Where To Eat In Dtla

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a neglected urban center to a vibrant hub of culture, art, and entertainment. Amidst the revitalization, the neighborhood’s culinary scene has also experienced a significant boom, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries sprouting up to cater to the growing population of residents, workers, and visitors.

Discovering the Best Eats in DTLA

With so many options to choose from, navigating the DTLA dining landscape can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers or those looking to venture beyond the familiar chains and tourist traps. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best places to eat in DTLA, from trendy breakfast spots and artisanal coffee shops to upscale restaurants and hidden gems serving international cuisine.

Exploring the Neighborhood’s Culinary Hotspots

In the following sections, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of DTLA’s most exciting neighborhoods, including the Historic Core, Bunker Hill, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District. We’ll highlight the must-try eateries, popular foodie destinations, and under-the-radar spots that only locals know about. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, our guide will ensure you’re always just a few blocks away from an unforgettable dining experience in DTLA.

Where to Eat in DTLA: A Foodie’s Guide

Los Angeles’ Downtown area, affectionately known as DTLA, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once a neglected neighborhood, DTLA is now a thriving hub of culture, art, and cuisine. With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and eclectic mix of old and new, DTLA has become a foodie’s paradise. From trendy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, DTLA offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in DTLA, highlighting the must-try restaurants, cafes, and bars that will make your culinary experience unforgettable.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of DTLA’s popular eateries. Here are some top recommendations:

• The Original Pantry Cafe: This 24-hour diner has been a DTLA institution since 1924. Try their famous pancakes, omelets, or burgers at any time of day or night.
• The Pie Hole: This artisanal bakery and cafe serves up mouthwatering pastries, sandwiches, and quiches. Don’t miss their signature pie flights!
• Eggslut: This trendy breakfast spot in the Grand Central Market offers creative egg dishes, sandwiches, and bowls that will satisfy your morning cravings.
• Cafe Demitasse: This charming French-inspired cafe serves up delicious coffee, pastries, and light bites in a cozy atmosphere.

Lunch and Dinner Hotspots

From classic comfort food to international cuisine, DTLA’s lunch and dinner options are as diverse as they are delicious. Here are some top picks: (See Also: Where To Eat In Rapid City)

• Bestia: This critically acclaimed restaurant serves up creative, farm-to-table Italian cuisine in a cozy, industrial-chic setting.
• Sqirl: This trendy eatery in the Arts District offers innovative, seasonal dishes, including their famous sorbet and rice bowls.
• Guerrilla Tacos: This popular taco stand in the Grand Central Market serves up mouthwatering, Baja-style tacos made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Spago: Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant offers upscale, farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative presentation.
• Pete’s Cafe: This classic American diner serves up comfort food staples like burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes in a retro-inspired setting.

International Cuisine

DTLA’s cultural diversity is reflected in its vibrant international cuisine scene. Here are some top recommendations:

• Sari Sari Store: This Filipino-inspired eatery in the Grand Central Market serves up delicious, authentic dishes like adobo and sinigang.
• Koko’s Boba: This popular boba tea shop offers a wide range of flavors and toppings, as well as Taiwanese-inspired snacks and desserts.
• Tortas Ahogadas El Rey: This casual, family-owned Mexican restaurant serves up mouthwatering tortas, tacos, and other traditional dishes.
• Korean BBQ: This popular BBQ joint in Koreatown offers an all-you-can-eat meat extravaganza, complete with marinated meats and spicy kimchi.

Coffee and Dessert Spots

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of DTLA with a cup of coffee or a sweet treat at one of these popular spots:

• Verve Coffee Roasters: This artisanal coffee roaster offers expertly crafted pour-overs, lattes, and cold brews in a trendy, industrial-chic setting.
• The Creamery: This artisanal ice cream shop in the Arts District offers unique flavors like honey lavender and strawberry balsamic, made with locally sourced ingredients.
• The Donut Man: This beloved donut shop has been a DTLA institution since 1972, offering classic glazed, strawberry, and chocolate donuts.
• Coffee For Sasquatch: This quirky coffee shop in the Historic Core serves up expertly crafted coffee drinks, as well as delicious pastries and sandwiches.

Bars and Nightlife

DTLA’s vibrant nightlife scene offers everything from rooftop bars to speakeasies. Here are some top recommendations:

• Perch: This rooftop bar in the Historic Core offers stunning views of the city, along with creative cocktails and French-inspired small plates.
• No Vacancy Club: This swanky speakeasy in the Arts District serves up expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated, vintage-inspired setting.
• The Edison: This historic bar and nightclub in the Historic Core offers live music, DJs, and burlesque performances in a stunning, industrial-chic setting.
• Casey’s Irish Pub: This classic pub in the Historic Core serves up Guinness, whiskey, and traditional Irish fare in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Food Markets and Halls

DTLA is home to several popular food markets and halls, offering a variety of cuisines and dining options under one roof. Here are some top recommendations:

• Grand Central Market: This historic market has been a DTLA staple since 1917, offering a diverse range of food vendors, from tacos to Korean BBQ to artisanal coffee.
• DTLA Food Hall: This modern food hall in the Historic Core features a variety of vendors, including a gourmet market, a deli, and a wine bar.
• The Original Farmers Market: This outdoor market in the Historic Core offers a variety of food vendors, including fresh produce, meats, and prepared dishes.

Recap and Key Takeaways

In conclusion, DTLA’s culinary scene offers something for everyone, from trendy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, and from classic comfort food to international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, DTLA has got you covered. Be sure to explore the neighborhood’s many food markets and halls, and don’t miss out on the vibrant nightlife scene. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and eclectic mix of old and new, DTLA is a foodie’s paradise waiting to be discovered. (See Also: Where To Eat In The Gulch)

Key takeaways:

• DTLA offers a diverse range of dining options, from trendy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries.
• The neighborhood is home to several popular food markets and halls, including Grand Central Market and DTLA Food Hall.
• DTLA’s international cuisine scene reflects the neighborhood’s cultural diversity, with options ranging from Filipino to Korean to Mexican.
• The neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife scene offers everything from rooftop bars to speakeasies.

So come and explore DTLA’s culinary scene for yourself. With its endless options and vibrant atmosphere, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in DTLA

What are the best restaurants in DTLA for brunch?

If you’re looking for a delicious brunch spot in DTLA, you should definitely check out The Original Pantry Cafe, Guerrilla Tacos, or Eggslut. These restaurants offer a wide range of brunch options, from classic breakfast dishes to more unique and innovative meals.

Are there any good vegan or gluten-free options in DTLA?

Yes, DTLA has plenty of vegan and gluten-free options! Some popular spots include Cafe Gratitude, Donut Friend, and Sweetfin Poké. These restaurants offer a variety of plant-based and gluten-free dishes that are both delicious and healthy.

What’s the best place to get a quick and affordable meal in DTLA?

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable meal in DTLA, consider checking out Grand Central Market or one of the many food trucks in the area. Grand Central Market offers a variety of vendors serving everything from tacos to burgers to Korean BBQ, and the prices are very reasonable. The food trucks in DTLA also offer a range of options, from classic street food to more gourmet fare. (See Also: Where To Eat In Chinatown Seattle)

Can I find any celebrity-chef restaurants in DTLA?

Yes, DTLA is home to several celebrity-chef restaurants! Some popular options include Bestia, which is owned by chef Ori Menashe, and Spago, which is owned by Wolfgang Puck. These restaurants offer upscale dining experiences with creative and delicious menus.

Are there any rooftop restaurants in DTLA with great views?

Yes, DTLA has several rooftop restaurants with amazing views of the city! Some popular options include Perch, which offers French-inspired cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and Spire 73, which is located on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown and offers stunning views of the city skyline.