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Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Downtown LA (90017)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

$$$ Downtown LA – Financial District
A grand, high-volume Downtown institution that pairs reliable Italian comfort with a patisserie and market feel. Pastas and pizzas come out fast and consistent even at peak crowds, and the bright, bustling room works well for kids, groups, and celebrations without feeling like a compromise.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, House-made pastas (ask for daily standouts), Macarons and pastries from the patisserie counter
What makes it special: A Downtown Italian powerhouse with a full patisserie that keeps families happy.
$$ Downtown Los Angeles – Financial District
A rooftop Japanese room with skyline views and a staff that’s used to navigating gluten-free requests. Sushi, sashimi, and robata plates are the safe lane, and servers will steer you away from soy-based pitfalls and suggest swaps. The vibe is date-night sleek, with food that stays solid even under heavy traffic.
Must-Try Dishes: Sashimi assortment with GF soy, Robata salmon or black cod, Crispy rice with spicy tuna (GF sauce request)
What makes it special: High-rise sushi and robata with staff trained to accommodate gluten-free diners.
$$$ Downtown Financial District
A historic firehouse turned American grill that works surprisingly well for family dinners, especially with teens. The room feels special without being stiff, and the menu leans into hearty classics that land with kids and adults alike. Service can be brisk during rushes, but the setting makes it a memorable downtown meal.
Must-Try Dishes: meatloaf, fried chicken, crab cakes
What makes it special: Landmark firehouse dining room serving classic American comfort.
$ DTLA – Financial District
A modern Indian counter in TASTE that keeps things punchy: fragrant rice bowls, tandoori-leaning proteins, and rich curries built for fast pacing. The flavors skew bold and crowd-pleasing, making it one of the stronger quick options in the hall.
Must-Try Dishes: Tandoori chicken bowl, Butter chicken curry, Paneer tikka bowl
What makes it special: Indian bowls that stay flavorful and filling at a fair price.

Worthy Picks

7.9
$$$$ Downtown Financial District
A polished Bloc gastropub that plays like downtown’s reliable after-work landing pad, with tacos showing up as a happy-hour-friendly crowd pleaser. The room feels hotel-sleek but social, and the kitchen keeps things approachable—think crispy fish tacos and shareable plates built for cocktails. Best for groups who want tacos without going full taqueria mode.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy fish tacos, Street-style carnitas tacos, Happy hour cocktail special
What makes it special: Bloc-side happy hour with well-executed tacos in a polished social setting.
7.9
$$$ South Park / Grand Avenue Corridor
A relaxed coastal-California bistro that’s easy to book and easy to talk in, making it a low-friction business lunch play. The menu leans into small plates and shareables with enough range for groups, and service keeps things moving without pushing you out. Best for casual-polished meetings that don’t need a steakhouse tempo.
Must-Try Dishes: Unlimited tasting small-plates option, Seafood plates, Seasonal chef specials
What makes it special: Flat-price small-plates format that suits meeting-length lunches.
$$ DTLA – Financial District
A fast-casual Korean BBQ bowl spot from the Park’s BBQ family, focused on char-forward proteins over rice with bright banchan accents. It’s built for speed, but the seasoning and grill notes keep it above typical food-hall standards.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy pork bowl, Bulgogi bowl, Kimchi fried rice
What makes it special: Quality Korean BBQ flavor in a fast bowl format.