A farmers market is the key to a quintessential hometown: a culmination of fresh produce and community. Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Gatos lies one such hidden gem. Early Sunday morning, artisan vans shuttle into the parking lot and unpack a variety of goods. By 8:30 A.M., the first customers arrive; at its peak, around noon, the marketplace is bustling with almond moms and sweet-toothed youth alike. Each stand offers a unique experience, coupling cultural delicacies with local agriculture. To fully understand the beloved charm of the farmers market, we decided to try it for ourselves!

Nutella banana crepe (11/10)

Writing this review, we may be a little biased. While the rest of the stands are entirely new to us, the charming little crepe tent with fresh batter and the smell of nutella draws us in every week. We’d consider ourselves regulars. This Sunday’s taste test was no different. Our go-to order, the Nutella banana crepe, is our answer to any food hypotheticals. It would be our final meal if we were ever on death row, it is easily our favorite food of all time, and it is the one dish we would eat everyday for the rest of our lives. We promise, we’re not exaggerating. Inside the thin pancake (which is fresh off the skillet) is more nutella than you could ever dream of and sliced bananas with the perfect amount of mushiness, topped with powdered sugar and a gluttonous helping of whipped cream—it is truly to die for. It’s a must-try if you ever stumble into the Los Gatos farmers market and one that’s not easy to miss. If the mouth-watering scent or python-length line (well worth the wait) isn’t enough to point you in the right direction, the stand is right at the front of the event. It’s a guarantee that after trying it, you’ll have a gaping crepe-shaped hole in your heart; it’s lucky you can fill it every Sunday!

Chicken teriyaki roll (3/10)

Adjacent to the crepe stand stood the Vietnamese-style spring roll station. We ordered the chicken teriyaki roll and observed the preparation process. The vendors artfully encased lettuce, carrots, and chicken in rice paper, presenting it with peanut dipping sauce and in a clear container. Upon our first bite, we were shockingly underwhelmed with the lack of flavor and disappointed with the consistency of the chicken. The chicken was extremely chewy and almost impossible to swallow. We then tried the roll with the peanut sauce. The peanut sauce definitely brought better flavor to the dish, but no dish should have to rely on a condiment to bring it together. For these reasons, the chicken teriyaki roll left a bitter taste in our mouths.

Chicken Taco (7/10)

As we strolled deeper into the farmers market, we stumbled upon a Mexican food stand with a wide selection of foods. The tacos, a Mexican staple, immediately caught our eye. The tacos were served with chicken, cilantro, onion, and salsa. The tortilla itself was rather soggy, but the rest of the meal lived up to our expectations. We found ourselves devouring the taco in its entirety, the tangy flavor holding us captive. Overall, the tacos deserved a rating of 7/10.

Aside from these three main meal spots, the market is also home to an abundance of produce! 

Produce (7/10)

We only feel a little bad that we raided the samples section of a lovely produce stand because everything was delicious. First up, the grapes, watermelon, and oranges—all pretty amazing despite being slightly out of season. The watermelon, in particular, may need to be evaluated on a hot summer weekend to truly claim our hearts. Other unique fruit combinations were equally as delectable: apple pears and pluots—yum, yum, and yum, enough said. Persimmons met their match, being slightly too slimy for our taste, but are still worth a try. Also, be sure to grab a honey stick on your way out! While it may not be produce, it is the sweetest way to end a day at the market.

All in all, the Los Gatos farmers market is an authentic representation of the Bay Area melting pot and a must-try for any foodie or local. Bring a blanket, an appetite, and enjoy the live music because this is the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. We hope to see you there!