Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Howlin' Ray's
LA’s benchmark for Nashville hot chicken with real spice nuance.
Notable Picks
8.8
Nashville hot chicken that’s still the neighborhood’s loudest lunch line for a reason—crackly crust, juicy meat, and heat levels that actually taste like something. The tiny counter setup moves fast and the staff keeps the energy high even at peak chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Chicken Sando (Medium or Hot), Chicken & Waffles, Banana Pudding
What makes it special: LA’s benchmark for Nashville hot chicken with real spice nuance.
8.6
A century-old French dip institution with sawdust floors and cafeteria swagger. The rolls are sturdy, the jus is beefy, and the no-frills pace makes it ideal for a fast historic bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef French Dip, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
What makes it special: Birthplace-level French dip lore with nonstop local loyalty.
#3
Majordomo
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
David Chang’s warehouse-sized Chinatown restaurant blends Korean flavors with playful American and Asian riffs, built for sharing. The cooking leans smoky, savory, and big-format, with a lively open-kitchen energy. Massive review volume and long-running popularity back up its reputation as a Downtown destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bo ssäm-style pork shoulder, Bing bread with pickled butter, Spicy kimchi fusilli with pork jowl
What makes it special: Korean-leaning share plates in a high-energy, warehouse setting.
8.2
Handmade Sanuki-style udon with chewy, dense noodles that justify the wait. The menu leans comforting—creamy uni, mentai butter, and seasonal hot pot—served in a cozy, clattery room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni Cream Udon, Mentai Squid Butter Udon, Seafood Tomato Cream Udon
What makes it special: From-scratch udon texture you can’t fake.
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A long-running Little Tokyo ramen house that still feels like a local canteen: hearty bowls, comfort sides, and late hours. It’s not flashy, but the kitchen is steady and portions are generous for the price. Great for a low-key lunch that sticks the landing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tenshin chahan (omelet fried rice), Miso vegetable ramen, Chicken katsu curry
What makes it special: Old-school Little Tokyo ramen shop with cult-favorite fried rice.