Los Angeles is buzzing about a humble food hall that’s making waves in the culinary world. Mercado La Paloma, located at S. Grand Ave. and W. 37th St. in South LA, has two of its stalls nominated for the prestigious James Beard Awards. These awards are often called the Oscars of food.
The standout eateries are Holbox, known for its seafood, and Komal, famous for its handmade tortillas. This recognition comes as the food hall garners attention for its commitment to quality and community, run by the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, a local nonprofit.
Holbox, led by Chef Gilberto Cetina, has had long lines, recently fueled by glowing reviews from social media influencers with millions of followers. Chef Cetina has earned a nomination for Outstanding Chef at the 2026 James Beard Awards. He previously reached the finals for the best chef in California in 2023 and was a semi-finalist for the Outstanding Chef category in 2025.
What’s special about Holbox is not just the food but the experience. Diners enjoy dishes like uni tostadas and ceviche in a cozy, open kitchen that feels warm and welcoming. The Michelin-starred spot exemplifies how great cooking can happen in a relaxed setting.
On the flip side, Chef Fátima Juárez of Komal is recognized as an Emerging Chef. Her stall takes a simpler approach, focusing on nixtamalizing corn in-house to create authentic Oaxacan dishes. Prices here usually stay below $12, proving that quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
The upcoming James Beard Awards also feature other LA candidates like the New Korean restaurant Ki and Chef Kwang Uh of Baroo. Nancy Silverton, a culinary icon, will receive a lifetime achievement award, further spotlighting LA’s growing food scene.
This spotlight on Mercado La Paloma shows that you don’t need a flashy location or big spending to create remarkable food. It celebrates the spirit of local eateries everywhere, reminding us that great taste can come from unexpected places.
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Mercado La Paloma, Los Angeles, Holbox, James Beard, James Beard Awards, food hall, California Post, South LA, Gilberto Cetina, national category, Michelin star
