We came for Dine LA, and this was way above my expectations. I knew it would be a chef-y place,…read morebut I didn't expect to love my meal so much. Dinner was $70 per person and consisted entirely of shared plates. It turned out to be plenty of food. We started with the roasted shishito peppers and the crispy pork belly. That pork belly was the best dish of the night - absolutely delicious. Next came the chickpea fritters, which were also really good. The roasted beet salad was up next. I hate beets. But I still liked this. I wouldn't order it again because, yeah, I really don't like beets. But if you like them even a little, you should get this. I actually ate several bites of this, and it was nice. The Sichuan Chili Bass presented a similar situation as I don't really like fish - but again, I ate this and it was quite tasty. Dessert was a "s'mores" situation - a messy, glorious bowl of chocolate, meringue, graham cracker crunch and strawberries. Service was awesome - perfectly pacing the meal. My friend had a couple of cocktails which were gorgeous. And the room is lovely and light. I don't love the neighborhood and parking can be tough. I definitely would come early unless you're taking a taxi. Genuinely surprised how much I liked this meal. Everything was very well done and clearly made with care without seeming fussy or too precious. Highly recommend and would definitely come back. This is a place to take your out-of-town friends to.

Girl & the Goat has been on my list mostly because I pass by it all the time and it always seems…read morepacked, so I finally decided to see what the hype was about. We made a reservation through OpenTable and arrived about 5 minutes early. They were able to seat us pretty quickly, so the whole check-in process was easy. The restaurant itself is beautiful and spacious, with tall ceilings and plenty of plants. At night, the lighting is moodier and gives the whole space a warm, buzzy atmosphere. Unfortunately, the restaurant itself was also literally warm lol. It wasn't unbearably hot, but definitely warmer than comfortable, especially while eating something like curry. Granted, it was 95°F+ outside that day, so maybe the AC was just fighting for its life. We ordered: * Goat liver mousse * Wood-fired broccoli * Pickled pepper blueberry cornbread * Lamb curry Surprisingly, I think the wood-fired broccoli was my favorite dish of the night. It had a really nice char with a slight tanginess that kept me going back for more. The cornbread and goat liver mousse were both just okay for me. I wanted the cornbread to be richer and more buttery, and the blueberry didn't come through nearly as much as I expected. The goat liver mousse was fine, but weirdly I almost wanted it to taste more like goat? For something centered around goat liver, the flavor felt pretty tame. The lamb curry had a nice curry flavor, but it was missing the depth and complexity I've had in really good curries. There also wasn't much actual lamb in the dish, which made it even harder for it to stand out. Overall, nothing we had was particularly bad, but aside from the broccoli, nothing made me think, "I need to eat this again." The space and interior honestly left a stronger impression on me than the food. Maybe we just didn't order the right dishes, because this place is clearly popular; but with so many other restaurants in the Arts District, I don't see myself choosing Girl & the Goat over them for a return visit.

Zinc Cafe is one of my favorite brunch spots and it never disappoints! We had the American…read moreBreakfast, the Middle Eastern Breakfast and the French Toast - everything was fresh, flavorful and absolutely delicious. The Blueberry Smash mocktail and Zinc Sunrise were the perfect refreshing drinks to go with brunch. The service was excellent - quick, attentive and friendly without ever feeling rushed. Great food, great atmosphere and consistently a wonderful experience. We'll definitely be back!

What a beautiful venue So much potential…read moreCurrently operating like a morgue The girl that's supposed to be standing at the door is standing in the back customers keep walking in and then walking out because nobody's there to greet them I had to find my server I had to ask for coffee You can smell the death of this place in the air as they cannot even open the gates because it's probably too much work Sad

If you've ever wondered what would happen if a chill LA patio and a New Orleans street parade had a…read morebaby, The Rising Sun is exactly that child, and it's thriving. The outdoor patio feels like you accidentally wandered into a breezy corner of the French Quarter. Warm lights, casual seating, and that "kick back and stay awhile" energy. Ordering through the app and picking up at the window makes you feel like you're part of a secret club, the kind where the password is "extra napkins, please." * Chicken Po' Boy, WOW...This thing is stacked. Crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and bread that holds everything together like it's doing core workouts. It's messy in the best way, the kind of sandwich that demands respect and maybe a bib. * Fully Loaded Cajun Tots, These tots don't play around. They show up dressed to impress, cheese, toppings, flavor, the whole squad. It's basically a tiny potato block party, and you're invited. * Beignets, very delicious, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with enough powdered sugar to make you question your laundry choices. One bite and suddenly you're hearing jazz horns in the distance. Their coffee game....Dangerously good. My boogie coffee drink - latter came out smooth, sweet, and caffeinated enough to make me consider running around the block a few times. It's the kind of drink that makes you shimmy in your seat and say, "Yeah... life is good." This place nails the New Orleans vibe without trying too hard. Great food, fun energy, and a patio that makes you forget you're in LA traffic territory. Come hungry, come curious, and definitely come ready for powdered sugar on your shirt. Miguel C.

The rising sun is an interesting spot! It has a cool gothic vibe so if you want to fit in…read moredefinitely come dressed in black. It's a small self served restaurant with a limited menu that changes, since not everything we saw on yelp was available. When we visited the options were crispy chicken/hot link sliders, different variations of tots and beignets. We went with the crispy chicken sliders and loaded Cajun tots and they were both very flavourful and delicious. The chicken was well seasoned and crispy paired with tangy pickled vegetables and a tasty pretzel bun. The combination of flavours packed a punch but we did wish for a thicker slice of chicken. The tater tots were very well seasoned too and the sauces were yummy, something acidic would be a nice addition to cut through the fatty goodness. When we asked for utensils they didn't have any forks so they gave us one spoon and one knife. We made it work. Definitely want to come back to try other things on their menu whenever they rotate it.

OAT MILK LATTE ICED:…read more -- nice balance of creaminess and boldness, maybe just a tad bolder than I like but very good -- quality java, nearly bought a sack -- very smooth -- not sour, nor bitter RATING = A Great interior design inside. So very modern LA. Street parking is vague and leaves you wondering if you will earn a ticket. There is a reference to "permit", but nothing was crystal clear as I recall.

Hello! Just…read moreupdating my previous review. My wife and I live and work in the neighborhood and we've been coming here for almost 2 years. The coffee is incredible. I get the Purple Fruit and Wilder Blend pour over and my wife gets the Purple Fruit as well. She also drinks the mocha, peppermint tea or Moroccan ice tea... About a month ago, one of the managers here Jason introduced me to these drinks so I bought the Purple Fruit beans and a pour over kit and started drinking it at home in the mornings since we both get up early. My wife tried it and she loved it. She asked me to get a few bags incase they run out so I did! I buy Verve coffee for my team and people in our building all the time. I enjoy buying good coffee for others as much as I enjoy drinking it myself. Their lattes and mochas are really good too. I also bought some beans for my mother in law so she can share it with her friends back home in Seoul and she said they loved it! My coffee game has been elevated and I loveeee it! Bonnie, thank you soo much for the thoughtful birthday message on the cup. She gave me the Wilder leftover on a shot cup and it was the first time I took a "shot" in 4 years. I had a nice chat with Ed about gratitude and counting our blessings. Jason and Brian have a lot of deep knowledge and experience with coffee. The team here really work hard and really know and enjoy their coffee. We are not perfect but they still strive to serve us everyday. We are truly lucky to be served by you and you make our day better whether we realize it or not. It's an experience and an adventure. It is personable and natural. Really excellent and exceptional service all around. Thank you to everyone. Jason, Brian, Ed, Matt, Anthony, Daniel, Agia, Pars, Ale, Bonnie, Kayla, Alex, Ozy and the rest of the crew. Cheers!

Food, service, and ambience are all 5/5 stars! The only thing that sucked was the parking. This…read morepart of LA just sucks to park at in general. We had to park around the corner in a really disgusting area that was full of trash, dog poop and smelled really terribly of urine and sewage. That being saidddd! The Shepard's Pie was sooo good, it is my new favorite. Served in a skillet, it was a big, piping hot portion that's enough for 2 whole meals! It paired absolutely beautifully with a pint of their Bike Shed Brew. I felt like I was in London, spot on! The only thing I would add is some HP Sauce and/or Tabasco. I waited 10 years to finally check this place out and it was absolutely worth it! I'd love to bring people, my girlfriend even said it would be an amazing wedding venue, we just wish they had a better parking situation.

My boyfriend and I first visited Bike Shed about two years ago for a friend's get-together, and we…read moreabsolutely loved it. He is definitely a bar person and really appreciates places with a great beer selection, so this spot immediately stood out to us. Fast forward to my birthday. I was dealing with the birthday blues and didn't feel like doing anything too big, but I still wanted to celebrate with a small dinner. Another restaurant I considered was completely booked, so we chose Bike Shed. Honestly, I should have made it my first choice! Booking was incredibly easy, everyone was so kind, and our table was ready as soon as we arrived. It wasn't overly crowded, which made the evening feel relaxed, and parking was easy for all of my friends. The food was amazing, and the prices were very reasonable. We all work hard for our money, and sometimes you want a great dining experience without spending more than $150 per person. Everyone had such a great time, and the entire evening was exactly what I needed for my birthday. We also had no idea Bike Shed was dog friendly! As soon as we walked in, we saw two dogs inside with their owners, which made us love the place even more. My boyfriend and I will definitely be returning. Next time, we're bringing our dogs!

Located right in the heart of the Arts District, Sampa is one of those LA restaurant that's trendy,…read morehigh‑end, and still feels warm and welcoming. The kind of spot where you walk in and immediately think, Yep... this is where you bring someone you're trying to impress. The ambience hits that perfect balance of modern, moody, and stylish, a little sexy, a little artsy, and fully date‑night certified. Service was on point the entire night, for my experience, maybe cause they know I was was going to tip very heavily. Ha ha ha. Which ai did by the way! Staff was attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being pretentious. The team here knows the menu inside and out, and they guide you like they're curating an experience rather than just taking an order. Drinks topped off, plates cleared smoothly, pacing perfect. High‑end feel without the high‑end attitude. Let's talk about the food. Filipino Fusion Done With Swagger Ribeye Salpicao, This dish is straight-up dangerous. Tender ribeye cubes seared with garlicky, buttery goodness, the kind of salpicao that makes you rethink every bite you have. Rich, savory, and addicting. If you don't guard your plate, someone at the table will steal a piece. "Because I know I would!" Rockfish Pritong, it was crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and seasoned like someone's Filipino auntie whispered the secrets of life into the batter. Bright, punchy flavors with that perfect crunch. Definitely a sleeper hit. Crispy Duck Pancit, This one is wild, pancit with a crispy duck twist that somehow feels both comforting and elevated. The noodles soak up all that savory duck richness, and the crispy skin on top. Wow, a moment of silence for how good that bite is. Papaya Salad, so fresh, bright, and refreshing. A perfect palate reset between the heavier dishes. Crunchy, citrusy, and balanced, the kind of salad that actually earns its spot on the table. Grilled Eggplant Salad, smoky, silky eggplant with a char that tastes like it came straight off a backyard grill in Manila. Light but flavorful, and a great contrast to the richer plates. Pasta Palabok, a true Filipino classic reimagined. Creamy, savory palabok sauce wrapped around pasta instead of noodles, bold move, but it works. The textures are luxurious, and the flavors stay true to the original. Tare Tare Tamale, definitely one of the most creative dishes of the night. A fusion tamale with tare flavors that hit sweet, salty, and umami all at once. Soft masa, rich filling, and a flavor combo that makes you pause mid‑bite. "Mmmm hmmm!" Hamachi, so clean, fresh, and beautifully plated. The kind of hamachi that melts instantly and makes you feel fancy even if you're wearing sneakers. Of course I had my dress shoes on. It has bright citrus notes and just the right amount of heat. Sampa nails the high‑end, artsy vibe without feeling stiff. Trendy lighting, modern décor, and a soundtrack that keeps the energy fun. Perfect for date night, anniversaries, or when you want to look like you know the cool spots in LA. Sampa is Filipino fusion with confidence, bold flavors, gorgeous plating, and an atmosphere that elevates the whole night. If you're trying to impress your significant other, celebrate something special, or just treat yourself to a killer meal in the Arts District, this place delivers. "Always remember the energy you give ...is the energy you receive. One bite at a time! " Miguel C.

We came here during DineLA week. $55 for 4 course menu. It is our first time here but we had tried…read moretheir kare-kare tamale and ube cheese cake at food festival... so, we were quite excited to dine here. The menu is simple but creative, perfect blend of Filipino and Spanish cuisine. Inasal cesar salad: calamansi dressing is refreshing. Grilled chicken is perfectly grilled add a nice twist to the salad. Kare-kare tamale: signature dish. The braised oxtail is so moist and tender..the veloute sauce is milky. Bucatini and rigatoni are also so yummy. We can't decide the winner. Bucatini is spicy. Rigatoni is milky and buttery... so you decide. Grilled escabeche white fish: the fish is moist with crispy skin. Ribeye is melt in my mouth. For desert, panna cotta is a.perfect ending of a beautiful dinner. Every dish.is beautifully presented. The service is impeccable. There is paid parking across from the restaurant for $10. It is probably one of the best meal we had this year. If you have not been here, Sampa should be on your bookmark to check out.

After a late night out, the hubs and I needed something reasonably close and yummy for breakfast…read more We were staying at the Hotel Per La so I sent my hubs to grab and our food to bring it back to our hotel room. My breakfast burrito was good. My husband's breakfast sandwich was better so halfway through we traded. Service was great. Ambiance was nice.

I'll be honest here, I kind of wanted to hate this place ever since I almost went a few months back…read morebut changed my mind when I saw six people wearing fedoras at a table and wanted nothing to do with that, but here we are, months later giving this place another real shot. My wife and I stopped here a few weekends back for lunch and I was pleasantly surprised with just how much I enjoyed the food. The ambiance here is pretty generic, white and bright and very copy and paste of a lot of places popping up recently. The staff was super friendly while taking our orders and dropping the food off, which is always appreciated. I ended up ordering the Santo's Turkey Melt which is smoked turkey, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, and chipotle aioli served on sourdough with a side of french fries. The sandwich was really good and the same can be said for the french fries and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of fries given, so thumbs up to that. I forgot what the food costs so I visited the website and for some reason they don't think it's important to put that online, which is pretty darn stupid if you ask me. Overall, I didn't have a bad experience at Sandcouch Cafe and I would visit again in the future thanks to it's convenient location. The food was solid and the staff was friendly, and that's really all I need when ordering a sandwich.

This is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends for a casual get together when in the…read moreDowntown LA area! It's conveniently located to the LA Convention Center, Crytpo.com arena, and LA Live which makes it a must visit before or after an event! I am obsessed with their happy hour, which offers healthy items at discounted prices with generous portions! I have been here so many times throughout the years but most recently found myself here during a busy World Cup match! Regardless, the service and quality of food was not sacrificed! I was greeted as soon as I got there and the bartenders were overwhelmed but still friendly and helpful. I was so tempted to get a margarita, since theirs are amazing, but decided to keep it dry and just get their vegan nachos. I was able to score a table outside on their lovely patio, which felt secluded enough from the main street. My food was brought out quicker than I thought and I was delighted, as I was famished! The vegan nachos here are fantastic and the happy price is only $10, which is a steal for what you get! They are costed in the most magical concoction of a bean puree, cashew cheese sauce, and guacamole which all have the most creamy, luscious and savory flavors. It's so hearty and well seasoned and not only filling, but you feel great after. Parking is pretty easy, as there are usually ample meters available nearby. I cannot wait to return again soon the next time I'm in Downtown LA! I am hoping to try more of their vegan options and next time I will for sure get a drink to go along with their delicious food!

Prank has a fun atmosphere and a great location in DTLA, but my experience was a bit mixed. The…read morecocktails didn't quite live up to expectations. I ordered the Espresso Martini, and it tasted pretty watered down and lacked the bold coffee flavor I was hoping for. On the bright side, the food was definitely the highlight. The mussels were flavorful, the calamari was crispy and cooked well, and the fries were delicious. Those dishes really saved the experience . Overall, I'd come back for the food, but I'd probably steer clear from cocktails and order a real drink. Prank is a convenient place for dtla residents in surrounding apartments to come get some quick bites and drinks and catch a live game

My visit to Distrito Catorce came about from a posting on my Instagram. The owner, Guillermo, liked…read moremy post, and I found out that he owned DC. My wife and I decided to visit DC on a Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and planned on staying there until the rooster crowed. Instead, we found out that the opening times were incorrect, as well as the closing times. So, make sure you contact the restaurant to confirm that they are open. Typically, they open at 5 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. We arrived at the restaurant and had to look for parking for a few minutes, simply because the street was partially closed off for an event. We eventually found parking right around the corner and close enough to crawl to the place. The location of the restaurant is rustic, old-town, and brown, and might be a bit challenging for most outsiders. It's located between a dive bar on the left and an art store on the right. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the owner, Guillermo - an approachable, caring, knowledgeable, and respectful gentleman with the enthusiasm of ten people. The interior of this place is a bit rustic, but we were there for the FOOD, not to shop for furniture. The place was sparsely populated, with only a few patrons. The oldies were jamming, and we were focused on the food experience to be had. We had been studying the menu online for about a week and were still undecided about what our choices would be, so we went with the suggestions Guillermo made for us. I had to start with one of their beers on tap, and this is where the magic happened: The Kinky Blonde, the Allagash White, and the Cali Squeeze were perfect for a lazy afternoon and an empty stomach, pairing well with the conversation and our much-awaited meal! Then the first plate arrived: Tostaditas de Atún Aguachile Negro (TRANSLATION - Heaven on a tortilla). Yellowfin tuna with mango citrus on a fried tortilla, along with a secret blend of love and explosive flavors guaranteed to put a smile on your face! This dish alone would be enough to draw you back to this place again and again. Then came the second punch: Taquitos de Papa - potato tacos with lemon ricotta, salsa macha, and chives. I know what you're thinking: Potato tacos? Really? Yes, really! They were spicy, crunchy, flavorful, and memorable. Then came Bronson: Esquite Brussels Sprouts - Mexican corn and Brussels sprouts with chile de árbol aioli and chile-lime butter. No need to explain this experience! But wait, there's more: Carne Asada - hanger steak with pasilla peppercorn sauce and grilled vegetables. The meat was ultra-tender, savory, inviting, and comforting. By the time the Lamb Al Pastor Taco and the Ribeye Taco showed up, we were ready to move into this place and never leave. Without a doubt, DC is a culinary gem, but what made this place truly memorable was the four and a half hours my wife and I spent getting to know Guillermo, the owner. What did we talk about for four and a half hours? Life, food, family, art, education, and religion. It was dessert in words, topped with a sense of honesty, love, and life! Take a walk - or drive--on the wild side and venture on over to DC. Have a life-changing experience with the drinks, the food, and the conversation. And tell them that Simón sent you!

Distrito Catorce is a gem in Boyle Heights that delivers on all fronts. The food was outstanding!…read moreFresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared, with authentic flavors and quality ingredients that stood out from the first bite to the last. The ambiance was welcoming and the art was tasteful. What truly elevated the experience was the service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the meal. They were quick to offer recommendations and ensured everything was perfect without being intrusive. We ordered the tostaditas de atún agua chile negro, beet salad, carne asada taco and Al pastor taco and watched the World Cup game. Distrito Catorce combines exceptional food, a great atmosphere, and top-notch service. It's the kind of place that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. Definitely plan on coming back to watch more World Cup games.

Dinner at Manuela was such a treat! Everything I tried was delicious, and I'm already looking…read moreforward to going back. I started with the cream biscuits, butter, and country ham, which were absolutely delicious. The market lettuce with pickled carrots, ricotta salata, hazelnuts, coriander, and buttermilk dressing was fresh, flavorful, and equally impressive. I also ordered the Liberty duck breast with wild mountain huckleberry jus, Asian pear, and spruce tip salt. The duck was very good, but the dish that really had my mouth watering and wanting more was the Italian sweet peppers with poblano cream, green chorizo, Cotija, breadcrumbs, and cilantro. So flavorful and satisfying! To finish, I had the banana pudding with macadamia nuts. It was beautiful and absolutely delicious--a perfect ending to the meal. I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu. Manuela did not disappoint! The service was great and the drinks were strong.

This is a very cool / beautiful restaurant, but unfortunately I felt that the value and service…read morewere lacking, the service in particular. The food was overall tasty, although I felt my steak was tougher than usual for the price point. The shrimp ceviche, although good quality and refreshing, had a slightly bitter taste to it (more so than the usual citrus tang) which I felt detracted from the overall flavor. It kind of felt like there were too many ingredients to it which detracted from the tasty simplicity that the dish is known for, although that is just my opinion and someone else may enjoy it more. The service on the other hand was not particularly good. Our waitress came off as slightly standoffish when asked about gluten free options and failed to refill our water cups multiple times throughout the meal, to the point my partner had to get up and do it herself. The sneaky 4% service charge automatically added to the bill also left a bad taste in my mouth. I have always been of the mind that the responsibility of compensating staff adequately falls on the business, not the public, and any extra tip is for good service and should remain optional by the customer, especially when they charge this much for basic entrees. Our bill came out to over $100 for two people (2 dishes, 1 shared appetizer, no drinks besides water) for breakfast. Overall I'd give this place 3.5 stars, worth checking out, but probably not worth frequenting often. Ambiance is an 8.5/10, the food was about a 7/10, the value was a 6/10, and the service was a 5/10. The food was solid, the ambiance was nice, the value is average to below average, and the service could use a little work. That being said, it's a nice place worth checking out, just make sure you ask to have that 4% charge removed from your bill, and tip accordingly.