Gelson's Markets, Los Angeles

Gelson’s Market on Hyperion is the upscale supermarket of Silver Lake, boasting all the standard items of regular supermarkets – paper towels, cat food, cereal – while bumping things up with a host of gourmet fare, as well as a deluxe deli, elegant florist and stellar wine aisle. The store is bright, clean and attractive, with pristine displays of produce, pretty baskets of imported cheeses and lavish boutique ice creams. Service is first-class, with short checkout lines and friendly help willing to go the extra mile to wrap a gift bottle of wine or look for special items. There’s a big emphasis on organic and fair trade at Gelson’s, as one would expect of this rather progressive neighborhood. Meats and fish are high-quality but pricey; produce is spotless and occasionally exotic, with price points to match. Popular high-end brands range from La Brea Bakery breads to Intelligentsia coffee.