As many of you already know, I am a SoCal native and while I absolutely love living in LA, I feel like it’s so easy to get caught up in my everyday routine that I forget that there is so much in my own backyard to see and do. I thought to myself, why not play tourist for the day? In that moment, I had decided to spend the day in Downtown LA so that I could share a few of my favorite places with you!

Dining

BOTTEGA LOUIE
700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Bottega Louie’s is one of my all-time favorite places to eat in downtown. This restaurant is not only gorgeous, but the food and desserts are amazing! Aside from the pizzas & pastas, they have weekend brunch & macaroons to-go!

PITCHOUN CAFE
545 S Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

If you love French food as much as I do, Pitchoun Cafe is an absolute MUST. This French café is right in the heart of downtown and the perfect place to stop and get your croissant and espresso fix. Everything is homemade every morning! My favorite is their freshly baked bread!

MACCHERONI REPUBLIC
332 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Doesn’t get any better than having fresh, organic pasta that tastes like you’re sitting at a restaurant in Italy. All of the dishes are authentic Italian and the cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’re right at home. It’s the perfect spot for happy hour and you can bring your own wine for a small corkage fee of $10! 

OTIUM
222 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Otium was recommended to me by a girlfriend of mine and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Otium focuses on the quality of food and warm service with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It has an open kitchen with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s name, Otium, has Latin roots, meant to emphasize a place where time can be spent on leisurely social activities. Their menu is seasonal so I would recommend asking your server what they suggest.

VERVE COFFEE
833 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located right on Spring street, Verve is a coffee + juice lover’s paradise. The also have a delicious lunch menu if you’re planning on eating in. My favorite part is that you can get juice flights from Juice Served Here. If you’re an iced coffee person, try their Iced Vato! I happen to get both the juice flight and a coffee!

BIRDIES LA
314 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

If you’re a chicken and waffles person, Birdies will be your new favorite spot in DTLA. Here you can get donuts and fried chicken made to perfection. And the best part is that you can sample the donuts before deciding which one you want!

 

LITTLE DAMAGE
700 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable dessert spot, look no further. This trendy little ice cream shop is family owned and makes their signature black waffle cones with activated charcoal.  I recommend getting there early as the line can get a little long!

BESTIA
2121 E 7th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021 

A meat-lovers paradise. Ya’ll probably know by now that I don’t eat meat, but this wouldn’t be a guide to DTLA if I didn’t include Bestia. People rave about this place and it’s one of the bests spots to grab dinner and cocktails downtown. Make sure to call in advance for a reservation because they fill up really quickly!

Must See!

LA FLOWER MARKET
6130 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

If you’re a flower lover like me, you will absolutely LOVE the flower market. They have everything you could possibly want – I’ve even had girlfriends buy flowers there and make their own wedding bouquets! Check the hours before you go, because they open and close early and are closed on Sundays. Admission is $2 so make sure to bring cash if you can.

Nightlife

THE ACE HOTEL
929 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015 

One of my favorite places to go at night in Downtown, the Ace Hotel has a gorgeous rooftop bar with an amazing view of downtown. Also, if you’re hungry, there’s great food on the 1^st floor. This trendy spot has a DJ that plays on the weekends with a little area where you can dance.  I love sitting outside around the pool or in the courtyard where the DJ plays.

LIBRARY BAR
630 W 6th Street #116A, Los Angeles, CA 90017 

What are your favorite spots in DTLA? Let me know in the comments below!