Best Trendy Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
8 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
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.