Now that you've worked up an appetite exploring the history and the heart of LA through the architecture of historic downtown, it's time to eat! We've hand-picked a few places we think will complete your urban adventure.
"This market has exploded with the arrival of many order-at-the-counter eateries that combine street food with an upscale touch; there is a variety of dining options like Wexler's Deli (lots of smoked meats and fish), Bombo (from Mark Peel), Egglsut, Horse Thief BBQ, Olio GCM Wood Fired Pizzeria, and McConnell's Fine Ice Cream (some of the best ice cream in the city); in addition, Belcampo Meat Co. displays a vast assortment of beef, pork and lamb cuts; Grand Central Market is definitely a place that provides you the opportunity to try a wide variety of tasty and made-from-scratch bites without having to spend a lot of money." – Anthony N
Bronzed Aussie - Flower District
"This place has the best meat pies! While their menu isn't large, it's still definitely worth the try. My favorite is the lamb pie and the chunky beef pie. The pie crust is super flakey and buttery – I can't get enough! They also make a really good flat white (coffee drink). I also recommend getting their desserts – my friend always gets the lamington which is is coconut-type cake; I prefer the custard pie (which is similar to an egg tart)." – Christina D
Poppy + Rose - Flower District
"Cute place with tons of lighting and fresh flowers on each community-style table section. Pondering their long and diverse menu, I finally decided on getting the tasty pulled pork hash. The pulled pork was sweet, smoky, and tender, and the hashbrowns that supported the hunk of meat and two over easy eggs were deliciously crispy. The arugula floating atop of the eggs added a peppery contrast to the eggs/pork/hashbrowns." – Candice K
KazuNori - Historic Core
"I dream about these fresh hand rolls. What to get: 5 rolls: special of the day (either yellowtail or toro), bay scallops, salmon, blue crab, and lobster for $17.50. Plus tax + tip (yes, tip is included in the bill), it came out to a little over $22. The rice expanded so it filled me up good! Most importantly, quality meets the buck resulting in a deeply satisfied stomach." – Karen W
Guisados - Historic Core
"An LA staple that merits its high rating. Come here for great, cheap tacos. They have the rare trifecta of tasty food, affordable prices, and friendly service. We got the taco sampler ($7), which I highly recommend to anyone coming there for the first time. It includes two beef, two chicken, and two pork tacos. They'll let you make pretty much any combination of 6 tacos from their menu, but these are the default options…Overall, an excellent place for tacos with perfectly braised meats and flavorful sauces. Not to mention they make their own fresh tortillas." – Ankita A
Bäco Mercat – Historic Core
"Oh my squash blossoms, how I love Bäco Mercat! At first calling to Catalan roots, a quick glance over the menu shows that the restaurant's dishes draw from European, Eastern, Asian, and Latin American influences. The signature bäco was created by Chef Centeno, and is a kind of flat bread sandwich with a variety of fillings. I tried the fava fritter bäco and enjoyed every bit of it. The bread was warm, soft and chewy (reminiscent of pita), perfect to carry the fritters and salmorejo spread. Vegetarian or otherwise, the bäco is a must-try if you're dining at Mercat." – Stephanie C
Blossom Restaurant – Historic Core
"Some of the best Vietnamese food in downtown LA. From the spring rolls to the eggrolls to the numerous soups, everything is fresh and delicious. The staff is very nice as well!" – Richard F
Bunker Hill Bar And Grill – Bunker Hill
"The view. The outdoor patio. The service… It has an upscale vibe, without feeling over-priced or bougie. In fact, the prices are very reasonable for the quality, atmosphere, and impeccable service… enjoyed a great Bloody Mary on their outdoor patio – spicy, smoky, tangy, and strong… The meal was beautiful with the surrounding high rise buildings and perfect weather." – Chanel C
Aloha Café– Little Tokyo
"Some of the best Hawaiian food you can find around this area. The portions are big, the food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable. My personal favorite There is the Kalua pork with cabbage. Has a great smoked flavor within the meat. You also can't go wrong with the spam musubi trio. Not sure which type of musubi you'd like to try? This plate serves up three types cut into three huge pieces per musubi." – Rayshawn W
The Pie Hole – Arts District
"Pie Hole is actually pie heaven! Mexican chocolate pie, earl grey pie, maple custard pie, chocolate crostata, do I need to say more? Having a place that only focuses mainly on pies and coffee and still manages to get packed on a daily basis tells me they know what they are doing! The pies are full of flavor." – Nancy M
Angel City Brewery – Arts District
"Start your exploration of Little Tokyo right. Sample a flight, check out the cool décor, play some games or just relax with some friends. It is walking distance to other cool joints in Little Tokyo. The historical building itself is worth checking out." – Tan T
