The Santa Monica Farmers Market is the largest grower-only certified Farmers Market in Southern California. It is the go-to Farmers Market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Downtown Santa Monica, California, where you can buy local produce direct from the farms.
We all aspire to cook with local, seasonal ingredients and its something everyone should do more often. Its a great way to understand and celebrate the seasons and enjoy the diverse produce available in your area. The food’s peak time in terms of harvest usually coincides with when its flavor is at its best. It is also usually the time when it is at its cheapest , and so another reason to head down to your local market.
Have a look at a great guide to seasonal cooking at Epicurious .
We wandered the aisles through an amazing array of vegetables, fruit, beautiful freshly cut flowers, breads, cheeses, fresh fish and bisson. The live music, atmosphere and interesting people make this a must if you are in LA and have a few hours to indulge yourself in a foodie shopping experience.
The Wednesday Market
An estimated nine thousand food shoppers pass through this market each Wednesday and it is widely recognized as one of the most diverse grower-only Certified Farmers Market in the Nation. Many of LA’s best known chefs from top restaurants can be seen here, buying the freshest seasonal produce in the area.
Wednesday 8.30am. – 1.30pm
Arizona Ave @ 2nd Street
The Saturday Market
On Saturday , the Downtown Farmers Market, also known as the certified Organic Market, is Santa Monica’s second largest Farmers Market. This market caters for the growing numbers of foodies and consumers seeking organic and healthy produce in California. It is a great place to meet and eat and do your weekend shopping. The Organic Market boasts the largest percentage of Certified Organic growers of the City’s four markets.
8.30am – 1.00p.m.
Arizone Ave @ 2nd Street
When you can drag your eyes away from the incredible food , do some people watching. Look out for famous chefs, flamboyant vendors, and beautiful and interesting people with their trusty four legged companions.
Cha Cha Chicken
To end a great morning at the market we headed off to Cha Cha Chicken in Ocean Ave for some Jerk Chicken Enchiladas and an overflowing plate of Cha Cha chicken . The restaurant serves Caribbean Food with a Latin fusion, and the dishes are inventive with delicious blends of flavours. They all come with sides of rice/bean mixture, salad, and amazing plantains . This beach shack is colorful, jam packed with interesting people from all walks of life and the food is great.
And there is always a chance of being interviewed by one of the Food Channels, as Brendon soon found out.
Open Monday – Friday 11am -10pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am -10pm
1906 Ocean Ave , Santa Monica, CA 90405
Other markets to visit in Santa Monica
Pico Farmers Market
Located at Virginia Park (2200 Virginia Ave):
Saturdays, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Main Street Farmers Market
Located at 2640 Main Street
Sundays, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
