If you’re looking for the best restaurants in the Fairfax District, you probably already know about places like The Grove and the Original LA Farmer’s Market.
And while those are iconic starting points, the real magic of this neighborhood is in the mix of historic diners, classic delis, and low-key spots that locals keep coming back to.
We’ve spent years eating our way through Fairfax, from 24/7 pancakes to old-school deli sandwiches.
These are the restaurants we take our out of town friends and family to when they visit.
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Best Restaurants in the Fairfax District
The Original LA Farmer’s Market and The Grove are great starting points for finding the best restaurants in the Fairfax District, but there are even more dispersed throughout the area that you should explore.
This neighborhood in particular has some of the most affordable restaurants because so many are classic diners or marketplace vendors, which makes it easy to try a few in just one day.
1. Marmalade Cafe
Marmalade Cafe has multiple locations around the Greater Los Angeles area.
We love to go for a late night patio dining experience to enjoy our favorite pasta dishes and a glass of wine.
Our favorite location is actually the one in Calabasas though.
I recommend the spaghetti and meatballs or blackened chicken penne.
They have a great complimentary bread service too.
We went to the Westlake Village location once too and enjoyed the Marmalade Mule and a glass of house red wine with a Caesar Salad and Marmalade Carbonara.
Then for dessert we shared the Chocolate Lava Cake.
2. Du-par’s
Du-par’s has been an LA staple since 1938!
It is located at the Original Farmer’s Market and they are known for their hotcakes which are available 24/7.
Don’t just take our word for it though, they were voted the Best Pancakes in the US by Esquire Magazine.
They are also our favorite pancakes too!
It can get pretty busy, but they get the line moving pretty quickly, so you usually won’t have to wait too long.
3. Canter’s Deli
The first time JP and I went to Canter’s Deli was for Richard Sherman’s 90th birthday party (he’s 1/2 of the Sherman Brothers that wrote all those classic Disney songs back in the day).
We went a couple more times over the years, like when friends were visiting from out of town.
It’s been around since 1931 and it’s a classic old Hollywood diner that’s open 24/7.
I think the sandwich pictured below is from when we had the Matt’s Special, which is Oven-Roasted Turkey, Muenster Cheese, Cole Slaw, and Canter’s Russian Dressing on Grilled Challah Egg Bread.
4. Swingers Diner
Swingers is a classic looking diner, which is what caught our attention immediately when driving by, but it actually didn’t open until the 90s.
When you walk inside, you’d never know!
I love their hummus and pita chips plate and JP loves their cheeseburger with onion rings.
They have large chocolate chip cookies for dessert too.
5. French Crêpe Company
This place is one of the vendors at The Original Farmer’s Market.
They have lots of crepe options, but we went with our favorite, which is Nutella and Banana.
We also got a bottle of Orangina, which surprisingly JP had never tried before.
I always like to get it whenever I come across a place that has it since it’s pretty much a novelty here.
When I took my high school trip to France I had Orangina every day.
I’m pretty sure I also had a Nutella crepe on a daily basis as well!
When you visit, take the time to browse everything else in the area because there are tons of food and drink options.
Fun Things To Do Near The Fairfax District
The Fairfax District’s main attractions are the Original LA Farmer’s Market and The Grove.
Next door is CBS Television City where you can go to free tv show tapings!
I went for The Price is Right a few years ago and it’s so convenient to be next door to all the restaurants after.
We have a blog post of some of our favorite Secret Spots In Los Angeles and some are near the Fairfax District.
Also not too far away is Universal Studios Hollywood, which is perfect for a full day visit.
If you’re visiting in the Fall, there are a couple popular night time events including Nights of the Jack in Calabasas and Carved at Descanso Gardens.
If you’re visiting in the Winter, check out the LA Zoo Holiday Lights.
Where To Stay Near The Fairfax District
Just 3 miles down the road is the iconic Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.
You might know it as the hotel from Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts!
We stayed once for New Year’s and absolutely love it.
It’s in walking distance to all the Rodeo Drive shops and restaurants too.
Conclusion: Best Restaurants in the Fairfax District
The Fairfax District is one of the best areas in all of LA to find great restaurants and snack shops.
With having the Original Farmer’s Market and The Grove, you really can’t go wrong in those areas.
Be sure to check out our guides on the best restaurants in Westwood and the best restaurants in Beverly Hills, which are both just 3 miles away!
Also, throughout the rest of LA we have guides for the best restaurants in Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, and any other areas of Los Angeles that aren’t already mentioned.
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