Budget
Clifton's Cafeteria
Since 1935, located on Broadway, serves cafeteria style food. One should experience the history, the food at affordable prices, and of course view the redwood forest theme.
Grand Central Market
Huge indoor bazaar of Central and South American vendors. Get fresh tortillas, huge Mexican papayas and tasty Tortas. On Hill and Broadway between 3rd and 4th closer to 3rd. Conveniently near the Bradbury Building unique architecture and the Pershing Square Red line stop Northeast access.
The Original Pantry Cafe
The Pantry boasts that it has never closed or been without a customer since it first opened in 1924. Want proof? The front entrance has no lock on it. Come here on any morning and you will see a line stretching around the block - the wait is worth it, and the fast service will have hot plate of food in front of you within minutes of sitting down. Best place for breakfast after midnight. Cash only.
Original Tommy's
A Los Angeles landmark since 1946 Tommy's is a can't-miss for any hamburger lover. Serving hamburgers, french fries, hot dogs, and tamales with their "secret blend" of chili you will always find a line for food at all hours, especially late night/early mornings.
Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet
Bar/restaurant in nearly continuous operation since 1908, but recently shut for a year and a extensive upscale redesign. Along with Philippe The Original, one of the possible originators of the French Dip sandwich.
Midrange
Engine Co. No. 28
Comfort food at its best. A restored actual fire station that churns out LA's best meatloaf, fried chicken and lemonade, all in an elegant atmosphere with great service.
J Restaurant & Lounge
Dining and entertainment, located near the Staples Center. The vibe is equal parts hip and casual; the large space has a glitzy lounge, featuring live music, and a mega patio with fire pit and skyline views of the city. Inspired décor. Menu is Mediterranean-meets-American.
Kendall's Brasserie
Great French menu at a perfect location to catch any of the great evening programs at the surrounding venues. Whatever you order, do not miss their French Fries!
Riordan's Tavern
Good but slightly pricey pub food in the heart of downtown near the Staples Center. The Mayor's Burger is a one pound beast with chili, bacon, and all the fixings, or you can try the daily carvery sandwich. Steaks and seafood are also decent, and the drinks are poured stiff.
The Wood Spoon
Located in a relatively non-descript setting downtown, this restaurant features Brazilian-inspired dishes that are different from what most American restaurants serve as "Brazilian". Rice, beans and plantains are in use, but entrees such as a Brazilian-inspired pot pie and cinnamon water will be new to most diners. Jacqueline, the very gracious chef, will usually make the rounds once the kitchen closes and can tell some very interesting stories about her life after coming to the States.
Zucca
Joachim Splichal of Patina and chef Giancarlo Gottardo strike the right chord with their sleek, alluring bistro featuring classic Italian fare. The pastas and fresh fish are wonderful - one entrée representing every major region in Italy. Between the cuisine and pleasing milieu, it's quite a lovely dining experience.
Yang Chow
Located in Chinatown. Award-winning restaurant. Be sure to order the slippery shrimp and the dry sauteed vegetables green beans and asparagus.
Top end
Cafe Pinot
A romantic French/Italian restaurant and a unique setting as part of the central library's front yard.
Ciao Trattoria
Harry Hagani's homage to fantastic Italian food is a cozy and elegant restaurant popular at lunchtime with the busy executive crowd.
Cicada
Situated in the beautiful Arts Deco Oviatt Building, Cicada deftly blends elegance of design and superior Italian fare. A chic bar is upstairs, complete with marble dance floor. A perfect place for special occasions, a fine meal before the theatre or just any excuse to be dazzled, both by the atmosphere and the cooking.
Nick and Stef's
Fantastic steak house, run by the Patina restaurant empire. If you like beef, this is some of the best in town, with a glass-enclosed aging room where you can view the meat as it ages. Try the dry-aged Ribeye, it will make your head spin. They also have 12 kinds of potatoes on the menu. Not sure why, but they're all good. In the Wells Fargo Center, across from MOCA.
Pacific Dining Car
Don't be surprised if you run into a city politician or other public figuers in this LA landmark that is located partly inside a railway train car, and has been open since 1921. Ask for the breakfast menu any time, day or night, for a more affordable and quite delicious menu.
The Palm
The Palm is a casual white tablecloth restaurant with a mix of Italian, seafood and great steaks. Check out the collection of caricatures on the walls too.
Water Grill
The best seafood and overall service period. Perhaps a bit pricey, but elegant and wonderful.