Carla's Fresh Market

Supermarket · Highland Park

Carla's Fresh Market

Supermarket · Highland Park

248 N Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA

Highlights

Carla's Fresh Market is a stylish local grocery in Highland Park, brimming with fresh produce, unique wines, and an inviting coffee bar, perfect for busy shoppers.

248 N Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA Get directions

carlasfreshmarket.com

@carlasfreshmarket

@eater

"The airy space is stylishly appointed, while the produce and products are sourced from local farmers and makers. The market’s coffee shop, pastry case, and lunch counter all add up to the kind of one-stop shop ideal for busy folks. Grab one of the market’s You + Mi sandwiches, a flavorful vegan construction of chile-marinated tofu and fresh herbs on a French roll, along with some pastries from Sasha Piligian." - Eater Staff

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View Postcard for Carlas Fresh Market

@eater

"Carla’s Fresh Market in Highland Park is serving lunch starting Wednesday, April 3 at 11 a.m. Owner Ariell Ilunga and chef and chocolate maker Julia Ziegler-Haynes are serving a tight menu of salads and sandwiches made using locally sourced ingredients, homemade condiments, and Bub and Grandma’s bread. Highlights from the daytime menu include a poached wild salmon salad with radicchio, spicy sauerkraut, pickled shallots, and a preserved lemon and tahini dressing, all wrapped in lavash bread, and a BLT made with Autonomy Farms crispy bacon, roasted tomato jam, butter lettuce, and homemade aioli." - Cathy Chaplin

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View Postcard for Carla's Fresh Market

@eater

"Carla’s Market opened in November 2023 as a small grocer that partners with local vendors." - Mona Holmes

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View Postcard for Carlas Fresh Market

K S

Google

I like stopping by at Carla’s every now and again, it’s definitely on the pricier side but I do feel I’ve gotten my moneys worth. The shop is small and eclectic, the staff is friendly and helpful.

Alison Nix

Google

Great produce, great wine, stacks of snacks, cool friendly staff… I know people are wary of gentrification and have driven down reviews but Carla’s is community oriented and a new neighborhood staple. It’s an independent business owned by a woman, with something to offer. Have grabbed last minute items there when I need to cook dinner or need a snack, things are expensive at chains anyways so I’d rather support a local business that I can walk to.

Cristian Talavera

Google

Love the pantry, alcohol (unique wine!) selection. As well as Auntie's Coffee bar inside Carla's. Staff are nice and friendly. Will be coming back.

Marguerite Lathan

Google

I could not believe i found rare condiments that deeply enhance my cooking and any dish I eat. The ambiance, the staff and most of all the owner who is engaging and attentive make this all a creme de la creme of a grocery store experience! I give Carla's Fresh Market an A++

Andrea Borgen Abdallah

Google

Running an independent grocery is so challenging these days - yes, some of their goods are more expensive (some of them aren't!), but they also support other small farmers and businesses who don't have economies of scale to keep their prices as low as Amazon. You're not just supporting Carla's, but a whole ecosystem of small independents who I would really like to see survive. Grateful to have them in the neighborhood!

Mariah Morris

Google

I really want to support this market because its black/women owned but, unfortunately its waaaay over priced and another addition to the gentrification in the neighborhood. Not here for it babes.

small soft

Google

this store is so cute, natural wine, local produce, baked goods and good coffee. Carla’s even has tables to work or eat at. However there is one thing that will be crucial for Carla’s, and it’s understanding the neighborhood it opened in. The locals are latinos who have been here for over 20 years, all ages and generations. The glaring downside of Carla’s is not the eclectic assortment of goods, but it is the prices—like Cookbook down figueroa, there is absolutely zero affordable options to the assortment of spices, snacks, and other goods. This fact makes Carla’s feel no different than any other trendy exploitive shop opening in Highland Park right now, a city that pushes back fiercely against gentrifiers. The story of Carla’s is inspiring, but their inaccessibility is going to lead to their downfall. My advice? add some reasonably priced goods to the shelves for a diverse selection for everyone in the neighborhood, and not just the wealthy transplants who are trampling all over this town

Lia Schifitto

Google

I wanted to like this place, and when I want to treat myself I go grab 1 item or 2, but that is all anyone can afford. It's a very nice space, but as many have voiced, does not have the community in mind with its pricing and items for sale - and I echo the dissapointment others feel as many were led to believe it would be 'different.'

Kato D.

Yelp

Yo we dont pay $17 for avacado toast. "You cragee'." We cop fresh eggs and organic avos from the market, with homemade sprouts and run to Carla's for their fresh sesame loaf or sourdough baguettes. We pay $17 for eberyding' and eat like hollywood royalty. This place has all the good eats. Pricey?! Hell yes, but still cheaper than eating out and healthier and tastier. Eat good in LA.

Nikki B.

Yelp

I had heard that Carla's Fresh Market recently opened in the neighborhood. I was driving by and decided to stop in and check it out. Through her non-profit work with Farmer's Markets, Ariell was inspired to open a market that supports the local community by selling locally sourced goods. The selection is limited but they carry an assortment of products ranging from produce, pantry items, natural wines, fresh flowers, and gift items. They also have a coffee bar with some pastries and freshly baked breads. The store is spacious and well organized. The staff are friendly and helpful. It reminds me of the local markets that you'd find in Brooklyn. The prices are a bit high for the neighborhood. I did end up picking up a few things for my holiday party and some last-minute gifts as well.

Bella F.

Yelp

I'm always on the hunt for POC and women owned businesses in my area and Carla's is both! Located in Highland Park right off the 110, Carla's offers a curated selection of grocery items you don't often see in other markets nearby. They feature small brands and local produce, a great wine selection, and a coffee bar in the back that's stocked with fresh bread and baked goods. On top of everything, the design is so cute and the staff is friendly and helpful. I loved being able to try new indie food brands and everything I've had has been delicious! Definitely head over to Carla's to stock up on goodies this holiday weekend.

Father Teressa T.

Yelp

Was having brunch with friends at Gloria's (Highland Park's best brunch spot) when she suggested we stop in this new market that had just opened right across the street. We were not disappointed. They had everything from basics to more exotic offerings (and of course, a great wine selection.) This is going to be one of those markets that we can't believe we went so long without (and I say this as a longtime resident!) Such a great addition to this great neighborhood. On a single street, we now have Chico's, Gloria's and now Carla's!

Abby H.

Yelp

Good vibes and good food. Enjoyed a NICE coffee along with a delicious freshly made scone. Great little market to discover your new favorite snack.

Dawn A.

Yelp

I was excited when this place opened - I live a few blocks away and based on the name I envisioned a fresh neighborhood market where I could drop in for my staples without doing a big grocery run. After they opened it was very clear that this is not a neighborhood market, but an expensive foodie boutique. The layout of the store is awkward. If you're looking for something specific you will have to wander around looking through the different displays and shelves (or ask an employee). There's also a fair amount of space wasted due to seating for the coffee bar. But if I want to sit in a coffee shop there are numerous places nearby that are better than this. My unsolicited advice: stock with staples people need, watch your item markup level (we pay attention), let the coffee shops in town be the coffee shops and focus on food.

Eduardo A.

Yelp

I love it here! Carla is so sweet:) Everyone else there as well. Their carrot coconut cake is one of my favorite treats in LA.

Sassafras M.

Yelp

Love this place! It's a specialty shop with some great basics and our new go to for wine and baguettes and this and that's when we are missing something for a last minute recipe. The owner is a dream and always willing to discuss wine or any of the other delectable items she has carefully curated for her shop. Big love!

Toni R.

Yelp

Suni with Auntie's coffee and matcha bar has brought a whole new energy to the space. Incredible matcha. Great company. The entire shop feels cozy and familiar.

Solange K.

Yelp

Super cute and convenient local specialty market. Went here for a Cuatro Mamas chili crisp pop-up event and fell in love with the store which sells Cuatro Mamas. Their products are unique and mid-scale gourmet with comparable prices to larger chain stores you'd find the same products in - it is nice that they don't mark up their prices significantly like other convenience stores typically do. They have a stylish cafe counter in the back with some tables and chairs by the windows. Can't wait to go back and try their coffee and pastries!

Angela ..

Yelp

Cute little spot. Scones and breads in the bakery section are very tasty. Make you want to slap your mama! (But don't do that, we don't condone violence).

Cecile A.

Yelp

A lovely space with curated products along with a coffee bar that has a variety of baked goods. Also, they sell wine there. I'll be back!

Mo F.

Yelp

Thrilled to have this new market in our neighborhood & walking distance to my house - yay ! The delectable foods are treats that make my tummy happy & heart sing. They have an incredible selection of fresh wild mushrooms & the freshest best kale I've ever had. The curry trout in a tin is superb & dosa chips beyond. I'm hooked

Katie O.

Yelp

We were excited about having affordable and accessible fresh food near to where we live. Unfortunately, I am genuinely unsure what this place thought it would offer the community. We couldn't afford to pick up one or two things here let alone a whole grocery shop. If your idea of responsible consumerism is $14 cans of women-owned tuna with bubbly graphic design, that's fine. There are literally hundreds of stores in this city that sell that kind of thing. But the owners suffered some serious ignorance of context by opening here. If you're a newcomer to this neighborhood, it's your responsibility to support the people that made this place what it is. Please spend your money at the dozens of cafes, restaurants, and stores that are owned by people from highland park, and that care about what the community actually needs.

Julia D.

Yelp

If you've seen Schitts Creek (tv show), this place will remind you of Rose Apothecary! Very cute and they have wonderful LOCAL items to buy, which I absolutely love. So many things I otherwise might never have discovered. We came when they were still in their soft opening, so not everything was set up/finished, but we look forward to coming back!

Gail C.

Yelp

Great unique selection! Yes, it's pricey but it is worth it as the items are out of the ordinary in taste and quality. The staff are all helpful and knowledgeable. I purchase a container of oyster mushrooms that were still fresh and tasty several days later and the price was lower than other high end stores (you know which ones). In addition, they had items from small local companies which I support wholeheartedly. Looking at the big picture, Carla's Fresh Market is a gem!!

Lauren W.

Yelp

I was disappointed - cause was truly looking forward to this market. For one, it was awkward - extremely overpriced and random. I love markets and literally only wanted two things- and they were both produce, and that being said the produce was great! The merchandising in the store doesn't seem right either, it is hard to navigate and see everything. I hate to leave this review, but I do hope the owners see it and change it up to suit the community a bit better- otherwise I'm afraid it won't last :( .

Joceline B.

Yelp

I went in excited to see what they have inside especially hearing all the press about this place and how it was meant to be accessible for everyone. The design of the place is great and decor amazing. The staff and owner were friendly from the moment I walked in. The prices for the coffee and teas are reasonable. But whoa the sticker shock of this place is wild. 9 dollars for wafer cookies?! Idk if it is inflation or something but this place upcharged a lot on its items. I wanted to pick up stuff from here but this was like erewhon prices. I don't really see myself coming here to get groceries.

Cassie L.

Yelp

Love this neighborhood spot! It's become my go to place to pick up a few items to bring to a host or party, and also any groceries I need or want to try. Vibes are great there and staff is so friendly.

Kathryn T.

Yelp

Okay so I have mixed feelings about this place mainly because of the steep prices in a mostly working class neighborhood, but also the general vibe seemed exclusive. But I've been going here like everyday since they opened and have rlly enjoyed my experience, (my Wallet did not lol) great quality stuff just in walking distance but def not priced in relation to the neighborhood. Also all the employees have been very kind and warm which is nice!

L C.

Yelp

I was excited when this market opened because the founder is an LA native who is committed to diversity and ensuring a variety of options at all price points. There is indeed a beautifully curated selection of locally sourced items here, and the employees are very friendly. They also accept EBT which is nice. But EBT won't go very far here. I was sad to see it was a lot like other nearby speciality markets price-wise - almost everything was prohibitively expensive, as others have noted. You have to ask which HLP residents this kind of market is for.

finicky b.

Yelp

What a complete misfire. Prices are outrageous for this neighborhood. Shelves aren't stocked. Layout is a lot of wasted space. This was a waste of a good grant. Hopefully they realize they need a serious adjustment otherwise I can't see them surviving here very long.

Amy R.

Yelp

My daughter and I were excited to walk here and pick up a few items for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. I read about this woman-owned business in LA Eater who got a $250k grant to create an "inclusive" grocery store. What I discovered were $14 eggs, a $9 baguette and frozen waffles that we spend $4.29 on at Whole Foods marked up to $7. I love a healthy, upscale, bougie grocery just as much as the next person but this is over-the-top expensive. Yes, everyone there was nice but I wasn't there to socialize, I was there to buy food. Which I didn't because it was too overpriced. Really disappointed. Was hoping this would be like a little Whole Foods within walking distance but what I found was something that bests Dean & Deluca price-wise. Not inclusive or family friendly at all. Sadly, I predict Carla's will be out of business within two months if she doesn't radically change her offerings and prices. There has to be a happy-medium. Businesses like Joy and Home State thrive because they offer quality food at affordable prices. How can this be the grocery store version of those restaurants? That's what we need.

Alberto F.

Yelp

I was so excited about this market since I live a block away, the store looks really nice and clean. I heard this store was trying to do an inclusive and having affordable prices for everyone, but this market has Whole Foods prices, I was shocked.

Keerthi H.

Yelp

It hurts me to write something negative about Carla's as I so appreciate the idea behind the store, however, it's failed to deliver. I am writing this in hopes that the owners will see it and make some changes. Unfortunately, this store is wildly overpriced and does not have the everyday pantry staples it claimed it would. It does a disservice to the neighborhood to have its food at a price point so out of reach for the majority of the community. Unfortunately disappointed it didn't live up to its mission statement.

Alyson B.

Yelp

I had been hearing about this market and was excited to have it in the neighborhood. The store is beautiful, but feels more like a grocer showroom than a community market. I picked up a couple specialty splurge items, but I could never do my regular grocery shopping here. One thing I did need, earth balance butter, was $10- I ended up getting it at Tropicana a couple blocks up for cheaper. I know smaller markets can't compete at big box grocer prices and you're sometimes paying for the convenience, but it's not sustainable

@eater

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View Postcard for Carlas Fresh Market

@eater

Taiwan’s J&G Fried Chicken Is Opening First U.S. Location in LA - Eater LA

View Postcard for Carla's Fresh Market

@eater

"Carla’s Market opened in November 2023 as a small grocer that partners with local vendors." - Mona Holmes

Arroyo Club Opens in Highland Park With Easygoing Burgers and Cocktails - Eater LA

View Postcard for Carlas Fresh Market

K S

Google

Alison Nix

Google

Cristian Talavera

Google

Love the pantry, alcohol (unique wine!) selection. As well as Auntie's Coffee bar inside Carla's. Staff are nice and friendly. Will be coming back.

Marguerite Lathan

Google

Andrea Borgen Abdallah

Google

Mariah Morris

Google

I really want to support this market because its black/women owned but, unfortunately its waaaay over priced and another addition to the gentrification in the neighborhood. Not here for it babes.

small soft

Google

Lia Schifitto

Google

Kato D.

Yelp

Nikki B.

Yelp

Bella F.

Yelp

Father Teressa T.

Yelp

Abby H.

Yelp

Good vibes and good food. Enjoyed a NICE coffee along with a delicious freshly made scone. Great little market to discover your new favorite snack.

Dawn A.

Yelp

Eduardo A.

Yelp

I love it here! Carla is so sweet:) Everyone else there as well. Their carrot coconut cake is one of my favorite treats in LA.

Sassafras M.

Yelp

Toni R.

Yelp

Suni with Auntie's coffee and matcha bar has brought a whole new energy to the space. Incredible matcha. Great company. The entire shop feels cozy and familiar.

Solange K.

Yelp

Angela ..

Yelp

Cute little spot. Scones and breads in the bakery section are very tasty. Make you want to slap your mama! (But don't do that, we don't condone violence).

Cecile A.

Yelp

A lovely space with curated products along with a coffee bar that has a variety of baked goods. Also, they sell wine there. I'll be back!

Mo F.

Yelp

Katie O.

Yelp

Julia D.

Yelp

Gail C.

Yelp

Lauren W.

Yelp

Joceline B.

Yelp

Cassie L.

Yelp

Kathryn T.

Yelp

L C.

Yelp

finicky b.

Yelp

Amy R.

Yelp

Alberto F.

Yelp

Keerthi H.

Yelp

Alyson B.

Yelp

Carla's Fresh Market

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