Best Food Hall Frenzy Restaurants in Fairfax
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sticky Rice
Grand Central Market pioneer serving authentic Thai comfort food since 2013
Notable Picks
#1
Sticky Rice
8.4
The OG Thai comfort food stall inside Grand Central Market since 2013, founded by David Tewasart. This counter-service spot pioneered the market's modern food hall revival with bold Northern Thai flavors, generous portions, and open-kitchen energy. Sticky Rice emphasizes organic, free-range, and locally sourced ingredients while keeping the vibe casual and accessible - perfect for grabbing khao soi or pad Thai while watching the woks fire and downtown crowds flow past.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi Chicken Curry Noodles, Beef Panang Curry, Thai BBQ Chicken with Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Grand Central Market pioneer serving authentic Thai comfort food since 2013
8
The Los Angeles branch of Florence’s All'antico Vinaio sits inside the Original Farmers Market, turning out focaccia-style schiacciata sandwiches overstuffed with cured meats, cheeses, and spreads. Lines move steadily, rewarding guests with hefty, photo-friendly sandwiches best shared or tackled with an appetite.
Must-Try Dishes:
La Summer schiacciata sandwich, La Favolosa with salami and pecorino, Mortadella pistachio sandwich
What Makes it Special: Florentine schiacciata sandwiches stacked tall inside the Farmers Market.
#3
Pasta Corner
8
Inside the Original Farmers Market, Pasta Corner turns out fresh, made-to-order pastas from a glass case of housemade shapes and sauces. Their lasagna and baked specials give you a forkable alternative to the many quick-bite stalls, with quality closer to a sit-down trattoria than a food court.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Pink Vodka Sauce Pasta, Black Truffle Tagliatelle
What Makes it Special: Market-side counter for fresh pasta and lasagna at the Farmers Market.
8
Tucked inside the Original Farmers Market, Michelina Artisan Boulanger is a French bakery from founder Michelina that specializes in galette des rois, croissants, and crusty loaves. It’s the stall locals hit for proper French-style bread and pastries before wandering the rest of the market or heading home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galette des rois, Butter croissant, Artisanal sourdough loaf
What Makes it Special: Classic French bakery stall at the Original Farmers Market focused on galettes, croissants, and artisan loaves.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Operating at the Original Farmers Market for decades, Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts serves old-fashioned cake and yeast donuts alongside simple drip coffee. Regulars swear by the apple fritter and oversized Texas glazed donut, grabbing boxes before or after browsing the surrounding stalls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple fritter, Texas-sized glazed donut, Cinnamon roll
What Makes it Special: Classic Farmers Market donut counter with decades of loyal regulars.
#6
Noodle Art
7.9
Inside the Original Farmers Market, Noodle Art specializes in hand-pulled Xi’an-style noodles with several brothier bowls that scratch the same itch as ramen. Bowls come generously portioned and customizable, making it a practical noodle stop during a 3rd and Fairfax run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Qishan Style Soup Noodle, Braised Beef Stew Brisket Noodle Soup, Chinese Spicy Cumin Beef Hamburger
What Makes it Special: Hand-pulled Xi’an-style noodles and soups served out of a busy farmers market stall.
7.8
Phil's Deli & Grill has anchored a corner of the Original Farmers Market since the 1930s, serving diner-style breakfasts, griddled sandwiches, and pastrami on rye to shoppers and regulars. Counter seating and quick service make it a reliable stop between browsing stalls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on rye, Patty melt sandwich, Breakfast egg-and-cheese sandwich
What Makes it Special: Long-running Farmers Market counter for classic deli and grill plates.