Resy’s Definitive Guide to Downtown LA

There are few better places to partake in a proper Southern Californian breakfast than on the rooftop of The NoMad Hotel. Best of all, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy seasonal fresh fruit, lemon-poppy pancakes, or a suckling pig breakfast burrito—poolside.

Then, how about a workout? You’re not likely to stumble across a trail to hike in this part of town, but Equinox DTLA’s location is well up to par. Be sure to grab a fresh-pressed juice from the on-site Earth Bar.

Chef Brandon Hayato Go is behind Downtown LA’s most highly curated and appropriately sought-after lunch option: bento boxes comprised of 16 components and crafted by hand, daily. To get your hands on one of the masterful takeout lunches, be sure to reserve your pick-up time (12pm or 1:30pm) at least 24 hours in advance.

Take a tour of The Broad: a cultural institution (housing more than 2,000 contemporary artworks) and 12,000-square-foot architectural wonder designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler. The museum boasts free general admission and showcases a rotation of temporary exhibits from renowned artists.

Recap over drinks at Everson Royce. With its handsome aesthetic, string-lit backyard, and impressive array of drinks—from barrel-aged cocktails to inventive boilermakers—this bar is one for the ages. Snacks, such as grilled ‘Juicy Lucy’ burgers and hamachi tartare tostadas, come from lauded chef Matt Molina. Plus, on Wednesdays, flights of three wines run for only $25, courtesy of partner Randy Clement (Silverlake Wine).

Simone, the delightfully progressive and produce-driven restaurant from the James Beard Award winner Jessica Largey, just celebrated its one-month birthday. Don’t miss out on all the fun; nab a Resy at this appropriately-hyped dinner spot while it’s still young, and check out Duello, the in-house cocktail bar, while you’re at it.

Afterward, indulge at Salt & Straw’s Art District shop, just next door. LA is blessed with five locations of this Portland-based trailblazer—known for crafting seasonal ice cream flavors out of local ingredients. October pro-tip: pair a signature scoop like avocado with Oaxacan chocolate fudge (sourced from Koreatown restaurant, La Guelaguetza) with a “Spooktacular” Halloween-themed flavor.

Tokyo meets California at Shibumi. The chef, David Schlosser, is Japanese-trained and inspired by the seasonal produce of Southern California. The menu changes frequently, and is always served on beautiful, handmade ceramics. Our recommendation? Opt for the omakase.

A trip to Dama will transport you from DTLA to a vibrant Latin American metropolis, which has garnered a mighty fan base since opening in the Fashion District last summer. Chef Antonia Lofaso’s oxtail tacos and piña coladas taste even better on the sprawling, multi-level patio.

After dinner at one of the above, catch a show. The Theatre within DTLA’s Ace Hotel occupies the former flagship movie palace for United Artists. Exquisitely restored (read: vaulted and ornate), the Spanish Gothic arts cathedral now hosts highbrow performances from notable musicians, filmmakers, and more.

Grocers and vendors have sold their goods to visitors of this open-air arcade since it was established over a century ago, in 1917. Since then, it has grown with the city, maintaining a diverse roster of residents that currently includes La Huerta for candy, dried fruits, and nuts; full-service butcher shop Belcampo Meat Co., and an outpost of Kismet specializing in falafel sandwiches.

Wind down, post-shopping, at Birds and Bees—a mid-century modern speakeasy located in a space that once housed an LAPD gym. First, find the door (it’s hidden), then make your way underground where you’ll find seasoned bartenders shaking and stirring libations inspired by iconic celebrities and LA neighborhoods.

No Los Angeles neighborhood would be complete without a taco destination, and BS Taqueria, from acclaimed chef and native Angeleno Ray Garcia, does its neighborhood justice. Inventive fillings like eggplant with cannellini bean, pepita gremolata, hibiscus-pickled onions, and feta are best savored with tequila- and mezcal-based specialty cocktails.

Have a hankering for something sweet? Bottega Louie, the beloved DTLA mainstay, is just a few blocks away and satisfies the pastry-and-coffee craving (try the Grand Cru macaron) in addition to boasting seated lunch and dinner (with views of the open kitchen). Consider it a delight for any given meal—no matter the time of day.

This Israeli go-to for all-day eats is the first California restaurant designed by famed interior design firm, Roman & Williams. Whether you’re here for a Jerusalem bagel and herbed cream cheese, midday eggplant sabich, or a selection of salatim and whole fried snapper for dinner, you’re in good hands.

Nearby, you’ll find The Last Bookstore, which is not your average bookstore. In fact, it’s California’s largest and a record store, to boot. Be sure to set aside a few hours for browsing through the massive new and used collection housed within this soaring loft.

With weekend brunch at Manuela, you’re getting true bang for your buck. Situated within the courtyard of the stunning Hauser & Wirth gallery, delight in Southern-inspired dishes like beignets, barbequed Morro Bay oysters, and chilaquiles.

In need of a cappuccino beforehand, or after? Go Get Em Tiger is the bright and friendly neighborhood coffee shop we all deserve. With just a small handful of stores scattered across the Eastside, this new neighborhood addition serves exquisite espresso drinks plus simple fare, like soft scrambled eggs on a biscuit and a chickpea frittata.