Best Trendy Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
8 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.
#4
Yang Chow
8.4
A Chinatown institution known for big, bright flavors and tables that turn fast but stay friendly. The patio and open storefront make it ideal for a lively al-fresco meal centered on their signature shrimp and classic wok dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Slippery Shrimp, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sizzling Rice Soup
What makes it special: Legendary Slippery Shrimp backed by massive, long-running local love.
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.
8.2
A century-old Little Tokyo sweet shop that’s still a must-stop for mochi and manju made daily. It’s fast, friendly, and deeply tied to the neighborhood’s history, with a line that moves quick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strawberry mochi, Rainbow dango, Assorted manju box
What makes it special: Family-run mochi since 1903, still handmade in-house.
#7
Torigoya
8.1
A tiny yakitori hangout that feels like a Tokyo backstreet bar—charcoal-grilled skewers, quick pours, and a steady after-work buzz. The set courses are the move, letting the kitchen pace your night.
Must-Try Dishes:
10-skewer omakase course, Chicken tsukune (meatball) skewers, Yuzu pepper dipping sauce
What makes it special: True charcoal yakitori in an intimate Little Tokyo izakaya.
#8
Firstborn
8.0
Chef Anthony Wang’s modern Chinese-American bistro is one of Chinatown’s most exciting new rooms, riffing on heritage with French technique and a strong cocktail program. The menu is playful but grounded, best enjoyed family-style.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chongqing Fried Chicken, Fermented Tofu “Caesar”, Short Rib for Two
What makes it special: A fresh 2025 courtyard restaurant rethinking Chinese-American fine dining.