Top 5 restaurants you must try in downtown Los Angeles

Since its early days, Los Angeles has attracted tourists in droves, but downtown L.A. wasn't always seen as a hotspot for vacationers looking for fun.

However, that’s been changing in recent years. Downtown L.A. now boasts a variety of attractions that keep both visitors and locals entertained, including Grand Park, the Broad Museum, and the iconic Grand Central Market.

As you explore downtown’s parks, museums, and other cultural gems, you can also enjoy a vibrant food scene. The area’s restaurant offerings stay open well into the evening, adding to the growing allure of this urban neighborhood. The diverse dining choices reflect the city’s melting pot identity.

Here are five downtown L.A. restaurants that come highly recommended by local chefs, and which you might want to try for yourself:

1. Broken Spanish

Mexican cuisine is abundant in L.A., but when you're craving something unique and memorable, Broken Spanish is the place to go. Chefs Ivan Marquez and Ray Garcia lead the kitchen here.

The tostada at Broken Spanish is a crowd favorite: ‘His tostada on heirloom corn tortillas (made in-house) with beets, hard-boiled egg, and pickled habanero is absolutely transcendental!’ says chef Sammy Monsour, co-author of ‘American Burger Revival.’

Ever tried duck at a Mexican restaurant? The roast duck with mole at Broken Spanish is a standout, along with their charred red cabbage served with cueritos (pig skin). Their menu features a range of ingredients, from oysters and scallops to beets and mushrooms.

Broken Spanish adds a 3% surcharge to its bills to cover health insurance for its full-time staff. However, diners can opt to have the surcharge removed if they prefer.

2. Bäco Mercat

For a taste of Southern Europe and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Bäco Mercat is the place to be. Part of chef Josef Centeno’s restaurant group, this spot is known for its delicious flatbread sandwiches and other standout dishes.

The Original sandwich, featuring a blend of pork, beef carnitas, and salbitxada (a tangy tomato sauce from Catalonia, Spain), is a chef favorite.

‘You can’t go wrong with Bäco’s original flatbread sandwich,’ says chef Tim Goodell, co-owner of Public Kitchen & Bar in L.A. ‘They take traditional beef carnitas to the next level by adding rich pork belly.’

Other standout dishes include the Fava Fritter Bäco (with feta-poblano, chickpeas, and salmorejo) and House Granola with Lebni (unsweetened yogurt) and honey. Vegetarians will find plenty to choose from, and the restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, and beers.

3. Bestia

For an Italian dining experience that goes beyond the typical pasta and pizza, Bestia is the place to visit. The restaurant’s industrial design is the creation of chefs Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe.

Bestia shines with its rustic Italian dishes. A standout is the Grilled Whole Branzino, served with pea tendrils, fried herbs, and grilled lemon. Chef Nathan Lyon calls it ‘simplicity at its best.’ If you’ve ever been put off by dry, bland fish, Bestia will change your mind with its fresh and flavorful approach.

Feeling bold? The Bone Marrow and Spinach Gnocchetti is another dish that’s turning heads among the city's chefs.

The dessert menu offers a tempting selection, including Maple Ricotta Fritters and a Warm Pear Ricotta Tart.

4. Sarita’s Pupuseria

With a fun name to say and unforgettable food, Sarita’s Pupuseria is a standout at L.A.’s Grand Central Market. You can grab a seat at the counter or take your meal to go.

Owner Sara Clark brings authentic Salvadoran dishes to the table, passed down through family recipes.

Chef Sammy Monsour can’t get enough of the cactus pupusas: ‘I crave them. They’re made to order, served hot with a perfect sear and packed with cheese.’ Another favorite among chefs is the loroco pupusa, made with the edible Central American flower.

Along with the famous pupusas (thick corn cakes stuffed with savory fillings), the menu also offers fried plantains, traditional Salvadoran stews, and plenty of vegetarian options.

5. Wurstküche

When you think of Southern California cuisine, German food with a twist probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Wurstküche might change that perception. The restaurant proudly calls itself a ‘purveyor of exotic grilled sausages.’

A great starting point is the Duck & Bacon Sausage. Chef Tim Goodell admits he’s hooked: ‘With tender meat and a spicy jalapeño kick, the flavors are truly unique. I try to mix it up every time I visit, but I just can’t resist.’

What pairs better with a delicious sausage than crispy, twice-fried Belgian fries? You can choose from a variety of dipping sauces, including curry ketchup and pesto mayo.

For the truly adventurous, try rattlesnake or rabbit sausage, served on a freshly baked roll. And don’t forget to wash it down with a selection of German and Belgian draft beers.