Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Los Angeles

Poke (poh-kay), a Hawaiian raw fish salad is one of the dishes that is taking the city's food scene by storm. Taking this classic dish to a notch higher with their innovative twist, PokeBar is where you can build your own poke bowl. Their branch on South Grand Avenue might be modest in size and very busy during lunch hours, but then for a delicious bite, it is worth all of it. Choose your base and size, protein (eight seafood choices), mix-ins, dressings and toppings. Your poke bowl will be ready in a jiffy once the order is given. Fresh, delicious and healthy, this popular eatery will surely curb your poke pangs when in the Downtown area.

Traxx, located inside Union Station, is one of Los Angeles' grandest architectural structures. The restaurant is done in an Art Deco style, complementing the station's merger of streamline modern and mission architecture. It is small and cozy, seating 100 people. There are tables outside by the concourse and a bar in the train station's old telephone room. The open kitchen serves a variety of American dishes, from crab cakes to lamb chops. Its desserts are also good, particularly the pies, which are delicious.

Tease your taste buds with delicious Vietnamese cuisine at the Au Lac LA while in the city. On the menu are dishes like Mad Flax, Crimini Pesto, Yellow Noodle Soup, Chinoise, Cali Roll, Claypot Fish, Grilled Pork Chop and much more that have been listed. Complement your meals with drinks such as Hawaiian Blend, Hemp Mac Milk, and Hibiscus Chamomile. The grand decorated restaurant is the perfect ambiance to share a meal with friends or family.

Walking up to this diner, you can see it's anything but typical. The front windows display mannequin heads with interesting hairdos, scarves, and even bread hats. The food is also made to stand out. Interesting flavor combinations like the maple bacon donut and the peanut butter potato chip cupcake dominate the pastry menu. Breakfast and brunch items are plentiful, and range from sweet, like the homemade brioche french toast, to savory, like the tofu scramble. There are also delicious lunch and dinner dishes like the pulled pork sandwich, salads, and burgers. Stop by for reasonable prices and great people-watching.

Hana-Ichimonme is one of the best Japanese noodle houses this side of the Pacific. Located on the top floor of the Little Tokyo Square, it serves up huge steaming bowls of noodles combined with fresh seaweed, chicken or pork. Fresh ginger, hard-boiled eggs and exotic dessert selections are offered here as well. The atmosphere, service and even the view help make this a great experience. There are several views to choose from and during the winter months, the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains are visible while you dine.

Bret Thompson has won several accolades for his Beverly eatery Milk and his stint as a Patina Chef. With Pez Cantina, Thompson raises the bar, with an elegantly designed eatery serving delicious Mexican and seafood delights. Baja Mexico-born Brett married a Mexican, which he considers as instrumental in shaping his liking for staple Mexican dishes. Situated on South Grand Avenue, Pez Cantina occupies a bustling location in downtown LA. Its eclectic menu reflects flavors from various regions like Yucatan Peninsula, Oaxaca and Baja. Gourmands are appeased with some well-seasoned delights like fish tacos, meat platters and hearty ceviches, apart from an impressive list of craft brews and fine wines.