Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions

By Anna Veselova-SolovoniukOct 19, 2023 14:37 PMLos-Angeles
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Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
The best of what Downtown LA's food scene has to offer. Source: Photographer Pixabay/Pexels

A large number of residents and visitors to the metropolis with their needs, goals and desires flock to the heart of Los Angeles like veins. But when it comes to food, everyone is united by one thought: where to get something suitable to eat. Someone is looking for status, someone needs to impress a potential client or partner, for someone it should be the best date, and someone is just trying to squeeze in a budget and eat out.

We suggest taking a look at our list of DTLA restaurants before you start your grueling search by rating, price or location. I'm sure we'll make your search much easier and narrow it down to the restaurant in downtown LA options you need. Choose your price range and then just read on.

Restaurants in downtown Los Angeles with premium comfort food options

In this list you'll find all kinds of award-winning restaurants in downtown LA, known for their Chefs and haute cuisine, as well as establishments with great service and an emphasis on quality food for their menus. The best places to eat in DTLA for your important occasions.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Finesse isn't always complicated. Source: https://hayatorestaurant.com/

Hayato

Japanese restaurant

Art district in the center of the city

Perhaps two Michelin stars could speak for themselves, but for those seeking exclusivity and haute cuisine, it's important to understand the little attractive details that make the difference.

Hayato, famous downtown LA restaurant, is infused with the humility and talent of its resident chef Brandon Go and wrapped in a sophisticated modern Japanese style. During the day, the restaurant's offerings include understated, elegant bento boxes, and by evening the tables bloom like sakura, presenting guests with artful keisaki dinners.

You can try steamed abalone with delicate liver sauce or crab meatball soup, and for dessert, fresh fruit in a salty sake jelly. The menu is seafood-oriented and consists of 14 dishes. Very pleasant interior, dishes made by hand in Japan and picture serving will make your dinner simply royal. Unless, of course, you are the lucky one who got his turn. This is one of the coolest restaurants in downtown LA, with only 7 seats. If you want to order a bento, it's worth worrying about it at least 24 hours in advance, and you can sign up for dinner a month later. But, if luck is with you you will be rewarded handsomely. This is one of DTLA best restaurants and one of the most unapproachable.

Try your luck at the site, one of the best food places in downtown LA - Hayato restaurant.

The address is 1320 E 7th Street, Suite 126, Los Angeles 90021.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Interesting presentation and harmonious flavor combinations. Source: Photographer zhen tang/Pexels

Kato

Taiwanese restaurant

An arts district in the center of the city

The Asian cuisine at Kato is the masterpieces of talented chef Yao, whose skills have been recognized with a Michelin star. It is one of the most famous downtown Los Angeles restaurants.

The tasting menu looks like a painting of iridescent hues of all colors of the rainbow, decorated with elements of fresh flowers. In the first minutes it is difficult to dare to break the perfect arrangement of any elements, but once you taste the first bite you will hardly stop until the table is full of dishes. The tasting menu changes according to the season and has a strong emphasis on seafood. However, if you're lucky, you'll find yourself on the menu when Chef Yao adds something totally unique and fantastic.

Try the Korean spinach and koji in a creamy sauce, topped with milky Japanese bread. Perhaps the sea urchin doughnut, framed with iberico ham and extra wagyu should also be on your list of must-try gastronomic favorites. For meat lovers, the duck breast with rice and gai lan is perfect. One of thebest places to eat in downtown LA.

The interior is very spacious with small accents and an open kitchen, allowing you to work up an appetite watching Chef Yao create the best food in DTLA for you here and now.

Take a look at the options and traditional wine flight on Kato Restaurant's website.

The address is 777 S. Alameda St., Suite 114, Los Angeles 90021.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Perfect sushi for lunch and dinner. Source: Photographer Ivan Samkov/Pexels

Sushi Kaneoshi

Of course among the "crowd" that fills the sushi restaurant scenein downtown los angeles ca restaurants, it's hard to know what's really important and where the level is to reach. But when you visit Sushi Kaneyoshi you will find an example of your ideal. This is one of the best restaurants in downtown Los Angeles, where the service, interior and talent of Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue have come together to form a harmonious picture that will give both aesthetic and gustatory pleasure.

The menu changes according to the season, so it's worth visiting the restaurant at least a few times a year to experience the full enjoyment of seafood-centric dishes. At the restaurant, you can try the sea devil liver dish and black throat sea bass, savor Hokkaido crab chawan mushi and charming sashimi.

The restaurant seats 12, so exclusivity isn't just about the menu. You can try to book yourself a special evening on the website of Sushi Kaneoshi restaurant.

The address is 111 San Pedro St. Suite B1, Los Angeles 90012.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Eating beautifully is not forbidden. Source: Photographer Pietro Jeng/Pexels

Bestia

Italian Cuisine

Downtown Arts District

Popular and 10 years later, Bestia serves guests at the highest level, adding more and more innovative Italian dishes. The restaurant's chef, Ori Menashe, seems to have boundless imagination and culinary talent. Dishes are cooked in the oven and served hot on the table, and desserts have such a presentation and flavor that sometimes you do not want to destroy the perfect beauty, but this is only until the first bite sent to the mouth.

Bestia is like a good illusionist, it would seem that there are a lot of places in the restaurant, but they disappear with a wave of a "magic wand", so you have to worry at least a week in advance to taste beef heart tartare, nestled on a slice of toasted bread or pizza with salami with ricotta, Brussels sprouts and ground salumi. And the spaghetti rustichella with sea urchin tomato sauce may become your favorite for more than one dinner. One of the best places to eat in DTLA, savoring every bite.

The restaurant will have Maxwell Leer's wine stewart at your service, so there will be no problem with the selection of drinks. The establishment is included in all of the top 5 restaurants in downtown LA.

If you want to impress someone with solid quality and reputation you definitely go to Bestia.

The address is 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, 90021.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Divinity in every bite. Source: http://www.orsaandwinston.com/

Orsa and Winston

The fusion of Italian and Japanese gastronomic culture can be surprising, but with Chef Joseph Centeno, the surprise will only be pleasant. The seasonally changing tasting menu showcases the talent of its creator every time and confirms the Michelin star he has received. A special emphasis in the restaurant is made on ecological products and decoration of dishes, as a talented combination of flavors is an indisputable fact.

The atmosphere of the restaurant itself is very relaxed and rather modest. You will not have to dress up in an unusual appearance and feel awkward in front of a pretentious audience. But do not be deceived by the simplicity, because 195 (20 dishes) dollars for the tasting menu is quite a high fee, which is worth every bite you eat. You will be able to choose from four, five, nine and twenty course menus. The variety of drinks on the menu will allow you to find more and more interesting combinations each time and create a little yourself.

A seat at the short counter will give you the opportunity to watch the creative process in the open kitchen. The restaurant is firmly on the list:top 10 restaurants in downtown Los Angeles.

Reservations are a must at Orsa and Winston's restaurant.

Address: 122 W 4th Street, Los Angeles 90013.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Elevation is not just about the food. Source: Photographer Nerfee Mirandilla/Pexels

Cabra

American Cuisine

The center of the trendy neighborhood

For those who want a change of perspective not only on American food, but also on the city itself, it's worth climbing to the roof of the downtown building. A Peruvian-inspired skyway awaits you with an interesting take on American gastronomic traditions.

Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard oversees more than one establishment in downtown Los Angeles and has her own delineated style of cooking. The menu is filled with a variety of dishes in every category from appetizers to desserts and is perfect for any mood or preference.

Patrons recommend the striped bass and lomo saltado ceviche, the quinoa and tuna salad, and the caramelized picarone.Best food in DTLA, for special dinners or events.

The rooftop restaurant features a poolside bar and does a wonderful job of orchestrating romance when Los Angeles turns on its evening lights. One of the best restaurants in DTLA, for your special events.

Make a reservation at Cabra Restaurant to make your lunch or dinner go as planned.

The address is Hoxton DTLA, 1060 SW Broadway, Los Angeles 90015.

Great restaurants in downtown LA with a mid-range price point

This list brings together establishments that can become your everyday favorites and your go-to spots in the fast-paced world of modernity. Good restaurants in downtown LA that you don't have to pay "all the money in the world" for.

Sushi Gen

Seafood

Little Tokyo

A popular and well-loved institution with a variety of sushi and main courses in which you can satisfy not only hunger, but also replenish the body with important microelements contained in sea products.

Fresh halibut, tuna, sea urchin, sea urchin liver, scallops and oysters make up the wide range of dishes on the menu and allow you to have a varied meal every day. The sashimi lunch special, which costs $20, can be split for two.

Of course, having a wonderful reputation and great popularity at rush hour, there may be a line, but that's just an incentive to hurry up and be the first to try the best food in downtown LA, according to sushi lovers.

Sushi Gen has been on the Los Angeles food scene since 1980 and has continued to gain more and more fans ever since.

The address is 422 E 2nd Street, Los Angeles 90012.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Comfort and pleasant atmosphere served with delicious food. Source: https://www.pineandcrane.com/

Pine and Crane DTLA

Chinese food restaurant

South Park

In this recently opened institution, your day can start with breakfast. Purple rice and daikon flatbreads, traditional pancakes with various salty and sweet fillings, pork rice and fried soup dumplings are very hearty and nutritious.

The restaurant itself is very spacious and has an outdoor summer terrace. A good place to eat in DTLA with taste and style. Pleasant colors in the decoration mixed with light wood enhance the feeling of comfort and relaxation. You can come here with a large group or several families to enjoy not only food but also socializing. It is an affordable food in DTLA neighborhood with comfort and a lively atmosphere.

Food can be ordered on-site or take-out, and available delivery allows you to grab a bite to eat right at your workplace or home.

Catering and gift cards are just as available at Pine & Crane.

The address is 1120 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 90015.

Grand Central Market

If you can't choose your food and don't want to be torn between locations running around downtown LA food, visit this oasis of gastronomy in downtown LA. There are several worthy places toeat dtla worth your attention. Popular restaurants in downtown LA gathered in one place, what could be better.

GCM is a great option for those who like to take prepared food to go or stock up for a couple days.

Korean cuisine is represented by the excellent Shiku, where you can safely order braised pork brisket with kimchi, chicken marinated in tenjang, or vegetarian fried shiitake mushrooms.

The large-format food hall also has representatives of Filipino culture Sari Sari Store, where rice bowls of rich flavors, Lucky Bird crispy bucket fried chicken and chow mein plates are great for satisfying hunger.

The beauty of this place is that you get to choose whether you just want a simple snack or maybe a hearty lunch or just coffee with wonderful sweets. One of the cool places to eat in downtown LA.

For desserts go to The Donut Man and for a flavorful latte go to G&B Coffee.

The address is 324 S. Grand Central Market. Hill Street #C19, Los Angeles 90013.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
The appetite is whetted. Source: https://www.dannyboysfamousoriginalpizza.com/

Danny Boy's famous original

Pizzeria

Downtown

When looking for a quick but tasty bite to eat, it's worth checking out the aquarium in one of downtown's office buildings. This establishment with a nice flavor and precise style is run by Daniel Holtzman, aka co-founder of Meatball Shop.

All you have to do is pick a triangle, square or knot and enjoy a crispy crust with elegantly spread toppings. One of the nice restaurants in downtown LA, for those who appreciate their time and quality food.

Find out more about the parking lot from the restaurant - it will make it much easier to find a parking space and will bring you closer to the process of dining pleasure. The institution does not work on Sunday, but on other days it welcomes its customers.

Exploring the site will also help to speed up the process of making a choice at Danny Boy's.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Indian tunes on your plate. Source: https://www.badmaashla.com/media

Badmaash

Indian restaurant

The historic core of the city center

Discover the world of spices and Indian classics at Badmaash. Those who at the word "Indian" imagine only street food should definitely reach a new level in their knowledge. The institution preserves Indian traditions in cooking, but the approach to serving and quality of products is quite modern.

So, start with chicken pieces, which are twice fried in paprika masala, from which they become crispy and have a very rich and pleasant flavor, and, if you are served with creamy serrano sauce - the combination will be simply delightful.

Choose one of the poutine and add a vegetarian channa masala to delve into the diversity of Indian cuisine. The oat milk tea can be taken straight with you in a bottle and enjoyed throughout the day. One of the good places to eat in downtown LA and experience Indian gastronomic culture.

The alcohol list also features a small selection of wines and an excellent variety of California beers.

For those who are in a hurry there is a take-out and delivery restaurant Badmaash.

The address is 108 W 2nd Street #104, Los Angeles 90012.

Holy Basil DTLA

Thai Cuisine

The center of the trendy neighborhood

You will be pleasantly and acutely surprised by Santee Passage. Holy Basil's downtown LA food spot , under the direction of Chef Vedchayan, unleashes a variety of unabashedly spicy Thai cuisine. If your receptors aren't dulled, you'll be on your toes, but you'll definitely want to repeat the experience. One of the good restaurants in DTLA, for spicy food lovers.

Try the pad ki mao and green kari, while cheese-eaters can take advantage of the Thai-style saviche offerings. There's something for vegetarians to try here too.

Delivery and take-out are available at Holy Basil, so you can always add spice to your gray weekdays.

The address is 718 S Los Angeles St., Space A, Los Angeles 90014.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Food to brighten up your life. Source: http://www.bar-ama.com/

Bar Ama

Mexican Cuisine

The historic core of downtown

Oh, tacos! That word seems to sound so enticing and bright. It is. Bar Ama Restaurant brings out the genius of this dish and adds a little more zest. Guacamole, flavorful salsa and a variety of Tex-Mex dishes from Chef Joseph Centeno will satisfy, satiate and delight with combinations. Many of the dishes are based on tortillas and the chef's delicious imagination.

This is one of the downtown LA food places that is deservedly popular and has a very welcoming atmosphere, although this is more the norm for a Mexican restaurant. But, to be a winner and not to miss your desired dinner or lunch, bother to book a table in advance and you won't have to dine behind the bar.

Needless to say, tequila, as a flatbread for food, is the basis for many variations of cocktails and drinks at the bar. Oh, and mescal fits nicely into many interesting variations with alcohol.

Good food in downtown Los Angeles at an affordable price is absolutely real.

Find out about their taco flavors on the Bar Ama restaurant website.

The address is 118 W 4th Street, Los Angeles 90013.

Amazing bowls

Desserts

Downtown Arts District

Beautiful, delicious, healthy açaí bowls can always complement your snack or perfectly round out your dinner. Amazebowls can surprise a loved one to be a nice surprise for family or a great comfort for your rainy day. The classic lineup will include açaí, blueberries, pineapple, banana, agave, and hemp milk. And, if, you want the full delight, order the Coconut Acai Bowl, you'll be served it in half a coconut and you'll not only enjoy it, but you'll conquer social media with your pictures.Good eats downtown LA is coming to Smorgasburg LA every Sunday.

The address is 300 S. Santa Fe Avenue Block P, Los Angeles 90013.

Food places in downtown LA with low price points

For those looking for what to eat in downtown LA on a budget, check out this list of cool places to eat in downtown LA that are tasty and inexpensive. After all, low prices don't always equate to poor quality, if you're willing to compromise a little on comfort, fancy service, and a dazzling waiter's smile (which isn't necessary) you'll find what you're looking for.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
Meals on wheels for a hearty lunch. Source: https://twitter.com/mariscosjalisco

Maricos Jalisco

Diner on Wheels

Boyle Heights

Here you can fill up on great deep-fried shrimp tacos, fiery ceviche, tostadas, and oysters. You may not be able to sit comfortably, but you'll be back for the specialty tacos more than once.

The tostadas are just as famous, which means you'll have to make a few forays into this brightly colored van.

You don't have to chase down your desired meal on the fly, you can pretty much follow the van's movements on Twitter - it's entertaining, even.

The address for the main location is 3040 E Olympic Blvd

Los Angeles 90023.

Philip's Original

Sandwich store

Chinatown

People don't just come here for the food. Sure the French dip sandwich and the many variations with different toppings and selections of side dishes make for a quick and tasty meal. But the lively atmosphere that comes from complete strangers also seems to play a big part in the popularity of the place. And even though many people come here precisely because of the price, they only end up getting a little more than they paid for.

You can also skip a glass of wine here, because its quality is not worse than average store wines. Proof of quality is the work of the institution, whose birthday has already passed the 100-year mark and not decreasing number of customers. You can order food delivery on the site of the restaurant Philip Original and settle down in any comfortable place for you.

The address is 1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles 90012.

Top 25 downtown Los Angeles CA restaurants for all budgets and occasions
The sweetness of every day. Source: https://wanderlustcreamery.com/

Smorgasburg LA

Fairgrounds

Downtown Arts District

Every Sunday through December 17

An event that's definitely worth attending on any Sunday to appreciate the best little industries ready to feed you delicious and healthy food, straight from their stalls. Of course, Smorgasburg LA is a very large fair, and the urge to wander around in search of goodies may not be there. We'll tell you about the most notable stalls that are worth scouting out. There are tons of places to eat in downtown Los Angeles relative to your budget.

You can find the charming Tacos 1986 - this one run by the marvelous tandem of Victor Delgato and Jorge Alvarez-Tostad, who have perfected the craft of Taco making.

Join the Bridgetown Roti and Los Dorados hunters to give yourself a chance to stroll downtown without feeling hungry. And, if you want to treat your family to some delicious artisanal ice cream, look for Wanderlust Creamery - the key is to stop in time.

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