Best Casual Restaurants in Historic South-Central

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Beach CitiesDowntownEast LAHollywoodPasadenaSan Fernando Valley

Neighborhoods

Arts DistrictAtwater VillageBeverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsCentral Los AngelesCentury City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

282 restaurants available nearby

1. McKay's

3.8

Excellent(211)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• All you can eat/Buffet • Downtown

McKay's is the perfect choice to enjoy some of L.A.'s finest food and good cheer with friends. We specialize in serving a delicious and nutritious breakfast daily to the USC Hotel's guests with made to order pancakes and omelets. Whether you are visiting USC campus or simply finding yourself in the area, come by to start your day right. Created in the winning tradition of a warm and friendly destination to prepare for the big game, McKay's lives and breathes the heritage and championship atmosphere of one of the game's greatest personalities. This makes it a perfect location for home game tailgates - football, basketball, volleyball pre-game experiences offer a full bar and a la carte food stations. Fight On!

2. NIKU X

4.3

Awesome(358)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 77 times today

NIKU X offers 2 exclusive unlimited dining experiences that highlight Wagyu and Luxury Seafood, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Our BBQ Dining features 2 different tiers of unlimited A5 wagyu to be grilled by guests as well as our Seafood Buffet, where families and friends can enjoy an interactive dining style. Our other experience features our 40oz Wagyu Tomahawk highlighted by our table side flame ritual. Here guests can enjoy an intimate atmosphere while still enjoying our Seafood buffet as well as our signature unlimited items.

3. Cara Cara

4.7

Exceptional(1527)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 53 times today

From the golden daylight to the twinkling evening, all are welcome to experience the fresh bounty of Cara Cara. Chef Suzanne Goin’s seasonal menu showcases California’s best produce with her festive and irresistible rooftop fare. The expansive outdoor space features an elevated dining area with endless skyline views surrounded by a lushly landscaped lower lounge. Slip into one of the many cozy seating arrangements or sit by the fire pit and enjoy an innovative cocktail, wine, or beer paired by award-winning sommelier Caroline Styne.

4. Somerville

4.6

Exceptional(198)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Culver City

Booked 58 times today

Intentionally located along the Slauson Corridor in Historic View Park-Windsor Hills, Somerville is an ode to the past, a toast to the present, and celebration of the progress in between. We are a progressive American dining experience that highlights contemporary cuisine while honoring the rich roots of South Central Los Angeles. Each dish captures the bold and savory essence of California, blending traditional influences with modern techniques to elevate every bite.Designed as an inviting space for locals, travelers, and culinary enthusiasts alike, Somerville cultivates community in a timeless setting, featuring a thoughtfully curated wine selection, skillfully crafted cocktails, and live entertainment -- creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection.

A photo of Girl & the Goat L.A. restaurant

5. Girl & the Goat L.A.

4.7

Exceptional(4158)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 56 times today

Chef Stephanie Izard and her team are thrilled to have joined LA’s vibrant restaurant community and continue our tradition of serving bold-flavored foods in a fun and lively family-style setting. Stephanie and her team have also crafted new dishes inspired by California produce and local flavors, like carrot-tahini dip with tahini tofu, and curried goat with radishes, pickled vegetables, and masa chips. To enhance the experience we offer a selection of wines from around the world with a focus on small producers, a rotating list of craft beers, and a list of innovative cocktails created by our bartenders. Located in the Arts District at 555 Mateo, Girl & the Goat offers dinner service Monday through Sunday, plus brunch Sunday. Girl & the Goat accepts reservations but always welcomes walk-ins, travelers and adventurers!

A photo of Katsuya - L.A. Live restaurant

6. Katsuya - L.A. Live

4.5

Awesome(2819)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 34 times today

Katsuya is the Los Angeles Times Readers’ Choice "Best Sushi Restaurant" in Southern California and one of OpenTable's "50 Hottest Restaurants in the U.S." Featuring the dynamic pairing of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresario Philippe Starck, Katsuya by Starck is truly a feast for the senses. With specialty cocktails, unique rolls and spectacular sushi and sashimi platters, Chef Uechi skillfully translates Japanese flavors to the American palate. Signature dishes include Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño and Miso-Marinated Black Cod. With superb talent and exacting precision, Katsuya by Starck is changing the face of Japanese cuisine.

7. Rossoblu

4.7

Exceptional(2151)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

Rossoblu celebrates chef Steve Samson’s two home cities, Los Angeles and Bologna, Italy. The menu features house made salumi, soulful pastas, market produce, and wood grilled fish and meats.Located in downtown’s City Market South, the site of Los Angeles’s original produce market, Rossoblu’s vaulted dining room and open kitchen create a festive dining environment. The restaurant’s private outdoor piazza allows al fresco diners to feel far removed from the nearby city bustle. An intimate basement wine cellar can be reserved for private parties.

8. LA Cha Cha Chá

4.4

Awesome(1364)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Arts District

Booked 15 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

9. The Factory Kitchen - Los Angeles

4.6

Exceptional(3673)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 44 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.

10. JOEY DTLA

4.6

Exceptional(163)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 138 times today

*Looking to book for 7+ people? Email us at DTLA.reservations@joeyrestaurants.com and someone will get back to you shortly!*JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. Wrapping the corner of 7th and S Flower St with the largest street level patio downtown Los Angeles, JOEY DTLA features a theatre kitchen, a stunning stone bartop and a custom wine wall in the lounge. The dining room showcases a large commissioned art piece by Los Angeles local, America Martin, an interior willow tree that provides an oasis within the city.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

MN
MsNarcissisticVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Truly enjoyed my first time at Somerville. The food we ordered was delicious.. who ever is back there cooking the chicken is doing the lords work. It was so juicy & fresh! I’d love to see them expand the menu a bit - add a seafood & pasta dish. I also felt like the dessert menu could’ve had some sweet potato pie or red velvet cake on it after all they’re serving collard greens lasagna. Overall I’ll definitely go back! The live music was such a great backdrop to a friends night out.
More info
SomervillePrice: Expensive• American• Culver City
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was good, my brother and my mom loved it. We had a great server. Overall it was an awesome experience. Been to Niku x for the 4th time. Quality of meat stays top tier 🙏🙏
More info
NIKU XPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great place to enjoy a nice view and great foo I restocked you to come and check it out, the drinks are great and good amount of alcohol.
More info
Cara CaraPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Emma was incredible! We let her make our selections and it was fabulous!
More info
Girl & the Goat L.A.Price: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
A
Anthony
Orange County •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 30, 2024
Had breakfast buffet before USC football game. Location to campus, hotel and stadium are excellent. Staff was very friendly and food selection were outstanding! Would definitely dine there on other occasions.
More info
McKay'sPrice: Moderate• All you can eat/Buffet• Downtown
•
3.8

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