Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Sushi Gen
8.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Little Tokyo institution that still delivers with robust sashimi cuts and an expansive nigiri lineup. The famous lunch sashimi special is a local rite of passage, and the bar menu rewards repeat visits. Expect lines, but also reliable fish quality at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi lunch special, Bluefin toro nigiri, Uni shoots
What makes it special: High-volume classic sushi done right for decades.
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.
#3
Au Lac
8.6
Downtown’s veteran plant-based Vietnamese destination, run by the Nguyen mother-daughter team, with an elegant room and refined technique. The menu reimagines classics—think lemongrass “fish,” turmeric crepes, and glossy garlic basil noodles—with polish that feels special-occasion worthy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Basil Noodles, Banh Xeo Chay, Salt & Pepper 'Shrimp' (Yam)
What makes it special: One of LA’s longest-running vegan Vietnamese restaurants with fine-dining polish.
#4
Redbird
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Business Lunch Power Players
A former rectory turned airy dining room where Californian-leaning American plates meet a serious cocktail program. The kitchen is at its best with market-driven vegetables and wood-grilled mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Hamachi Collar, Housemade Pastas, Seasonal Vegetable Plates
What makes it special: New American in a dramatic historic church setting.
8.3
A loud, fun Indian gastropub with bold spice and a menu that translates well to gluten-free diners. Many curries, tandoori items, and rice-based plates are naturally GF, and the team is accustomed to steering you right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tikka poutine, Chili cheese naan, Black lentil dal makhani
What makes it special: Indian comfort food remixed with chef-driven, LA-style creativity.
A lively Little Tokyo counter-service setup for Doner-style street food—wraps, bowls, and the cult-favorite fries. The menu balances comfort and brightness, with halal meats and strong veggie options. Heavy multi-platform review volume backs up its consistency as an easy repeat stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Doner wrap (lamb or chicken), Street cart fries, Falafel bowl
What makes it special: Mediterranean street food with a bar vibe and late hours.
8.1
A bright, mission-driven café in Chinatown serving hearty breakfast plates with a light, healthy tilt. Expect well-executed classics, welcoming service, and a community vibe that keeps locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sunny-side eggs with potatoes and toast, Chile relleno grilled cheese, Carnitas tacos (breakfast-adjacent)
What makes it special: Great breakfast with a real neighborhood mission behind it.