Quick, affordable Downtown dining may sound like a bit of an oxymoron to some, but au contraire fellow high-rise hungerers. When time's a constraint and money's even more, lunch-ing in the business hub poses the perfect opportunity to discover (or, in some cases, re-discover) the gems of L.A. eating and saving.
Anson’s plentiful lunchtime menu offers enough salads, sandwiches, soups and pastas to make a month's worth of ordering options. Why not make it a routine? The service is fast and friendly, the food is fresh, and the price is right. Try the artichoke salad with Roma tomatoes and feta cheese or the homemade veggie lasagna with garlic bread.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food gets no better than the Best (of Mediterranean), situated in the heart of Downtown and cooking up heart-healthy tasties such as homemade hummus. The stay-and-dine or take-it-for-the-road venue offers enticing signature soups and salads, plus a variety of-not-to-be-missed stuffed sandwiches (falafel, shawarma, kebab and more).
This endearingly kitschy Downtown landmark was founded in 1931, but Clifton’s lovably low prices and down-to-earth ambiance are still—now more than ever, perhaps—hip with the times. The dining is cafeteria-style: Pick what you like, pay very little, and enjoy every bite of the slightly Southern-leaning spread. The forested decor, central location, and daily rotation of entrees and featured favorites make this an automatic eating all-star.
The panini at Corner Bakery demand approximately six minutes of patience, but they're truly worth the wait. Try the Chicken Pomodori or the vegetarian California Grille. To brighten a long afternoon in the office, there’s an assortment of baby Bundt cakes that are sure to be a hit with the co-workers. Dine in or out (or get your office event catered) and make the most of those 15 minutes of freedom with a warm meal that appeases and entertains that rumbling tummy.
Curry House’s Little Tokyo outpost serves up monthly specials and inventively sauced entrees that are sure to please the palate, the wallet and the time clock. Try the curry rice set for variety (soup, salad, curry rice with choice of meat, deep-fried shrimp), the chili shrimp for a taste of spice and the crowd-pleasing chicken katsu for sure satiation.
With a fun throwback atmosphere—think red vinyl booths and long, sweeping counters—and ramen that the entire community covets, Daikokuya rocks the Little Tokyo lunch scene. The pork-based broth, well-known among ramen connoisseurs, takes nearly an entire day to simmer to perfection; when topped with noodles, veggies, slices of Kurobuta pork and a hard-boiled egg, it’s well worth the dash to beat the crowd sure to slurp up the day's limited supply. Try slipping out of the office early.
Named after the picturesque spot along the shores of Baja, Ensenada represents some of L.A.'s most authentic, delicious mariscos. For Downtown worker bees who can't quite make the trek to Mexico, Ensenada’s seafood dishes are the next best thing. Plus, a midday margarita always sounds tempting.
For 15-plus quick-dine destinations in a single locale, Grand Central Market on Broadway offers a lively environment, a step back in time (it's been bustling since 1917) and worldly fare for every taste. The colorful, crowded hall is a lovely respite from the conundrum of daily office life and features such options as Corleone Pizza, Sarita's Pupuseria, Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine and Hawaiian BBQ.
When even a dash is just too much for a busy day in the office, L.A. Cafe promises the perfect solution: free delivery and a menu brimming with price- and palate-friendly options. The menu includes a mouthwatering grilled chicken combo, a signature “cheeseburger Caesar salad” (complete with two mini burgers and buns) and vanilla chai lattes to die for. The price is right, and with free delivery, the location is too.
The inventive lemonade is incredible—a blueberry-mint combo provides the perfect antioxidant pick-me-up for an afternoon back at the grind—and the cafeteria-style gourmet grub is tasty too. With hot and cold portions categorized from A to G by price, plus sandwiches and luscious desserts, Lemonade's lunch style fits the on-the-move lifestyle. There’s chicken basque with artichokes, tender beef with horseradish, and poached Ahi with olives, all served counter-style for speedy satisfaction.
The name says it all. Take that fiber-filled taco salad, protein-loaded tuna sandwich or energy-packed citrus drink for the road. Whether you munch at your desk or take a quick stroll around Pershing Square, a health-friendly lunch from this deli-style locale offers a break to the paycheck and a benefit to the body.
Italian food at the speed of life, pasta from Pastagina is pressure-cooked for T-minus three minutes, then complemented with flavorful, ready-to-serve sauces. Pastagina is the perfect spot to satisfy that lunchtime hankering without putting a dent on those workday hours.
Homemade guacamole and salsas make this casual Mexican spot a standout. Fend off behind-the-desk famishment with fresh scallop tacos, ceviche and shrimp burritos that almost come out quicker than consumption.
New to the Downtown scene, Spitz's slow-roasted, European-style doner kebab sandwiches have already earned their spot on the midday must-do menu. Whether you choose meat, falafel or veggies on either focaccia or lavash, this is one sandwich that differentiates itself from the rest. Bonus: There’s also beer and wine available.
What other people are saying...
akenan9922 from LA - April 28, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Viva la Clifton's! And I've always meant to hit up Lemonade -- anyone here ever eaten there?
Report This CommentdanlovesmLt from westwood - January 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Everything sounds so great I don't know where to begin! I had already heard great things about Clifton's from a friend so I can't wait to try it! ...
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Report This CommentLady D from West Hollywood - January 15, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Thanks for the info!! Love your articles as always. Wanted to let you guys know we linked this article on my blog: culturistas.blogspot.com xoxo...
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Report This CommentMissDiva from Los Angeles - January 14, 2009 at 5:57 PM
These downtown eateries are right by my alley. The lemonade and pastagina restaurants look really good and filling for lunch. I will pencil this in...
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