Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Downtown

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Downtown? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bestia

4.8

4.8 (8467)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

Top review

estebanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

This was favorite dinner of the year so far I’m grateful for the food and experience. The waitress energy was contagious she was awesome and enlightened the dinner. I will be back again thank you guys! Best, Esteban lopez

Fogo de Chao - Los Angeles

4.8

4.8 (2150)

$30 and under

Brazilian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

Top review

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Antonio was attentive to our needs and courteous. He was reassuring and took good care of us. Kudos!

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Experience

Surf & Turf Cocktail Party

Experience

All-Day Happy Hour

Kato

4.8

4.8 (352)

$50 and over

Contemporary Asian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Kato serves seasonally-focused tasting menus influenced by Taiwan and Asian American nostalgia.

Dining Room Tasting Menu │ $325
The dining room tasting menu focuses on seasonality and innovation.

Bar Tasting Menu │ $185
The bar tasting menu is a slightly abbreviated collection of classic Kato dishes.

An 18% fair wage and operational fee has been added to your bill. It goes to provide elevated, comprehensive benefits, as well as consistent, livable wages for all staff. Though many of our guests choose to leave gratuity for exemplary service, it is neither necessary nor expected, though it is greatly appreciated. This gratuity will be shared by all hourly staff.

Top review

DheilanVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Exceptional food in a surprisingly casual environment.

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Experience

Dining Room Tasting Menu

Experience

Bar Tasting Menu

Experience

Bar Cocktails & Snacks

Fixins Soul Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (4586)

$30 and under

Soul food

Downtown

About the restaurant

*We encourage all guests to plan ahead for parking to ensure your reservation time is met.
*We have a 15-minute grace period. If you will be arriving later than the grace period, please message us on OpenTable or your reservation will be cancelled.
*All dining experiences are limited to 90 minutes to accommodate all reservations.
*We accept reservations for up to 8 guests.
*All parties of 9+ can visit www.fixinssoulkitchencatering.com to fill out an inquiry form for large parties. We will be in touch between 24 to 48 hours with further details.
*Each reservation is treated separately. We cannot guarantee nearby seating for separate reservations.
*We ask that your full party be present in order to be seated.
*An automatic 20% service charge is included for all parties of 6+ w/ the option to split checks up to 3 times, max.

Top review

Candice

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great time food was so delicious looking forward to coming again

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4.8

4.8 (306)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

*Looking to book for 7+ people? Email us at DTLA.reservations@joeyrestaurants.com and someone will get back to you shortly!*JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. Wrapping the corner of 7th and S Flower St with the largest street level patio downtown Los Angeles, JOEY DTLA features a theatre kitchen, a stunning stone bartop and a custom wine wall in the lounge. The dining room showcases a large commissioned art piece by Los Angeles local, America Martin, an interior willow tree that provides an oasis within the city.

Top review

WendyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Food is always delicious- Katsu chicken salad- always on point. Chicken is always perfectly cooked.

USC University Club

4.7

4.7 (107)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The University Club Restaurant is an elegant space to host work meetings or enjoy a gracious setting with friends. Our menu changes seasonally and reflects the best of local produce.

Reservations are recommended. Our dress code is Business Casual.

For reservations, call (213) 740-2030

Top review

EvelynVIP

Dined on Feb 20, 2025

Excellent dining option right on campus! Friendly staff, great desserts. Looking forward to trying their buffet option.

Mastro's Ocean Club - Downtown Los Angeles

4.7

4.7 (818)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Mastro’s collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

Top review

simoneVIP

Dined on May 29, 2025

The entire bar team is awesome, I mean truly great!

Joyce

4.7

4.7 (605)

$31 to $50

Southern

Downtown

About the restaurant

Joyce celebrates the essence of Southern cuisine, spotlighting sustainable seafood and an exceptional raw bar. Located in Los Angeles, in the heart of downtown. Our recipes reflect a heartfelt blend of flavors inspired by the coastal south and soul food classics. The menu features a variety of small and large plates, inviting guests to enjoy in the spirit of a traditional southern table, where friends and family gather around for a shared dining experience.

To complement our dishes, we curate a full wine list and zero-landfill cocktail program, blending innovation with a commitment to sustainability. Let Joyce be your home away from home, where every visit delivers warmth, community, and culinary experience to be remembered.

Top review

Courtney

Dined today

Mac & cheese was under seasoned with NO flavor, duck overcooked

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Popular dish

Cast Iron Mac & Cheese

Popular dish

Low Country Shrimp & Grits

Popular dish

Crispy Smoked Duck Confit

Mrs. Fish

4.6

4.6 (1749)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

A truly unique dining and cocktail experience nestled below the main level of the historic Pershing Square Building, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Mrs. Fish is a subterranean Japanese restaurant lounge providing the perfect gathering place for special occasions, events, or full dining experiences. Our menu spans Japanese small plates, sushi, entrees, and premium steak cuts.

*Walk-ins after 10:45pm must be 21+ with ID
*Valet Parking is offered Tuesday – Saturday for $14.00
*Our Dress Code is Upscale Casual preferred. Presentable shirts, jeans, or shorts are acceptable.
*We advise guests to arrive at the time of reservation to Check-in for table. We have a 15 minute grace period if guests are running late.
The restaurant charges a 20% auto-gratuity on all food and beverage items for parties and groups of 6 or larger. The full amount of the gratuity is distributed to employees in the chain of service to the guests.

Top review

TonyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Fantastic food, fantastic service, great live music, and super cool space. Highly recommend!

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4.6

4.6 (501)

$30 and under

Indian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Baar Baar, meaning "again and again" in Hindi, invites you to embark on a vibrant culinary journey through the diverse flavors of India. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Sujan Sarkar, this modern Indian restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles elevates traditional dishes with innovative techniques and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Step into a sleek and stylish space adorned with vibrant murals and plush velvet seating. The dimly lit ambiance sets the stage for an intimate and immersive dining experience.

Baar Baar's menu is a celebration of regional Indian flavors reimagined for the modern palate. Whether shared plates, lighter a la carte options, or main courses, indulge in the beautifully plated, delightful combinations of textures and flavors. Don't miss the signature cocktails, each inspired by iconic Bollywood movies, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your dining experience.

Baar Baar is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Indian culture and culinary artistry.

Top review

Kim

Dined 6 days ago

Wonderful service! Incredible food!!!! Loved the dosa and cheesecake and everything in between. Would highly recommend!!!! Hope to come back again and again!

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