🌇 DOWNTOWN LA (DTLA) RESTAURANTS

🍽️ Quick & Local Favorites

Grand Central Market
Local eats with great variety! Classic downtown food hall offering dozens of vendors — from Eggslut and Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to McConnell’s Ice Cream. Perfect for a quick lunch stop or sampling LA’s food culture.

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Fixins Soul Kitchen
Comfort food & community vibes. Located near LA Live, this Black-owned spot serves fried chicken, mac & cheese, and classic Southern comfort dishes in a lively setting.

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Smorgasburg LA (Sundays Only)
Outdoor food market in the Arts District featuring 60+ rotating vendors — everything from gourmet donuts to Korean BBQ tacos. Great Sunday experience for groups.

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🌆 Modern & Trendy Dining

JOEY DTLA
Trendy and upbeat — an all-around favorite for recruits and staff alike. Global menu, great cocktails, and stylish interiors right at The Bloc.

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Yard House LA Live
Classic American bar and grill with over 100 beers on tap. Spacious and energetic, ideal before or after events at Crypto.com Arena.

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Bottega Louie
Upscale yet family-friendly Italian spot with pizzas, pastas, and colorful pastries. A must-visit downtown classic for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

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Faith & Flower
Elegant and modern American dining with shareable plates, cocktails, and a warm, chic vibe — great for a nicer dinner with guests.

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Bestia
Iconic industrial-chic Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and wood-fired dishes. Always bustling — reservations highly recommended.

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Bavel
Middle Eastern restaurant from the Bestia team — elegant, vibrant, and full of flavor. Think lamb shawarma, hummus, and inventive cocktails in a beautiful setting.

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🌅 Rooftops & Views

Spire 73 (InterContinental Hotel)
The highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere — stunning skyline views, creative cocktails, and modern small plates. Ideal for an evening out.

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Perch
Parisian-style rooftop restaurant and bar with live music and panoramic views of DTLA. Perfect for sunset dinners or night-time drinks.

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Cara Cara (Proper Hotel)
A stylish rooftop restaurant offering California-Mediterranean cuisine and unbeatable downtown views. Great for dinner or sunset drinks.

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​☀️ BRUNCH & LUNCH FAVORITES​

🌊 Beachside & Coastal Cafés

The Strand House – Manhattan Beach
Ocean-view dining that’s upscale yet inviting. Perfect for weekend brunch or lunch by the beach.
→ Try: Avocado toast, lobster benedict, or mimosas with an ocean breeze.

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Malibu Farm Café – Malibu Pier
Farm-to-table food right on the pier with stunning Pacific views. Casual, fresh, and one of the most Instagram-worthy brunch spots in LA.
→ Tip: Walk the pier after brunch for photos and local shopping.

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Great White – Venice / Larchmont Village
Coastal-chic café serving breakfast bowls, sandwiches, and colorful lattes. Trendy, relaxed, and great for groups.

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🥐 Iconic LA Brunch Spots

Republique – La Brea
French-inspired café and bakery inside a beautifully restored historic building. Known for pastries, croque madames, and photogenic ambiance.
→ Reservations recommended for weekends.

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The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker – West Hollywood
Brunch hotspot famous for vibrant drinks and colorful cappuccinos. Great outdoor patio for sunny days.

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Urth Caffé – Multiple Locations (DTLA, WeHo, Santa Monica)
A true LA staple. Organic coffee, fresh pastries, and hearty salads — casual, cozy, and consistently good.

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Mel’s Drive-In – Hollywood / Sunset Blvd

Retro diner experience serving burgers, fries, milkshakes, and breakfast all day. Family-friendly, nostalgic, and very “old-school LA.”

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🥞 Casual & Local Favorites

Blue Jam Café – Melrose / DTLA
Neighborhood favorite for all-day breakfast and signature crunchy French toast. Lively and family-friendly.

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Tartine Bakery – Downtown / Santa Monica
Modern, minimalist café with quality pastries, breads, and sandwiches. Great for a casual lunch or quick coffee break.

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🌙 DINNER & ROOFTOP VIEWS

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🌊 Coastal & Oceanfront Dining

Elephante – Santa Monica
Rooftop Mediterranean restaurant with ocean views and a lively, upbeat vibe. Perfect for sunset dinners with family or guests.
→ Tip: Reservations are essential — it fills up quickly on weekends.

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Nobu Malibu – Malibu
World-famous oceanfront fine dining. Japanese-Peruvian fusion, unbeatable sushi, and breathtaking sunsets right on the beach.

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✨ West Hollywood Favorites

Catch LA – West Hollywood
Favorite rooftop spot known for seafood, sushi, and a glamorous open-air ambiance.

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Delilah – West Hollywood
Old-Hollywood-style supper club featuring upscale dinner, lounge seating, and live music — dress code recommended.

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BOA Steakhouse – West Hollywood / Santa Monica
Modern LA steakhouse offering sleek interiors, top-tier service, and excellent cuts — a go-to for classic fine dining.

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Gracias Madre – West Hollywood
Vibrant plant-based Mexican restaurant with organic ingredients and a beautiful outdoor patio.

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The Nice Guy – West Hollywood
Stylish and intimate Italian-American dinner spot. Dimly lit, exclusive, and known for its celebrity clientele.

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E.P. & L.P. – West Hollywood
Trendy rooftop Asian-fusion restaurant and bar with skyline views.

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🧁 DESSERT & COFFEE SPOTS

(Sweet endings and must-try café favorites across LA.)

Milk Bar – Fairfax / West Hollywood
Famous for cereal-milk soft serve and cake truffles.

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Salt & Straw – Multiple Locations
Artisan ice cream with unique flavors like honey lavender, salted caramel ribbon, and seasonal collaborations.

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The Pie Hole – Arts District
Locally loved for homemade pies, hand pies, and strong coffee.

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Alfred Coffee – Melrose / Brentwood / Beverly Hills
“But first, coffee.” LA’s most famous café brand known for its sleek interiors and signature espresso drinks.

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SomiSomi – Koreatown
Soft-serve ice cream served in taiyaki fish-shaped cones. Fun, aesthetic, and deliciously unique.

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McConnell’s Ice Cream – Grand Central Market / Santa Monica
Small-batch, locally made ice cream from Santa Barbara — rich, creamy, and a longtime LA favorite.

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