Best Hidden Gems Restaurants in LA Arts District (90021)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Hayato
Two-Michelin-starred kaiseki in a seven-seat room, executed with rare focus.
Essential Picks
#1
Hayato
9.3
An ultra-intimate seven-seat kaiseki counter led by chef-owner Brandon Hayato Go, offering a tightly paced seasonal omakase with meticulous technique and whisper-quiet precision. The menu leans seafood-forward and deeply Japanese in structure, making it a destination meal in ROW DTLA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki omakase, Steamed abalone with liver sauce, Dashi-simmered conger eel
What makes it special: Two-Michelin-starred kaiseki in a seven-seat room, executed with rare focus.
#2
Kato
9.2
Chef Jon Yao’s Taiwanese-American tasting menu weaves market seafood into deeply personal, technique-forward courses with quiet confidence. Expect meticulously balanced flavors, luxe ingredients, and a beverage program that’s as thoughtful as the plates. It’s a destination meal that still feels rooted in LA’s Arts District energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg custard with crab, Fish maw with caviar, Crab bolo bao
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred Taiwanese tasting menu that treats seafood as the main narrative.
#3
Bestia
9.1
A defining Arts District destination for house-cured charcuterie, blistered pizzas, and deeply flavored pastas from chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. The menu is bold and technique-forward, and the industrial dining room hums late into the night. Reservations are tough for a reason: the kitchen stays reliably excellent at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone marrow gnochetti with spinach and brown butter, Saffron tagliatelle with crab, uni, and chiles, Spicy lamb sausage pizza
What makes it special: A benchmark Arts District Italian kitchen with a top-tier salumi and pasta program.
Notable Picks
#4
Damian
8.8
A Michelin-recognized Arts District dining room from chef Enrique Olvera that leans modern without losing the thread of Mexican tradition. The kitchen excels at precise seafood and live-fire proteins, with polished service and an urban, greenhouse-like space that feels special for nights out. Reservations can be tough, but the payoff is a tightly executed, destination-level meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck carnitas tacos, Rockfish ceviche, Banana leaf flan
What makes it special: Olvera’s refined, California-seasonal take on contemporary Mexican cooking.
8.6
A sleek Arts District taco window from chef Enrique Olvera, delivering Mexico City–leaning flavors with high-end technique in a casual, walk-up format. The tortillas and rich stewed meats are the draw, while the compact setup keeps things fast and focused on the food. Expect a short, curated menu executed with polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Suadero Taco, Fish Flauta, Mole Negro Taco
What makes it special: Olvera’s refined, Mexico City–style tacos in a hidden walk-up window.
A lively, punk-leaning slice shop that turns out thin, crisp New York–style pies with fast counter service. It’s a reliable stop for classic pepperoni or creative specials, especially when the neighborhood is buzzing. High volume and years of local love make this a staple for quick Italian comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice, The Bronx Bomber (meat-heavy pie), White pie with ricotta and garlic
What makes it special: Fast, legit NY-style slices in the heart of the Arts District.
#7
Café 2001
8.0
A stylish all-day Arts District café from chef Giles Clark that treats breakfast like a real menu, not an afterthought. Expect careful technique—think katsu sandwiches and smoked fish plates—matched with excellent coffee in a calm, minimalist room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked trout with hash browns & huckleberries, Pork katsu breakfast sandwich, Egg & relish salad sandwich
What makes it special: Chef-driven breakfast with Japanese-Western finesse.
Worthy Picks
#8
City Kitchen
7.7
A longtime Arts District lunch hub that flies under the radar outside local office circles. The daily lineup of salads, sandwiches, and hot plates stays fresh and straightforward, with a homemade feel that beats typical grab-and-go. Best for midday refuels rather than night outings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotating seasonal salad plate, House sandwich of the day, Grilled protein lunch bowls
What makes it special: Low-key, reliable weekday cooking with a true neighborhood feel.
#9
Pikunico
7.6
A fast-casual Japanese fried-chicken shop inside Row DTLA that keeps things tight and craveable. Karaage is shatter-crisp, bowls are balanced, and the vibe is easygoing picnic-style. Ideal for quick lunches that still feel special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fingerling potato fries, Mix basket of fried chicken with fries, Golden chicken sandwich
What makes it special: Japanese-style fried chicken with standout fingerling fries.