farmers market
01 Apr 2024

Guide To The Best San Diego Food Halls & Farmers Markets

By builtbygcommerce

Southern California is known for many amazing things and food is definitely at the top of the list for locals and visitors to the area. Whether you are looking for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to make your favorite dish or want something delicious that has already been expertly prepared, foodies and fresh market fans will love the offerings of the local San Diego food halls and San Diego farmers markets. Don’t miss the chance to experience the culture of the city, take in the unique dining opportunities, and explore your options for creative goods offered at these popular establishments during your stay here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego. Here are a few of the most popular San Diego farmers markets and food halls in the area to visit.

Popular San Diego Food Halls

If you’re looking to experience the culture of San Diego, a local food hall is a great way to get a taste of the amazing cuisine and meet some of the locals who prepare it. Choose from a variety of different dining options in one central location, so you can try a little bit of everything. A visit to a San Diego food hall is sure to please even the most finicky eaters and entertain everyone with the unique ambiance and local fare.

Liberty Public Market (2.4 miles)

Make sure to visit Liberty Public Market, the culinary epicenter nestled within the historic confines of San Diego’s Liberty Station. This food hall offers a diverse array of culinary experiences to tantalize every taste bud. From artisanal cheese shops and freshly baked pastries to savory barbecue and exotic international fare, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Sip on locally roasted coffee or indulge in a craft cocktail as you wander through this vibrant marketplace, soaking in the lively atmosphere and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a delicious bite, Liberty Public Market promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Old Town Market (3.9 miles)

Step into San Diego’s Old Town Market Food Hall and embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Southern California. Nestled in the heart of historic Old Town, this bustling food hall captures the essence of the region’s rich culinary heritage. From sizzling street tacos and mouthwatering burritos to freshly made ceviche and indulgent churros, every corner offers a taste sensation to delight every palate. With its charming ambiance and diverse array of vendors, the Old Town Market Food Hall is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of San Diego’s culinary soul.

Little Italy Food Hall (4.6 miles)

All the amazing tastes and the unique culture of Italy are just 4.9 miles away from your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego at the Little Italy Food Hall. Recently named as one of the Top 10 Food Halls in the United States by USA Today, this popular San Diego food hall offers a superb taste of Italy in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy community. Located at the Piazza Della Famiglia, be prepared to be wowed by eight food stations offering everything including authentic pizza, fusion tacos, sushi bowls, Chinese noodles, Maine lobster, a donut cart, and full bar service for guests with a beautiful view of the fountain in the Piazza. 

little italy

(Photo: @eatsamburgers)

Popular San Diego Farmers Markets

From local art and creative crafts to amazing California produce and flowers, you might be surprised at all the things you can find at a San Diego farmers market. Here are some of the most popular local markets that are near Humphreys Half Moon Inn for you to explore during your stay.

If you’re looking to experience the culture of San Diego, a local food hall is a great way to get a taste of the amazing cuisine and meet some of the locals who prepare it. Choose from a variety of different dining options in one central location, so you can try a little bit of everything. A visit to a San Diego food hall is sure to please even the most finicky eaters and entertain everyone with the unique ambiance and local fare.

Ocean Beach Farmers Market (3.1 miles)

Open each Wednesday from 4-8pm, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market is the place for foodies who are looking for unique, local, delicious cuisine. Located just 3.1 miles from Humphreys Half Moon Inn, immerse yourself in a unique shopping experience with over 100 vendors. The Ocean Beach Farmers Market includes goods from certified farmers, chefs, artisans, and more. This eclectic San Diego farmers market offers baked bread and desserts, flowers and plants, local fruits and vegetables, and even hot-prepared meals. Hotel guests will enjoy this unique experience in a fun, beachside community.

Ocean Beach Farmers Market

(Photo: @aishamaephoto)

Little Italy Mercato (4.5 miles)

The Little Italy Mercato sounds like a food lover’s paradise! With over 200 vendors offering a diverse range of fresh produce and artisanal goods, it’s no wonder it’s such a celebrated market. The fact that it’s situated in Little Italy, known for its culinary excellence, speaks volumes about the quality you can expect there. From freshly baked bread to artisanal cheeses, candies, honey, and farm-fresh eggs, it seems like there’s something to delight every palate. It must be a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, perfect for exploring and discovering new flavors.

Saturdays, 8am–2pm

little italy mercato
(Photo: @littleitalymercato)

Pacific Beach Farmers Market (7.4 miles)

Located just 7.4 miles from Humphreys Half Moon Inn, the Pacific Beach Farmers Market is open every Tuesday from 2-7pm. This popular seaside market offers everything from meats and cheeses to fresh produce, flowers, and more. Visitors will also find gourmet dining opportunities as well as beautiful, handcrafted pieces by local artisans.

Hillcrest Farmers Market (7.6 miles)

The perfect way to spend a Sunday in San Diego, the Hillcrest Farmers Market is San Diego’s original and largest farmers market. Less than 7 miles from your room here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn, there are over 175 vendors that offer everything from locally grown produce and flowers to unique gifts, clothing, arts and crafts, and more! This is a must-visit during your time in San Diego, as this popular farmers market hosts around 10,000 people each week!

Explore the San Diego Farmers Markets and Food Halls During Your Stay at Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Are you ready to explore the food halls and farmers markets in San Diego for a delicious cultural experience you won’t soon forget? Book your accommodations now at Humphreys Half Moon Inn to be close to all the fun! Hotel guests can also enjoy the proximity to some of the most popular places to visit in San Diego including SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, and more. In addition, enjoy top-notch onsite amenities during your stay including our waterfront restaurant and lounge, outdoor concerts, tropical pool and jacuzzi, fitness center, bayfront location with a private marina, and so much more!

dining room
13 Sep 2023

Meet Percy Oani: Humphreys New Executive Chef

By builtbygcommerce

We are thrilled to introduce our new Executive Chef, Percy Oani, who has joined the Humphreys family with a wealth of culinary experience and a passion for creating delightful dining experiences. Chef Percy brings a diverse culinary background and a commitment to crafting dishes that cater to a broad range of palates. Let’s get to know him better and discover what he has in store for guests at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music!

Q: Can you please introduce yourself?

A: Hi, I am Chef Percy. I’m the new executive chef here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. It’s really great to be joining this family of hotels and I’m looking forward to a very long tenure.

a dining table overlooking the water

Q: Can you tell us about your job experience/history before coming to Humphreys?

A: Prior to my arrival here to Humphreys, I was downtown as the executive chef for Hotel Republic. Before that, I was over at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club where I was a chef at the Shores Hotel. Prior to that, for an extensive period of time, I was the chef for Roy’s Restaurants, where I traveled to different locations.

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: I’m actually a Southern California native. I was born in San Pedro and I grew up in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, so that’s where I had a lot of influence when it comes to food. There are a lot of different neighborhoods to go to, for all different styles of cuisine.

Q: How did you get into being a chef?

A: My dad was a cook in the Navy and he would come home and make all these different dishes. So I wasn’t exposed to just the Filipino food that my mom would cook, but I was exposed to different types of food. We also had a spice rack that my dad would always go to, and I was always curious to see what he was using the different spices for. That little spice rack is probably one of the things that piqued my interest in cooking most — trying to figure out what those little leaves were doing to food and how they would flavor it.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who wants to become a chef?

A: To have humility. Not everyone’s going to enjoy what you’ve made, but you want to make sure that you’re trying to create food that’s going to be catering to a broad range of people – not just one person, but everyone. Be dedicated, because hours are long, and just be a student of cooking.

Q: What about advice for someone who just wants to get into cooking in their own home?

A: Get quality ingredients and cook when you’re happy. I was once told to never cook when you’re angry because the food’s going to come out bitter. That’s my biggest piece of advice – just cook from the heart at home, because it’s always going to come out better that way.

Q: Who or what inspires you, when it comes to cooking?

A: Definitely my father who pretty much got me into cooking, He inspires me ’cause I really want to make him proud too. I want to become the chef that he always hoped I’d be.

Q: What is your favorite dish to make?

A: My favorite dish to make is beef ribs – low and slow. Let it just go for a while. Smoke it, just wait, and be patient to let it come out nice and super tender.

Q: What about your favorite dish to eat?

One of my favorite foods to eat is poke – tuna poke. My kids love it too, it’s one of those go-to dishes in our family. Whenever we’re hungry, I get some tuna, cut it up real quick, make some rice, toss it in a bowl… The kids are happy. I’m happy. It’s all good. 

salad and champagne

Q: Other than cooking, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: When you start having kids, your free time is limited. It’s not about you anymore. It’s all about your kids. So, my son right now, plays a lot of baseball – a lot of our time is spent watching his baseball games and practices. My oldest daughter, she’s getting ready to drive so I’ve been taking her out to practice a lot. My middle daughter is now in the speech and debate team that just started, so I’m really looking forward to seeing some of her speeches and debates when she begins traveling to different high schools. So that all pretty much takes up all my free time!

Q: What do you have in store for Humphreys?

A: I want to put my personality on the plate. Being that I have grown up around and learned so many different types of cuisine, I really want to incorporate that eclectic mix here — Asian fusion, south-of-the-border influence, Mediterranean style… Casually fun, I don’t want it to be too stuffy. I just want people to come in, have a good time, and enjoy what we’re putting out there.

Q: Anything else you’d like guests to know?

A: Just come on by! Give us a try — I know it’s probably been a while for some people, but in the next few months, we’re going to start having some fun with this menu and I think you’re really going to enjoy it.

Stay tuned for exciting new menu updates and make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on Chef Percy’s latest creations!