Downtown LA Eateries
If you told us two years ago that some of our favorite restaurants are located in Downtown LA, we would’ve laughed at you and thought you were crazy. But, now, we honestly can’t stay away from all of the amazing restaurants that have been popping up all over Downtown LA. Downtown LA is definitely the trending up and coming neighborhood of LA; here is a round up of our favorite food and drink spots:
Umamicatessen: The owners of the infamous Umami Burger restaurants just opened a multi-concept deli and bar experience on Broadway downtown. They serve their mouth dripping burgers along with a plentiful of indulging other treats. We suggest trying the Tempura Dipped Onion Rings and all of the fried to order Donuts.
Bottega Louie: Bottega Louie’s high ceilings and extravagant bakery will make you feel like you just escaped to Europe for a brief moment. We love going to Bottega Louie, located on 7th and Grand, for their weekend Brunch, but really anytime of the day is just as good! For Brunch, we recommend trying their Smoked Salmon Benedict and Portobello fries. And, you can’t forget to grab a box of Macaroons on your way out.
Colori Kitchen: Just around the corner from Bottega Louie, located on 8th Street, is a cozy family-owned Italian restaurant called Colori Kitchen. We love all of their authentic Italian dishes and also appreciate they don’t have a corkage fee when you bring your own bottle of wine!
The Varnish: Hidden behind Cole’s (famous for their French dipped sandwiches) is a small speakeasy called The Varnish. This is probably one of our favorite bars, as you’ll flashback to the days of the Prohibition because the wait staff and bartenders are completely dressed in 1920’s attire. Order the “Bartender’s Choice” and we promise you’ll be satisfied every single time.
The Gorbals: Another hidden restaurant and another favorite, in the old Alexandria Hotel, is The Gorbals Los Angeles. If you’re a Top Chef junkie like us, then you’ll know that this is the restaurant of Illan Hall, the Top Chef winner of season 2. For a fun atmosphere and plate sharing with friends, this is the perfect place. It also helps that there isn’t one dish on this menu that we don’t like. The Gorbals’ Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream and Maldon Salt is the perfect cherry on top to every meal.
Spring Street Bar: Just down the street is an amazing bar that offers delicious 26 domestic beers on tap and made to order artisanal sandwiches (we recommend trying the meatball sandwich). Another perk about this spot is that they have happy hour daily from 5pm-8pm.
CoffeeBar: On the same street as Spring Street Bar is a cozy coffee bar, also called CoffeeBar, for all you coffee aficionados out there. Take your yummy drink and sit outside on their large outdoor patio – perfect for people watching – or bring your work for a calm and soothing atmosphere inside.
Church & State: Located in the Warehouse district, just a tad east of downtown LA, you’ll find this quaint French bistro lined with twinkle lights on the ceilings called Church & State. They serve absolutely the most delicious Tartes.
