The 14 Best Restaurants in Arts District
Girl & The Goat
Chef Stephanie Izard's LA outpost on Mateo Street is a large, high-ceilinged room serving inventive New American food that draws on global and local flavors. It's one of the most talked-about restaurants in the neighborhood, and reservations are a good idea. Also available for takeout and delivery.
Smorgasburg Los Angeles
A weekly open-air food market at the edge of the Arts District, drawing a rotating lineup of local vendors and a reliably large crowd. Good for grazing across cuisines rather than committing to one spot, and well liked by the thousands of people who show up regularly. Available for delivery if you want to plan ahead.
Bestia
The husband-and-wife Italian restaurant on E 7th Place that helped put the Arts District on the map for food, with a seasonal menu and a room that stays loud and lively. Reservations are the only reliable way in. A large volume of reviews and a strong reputation that has held up over time.
Fisherman's Outlet
One of the most consistently well-regarded spots in the Arts District, this seafood market and eatery keeps things simple: classic bites served on paper plates from a counter. No frills, no reservations, just solid seafood at a fair price.
Jack's Wholesale Candy & Toy
A storied wholesaler on S Central Ave where you can buy American and Mexican candies in bulk alongside nostalgic snack brands and toys. The volume of people who know and love this place speaks for itself.
Bavel
Ori Menashe's follow-up to Bestia, Bavel sits on Mateo Street and focuses on Middle Eastern small plates, meat, and fish in the same downtown-energy register as its sibling. Reservations are essentially required, and the price point is on the higher end. One of the more celebrated spots in the Arts District.
Pizzanista
One of the more reliably loved spots in the Arts District, Pizzanista does New York-style thin-crust pizza with artisanal toppings out of a rehabbed old building on E 7th St. The crowd is big and the ratings are high, which for a pizza place usually means the basics are done right. Takeout and delivery are available.
Sushi Gen
People line up for this one, a simple sushi bar on 2nd Street known for traditional Japanese preparations and lunch deals that draw regulars from across the city. The room is no-frills and the focus is squarely on the fish. If you go for lunch, plan for a wait.
Ave 26 Tacos
This food truck on S Alameda is a go-to for tacos, burritos, and classic Mexican plates at street prices. It has earned a devoted following across a serious number of reviews, which says plenty on its own. Takeout only, so come ready to eat standing up or nearby.
Purgatory Pizza
Purgatory Pizza is a mural-covered Arts District staple doing thin-crust pies, calzones, and salads with solid vegan and spicy options on the menu. It's casual, well-priced, and has built up one of the larger and more enthusiastic followings in the neighborhood. Takeout and delivery are available.
Marugame Monzo
The draw here is udon made from noodles hand-pulled right in the open kitchen, and the spot has built a loyal following for it. Prices are reasonable for what you get, and takeout and delivery are both available.
Manuela
Set inside a rustic arts complex on E 3rd, this well-regarded restaurant leans into seasonal menus and housegrown ingredients without taking itself too seriously. It's the kind of place that works for a proper dinner out, and it's worth booking ahead.
Tenno Sushi
A sushi and Asian-fusion spot on the edge of the Arts District, Tenno draws a consistent crowd for its sake selection and mod interior with curvy walls and art on the walls. Reservations are worth making, and takeout and delivery are both available if you'd rather eat at home.
Rakkan Ramen
Rakkan Ramen is a Japan-based chain that centers its menu on vegetable-based broths and vegan-friendly options, which sets it apart from most ramen spots around town. It has earned strong marks from a large number of diners on E 1st St. Takeout and delivery are available.