Downtown Dining in LA: Where Elegance Meets Edge

In Downtown L.A.’s ever-growing dining scene, where new spots seemingly open overnight, it can be hard to decide which restaurant deserves your next reservation and others that you’re best to skip. We’ve got the rundown on the hottest new additions—plus a few favorites—that are definitely worth a seat at the table.

Faith & Flower

Swanky set along Downtown’s 9th street, Faith & Flower goes for an inventive, rustic dining experience, thanks in large part to the partnership between Executive Chef Michael Hung , Chief Mixologist Michael Lay and Wine Director Jared Hooper. A magnificent raw bar menu features the freshest of selections, while those looking for cooked can indulge on such wonders as the seared steelhead trout, oxtail or Tai snapper. Can’t make it Downtown for dinner? Feast on Faith & Flower’s delicious brunch menu, featuring a rotating menu of wood oven pizzas among other brunch favorites.

Ledlow Swan
400 S. Main St.

You may see the 4th and Main address and think we’ve confused Ledlow Swan for neighborhood favorite Pete’s. And up until the end of 2014, you would have been correct. But seemingly overnight, Josef Centeno turned Pete’s American dishes into Ledlow Swan’s French-meets-Southern flavors. Relaying heavily on local growers and seasonal shifts, the menu at Ledlow changes frequently (though one should absolutely try the shrimp & grits when available!) . Ledlow is also one place you don’t want to skip dessert at while dining—just ask those lucky enough to enjoy the soufflé.

Cerveteca

You no longer have to trek to the West Side for Oscar Hermosillo’s Mexican dishes. Cerveteca’s fall opening brought trendy tacos (and so much more) to the Arts District, and with it came rave reviews. The yellowtail and Peruvian ceviches are absolute standouts, while the fire-frilled Churrasco Ribeye should be on any meat-eaters entrée selection. The cool loft-feel of the dining room fits in seamlessly with other Downtown establishments, making Cerveteca a great option for after-work eats or date-night dining.

The Springs

Talk about mixed-use space! The Springs has taken a full-on approach to wellness, with a 13,000-square-foot vegan “mind-body urban oasis.” Yes, that means you can get your chant on at Peace Yoga Gallery, then enjoy some delicious pressed goodness at Sustain Juicery. However the real star of the show for meatless eaters is the 100 percent organic raw vegan eatery, helmed by Executive Chef Michael Falso. Enjoy inventive spaghetti alla carbonara, sweet corn ravioli and the like along with a fine selection of organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines. This dining experience is so decidedly one of a kind, it can even convert the uninitiated.

Bestia

It may still be one of the hardest tables to get in town, but no Downtown dining guide would be complete with a Bestia mention. Overseen by husband and wife dream team Ori Menashe (executive chef) and Genevieve Gergis (pastry chef), the multi-regional Italian restaurant boasts fresh pastas, amazing house-cured meats and a dessert menu that will make any sweet tooth’s dream come true. Modifications are kindly declined, but with two culinary superstars in the kitchen, there’s really no reason not to trust the menu at Bestia.

Pez Cantina

The newest creation from former Patina Executive Chef Bret Thompson transports coastal Mexico to Bunker Hill. With a design eye toward bringing the ocean on land, Pez Cantina features great mixed indoor/outdoor dining, cool weathered wood accents and authentic coastal design touches throughout. Touching on many of Mexico’s most beloved dining regions, the menu at Pez covers distinct flavors from the likes of Baja (yellow fin tuna) to the Yucatan Peninsula (Cochinita pibil pork shank).