Best Upscale Whole30 Restaurants in Downtown LA | Upscale & Whole30

17 restaurants in Best Upscale Whole30 Restaurants in Downtown LA | Upscale & Whole30

• Cognoscenti Coffee Roastery — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this minimalist roastery where the rhythmic hum of the roaster and the intoxicating fragrance of freshly ground microlots create a sophisticated sanctuary for the coffee purist. The experience centers on rare, expertly sourced beans—from floral Ethiopian Yirgacheffes to experimental anaerobic ferments bursting with notes of guava and honey—each cup meticulously crafted to reveal the complex, vibrant terroir of the world’s most prestigious high-altitude estates.
• Daikokuya — Japanese: Step into a lively haven where the air is thick with the savory aroma of pan-seared gyoza and the irresistible sizzle of golden-fried tonkatsu. This bustling neighborhood gem invites diners to linger over vibrant plates of crispy chicken karaage and delicate shiso age, each bite celebrating the comforting, soul-warming flavors of traditional Japanese street food and home-style classics.
• Hachioji Craft Ramen — Japanese: Hachioji Craft Ramen invites diners into a vibrant, modern space where the comforting steam of slow-simmered broths mingles with the irresistible aroma of golden, crispy appetizers. The kitchen balances traditional Japanese soul food like savory takoyaki and ginger-scented karaage with playful, crunchy comforts ranging from molten cheese sticks to delicate baked green mussels. It is a destination where artisanal craft meets casual indulgence, offering a soulful dining experience that warms the heart and satisfies every craving for bold, savory flavors.
• Rakkan Ramen — Japanese: This vibrant Japanese destination invites guests into a modern, light-filled space where the enticing aroma of golden chicken karaage and savory takoyaki sets a playful, welcoming tone. The kitchen artfully bridges tradition and contemporary flair, offering everything from delicate sushi flights and fresh salmon to inventive small plates like charred Brussels sprouts and furikake fries that burst with umami flavor. Each visit promises a symphony of textures and tastes, where the crunch of house-made gyoza meets the refreshing snap of spicy cucumbers in a celebration of soulful, elevated comfort food.
• Redbird LA — American: Housed within the historic rectory of a former cathedral, this architectural gem invites diners into a sun-drenched courtyard where a retractable roof reveals the downtown sky above marble accents and lush greenery. The atmosphere hums with a sophisticated energy as guests gather for artfully crafted cocktails and refined snacks that celebrate bold, seasonal flavors. It is a sanctuary of urban elegance where historic grandeur meets a vibrant, modern pulse, perfect for lingering over a crisp glass of wine as the city lights begin to glow.
• Yuko Kitchen — Japanese: Yuko Kitchen unfolds as a vibrant, eclectic retreat where playful fusion and bold textures take center stage in every bite. The kitchen transforms familiar ingredients into inventive treasures, from the irresistible crunch of spicy salmon rice cakes and wonton nachos to the savory, golden warmth of chicken karaage and gooey cheese mochi sticks. It is a space designed for discovery, where a casual meal feels like a celebration of creative comfort food and shared, flavorful moments.
• Prime Pizza — Italian: The irresistible aroma of toasted crust and bubbling mozzarella draws guests into this lively neighborhood hub, where the art of the classic round pie is elevated through premium toppings and a perfectly charred finish. Whether savoring the spicy heat of an Arrabbiata or the earthy comfort of sausage and kale, diners experience a masterclass in balance and texture that turns a simple slice into a soulful, hand-crafted feast.
• Vitacane — Vietnamese: Vitacane serves as a vibrant, sun-drenched sanctuary where the crisp, natural sweetness of freshly pressed sugarcane is transformed into an array of revitalizing elixirs and nutrient-dense bowls. From the zesty, mint-infused spark of a Limojito to the lush, tropical fusion of the Coco Melon Cane, every chilled creation offers a kaleidoscope of bold colors and bright, botanical flavors. This modern oasis invites guests to recharge with an icy, earth-to-cup experience that feels like a refreshing tropical escape in every sip.
• Oomasa — Japanese: Stepping into Oomasa feels like entering a bustling haven of Japanese comfort, where the air is perfumed with the savory aroma of golden-fried delicacies and sizzling small plates. Guests linger over shared treasures like crispy soft shell crab and tender chicken karaage, each bite offering a masterful play of textures from the delicate crunch of tempura to the silken, umami-rich warmth of agedashi tofu.
• TOT Little Tokyo — Japanese: Nestled in the heart of Little Tokyo, this vibrant eatery hums with the energy of a classic Japanese izakaya, where the savory steam of golden takoyaki and the irresistible aroma of frying ginger-soy karaage fill the air. The kitchen masters the art of the crunch, serving up premium black pork katsu and delicate millefeuille cheese cutlets that shatter into tender, succulent bites alongside creamy crab croquettes and zesty chicken nanban. Every dish offers a comforting journey through the soul-satisfying flavors of Tokyo’s bustling backstreets, creating an inviting space where traditional comfort food meets modern urban charm.
• BROKEN MOUTH — Korean: Broken Mouth serves as a vibrant gateway to the islands, where the comforting aromas of sizzling meat jun and sweet teriyaki chicken drift through a space filled with the warmth of aloha spirit. Each plate is a masterclass in balance, pairing savory staples like hand-pressed spam musubi with the creamy, nostalgic indulgence of potato-mac salad and the bright, spicy snap of cucumber kimchi. It is a soulful destination where traditional flavors are elevated into a heartfelt dining experience that feels like a home-cooked embrace.
• Terroni — Italian: Terroni captures the spirited essence of Southern Italy, inviting guests into a lively atmosphere where the aroma of warm bread and briny olives sets the stage for an authentic culinary journey. From the delicate crunch of golden zucchini blossoms to the melt-in-your-mouth richness of beef carpaccio and creamy buffalo mozzarella, each dish celebrates bold, sun-kissed flavors with rustic elegance. It is a place where tradition meets a vibrant urban pulse, turning every meal into a soulful celebration of Mediterranean heritage.
• Orochon Ramen — Japanese: Steaming bowls of rich, umami-laden broth take center stage at this vibrant ramen destination, where the air is thick with the savory scent of simmering miso and sea salt. The kitchen invites a daring exploration of flavor through its signature spice scale, allowing guests to tailor their experience from a mild, soul-warming simmer to a bold, volcanic intensity. Each bowl arrives as a masterpiece of texture and depth, balancing chewy noodles within a complex broth that captures the heart of traditional Japanese comfort.
• Guisados — Mexican: The morning air at Guisados is thick with the savory perfume of sizzling chorizo and charred green chiles, drawing diners into a vibrant space where the day begins with a celebration of homestyle Mexican comfort. Thick, handmade tortillas cradle hearty fillings like tender pork chops smothered in piquant salsa or smoky bacon and potatoes, offering a soulful breakfast experience that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
• Gong Cha — Chinese: Step into a vibrant oasis where the art of the brew meets a kaleidoscope of fruit-forward flavors, from the velvety richness of taro-strawberry swirls to the sun-drenched brightness of Thailand mango smoothies. Each hand-shaken creation offers a playful dance of textures, layering creamy milk teas with chewy coconut jellies and delicate almond infusions for a refreshing, customizable escape in every sip.
• Cole's P.E. Buffet — American: Step into a storied piece of Los Angeles history where dim lighting and polished mahogany evoke the timeless, moody charm of a classic downtown saloon. The air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-braised meats, from tender lamb to salt-cured pastrami, each tucked into crusty rolls and served alongside bowls of rich, steaming jus for the ultimate dip. A signature neon-pink spicy pickled egg provides a sharp, tangy snap that perfectly rounds out this quintessential, soul-warming dining experience.
• Sunright Tea Studio — Chinese: Bathed in a bright, contemporary glow, this vibrant studio transforms the traditional tea break into a sensory celebration of hand-crafted infusions and chewy, honey-kissed boba. Velvety swirls of decadent Oreo brûlée and rich Hokkaido milk meet the crisp, sun-drenched clarity of fresh grapefruit jasmine tea, creating a refreshing sanctuary where every sip bursts with artisanal flair.