Awesome cookbook only book store. It has a pretty vast collection for those of us that while are not Luddites, prefer a book now and then. Its in a small covered alleyway filled with other shops and parking can be a bear. On the other hand friendly, knowledgeable staff offset any inconvenience you may occur with the parking. Worth a stop if you like to cook and like books. read more

Now Serving - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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great little boutique shop with a very creative owner. All cook books, you can find everything you need for every cuisine, food culture, wine, spirits, etc. - something for everyone interested in food! so many cool cookbooks for your collection. located in Far East PLaza across from Howling Rays. Worth a stop to add a book to your kitchen! read more

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What a cool place for chefs and creative thinkers that love to cook! I came for a gift, my sister is a pastry chef and her bf himself a chef. Grabbed some gift cards and stuck up a conversation with a staff member who was more than hospitable. Great energy in that place, we came in early so hardly any traffic or issues finding a meter super close. Chinatown is neat, worth a day trip and grab some food at one of the spots near by! Howling rays, amboy, Lasita etc. or venture off to bakery or OG Chinese spot. read more

Now Serving - Walking around - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Fabulous service. The man working talked with me extensively about what I like to cook, what I'm looking for, and different cookbook's recipe styles. There is a large collection of books, good ones--not just fluff. I walked out with two books I'd never heard of that I look forward to reading and cooking! I can't say enough about how inspiring this store is. Well worth driving to. And there's a fab tea shop right next door. Thanks for your help! read more

Such a unique spot in LA. Ended up discovering this place when signing up to attend a meet&greet for a new cookbook release. Fantastic selection for cookbook and food writing lovers. There's truly a cookbook for everyone, and everything is very well priced. Additionally they have a ton of events with authors and book signings. Highly recommend! read more

This is one of my favorite bookstores! Now Serving specializes in cookbooks and food-related magazines. I love their variety, their events are super fun and engaging. I went to the Vibrant Hong Kong book discussion and author meet and greet, it was incredible! The store is located in the corner of plaza, the staff are super friendly and curate the store with such care. I will definitely be back for another event and more books! read more

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Lovely food centric bookshop! Fantastic for cookbooks and other special topic books in this realm. The staff is really nice and very helpful. read more

Now Serving - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The bookstore has very interesting collections, and it carries all stuff related to cooking, from recipes books to cooking tools. If you need something and they're out of stock, they could order it for you and notify you through email. read more

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I mean this in all sincerity, what a wonderful bookstore. My partner is a Kitchen lead for a Taiwanese brunch cafe and a home cook that loves to experiment with new flavors and styles in his cooking. I'm a home cook myself but more of an avid eater despite it all. I've been wanting to take him here for so long but after a few months wait, we were able to go. The selections they have are not just celebrity cookbooks or books that are strictly James Beard winning or NOMA worthy. There is genuinely such care and consideration put into the selection and you can tell by just looking around. They offer a garden variety of cookbooks for entry level cooks, home cooks, chefs, fermenters, camping cooks, low budget cooks, meal prep pets, cultural cooks, etc. I fell in love with the cooking items they had (albeit a bit too pricey for my tax bracket) and the ideas we were able to explore while here. They have a box by the door of 25% off books we couldn't help but rummage through as well as hot sauce, dining magazines, and other snacks sprinkled throughout the store to buy and try. I highly recommend this store to anyone who is looking for cooking inspiration and ideas. The store clerks are knowledgeable and provide excellent recommendations as well. read more

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Do you have a foodie friend? Have you ever dreamt about meeting a celeb in the food world? Chances are, Now Serving has their book AND will host them for meet and greets! This is such a perfect little cookbook shop and will have everything you could possibly want - cookbooks, pantry items, utensils, books with food for thought, thoughts about food, what have you. If there is an event, come early and be prepared for a wait. Parking is $5 unless you get a street meter. Chinatown is fairly dead but get yourself some Howlin' while you wait. read more

Very cool bookstore in Chinatown! This bookstore is a little tucked away and located across from Ten Ren Tea in the same shopping center as Howlin Ray's, East West Shop, and Kim Chuy Restaurant. This spot is a little niche because it focuses on cookbooks and has a few cooking utensils and food products, but I loved it because it was niche. Since it was niche, it really delved into cookbooks and had one of the largest selections of cookbooks I've seen. It had everything from pre-owned cookbooks to cartoon cookbooks (like the new Gudetama one), food memoirs, and thick, glossy, beautiful cookbooks you almost feel like you need to display. There were cookbooks for all sorts of cuisine as well - Italian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, French, Burmese, French, BBQ, etc. I ended up grabbing two cookbooks for less than $35 each, which I felt was a good price for a brand new, hardcover cookbooks filled with beautiful photos. One was even signed by the author. What made this bookstore stand out was the friendly service. One guy there immediately offered me a coaster for my drink and to leave it on the counter. While I know he did this so I wouldn't spill on anything, the way he did it was friendly and felt helpful, not pushy. The woman working there was also friendly and conversational. She overheard that I was picking out gifts for my parents and how I had a hard time picking out gifts for them, so she shared her struggles shopping for her parents as well. Then when we checked out, the guy told us his favorite recipes or the ones he wanted to try in each cookbook we chose. It felt like everyone here was knowledgeable and enjoyed their jobs. read more

What an awesome bookshop specializing in cookbooks!!!!! Yes, cookbooks!!!!! 5 stars!!!!! According to the staff, Now Serving has been in the Far East Plaza for about a year. The Far East Plaza is also home to LASA, Howlin' Rays and Chego, so the location is perfect for a cookbook shop! I never knew about Now Serving until I RSVP'd for a Q and A session and book signing event with Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad, authors of the newly published I Am A Filipino and This Is How We Cook. (5 stars for the book also by the way!!!!!) So glad I RSVP'd early for the event since there were only about 30 or so guests that can be accommodated due to the size of the store. Yes, the shop is pretty quaint but it is jampacked with a ton of cookbooks as well as cooking related knick knacks. You can easily spend a couple of hours just browsing through the merchandise offerings and perhaps finding that inspiration to cook! If you're a striving home-cook like me, a visit to Now Serving is definitely a trip worth making. Now Serving is open Monday, Thursday to Saturday (11 am to 7 pm), as well as Sunday (12 to 5 pm). Be on the lookout for book signings and events through their Instagram page, but also simply stop by and check out this really cool cookbook shop when you're in the Far East Plaza! read more

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Finally made my way to the store today for a curbside pick up of a cookbook I bought online at one of their recent sales. I'm excited to start making some food items from the signed cookbook! I also attended one of their virtual book talks a couple months ago too, that was fun. :) Look forward to visiting the store in person in the future when they open back up! read more

Coolest bookstore ever! According to the owner, this is the only COOKBOOK bookstore in LA They had so many cool cookbooks to explore and the owner was very knowledgeable. I loved this spot and I'm mainly writing this review right now so I know to definitely go back next time I'm near the area! read more

It's a little overdue that I am finally reviewing Now Serving. The straw that broke the camel's back was attending their book signing for the latest edition of "The Joy of Cooking". What an amazing experience it was to sit (literally) right next to John Becker and Megan Scott while they explained their journey into the editing and updating of one of America's most beloved cookbooks. But this is what they do at Now Serving. We are so fortunate to have any independent bookstores at all these days (thanks to amazon dot com) let alone one that does such an incredible job focusing on food glorious food. One of the true "Joys" of the evening was the job Ken Concepcion did moderating the discussion. Not an easy task but with his chef's background he made it seem so easy. The stock of books at "Now Serving" all show this same exceptional care and knowledge that only people who truly understand food and its preparation can provide. If you are a home cook or just someone who loves food please do yourself a favor and visit "Now Serving". You will most definitely be glad you did. read more

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I am so happy I discovered Now Serving - The owners + staff are so sweet, knowledgable, and helpful. The selection is amazing and the store is always so clean and cute. Don't buy on amazon or barnes+nobles... Support small business! They really do so much for the culture - LA is so lucky to have a place like this. read more

Absolutely loved it!! Customer service was great and very welcoming! I loved the variety in cook books I went in for a beginner baking book and left with exactly that! Overall this was a great book store and I enjoyed my experience. read more

I love this bookstore. They've got a great selection with friendly and knowledgeable staff. They also have a ton of events they are running all of the time. I have also found some unique culinary-themed gifts for the foodies in my life. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter. read more

Last minute Sunday breakfast search landed us here! Wait wasn't too bad and it was sooo worth it! Sat outside and next time we'll bring the pooch to people watch with us! read more

Now Serving - Breakfast quesadilla with fresh salsa and hash breakfast sandwich with taters! - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

10* Love, love, love this well curated, boutique cookbook store in DTLA - Chinatown. Had to overcome the line snaking through the plaza for Howlin Ray's, but it was worth it. Many, many cookbooks that I felt I "needed," and others I had not yet discovered. Some gift items for avid cooks. They also have speakers (some pretty amazing ones) so I hope I start getting their emails soon. Great for browsing, or finding that perfect gift for your culinary friend. Looking forward to going back. Kid in a candy store. read more

Their selection is almost overwhelming. The crew is fantastic... highly knowledgeable, personable and very plugged-in to the LA food scene. Don't sleep on their selection of condiments and cooking tools. read more

CANADIANS BEWARE! My wife wanted an autographed cookbook that I found at this shop that was advertising on the internet. I ordered it in May 2023. It was Finally delivered at the end of September. That's not the issue. I understand that sometime it takes a while to get the author to take the time and sign her book. What is the issue is that they charged me $23.24 shipping then $1.95 route protection. ROUTE PROTECTION ???what the hell is that? If you want an extra $2.00 ask! But ok I accepted that. I live in Canada and shipping is expensive from the USA. BUT THEN THEY SHIP UPS- the biggest rip off on the planet Duties and taxes on the book which they made sure to let the Canadian government know what I paid for the book came to $4.09. Ok. NO BIG DEAL! So now the book was $37.00, $2.00 to protect the road or something and $23.24 to ship. Ok. $60.19 USD. which come out to about $85.00. A bit expensive for a book that sells in Canada for $45 unsigned but hey a happy wife is a happy life. Right? The UPS add on a additional $30 for them to collect the $3.99 in taxes! So now this book cost 120.00. Now if they had shipped this book, USPS, there would not have been any handling charge and four items under $100.99 times out of 100 there is never a duty and taxes charge added on. I called the store to alert them they had told me that they can't do anything about it. They have lost too many books over the years shipping via USPS which quite frankly I don't believe I've been ordering items from the USA for the past 25 years and have never had anything lost from US PS, but that they would get their head of shipping to call me back. Of course, no one called me back anyway. Canadians beware don't shop here. Wait for indigo to get the book. These guys will screw you 10 ways to Sunday. read more

Super cool little bookshop. So glad i found it and was able to pick up a couple books i'd been looking for. A great supply of culinary books really worth stopping by. read more

Now Serving - Menu wall - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Now Serving is one of my favorite magical places in Los Angeles. I was introduced to Ken and Michelle's shop when my friend participated in an author event in the before Covid times, and they've been such a lifeline throughout this past year. Their book selection is both encyclopedic and delightful - I've purchased memoirs, cookbooks, and magazines I'd never have expected and loved each one. I've also bought the most thoughtful Xmas gifts I've ever given from their collection of curated goods and sundries. Now Serving has also introduced me to dozens of neighborhood restaurants, local chefs and pop ups, and authors I wouldn't have otherwise known through their community events, and social feeds. It's a community store that's redefining what a community store can be, against all (Amazon) odds. I love Now Serving so much. read more

Tiny bookshop dedicated to cookbooks in Chinatown. The shop is right across from Ten REN Tea. The owners are passionate and enthusiastic about their shop. The best thing about the shop may be the frequent authors and book signings that they host. However, due to the extremely small size of the shop, they are limited in how many people that they can accommodate. read more

Now Serving - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Fantastic cook book store, stopped in not knowing what I wanted to buy and the girl in there was so incredibly helpful in helping me decide. She asked all the right questions and brought over many different options for me to choose from. She was also super knowledgable about all the different chefs and their books. Also super cool that they have signed copies of cook books here! Highly recommend! read more

this little gem of a store is FABULOUS. i'm so impressed how the books were curated places together!

Cute and peaceful cookbook bookstore located in Chinatown - the same plaza as Howlin' Ray's. Once you see the crazy long line, just keep walking further down towards the staircase. The owners were very friendly and welcoming and the bookstore had a great variety of cookbooks and even some cooking supplies underneath the island table. The owners seem to know their regular customers well. I will say though that it's not a place where you browse for hours or sit down to look since it's pretty small and doesn't have anywhere to sit. Check this place out if you're looking for a cookbook specific bookstore! :) Parking may be a little difficult depending on the day. read more

Book author Andrea Nguyen was scheduled to appear (March 2019) at Now Serving in Chinatown to promote and autograph her cookbook "Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors." Due to a conflict in my schedule I could not be there when Andrea was there. I contacted Now Serving and asked them if they could hold an autographed copy for me. Michelle, from Now Serving, handled the transaction in a very efficient and professional manner. Two weeks later, I visited the bookstore and I picked up the autographed cookbook. I was also given a little gift to go along with my cookbook. I like to thank Now Serving and Michelle for accommodating my needs and for the excellent service I received. read more

Expertly curated collection of cookbooks and cooking gear sold by friendly husband and wife team. The owners are happy to point you to trending restaurants in this up-and-coming area in the heart of Chinatown, just above downtown. Well worth a visit for home cooks and foodies while you are downtown. My wife bought me a Le Sanctuaire za'atar mix that we have been adding to just about everything that we have been cooking. Look forward to returning! read more

What a cool little cookbook and food-related stuff store! A nice selection of modern cookbooks, and the folks there are happy to discuss their selection. I'm a big fan of places like this and made a point to get a nice Portuguese recipe book here, to encourage these sorts of places to keep at it and provide such a nice environment to browse and discover. read more

Found this place as my BF waited in line for Howlin Rays It was so cute in here to find cooking books (at least that's what I saw) and I was so happy to find a "Bong Appetit" book WITH THE CHEF's signature on it!!!! WHAAAAATTTTTT!!! I had to buy it. The lady there was very knowledgeable and gave me some tips on other books/magazines they had in the shop for what I was looking for. So helpful! read more

Only cookbook store in LA and we'll worth a visit. Their cookbook selection is truly perfect and the owners are delightful. Don't miss their author events, they are free and really interesting. Come and get cookbooks for everyone you know. read more

Wow! Amazing discovery in Downtown Los Angeles. This is the perfect place for all people who love good food and enjoy cooking. The shop is full of cookbooks focusing on food from all over the world. The owner of the shop is super knowledgeable and very helpful. Today he showed us a couple of cookbooks on vegan food and I left the shop with a wonderful book that provides vegan recipes from different countries all around the world. Highly recommended! read more

What a wonderful spot, amazing selection, and terrific people! The world needs more independent bookstores and Now Serving makes quite an exemplary case study as to what these spots might look like. Though relatively small in size, the shelves feature an array of cookbooks, food writing, periodicals, and zines featuring cuisines and authors from across the globe. The two proprietors could not have been more engaging or kind (and it doesn't hurt that they suggested a litany of similarly minded shops to check out in a handful of other cities)! Thank you for a great experience and we look forward to future visits - whether it's for an author talk or just to pick up something new. read more

If someone were to ask my what my ideal bookstore is, I would describe everything about Now Serving. Their focus is everything culinary, and the collection of cookbooks and culinary reference books that they have is amazing! Also, if they don't have the book you are looking for, the owner will hunt that book down for you. Talk about excellent customer service. They also sell some amazing knives and neat aprons, bowls, etc. A great place for someone whose passion is food and anything and all food related. read more

This place is a dream! Ken has taken the time to curate a truly wonderful collection of not just literature and cookbooks, but thoughtful kitchen accessories as well. It was a joy to visit, and to chat with a man whose passionate about cookbooks and reading about cooking, and who had such divine taste. I was so glad to finally make it here, and I look forward to returning for one of the many events and for gifts (for myself- duh)! read more

Awesome bookstore with only cookbooks... kitchen items and apparel. Service was great and they know their stuff....... hopefully one day they can open a bigger store. read more

I would like to share the positive experience I had here on Saturday afternoon. I found out about Now Serving on Instagram, and on Saturday my fiance and I went on an adventure to Chinatown to visit it in person. See, I was recently gifted a Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer as an engagement present, and thus I have committed myself to becoming more comfortable with baking. I am not a baker, and though I feel extremely comfortable in the kitchen, it is still an area that makes me nervous. When I walked into Now Serving on Saturday, I instantly felt at home. Maybe it's the floor-to-ceiling bookcases that hold every cookbook you could ever find interesting (this space is literally my dream), or the friendly faces of co-owners Michelle and her husband Ken. I shared my predicament with Michelle (comfortable in the kitchen, not comfortable with baking, want to challenge myself, etc) and she asked me a few pointed questions to try to best figure out where my interests were (cookies? cakes? bread? old school? new world? ancient grains? the options are endless!) Before I knew it she had pulled a few books for me to look at, and I eventually left with one that I know is going to get me started on my baking journey. Here's the thing -- Michelle and Ken LOVE cookbooks. You can just tell by the way they talk about them with care and reverence; she told me how they scout old flea markets for old books, which newer ones were her favorite, the virtues of the Ottolenghi style of cooking (everything has to be visually appealing!) It felt like I was talking to a friend who finally understood my obsession with cookbooks ... like I had found MY people. And beyond that, she helped me find a match that was EXACTLY what I wanted, and I didn't even know I wanted it! That to me is the epitome of great service. I hope this place stays around for a long time, and I hope they get used to me coming down all the time to hang out. read more

This place is great! They have a wide variety of books, knives, kitchen apparel and tools anyone in the culinary industry may need. Very friendly staff as well. If you're in the area, I recommend dropping by. Will definitely be coming back. read more