Local Lunch Recommendations – Downtown Los Angeles
At CENTRL, we know there’s more to work than just showing up to the office. That’s why we choose locations that are in vibrant, walkable (and bikeable) neighborhoods where a thriving and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit can be felt while simply strolling down the street.
Fortunately, many of these entrepreneurs not only feed new ideas, they feed people, too. As a result, this is a neighborhood teeming with amazing locally owned lunch spots, many of them steps away from our location in the Arts District in Little Tokyo. With so many options, though, we know that deciding where to grab a bite can sometimes feel like quite the dilemma.
With this in mind, here are a few of our favorite lunch spots. Of course, we’re only scratching the surface here, but you can’t go wrong with any of these locally owned downtown LA eateries.
Loqui
eatloqui.com
803 Traction Ave, Ste 150, Los Angeles, CA 90013
This place is definitely a hidden gem in the Arts District. Loqui offers a delicious and simple menu, with quick and kind service. The ingredients are fresh, the meat is seasoned well, everything is prepared nicely and the portions are well suited for lunch. There are also plenty of vegan options — their mushroom tacos are a must try.
Sushi Gen
sushigen-dtla.com
422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Craving sushi? Sushi Gen is a great option — as well as being an LA institution. Pro tip: if you want to take advantage of their lunch specials, check their hours because Sushi Gen is closed for lunch a couple of days a week. And if ordering for takeout, be sure to check their website as it’s slightly different from their usual offerings. We absolutely love the sashimi here!
Daikokuya
bishamon-ten.com
327 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
With five locations in LA, Daikokuya’s presence in the city has grown over the years, but a visit to the original Little Tokyo location for one of their traditional bowls is a trip worth taking. The old-school, no-frills space only adds to the ambience. Everything here is excellent, though we especially like the Tsukemen noodles — chewy and done just right.
CENTRL Loves Local Businesses
Beyond our workspace, what makes our location special is our neighbors — local businesses like us — who form the backbone of our community. That’s why we encourage you to support our neighbors here in Little Tokyo. And whether you are looking for the perfect slice of pizza, taco, or a spot to grab a beer after work, always feel free to ask our staff for a recommendation. We’re here to help!