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Best Authentic Restaurants in Historic South-Central

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191 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bestia restaurant
1. Bestia
4.8
Exceptional(8320)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 168 times today
A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.
A photo of Le Petit Paris restaurant
2. Le Petit Paris
4.5
Awesome(2919)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
If you ask the brilliant minds behind Le Petit Paris, Fanny and David Rolland, They will say “We were born in a restaurant, literally”. From Grandpa to father, the restaurant business has been a natural part of their daily life.They decided 15 years ago to create their first restaurant in Cannes, Le Petit Paris, Parisian brasserie, located in the middle of the international film festival city.In order to give the opportunity of an unforgettable experience in Cannes to their international clientele, they decided to run a business on the beach with the combination of well being, relaxed and lay down on the beach with a cocktail and enjoying a gastronomic food.David and Fanny were always striving to be surrounded by great collaborators in order to provide a real “savoir-faire” to their clients. They have been known worldwide now thanks to their hard work and dedication.
A photo of Kato restaurant
3. Kato
4.8
Exceptional(338)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
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 │ $185The 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.
A photo of Manuela restaurant
4. Manuela
4.8
Exceptional(228)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California.Serving a wide range of vegetables, grains, fish, and game, Manuela also features an exemplary bar program, which serves classic cocktails using house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are on tap, while the carefully selected wine list is designed to pair with the smoke and acid at the heart of Manuela’s menu.Designed by Los Angeles native Matt Winter and named for Manuela Wirth, the restaurant is illuminated and animated by specially commissioned works from artists Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford and Raymond Pettibon.
A photo of LA Cha Cha Chá restaurant
5. LA Cha Cha Chá
4.6
Exceptional(1345)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Arts District
Booked 2 times today
LA Cha Cha Chá is the sister restaurant to Mexico City's Terraza Cha Cha Chá. A place where we celebrate our barrio culture with delicious Mexican food, cocktails, wine, and a wide selection of mezcal and tequila.HAPPY HOUR SERVICE: Our happy hour is counter-service style. Please order at the bar and seat yourselves. The kitchen closes at 3:30 p.m., but cocktails will flow until 4:00 p.m.CONTACT INFORMATION: We currently do not have an active phone line. For any inquiries or assistance, please feel free to reach out to us through OpenTable or via email at reservations@chachacha.la.CANCELLATION POLICY: You have until 5 hours before your reservation to cancel, otherwise, your group will be charged a fee of $35 per person. All reservations have a 15 minute grace period, after this time, your booking will be moved to the top of our waiting list. - We do not take requests for specific tables- Reservations are weather permitted
A photo of The Factory Kitchen - Los Angeles restaurant
6. The Factory Kitchen - Los Angeles
4.6
Exceptional(3650)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 34 times today
Defining a culinary journey through the Italian Peninsula and hosted in the loading docks of the Factory Place Arts Complex in The Arts District in Los Angeles, The Factory Kitchen is a typical Italian Trattoria with simple and approachable fare.
A photo of Fixins Soul Kitchen restaurant
7. Fixins Soul Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(4419)
Price: Moderate
• Soul food • Downtown
Booked 105 times today
*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.
A photo of Asterid restaurant
8. Asterid
3.9
Excellent(317)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
Inspired by Chef Garcia’s Angeleno experience, asterid lives to discover and celebrate Los Angeles’ mosaic of diverse cultures and culinary richness through vibrant, ingredient-driven menus in a warm, lively atmosphere. Authentically from and for Los Angeles, asterid features Chef Garcia’s California-inspired menu and bar program that celebrates the spirit of L.A.
A photo of Guelaguetza restaurant
9. Guelaguetza
4.6
Exceptional(392)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Koreatown
Booked 25 times today
Guelaguetza, an authentic Mexican restaurant, is run by a family who migrated from Oaxaca, Mexico. The restaurant is known for its handpicked ingredients and commitment to showcasing family recipes. Customers praise the authenticity of the food, with comments like 'excellent authentic food', 'very authentic and never disappoints' and 'flavorful, Oaxacan food'. The restaurant also features live music, which enhances the lively ambiance. The family's dedication to maintaining the quality and authenticity of their dishes is reflected in the reviews, making Guelaguetza a highly recommended Mexican restaurant in LA.
A photo of Drago Centro restaurant
10. Drago Centro
4.7
Exceptional(3721)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Chef Celestino Drago has created a menu representative of the cultural diversity of Italy. The concept of “Contemporary Italian Cuisine”, emphasizes local dishes, fresh, high quality ingredients and old flavors that have defined Italian cuisine for centuries and which are revisited to create a truly eclectic menu. The extensive menu is a la carte and offers daily specials featuring many unique items. DRAGO Centro offers a diverse and extensive selection of premium wines from Italy and around the world. DRAGO Centro’s unique interior is designed by acclaimed Los Angeles based designer Stanley Felderman, who is internationally renowned for creating modern buildings, interiors and product with a playful twist.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Davon
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food here is absolutely outstanding. it’s no wonder this place has thrived for nearly a decade and keeps people coming back. With excellent dishes, reasonable prices, and a perfectly cozy ambiance, it delivers a true dining experience. This is hands down my new favorite spot for a warm, intimate dinner with my husband. Last night, we tried just about everything and couldn’t find a single thing to complain about. If you’re looking for exceptional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, this is the place to be.
    More info
    BestiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • JammiVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I have been coming to Kato more than 5 times in the past three years and it is probably my best restaurant in Los Angeles .
    More info
    KatoPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • BethelynVIP
    Los Angeles •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    What a great way to take advantage of a beautiful LA day! Had brunch here and absolutely loved the outdoor venue and walking around seeing all the art. Had never really been to this part of LA and I was certainly missing out. Such a great vibe. Originally from the south I’m pretty critical when it comes to southern food but the beignets and cornbread were spot on. So yummy! Everyone at our table loved the shrimp and grits…just meh. The sides were true stand outs and the blistered snap peas were delicious. The popover Benedict was unique and the market salad had such unexpected ingredients. We loved them all and will definitely be back. And don’t forget the fun cocktails, and yummy desserts . Service was great as well!
    More info
    ManuelaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Jessica
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Loved the drinks and the LA churros!!! Can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    LA Cha Cha CháPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Arts District
    •
    4.6
  • Luis
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    Had a wonderful time celebrating my partner's birthday. The food was delicious, the service was great, and the restaurant's ambiance was perfect. We loved the location and the decorations, it's a beautiful restaurant, it reminded me of old L.A. We will definitely be coming back for more.
    More info
    Le Petit ParisPrice: Moderate• French• Downtown
    •
    4.5

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