Sesame LA

Sesame LA ranks 3rd in the list of best gourmet Mini-marts In L.A. Sesame LA is part nostalgic, part new-age, and is intended to preserve and accurately represent the current Asian-American identity through food. Sesame LA, a neighborhood superette occupying 250 square feet in the heart of LA's storied Chinatown, stocks an ever-rotating selection of provisions and artisanal pantry staples curated by owner Linda Sivrican, who focuses on small makers and AAPI brands while drawing inspiration from rich Pan-Asian culinary traditions.

Bottles of Spanish and Portuguese wines priced between $20 and $50 line this tiny space inside Bar Moruno, but Rápido's curated collection of Iberian tinned fish distinguishes this fun-size market from others nearby. Rápido bills itself as a one-stop shop for the perfect last-minute Spanish picnic at the Hollywood Bowl or the nearby Silver Lake Reservoir, but it also serves takeout sandwiches and a variety of rustic whole grain breads and bagels from wunderkind baker Jyan Isaac (Wed-Sun only). Inside the cold case, charcuterie salads, tapas-style salads and dips, and imported European cheese and charcuterie round out a selection designed to help Angelenos DIY their own simple but elegant meal centered on Spanish boquerones.

Location: 936 N Hill StLos Angeles90012
Opening hours: Weds, Thurs 10am–4pm; Fri, Sat
Rating: 4.6/5.0

Website: sesamela.com