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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

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129 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perch LA restaurant
1. Perch LA
4.6
Exceptional(11900)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 194 times today
Check-in is at the 15th Floor Host Stand*Outdoor seating is not guaranteed. *Large Party Tables 7 to 12 Guests are Inside Only Tables*All walk-ins after 10:45pm must be 21+ with valid ID.*Table reservations are limited to 90 minutes for parties of 2*Our dress code is Upscale Casual preferred.Proper attire is required. Presentable shirts, jeans or shorts are acceptable.The restaurant charges a 20% auto-gratuity on all food and beverage items for parties and groups of 7 or larger. The full amount of the gratuity is distributed to employees in the chain of service to the guests.
A photo of Water Grill – Los Angeles restaurant
2. Water Grill – Los Angeles
4.7
Exceptional(5411)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
Water Grill in Downtown LA has been a neighborhood gem since 1989. Reviews rave about its 'elegance,' 'excellent food,' and 'impeccable service.' As one reviewer put it, it's 'one of the hidden gems in downtown LA' with 'amazing foods' and 'great service.' It's not just the food that's top-notch, but also the atmosphere, making it a great spot for both business meetings and after-work gatherings.
A photo of Little Sister - Downtown restaurant
3. Little Sister - Downtown
4.6
Exceptional(1741)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Little Sister DTLA features East-meets-West inspired dishes served in arelaxed social environment that feels more residential thanrestaurant, as if you"re being invited into the Chef Tin's home.Little Sister's menu showcases Chef Tin's take on one of the moreinteresting and rich collisions of food and culture that was borne outof the European colonization of Southeast Asia. Dishes blend andbalance the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with Frenchtechniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu iscontinually and progressively evolving, reflecting inspiration and theseasons. Scott Young along with Chef Tin curates the restaurant's wine and beverage programwith a focus on intriguing labels, both domestically and from aroundthe world. Craft beer selection includes special batches from TheBrewery at Abigaile, brewed only for the restaurant.
A photo of Bestia restaurant
4. Bestia
4.8
Exceptional(8354)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 113 times today
A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.
A photo of Bavel restaurant
5. Bavel
4.8
Exceptional(5033)
Price: Expensive
• Middle Eastern • Downtown
Booked 110 times today
A Middle Eastern restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.
A photo of Spire73 restaurant
6. Spire73
4.6
Exceptional(2262)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 38 times today
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views and a sparkling Los Angele from the tallest open-air bar & restaurant in the western hemisphere. We value your business and want to keep you informed as our reservation cancellation policy has changed. In an effort to accommodate all parties and occasions, no-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours will be subject to a charge of $20 per person. On Friday's and Saturday's we have a food and beverage minimum of $40 per person at the bar and $60 per person for table seating.Thank you in advance for understanding of our new policy change. We are excited to welcome you to Spire 73, the tallest open-air bar in the western hemisphere!CHANGE & CANCELLATION POLICIES: TEXT MESSAGE ONLY +1 (323) 369-1381 or email (info@spire73.com)
A photo of Redbird - Los Angeles restaurant
7. Redbird - Los Angeles
4.7
Exceptional(3120)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic edifices, inside the rectory building of Vibiana – a premier wedding, events and performing arts venue. Chef | Owner Neal Fraser and Owner | Operator Amy Knoll have crafted a beautifully dynamic restaurant space within which to enjoy Chef Fraser's critically acclaimed Modern American menu. Wine Director Christopher Dugan’s wine list is well-rounded with great finds from both established and emerging regions throughout the world. Bar Director Tobin Shea's cocktail offerings feature well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics, as well as inventive and inspired originals. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available for brunch, happy hour + dinner.The Main Dining Room offers open air dining under our retractable roof with views of the Vibiana bell tower and the upper balconies of the rectory building. The Lounge offers dining tables along the banquette and windows overlooking 2nd St.
A photo of Le Petit Paris restaurant
8. Le Petit Paris
4.3
Awesome(2929)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 23 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.
A photo of Manuela restaurant
9. Manuela
4.8
Exceptional(236)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Manuela is a gem in the heart of Los Angeles' Arts District. It's a place where great food meets great ambiance. As one reviewer put it, 'The ambiance is the star here.' The menu, created by Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, celebrates seasonal ingredients and features dishes that are 'cooked to perfection.' Not to mention, the cocktails are 'fun' and the local beers are 'on tap.' Reviews consistently praise the 'gorgeous ambiance' and the 'great food.' Plus, the service is 'impeccable.' So, if you're looking for a delicious bite to eat in a vibrant setting, Manuela is definitely the place to be.
A photo of Vespaio restaurant
10. Vespaio
4.3
Awesome(2572)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 53 times today
Get wined and dined downtown at Chef Agostino Sciandri’s newest restaurant, located in the Emerson.We are DTLA's premier power lunch or per theater date spot! Join us for a truly authentic italian dining experience, the likes of which will delivery your senses strait back to Tuscany.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MauricioVIP
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was excellent, service was great, overall a lovely experience.
    More info
    BestiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • KarenVIP
    Tahoe / Reno Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The farm cheese is the best at Bavel. My husband and I also love the baba ghanoush (we always need an extra order of fried pita). The grilled dates have a nice kick to it and it was nice to eat a savory date for once. The lamb rack is always cooked to perfection. Our friend always orders the 26 oz ribeye and finishes it during dinner and my husband and I can see why. Nothing at Bavel disappointed us. I would recommend the cashew ice cream bar over the apple prune cake, but you really can't go wrong with either. It was a great dinner! Also every cheese and milk is pasteurized so despite being 6 months pregnant, I could eat everything!
    More info
    BavelPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Elizabeth
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Our dining experience was great. We came to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday. We were accommodated to a lovely table and treated to a birthday dessert. Waiters were very attentive and we loved the heated lamps.
    More info
    Perch LAPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • WilliamVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •162 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great night out in downtown LA. We love Water Grill but had never been to this location before. Our waiter Chris was super personable and friendly. Food excellent , would def. Recommend.
    More info
    Water Grill – Los AngelesPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • WesleyVIP
    Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    Birthday dinner here, haven’t been back since pre covid. Happy the experience was just a phenomenal as it was way back then! Always recommended to friends that visit LA!
    More info
    Little Sister - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Downtown
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Downtown

Discover the charm of Downtown, Downtown / South, and East LA's dining scene, where each restaurant shines as a true neighborhood gem. These eateries offer a unique blend of ambiance and quality cuisine that captures the essence of Los Angeles' vibrant culinary culture. Whether you are craving French-inspired dishes, seasonal American fare, or exquisite steaks and seafood, the selection in these areas promises an exceptional dining experience. The restaurants are celebrated for their cozy and elegant settings, making them perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. Guests consistently praise the attentive service and delightful meals, ensuring a memorable visit every time. Explore these hidden treasures for a taste of local flavor and hospitality in the heart of Los Angeles. Experience dining where both the atmosphere and the menu are crafted to impress, making each visit a remarkable one.

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