Where To Fill Up Your Picnic Basket In Los Angeles

Be still our cheese-loving heart. If there is a cheese mecca than this might be it. They offer a ridiculous selection of cheeses, so don’t go when you’re in a rush, because your head just might explode with all the options. So take your time, taste a few cheeses, grab some wine, salami, bread, and some chocolates or cookies, and you’ll have yourself one bonafide picnic.

While Bay Cities is an Italian deli offering all kinds of wondrous sandwiches, salads, and sides, they also a offer a full market where you can pick up items from around the world. While you really can’t go wrong picking up their sandwiches for a picnic, you can also get some cheeses, breads, olives, meats, and spreads ala carte in case you’re worried about any kind of sandwich sogginess—the horror!!!

Don’t think that if you live in the Valley you can’t release your inner cheese monster. This little cheese shop isn’t as large as its city counterparts, but they have a good selection just the same. But what makes this place extra special is its selection of amazing gourmet sandwiches. They’re not terribly cheap (around $10) but with combos like turkey/brie/apple and roast beef/onion jam/horseradish (which comes topped with three(!) types of cheese), you certainly get your money’s worth. Added bonus: all the sandwiches are made on bread from Breadbar!

This neighborhood fave is ideal if you’re planning on an al fresco lunch at the beach. The sandwiches are super tasty and can be enjoyed hot of their panini press. In addition to sandwiches they’ve got a great selection cheese and wine (not such a good idea if you’re going to the beach) as well some delicious baked goods for dessert.

This is a cheesy (yes, that pun was intended) name for a cheese store, but thanks to the delicious sandwiches and salads we are willing to overlook this minor offense. If you’re looking for something yummy and fast, head to the cafe portion of this place, but if you’re looking to sniff and sample some of their glorious dairy products, then head to the shop side, where you can not only pick up cheeses, but also wines, meats, crackers, and olives for your outdoor feast. If you’re looking to have a picnic before heading to a concert at the Greek Theatre (you can eat on the picnic tables outside the theater entrance), this place is a good option.

Once you’ve got the food taken care of, get thee to Galco’s Pop Stop for some out-of-this-world drinks to sip while you enjoy the great outdoors. They offer hundreds of sodas to choose from, from ginger beer to cream soda to coffee soda to Sassparilia to root beer. If it’s carbonated and it’s not here, it probably doesn’t exist.

Picking up your picnic staples from Joan’s won’t be cheap, but it will sure be tasty. You can get some sandwiches to go, or pick up some delectables from the deli case, home to gourmet salads of all kinds. Stop by the cheese display in the front for some tasty fromage, and if you’re feeling sinful, get some cupcakes at the bakery counter or pick up a few bags of the prepackaged sweets.

Mel & Rose (haha, get it?) offers a big selection, so you might want to upgrade to a bigger basket if you’re thinking about heading here. Not only do they have an in-store Italian deli where you can pick up salads, sandwiches, and pastas galore, you can also take a more DIY approach to your picnic and pick up cheeses, cured meats, crackers, snacks of all varieties, sweets, and a selection of international chocolates that rivals the UN in size and scope.

If you’re looking for a very ummm… unique picnic, Nicole’s is a good option, this gourmet French deli peddles snails and foie gras. But don’t worry they also offer a number of tasty options that don’t involve liver or slugs. If you don’t have the time to put together your own picnic, they offer ready-made picnics for two at rather reasonable prices. Otherwise, you can stroll around and peruse the cheeses (both imported and domestic), the wide selection of meats, and their beers and wines.

This store should really be called the International House of Cheeses, because that’s what it really is—they peddle cheeses from Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. They also offer all kinds of things with which to adorn your cheese: meats, spreads, and breads. But be forewarned: you just might be shocked when you leave see your bill—who thought the combination of milk and bacteria could be so pricey?

If you’re looking to impress your picnic date by making the evening “un peu romantique,” then a trip to Silverlake Wine is in order. This wine store is THE place to get the perfect wine—or, if you are looking to have an out-of- body experience, absinthe. Yes, they do have absinthe. And yes, it’s legal. They have wine from all over the world, falling under all kinds of price brackets, so you’re bound to find something.

If you’re driving from the Westside and want to pick up something on the way to the Hollywood Bowl or Hollywood Forever, take a detour to this Larchmont Village favorite. The sandwiches are impeccable, people! How variations on meat, cheese, vegetables, and balsamic vinegar can be so good, we’re not sure, but we’re just going to accept it as fact. Whether you get the turkey, the tuna, or the salami, you will be one happy camper. Don’t forget to stop by the wine section on your way out!