One of Larchmont Mercantile’s newest tenants, Flannel, carries flowy, feminine pieces. PHOTO COURTESY OF LARCHMONT MERCANTILE
Beloved L.A. neighborhood Larchmont Village is turning up the heat with a fresh selection of new shops and restaurants.
Unlike other major metropolises with defined downtowns like New York, Chicago or Boston, L.A. is comprised of distinct neighborhoods, spread out with lots of travel time between them. But, while the City of Angels may lack one all-encompassing gathering spot for residents, it does have some select main drags, like Abbot Kinney in Venice or Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. One of the city’s most beloved areas, Larchmont Village, is going through a renaissance of sorts, with a slew of new shops and restaurants opening. Now, regardless of where you live, it’s a bona fide day-to-night destination.
“Larchmont Village is authentic, soulful and unlike any other neighborhood in Los Angeles,” says Adam Rosenkranz, chief investment officer at Christina, the company behind Larchmont Mercantile, a new development in the area. “As one of the only high-traffic pedestrian retail streets in the city, Larchmont Village sits at the intersection of contemporary trendsetting and homegrown sincerity. It’s L.A.’s version of a charming Main Street community.” Taking over a large stretch, Larchmont Mercantile has already opened several spots, including Skin Laundry and women’s clothing boutique Flannel, and has many more on the way, including fragrance shop The Scent Room and SUA Kitchen & Market, a grab-and-go cafe serving Sichuan food.
Rosenkranz and his team tapped Gensler to reimagine and revive the architecturally significant 100-year-old property. “Gensler did a fantastic job of honoring the building’s original details, while seamlessly integrating modern elements such as oversized windows, high ceilings and clear glass,” he says. “We envision Larchmont Mercantile as a catalyst for the neighborhood, ensuring Larchmont Village is a coveted destination for decades to come.”
Beyond Larchmont Mercantile, several other new retailers are making their mark on the neighborhood, including men’s clothing and accessory shop Wittmore, Clark Street Bread, Res Ipsa and many more. Here’s what to look out for now and in the coming months.
Boba the Great
THE STORY: The founders of popular local dumpling and noodle house Dan Modern Chinese are behind this concept that offers artisanal boba drinks.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:@boba.thegreat
Clark Street
THE STORY: While Larchmont Village already has several cafes and coffee shops, it’s lacked a dedicated bakery, until now. Go for the mouthwatering breads, cookies and pastries (we love the kouign-amann and the Swedish cardamom bun), and stay for the hearty breakfast and lunch offerings.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:clarkstreetbakery.com Credo
THE STORY: Founded in the Bay Area, this outpost of clean-beauty destination Credo has an edited assortment from about 80 brands (Le Prunier, Wilding, Klur and more), many of whom call L.A. home.
THE STATUS: Opening in March
THE SITE:credobeauty.com
Flannel
THE STORY: The Australian-born brand carries a gorgeous assortment of floaty, feminine pieces mindfully made by artisans. Look for silky camis, jumpsuits and skirts in soft, luscious colors.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:flannelamerica.com
Holey Grail Donuts
THE STORY: Made from Hawaiian-grown taro root, these artisan doughnuts—fried to order in coconut oil—originated in Hanalei, Kauai. Flavors like Miso Honey, Love Potion (Kula lavender, lemon and black pepper) and Original Sin (real maple, vanilla bean and sea salt) will have you coming back again and again.
THE STATUS: Opening in March
THE SITE:holeygraildonuts.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF: WITTMORE
Hidden Jeans
THE STORY: From flared to mom jeans to wide-leg styles, the L.A.-based brand’s new Larchmont boutique focuses on trending denim fits for a variety of body types.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:hiddenjeans.com Levain Bakery
THE STORY: Stop the presses! New York’s famed bakery is coming to L.A. Head to the brand’s first West Coast location in Larchmont for the can’t-miss extra-large cookies, but beware— they will ruin you for all others.
THE STATUS: Opening in June
THE SITE:levainbakery.com
Midland
THE STORY: Curated apothecary items, Joshua Tree-chic clothing, handmade home accessories and more line the shelves of Midland’s Larchmont shop, where elevated essentials and made-to-last basics shine. Stop here for covetable gifts—think Brightland olive oils, Flamingo Estate candles and more.
THE STATUS: Open
The Site:shop-midland.com
Rep Isa
THE STORY: Head to this jewel box shop for travel-inspired clothing and accessories—upcycled one-of-a-kind kilim shoes, repurposed vintage 501s and statement-making bags.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:resipsaua.com
Skin Laundry
THE STORY: It’s been 10 years since the L.A.-based skincare clinic opened its first location in Santa Monica, and now, including the new Larchmont and Studio City outposts, it is on track to hit 100 clinics by the end of 2024. What sets Skin Laundry apart is the treatment menu—it only offers laser facials.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:skinlaundry.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF: LARCHMONT MERCANTILE
SUA Kitchen & Market
THE STORY: Offering uber-fresh Sichuan Chinese food, this graband-go cafe will also carry a curated selection of artisanal pantry goods and objects by AAPI makers.
THE STATUS: Opening in March
THE SITE:@larchmontmercantile
The Scent Room
THE STORY: Based in Dallas, this niche fragrance boutique specializes in truly special and hard-to-find scents from brands like Amouage and Ormand Jayne. Beyond perfumes, the shop also offers luxe candles, diffusers and room sprays.
THE STATUS: Opening later this year
THE SITE:thescentroom.com thirteen lune
THE STORY: The inclusive beauty e-commerce destination founded by L.A.-based Nyakio Grieco is opening its first brick-and-mortar on the south end of Larchmont Boulevard. The store will serve as a hub for discovering incredible BIPOC beauty brands in real life.
THE STATUS: Opening in March
THE SITE:thirteenlune.com
Top Drawer
THE STORY: Anyone who appreciates paper and pens will love this shop, where high-quality, beautifully crafted writing instruments, notebooks, eyewear and bags rule. Highlights include a huge assortment of Japanese pens and perfect Japanese notebooks by Romeo.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:topdrawershop.com
Velvet by Graham & Spencer
THE STORY: Chic pieces made from cozy, comfortable fabrics are in Velvet’s DNA. For spring, go for the lightweight pink and yellow striped Lex crew neck sweater, or the Ruby lightweight army jacket.
THE STATUS: Opening in March
THE SITE:velvet-tees.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF: LEVAIN BAKERY
Wittmore
THE STORY: Founder Paul Witt’s cool and quirky assortment of men’s clothing has charmed Angelenos at Wittmore’s other stores in Malibu and the Arts District. Now, Larchmont shoppers can pick up a pair or Birks, fragrances from 19-69, Miansai jewelry and more at this carefully curated shop.
THE STATUS: Open
THE SITE:wittmore.com
Photography by:
