The downtown restaurant scene is undoubtably one of the most exciting in the entire city. Downtown LA always seems like a trek to get to, but these restaurants make the journey well worth it.
Bavel
Bavel is the most consistent and best Middle Eastern restaurant in the city. It’s always packed and for good reason. If the weather’s nice, try to get a table outside on the patio and enjoy every dish to its fullest.
Must Try: Hummus Duck ‘Nduja, Moroccan Carrot, Grilled Celery Root, Grilled Prawns, Lamb Neck Shawarma
Address: 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: Everyday 5:00PM–11:00 PM
Bestia
From the same owners of Bavel, Bestia is an incredible Italian restaurant with delicious pastas and a dining room that’s always full. It opened in 2012 and hasn’t changed much; that speaks volumes with how much everyone loves it.
Must Try: Herb Caesar Salad, Roasted Marrow Bone, Housemade Buttermilk Ricotta, Spicy Lamb Sausage Pizza, Cavatelli alla Norcina, Charred Branzino alla Plancha
Address: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hours: Everyday 5:00PM–11:00 PM
Girl & The Goat
I’ve always loved the famous Asian‑fusion restaurant Girl & The Goat in Chicago and I’m so happy it made it’s way to LA in 2010. The interior is beautiful with floor‑to‑ceiling windows, a red brick exterior, and so many potted plants.
Must Try: Naan & Dips, Pork Belly Noodles, Roasted Oysters, Sticky Glazed Pork Shank
Address: 555-3 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:00PM–9:30 PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Sunday 10:00 AM–2 :00PM, 5:00PM–9:30 PM
Howlin’ Ray’s
This is the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. No matter what time of day it is, there will be a line out the door.
Must Try: Tenders, The Sando, Honestly everything.
Address: 727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11 :00AM–7:00 PM / Monday & Tuesday Closed
Pine & Crane
Let’s start with the fact that every dish is $15 or under. This Taiwanese hotspot is fantastic for groups because every plate is shareable (even though you won’t want to share!)
Must Try: Panfried Pork Buns, Thousand Layer Pancakes, Fried Peanut Salad, Beef Roll, Shrimp Wontons
Address: 1120 S Grand Ave Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Hours: Everyday 8 :00AM–10:00 PM
Pizzeria Bianco
Originated in Phoenix, Pizzeria Bianca has made its name across the US. Known for its incredible pizza and laid‑back style, this pizzeria must be on your list.
Must Try: Focaccia, Burrata Salad, Rosa Pizza, Wiseguy pizza,
Address: 1320 E 7th St #100, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 :00AM–3:00 PM, 5:00–9 :00PM / Sunday & Monday Closed
Badmaash
Badmaash is THE go‑to Indian restaurant downtown. It takes a spin on traditional Indian cuisine with a fun, lively atmosphere.
Must Try: Onion Fritters, Butter Chicken, Badass Chicken Tikka, Fried Chicken, Chili Cheese Naan
Address: 108 W 2nd St #104, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Saturday & Sunday 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Monday Closed
Everson Royce Bar
This may look like the typical dark, moody bar with classic bar food, but it’s actually spectacular. Their burger might be one of the best in the city.
Must Try: Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits, Smoky Potato Taquitos, Burger
Address: 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 4:00PM–11 :00PM / Thursday-Saturday 4 :00PM–2 :00AM / Sunday 2:00PM–11 :00PM / Monday Closed
Sunday’s by Wake & Late
Sunday’s has the best breakfast burrito in the neighborhood. The ratios are everything.
Must Try: Smoked Pastrami Burrito, Steak Burrito
Address: 105 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours: Everyday 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
LA Cha Cha Chá
La Cha Cha Chá is one of the best rooftops downtown. This Mexican restaurant in the Arts District has stunning interior design and serves their tacos on fresh blue corn tortillas.
Must Try: Dorados, Steak, Tuna Tostada, Chicken Taco
Address: 812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00PM–11 :00PM / Sunday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00PM–10 :00PM / Monday Closed
De La Nonna
De La Nonna is serving up some of the yummiest Sicilian‑style pies in the city. If you’re looking for a spot to go with a big group, this is a great opinion.
Must Try: Yellowtail Crudo, Burrata & Focaccia, Chilled Snap Peas, White Pizza, Pepp Pizza, Lemon Tart
Address: 710 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 12:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday & Saturday 12:00PM–11:00 PM / Sunday & Monday Closed
Father’s Office
There’s multiple Father’s Offices around the city. I really like the downtown one because it’s right in the middle of the Arts District. They also have one of the best burgers in the city, topped with arugula and Gruyère, and it’s always cooked perfectly.
Must Try: Arancini, Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Office Burger, Salt & Vinegar Tater Tots
Address: 905 E 2nd St #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM–11:00 PM / Sunday 4:00PM–10:00 PM / Monday & Tuesday Closed
Camphor
If you want a fancy French dinner downtown, look no further. Camphor might be expensive, but I think it’s worth the prices. If you happen fo grab a seat at the bar, make sure to order the incredible duck fat burger.
Must Try: Clams, Lobster, Steak, Glazed Vegetables with Truffle
Address: 923 E 3rd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: Monday & Thursday 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday-Sunday 5:00PM–10:30 PM / Tuesday & Wednesday Closed
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