Best Hidden Gems Restaurants in Downtown LA (90017)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.4
A polished Southern-coastal room on South Grand that stays under the radar compared with louder neighbors. The cooking blends seafood and comfort—fried and grilled plates that feel indulgent but clean—while cocktails keep the pace relaxed. A strong choice when you want a full sit-down dinner without downtown theatrics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & grits, Fried catfish, House cornbread
What makes it special: Southern-coastal comfort with a calmer downtown feel.
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
A compact New York–style slice shop that’s been feeding Downtown since the mid-2000s, with a straightforward menu and steady execution. Slices run classic and kid-friendly—cheese, pepperoni, and veggie—served fast for families on the go. Best for a no-drama pizza stop before events or between errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese slice, Pepperoni slice, Meat Deluxe pie
What makes it special: Old-school DTLA slice joint with reliable NY-style pies.
Worthy Picks
#3
Le Grand
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
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.
#4
TABL M
7.9
A tucked-away Lebanese counter in The Bloc that feels like a small family spot hiding in plain sight. Plates lean bright and herb-forward—grilled meats, mezze, and warm breads—served with genuine care and low-stress pacing. Perfect when you want downtown convenience without the scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Hummus & warm pita, Fattoush salad
What makes it special: A genuinely small Lebanese kitchen quietly anchoring The Bloc.
7.8
A Hotel Indigo dining room that flies below the downtown hype radar, offering a steady all-day brasserie menu in a relaxed setting. Think dependable breakfast, lunch, and dinner staples with a full bar that works for casual meetings or pre-event bites. Not a destination splash, but quietly reliable and easy to like.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib hash, Seasonal flatbread, Indigo burger
What makes it special: An under-the-radar hotel brasserie with easy downtown access.