Lunch in Downtown Los Angeles ascends to new heights with an array of exceptional dining experiences that blend exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and captivating ambiances. These establishments redefine the midday meal, transforming it into a luxurious escape.
1. 71 Above – Bunker Hill: Heavenly Favor and Flavor
Elevating the dining experience quite literally is 71 Above, nearly 1,000 feet above Los Angeles in the Financial District, which provides the city’s most accessible opportunity to experience the breathtaking views inside the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi River.
Ambiance unmatched, 71 Above’s tinted windows give a soft blue lighting over pristine white tableware, offering unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views from Malibu to Laguna Hills.
Seated high above the city, the bird’s-eye view drifts consistently from the window to the plate, ensuring the experience is more than a dream, as the glass reveals views of a city usually reserved for the angels. Chef Javier Lopez is on top of the world, presiding over the kitchen since the restaurant’s opening nine years ago, crafting elevated modern American cuisine.
Midday options include a prix-fixe menu with the chef’s spicy Tuna Tostada, ‘Aglio e Olio’ Chitarra pasta with its zesty punch of garlic, and 71 Above’s Grilled Dorade, a clean, mild white fish with a meaty texture
Who knew tender, rich Grilled Octopus could be found so high above the seashore, swimming in a sea of smoked Chimichurri, sunflower seed Dukkah, lemon, sweet peppers, squashini, and purslane?
Each experience at 71 Above feels divine from the moment you step off the elevator until the last extravagant bite.
To top it off, desserts, fine wines, and signature cocktails await between the hours of 11am and 2pm. With the absolute most stunning vistas of Los Angeles guests may enjoy a three-course meal at 71 Above for just under one hundred dollars, before tax and gratuity. Located at 633 W. 5th Street
71st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. www.71above.com
2. Water Grill – Finance District: A Downtown Captain’s Catch
One of DTLA’s old-time favorites, Water Grill at the western base of the historic PAC Mutual Building is a true beacon for landlubbers seeking the freshest catch. Stepping inside is like boarding a vintage sea vessel.
The ambiance is a masterful work of maritime artistry, with wooden tables, brass fixtures, and a fleet of hanging stuffed fish at every booth. A long bar stretches across half the room, and the open kitchen hums with the energy of a well-oiled galley.
Executive Chef Jose Peraza oversees a top-notch crew, with service that’s always on the mark, ensuring guests are hooked from the moment they cast their line.
Lunchgoers get their sea legs with choice like Clam Chowder, Wild Icelandic Cod Fish & Chips, or the raw bar where the Water Grill truly glistens. It’s a treasure chest of the ocean’s finest, with a selection of oysters from both the East and West coasts.
Water Grill has one of the most extensive menus of all of DTLA, so if lunchtime calls for the main haul, the choices are abundant. If the choice is DT Weekly’s pick—the Wild Barents Sea Red King Crab along with the charcoal-grilled Prime Split-Bone ‘Cowboy’ Ribeye—be prepared: at Water Grill, the meaning of surf and turf is taken to a whole new sea level in downtown LA.
To wash it all down, try one of their handcrafted cocktails or spirit-free options; whatever the choice, the Water Grill promises a culinary voyage guests never forget. www.watergrill.com
3. Settecento – Historic Core: A Taste of Italy’s Garden
Don’t let your lunch hour be just another break in the day. Downtown has waited so long for a true culinary gem to fill a space that was once empty, yet still held so much promise and fond memories of the sound of delightful chatter. Grazie to Pizzaiolo Chef Mario Orsini and Executive Chef Francesco Angri, Settecento brings the true taste of Italy to DTLA.
If the downtown restaurant scene was in trouble, we’d never know it by the looks of Settecento. With one of the busiest lunch hours in all of DTLA, Settecento invites all to indulge in a midday escape
Start any midday journey with a fine-dining lunch priced at an enticing pre-fixe $25 per person with choices of petites, main courses, and supplementary offers of fresh-baked bread, added desserts, wines, and specialty cocktails.
Nothing compares to their beautifully redesigned interior or the allure of their beautifully situated outdoor garden courtyard.
Peering through the trees and various degrees of sunlight, guests have their choice of one flavorful appetizer, satisfying pasta, or pizza. Perhaps the comforting warmth of the Zuppa del Giorno, the chef’s daily soup selection, or a lighter, refreshing option like the Insalata del Settecento—a mixed salad of lettuce, radicchio, frisee, cucumber, radish, tomato, carrot, and hard-boiled egg with balsamic dressing—will come into view.
The main choices present a tempting array of Settecento’s beloved pasta or pizza creations. Pizza aficionados can indulge in the simplicity of the Margherita, the fiery kick of the Diavola, or the rich flavors of the Della Nonna with its tender meatballs and creamy stracciatella, among others.
While pasta lovers will find themselves equally spoiled for their choice others are witnessed enjoying the classic Spaghetti alla Bolognese, or the seafood lover’s Spaghetti alla Chitarra alle Vongole, or their heavy hitter and recognizable favorite lunch menu ruler, the Lasagna Classica made with bolognese ragù, béchamel, parmesan, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and basil.
When it comes to fine dining lunch options, Settecento takes top honors for their commitment to authenticity, Italian-speaking staff, and legendary hospitality, ensuring every bite, every sip, and every smile is steeped in tradition. Located at 700 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071. www.settecentodtla.com
4. Eigikutei – Little Tokyo: The Earliest Dining Place for the Art of Sushi
For a deeply authentic and elegant Japanese experience, Eigikutei is a standout in Little Tokyo and one of the district’s oldest standing establishments. Well known for its skilled sushi and kaiseki chefs who meticulously select ingredients and create artful dishes, upholding a family-owned tradition that dates back decades.
The menu features full Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine courses, including Omakase Sushi Kaiseki, and Shabu-Shabu Kaiseki with Wagyu upgrades.
At Eigikutei, the dining experience is a journey that begins with a deliberate sense of tranquility. Stepping through the traditional Japanese noren, just past a bamboo-laden path, their soothing entrance sets the tone for the highest art form: sushi, brought to DTLA with an ambiance that perfectly balances serenity and sophisticated dining.
The main dining area at Eigikutei feels like a tranquil Japanese garden. The space is filled with thoughtfully arranged booths and tables, all bathed in earthy tones of bamboo, brown, and white. To the far right, a sushi bar basks under soft, illuminated lighting, helmed by impeccable chefs dedicated to their craft. It is this seamless blend of a peaceful garden and a world-class sushi bar that makes Eigikutei an unforgettable experience. Located at 314 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. www.eigikutei.com
5. Âu Lạc – Bunker Hill: Vegan Vision of the Heart
For the lifelong plant-based dieter used to plates of raw, leafy vegetables, seasoned fruits, nuts, legumes, and handcrafted juices, Âu Lạc of Bunker Hill is the downtown lunch that gifts diners with familiar, healthful foods that celebrate the heart and soul of plant-based cuisine. Yet, for the meat eater, Au Lac becomes a revelation, a delightful surprise that proves indulgence is not about what’s absent but about the vibrant, imaginative flavors and profound nourishment that transforms the heart in every artfully crafted dish.
The lunch experience here may begin with the Kale Sea Salad, a living dish of sea veggies. When paired with a deep-hued Cold-Pressed Ruby Juice and a main course of Ravioli Rosa or the playful flavor of Salt & Peppered Shrimp, each menu item comes highly recommended
Âu Lạc’s fusion of fine dining and holistic health is what makes lunch at this destination a truly unique experience. It’s where every dish is a celebration of life. Lunch is Tuesday through Sunday
from 12 PM – 3 PM. 710 West 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. www.aulac.com
6. Fleming’s – The Social District: Prime Cuts and Casual Bites
Fleming’s Prime Steak House at L.A. Live stands out in a vibrant and competitive dining landscape surrounded by other glorious restaurants, yet it carves out its own niche with a unique blend of high-end steakhouse tradition and accessible, inviting options.
During lunch hours, Fleming’s distinguishes itself by offering a prix fixe menu that provides a carefully curated menu, with choices like the 6 oz Cabernet Filet and Barbecue Salmon, allowing diners to enjoy a multi-course meal with a precursor salad or mushroom Brie soup. Beyond the fixed-price offerings, Fleming’s also excels at providing more casual, yet still elevated, options.
Their Prime Steakhouse Burger, Sliced Chicken Sandwich, and Lobster Roll are more than just an afterthought. They are expertly crafted, showcasing the same attention to detail and high-quality ingredients as their prime steaks. This flexibility makes Fleming’s an ideal destination for a variety of occasions—from celebrating a special event to simply seeking a sophisticated yet satisfying lunch in the bustling L.A. Live complex at in the Social District. Located at 800 West Olympic, Los Angeles, CA 90015. www.flemingssteakhouse.com
7. H&H Brazilian – Finance District: A Carnival of Meats
For an authentic and indulgent fine dining Brazilian steakhouse lunch experience, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse in the Financial District is definitely a top contender in DTLA, if not all of Los Angeles.
The restaurant, led by owner and sommelier Henrique Huyer and Executive Chef Arturo Flores, offers an immersive and upscale lunch. Dancing flames from the fireplace illuminate H&H Brazilian’s floor-to-ceiling wine wall, creating a perfection of ambiance, all the while showcasing a curated selection of wines from here to South America.
If impeccable service is a must-have with fine dining establishments, then H&H goes a step beyond with cuts of meat brought by immaculately attired “gaucho chefs.” Many of these servers are from Brazil and carve slices of select meats off large skewers at every table, adding to the theatrical and authentic feel.
The Churrasco Experience is an unlimited feast featuring 18 prime cuts of meat, including picanha, filet mignon, lamb chops, and grilled pineapple. A notable and inclusive feature is that all beef, lamb, and chicken are 100% halal. This all-you-can-eat experience is for dine-in only and costs $25 per person.
Lunch isn’t limited but is accentuated with a fresh hot and cold bar featuring over 30 chef-designed dishes. There is also the option of a standalone Authentic A5 Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu, known for its tender texture and rich, non-greasy flavor. Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Aproveite! Located at 518 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. www.hhsteakhouse.com
8. Drago Centro – Finance District: A Love Affair with Italian Food
Ever feel the urge to propose to your significant other over lunch plates at break time? Drago Centro is one of Downtown’s fine dining examples that’s perfect for romance whatever time of day. A hidden sanctuary in the Finance District where the city’s energy fades into a soft, romantic hum as soon as one enters its enchanting main dining room.
Bathed in warm, golden light, every essence of the space, from its sophisticated design to the meticulous service, seems to whisper of romance. Bringing the sophisticated ambiance of Italian fare sautéed in romance to DTLA is Executive Chef/Owner Celestino Drago, a culinary visionary from Sicily, who curates a menu that is both delectably approachable and ingeniously innovative.
The menu showcases a signature selection of authentic Italian Sicilian dishes crafted with finesse and creativity, from house-made pastas that tantalize the taste buds to succulent steaks and elegantly created desserts.
Try separating the thoughts. For example: “The entanglement begins with a starter like the Burrata e Barbabietole Arrosto. Followed by the Pappardelle con Fagiano e Morelle, a dish that feels like a warm, luxurious embrace. The tender, house-made pappardelle cradles a rich, complex sauce of roasted pheasant and earthy morels. Alternatively, the Branzino Arrosto offers a different kind of promise, finishing off with the sweet caress of Drago’s Sphere Tiramisu, a work of edible art that deconstructs the classic into a beautiful, surprising creation of mascarpone mousse and espresso sabayon.
At Drago Centro lunch is flawlessly orchestrated, creating beautiful and indelible moments that last a lifetime. Located at 525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. www.dragocentro.com
9. White Elephant – Historic Core: Raising thr Bar at the Spring Arcade
In a landscape with a mere handful of fine dining restaurants in the Historic Core, White Elephant stands out, redefining the idea of a “fine dining lunch,” with a Thai twist. Located beneath the skylight dome of the historic Spring Arcade Building, White Elephant is a passion project born from a tight-knit family. The family—matriarch Jenny Suwatluckul, and her children Earth, Ten Chaiyakam, and Ponch Kollar.
The lunch menu is a vibrant collection of flavors, from the Coconut Milk Fried Chicken to their Honey Pork Belly, slow-roasted Kurobuta seared to crisp perfection. These dishes, along with their signature salads and perfectly executed classics, are what make the lunch experience truly special.
Spring Arcade ambiance exist thanks in part to the space they’ve created. White Elephant’s contemporary furnishings and an open kitchen, make the environment as aesthetically pleasing as their dishes are delicious.
Glimpse into the bold and memorable flavors of Thai cuisine and the surprisingly refined quality of a fine dining lunch in a relaxed and welcoming setting is what you’ll find everytime at White Elephant. Located at 541 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. www.welephant.com
10. The Oyster Gourmet – Civic District: Briny Food Hall Bliss
In the midst of Grand Central Market’s vibrant energy, where a thousand conversations create a symphony of city life, stands The Oyster Gourmet, a beautiful and unique contraption built from canvas and wood.
Inside the kiosk, a master at his craft, Christophe Happillon, and his staff prepare their daily offerings of thousands of oysters resting on a bed of ice, ready to be shucked for their briny perfection. Hovering just above them on the bar’s countertop, the oysters meet their match with bottles of chilled wine and sparkling champagne, ready for a perfect pairing
This little island of deliciousness is simple yet elegant and acts as a place where dining hall visitors can escape the Grand Central Market’s hustle and bustle for a few moments.
GCM, already over a century old, is complete with the age-old tradition of enjoying fresh, perfectly prepared oysters, and the smiles on the faces of the people gathered around the bar agree. Pick up a copy of the DT Weekly just beyond the Oyster Gourmet Kiosk to find out more about the history of Grand Central Market and the vendors who have made the location one of the world’s favorite lunch destinations. Located at 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013. www.theoystergourmet.com
