Best American Restaurants in Downtown LA (90013)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
9.1
Stephanie Izard’s Arts District outpost runs on bold, globally roaming small plates delivered with polish and momentum. The room is high-energy and design-forward, and the kitchen’s sweet spot is layered, punchy flavors meant to be shared. A destination-level New American anchor for Downtown nights and Sunday brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat curry, Sticky glazed pork shank, Grilled corn with seasonal toppings
What makes it special: Destination New American small plates with fearless, global flavor.
Notable Picks
#2
Manuela
8.7
Inside Hauser & Wirth, Manuela pairs farm-driven Southern-leaning American cooking with an airy, plant-filled gallery setting. Seasonal produce and live-fire touches keep the menu bright and textured, while brunch remains a neighborhood ritual. It’s an Arts District staple that balances craft with comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cream biscuits, Wood-grilled vegetables, Rotating market-driven mains
What makes it special: Farm-to-table American cooking in a gallery-garden setting.
8.6
A century-old DTLA institution, Grand Central Market is the city’s most reliable all-in-one American food hall experience. The lineup ranges from legacy counters to modern stalls, so you can graze from breakfast through late afternoon with minimal friction. Volume and longevity make it a cultural cornerstone as much as a meal stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggslut breakfast sandwich, Wexler’s pastrami, Any rotating vendor special
What makes it special: Iconic DTLA food hall with unmatched variety and history.
#4
Sampa
8.4
Sampa fuses Filipino foundations with New American technique in a compact Arts District dining room. Dishes carry smoky, savory depth and playful textures, and the menu rewards sharing across courses. A newer standout that feels both personal and confident.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kare-kare inspired plates, Seasonal crudos, Wood-fired mains
What makes it special: Filipino-New American cooking with smoky, modern edge.
8.2
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Urth’s Arts District café is a high-volume American brunch and coffee hub that stays busy for a reason: dependable pastries, big salads, and crowd-pleasing breakfast staples. The space is airy and social, built for long hangs or quick refuels. It’s not a surprise destination, but it’s a reliable local engine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spanish latte, Avocado toast, Seasonal tart or cake slice
What makes it special: All-day café with strong coffee-and-pastry fundamentals.
8.0
Blu Jam’s Downtown location delivers a polished, comfort-forward American brunch with consistent execution and friendly pace. The menu leans classic-plus—pancakes, French toast, omelets—done with richer sauces and thoughtful sides. Best as a dependable weekend ritual rather than a hunt-worthy novelty.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy French toast, Breakfast burrito, Seasonal pancakes
What makes it special: Elevated comfort-brunch staples with reliable consistency.
Worthy Picks
#7
464 Burgers
7.8
A no-frills late-night burger counter that’s become a Little Tokyo regular for messy, satisfying American comfort. Burgers skew indulgent, and the kitchen’s best work is in char, melt, and sauce balance. Ideal for quick hits rather than lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic smash burger, Loaded fries, Milkshake
What makes it special: Late-night burgers that nail char-and-melt comfort.