Where to Pick Up the Best Picnic Boxes in Los Angeles

This multi-faceted Sherman Oaks culinary center offers individual, picnic-ready boxes ($20-$25) from their Anytime Catering Menu. Among the picnic selections are sliders (turkey & Havarti, caprese, chicken salad) or artisan cheese and charcuterie (a selection of cheeses and fixings; can be made into a combo with vegetables, olives, and house hummus). 

Also available: shareable platters that feed ten to fifteen ($150-$175). These can feature either a variety of sandwiches, a large selection of artisan cheese and charcuterie, Mediterranean crudité, or a "south of the border" selection of salsas, chips, and dips. Signature salads are also available in shareable bowl sizes (serves six to eight for $72), in mini takeout boxes (ten for $85), or in picnic boxes ($22). Add cured meats and mini-dessert samplers for $10-$20. Make sure to peruse the marketplace for a sweet add-on, or a gift for a foodie friend. 72 hours advance notice required.

This iconic bakery-café with locations in Century City and Beverly Hills offers the Summer Picnic Menu, featuring a stunning range of choices for two to four with mix and match options. Build-Your-Own-Picnic ($24-$34) includes two side salads plus a choice main entrée, such as grilled shrimp, steak or chicken; wild king salmon, cold meatloaf, or quiche. Should you choose to really simplify the experience, Clementine in a Box ($24) includes a choice of sandwich, salad, and cookies. If that’s not enough, look to the Starters section for a dip duo, cheese plate, Spanish tapas (cheese and cured meat), the Grand Aioli (vegetables, potatoes, eggs, marinated artichokes, olives, aioli, and more), deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and more. Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. the day prior to pick up.

Self-described as a "neighborhood clubhouse for wine," Santa Monica's Esters Wine Shop & Bar offers Cheese & Charcuterie Boards that are ready to serve in balsa wood boxes at your next picnic.

Priced at $30, the Small Cheese & Charcuterie Board is perfect for two people and includes a curated selection of charcuterie and premium cheese along with an assortment of market fruits, pickles, olives, house made crostini, apple butter, mustard and honey. The Medium Cheese & Charcuterie Board ($90) serves 4-6 people, and the Large Cheese & Charcuterie Board ($165) is great for groups of 12-15.

Another picnic option is the Small Farmer's Market Platter ($15), which serves 2-4 and includes white bean hummus, romesco, market crudité, marinated veggies, housemade pickles and lavash crackers. The Large Farmer's Market Platter is priced at $35 and serves 6-8.

To sip with your feast, browse Esters' extensive list of more than 250 wines. Shop in-person or order for pickup or delivery from Toast.

Nowhere else will you find a stick of gum in your picnic box—except for this friendly family-run catering and takeout spot off Highland. Because, you know, minty fresh breath on a picnic is a win-win. Each box is $24.50 per person and includes a sandwich (various types of chicken go head to head with turkey and tuna), vegan salad (artichoke, tomato, edamame, carrot, radish, beans, cucumber & corn ), daily side salad, a Deluscious cookie, and a bottle of water. Also included: biodegradable "eat-ware" and utensils, salt and pepper.

With a menu headed by AOC chef Suzanne Goin, the Hollywood Bowl offers upscale pre-ordered picnics that each serve one person. The Hollywood Vegan ($44) features a roasted broccolini with tomato couscous as its entree. The All-American ($48) has fried chicken tenders and apple coleslaw, while The Burton Way ($50) is filled with herb crusted salmon and jeweled rice. The Maple Drive ($58) is the most decadent - a wagyu steak with chili garlic oil, arugula, shallots, and cherry. Each Picnic Box comes with a selection of sides and a dessert that perfectly compliments its main course. Simply pre-order online by 6pm the day before your concert, and your choice will be waiting for you at the Plaza Marketplace.

This farm-fresh family-owned market is located in The Glen Centre on Beverly Glen just south of Mulholland, providing the perfect one-stop-food shop for those traveling over the hill in either direction. Peruse the deli counter for locally sourced grab-and-go selections, or place a picnic box order for pickup with the catering team online or over the phone (310-773-9483). Entree selections include organic rosemary grilled chicken breast, seared ahi, grilled salmon, a choice of sandwiches on freshly baked bread; or a cheese & charcuterie board. All include a pasta salad, fruit salad, homemade cookie, and a large bottle of San Pellegrino. Stop by their Bottle Shoppe and peruse the extensive selection of wines, spirits, and brews.

This food emporium has two locations— the original on West Third Street, and on the Valley side in Studio City. Both are chock full of everything you could possibly need for a summer picnic. Start with a cheese or salami platter ($24) or house-made dips ($8). Add one of four salads, such as the vegan chopped or Chinese chicken ($15.25-$16.50). Entrée selections include beef tenderloin, grilled salmon, and buttermilk fried chicken ($32-48). Enjoy sides like roasted corn, potato salad, orzo, or the most refreshing watermelon gazpacho ($8 pint). Of course, you can’t leave without a chocolate cookie, brownie, or lemon bar ($4.25). House wine is $24 a bottle.

To ensure your picnic is ready, place your order at least 24 hours in advance. Picnic box and utensils are $7. 

This sustainable, eco-friendly, farm-to-table chain has locations from Downtown LA to the Valley and offers a reasonably-priced, healthy, and no-fuss way to picnic. Catering options include packages for five and more to share, ranging from family-sized salads and sides to individual sandwich and salad boxed lunches (complete with chips and a cookie). But if you’re looking for a smaller picnic for two to four, simply place your online order for sandwiches, entree salads, deli sides, drinks, and cookies with a preferred pickup time. When you arrive, grab your order from the “Online Order” shelf - there's no waiting in line, you’re all set and ready to go.

While this authentic Sichuan-style restaurant from James Beard Award nominated Chef Tony Xu does not offer a picnic basket per se, their Mian Cold Combo ($14) of appetizers plus an order of their Sichuan Cold Noodles to-go might just be the best picnic you've ever had. Their menu has a selection of dumpling options (6 pieces for $9-10), any of which would pair well with this DIY picnic combo. Check out their menu online to order ahead and pick up an improvised picnic that is tongue-numbing and distinctly delicious.

This neighborhood shop in Eagle Rock specializes in artisan cheese, charcuterie, and other food products from small and independent producers. Picnic Boxes ($50) serve two and include two pieces of cheese, one artisan salami (sliced), olives, cornichons, seasonal fresh fruit or grapes, Marcona almonds, and a half-baguette. The selection is the cheesemonger’s choice - however, requests will be considered with a possible supplemental fee depending on the cost per pound. Mini Picnic Boxes must be bought in a series of at least 8 for $22. Each Mini Box feeds one person, featuring two pieces of cheese, one artisan salami (sliced), olives, cornichons, dried apricots, grapes, Marcona almonds, mini jam jar, and one mini Rustic Bakery Cracker pack. Napkins and knives are included. Ask about daily sandwich specials. For a sweet touch consider adding Little Flower Candy Co. salted caramels and marshmallows or Letterpress Chocolate. 24 hour advance notice is required for all picnic box orders. 

This Franklin Village gourmet market and counter-order café is centrally located between the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, Greek Theatre, and Cinespia at Hollywood Forever. Picnic Baskets are named after Bowl seats — the Super Seat ($70) includes two sandwiches, one salad, one bag of chips, and two bottles of Oaks Gourmet water; the Garden Box ($120) features two sandwiches, two salads, a cheese plate, two bottles of wine, two Govino wine glasses, and an Oaks Gourmet corkscrew; the Terrace Box ($85) holds two sandwiches, one salad, two bags of chips, one bottle of wine, two Govino wine glasses, and corkscrew. Meanwhile, the Pool Circle ($150) is the granddaddy with three sandwiches, three salads, a cheese and charcuterie plate, two bottles of wine, two Govino wine glasses, and corkscrew. Orders must be placed by 1 p.m. the day of pick-up. Big plus: Receive a 10 percent discount on your package when you reuse the basket.

Picnic in royal fashion with a truly extravagant picnic of champagne wishes and caviar dreams. Petrossian West Hollywood Boutique & Restaurant offers numerous Signature Baskets, including several packed in a blue Petrossian insulated tote bag. The most popular include the Petrossian Charcuterie Basket ($245); the Picnic in the Park, with choice of caviar, pork saucisson, smoked cod roe, sardine rillettes, and a sampler of chocolates (from $315); and the $400 Petrossian Aperitif Basket - Royal Transmontanus Caviar, Pork Saucisson Sec, Tsar-Cut™ Salmon, jar of Duck Foie Gras, Onion Confiture, Tapenade, savory cheese cookies, Crème Fraîche, Baguette Toasts and a pack of 12 Mini Blini, packed in a signature Petrossian hat box.

Located in Pasadena, this European deli, market and cafe is a tried and true classic with picnic boxes designed for four people. The caveat is that everyone must choose the same salad option, side dish, and dessert - but luckily, everything is delicious! Choose between entree sandwiches ($18-$20), including artisan salami, roasted turkey, roast beef, Italian tuna salad and Italian sub. Non-sandwich selections include grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers, Italian beef tenderloin, pasta primavera, grilled crusted salmon, grilled chicken kabobs, and curried chicken salad ($21-$26). Add antipasti options such as mixed olives, caprese skewers, and an international cheese and salumi platter. Boxes must be ordered 48 hours in advance.

Switch up traditional picnic fare with a modern sushi bento box from this perennial favorite with ten locations across Los Angeles. Order one of their set "Trust Me" meals ($22-$39) to go - they are incredible! All are packed in a box with color photos and instructions about how to properly eat and sauce (or not sauce) the sushi. Each box is filled with organic edamame, tuna sashimi, albacore sushi, salmon sushi, yellowtail sushi, toro cut roll, and crab cut roll. The amount served differs with the box size. A la carte options are also available for those interested in a sushi feast. Order online under the “To-Go” tab for pick-up - or better yet, have Postmates deliver.

This Sherman Oaks café, bakery, and marketplace offers reasonably priced picnic boxes ($14.75-$28 per person) that include ficelle sandwiches with a choice of salads, and a cookie (including the signature Caramel Fleur de Sel); or full entrees, including fried, baked, and grilled chicken; and Asian panko-crusted wild salmon filet. All come complete with sides and a dessert. Add a platter of cheese or crudité, or guacamole with homemade lime tortilla chips to make it a party. All boxes include utensils, napkin, salt and pepper. 48-hour notice is required with a two-person minimum.