It’s a Cinderella transformation! Take an old garment factory in an under-resourced Los Angeles neighborhood, dress it in vibrant colors, fill it with unique restaurants, add the sparkle of artists and a sprinkling of retail businesses, and VOILA! you have Mercado La Paloma, a food-hall that changed a food-depressed area into a dynamic food-destination.
Located in the Figueroa Corridor of South Los Angeles, Mercado La Paloma is famed for its creative community of outstanding food stalls. Favorites include:
HOLBOX Los Angeles
A seafood lover’s paradise, Holbox has earned a Michelin Star (2024), multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, and was named LA Times Restaurant of the Year (2023). Chef Gilberto Cetina was even a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in California! Expect fresh, vibrant Mexican seafood dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Visit Holbox.
CHICHEN ITZA
Offering a true taste of the Yucatán, Chichen Itza has been hailed as one of the top Mexican restaurants in the U.S. by GQ Magazine, Hispanic Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times. Don’t miss their cochinita pibil—a slow-roasted, citrus-marinated pork dish that melts in your mouth. Explore Chichen Itza.
KOMAL
Rising star, chef Fátima Júarez, adds a touch of brilliance to traditional Mexican favorites. Eater calls Komal, “The most exciting new place for Mexico City-style street food in Los Angeles.” The New York Times claims that Fátima’s Molotes de Platano is “One of the Best dishes we ate across the U.S. in 2024.”
This outstanding new chef takes house-made up a notch. She nixtamalize her own masa from 100% Mexican heirloom corn to make succulent tortillas, tostadas and other masa based dishes. Discover Komal.
Fátima Júarez
Molotes de Platano
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW
Don’t expect fancy. Mercado La Paloma consists of the food stalls framing a central dining area. All is unpretentious, with laid-back vibe.
Order at the counter, claim a seat and your dish will be brought to your table. The exception is Holbox with counter seating.
Each of the seven stalls has its own kitchen. Each stall is individually owned (no chains). The stalls specialize in different style-cuisines—including Thai and California-influenced American.
The Mercado also has: Outdoor tables. Free parking. Art exhibits that change. And true community spirit.
