products to load into a basket before a picnic in the San Gabriel Mountains or a nearby park.

40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 389-3839
(626) 389-3839
A glass case for cheeses of all sorts, complete with hand-written signs.
Cheese case at Agnes in Pasadena.
Wonho Frank Lee

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Gasolina Cafe

21150 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Cheese and charcuterie board at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills.
Cheese and charcuterie board at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills.
Gasolina Cafe

This Spanish cafe and marketplace in Woodland Hills is a great one-stop shop for picnic goers in the Valley, with cheeses, chips, wines, meats, and other readymade provisions to throw into a basket.

21150 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 914-4033
(818) 914-4033
Cheese and charcuterie board at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills.
Cheese and charcuterie board at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills.
Gasolina Cafe

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
An open-faced Italian cold cut sandwich.
Bay Cities deli godmother sandwich.
Bay Cities

Bay Cities is known for their Italian submarine sandwiches, but the rest of the place remains a formidable Italian specialty store for pickled things and other picnic-friendly items. Grab a pre-made godmother sandwich and load up on other goodies for the basket.

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-8279
(310) 395-8279
An open-faced Italian cold cut sandwich.
Bay Cities deli godmother sandwich.
Bay Cities

Gjusta

320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Fish plate at Gjusta in Venice.
Smoked fish plate from Gjusta.
Matthew Kang

Gjusta is the one-stop shop for eating some of the best prepared foods in Los Angeles, from the smoked and cured fish to the house-baked breads and desserts. Prices are up there, so be ready to spend, but the quality is worth it.

320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-0320
(310) 314-0320
Fish plate at Gjusta in Venice.
Smoked fish plate from Gjusta.
Matthew Kang

Clementine

1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Clementine Picnic
Takeout cheese and charcuterie from Clementine.
Clementine

West LA’s longtime sandwich and specialty store Clementine works for morning or afternoon picnics, with plenty of tasty items ready to eat on a grassy field.

1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 552-1080
(310) 552-1080
Clementine Picnic
Takeout cheese and charcuterie from Clementine.
Clementine

Eataly

10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Eataly Los Angeles
Eataly, Los Angeles
Wonho Frank Lee

It would make sense that this huge emporium of Italian food would make for a great picnic ingredient spot. While it’s tucked into the large Westfield Century City, the selection here basically guarantees that you’ll have the best possible picnic with cheeses, salumi, wine, and other premade foods stretching in every direction. Don’t skip the chocolates and pastry too for a sweet finish.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067
(213) 310-8000
(213) 310-8000
Eataly Los Angeles
Eataly, Los Angeles
Wonho Frank Lee

The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills

419 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Cheeses from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Cheeses from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Gabe Harder

With new ownership under Dominick DiBartolomeo after decades of operation from Norbert Wabnig, the famous Cheese Store of Beverly Hills will continue to be one of the West Coast’s best places for cheese and other specialty foods. The store sells bread, charcuterie, and other picnic-ready foods, plus a decent amount of wine, too.

419 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 278-2855
(310) 278-2855
Cheeses from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Cheeses from the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Gabe Harder

Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique

321 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
Smoked fish, meats, and caviar with champagne from Petrossian.
Smoked fish, meats, and caviar with champagne from Petrossian.
Jakob Layman

Certainly one of the more high end places to get a picnic basket together, Petrossian in West Hollywood is properly kitted with smoked fish, sliced meats, and of course excellent caviar. Call ahead to have them assemble a takeaway package.

321 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 271-6300
(310) 271-6300
Smoked fish, meats, and caviar with champagne from Petrossian.
Smoked fish, meats, and caviar with champagne from Petrossian.
Jakob Layman

Joan’s on Third

8350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Joan’s on Third.
Joan’s on Third.
Joan’s on Third

One of the best-known grab-and-go specialty stores in the city, Joan’s on Third continues to draw in crowds for its selection of cheeses, salads, and sandwiches in a central location.

8350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-2285
(323) 655-2285
Joan’s on Third.
Joan’s on Third.
Joan’s on Third

Vromage

7988 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Vegan cheese lovers will find relief at this longtime Hollywood shop that makes incredible dairy-free cheeses. There are also some sandwiches and salads to take to the park.

7988 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 745-0157
(323) 745-0157

Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Bistro & Seafood Market

6333 W 3rd St #150, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Tucked into the Original Farmer’s Market, Monsieur Marcel is a destination for cheese enthusiasts and Francophiles who don’t mind the journey here to prepare the ultimate picnic basket. Sip on a glass of wine before heading out to your favorite park.

6333 W 3rd St #150, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-7792
(323) 939-7792

Angelini Alimentari

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Just before the pandemic, Angelini Osteria realized it could reach a wider audience with a handy daytime destination with prepared foods, baked Italian pastries, and other picnic-ready items.

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 297-0070
(323) 297-0070

Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese

223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Sporting some of the best sandwiches in town, the lines at Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese start right around lunch. The shop also has plenty of prepared foods, cheese, and wine (obviously, in the name) that work for picnics nearby this central LA neighborhood.

223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 856-8699
(323) 856-8699

Surfas Culinary District

3225 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

This longtime hangout for chefs is a great place to see a wide variety of specialty foods. Previously in Culver City, this new Mid-City location offers much of the same stuff, from sandwiches and cheese to jarred and pickled things.

3225 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(310) 559-4770
(310) 559-4770

The Oaks Gourmet Market & Cafe

1915 N Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Franklin Village’s Oaks Gourmet is a longtime neighborhood shop for high-end foods and prepared items. A good stop before going up to Griffith Park.

1915 N Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 871-8894
(323) 871-8894

La Española Meats, Inc

25020 Doble Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710
Inside La Española in Harbor City.
Inside La Española in Harbor City.
Matthew Kang

Located in South Bay, this industrial-looking market and production facility is the best place for Spanish food lovers to fill up on cheese, meats (many of which are cured on the premises), olives, and bocadillos — little sub sandwiches that are just a delight to eat.

25020 Doble Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710
(310) 539-0455
(310) 539-0455
Inside La Española in Harbor City.
Inside La Española in Harbor City.
Matthew Kang

Related Maps

Say Cheese

2800 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

This Black-owned cheese shop and gourmet food store in Silver Lake is a longtime haven for those needing beautiful boards of sliced meats, cheese, and more, with a convenient location between Griffith Park and the LA River.

2800 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-0545
(323) 665-0545

Botanica Restaurant and Market

1620 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Wine and other prepared foods from Botanica in Silver Lake.
Wine and other prepared foods from Botanica in Silver Lake.
Botanica

Boasting an extensive marketplace with California and Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, Botanica offers a handy selection of prepared items, wine, and other goodies from Wednesday to Sunday for anyone looking to have a picnic at Silver Lake meadows.

1620 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 522-6106
(323) 522-6106
Wine and other prepared foods from Botanica in Silver Lake.
Wine and other prepared foods from Botanica in Silver Lake.
Botanica

DTLA Cheese

317 S Broadway #45, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Grand Central Market’s DTLA Cheese works as a good stop to pick up some of the city’s most extensive cheeses before heading to LA Historic State Park or another wide green space around Downtown.

317 S Broadway #45, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 290-3060
(213) 290-3060

Milkfarm

2106 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Eagle Rock’s enduring cheese and specialty food shop from owner Leah Park-Fierro is a great place for custom made boards and other prepared foods that work for picnics. Small sandwiches and some beers/wines help round out the selection for those who want some more substantial fare in their baskets.

2106 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 892-1068
(323) 892-1068

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105