Smash burger and fries were stellar, based on a staff recommendation! Me and the BF gobbled them down before I could take a pic. So so so good and a sign outside that they no longer use seed oils but cook in tallow is a win. I also got a very good poke bowl with ahi earlier in the day that was healthy and tasty as well. Prices on items in the market are a bit steep but they have a great selection, ie. I guess it's par for the course for a cute specialty market. I did see a couple of flies by the meat area but hopefully they just flew in from the outside. An adorable neighborhood market that has lots of goodies. read more

Valley Farm Market - Ahi Poke Bowl - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I have been a customer of this market brand for over 18 yrs primarily at their location in but I stopped La Jolla on my way home from work to grab dinner. I can say I am extremely pleased to find the tradition of customers or family carried over to the La Jolla location. The staff were great and I was directly assisted by the store manager, Keeshia, whose knowledge was extremely apparent on their products as well as as their meat department. It's obvious she took great pride on her store. read more

The Catfished tacos were delicious but not what I expected. Just came by to the neighborhood market to pick up some lunch after a work out. Went to choose their monthly specials to try it since it's end of the month and they change it every month. I guess don't believe what's their online pictures. read more

Valley Farm Market - Catfished Tacos - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

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This place is filthy. The amount of flies is appalling. This has been this way for months. There's a swarm of about 20 buzzing in circles back by the produce. Every refrigerator I open to get something there's a fly, even way over by the milk. There's also a problem with the moisture regulation in the produce department. The last 2 times I've bought produce from against the wall they've had mold when I got home. And the onions have mushy/rotten spots from sitting in direct sun half the day. I just tried to buy cucumbers and the back side of every single one had mold on it. How is it possible the flies are kept out of the open kitchen and meat market. Unacceptable and unsanitary, do better!!! You charge way too much not to be following health code. The service is great, employees are always friendly and talkative. read more

Cute market in La Jolla with all the essentials. They have great deli items and produce, perfect for an odds and ends type of trip. Reasonably priced in my opinion for La Jolla. read more

I came in to try their poke. I asked for Spicy Salmon but gave me spicy ahi tuna. Ahi Tuna was fresh, I called and pretty much said they can't do anything. read more

Valley Farm Market - Ahi Tuna - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I went in here for my first time just to check out the products and prices. They have an amazing butcher shop. Some of their meat and fish are already marinated. They've also got prepackaged takeout food. The store prices weren't as high as I thought they would be, although the prepackaged macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes seemed a bit pricy. I didn't check out the butcher shop prices, I'll do that on my next trip. I did see on their Instagram that they have specials on Tuesday and Wednesdays. This week was ground chicken for only $3.99 a pound There are some fun finds up and down the aisles. I found some dehydrated garlic, which will be great for when I am not prepared with fresh garlic. I also found Marie's refrigerated salad dressing, which is so yummy! At the checkout, they have some fresh bakery items. If you haven't shopped here, you may want to check it out. I think there's something for everyone. When I checked out their Instagram, I couldn't stop scrolling. Today Dayle checked me out. She was great - young, happy, and super sweet. I'll be back! read more

This place is unique as a marketplace several items you might not be able to find elsewhere their interior deli looks good. I'd like to try it soon. the folks there seem friendly read more

The market is full of healthy options, and has a pretty large selection. The REAL star for me here that I did not expect, was the lunch from the meat deli. I ordered the Bird Is The Word sandwich that comes with fries... fries are probably my favorite food (simple, I know) and these are some of the BEST fries I've had. They were double battered, crispy with just the perfect touch of softness in the middle, and seasoned well. The sandwich was incredible. Plenty of turkey slices, delicious bacon, avocado, and greens. I was full and satisfied. Paired it all with a kombucha and Carlsbad strawberries. Taking hubby here for a lunch date so he can enjoy with me! ETA: We tried the poke bowl and poke nachos today. UNREAL. The portions are PLENTY, and the poke tastes fresh. read more

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There is something special about this place... I came in when it first opened several years ago, but it has changed in a variety of ways. First, the service is now absolutely outstanding! Every time I come in here, the employees are so nice and friendly. I keep thinking to myself that one day, I'm going to come in and get the Jerry Springer treatment, like all other grocery stores. However, it hasn't happened yet... Other improvements that they have made include the variety of produce and the prepared foods that they store in a separate refrigerated area. They used to have only a couple of refrigerators with doors on them, but now they also have a full deli style refrigerated section with a variety of wraps, salads, sides, fruit, salsas, guacamole, etc. The Kitchen is the best part! They added items to the menu including bowls, salads, tacos, and burritos. Valley Farm Market is best known for their BBQ meats such as brisket, tri tip, and chicken. The great part about the Kitchen is that it combines the best BBQ meats with classic menu items for an amazing lunch... Thanks for making me feel at home in my hometown! read more

I love this place - I live right around the corner and the convenience of it can't be beat. The prices are high but they have unique stuff and I love exploring the aisles and seeing what's new. However - my boyfriend and I often order lunch from here when we're working from home and it's delicious but 7 times out of 10, they get my order wrong. It has literally happened so much that I tell them when I order - please make sure this is right because it's always wrong.. and yet it is wrong again. The staff is very nice and helpful and again the food is great (expensive, but good) but the annoyance of this is definitely overtaking the convenience. read more

BEST EVER tri-tip! It helps if it's Wagyu! Thank you Valley Farm for the amazing marinaded meat. read more

Valley Farm Market - BEST EVER tri-tip! It helps if it's Wagyu! Thank you so much Valley Farm for the amazing marinaded meat. - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

i ordered grilled fish tacos at the kitchen and when i opened it it was drenched in butter. they should put that in the description on the menu if it's such a big component of the dish or ask before pouring it all over cause it ruins the whole thing. read more

Valley Farm Market - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

Smash burger and fries are awesome. Burger is super rich and satisfying...fries are some of the best I've had this year. 10/10 highly recommend. The staff is super nice and helpful too!! read more

Deli meat handler refuses to wear gloves when handling meat and prepared food. I wish this was a single incident, but it happened twice, where I came in to order from the deli/meat dpt, and this elderly man with tattoos and a gruff demeanor was handling ground beef barehanded, as well as other foods, from one case to another. Serious health code violation, and honestly disgusting. I mentioned it to the manager on duty, he said he was aware and seemed to just shrug like this was normal. I came back a second time a month or so later, and the same thing happened. This man was grabbing fistfulls of meat and other items barehanded - I walked out and have never been back since. The lack of hygiene is enough to turn your stomach, seeing this man handle peoples food like that - but apparently this is ok with the management, so.... you just have to wonder how little they care about how they prepare/handle the food. read more

I stepped one foot into the store and the Very Bad Fish smell is unbearable. We were looking forward to browsing and seeing what we can buy. I cannot understand How the manager can allow this to happen. If the fish is bad throw it out! If the ventilation needs improving, do it! Don't ignore the problem read more

This business occupies the ground level of the building which houses The Collins Coastal Apartments. The folks who live in the Windansea neighborhood are fortunate to have a branch of Valley Farm Market open up in their midst. They carry a fair amount of products, but the main attractions were the butcher block and deli counter. A kitchen that serves some hot food was the reason for my visit. The menu had a selection of ten different sandwiches made to order which all come with seasoned french fries. I chose the Snake River Farms Brisket Sandwich. It consisted of slow smoked chopped brisket topped with BBQ sauce, beer battered onion rings, and provolone cheese on a brioche bun. It took the kitchen a little over 10 minutes to prepare my food. At $15, I would say the price was high, but the quality of the ingredients was good, especially the meat. The fries were nice and crispy. If you're local and live nearby, this is a fine option for some grocery shopping that doesn't involve one of the big box chains. read more

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Very cool to learn that Valley Farm Market has expanded with this location in La Jolla. The store is not as large as the Spring Valley location I have been visiting since I was a young lad, but it certainly serves its purpose with quality items and small kitchen. There is no doubt the Butchery is the star here. They carry the same delicious 'Pollo Asado" at the meat counter, so that's a good thing, and they are making some tasty eats as well, like the burger I ordered from the kitchen. I had the VFM Burger for $9.99 which came with zesty fries. You can choose the type of patty you want for the same price. I went with the bacon & jalapeno burger patty. It's important to note that all the burger patties are ground and formed in house. I asked for the burger to be temped no more than medium. The burger patty was very flavorful.The burger comes on a toasted brioche bun, and served with a melee of ingredients, including their secret sauce spread, which is mighty tasty. The burger was cooked a tad over than I would of liked, but it was still quite juicy and flavorful. The brioche bun was good, but the bottom bun got pretty soggy quickly. They should but a layer of cheese on that bottom bun to protect it and on top of the patty as well. I'm just saying. By the way, the fries that came with the burger were excellent. They were very well seasoned and crisp. The meat counter was impressive, and the fruit and vegetable were small but pretty nice. I wish they offered seating inside and outside along the window, but apparently the City of San Diego called it no bueno, unless additional improvements to the building are made. As a result, there is no sitting. I ate on the curb outside. The people who work here are friendly and helpful. read more

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My husband has stopped into Valley Farm Market a couple times to get fresh meat and lunch for us. We've enjoyed both the poke nachos and the brisket sandwich. We've also had the different poke offerings standalone and made our own poke bowls at home. The food from the deli counter is very fresh and really tasty. The guys at the deli/meat counter are also very friendly. I actually stopped in on Christmas day to get some fresh produce for a salad and was surprised they were open. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and welcomed into the store. They had a decent amount of organic veggies and even had some bagged salads available. They do offer packaged products as well like sauces, chips, etc., but they are a little pricier than here. Overall, Valley Farm is a great addition to the neighborhood and while the products may be a little bit more expensive, they are high quality. Note: Deli counter for sandwiches isn't available until after 11AM. read more

Valley Farm Market - Poke nachos - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

I'm a long time patron of their original Spring Valley location, and have been waiting for a chance to try the kitchen offerings at the new spot in La Jolla. The menu looked great! I decided on an ahi poke bowl, grabbed a cold beverage and took it down to the beach at Windansea to enjoy. None of that is happening in Spring Valley. The poke bowl was awesome! It costs about the same as a chicken club sandwich combo at Chick-Fil-A now and is so much better. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of ahi I got, and the quality was every bit as good as I expected from Valley Farms. I'll be back asap for another ahi poke bowl or maybe try the brisket sandwich. read more

Valley Farm Market - Supreme Ahi Poke Bowl enjoyed on the beach at Windansea. - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Great food. Usually great vibes. Went there a couple days ago and was very unimpressed specifically with the guy who's got a bunch of tattoos and gages. We walked in at 10:45 and tried to order poke- he said they didn't serve that until 11. Kind of weird he couldn't just sell us fish since it takes zero preparation and it was all right in front of us. Anyway, waited until 11 like he said and went back in to order. He then told us their cook just went on a break so we'd have to wait longer. Not apologetic at all. And by the way bud you don't need a cook to make a poke bowl. We had 4 hungry people trying to get poke and we all left to go to el pescador. Way better people over there. Similar quality. Valley farm used to be a place I liked. Probably gonna wait until this guy gets canned to go back. read more

I've been to this location a few times now and wanted to love it for the local concept and the location but after today's experience I won't likely be back. The smash burger and fries are delicious if you're in the area but I'd drive a little further south to Swagyu PB for a better wagyu burger and experience. The meat counter is extensive and the quality is good, but good luck getting help. I noticed 5 or 6 Caucasian male workers, 1 Caucasian female and 1 Latino female... so maybe if I wasn't an Asian female, then I'd get better service here. Speculation for sure. In any case, there are many specialized items but for the items that aren't, you can find them cheaper at other grocery stores. read more

Super cute market under an apartment complex. Had quite a few parking spots. They have so many unique items I've never seen at a regular store. They also have a kitchen with food! Tried out the Nashville chicken sandwich and the wagyu smashburger. The smashburger was really good. Their waffle fries are amazing, $2 extra charge, but totally worth it! Their Nashville chicken had a nice bun, but the chicken was very over cooked. I wouldn't recommend this one. It wasn't spicy at all, not sure if it needed more sauce or if it was just the burnt flavor overshadowed the rest. Tried some of their grocery items as well. Tri tip and ribs were good. The breakfast burrito was just okay, as were the tamales. Wouldn't get those two again. Their baked potato was very tempting and cheesy looking! Will def be back to take at a look at more of their unique items. Their coffee offerings looked awesome! read more

Wow. What a great discovery. I dropped my granddaughter off at a dance lesson and had an hour to entertain myself. Oh, I will enjoy this place on a regular basis. It was 5:00 so a little snack seemed to be in order. I saw a few different versions of poke in the butcher dept, and my eyes went right to the Ahi poke. Here's what I liked: 1. Higher quality of fish than I've had at any poke restaurant 2. Simply dressed with some sort of sauce but sauce does not drown out the flavor of the fish. It's a 'barely there' sauce and other than green onions, no other accoutrements. 3. Great service.. I asked for some slices of lemon. They had none, but I was offered lime slices. Perfect. 4. Tables outside to sit and enjoy my poke snack 4. On sale... $3 off all poke for month of March. I'll be back next Tuesday when I drive my granddaughter to dance class again. read more

The service was very great and very helpful. I really recommend this store to everyone. I appreciate this.

Some of the best tacos I have had in San Diego. It's a small market just 3 minutes away from the water but they have a kitchen in the back. I got 3 tacos and they were some of the best tacos I have had in San Diego. Because they do bbq I was able to get tri tip and brisket tacos along with carne asada. 3 tacos for less then 10$(taco Tuesday so each taco was a 1$ off) they were filled well with meat. Handmade tortilla and spicy red salsa. They even threw in some tortilla chips as well. I definitely will be back. They have a good sized menu with other options that sounded amazing. Everything from a burger to chicken sandwich. So happy I found this gem in La Jolla. read more

Service is terrible. Waited 15 mins for a rice bowl which they clearly forgot. When I reminded them they said 2 minutes which actually took another 10. Live close by will never go back. read more

So many great and healthy things at this neighborhood market! We were thrilled to find natural wine + they had tons of fresh Carlsbad strawberries so we grabbed some as well. Hard to come by an amazing neighborhood market with beautiful produce selections - we appreciate you providing amazing stuff to Windansea!! Haven't been here in a few years and will be coming back more often. read more

It was fun having a little grocery store in the neighborhood when it opened, but the produce was always so so and the meat prices have gotten astronomical. The marinated chicken and beef are way too sweet. The burger is actually just a slider. Now I only buy chicken, ground beef, and half and half. Edit - I am surprised by the complaints here about service, everyone has always seemed super friendly and helpful to me. read more

Valley Farm Market in La Jolla is what every neighborhood market wants to be when it grows up. Excellent selection of all the essentials -- from produce (much organic, which is all we buy), to meat and seafood (best poke around), to groceries, beer, wine, bbq supplies, and everything in between. Never too crowded, always helpful staff. An easy 5 stars. read more

I am so so so excited these guys opened here at the coast. I shop at their Spring Valley market due to having had a route out that way with a former job. I digress.... Anyhow, the meat is on point. The poké is bomb. I don't even want to mention this next point for fear of it forever being sold out, but the baja shrimp cocktail is TO DIE FOR!!! oh my goodness!!!!amazing on soooooo many levels. Yes it's expensive. Its la jolla. Shrug. But the cool ujique dips and spices and organic chips and crackers. So awesome. Thank you guys for opening. read more

WHAT A JOKE!! This incredibly overpriced market is ridiculous! $10 for a jar of jam that sells for half that at a regular market. Smells like fish and rotted meat all the time. Customer service is lacking. Gelsons is not far away and worth the extra half mile drive. read more

I always enjoy going to Valley Farms and I loved the cleanliness and location of the store but man the sandwich I got was such a disappointment! I ordered the Don (originally wanted to tritip but last minute chose the Don) and it was a sad looking and tasting sandwich. So not worth $10.99. Tons of bread, hardly Any meat and cheese and there was this weird clear oil they use on it that made it so I had oil dripping down my hands as I ate the sandwich. My husband and I stopped by to get a couple things and some lunch before headed to the beach for a date afternoon and didn't even look at the sandwich until we got down there. Imagine the disappointment when I open my box to this. Bummed I didn't get to enjoy a good sandwich. Makes me nervous to even attempt the other ones that are even more expensive. read more

Valley Farm Market - Tons of bread and barely any meat or cheese. I paid $10.99 for that! - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great place to get specially meats & produce . The best quality and the best customer service . The food they cook is awesome. Everything I've had is top notch! Will definitely shop there frequently! I fully recommend this store to everyone! You guys are awesome!! Keep up the good work !!! read more

This place is a hidden jewel that needs to be found by everyone. They have the freshest and tastiest poke available, and don't forget to check the whole kitchen menu and amazing hot and ready to eat meals available in the hot case, all made from scratch in their kitchen. read more

When a bunch of La Jolla Dads invite a kidless schlub over for a man-day, the kidless schlub would be silly not to say yes. Once again, these are La Jolla Dads. Oh, what does that mean? Well, LJDs (La Jolla Dads) buy their meat at Valley Farm Market. The stack of 20 or so steaks, a mixture of ribeyes and NY strips were pulled from the fridge and placed on the countertop ready for seasoning. For me that means some salt and pepper before hitting the grill, that's all. After finding the hottest spot on the grill, a quick turn for some crosshatching, a single flip and an additional turn for aesthetic, my finger test told me that I was teetering on medium. A few minutes rest would put me at a perfect med-rare and I hit the nail on the head with my cook - the steak was perfection. I'll be the first to admit that I settle on what's available from my local Ralph's when I'm craving a steak for dinner and I need to remind myself that a drive to Valley Farm and the additional money spent is well worth it for what you get. The quality is sky high and you really can't find much nicer owners/operators. read more

Please note that a lot of these reviews are too properly typed and I'm sure are fake. I'll give it 2 stars because theres a few good employees. I'm gonna be honest and tell the truth unlike most of these reviews. The place is dirty, most of the employees look like they hate their job (and act like it) and theres very little to no customer service. Social distancing is a joke here, I would be careful. read more

Bad attitude of guy behind seafood counter at dinner time means we'll probably avoid this place for dinner. With no one behind us in line you would think the guy could smile or at least say nothing. Instead we got "What else?" "What else?" "What else" growled at us as the premium-priced seafood options were slopped angrily into a container? Looked good, why was he mad at the food? Bad day? Maybe? Hard to find employees? Of course. But come on, this is unprofessional. Is there a manager watching somewhere? read more

Just moved to La Jolla and came across this small business. The food was amazing, great service. However sometimes I do come across this young gentleman who Is always alone and is multitasking a lot. I feel horrible and leave to not over work the kid. He is very kind to me and other customers which makes my shopping experience really enjoyable, great service from aaron and micah, who know me as usual. Fruit and vegetables are fresh, desserts are delicious. Burgers and bowls are AMAZING. Farmer's market is outstanding and I cant wait to shop at there other location. read more

They're having some quality issues. We were thrilled when we called to see if they had yeast in stock and the said, yes. I went down immediately but when I arrived it wasn't on the shelf. They sell "cake or compressed yeast so they had to get it from the refrigerator in the back. The first one they brought out had black spots on it, which looked like mold. They got a replacement and I shopped for red bell peppers. Well, unfortunately when we used the bell pepper a few hours later we found mold growing in that too. It's a little concerning. I guess I wouldn't normally write a review in this situation but a few weeks back when I popped in for some garlic we had quality issues with that product too and could only use about of it. Their prices are on the high end so they should have higher quality standards, hopefully things will improve. read more

Valley Farm Market - Public Markets Near Me - La Jolla, California