Ever wondered where the rich and famous do their weekly shopping? Join us as we explore the aisles of the world’s most expensive grocery stores and food halls.
Fortnum & Mason
Located in London, Fortnum & Mason is definitely pricey. Look at the place — you won’t be surprised at all to learn that the Queen shopped here.
They’re particularly known for their fine teas and biscuits. It’s why this store is a favorite of England’s elite. Their products are exclusive and, above all, expensive.
You can’t do your everyday grocery shopping here, even if you could afford it. It’s not a full-fledged supermarket. However, they do sell wine and cheese.
Harrods Food Hall
Stepping into Harrods Food Hall is like entering a treasure trove of culinary delights. From rare truffles to artisan chocolates, every aisle is an adventure.
It should be noted that this is a food hall, not a grocery store. However, you can buy (really expensive) food here, so it’s worth mentioning.
Their carefully curated displays portray their foods in the most flattering light. From freshly-baked sourdough to exotic fruits, you’ll find all manner of fine food here.
Fauchon
Fauchon, in Paris, is a beacon for those seeking fine foods. Their main line of business has been deli meats and cheeses, though they’ve since expanded.
According to their website, they offer pastries, wines, spirits, chocolates, and teas. Their shops have since expanded outside of France, and can be found all over the globe.
Outside of foods, Fauchon has a few luxury hotels, with plans of growth in the hospitality business. Their hotels can be found in Paris, Kyoto, and Riyadh.
Dean & DeLuca
Walking into Dean & DeLuca is like entering a culinary wonderland. It’s one of the most expensive grocery stores, with its first location in NYC.
However, they’ve recently fallen on hard times. In 2019, Dean & DeLuca declared bankruptcy, closing down many locations throughout the U.S. Two years later, they reorganized their company.
Like many other high-end grocery stores, they’ve expanded globally. They have locations in Kuwait, Dubai, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc. It seems like they have more success overseas.
Whole Foods Market
Not just your everyday grocery stop, Whole Foods Market sets the bar high for health aficionados. It’s easily one of the most expensive grocery stores.
Here, quality meets sustainability. Whole Foods intends to cater to those who don’t mind paying a bit more for organic and artisanal products.
Why does Whole Foods so expensive? From non-GMO standards to a ban on artificial preservatives, the criteria for what lands on their shelves are stringent.
Eataly
Eataly promises an adventure into the heart of Italian cuisine. It’s a vibrant marketplace where the aroma of fresh espresso meets the rustic charm of artisanal cheeses.
Want hands-on cooking classes with expert chefs? Eataly’s got it. Would you rather explore the intricate flavors of regional Italian wines? Eataly offers that, too.
Ultimately, it’s a place where food lovers unite. The allure of fresh pasta and the promise of a perfect pizza dough recipe await the curious and the hungry.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
Strolling through Paris’ La Grande Épicerie, one quickly understands why it’s ranked among the most expensive grocery stores. Every shelf and corner bursts with the finest French delicacies.
Like lots of upscale markets, La Grande Épicerie offers places to eat and enjoy the fine food. The market also sells a variety of international foods.
For example, they have counters selling Asian and other foods from across Europe (in addition to French). Most of the ingredients are fresh and premium.
Wegmans
Wegmans merges the quaintness of a European market with the all-too-familiar ease of a local supermarket. Among the most expensive grocery stores, Wegmans stands out for its quality.
This store has earned its reputation by offering an array of gourmet foods. It also offers international delicacies you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else.
What sets Wegmans apart isn’t just its upscale products. They have hot food counters as well, where you can eat your lunch after food shopping.
Marks & Spencer Food
Marks & Spencer Food is where quality meets variety. They offer an exquisite range of British and international foods, with an emphasis on premium ingredients.
It’s important to distinguish Marks & Spencer from Marks & Spencer Food. The latter is a department store, which also sells specialty food items.
They put an emphasis on food from local farms. They sell all kinds of food, from sourdough bread, to pre made meals, to beef.
Gelson’s Market
Gelson’s is one of the most expensive grocery stores in the U.S. Located mostly in Southern California, they offer high-quality ingredients to wealthy neighborhoods.
While their foods have a higher price point, they’re not in the same league as La Grande Épicerie. Most of their food is North American.
However, that doesn’t mean they don’t offer quality goods. It seems like they have an even mix of high-end and average, everyday goods.
Balducci’s
Stepping into Balducci’s is like entering a haven for food aficionados. Known as one of the most expensive grocery stores, it’s where quality meets luxury.
They’re big in the Midwestern United States, and known as one of the most expensive grocery stores in that region. They offer premium wines and $16 salmon.
While they’re an American supermarket through and through, they also offer international foods. Their international selections include foods from Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Peck
Walking into Peck in Milan feels like entering a treasure trove of the world’s most delectable delicacies. It’s a paradise for Italian food enthusiasts.
If you’re traveling to Milan, then Peck is a must. It doubles as a food hall, allowing you to sample all manner of Italian and regional delicacies.
From rare truffles to aged balsamic vinegars, Peck offers an unparalleled selection of gourmet products. It’s where Milan’s discerning food lovers converge, seeking the perfect ingredients.
Bergdorf Goodman
Inside the opulent walls of Bergdorf Goodman lies a gourmet grocery section that redefines luxury shopping. It’s a culinary treasure trove for the elite New York shopper.
They have a cafe on the seventh floor of their department store, called “BG.” It’s a classy place, offering fancy wines and dinner in addition to coffee.
Its more traditional grocery sells rare tea blends, chocolates, and artisan foods. If you can’t go in person, you can also sample their wares online.
The Alaskan Commercial Company
This one is a lot different than the other grocery stores we’ve discussed so far. The Alaskan Commercial Company is located in rural Alaska.
It’s not really chic or upscale; its layout more closely resembles a Walmart. But don’t be fooled. Most of the items are sold at much higher price points.
YouTuber Ben Pazdernick and his wife toured one of their stores in 2017. In their video, they revealed different items’ costs. A gallon of milk, for example, costs $10.
Zabar’s
Got a hankering for some high-end smoked fish? Zabar’s has got you covered. While you’re at it, you can buy some nice caviar.
Walking into Zabar’s, you’re hit with the aroma of fresh bread, rich coffee, and an array of international delicacies. It’d make any foodie’s heart skip a beat.
Zabar’s is more than just one of the most expensive grocery stores. It’s an irreplaceable Upper West Side institution, akin to a gastronomic tour around the world.
Erewhon
Erewhon’s made quite a name for itself recently. It’s the place where anyone who’s anyone in California shops, from Hailey Bieber to Leo DiCaprio.
Aside from having smoothies upwards of $15, Erewhon has made a name for itself by selling exclusively organic products. It sells a lifestyle, and people want in.
For the time being, only Californians can shop there. All 10 of their locations are in Southern California, in the wealthiest neighborhoods, giving off an air of exclusivity.
Acme
Compared to Erewhon, Acme may seem like a dollar store. However, don’t let its positioning fool you. Acme is as overpriced as they come.
When we say overpriced, we mean it. Their food isn’t on par with the rest of the grocery stores here, even though their prices are high.
Most of their locations are on the East Coast, in New Jersey and Delaware. Compared to other locations in the region, they’re very overpriced.
Harris Teeter
If you’re from the South, you’ve probably heard of Harris Teeter. They’re known for good quality foods, but are generally the more expensive supermarket in the neighborhood.
They’re also known for their premier customer service. Still, they’re mostly popular because of their food items. They’re comparable to Wegmans in terms of what they sell.
Fortunately, they are a little more accessible than a gourmet European food hall. While they’re pricier, you can still buy some food items there.
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market is U.S.-based, with locations in 22 different states. While it’s undoubtedly an American supermarket, it borrows inspiration from European markets.
True to its name, the Fresh Market is stocked with fresh fruits and veggies. Most, if not all, of their stores are located in more upscale neighborhoods.
They also sell fresh fish and meats, with a variety of wines to choose from. If you want to shop at a local market, visit the Fresh Market.
Waitrose
Across the pond, Waitrose is a posh London grocery store that’s in direct competition with Marks & Spencer Food. So, what makes them stand out?
Well, in addition to premium quality ingredients, they have recipes for gourmet dishes. They’ve also got foods sold for entertaining purposes, like little sandwiches and wedding cakes.
If you find yourself in London and want to sample some fancy local food, then Waitrose is your best bet. Just don’t burn a hole in your pocket.
La Rinascente Food Hall
It’s Italian, which is practically synonymous with delicious. If the other expensive Italian grocery stores on this list have been any indication, Rinascente is stocked with gourmet foods.
This is true, though there’s a little more to it than that. Rinascente, similar to Bergdorf and Goodman, leads a double life as a department store.
Apparently, all fancy department stores need to sell gourmet foods. At Rinascente, you can dine at their food hall, buy premium ingredients, or do both!
Publix
People have been complaining about Publix’s prices for a long, long time. However, these complaints are not entirely unfounded. Their prices do tend to be higher.
While Publix does sell gourmet goods, there’s a little more to it than that. Unlike most of the stores listed here, Publix is employee-owned.
Because of this, prices might be higher in order to compensate for their employee’s wages. They’re actually the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., according to their website.
City’super
If you’ve ever been to Hong Kong, you might’ve seen signs for “c!ty’super.” Though their headquarters are in Hong Kong, they have locations in Singapore and Taiwan.
Though they technically function as a department store, their main purpose is food. You can actually order different food packages for delivery off of their website.
For example, you can order a hot pot set (with all the goods) in various sizes. The 12 pack is over HK$2,000, which is almost $400 USD.
Jelmoli Food Market
Like apparently all upscale department stores, Jelmoli, located in Switzerland, also sells gourmet food items. Specifically, the store comes equipped with multiple restaurants and cafes.
If you’re looking to shop for food, then Jelmoli Food Market may suit your tastes. You’ll especially love it if you’re into wine and cheese.
Jelmoli has extensive wine and cheese selections, which you can choose to eat on-site. If you’re not into wine, then you can browse their organic produce and herbs.
Isetan Food Hall
Like food halls the world over, Isetan Food Hall in Tokyo lets you take home or eat the food. However, Isetan is a little different than others.
That’s because it’s a Japanese “depachika.” Though they’re technically part of department stores, they’re located underneath the store itself, tucked away from the world.
The Isetan Food Hall is particularly well-known. It’s a well-established depachika, with a variety of high-quality (and expensive) foods. You’ll find fresh fish, bento boxes, and more.
Takashimaya Basem*nt Food Floor
Takashimaya is another renowned depachika, also located in Tokyo. Interestingly enough, Fauchon sells their goods in this market. That’s a two-in-one deal you can’t beat.
Clearly, this depachika doesn’t just sell Japanese cuisine. When you visit Takashimaya’s Food Floor, you’ll be blown away by the sheer amount of food, international or otherwise.
The hall itself hardly feels like a basem*nt. It’s more akin to an upscale mall, with polished white floors and columns, lined with gourmet food vendors.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s is more middle of the lane than its other English counterparts. It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s not outrageously expensive, either. You could feasibly get groceries here.
That probably seems like a really low bar, but trust us — it’s not. Most people could only afford one item at one of these stores, if that.
Out of the most expensive grocery stores in the world, Sainsbury’s is one of the most accessible. If you can buy a few meals, that’s a win.
Pusateri’s Fine Foods
Pusateri’s Fine Foods, located in Toronto, has its fingers in a lot of pies. Aside from groceries, they offer catering, meal plans, and a newsletter.
If you live outside of Toronto, though, then you’re probably unfamiliar with Pusateri’s. According to their website, they have four locations, all in the city.
Well, at the moment, they technically have three. Their flagship location, in Toronto’s Little Italy, was closed for a few months in 2024.
Jones the Grocer
Jones the Grocer, a grocery store committed to artisanal foods, has a strong presence in Dubai. Outside of the UAE, they have locations in India and Saudi Arabia.
However, they didn’t start out in any of these locations. Their first store actually opened up thousands of miles away, in Sydney, Australia.
Sadly, they no longer have an Australian presence. They’ve shifted their focus to the Middle East and South Asia, having found success in these locations.
Ginza Mitsukoshi Food Hall
The Ginza Mitsukoshi Food Hall is another Japanese depachika in Tokyo. It’s among the most popular and well-established in the city, with a wide array of pastries.
Of course, that’s not the only kind of food you can get here. This food hall functions well as a (very expensive) grocery store.
In addition to world-class service, they offer fresh produce, fish, and a variety of regional delicacies. Basically, it offers the whole package — if you can afford it.
