Downtown Los Angeles has been a hip, growing neighborhood with top chefs and retailers filling up those high-rise buildings. Bring your dog to explore some new restaurants and shops, especially in the Arts District.
From exotic sausages to the best pies, there’s a variety of choices in this growing neighborhood.
Faith & Flower. What a gorgeous place in Downtown — spacious, rustic and romantic. There is a larger-than-normal outdoor patio that feels secluded, while in between the busy streets of DTLA. Walking distance to LA Live, FIDM & Staples Center, it’s a great place for Happy Hour ($1 oysters!) and small shared plates. It has a busy bar scene during the weekdays (after-work professionals come for Happy Hour) but if you prefer relaxed and quiet (me), go on the weekend. 🙂 705 W 9th St.
Loam. Located in the historic Ace Hotel. A hip place for some New American dishes and exotic cocktails (ie: Beet It: vodka, beet shrub, grapefruit, tarragon, egg white or the Kiss Me Deadly: bourbon, cinnamon, hazelnut, absinthe, bitters) and cute outside patio on the street. 930 S Broadway.
The Pie Hole. I’m not a huge dessert person but I think I died and went to sugar heaven. At first I thought that green thing was Key Lime Pie but no! It’s GREEN TEA PIE. It was so light and airy, not too sweet — just the right amount. The other one is Chocolate Crostata — a brownie covered in pie crust topped with caramel and sea salt. I’ll meet you in fatty McFat heaven. 714 Traction Ave.
Urth Caffe. When you want good coffee, good tea, salad or SOUPS you come here. This is one Urth of many locations (Pasadena, Bev Hills, Melrose, Santa Monica, Laguna Beach). I love that they serve several choices of soups and the BEST turkey burger the size of your face. Seriously, it’s a monster. And really really tasty. I don’t normally eat meat but I can’t help but take a bite. Also, try the Tomato Rice soup — it’s like childhood in a cup. 451 S Hewitt St.
Zinc. There’s a front patio to sit outside with your dog but the real outdoors is in the side/back where there are tables and chairs to sit, talk, mingle and chill in. It has a warm, community-vibe and luscious scenery. The food is delicious and don’t forget the adjoining Mateo cocktail bar which serves some nice drinks! 580 Mateo St.
Manuela. Walk into the beautiful Hauser & Wirth (an art gallery featuring contemporary works) and find yourself inside an open-air courtyard and restaurant/bar — a gem in downtown Los Angeles. 907 E 3rd St.
Wurstküche. A staple in Los Angeles serving Belgian fries and unique sausages — flavors like rattlesnake + rabbit, duck + bacon and mango jalapeno. Don’t worry, you can count on classics like bratwurst, hot Italian and chicken apple sausage. I always order the vegetarian Mexican chipotle — so satisfying, spicy and delish. Plenty of outdoor seating. 800 E 3rd St.
Bavel. One of the best upscale Middle-Eastern restaurants you can find in Los Angeles with a chic outdoor patio. Make sure to reserve a table beforehand — it’s been known to be booked a month in advance! 500 Mateo St.
