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The Exchange Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA
Award-winning

The Exchange Restaurant

4.8
4.8
518 Reviews
$31 to $50
Israeli
Top Tags:
Freehand LA’s full service restaurant, The Exchange, pays homage to the 12-story vintage blade sign (the largest in LA) under which its entrance proudly sits. The restaurant is led by the team behind Bar Lab and Chef Narita Santos who brings forth her Southeast Asian background on the menu. The focal point on Southern California's seasonal abundance of local produce, fresh seafood and choice meats beautifully highlights the multi-cultural flavors of urban LA through an Israeli lens. We accompany our menu by a natural wine selection. Private dining options are available. Please contact us for more details.

Please note that a 4% charge is added to all checks to help cover the cost of health care benefits that we offer for our full-time employees. Thank you for your patronage and support. If you would like this charge removed, please let your server know.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Israeli, Asian, Latin American
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (213) 395-9531
  • Website
    http://freehandhotels.com/los-angeles/the-exchange
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Narita Santos
  • Private party facilities
    Freehand LA’s restaurant, The Exchange, pays homage to the 12 story vintage blade sign (the largest in LA) under which its entrance proudly sits. The menu at The Exchange explores the multi-cultural flavors of urban LA through an Israeli lens.
  • Private party contact
    Robyn Schneider: (213) 395-9524
  • Location
    416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014-3002
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Olive & 8th
  • Parking details
    Valet and self parking available.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 518 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Los Angeles

    Innovative

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Innovative

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Healthy

  • Downtown / South and East LA

    Neighborhood gem

518 Reviews

  1. Hilly

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    There is so much good work getting done in this type of cuisine— but this place isn’t really part of it. It is formulaic and lacking creative passion. Either try harder or you can’t expect to succeed. Limited uninspiring menu. Same is try the wine list. What about adding an established label like Covenant?

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  2. Rufusmugs

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Took a long time to get seated and even to get seen. Food was subpar but prices were heavy. Fire alarm went off several times while at the table.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food and service were amazing! Krish helped us. Krish had wonderful menu recommendations and was careful to mind dishes that would aggregate my cousin’s citrus allergy. We ordered the lamb chops, salmon, a citrus wine and an old fashion. Everything was delicious.

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  4. IngeL

    Exclusive

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely service, beautiful food and gorgeous decor.

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  5. Stella

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food! Lots of veggies and flavor! The drinks were great as well!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We couldn’t have been more thrilled with our experience. Loved the decor and ambiance. The staff was on point and very kind. The food was delicious as well. Our only suggestion would be to stagger the courses a bit more so food doesn’t come out all at once. Other than that, we can say we will be back!

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  7. Loaf

    Mexico City

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience5
    Used to love this place but it’s really gone downhill - overpriced, small portions, and everything I had was just not quite right. Not sure what happened, it used to be such a lovely gem in dtla

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    Service wasn’t good. Waitress was cold and disinterested… not particularly polite or inviting. There was only one other table dining besides us and still it took forever for our food to arrive. The steak arrived cold. Not great value at all. You get better quality food at other restaurants. This place was dead and I can see why. I don’t think it will stay open.

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  9. MichaelL

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience4
    I had a business lunch here with one other person. We split hummus and dessert, I had a wrap and she had a salad with meat. We also had a bottle of sparkling water and 2 ice teas. The bill with tip was over $100. Although I really enjoyed the food, it was not worth this extraordinary premium.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Love this place since it opened. Great food and character.

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  11. Christiaan

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience3
    Service was great and friendly and attentive. The food was lack luster and everything was covered in massive amounts of sauce so much so that it was hard to eat...

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  12. Cara

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The food was just ok and definitely not worth the cost. Avoid the charred Cesar salad, it's just cabbage. The burger comes with "tomato confit aioli" which is literally just ketchup.

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  13. tonyw

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite restaurants. The food is always delicious and cooked to perfection. Their head chef is exceptionally talented. Service always comes with a smile and attention. The layout is exciting, and the ambiance is romantically seductive yet straightforward; I can not fault this place, even if I tried.

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  14. AndreasK

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Not regretting at all to have come back after a Covid hiatus, but it appears that the restaurant is somewhat underrated at this point which much less patrons than before covid. Also, it should be noted that the chef changed, but the commitment to presenting an outstanding cuisine persisted. Our waiter Christina provided excellent guidance through the menu. qaThe Salatim platter, the falafel, the cauliflower, and the brussels sprouts were splendid vegetarian selections, and the tender chicken Pargiyot offered a small delicious extra for the carnivore. Even though we had plenty, we fortunately were convinced to try the blue corn fritters, which – combined with an espresso – nicely rounded up the tasty dinner. (originally posted by me on Yelp)

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and service were great! Lights could be about 10% brighter.

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  16. JonathanP

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Food was good but nothing amazing. Being downtown, this place faces stiff competition.

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  17. MonicaG

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was the delicious! We had the Exchange Burt get, the Brussels sprouts and the lentil soup. All were deliciously seasoned and fresh.

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  18. lwishner

    Los Angeles

    40 reviews

    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love coming here for lunch, esp when meeting friends who never have been. It is a delightful space! Service is always excellent. Food is always delicious—and I love you can share or eat solo plates. Thanks!

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  19. travelbug

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I absolutely love this restaurant. We came multiple times prior to Covid and we’re thrilled it. Survived. The flavors are the most exquisite and paired perfectly together. One of the best restaurants in LA IMHO

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Berlin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorites restaurants in LA

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  21. TommyD

    Los Angeles

    39 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The food was just okay. Service slightly better. Absolutely no wine list, and the choices of wine by the glass was Riesling and Syrah…period. According to the waiter “we don’t really do wine here”. Ummm, okay. You have a full bar, but no wine.

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  22. Fitz

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Hands down the worst dining experience ever!!!!!!!

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  23. Roxy

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    We had dined at The Exchange three times before last night. Food is still great but do not remember the noise playing that loud. Even our 27 year old friend thought it was too loud so it was not that my husband and I are of an older generation. Could barely hear my dining companions and made for an anxious evening rather than a pleasant one. Also, the server was not busy - there were not that many people when we were there - but she had an attitude and barely came around. We all agree she was not suited to the hospitality business.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, humble staff, great drinks, great interior design. The lamb ribs are amazing. Highly recommend

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  25. Leana

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The waitstaff is always amazing and attentive. The food was great as always.

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  26. StewartH

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and amazaing atompshere. Would highly recommend for a quite dinner date.

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  27. ElectricShelby

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is insanely good. Service is incredible. Such an underrated spot Try everything

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  28. LenaR

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great unique dishes. Good cocktails. Get the cauliflower! ( :

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  29. JeffG

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food good service we were Ina rush to catch a show and they made it a point to take care of us quickly!

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  30. AlanB

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect atmosphere for a pleasantly dinner. My food was well served, and customer service were amazing! I didn't even have to wait long for my meal, it was worth the reservation. They get full really quickly! I would recommend eating here if you need a quiet, tasteful, peaceful dinner.

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  31. MichaelV

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took a Friday night date to The Exchange. We really loved the place. Super friendly staff, great ambiance and the food was first rate. The only downside was the wines were mainly imports and hardly any California labels. (no chard) Otherwise it was a perfect experience.

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  32. JackieB

    Bath

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was amazing Christian was brilliant with the choice in the menu and gave some excellent suggestions on menu choice . Food was amazing some excellent food taste sensations.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We went for lunch tried many things on the menu. Almost all were excellent. Ambience is lovely.

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  34. 50SEP

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    They have a very interesting and eclectic menu- including cocktails and wine! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience!

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  35. Phoenixers

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and creative, the restaurant was warm and unique. A perfect date night and close to Crypto!

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  36. GeraldJBak

    Anchorage

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food was really good. Amazing!! We were served by a "Team of employees". They were all very nice and professional.

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  37. MuffinMama

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2022

    overall4food2service5ambience4
    A very quiet place for lunch. Prtty restaurant but there was only one other person there for lunch. We felt like something was wrong. The cauliflower was amazing, the lmab sandwich was good and the service was excellent. however, the rest of the entrees were only OK - nothing special. We had some salads that were bordering on bad. I receommend ONLY ordering the meditteranearn food and nothing else. Plus we went for a birthday and there was no option for dessert of any kind so, NOT a good birthday choice - that was my fault. I would NOT go back.

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  38. pashm

    Los Angeles

    96 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    Well, first it is very misleading where the bar pictures that is part of a different restaurant added under the exchange restaurant. We went for a business lunch, it was very much empty, only us in the restaurant. Yet the waiter seems all over, we were waiting till someone met us once we;re inside then any wine you ask from the list almost not existent. Then in the empty restaurant, tables are sooo close that you can't get in and out. Tables were sticky, seems not cleaned well. Food was whatever, not palatable at all. Will not return. thanks

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  39. Peco

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at the Exchange was an amazing experience. We asked our waiter to compliment the chef for us. The dishes were unique, with exotic flavors. The restaurant is located within the Freehand Hotel, which has a gorgeous lobby with a cool bar. The service at the bar and restaurant were very professional.

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  40. tonyw

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Probably my 20th+ time dining here and yet another incredibly consistent fantastic food and service experience. I love the ambiance, and the chef's style is outstandingly far from contemporary. Cocktails were hand prepared, delicious and not sweet and with premade syrups, but had plentiful herb garnish that helped bring you into the experience even more. Thank you!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Exchange Restaurant does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates.

The Exchange Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 518 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Exchange Restaurant

416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014-3002

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Olive & 8th
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Israeli, Asian, Latin American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet and self parking available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Narita Santos
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://freehandhotels.com/los-angeles/the-exchange
  • Phone number
    (213) 395-9531
  • Private party facilities
    Freehand LA’s restaurant, The Exchange, pays homage to the 12 story vintage blade sign (the largest in LA) under which its entrance proudly sits. The menu at The Exchange explores the multi-cultural flavors of urban LA through an Israeli lens.
  • Private party contact
    Robyn Schneider: (213) 395-9524
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