"Built in 1917, restored in the '90s, and then revamped in the past few years, this downtown market—which has operated continually for the past century—still maintains its original façade in the Homer Laughlin Building. Nowadays, you'll find specialty shops like Belcampo Meat Co., Valerie Confections, Eggslut, and DTLA Cheese, along with small food joints serving up Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese food, ideal for the downtown office crowd and tourists alike."

"Since the regeneration of the area in the 30s, the main plaza on Olvera Street has hosted a vibrant Mexican marketplace. It's home to some of the city's oldest and most historic buildings (26 of them) including the Avila Adobe, built in 1818, LA's oldest surviving residence; Pico House, a luxury hotel built in 1870; and the Plaza Substation that used to form a part of the Yellow Car network."

"Delicious literary-themed libations (think 'Tequila Mockingbird') are served alongside a tasty gastropub menu (try the decandent three cheese fries) in this aptly-named bar. The theme doesn't end there, either, as the library area is outfitted with leather-bound books and a fireplace. They do a great happy hour here when it tends to get crowded."

"Located in the back room of Cole’s French Dip (LA’s oldest restaurant, birthplace of the French Dip sandwich and an undisputed institution), this place makes serious, thoughtfully prepared cocktails in a relaxed, attractive atmosphere."

"It's a little bit off the beaten path, but that's part of the charm of this old-school, urban bar with a great craft beer selection, reasonably priced cocktails, a photo booth, pacman, jukebox, and more. There's also a great happy hour and a takeaway liquor license, which is pretty clutch in this town. P.S. Check out the ladies bathroom. Here's a hint: It smells oddly of bubblegum. "

"There are now a number of quality craft beer spots and breweries in LA, but Angel City Brewery remains a favorite. Located in the historic John A. Roebling Building in the Arts District, Angel City is a great casual spot to gather with friends for day-into-night beers. The brewery hosts a number of regular events, like Tacos & Trivia Tuesday, and is a popular host to a range of fun food trucks, although you can bring your own food with you, too. You can go on a public tour of the brewery Thursday through Sunday, and there are also a few different options for private events, including a large beer hall (capacity: 200) that is perpendicular to the brew house. The brewery always has several Angel City styles on tap, some of which you can find in other bars and shops around California and Nevada."

"Preux & Proper is yet another newish addition to LA's growing downtown bar and restaurant scene. The New Orleans-inspired spot features an elegant but unstuffy interior: white walls and tile are grounded by dark floors and black leather stools and banquettes, and there are open-air patios on both floors. For an upscale, ladylike dining experience and fresh oysters (proper), sit upstairs. For a more rowdy bar scene and the opportunity to test their 6 separate frozen Daiquiri flavors (preux), stay on the first floor."

"A decade ago, the heading to Garey Street–a warehouse-packed, somewhat desolate stretch in DTLA–for dinner wouldn’t have even been an option. Now it's a go-to, thanks, in part, to nearby Hauser & Wirth gallery, Wurstküche, and most recently this chic robatayaki restaurant. The space is modern through and through, with custom oak furniture complemented by handmade glazed tiles and tons of greenery. The layout is anchored by a huge central grill, which also has some of the best seats in house (you can watch the chefs flame-grill your prawns). With your drink order taken care of by a can’t-go-wrong list of Japanese beers and sake, you can turn all your focus to the food menu. Anything you order will be great, but don’t miss the salmon fillet with grapefruit and romaine with spicy cashew miso. This is a good option for celebrating with a large group. "

"The Freehand is a thoroughly modern, chic hotel in DTLA. Yes, some of the rooms are shared accommodation, but they feel more like stylish cabins with rustic wooden bunk beds, colorful quilts, and chic tiled bathrooms. The décor is full of personality, with quirky details, like pink loungers by the rooftop pool and a wooden hut for a cocktail bar—a James Beard finalist for best American bar, no less."

"Downtown's wholesale flower market (it takes up close to two city blocks) is a DIY goldmine. Yes, there are fresh flowers and succulents—both locally and globally grown—literally as far as the eye can see. But you can also come here to snag supplies like vases, gardening tools, and ribbon for a song. Pros get first dibs daily; during designated times, the general public can pay a $1 admission fee during the week; $2 on Saturdays."

"Kimm Birkicht is a beloved LA-based floral designer with deep industry roots, which translates to an innate understanding that every arrangement—whether it's for a wedding, family gathering, or work event—needs to speak to the client's individual aesthetic. "

"In 2015, Chef Tin Vuong opened his second Little Sister, this outpost near Pershing Square downtown. One thing that makes the DTLA location stand out from the original Manhattan Beach Little Sister is that breakfast is served here in addition to lunch and dinner. (The breakfast menu includes dishes like Vuong's elevated take on congee—a popular rice porridge throughout Asia, Chinese-inspired savory donuts, banh mi, and pho.) But that doesn't make this Little Sister any less of a spot for lunch and dinner—head here when you're in the mood for good Southeast Asian food."

"This terrace bar overlooks downtown’s Pershing Square, the home of several prime examples of classic L.A. architecture including the art deco building it tops. It has a French, bistro-themed restaurant and all the cocktails you’d want, though the real draw here is the view."

"Level is advertised as a luxury furnished apartment complex, which it is. But we've discovered it's also one of downtown LA's best secrets for a hotel stay. First off, it's immaculate. The design is modern, and the amenities are pristine—there's giant gym and a gorgeous rooftop pool with an area for screening movies. And second, we might actually be more inclined to stay here than at a traditional hotel. Each room has a full working kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a view that looks like the entire southern half of California. And it's located in walking distance of LA Live and some of downtown's best restaurants and bars. "

"Downtown Los Angeles in a word? Colorful. And in three words: loud, congested, and hectic. Which is what makes us especially grateful for the succinctly named Q Sushi. Beyond a heavy wooden door on bustling W 7th Street, Q Sushi is a transporting and utterly serene getaway in the middle of the endless energy of the city. Classical music alongside perfunctory service devoid of small talk, it’s the kind of place that lowers your blood pressure as soon as you walk in. It’s also the kind of place that was recently awarded a Michelin star for its omakase-only experience. So settle in and clear your schedule—you’ll be here for about twenty mind-blowing courses. "

"This is an offshoot of Chef Kazunori Nozawa's popular sushi restaurant, Sugarfish—and like Sugarfish, the emphasis is on the freshness and quality of the fish. But that's where the similarities end, as KazuNori is all about the hand rolls. They have two menus—one if you're ordering to go or eating on their patio, and another if you're sitting at the sushi bar. "

"The first thing you'll notice when you walk into this sauna studio is how spotless it is. Impeccable, in fact. That can be said of the décor, as well: A streamlined, all-white aesthetic reigns—up until you enter one of the sauna suites. Here, you can choose to cast a colored light based on your mood (we chose orange for its mood-elevating, stimulating, feel-good effect) during your sweat. Then you sit back and do just that—sweat—for forty-five minutes. Each suite comes with an iPod and a vitamin C–infused rain shower. Given the potential benefits of using an infrared sauna, there are plenty of reasons to come here. But what keeps us hooked is simple: We always leave feeling calmer, clearer, and just all-around better. (An added perk: HotBox just started carrying goopglow.)"

"No one’s ever really attempted to make Indian food cool until brothers Nakul and Arjun Mahendro enlisted the help of their classically trained chef dad Pawan Mahendro to open their Indian gastropub, Badmaash. The menu here is devoted to both traditional and reimagined Indian dishes: chili-cheese naan, Punjabi fish-fry, chicken tikka poutine—an homage to the Mahendro’s Canadian roots—and our personal favorite, butter chicken. While the majority of the tiny two-story space is kept starkly industrial, there are several focal points throughout, like a brightly striped wall and a mural of a sunglasses-clad Ganghi."

"Fittingly situated behind the Broad contemporary art museum, Otium’s box-like, wood, steel, and glass building can easily be mistaken for a large-scale art installation. Inside, the large light-filled dining room and communal table area revolve around a sprawling open kitchen and are meant to accommodate the museum crowds without making anyone feel, well, overcrowded. Chef Timothy Hollingsworth, formerly of The French Laundry, developed a menu that’s at times experimental but always approachable and delicious, think: artichoke and burrata, bacon tart, and falafel. "

"Straddling downtown and Little Tokyo, the Japanese-based Kinokuniya offers great notebooks, stationery, pens, and gifts. Kids, in particular, go nuts here. There's also a location in Culver City."

"A hugely successful used books and record shop may seem like an anachronism but this shop keeps expanding. Partnering with local institutions like CalArts and Crossroads Cultural Center, there’s a comprehensive schedule of open mic nights, readings, and talks."

"COVID-19 Update: Open daily for takeout and delivery. There's something so comforting about a hot bowl of ramen on a cold day, and anytime there's even a hint of rain in Los Angeles, the lines at this Little Tokyo joint are out the door. What makes the ramen here stand out is the broth, which is cooked with pork bones for hours to achieve its thick, flavorful consistency. The portions are huge, so be prepared to take home leftovers. There's a second location on Sawtelle. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"It's pretty special when a chef with a pedigree like Gary Menes' (Melisse, The French Laundry), foregoes opening a big white tablecloth joint in favor of something like Le Comptoir: A 10-seat restaurant where each guest sits at the counter and interacts with the chef throughout the prix-fixe meal. The intimate, memorable dinner experience takes place inside Koreatown's cozy Hotel Normandie, and rings in at a surprisingly affordable $89/person. The menu changes daily to account for seasonal produce, which Menes sources from Gladys Avenue Farm, an urban farm he founded and manages in Long Beach."

"Marugame Monzo is the place to go for udon of all flavors—from curry udon to uni creamy sauce udon, shrimp tempura udon, and seafood tomato cream udon. The real draw of Marugame Monzo, though, is that you get to watch the udon being made in the glass-enclosed kitchen—the impressive pounding, rolling, and cutting of the dough into thick udon noodles. An entertaining and tasty meal."

"As the West Coast's largest art and architecture-centric bookstore, this is the sort of place where you can easily rack up excess baggage charges with beautiful coffee table books."

"The eponymous burger here warrants the elusive name, which refers to the fifth taste in Japanese. You'll find a sleek interior and fantastic burgers, plus inventive sides and sauces. Not to mention, they grind their own meat, process their own cheese, and pickle their own veggies. Because why not? With multiple locations throughout LA area, you can't, and shouldn't, miss this. Other locations: Arts District, Burbank, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Studio City, West Hollywood, and Thousand Oaks"

"A brilliant idea for the coffee lover: serve multisourced coffees, kombuchas, and teas at one place. That's what Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea, the coffee shop in the recently redone Mayfair Hotel, does. Come here and you can get a Blue Bottle latte and your friend can get a Stumptown pour-over. The same goes for its bagged teas and coffee beans. We suggest trying something from the elixir menu, like the Flower Power Milk Tea: bright-blue Thai butterfly pea tea blended with matcha, jasmine syrup, and coconut milk. Slightly sweet, it's perfect paired with the vegan breakfast sandwich and enjoyed in one of the comfy chairs next to all the leafy plants. "

"The mild pandemonium around David Chang’s first West Coast restaurant is entirely warranted. The food is difficult to describe, not definable by any one region or culture. It’s a mishmash of foreign flavors that many will find unexpected and familiar at the same time. Definitely not a repeat of Chang’s greatest hits—there’s no ramen here. Instead, this is an entirely new menu of shareable dishes that are often prepared tableside. The grilled bings (a type of Chinese flatbread), topped with everything from cultured butter to uni, are something we’ve never seen before. Sausage-stuffed peppers with buttermilk and the short ribs with all their many fixings are reason enough to book a table. Call a few weeks ahead for a table, or if you’re just two, go early and try for a walk-in (then get a cocktail at nearby Apoteke while you wait)."

"You know a hotel is doing something right when the locals are rushing to book staycations. that's exactly what happened when New York's NoMad made its way to LA. The LA outpost is in a former bank building on Olive Street (the massive vault in the basement now leads to the restrooms), and the lushly decorated ground floor is where you'll find the lobby restaurant and coffee shop. Both are excellent, but for dinner, you want to be up in the Mezzanine. The rooms, with their freestanding tubs, marble counters, and floral fainting couches, have been known to send overnight guests home with heads full of redecorating plans. And while room service is as standard a room amenity as, say, a flat-screen TV, here the experience is elevated to an art form. Everything on the menu is a slam dunk—though several goop staffers have come back from staycations waxing poetic about the breakfast sandwich. "

"Conveniently set up inside the same Chinatown strip mall as Roy Choi’s Chego, this teeny but beautifully curated vintage store is arguably one of the best in L.A. It’s also the place you want to be when hunting down the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s—the selection here isn’t necessarily vast, but each piece is lovingly chosen, washed, and repaired by the owners themselves to look its best. There are also band t-shirts, army jackets, and a few racks of dresses—all in excellent shape. If pins and patches are your thing, the semi-annual pin-and-patch parties are a totally gold mine. "

"Set up in the center of the most walkable stretch of the Arts District, Alchemy Works is the brainchild of Lindsay and Raan Parton (their former Apolis store is now a pop-up within Alchemy) and aims to bring a bit of the coastal lifestyle to downtown. The industrial-style shop doubles as an events space, so there’s lots of room to roam around and admire the hand-picked apothecary pieces, letterpress prints, indy-designer accessories, and more. Also sharing the space is a Warby Parker shop-in-shop and a Blacktop coffee counter. It's Newport Beach location is equally stunning. "

"The sea of outlets and rows of tables with plastic chairs lend this K-town spot a high school cafeteria feel, but in a way that's weirdly conducive to getting focus-heavy tasks out of the way. Order the Document Cold, a maple-syrup-spiked cold brew reminiscent of New Orleans chicory coffee. Make sure to take a breather and look around, the whitewashed space also serves as a gallery."

"The breakout taco stand of 2018 now has a brick-and-mortar spot on the corner of Spring and 6th Streets, and it couldn’t be more well-deserved. Whether you order the mushroom or the adobada tacos, get it “con todos”—the team applies salsa, onions, and other toppings with mixologist-level precision. Victor Delgado and Jorge “Joy” Alvarez-Tostado understand, in the same way a white-tablecloth restaurant does, that the excitement and energy a dish is served with is critical to the dining experience—their version is just way more fun. Head to Tacos 1986 to get the best street taco in LA without having to hang on a street corner all night: The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. during the week and to 3 a.m. on the weekends. "

"The authenticity of this Belgium beer bar runs so thick it makes us feel as though we're grabbing a pint in Brussels rather than DTLA. There's an excellent selection of imported and domestic beers, many from the LA metro region, as well as a stellar, albeit rich, menu. It's a quiet, cozy spot for a drink after dinner Church & State, conveniently located right across the way. "

"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. Though the menu is extensive, the offerings leans heavily on bratwurst—more specifically, bratwurst made using only the finest meats, with veggie-friendly and exotic options thrown in for good measure (pheasant with herbs de Provence, for example). Fittingly, everything comes tricked out with your choice of gourmet toppings—sweet peppers, sauerkraut, and fancy mustard for days—plus, the option to tack on a side of truffle fries. The communal tables are set up beer garden-style and outfitted with paper tablecloths and crayons for the littles, though it gets more and more jovial (i.e. boozy and loud) the later it gets so consider planning a lunch if eating with the whole brood in tow. The sprawling space is really great for large groups—each person orders at the walk-up counter so everyone ends up paying for themselves, and the draft and bottled beer assortment is one of the best in the city. The original is in Venice. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"A truly good bar speaks to our purist hearts: great music, solid drinks, and excellent service are what we crave. So when we discovered Wolf & Crane, which triple-checks all these boxes, we were amped. This drinks-only establishment (an anomaly in its food-driven Little Tokyo neighborhood) serves up an inventive cocktail list with a rare bent toward Japanese whisky. The staff is incredibly knowledgable about every bottle on the shelf (some holding very rare whiskies) and willing to explain the history and notes of each, sommelier-style, which makes a trip here even more enjoyable. Head here after ramen for a perfect nightcap. "

"While there’s no dearth of ice cream shops in LA, somehow quality soft-serve is still difficult to find. Honey Mee not only fills the hole in the market but it does so in a way that’s just a little bit healthier. There are no unnecessary flavors added to make the ice cream taste like vanilla, which results in an exceptionally creamy consistency that’s slightly less sweet than the traditional stuff. What’s more, in lieu of sugary toppings there’s granola, honey oats, slivered almonds, and real honeycombs, meaning that both kids and grown-ups can get their fix without going into a full-on sugar coma. There's another outpost on Sawtelle. "

"This teensy cocktail bar is accessed through the regular bar at Hotel Normandie in Koreatown, and when you walk through the door, the dim lights and lounge seating make you feel as though you've been transported to a different city. They specialize in wild, perfectly crafted cocktails, best experienced through their omakase program, which delivers whatever the super-talented lead bartender Katie Emmerson is making that evening. With a larger group, you can sit in the lounge and order cocktails a la carte (the menu changes every 6-8 weeks). "

"In a city rife with delis, this is where you want to go for hot pastrami—the #19 is legendary. It’s also refreshingly simple: slow-smoked pastrami, Swiss cheese and slaw on fresh rye, and since the meat is so ridiculously juicy, you can easily skip the Russian dressing. The only setback is the skimpy opening hours (8am-4pm; closed Sundays), but coming right before closing and ordering to-go is a good workaround if you’re aiming for dinner."

"Cole’s is one of several spots in town claiming to serve the “original” French Dip sandwich, and though we can’t confirm or deny, we can say that their dip is bomb. Yeah, the dipping jus is flavorful and the prime rib tender, but it’s the Atomic mustard that pulls it all together (don’t forget the garlic fries). Post-dinner proceed to the quirky little speakeasy in the back for an Old Fashioned."

"This ’80s-themed club behind the Line Hotel is entered through an alleyway on Ardmore, on the west side of the building. Once you pass the bouncer, you'll be taken through the back halls of the hotel and through a false refrigerator door into the actual bar. The private rooms play karaoke, and there's a burlesque show every hour where dancers do a Michael Jackson routine in their Calvin Kleins; it's the kind of place you go for a long night of dancing."

"Known for its minimal aesthetic and accessible price point, COS is a destination for streamlined urban pieces for men and women. Its new DTLA location showcases the brand's best, arranging its latest styles according to color, punctuating the racks with its neutral grey and tan pieces. With locations throughout LA and the US, this space is one of our favorites because it’s housed in the historic Olympic Building, an LA landmark built in 1927. COS kept the integrity of the space in tact while it restored it to new levels. The result is an open, airy, light-filled setting that makes it easy to kill an entire afternoon shopping–before heading to nearby Little Sister for a late lunch."

"COVID-19 update: Open for in-store shopping and curbside pickup depending on the business—please check ahead of your visit. There’s no way to grasp the size and scope of ROW DTLA without seeing it in person, so we won’t attempt to describe this massive conglomerate of industrial structures as anything but WOW. What we can put into words is the impressive the curation of places to eat, shop, work, and just chill. A sampling of restaurants includes San Francisco’s Tartine Manufactory, Japanese food at Hayato (order a bento box), and the flakiest, crunchiest Japanese fried chicken we’ve ever had at chef Kuniko Yagi’s Pikunico. Stores are focused on locally owned businesses, like Erica Tanov, Kinto, Ahlem, and Bodega—arguably the most well-stocked sneaker store in the city. On weekends, the streets are closed off to cars, leaving ample space for kids to shake the willies out. On Sundays, Smorgasburg LA takes over ROW DTLA’a neighbor, the Alameda Produce Market. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"We've admired designer Erica Tanov's bohemian printed separates and eclectic selection of fashion and homewares since we discovered her namesake Berkeley boutique nearly ten years ago. Tanov has that cool-girl knack for finding unexpected items—say, a linen blouse made in India, a pair of edgy Officine Creative black boots, or a set of vintage jewel-colored cocktail glasses. Her bohemian inventory is right at home in its latest location, downtown's vibrant and artsy Row. "

"This quaint bookshop, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, is made for those rare, rainy afternoons in Los Angeles. (Though we’ve been known to use the stacks as a hiding place from the sun, too.) You could spend hours getting lost among the hundreds of curated cookbooks and knickknacks ranging from salt cellars to vintage bandannas all tucked away on the corner of North Hill Street. Not only does it offer an extensive range of unique reads, such as the Portuguese tea magazine Eighty Degrees, but Now Serving regularly hosts book signings and guest speakers with many of the authors whose work lines the shelves. Follow them on Instagram (@nowservingLA) to stay up to date on upcoming events."

"Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis (both of Bestia fame, still, after all these years, a hard table to land) have opened Bavel. The duo’s roots span Israel, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt, so the menu has a strong Middle Eastern bent. There’s the expected hummus, baba ghanoush, and assorted flatbreads, in addition to a Wagyu beef tagine and grilled lamb, finished in Menashe’s signature flavor-happy style—all meant to be shared. And because interiors can be just as much of a draw as the food, particularly downtown, where raw and industrial spaces prevail, Gergis tapped Studio UNLTD to collaborate on the light and bright décor (skylights, hanging planters, whitewashed brick walls, brass fixtures, and Moroccan tiles). Food photos: Nicole Franzen. Interior photos: DYLAN + JENI. "

"When it comes to non-cake celebratory desserts, donuts have long since eclipsed the cupcake. As evidenced by an ever-present line, the ones at California Donuts are some of fluffiest and freshest in town. The shop is open 24/7, but you have to call ahead to order their signature donut letters. "

"The word on Officine Brera hasn’t quite gotten out yet. Maybe it’s the location, almost hidden in a warehouse building in an industrial pocket of the Arts District—you need to know it’s there to find it. Angelo Auriana and Matteo Ferdinando, who run this place, grew up in Italy’s Po Valley and, fittingly, serve no-nonsense, traditional Northern Italian trattoria food. In short: Officine Brera is the real deal. A simple, unfussy interior and sensational food. Come hungry and order the beef carpaccio, drizzled in a grassy, green olive oil to start. The stinchetto—a big hunk of falling-off-the-bone pork shank on a bed of polenta—is ideal for three people to pull apart. Then the dumpling dishes: The capunsei are made with ricotta, the pisarelli with bread, and the gnocchi with potato. Oenophiles will appreciate the breadth of the wine list, full of the heavy-hitting Barolo and Amarone bottles alongside more unusual, small-production labels."

"Fans of traditional Korean spas—kids included—tend to feel right at home here, with its clean, meditative "Jimjilbang" communal room, it's spacious, super hot saunas, and its no-nonsense massages and body scrubs. Head to the sauna, get a massage, and your nails done, too. "

"Located on an unassuming street, this gallery-boutique hybrid is one of the most delightfully unexpected finds in LA. Owners Jodi and Stephen Zeigler had their first exhibit in 2014 and have since been featuring some of the most compelling works on display in the city. Hosted in a stellar light-filled room, the art covers a wide range, from nostalgic punk rock memorabilia to experimental photography ane mixed media pieces. (Their most recent exhibit featured a stunning collection of rare posters produced by British band The Smiths.) On the other side of the space is the boutique, where the duo offer a well curated mix of wares, from indigo-dyed fabrics to Le Feu de L'eau candles to out-of-print photography books and zines, all of which make ideal gifts. "

"Inarguably the best wine shop on the East side, Silver Lake Wine is quickly becoming an institution. The no-frills shop brings all of the benefits of an upscale wine shop (read: a world-class buy) with none of the fuss as you'll find the staff to be knowledgeable, but friendly and down-to-earth. It's also an important community asset—the original location on Glendale hosts wine tastings all week long, meaning that the community of East-side oenophiles is growing quickly. "

"Apotheke is nearly impossible to find—though not for long, given that David Chang’s Majordomo is next door. It’s on a slip of Spring Street that’s…not quite Chinatown…not quite DTLA. The interior of the bar, with its low rosy lighting, blush banquettes, leather armchairs, and pretty tile, is reminiscent of a French boudoir; that is to say that while so many bars feel inherently masculine, this one skews feminine. The outdoor patio is just as comfortable, with Turkish rugs scattered over the deck, big sofas to sink into, and plenty of space heaters. The beauty of the off-the-grid location is its size: You can sit outside and stargaze, never experiencing the claustrophobia so prevalent in other LA bars. The drinks are more like elixirs spiked with alcohol and divided into “aphrodisiacs,” “health & beauty,” and “painkillers.” "

"There's no short supply of Mexican food in LA, so when we say that Guisado's has some of the best, it's a hefty stamp of approval. Guisado is the Spanish word for stew—the kind of slow-braised, spiced meats that taste just as good with a side of rice and beans as they do starring in a taco—and that's exactly where this spot excels. Slow roasted pork with pickled red onions is the fan favorite, but they also do excellent fish, steak, and chicken. The original is in Boyle Heights, though they now also have locations in Echo Park, and West Hollywood."

"French-born chef Christophe Happillon has become known as L.A.'s oyster sommelier through his oyster pop-ups at high-end restaurants and hotels. In 2014, he brought The Oyster Gourmet to Grand Central Market in the form of a tiny stall with wood-canvas wings that open and close not entirely unlike...yes, an oyster. Like the space, the menu is small but satisfying—oysters, of course, and also a selection of clams, shrimp, and some raw fish, along with wine and beer. In addition to his space at Grand Central Market, Happillon still does seafood catering, and brings oyster pop up bars to events and parties in Los Angeles."

"Rolling Greens in the Arts District (there are also locations on Beverly and Jefferson) is a city within a city, but greener. Two acres of flowers, plants, and home décor ideas hug the Los Angeles River—and we can’t get enough of this place. The former scrap-metal yard is the perfect one-stop shop to kit out your house and yard with Cali-appropriate plants, pottery, and gorgeously rustic pieces. There’s a cute café on-site because mulling over rosebushes and landscaping conundrums with Rolling Greens’ designers is more fun with a cappuccino to sip. We also keep the cavernous entertainment space at the back of our minds for friends hunting for a beautiful wedding venue or event space."

"This is a traditional Korean bath house, built over the city’s only natural hot springs and fueled by a 105-degree artesian well. We love to come and soak in the hot and cold therapeutic mineral-water pools, but the roster of treatments is compelling on its own. A powerful dose of AHAs and topical probiotics help clear congestion in the Pure Acne Oxygenating Facial, while the TCA Peel is enormously effective at helping to soften hyperpigmentation, support collagen, smooth lines, and brighten skin."

"These guys are actually based in Santa Cruz, but they recently expanded into Los Angeles with two locations—on Spring Street in the Arts District and, most recently, on Melrose in West Hollywood. No matter which location you pick, you'll find reliable internet and plenty of seating housed in a sleek, urban-feeling space. Verve also practices direct trade with the farmers who source their coffee beans—an important (and very difficult to execute) practice that allows them to exceed fair-trade minimums when they pay farmers for their goods."

"This lending library lets readers borrow or buy books in a very relaxed way, as the staff here seems to care more about getting people to read the books than buy them, and lending times, unlike a typical library, vary according to the length and difficulty of the novel. It's a little out of the way, but worth the trip if you're looking to do some serious reading."

"Founded in Santa Barbara by a husband and wife team more than 70 years ago, McConnell's still uses many of the same farms and purveyors they did when they first began. You’ll find flavors ranging from sea salt cookies and cream to lemon and marionberry, as well as top-notch traditional flavors like mint chip and vanilla bean. If you can’t make it to this shop, you can find pints in many upscale grocery stores, and also at LA outposts in Studio City and Downtown LA. "

"The Hoxton knows how to have a good time anywhere she goes, so we were thrilled when the hotel landed in the Los Angeles Railways Building in DTLA (after an epic renovation). One of the best things about the Hoxton’s approach to hospitality is that the hotel caters to people who just want to relax as well as bon vivants who just want to be bon vivants. Whether you post up in the lobby, which takes design cues from the building’s Beaux Arts roots, or at the mid-century-modern-meets-monstera-garden rooftop bar and pool, the whole place hums with energy. If you’re traveling alone (or even if you’re not), you’ll almost certainly make new friends here. Or at the very least, you’ll enjoy cocktails and conversation in one of the hotel’s two restaurants. Sibling Rival, the Hoxton’s lobby diner, has breakfast and an all-day menu to satisfy palates from hungover to health-conscious. Up on the roof, Pilot leans into a Mediterranean-inspired menu and ships out poolside snacks. Rooms come in four sizes—and the smaller one are thoughtfully designed, so they don’t feel cramped or have those annoying shower doors that open the wrong way. If you’re looking for an event space that doesn’t feel like one, check out the Apartment, a five-room spread that can be rented out by the room or in its entirety. Photos courtesy of The Hoxton, Downtown LA and Juliette Favat."

"Another stellar French Dip joint that swears theirs started it all, Philippe’s has been around since the ‘50s, and therefore, might just have the original “original” on the menu. There are actually five dips on offer, the beef being the obvious fan favorite. That said, we like the turkey as it’s lighter but just as flavorful. "

"Across from Rossoblu is the latest from the Scopa Italian Roots team, this time a chic Latin-inspired venture with a lush, tropical feel. Everything is meticulously executed, from the vibe (gorgeous, open-air) to the food (whipped beans, spicy beef empanadas, and the corn—oh man, the corn with the queso fresco, cotija, and chili-lime salt). The drinks are in a category all their own; they’re inspired by vintage cocktails, so get into it. Order a daiquiri or piña colada at the bar. "

"Perhaps one of the most significant things to come from the Ace Hotel's renovation of the United Artists building was the restoration of the original United Artists Theatre. Built in the 1920s and extravagantly decorated with Gothic design flourishes (including thousands of tiny mirrors in the ceiling), the three-story space is one of the city's most important architectural gems. Under the art direction of the Ace, it's also become a hotspot for some of coolest cultural activities in LA; check the calendar for everything from a talk with the lawyers from Making a Murderer to indie music concerts. "

"It looks like nothing from the outside, but inside, you'll have some the best sushi going. The policy is omakase only, so it's an indulgence in all ways, but it's a place for purists, as the incredibly high-quality, fresh but uncomplicated fish actually melts in your mouth. There's another location in Culver City, and they've recently opened a restaurant in New York, too."

"Puffy tacos, frito pie, queso, and other evolved Tex-Mex dishes are mainstays at chef Josef Centeno’s latest operation. Do not miss the perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes, the fried Brussels sprouts, and the guacomole, which just might be the best in the city. The ’50s hall-like space also offers its fair share of tequila and mescal drinks, along with homemade fruit mashes and Bäco-Pops."

"COVID-19 update: Family-style menus available for pickup and delivery. In an industrial-inflected, warehouse-like space in L.A.'s Arts District, you'll find Bestia, helmed by husband-and-wife duo, Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. While the scope of the menu is ambitious (and innovative, as Ori hates to waste meat, meaning you'll find the occasional beef and lamb heart or chicken gizzard dotting the offerings), you should really go for the pizza: Ori gives his dough a good 24-hours to rise and fall before it heads into the wood-burning oven, and you can tell. A trip here requires Uber, as this place draws huge crowds—the bar is a fun place to wait, and the cocktails are delicious. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"Since its unveiling, dinner reservations at Downtown’s jazz age throwback, Faith & Flower, have been growing increasingly harder to come by. Local foodies flock here in droves to treat their palates to Executive Chef Michael Hung’s Californian rustic creations (past gigs include Bushi-Tei and Michelin star recipient, La Folie). The high-ceilinged dining room is outfitted with a stretch tufted couch (the rich, mustardy hue playing off the emerald water goblets) and hand-strung chandeliers. The menu is flush with decadent dishes—like the deviled Jidori eggs and mushroom stuffed quail, for example—with an impressive drink menu to match. Dangerously potent absinth cocktails are best sampled in the dimly-lit bar area with street artist Robert Vargas’ mural of a wide-eyed femme fatale keeping watch—a nod to Fitzgerald’s all-seeing Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, perhaps?."

"We admit this a bold statement, but once you head to Uli's we think you'll agree: This adorable gelateria serves up the creamiest, freshest, all-around-best in the city that seriously rivals our Rome favorites. The eponymous shop is owned and operated by one of the sweetest creatives who has a talent for whipping up some of the most unexpected and classically delicious flavors (the Black Sesame, Sweet Corn, and fresh Mint Chip are legendary). Now two locations strong (the other is in West Hollywood), we only wish she'd open a third on the west side."

"The long, sinuous sushi bar is where it's at, though you'll need to order a minimum of four items to sit here, which, once you taste the fish, won't be a problem. Fresh as can be, the sushi is prepared diligently by experienced chefs who emphasize the high-quality cuts with a light ponzu sauce here, a sprinkling of lemon and sea salt there. In typical LA style, it's located in a strip mall, and ideal for a business or casual lunch. Don't be intimidated by the line, as it moves fast."

"Zinc got its start down in Orange County (there are similar outposts in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, and Solano Beach), before branching out to the Arts District downtown in the summer of 2014. The airy, bright space is marked by an open kitchen and a smattering of tables and chairs for low-key breakfast and lunch meetings, though many carry out. Baked goods, really delicious salads, and wood-fired pizzas round out the mix."

"COVID-19 Update: Open daily for takeout and delivery. Everything on the menu is an affirmation, so if you can stifle the giggles at names like "I Am Connected"—which is actually an amazing zucchini cilantro hummus—you'll find that the vegan food here is delicious, even for those who normally refuse to go meat and dairy-free. There are picks for every sensibility, from coffee milkshakes (made with almond milk), to cashew cheese topped corn tacos to Indian curried lentils. There are three locations—Hancock Park, Venice, and the Arts District—and the Café Gratitude team also has a Mexican iteration in Hollywood called Gracias Madre. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"Given its founders Ellen Chen and Mario Del Pero are the force behind the ever-popular (and expanding) Mendocino Farms, it's no surprise Blue Cow delivers. The menu features California-style small-plates, salads, and entrees (including one of the better fried chicken sandwiches we've had) coupled with a pretty stellar cocktail list. Go for the turkey meatball flatbread and kale Caesar and grab a seat outside-it's one of the best patios downtown. It's also an ideal spot for happy hour or dinner after a visit to The Broad. "

"Located in the Hauser and Wirth gallery complex in DTLA’s Arts District, at Manuela, chef Wes Whitsell nostalgically cooks the food he ate growing up in Texas, injected with modern flavor and technique. The restaurant is very much farm-to-table, the garden eggs really do come from the garden (they have their own chicken house, home to twelve rare-breed birds). All the smoking, fermenting, preserving, and pickling are done in-house. The sides really stand out, featuring vegetables commonly eaten in the South but rarely seen on LA menus like okra, scarlet runner and dragon beans. "

"Poketo founders Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung—partners in business and in life—have a whimsical aesthetic that’s all their own, and their shop in the Line Hotel explodes with color and a sense of playfulness. We’re usually tempted by everything here, whether it’s the beautifully illustrated notebooks, a stack of richly patterned textiles, or a set of quirky ceramic mugs. It’s clear that much thought has gone into the store’s curation, but at the same time, nothing is taken too seriously, and you can sense the joy Vadakan and Myung must have had finding everything. We rarely leave empty-handed."

"Between the beautiful interiors (the walls are decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage plates and photographs) and the stellar menu, there's no wonder why there's a wait every night–with a no-reservations policy to help–outside this tiny DTLA gem. It's owner has garnered such a loyal following of foodies and locals alike who crave her authentic Brazilian dishes infused with African, European, and Indian influences (including one of the best chicken pot pies we've had). "

"It took two years to restore this hotel to its 1926 glory, or what the hotel calls its “Spanish colonial splendor.” And it was worth it: Impressively grand common areas with soaring ceilings; hundreds of rooms, each classic and modern with a few artful touches thrown in; and an unusual (very cool) coffin-shaped pool surrounded by cacti. The hotel also makes an impressive showing of places to eat and drink: Veranda for Mexico City-inspired meals and Bar Figueroa for an old-Hollywood vibe. In fact, if you don’t stay here, it’s absolutely worth to at least stay the evening. "

"Leave it to the Michael Cimarusti (he's the brilliant chef behind LA mainstays Connie and Ted's and Providence) to pull a culinary magic trick: Cimarusti unveiled his new restaurant, Best Girl, after secretly working with DTLA's Ace Hotel to reimagine its now-former restaurant, L.A. Chapter (the change was unveiled to the public literally overnight, as hotel guests learned of the news via a note slipped under their doors). A good dose of nostalgia and history come with the new concept, from the name (Best Girl nods to the building's history, the former home of United Artists, the studio co-founded by actress Mary Pickford whose film My Best Girl premiered at United Artists Theatre, now the Theatre at Ace Hotel), to Cimarusti's return to the downtown culinary scene more than a decade after he was head chef at the Water Grill. The interiors are stylish and moody—and the menu is refreshingly unique, albeit heavy on the meat (there are a few veg-centric items, including a stuffed pachieri), with a solid desert game thanks to chef Crisi Echiverri."

"Like many spots requiring hard-won reservations, Nightshade is sequestered down a quiet, need-to-know-it-to-find-it Arts District alley. Chef Mei Lin’s firstborn restaurant combines punchy Chinese flavors with Cali comfort food—beautifully prepared, bursting-with-freshness vegetables—and the results had us booking our next meal before the first was over. Lin’s staple dish is a snug layering of egg noodles, pork ragù, and silky tofu cream. If you crave heat, order the Szechuan hot quail served over a thick piece of Japanese milk bread—it tastes like the best chicken sandwich of your life but better. "

"COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed, but an incredible virtual offering including their Time Decorated Series, which digs into artists and their influences via a video medium. The Broad Family Workshops series of at-home video tutorials hits home for middle school, junior high, and even high school kids interested in the arts. Each video opens by showing pieces by an artist whose work is hanging at the museum, then leads kids through a project in that artist’s style. With ten videos and counting, get ready for Elliot Hundley collage work, conceptual art in the style of Barbara Kruger, a 3D structure à la Yayoi Kusama, and more. Older kids can do most projects solo, but to avoid frustration, involve the little ones as a family. Photo: Iwan Baan. Courtesy The Broad. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"Wexler's Deli in Grand Central Market occupies a remarkably small space considering the insane volume of good food it produces. Their focus is on Jewish comfort food, with a simple menu that’s focused on the classics: bagels with lox and shmear, pastrami and smoked fish that are cured and smoked on site, and insanely good pickles that they make themselves. Good to remember: They deliver."

"Anya Fernald is a bit of a badass: Not only is she the co-founder and CEO of Belcampo Meat Co., which has quickly become the go-to purveyor of humanely-raised, sustainable meats, and poultry in California, she’s also a mom, cookbook author, and a master of open flame grilling. Go to her shops for whole-animal butchering (and the interesting, rare cuts of meat associated with it), seriously good hamburgers, and the best bone broth. There are also locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood."

"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. The enormous line that's inevitably snaking out from the register is your first clue that eggslut doesn’t serve ordinary egg sandwiches. Every element of their take on the hangover breakfast staple is carefully considered: the brioche bun is perfectly browned, the bacon is just the right thickness, and the eggs, of course, are exactly the right fluffy consistency (they offer them over-medium, but scrambled is definitely the order of choice). The famous Fairfax sandwich comes with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and Sriracha mayo. A second location just opened in Venice. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"Until the opening of the Broad across the street, MOCA was LA's only museum wholly dedicated to contemporary art. As always, there's something great to see at their downtown location, their outpost in the Pacific Design Center, and the super rad Geffen Contemporary, housed in a former police car warehouse in Little Tokyo. "

"In one of the more ambitious remodels in the city’s recent history, the Ace transformed the United Artists theater into a huge pull for locals and visitors alike. While downtown L.A. is undergoing a greater Renaissance, this 1920s institution is inarguably one of its crown jewels. Besides hotel rooms, there’s the popular restaurant Best Girl, a coffee bar, and an Acne outpost just around the corner."

"As much a neighborhood hangout as a place to spend the night, the Line is home to some of K-town’s coolest spots, all under one roof. There’s Commissary, a sun-soaked, greenhouse-inspired restaurant famous for its weekend brunch buffet (shout-out to the prime rib carving station); Pot Lobby Bar for happy hour Moscow mules and old-fashioneds; and Break Room 86 for karaoke and dancing. The guest rooms, meanwhile, are unlike anything else in LA. Imagine cement walls with bursts of bright orange on pillows and furnishings (orange is thought of as a happy color in Korea), Mexican upholstered chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows—it’s an industrial-cool vibe with a bright, cheerful atmosphere. Book a north-facing room for cinematic views of the Hollywood Hills."

"It’s pretty typical of L.A.'s fusion culture that the best po'boys in the city come from a tiny deli in the heart of Old Chinatown, complete with black-and-white linoleum floors and an old-school green striped awning. The deli is tucked into a specialty grocery store, where you can buy hard-to-find Southern ingredients like Andouille sausage, Zapp's potato chips, and Café du Monde coffee. Behind the counter, they make shrimp, oyster, and catfish po’boys served with creamy remoulade sauce that are about as close to New Orleans as you can get in Los Angeles."

"Since the early 1900s, L.A.'s Natural History Museum has been playing host to millions of artefacts from the past five or so billion years—and the collection keeps growing. (In 2011, they opened Dinosaur Hall.)"