West Hollywood Food Tour

Explore West Hollywood’s Top Food Spots with a Guided Tour

The West Hollywood Food Tour offers an engaging 3-hour experience for just $99 per person in Los Angeles. This tour takes you through five carefully selected eateries, including the iconic Farmers Market, Michelina Bakery, Nona’s Empanadas, Canter’s Deli, and Noree Thai. With a small group maximum of 12, this tour promises a personalized look at the neighborhood’s culinary scene, guided by knowledgeable hosts.

The tour is designed for those seeking to avoid tourist traps and get authentic local flavors. The price includes all food, making it an excellent value, especially considering the variety of cuisines and the opportunity to learn about West Hollywood’s history along the way. The 3-hour walking experience is paced comfortably, with 15-minute stops at most locations and one slightly longer visit to Noree Thai.

Key Points

• Three-hour guided food tour with five stops across West Hollywood
• All food included, featuring dishes from Tacos to Thai cuisine
• Small group size (max 12) for a more personal experience
• Tour departs from The Original Farmers Market at 11:00 am
• Guides provide insights into local food scene and neighborhood history
• Tour ends at Canter’s Deli, with options to continue exploring the area

Starting Point at The Original Farmers Market

This tour kicks off at the historic Farmers Market, located at 6333 W 3rd St, a lively spot filled with trendy shops, restaurants, and gourmet grocery stores. The market’s vibrant atmosphere provides a perfect setting to begin your culinary journey, with the admission ticket included in the tour price. Expect to learn about the market’s history and its significance in Los Angeles food culture.

The walk to the first few stops includes about 15 minutes at each location, allowing enough time to explore and enjoy your tasting. The market’s diverse offerings set the tone for a culinary adventure that highlights international flavors and local favorites.

Visiting CBS Television City and Fairfax District

From the Farmers Market, the tour moves toward Television City, also known as CBS Television City, located in the Fairfax District. This 15-minute stop offers a glimpse into the area’s entertainment history and the lively retail scene. The Fairfax District is known for its vibrant restaurants and shops, drawing a diverse crowd eager to experience its eclectic vibe.

The walk between the market and Fairfax provides a chance to appreciate the neighborhood’s mix of residential streets and commercial energy. This segment helps set the scene for the culinary stops ahead, emphasizing both the cultural diversity and local flavor of West Hollywood.

Sampling Pastries at Michelina Bakery

The third stop is at Michelina Bakery, located within the Farmers Market, where Chef Vincents has made delectable pastries an LA staple. Here, visitors enjoy authentic baked goods in a charming setting, with the 15-minute stop allowing ample time to savor treats and chat with the bakery’s staff. The bakery’s reputation as an instant favorite among locals highlights its role in LA’s bakery scene.

This stop provides a taste of French-inspired pastries and offers insights into the bakery’s history, enhancing the overall understanding of the area’s culinary diversity.

Savory Pastries at Nona’s Empanadas

Next, the tour visits Nona’s Empanadas on 3rd Street, where a wide range of savory pastries with global-inspired fillings are baked fresh daily. The 15-minute tasting offers a chance to sample various empanadas, each with unique flavors, representing different regions and culinary traditions.

This stop is particularly popular thanks to its flavorful, satisfying pastries that showcase the neighborhood’s embrace of international cuisine. The variety means everyone can find something they enjoy, from spicy fillings to comforting classics.

Classic Sweets at Canter’s Deli

The fifth stop is at Canter’s Deli, an iconic Jewish delicatessen renowned for its tasty sweets and traditional baked goods. The 15-minute visit allows ample time to indulge in delicious desserts, while also learning about the deli’s long-standing history in Los Angeles.

Canter’s offers a taste of classic New York-style deli treats in LA’s West Hollywood neighborhood, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This stop provides a sweet finish to the food tasting part of the tour and a glimpse into the area’s cultural tapestry.

Noree Thai: The Heart of Thai Food in LA

After a short walk, the tour arrives at Noree Thai on Beverly, where authentic Thai cuisine is served in a cozy setting. This 20-minute stop is the longest on the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of Thai dishes, from spicy curries to fragrant noodles, all prepared with genuine flavors.

This stop stands out as the perfect place to experience the heart and soul of Thai food within Los Angeles. The guide provides context about Thai culinary traditions, helping guests appreciate the complexity behind each dish.

Indulge in Gelato at HauteMess Gourmet Market

The final food stop is at HauteMess Gourmet Market, where you’ll find what many consider the best gelato in Los Angeles. The 15-minute tasting allows guests to sample a range of flavors, providing a sweet, refreshing end to the culinary journey.

The gelato’s reputation for being amazing and delicious makes it a favorite among tour participants, and it offers a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the tour’s highlights before the walk back.

Walks Through Iconic Neighborhoods and Local History

Throughout the tour, guides share insights into West Hollywood’s history, including stories about the Gilmore family and the development of the Farmers Market area. The walk covers 1.2 miles on flat streets, at a comfortable pace that allows for conversation and enjoyment of the surroundings.

While most stops are 15 minutes, the walk between locations offers a chance to appreciate the neighborhood’s residential streets and scenic spots, making this experience both culinary and cultural.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The West Hollywood Food Tour departs at 11:00 am from the Farmers Market and ends at Canter’s Deli on Fairfax Avenue. The group size is limited to 12, ensuring a more intimate experience, and the tour includes water at all stops.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation for easy access. However, it mainly involves walking on flat streets for about 1.2 miles, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Honest Reflections and Considerations

The majority of reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and delicious food offerings, with mentions of great storytelling and friendly personalities. Guides like Matt, Robbie, Abbey, and Chris are highlighted for their helpfulness and engagement. Many appreciate the variety of cuisines and insights into local history.

Some reviewers note that the pace can be brisk, especially on very hot days, so guests should be prepared for moderate walking. The food stops tend to be generous, sometimes more than enough for a satisfying meal. The tour’s value is underlined by the all-inclusive food and small group setting, which enhances the experience.

Final Thoughts on the West Hollywood Food Tour

This tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to discover West Hollywood’s culinary diversity in just three hours. It is especially suited for food lovers interested in authentic dishes from multiple cultures, as well as those wanting a local insight into the neighborhood’s history.

The small group size and expert guides make it a personalized experience, with delicious food and engaging stories. While the pace may be brisk on hot days, the variety of stops and inclusive food make this a worthwhile adventure for most visitors to Los Angeles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the West Hollywood Food Tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the specific menu details are not provided, the tour includes a variety of dishes like tacos, pastries, and Thai cuisine, which often feature vegetarian options. It’s best to check with the provider for specific dietary accommodations.

How much walking is involved?
The tour covers approximately 1.2 miles on flat streets. The pace is generally comfortable, but some stops require standing and light walking.

What is the best time to join this tour?
The tour departs daily at 11:00 am, making it ideal for mid-morning exploration and a delicious lunch afterwards. It suits most schedules and weather conditions.

Are drinks included in the tour?
Water is available at all stops, but alcoholic beverages are not included. Guests may purchase drinks separately at each location if desired.