Lunch in Los Angeles can be anything you want it to be, from a quick taco to a fancy plate of pasta. Downtown alone is packed with places that make the middle of the day feel like a treat.
Picking the right spot can turn a regular Tuesday into the best part of your week. Here are five favorites that cover every kind of craving and budget.
1. Bottega Louie, Los Angeles, CA
Walk through the doors at 700 S Grand Ave and the first thing you notice is the buzz. The room is huge, bright, and full of chatter, with a pastry case of colorful macarons that practically waves at you.
It feels fancy, but nobody expects you to dress up.
The menu is big on pizzas, pastas, and small plates. The Burrata Prosciutto Pizza is a crowd favorite, and the Portobello Fries make a fun starter to share.
Feeling bold? Try the Lobster Beignets or the Branzino for something a little more special.
Breakfast people are covered too, since doors open at 7 AM every day. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes have a loyal fan club.
There is also a full vegetarian menu, plus great coffee, tea, wine, and cocktails.
Expect to spend about $20 to $70 per person. Lunch reservations are a smart move, because there is usually a wait.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs ready, and free Wi-Fi helps if you are dining solo.
Parking is paid, with valet, lots, and street spots nearby. Grab a box of macarons to go on your way out.
Trust us, you will want them later.
2. Guisados, Los Angeles, CA
Handmade tortillas. Slow-braised stews piled on top.
Prices that leave room in your wallet for a second round. That is the whole magic of this casual taco spot tucked into the Broadway Arcade Building on Spring Street.
The word guisado means stew in Spanish, and that is the star here. Instead of plain grilled meat, the fillings simmer until they are tender and full of flavor.
First-timers should grab the sampler plate of six mini tacos so they can taste a little of everything.
Vegetarians and vegans get real love too. Nopalitos, made from cactus paddles, make a tasty pick, and there is a full vegan menu.
Add some Chiles Toreados if you like a spicy kick.
Lunch rush gets busy, but the line moves fast. Most people spend around $10 to $20, which makes it great for students and anyone on a budget.
Wash it all down with an iced coffee or a cold beer.
Reservations are not taken, so just show up. There is outdoor seating, and dogs can hang out there with you.
Night owls, take note: it stays open until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. BROKEN MOUTH | Lee’s Homestyle, Los Angeles, CA
Picture a Hawaiian plate lunch that took a detour through Korea and then moved to California. That mashup is exactly what you get at this cozy little spot on S Los Angeles Street.
The flavors are big, warm, and seriously comforting.
Start with the lunch plates. The Beef Lunch Plate comes with tender egg-battered rib eye, while other plates feature chicken or garlic butter shrimp.
Each one arrives with seasonal greens or sides and a big scoop of purple rice sprinkled with a house blend furikake.
Want a snack before the main event? Spam musubi is a must, and the Side of Portuguese Sausage brings a smoky island touch.
The Teri Chicken Sandwich and Potato-Mac Salad round things out nicely. Cucumber Kimchi adds a crunchy, tangy bite.
Plan around the schedule, because hours are short. Doors open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 PM, and it is closed Sunday and Monday.
Expect to spend about $20 to $30.
Parking can be tricky, so give yourself extra time. Service is quick, dogs are allowed, and an Aloha Maid juice can makes the perfect sip.
4. Moonlark’s Dinette, Los Angeles, CA
Some diners feel tired. Not this one.
With its cool mid-century modern look on S Broadway, it feels like a classic diner that got a stylish makeover and a fresh cup of coffee.
Breakfast fans can order Eggs Benedict, Chilaquiles Verdes, or a Denver Omelette all the way until closing. The Smoked Salmon and Latkes is a standout, with crispy potato pancakes doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
Craving lunch instead? Go for the cheeseburger and fries or the farmhouse club.
Even the side salad gets attention here, thanks to a dressing worth bragging about. Ingredients taste fresh, and prices stay fair at around $20 to $30 per person.
A full vegetarian menu and a bar for cocktails add even more options.
The vibe is welcoming to everyone, from families with little ones in high chairs to friends catching up. It is LGBTQ+ friendly, with gender-neutral restrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Timing matters, since it serves daily from 7:30 AM to 3 PM only. Saturdays get packed, so book a lunch reservation if you can.
Weekday afternoons are calmer, and parking options include valet and paid lots.
5. JOEY DTLA, Los Angeles, CA
Need a lunch spot that can impress a client, please a picky friend, and still serve a solid burger? JOEY on W 7th Street pulls off all three.
The space is sleek and upscale, yet the mood stays relaxed.
The menu roams the globe. Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring bold, tingly flavor, while Seared Salmon Sushi and Hibachi Wings keep things exciting.
On the lighter side, the Yellowfin Tuna Salad is fresh and filling.
Comfort food fans can lean on Chicken Parmesan or the Joey Classic Steak. Plant-based eaters get a full vegan menu, including hummus and a juicy Impossible Burger.
Save room for the Molten Chocolate Cake, which happens to be glutenwise.
Doors open at 11 AM daily, and the kitchen stays busy late into the night. That makes it easy to stretch lunch into happy hour if your afternoon allows.
The bar pours great cocktails, beer, and wine.
Reservations are recommended, since there is often a wait. Outdoor seating is a bonus on sunny LA days.
Parking is paid but usually plentiful, which in downtown feels like winning a small prize.
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