Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Downtown

OpenTable

Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Downtown? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Dahlia

4.8

4.8 (26)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Experience an intimate space for afternoon tea at Dahlia, our newest DTLA destination nestled amid the Downtown bustle. Enjoy a selection of botanical teas and garden-fresh treats in a cozy setting. Gather with friends for a delightful afternoon within Dahlia’s immersive interiors, designed by Kelly Wearstler. Drawing inspiration from Mexican modernism and Moroccan aesthetics, the space features a rich palette of pinks, warm ambers, and verdant greens, complemented by textured tilework, vintage furnishings, and a stunning glass installation from LA’s Judson Studios. Indulge in curated experience by our talented team, Caroline Styne and Chef Suzanne Goin, showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.

Top review

Kira

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

Customer service was excellent from the moment we walked onto the property. Everyone was polite, smiling, warm, and hospitable. The front desk, the wait staff, the back up wait staff, the bar, ... everyone. Lovely vibe. Very good food. We had the vegan tea service. Every morsel was delicious. The scones we great! The tea waitress was absolutely lovely, She shared her enthusiasm about her love of tea and it enhanced our experience. We plan to return. We were a group of four.

Discover more

Experience

Cocktails at Dahlia

Poppy + Rose

4.7

4.7 (672)

$30 and under

American

Flower District

About the restaurant

Poppy + Rose is known for our buttermilk fried chicken & waffles, pulled pork hash, mimosas, rose mojito and more! Come visit us at the historic SoCal Flower Market 7 days a week from 9AM-3PM.

Poppy+Rose's Rooftop Patio is currently closed; all groups will be seated in our indoor dining room located at 765 Wall Street.

Poppy+Rose welcomes walk-ins 7 days a week. For groups up to 8, reservations can be made Mon-Thurs via Open Table. We do not take reservations on Friday or Saturday for groups under 9.

For groups of 9+ we offer large party pricing and reservations 7 days a week for our dining room only. While a reservation for a large group is not necessary, the pricing for large parties will still apply to all walk-in parties of 9+. For large party reservations and buyout pricing please email gm@poppyandrose.com.

Top review

JamilVIP

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

Great balanced food , great environment! It is also a black owned business with a penchant for high quality eats

USC University Club

4.8

4.8 (106)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The University Club Restaurant is an elegant space to host work meetings or enjoy a gracious setting with friends. Our menu changes seasonally and reflects the best of local produce.

Reservations are recommended. Our dress code is Business Casual.

For reservations, call (213) 740-2030

Top review

Tina

Dined on Feb 14, 2025

Usc has the best service and the best food. I will always come back.

JOEY DTLA

4.6

4.6 (148)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

*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.

Top review

Raven

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing atmosphere and service! Thank you Joey DTLA for the bday wishes!

La Boucherie

4.5

4.5 (1355)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The ultimate panoramic dining experience in Los Angeles. La Boucherie is an elegant American steak and seafood restaurant boasting an intimate bar featuring sophisticated mixologists crafting bespoke cocktails. Discreet private dining rooms, a Chef’s Table, and Starlight Booths are all available with floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the L.A. skyline to accommodate discerning guests.
La Boucherie’s menu features reimagined classics, all created with the finest and freshest ingredients available, many of which are sourced locally. The dining experience is enhanced by a cheese cave, charcuterie atelier, and an extensive, carefully curated Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list featuring over 1,200 hand-selected international and American wines.
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.

Top review

Lara

Dined 3 days ago

One of the best experiences I had. The employees were so nice on top of everything. They were the sweetest people ever they let you take your time. They don’t rush you at all. They always check up on me if you need anything the food was outstanding. I haven’t had food like this in a minute. The view was outstanding. I had actually one of the best experiences here.

Discover more

CHAR-GRILLED FILET MIGNON (8oz)

Abernethy's

4.3

4.3 (951)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Chef in Residence: -Pyet DeSpain
Native Mexican American Cuisine

Located in Downtown Los Angeles on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, Abernethy’s is a destination restaurant offering a unique, ever-changing dining experience from LA, for LA. Featuring up-and-coming chefs and new menus for special limited engagements, Abernethy’s highlights the diverse flavors and people that make up Los Angeles. Abernethy’s is the story of the LA, related and plated by the Chefs who tell it best.

Open 3 Hours before shows at Dorthey Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater and Mark Taper Forum

Top review

Joe

Dined 5 days ago

I love the concept of a restaurant with rotating chefs on the mall of LA’s biggest performing arts plaza. Convenient, interesting, social. Drive in from work, park, walk the venue, eat, laugh, and see a show. All in one spot. An oasis in the urban sprawl.

Discover more

Popular dish

flourless chocolate cake

4.5

4.5 (16)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Where the laid-back atmosphere of your beloved childhood diner meets West Coast quality, product and preparation. Moonlark’s Dinette delivers a thoroughly unfussy, enticing exploration of Americana on a plate. Our menu marries locally sourced, approachable comfort food with Chris Pandel’s signature style of “come as you are” hospitality.

Top review

Myasia

Dined on Feb 17, 2025

I love every thing about this place! Super cute aesthetic and very friendly staff. Breakfast is always amazing.

Rooftop at Wayfarer Hotel DTLA

4.3

4.3 (1830)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The mood, the views, the late summer afternoon that slips mysteriously into a long LA evening under the stars. Any wonder it’s one of the best rooftop bars in downtown Los Angeles. Join us for killer eats and drinks for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

While it is beautiful and incredibly romantic, our outdoor dining space is not weather proof. In the event of rain or severe weather your reservation may be canceled. If poor weather is forecasted within 24 of your reservation and you have not heard from us, we advise contacting the restaurant directly.

**For large parties between 9 and 20, please contact our team at dining@wayfarerdtla.com.

Top review

Luis

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

Everything about it was wonderful 10/10 would definitely recommend and come again:)

Discover more

Popular dish

Ceviche

AC Bar & Lounge

4.1

4.1 (49)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

A hacienda-style haven on the 34th floor, AC Bar & Lounge offers breakfast, dinner, and cocktails in an intimate atmosphere featuring stunning LA views. Sip a specialty gin & tonic, break bread with friends, or just gaze at the Los Angeles skyline.

213.789.7622 ext 8622

Top review

Kenneth

Dined 7 days ago

This place charges a 20% service fee without notification..

The Biltmore Los Angeles

4.0

4 (130)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

History, luxury and opulence seamlessly intertwine at The Biltmore Los Angeles, setting the stage for unforgettable dining experiences.

Discover why locals and guests love one of downtown L.A.’s favorite historic watering holes, Gallery Bar & Grill, where carved angels elegantly grace the granite bar. Enjoy wine, beer and unforgettable cocktails. Sample light fare and classic bar eats at our nostalgic Gallery Bar & Grill with its comfortable couches and memorabilia-filled cabinets.

Top review

JonathanVIP

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

Thank you so much! Would love to come back! I proposed to my gf at this event :)

Explore Diners' Choice best of Downtown

Explore more Diners' Choice lists