Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Downtown

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Downtown? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bestia

4.8

4.8 (8309)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

Top review

Christina

Dined 3 days ago

Always a favorite to come to Bestia, their food is stellar and they just do it right! Arriving right before restaurant opens is always a fave of mine, caught the tail end of their service staff pre shift and it totally warmed my heart. It really does make a difference when employees seem like they like where they work. I heard and felt energy, excitement and fun from each person I encountered.

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4.8

4.8 (5001)

$31 to $50

Middle Eastern

Downtown

About the restaurant

A Middle Eastern restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

Top review

Brian

Dined 6 days ago

Overall amazing meal. Service was top notch. Food was inspiring and different. The sauces were fantastic. Best meal I’ve had in a long time and we’ve had some good meals. A little loud in the restaurant so it was nice to sit outside.

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Popular dish

Oyster Mushroom Kebab

Popular dish

Slow Roasted Lamb Neck Shawarma

Popular dish

Grilled Prawns

Fixins Soul Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (4404)

$30 and under

Soul food

Downtown

About the restaurant

*We encourage all guests to plan ahead for parking to ensure your reservation time is met.
*We have a 15-minute grace period. If you will be arriving later than the grace period, please message us on OpenTable or your reservation will be cancelled.
*All dining experiences are limited to 90 minutes to accommodate all reservations.
*We accept reservations for up to 8 guests.
*All parties of 9+ can visit www.fixinssoulkitchencatering.com to fill out an inquiry form for large parties. We will be in touch between 24 to 48 hours with further details.
*Each reservation is treated separately. We cannot guarantee nearby seating for separate reservations.
*We ask that your full party be present in order to be seated.
*An automatic 20% service charge is included for all parties of 6+ w/ the option to split checks up to 3 times, max.

Top review

johnVIP

Dined today

Los Angeles' Soul Food scene has really diminished over the last 30 years, so it's refreshing to have an authentic, high quality soul food experience. We went on New Year's night and the place was PACKED! Even though we were 45 minutes late for our reservation (Rose Bowl traffic), the hostess worked us in and we were seated about 10 minutes after checking in. Our server was very cheerful and knowledgeable about the menu (as was, we later discovered, the busser). We had the Ox Tails (amazingly tender & flavorful, with a touch of umami - not sure if it was Worcestershire or Soy - that gave them tang), Fried Chicken, Red Beans, Okra, Collard Greens, Yams, Corn Bread and Peach Cobbler. The chicken was crispy, yet the breast was still moist, and the red beans were classic. The okra was charred excellently (I usually don't like okra) and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Collards and Yams were authentic southern style. The cobbler was a little syrupy, but tasted great. BUT IT'S THE SERVICE THAT MADE EVERYTHING STAND OUT - from the greeters to the bussers, the staff was amazing, which made the experience all the better.

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Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (3535)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

The Takami Sushi & Robata restaurant is the only eatery in DTLA that offers rooftop dining 21 floors above the city. We provide a 360-degree city view of Los Angeles and are located within 1 mile of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Bradbury Building, and The Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy Takami's exquisite sushi-grade seafood and succulent steak. You can also experience an elevated dining atmosphere with a rooftop bar, crafted cocktails, and three distinct kitchens - Sushi, Robata, and Asian Fusion.

Top review

Ben

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

The service was a little slow, but all the employees were running around like crazy trying to take care of everyone so maybe short staffed. Pretty good sushi, and pretty good views. We sat outside, but the radiant heaters kept it warm enough even in December. It seems like an Instagram restaurant to me: Most of the people were just there to post photos for their friends to see. The unagi nigiri was definitely the best thing we ordered. The Yuzu cake was great too.

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Lucky Mizu at Level 8

4.5

4.5 (60)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Downtown

About the restaurant

Experience Japanese culinary tradition at Lucky Mizu, a restaurant that feels like dining in a music box. Beneath a 40-foot Earth Harp that envelops the space in sound, guests will indulge in a selection of sushi and sashimi and explore the art of cooking with water - featuring shabu-shabu (boil) and seiro-mushi (steam), featuring the world’s finest meats, seafood, and fresh produce, all beautifully presented.

The ethereal space is lined with cherry blossoms, good luck charms, and butterfly infinity mirrors. When performers play the Earth Harp and drums at the center of the room, the entire restaurant turns into an enormous, immersive musical instrument.

Please note that we are an Adults Only (21+) restaurant after 9:00 PM. Parking validation is available.

For parties of 7 or more, please email restaurants@level8dtla.com.

Top review

shannonVIP

Dined 5 days ago

At first, you could kind of get lost but then once you get inside, it’s kind of amaze the ambience decor is awesome once you understand what is going on.

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Experience

PREGAME DINNER MENU

JOEY DTLA

4.5

4.5 (103)

$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

SteveVIP

Dined today

We were staying nearby and wanted a good but casual dinner- which we got. Great choices, well seasoned and prepared. We had Mediterranean Bowls and sides of awesome garlic bread together with a small apple tart.

Noe Bar at the Omni Los Angeles

4.2

4.2 (1542)

$31 to $50

Californian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to NOE, an Angeleno Bistro, a vibrant culinary haven nestled in downtown Los Angeles. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of diverse flavors, complemented by craft cocktails, Arts District microbrews, and an extensive wine selection. Whether you prefer our outdoor patio with mesmerizing skyline views, the intimate cocktail lounge with live music, or the refined dining room, each space offers a unique experience. Our menu, a fusion of small plates and mains, celebrates the eclectic spirit of Los Angeles, sourced sustainably from local vendors. Join us for Happy Hour, indulge in our rotating drink specials, and on Fridays and Saturdays, savor live piano melodies – the perfect backdrop to a delightful dining affair. Don't miss our summer concert series at the Yard, a collaborative venture with Grand Performances. NOE is where culinary diversity and cultural celebration come together.

Top review

Sandy

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

They serve a great vegan skirt steak. Good service and attention. I would go back again!

Nardo Italian - WeHo

4.2

4.2 (73)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in the vibrant heart of West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Nardò proudly stands as a family-owned establishment, offering an authentic Italian culinary journey. This delightful venue features homemade pasta, traditional Neapolitan pizza, and an inviting happy hour, all set within charming private event spaces. Since its inception in Huntington Beach in 2022, Nardò has quickly become a cherished local favorite, earning numerous accolades for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Notably, it was ranked as the #26 Best Pizzeria in the US by Top50US, a testament to its dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining experience.

The name Nardò comes from Gianni’s mother’s maiden name. His mother was an incredible cook and the inspiration behind Gianni’s culinary passion. Decades later, Gianni has decided to celebrate his mother by naming his latest restaurant Nardò.

Top review

MarilynVIP

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

Our pre thanksgiving celebration was perfect! Relaxing, very tasty and the service was the best. Our waitress Bella was fabulous and made all of feel like we were the most important of all the customers! Definitely a return is in order!

Proabition DTLA

4.0

4 (470)

$30 and under

American

Little Tokyo

About the restaurant

Proabition sits in the center of the fashion hub L.A Fashion District. We feature a progressive American/California cuisine. We offer a year round alfresco dining experience with an aesthetic indoor outdoor enclosed patio. Our beverage program offers a robust collection of spirits and truly artisanal products notably Whiskey, Mezcal and Tequila. Weekend dinner experiences feature live music, fire dancers, our Speakeasy the "Monocole" and culinary and beverage experiences.

Please note that we take every request under consideration, however, we can't guarantee that all requests will always be met.

We offer valet parking Fridays and Saturdays from 6 pm - 2 am and Sundays from 11 am - 6 pm.
Parking structure is available across our venue.

Top review

Priscilla

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

Celebrated my bday and it was Great customer service ,

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Craft by Smoke and Fire - LA Live

3.4

3.4 (36)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Downtown

About the restaurant

At Craft by Smoke and Fire, we see ourselves as more than a restaurant; our mission is to be a cornerstone in the community. A place where you can find great food made by great people. Craft by Smoke and Fire offers an emotional souvenir in every dish. Craft dishes, Craft cocktails and great entertainment. We don't just feed the body; we focus on the soul. Please note to serve more families in our community, every party has one hour and a half to dine at the table. Thank you again for choosing Craft LA Live.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 4 days ago

I went after the rush from a basketball game. The server was clearly tired but still very kind. They were out of several menu items, but what we ordered was amazing! I had the brisket quesadilla and short ribs tacos. And the drinks were delicious and strong!

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