Los Angeles is a city that is famous for its diverse food culture. From street vendors to high-end restaurants, the city is home to a wide range of culinary delights.
However, when it comes to lunch, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends or colleagues.
That's where we come in. As locals who have explored the city's food scene extensively, we have compiled a list of the best lunch restaurants in Los Angeles.
Whether you're looking for a cozy café, a trendy hotspot, or a classic diner, our list has got you covered.
Our selection includes restaurants that are perfect for solo diners, couples, and groups of friends or colleagues.
We have also considered a range of budgets, so you can enjoy a delicious lunch without breaking the bank.
So, whether you're a tourist visiting the city for the first time or a local looking for a new spot to check out, our list of the best lunch restaurants in Los Angeles will help you find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.
1. Philippe The Original
Philippe The Original is a historic deli that serves up some of the best French dip sandwiches in town.
The meat is cooked to perfection and the roll is warm and squishy.
The sides are good deli options, but the sandwiches are the real winner. The atmosphere is unique and adds to the overall experience.
The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a try.
2. Wurstkuche
Wurstkuche is a hip beer hall that serves exotic sausages and imported brews.
The limited menu is well done, with a good selection of sausages, including several vegetarian options. The fries are amazing, and the dipping sauces are tempting.
The atmosphere is cozy with a dark aesthetic inside, and there's plenty of seating both inside and out.
The staff is friendly and provides excellent service. If you're looking for a unique lunch experience, Wurstkuche is definitely worth a try.
3. Republique Cafe Bakery & Republique Restaurant
Republique Cafe Bakery & Republique Restaurant is an upscale French-inspired bistro and bakery that serves modern French plates in a striking space with communal tables.
The food is of high quality and worth the price. The dry-aged rib burger, fries, blueberry banana smoothie, and cream banana pie are all delicious.
The customer service is superb, and the staff is knowledgeable about the food. The restaurant can get crowded, so reservations are recommended.
The ambiance is beautiful, with French-style decorations and an impressive area at the kitchen/cooking area. The restaurant is perfect for groups, and the setting lends itself to any occasion, accommodating both casual and formal dinners.
4. Maccheroni Republic
Maccheroni Republic is a cozy Italian restaurant that specializes in handmade pastas.
They have a covered patio and a BYO wine policy. The food is fantastic and the servers are attentive and knowledgeable.
The only downside is that they don't take reservations, so it can be a gamble to go there.
But overall, it's a great spot for a delicious Italian lunch.
5. Sushi Gen
Sushi Gen is a must-visit restaurant for sushi lovers. This busy restaurant is known for its fresh and high-quality sushi and sashimi.
The menu offers a variety of options, including lunch specials and combos that come with miso soup and unique salads.
The sushi chefs are friendly and accommodating, and the service is solid.
The wait can be long, but it's worth it for the consistently amazing uni and good selection of otoro and chutoro. Locals love this understated sushi specialist, and it's easy to see why.
6. Au Lac LA
Au Lac LA is a must-visit for vegans and culinary enthusiasts alike. This Asian fusion restaurant offers a wide variety of plant-based Vietnamese dishes and raw foods that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
The portions are big, the service is great, and the ambiance is classy.
The menu is diverse, featuring creative options like stuffed mushrooms with micro-greens and raw lasagna, BBQ pork rolls with almond hoisin sauce, and mushroom "calamari".
The flavors are impeccable and the attention to detail is evident in every dish. Whether you're looking for something different or just want to enjoy a delicious meal, Au Lac LA is the place to be.
7. Azay
Azay is a lunch restaurant that serves both Japanese and French cuisine.
The menu is limited, but the food is delicious and well-organized. The atmosphere is cozy and casual, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
They offer outdoor seating and have a small open kitchen.
The prices are reasonable, and the portions are satisfying. Azay is a great hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit.
8. Mazal
Mazal is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers a vegetarian menu of sharing plates.
The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and a terrace for outdoor dining.
Mazal's food is authentic and delicious, with highlights such as the babaganoush and bourekas.
The restaurant also has a great wine selection. Mazal is a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual lunch.
9. L'APPART by AIR FOOD
L'APPART by AIR FOOD is a French restaurant that offers exceptional cuisine and personalized service. The menu features delicious French dishes, including escargots, scallop risotto, and rib eye steak.
The restaurant has a cozy and romantic ambiance, making it perfect for a date night or intimate gathering.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant offers free parking nearby, and the corkage fee is reasonable.
If you're looking for a hidden gem in town with delicious French cuisine, L'APPART by AIR FOOD is a must-visit.
10. Shojin
Shojin is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious vegan food. This upscale eatery offers creative macrobiotic and vegan Japanese dishes that are sure to please the senses.
The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it perfect for a special occasion or a romantic date. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is top-notch.
The food is outstanding, with flavors, textures, and presentation carefully crafted to create a unique dining experience.
Prices are on the higher side, but worth it for the quality of food and service. Shojin is a great spot for anyone looking for a vegan or gluten-free restaurant that delivers on taste and atmosphere.
11. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is a fine dining restaurant that offers classic American fare. The restaurant has a clubby and refined setting that creates a great ambiance for a lunch meeting or a special occasion.
The menu offers a wide variety of options ranging from steak, seafood, and wine bar. The service is top-notch, and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable.
The food is exceptional, and the presentation is amazing. The lobster bisque and caramelized cheesecake dessert are must-try items.
The restaurant offers a great selection of wines, and the bartenders make amazing cocktails. The Capital Grille is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch with colleagues, friends, or family.
12. Thien Huong Restaurant
Thien Huong Restaurant is a small, family-owned Vietnamese restaurant that serves delicious food at affordable prices.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making sure that customers are happy with their meals. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.
The grilled shrimp salad and brisket pho are highly recommended dishes. They also offer a variety of other dishes, including banh mi and vermicelli.
Thien Huong Restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
13. Buddha Belly
Buddha Belly is an Asian restaurant that offers tasty and fresh Banh mi lemongrass chicken and pork.
The portion sizes are good and they are reasonably priced. They also have awesome pad thai and curry which are highly recommended.
The noodles are a must-try and they are served in generous portions. The location has ample seating for eating and the delivery is prompt.
Buddha Belly is a great option for those who love Asian cuisine and want to have a satisfying lunch.
14. San Laurel
San Laurel is a Spanish restaurant that offers delicious food and fantastic service.
The venue is beautifully designed and located in a lovely hotel. The menu offers intriguing and unexpected flavors, with top-notch ingredients.
The cocktails are outstanding, especially the revisited G&T and the Pisco sour. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, making for an excellent dining experience.
The restaurant is conveniently located on museum row, making it easy to stop by after visiting nearby attractions.
