Best Lunch Restaurants in Historic South-Central

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Beach CitiesDowntownEast LAHollywoodPasadenaSan Fernando Valley / Valencia

Neighborhoods

Arts DistrictAtwater VillageBeverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsCentral Los AngelesCentury City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

269 restaurants available nearby

1. McKay's

3.8

Excellent(211)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• All you can eat/Buffet • Downtown

McKay's is the perfect choice to enjoy some of L.A.'s finest food and good cheer with friends. We specialize in serving a delicious and nutritious breakfast daily to the USC Hotel's guests with made to order pancakes and omelets. Whether you are visiting USC campus or simply finding yourself in the area, come by to start your day right. Created in the winning tradition of a warm and friendly destination to prepare for the big game, McKay's lives and breathes the heritage and championship atmosphere of one of the game's greatest personalities. This makes it a perfect location for home game tailgates - football, basketball, volleyball pre-game experiences offer a full bar and a la carte food stations. Fight On!

2. Le Petit Paris

4.3

Awesome(2929)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown

Booked 21 times today

If you ask the brilliant minds behind Le Petit Paris, Fanny and David Rolland, They will say “We were born in a restaurant, literally”. From Grandpa to father, the restaurant business has been a natural part of their daily life.They decided 15 years ago to create their first restaurant in Cannes, Le Petit Paris, Parisian brasserie, located in the middle of the international film festival city.In order to give the opportunity of an unforgettable experience in Cannes to their international clientele, they decided to run a business on the beach with the combination of well being, relaxed and lay down on the beach with a cocktail and enjoying a gastronomic food.David and Fanny were always striving to be surrounded by great collaborators in order to provide a real “savoir-faire” to their clients. They have been known worldwide now thanks to their hard work and dedication.

3. Openaire

4.4

Awesome(2350)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Koreatown

Booked 61 times today

Native Angeleno, surfer and two-Michelin star chef Josiah Citrin brings a culinary vision built around California’s bounty from land and sea to Openaire. The menu and ingredients reflect the seasons and the interplay of cultural influences that define LA, serving in a lush greenhouse and tented garden oasis on the 2nd floor terrace at the LINE hotel, in the heart of K-Town.For inquiries of 10+ guests, please email us at: Openaire@TheLineHotel.com.

4. Drago Centro

4.8

Exceptional(3726)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Chef Celestino Drago has created a menu representative of the cultural diversity of Italy. The concept of “Contemporary Italian Cuisine”, emphasizes local dishes, fresh, high quality ingredients and old flavors that have defined Italian cuisine for centuries and which are revisited to create a truly eclectic menu. The extensive menu is a la carte and offers daily specials featuring many unique items. DRAGO Centro offers a diverse and extensive selection of premium wines from Italy and around the world. DRAGO Centro’s unique interior is designed by acclaimed Los Angeles based designer Stanley Felderman, who is internationally renowned for creating modern buildings, interiors and product with a playful twist.

5. 71Above

4.7

Exceptional(5976)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 54 times today

Offering elevated modern American cuisine by Chef Javier Lopez, 71Above boasts breathtaking ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with spectacular views of Los Angeles and the surrounding mountain ranges. 71Above is a Michelin level experience featuring the finest ingredients, world-class wine list and craft cocktails. The Restaurant and Skylounge have a Smart Casual dress code. Jackets are not required however, no hats, athletic wear, shorts or flip-flops are allowed. Reservations are held for 15 minutes.71Above features a 3 course Prix-Fixe menu for dinner only. We kindly ask all dining room guests to participate in the coursed menu. Please be aware, any seating requests are noted, but not guaranteed. WINDOW TABLES ARE NOT GUARANTEED. 18% service charge is added to all checks. Valet is available at 633 W. 5th Street or Self parking is available under the building at 633 W. Hope Place. $18 for 3 hours.

6. Cara Cara

4.7

Exceptional(1515)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 55 times today

From the golden daylight to the twinkling evening, all are welcome to experience the fresh bounty of Cara Cara. Chef Suzanne Goin’s seasonal menu showcases California’s best produce with her festive and irresistible rooftop fare. The expansive outdoor space features an elevated dining area with endless skyline views surrounded by a lushly landscaped lower lounge. Slip into one of the many cozy seating arrangements or sit by the fire pit and enjoy an innovative cocktail, wine, or beer paired by award-winning sommelier Caroline Styne.

7. Zinqué - DTLA

4.6

Exceptional(539)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

zinqué is a beloved neighborhood hotspot & all-day restaurant serving French-inspired dishes, small plates, craft cocktails & a uniquely curated wine selection. Inspired by the zinc countertop bars & cafés of Paris, many of its customers consider it a second home—a place to work, linger & socialize. Open from 7am till late, the space transforms from a European-style bistro & café, serving full breakfast with La Colombe coffee drinks & its famous Le Bowl for lunch, to full service dining at night. (zin-kae)

A photo of Fleming's Steakhouse - LA restaurant

8. Fleming's Steakhouse - LA

4.6

Exceptional(2182)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 48 times today

Your Los Angeles/L.A. LIVE Fleming's is located across from the STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center on Olympic Boulevard. Fleming's in L.A. LIVE is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail in Los Angeles. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners. Our new Lunch Menu features a flavorful range of sandwiches, salads and more for the perfect mid-day break from the office or a chance to catch-up with friends. Our Dinner Menu has something to offer everyone in your party from seven different steak cuts to best-in-class seafood and innovative plant-based options.

9. JOEY DTLA

4.5

Awesome(137)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 94 times today

*Looking to book for 7+ people? Email us at DTLA.reservations@joeyrestaurants.com and someone will get back to you shortly!*JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. Wrapping the corner of 7th and S Flower St with the largest street level patio downtown Los Angeles, JOEY DTLA features a theatre kitchen, a stunning stone bartop and a custom wine wall in the lounge. The dining room showcases a large commissioned art piece by Los Angeles local, America Martin, an interior willow tree that provides an oasis within the city.

10. Manuela

4.8

Exceptional(236)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

Located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California.Serving a wide range of vegetables, grains, fish, and game, Manuela also features an exemplary bar program, which serves classic cocktails using house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are on tap, while the carefully selected wine list is designed to pair with the smoke and acid at the heart of Manuela’s menu.Designed by Los Angeles native Matt Winter and named for Manuela Wirth, the restaurant is illuminated and animated by specially commissioned works from artists Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford and Raymond Pettibon.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

O
oscar
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our waiter(s) were amazing, friendly and absolutely took great care of me and my wife. 2nd time here for brunch and can’t wait to come back! There brunch and bottomless mimosas are 10/10.
More info
OpenairePrice: Expensive• Californian• Koreatown
•
4.4
A
Alejandro
Los Angeles •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing experience. Would come again. But server was all over the place and was very hard to find when ready to order. Took about 45 minutes to place our order for the appetizer and took 3 hours total for our dinner experience which was a little too long. Other than that good experience.
More info
Le Petit ParisPrice: Moderate• French• Downtown
•
4.3
S
SteveVIP
Los Angeles •67 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful space. Valentine’s Day and some restaurants fall short on special days, but great evening at Drago. Featured regular menu with no over priced “special” menu! Salad and homemade pasta were excellent. Extensive wine list. Very nice experience.
More info
Drago CentroPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.8
S
Steven
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing atmosphere, amazing service, amazing food, an experience I will never forget.
More info
71AbovePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
A
Anthony
Orange County •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 30, 2024
Had breakfast buffet before USC football game. Location to campus, hotel and stadium are excellent. Staff was very friendly and food selection were outstanding! Would definitely dine there on other occasions.
More info
McKay'sPrice: Moderate• All you can eat/Buffet• Downtown
•
3.8

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