From Raw Bars to Rooftop Taquerias, These Restaurants Are Redefining DTLA’s Food Scene
Downtown Los Angeles is buzzing with culinary creativity, and its newest restaurants are upping the ante. From rooftop taco bars to seafood havens, these eateries bring bold flavors, inventive concepts and unforgettable atmospheres to the heart of the city. Here are eight of the best new restaurants in Los Angeles making waves in the heart of DTLA.
Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar
Perched atop Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar brings Mexico City-inspired vibes to the DTLA skyline. Spanning a sprawling 6,000 square feet, this rooftop oasis is the brainchild of Ajay Relan and Yonnie Hagos of GVO Hospitality, known for their knack for crafting dynamic spaces.
Lost stands out with its vibrant cocktail program, helmed by Spring Street Bar veteran Steen Bojsen Moller, featuring mezcal-forward sips like the Up In The Sky with pineapple and Chareau aloe liqueur. The food menu, created by chef Geter Atienza (formerly of Broken Spanish), is prepared in an Airstream and offers elevated bites like guajillo-marinated chicken tacos, shrimp ceviche and crispy flautas. Whether you’re savoring churros fresh from the fryer or soaking in the city views, Lost is easily one of the best new restaurants in Los Angeles.
Zaya DTLA
Zaya DTLA isn’t just a bar and lounge—it’s an immersive experience. This lively space, named after founding partner Ryan Sauter’s daughter, blends cultural influences to create a vibrant atmosphere where music, food and nightlife collide. The menu is headlined by Detroit-style pizza, made with a unique Japanese dough recipe, offering unexpected twists on a classic favorite. Weekly events like Salsa and Bachata Mondays and soulful live performances on Love Supreme Wednesdays infuse the space with energy. With its focus on inclusivity and connection, Zaya is a love letter to LA’s diverse spirit.
Camélia
Tucked in Downtown LA’s Arts District, Camélia redefines French dining through a Japanese lens. Created by the team behind Echo Park’s Tsubaki and Ototo, the bistro harmonizes the two cuisines with dishes like abalone pot pie, red wine wasabi-braised beef cheeks and sesame Parker House rolls paired with house-cured ikura. The space, designed with a 1950s Paris-meets-Shōwa-era Japan aesthetic, features warm oak accents, scalloped pendant lights and a charming enclosed patio. With its curated sake and French wine list, this new restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles offers a dining experience as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Mother of Pearl
The final piece of the Level 8 puzzle, Mother of Pearl, is a seafood paradise with jaw-dropping views of DTLA. Chef Joshua Gil (Mírate) delivers ocean-inspired plates like squid ink spaghetti with lobster meatballs and a chilled seafood platter featuring king crab legs, Pacific oysters, and caviar. The champagne cart roving through the wrought-iron gazebo space adds a touch of whimsy, while spritzes and frosé from the drink menu keep the atmosphere lively. With its sunset views and luxurious bites, Mother of Pearl has easily become one of the best restaurants in DTLA for alfresco dining.
Dalian’s Café
Dalian’s Café brings European coffee culture to DTLA with a modern, community-focused twist. Founded by globetrotter Dali BaDalian, this chic cafe is a love letter to the craft of coffee. The menu features expertly brewed java and LA’s finest pastries, while the inviting space encourages connection and conversation. Every detail, from the sourcing of high-quality beans to the cafe’s understated decor, reflects Dali’s passion for creating a space where tradition meets innovation.
Villa’s Tacos at Grand Central Market
Victor Villa, the man behind Highland Park’s beloved taco stand, has taken his signature “Estilo Los Angeles” tacos to the historic Grand Central Market. Known for their blue corn tortillas crusted with Monterey Jack cheese and grilled meats cooked over mesquite, Villa’s Tacos brings authentic LA flavors to the iconic and ever-bustling food hall. With plans to add Micheladas and local beers, this new location blends Villa’s roots in Michoacán and Guerrero with his LA upbringing. It’s a bold addition to the Downtown Los Angeles dining scene and a must-visit for taco lovers.
DEME Restaurant & Bar
Hotel Figueroa’s new anchor restaurant, DEME, is a Mediterranean retreat right in the heart of DTLA. Led by Australian chef Blake Shailes, DEME celebrates the flavors of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon with modern flair. Start with hot pita served alongside whipped ricotta with harissa honey and silky taramasalata. Large plates like the duck shawarma and grilled yellow oyster mushroom shawarma are showstoppers, while desserts like kaymak soft serve drizzled with sesame caramel seal the deal. With its open-air patio by the iconic pool and muraled dining room, DEME captures the hotel’s legacy of empowering female-driven stories while delivering impeccable eats.
Settecento
Set to open in Maguire Gardens this January, Settecento will offer authentic Italian cuisine in a stunning garden setting. From handmade pastas to Sicilian wines, the menu celebrates Italy’s culinary heritage under the leadership of executive chef Luca Maita. Designed by Jamie Rezaie, the restaurant will feature 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, creating a lush escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With live music and an ambiance that honors LA’s cultural diversity, this new restaurant in Los Angeles promises to be a cornerstone of DTLA’s evolving food scene.
