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Best Californian Restaurants in Historic South-Central

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88 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Cara Cara at Downtown LA Proper restaurant
1. Cara Cara at Downtown LA Proper
4.6
Exceptional(1552)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 52 times today
From the golden daylight to the twinkling evening, all are welcome to experience the fresh bounty of Cara Cara. Chef Suzanne Goin's seasonal menu showcases California's best produce with her festive and irresistible rooftop fare. The expansive outdoor space features an elevated dining area with endless skyline views surrounded by a lushly landscaped lower lounge. Slip into one of the many cozy seating arrangements or sit by the fire pit and enjoy an innovative cocktail, wine, or beer paired by award-winning sommelier Caroline Styne. Every dish is crafted with a seed oil-free approach, bringing even greater care and vitality to the rooftop dining experience.
A photo of Openaire restaurant
2. Openaire
4.5
Awesome(2375)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Koreatown
Booked 41 times today
Openaire, nestled in the heart of Koreatown, Los Angeles, offers a truly remarkable American dining experience that celebrates the rich bounty of California. Under the expert guidance of two-Michelin star chef Josiah Citrin, the menu showcases a vibrant interplay of seasonal ingredients and cultural influences unique to LA. The lush greenhouse and tented garden setting create an "absolutely stunning" ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a memorable brunch or dinner. Diners rave about the "incredible food and service," highlighting dishes like the skirt steak and cornflake French toast. Openaire is a sanctuary of flavors in the bustling city, perfect for any occasion.
A photo of DISTRICT restaurant
3. DISTRICT
4.4
Awesome(482)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
DISTRICT in Downtown Los Angeles is a must-visit for those craving authentic American cuisine with a Californian twist. The restaurant's commitment to "uncompromising quality" shines through in every dish, from the divine fish tacos to the flavorful roast chicken. Guests consistently rave about the "excellent service" and the inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for both family dining and business lunches. With a design that marries art and craft, DISTRICT promises a dining experience that is both "wholly enticing and utterly original." Whether it's the fresh, hot dishes or the dazzling cocktails, this culinary gem ensures a memorable visit every time.
A photo of Manuela restaurant
4. Manuela
4.7
Exceptional(259)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 24 times today
Manuela, located in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, is a true gem for American cuisine aficionados. Under the talented direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu that "celebrates fresh, local ingredients" sourced from Southern California's finest farms. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" that combines creativity with authenticity. Signature dishes, like the burrata and French toast, have garnered a loyal following, with patrons heralding them as "culinary delights." The charming garden setting and exceptional service further enhance the "exquisite dining experience." Manuela is a must-visit for anyone craving quality American cuisine.
A photo of Caldo Verde at Downtown LA Proper restaurant
5. Caldo Verde at Downtown LA Proper
4.6
Exceptional(514)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 2 times today
Caldo Verde offers a refined start to the day in the heart of downtown. Open daily for breakfast, the menu by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne highlights local ingredients, old California influences, and seed oil-free cooking. The space includes a thoughtfully designed dining room, a bar open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and outdoor seating along Broadway. Happy Hour is available Tuesday through Thursday and Friday-Sunday from 3 to 6 PM. Caldo Verde is also available for private events, offering a timeless setting for connection and conversation.
A photo of Kato restaurant
6. Kato
4.8
Exceptional(349)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Kato, nestled in Downtown Los Angeles, is a haven of exquisite Californian cuisine that masterfully intertwines Taiwanese influences with a contemporary flair. Recognized as "arguably the best fine dining restaurant in LA," Kato offers a thoughtfully crafted menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of Asian American nostalgia while embracing seasonal innovation. Diners rave about the "exceptional" service and the "phenomenal" tasting menu that tells a story with each flavorful course. Chef Jon Yao’s culinary artistry elevates Taiwanese and SGV nostalgia to Michelin-worthy heights, making Kato an unforgettable dining experience. It's a culinary journey that beautifully captures the essence of Californian cuisine.
A photo of Noe Bar at the Omni Los Angeles restaurant
7. Noe Bar at the Omni Los Angeles
4.1
Excellent(1543)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
NOE Bar at the Omni Los Angeles is a shining gem in the heart of downtown LA, renowned for its exquisite French American cuisine that seamlessly blends traditional flavors with modern flair. Diners rave about the "excellent food, good service, and nice ambiance," with standout dishes like the crispy salmon and Wagyu burgers that exemplify the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by live piano music, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Guests appreciate the attentive staff, who deliver a warm and welcoming service. NOE is a must-visit culinary destination that captures the essence of French American cuisine.
A photo of Broken Shaker - Los Angeles restaurant
8. Broken Shaker - Los Angeles
3.8
Excellent(458)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
An oasis in the heart of Downtown LA, Broken Shaker, located on our rooftop pool deck, offers an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city. 21 AND UP AND DRINKS ONLY DURING BAR HOURS. A 4% health service charge is added to all checks to help cover the cost of health care benefits that we offer to our full-time employees. Additionally, an 18% service charge is automatically included in your purchase. Thank you for supporting our staff. If you would like either of these charges removed, please let your server know and the charge will be removed.
A photo of Asterid restaurant
9. Asterid
4.3
Awesome(347)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Asterid in Downtown Los Angeles is a beacon of Fusion and Eclectic cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience inspired by the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Chef Garcia masterfully crafts a California-inspired menu that celebrates diverse flavors with innovative flair. Patrons rave about the "fabulous" food, highlighting standout dishes like the "succulent lamb shank" and the "thick, meaty maitake mushroom" prepared in a "totally unique way." The restaurant’s ambiance, described as "warm and lively," pairs perfectly with the inventive cocktails, making it an ideal pre-theater destination. Asterid is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of L.A.'s culinary richness.
A photo of Rossoblu restaurant
10. Rossoblu
4.7
Exceptional(2159)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Rossoblu stands out as a gem of Contemporary Italian cuisine in Downtown Los Angeles, seamlessly blending the vibrant energy of LA with the rich culinary traditions of Bologna, Italy. The restaurant’s menu, crafted by chef Steve Samson, features authentic, soulful pastas, and house-made salumi that "transport diners straight to Italy." The ambiance of Rossoblu, with its vaulted dining room and open kitchen, provides a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Diners rave about the "award-winning food" and "excellent cocktails," making each visit an unforgettable experience. The outdoor piazza offers a delightful escape from the city bustle, enhancing the overall dining experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Hugo
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was amazing and the service was great!!!!
    More info
    Cara Cara at Downtown LA ProperPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • AnhVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful anniversary experience at a world-class restaurant. From the moment we arrived, we were met with a very relaxed atmosphere. The waiter and staff were accommodating and also made sure to confirm my substitution request for a shellfish allergy. The non-alcoholic pairing beverage program gave the feel of enjoying complex liquors and wines during the meal. Food was excellent. Comforting and complex.
    More info
    KatoPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Brionn
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went for their “Golden Hour” happy hour and the appetizer choices could have been better, but the drinks were great! The Go Go Gochujang drink was really spicy and delicious. Dinner was phenomenal. The milk bread was soft and flavorful and stands on its own without the butter. I also had the duck confit and kimchi bacon rice which was an amazing meal. Exceptional and unique! The experience was amazing overall!
    More info
    OpenairePrice: Expensive• Californian• Koreatown
    •
    4.5
  • J
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 1, 2025
    Best brunch in the whole US, love their hen of the woods mushroom, and of course their popover Benedict
    More info
    ManuelaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • ELIZABETH
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 18, 2025
    It’s so nice and quite. Great for a dinner date of business:)
    More info
    DISTRICTPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.4

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