Downtown Los Angeles, the bustling heart of the city, stretches from Bunker Hill to South Park and the Historic Core, offering a wide range of culinary delights.
This vibrant area serves a diverse crowd, including urban residents, professionals from the Financial District, and visitors to major attractions like Crypto.com Arena, L.A. Live, Peacock Theater, and the L.A. Convention Center.
The result is a dynamic dining scene that features both high-end and budget-friendly options, as well as plenty of places to energize before a big night out.
Here are some exceptional dining spots in Downtown LA that you won’t want to miss and will be worth your time and money.
1. Badmaash
This Downtown hotspot is a lively fusion of Bollywood flair and pop-art aesthetics, offering a fresh twist on traditional Indian cuisine.
Founded by Chef Pawan Mahendro and his sons Nakul and Arjun, Badmaash—meaning “naughty” in Hindi—playfully combines their Indian roots with influences from their upbringing in Toronto.
Signature dishes like chicken tikka poutine exemplify this unique cultural blend.
- Address: 108 W 2nd St Apt 104, Los Angeles, CA
- Phone: (213) 221-7466
- Reservations: Book via OpenTable
- Website: badmaashla.com
2. Sarita’s Pupuseria
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Located in the bustling Grand Central Market, Sarita’s Pupuseria is a beloved vendor known for its expertly crafted pupusas.
These griddled Salvadoran delights are filled with a variety of traditional ingredients such as beans and cheese, the flavorful loroco and cheese, and an assortment of savory meats.
In addition to their famous pupusas, the menu also features hearty breakfast plates and crispy fried yucca topped with chicharron which is btw amazing!
- Address: 317 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Phone: (213) 626-6320
3. Niku X
Situated in Downtown LA, Niku X embodies luxury with its emphasis on yakiniku, or Japanese grilled meats. Led by Chef Shin Thompson, known for his work at Chicago’s Furious Spoon ramen and Michelin-starred Bonsoirée, this upscale dining spot on the second floor of the Intercontinental Hotel offers a truly indulgent experience.
Guests can choose between a dramatic flaming tomahawk steak tasting menu or an elaborate 11-course yakiniku tasting, both showcasing premium meats cooked to perfection. Be prepared for a splurge, but the quality and extravagance of the dishes make it worthwhile.
- Address: 900 Wilshire Blvd Ste 212, Los Angeles, CA 90017
- Phone: (323) 920-0302
- Website: nikux.com
4. Orsa & Winston
Josef Centeno’s refined yet approachable restaurant in Downtown LA, Orsa & Winston, offers a delightful dining experience with its $125 five-course tasting menu that emphasizes both finesse and high-quality ingredients.
As part of the vibrant culinary scene in Los Angeles, where several Michelin-starred establishments thrive, Orsa & Winston stands out with its unique blend of influences.
Drawing on Japanese and European culinary influences, the dishes here deliver a delicate balance of flavors.
Despite the upscale nature of its offerings, Orsa & Winston maintains a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
This commitment to accessible fine dining has earned it a Michelin star year after year.
- Address: 122 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Phone: (213) 687-0300
- Reservations: Book via OpenTable
- Website: orsaandwinston.com
5. Caldo Verde
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Renowned LA restaurateurs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne have crafted yet another standout dining experience with Caldo Verde, located on the ground floor of the Proper Hotel.
This restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of the Iberian Peninsula, especially Portugal, to life while maintaining a distinct California touch.
The namesake dish, caldo verde, is a hearty stew filled with sausages, seafood, potatoes, and kale, served in a comforting cauldron that embodies warmth and flavor.
For those with a bit of extra time, an expertly crafted cocktail at the adjacent Dahila Lounge is a must-try.
- Address: 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Phone: (213) 806-1023
6. Holy Basil
Tucked away in Downtown LA’s Historic Core, Holy Basil is a standout spot for authentic Thai street food.
This bustling kiosk has quickly become a favorite among Thai food enthusiasts, offering a diverse menu that includes hand-pressed tofu, vibrant tom yum soup, aromatic green curry, and flavorful fried noodles.
For an extra treat, don’t miss their seafood specials available from Thursday to Saturday.
- Address: 718 S Los Angeles St, Space A, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Phone: (213) 559-4994
- Website: holybasildtla.com
7. Sonoratown
Sonoratown has firmly established itself as one of LA’s top taco destinations, renowned for its smoky grilled meats served on expertly crafted flour tortillas.
This bustling Downtown eatery is a must-visit for taco enthusiasts.
A standout menu item is the chivichanga, featuring tender shredded beef that will leave you wondering why this dish isn’t a staple everywhere.
For those in the know, the costillas burrito, filled with chopped grilled beef steak and enhanced with extra diced poblano chiles, is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed.
- Address: 208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Phone: (213) 628-3710
- Website: sonoratown.com
8. Pine and Crane
A beloved Taiwanese restaurant, Pine and Crane, expanded to Downtown LA in 2022, bringing its much-celebrated menu to a new audience.
This location blends elements from both the original Silver Lake eatery and owner Vivian Ku’s Joy in Highland Park.
Diners can savor a variety of Taiwanese favorites, including daikon rice cakes, fan tuan, thousand-layer pancakes, pan-fried buns, beef rolls, and an assortment of noodle and rice dishes.
With service spanning from breakfast through dinner, Pine and Crane has quickly become the go-to neighborhood spot for South Park residents.
- Address: 1120 S Grand Ave Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Phone: (213) 536-5292
- Website: pineandcrane.com
9. Maison Kasai
Maison Kasai reimagines teppanyaki dining with flair and sophistication under the direction of Joshua Gil, a chef known for his expertise in fine dining and modern Mexican cuisine.
Located within the visually stunning Level 8, a project by Mark and Jonnie Houston, Maison Kasai combines the drama of traditional teppanyaki—featuring expertly grilled meats and seafood on a steel-top—with a show-stopping Benihana-inspired fried rice finish.
The experience is as much about the presentation as it is about the flavors, making it a perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy moments.
- Address: 1254 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Phone: (213) 789-7852
- Website: maisonkasaidtla.com
10. The Exchange
Tucked inside the Freehand Hotel, The Exchange is a hidden gem in Downtown LA.
This cozy dining spot offers Israeli and Levantine-inspired cuisine crafted by the skilled hands of Chef Narita Santos, who seamlessly incorporates global influences into the menu.
The result is a selection of flavorful, seasonally-driven dishes that delight the palate.
The restaurant’s quirky, 1970s-inspired decor adds a playful, relaxed atmosphere to the dining experience, making it a favorite among those in the know.
- Address: 416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Phone: (213) 395-9531
- Website: theexchangela.com
11. Leña at Sendero
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Perched on the 24th floor of Sendero, Leña showcases chef Kevin Luzande’s diverse culinary inspirations within a stunning dining complex.
While the more casual Corteza focuses on seafood, Leña brings a formal touch with its Argentine-style steakhouse offerings.
Both settings provide breathtaking views of Downtown Los Angeles and beyond. At Leña, beef enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of prime and wagyu selections.
For a sophisticated start, try the wagyu beef carpaccio with black truffles, or go for the chori-pan filled with chorizo, cauliflower escabeche, chimichurri, and aged cheddar for a flavorful experience.
- Address: 900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Phone: (213) 743-8824
- Website: senderola.com