Good Eats in Downtown LA

Downtown is cutting loose like a virgin on Prom Night and the burgeoning culinary scene is a large part of a pioneering movement to integrate this neighborhood beyond the hours of 9-5. The growing fashion district has proven a major draw for up and coming restaurants. Although models may not eat, the people who dress them do and they eat well on 9^th street! Just below the showrooms housed in The New Mart, you’ll find some of the best lunch spots in the city. Bar-B-Kosher is the latest lunchtime rising star. The name, mixed with the faux wood paneling that covers every inch of the space, may be kitschy but Bar-B-Kosher comes to play. Space is limited and there is rarely an available table so you might want to consider a to-go order. Just be prepared when you take that first bite…it will change your life. They offer salads, low carb plates, and different roasted meats but the draw here are the sandwiches served on freshly baked baguette. The Tunisian; a spicy blend of Tuna, Olive, Tomato, Harrisa, and Potato served with the Chopped Israeli Salad (when ordered, it comes inside the sandwich so don’t get confused), is mind altering. The Mix; Turkey, Chicken, Carrots, and Caramelized Onions in a creamy curry like sauce (try it with hummus inside), will have you spinning. All sandwiches are served with spicy pickled cabbage that can and should be piled on as well. The wall to ceiling wood may feel a little claustrophobic but your meal with send you flying to the heavens and back.

Once you’ve landed from your Bar-B-Kosher high, it’s time for dinner and Zip Fusion has just what the doctor ordered: fresh, imaginative sushi combinations, served to an eclectic mix of Downtowners in a hip Little Tokyo ‘hood surrounded by lofts and walking distance to Crazy Gideon’s (you never know when you’ll need a stereo after dinner). If the Renaissance is underway in Downtown, Zip is the da Vinci. The sushi is simply magnificent. The Whiskey with Soda Back; Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Tamago, and Asparagus wrapped around an Avocado center will make coo. The Yahoo Roll; Spicy Tuna, cooked Shrimp, Cucumber and Jalapenos will inspire a “Woo-Hoo”. The BSCR; baked Scallops over a California Roll will have your taste buds saying “Hootie-Hoo”. And the end of the meal will make you Boo-Hoo.

Why do people dislike the French? They make incredible food! If you want proof that France is great for reasons besides their wine, Les Mis, and Brigitte Bardot, take a bite of Angelique Café’s Omelette Marocaine. Don’t be afraid to cheer, “Oui, oui!!!” as you savor the spicy Merguez Sausage and Ratatouille filling your fluffy eggs. A Chocolate Croissant and Café au Lait enjoyed in the tiny, tree shaded patio is a hell of a lot cheaper than a plane ticket but just as transportive and their Chicken Salad with Mint (especially when you request Romaine instead of Mixed Greens) is in my top five favorite dishes in LA. Viva la France!

Bar-B-Kosher

113 E 9th St (at Main)
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm

Fri: 8am-3pm

Sun 9am-5pm

Zip Fusion Sushi

744 E. 3rd St. (at Traction)

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Mon-Wed: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm

Thu-Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11:30pm

Sat: 5pm-11:30pm

Angelique Café

840 Spring St

Los Angeles, CA 90014

213-623-8698

Mon-Fri: 8am-3:30pm

Sat-Sun: 8am-4pm