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Local picks

Cafes and lunch spots in Central LA

A cafe that serves a real lunch instead of just pre-packaged snacks that have been sitting in a display case.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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01
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Cafe space features vibrant art exhibition and well-designed seating layout. Atmosphere feels lively and uplifting with old school music and strong bonds among staff creating a human touch. Visitors find a chill vibe and a sense of belonging in a community-focused setting.

Lunch offers a great variety of tasty options. The spot earns consistent praise and draws repeat visits for its breakfast and lunch selections.

People are saying

"The cafe's food and service were terrific and welcoming."

"The lunch options here are delicious and not your average menu."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the café, but it can be tight.

2

The café has a small parking lot in the back for customers.

3

Reservations are not required, but expect a line during peak hours.

02
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Small cafe with historic building and vinyl wall creates a warm, cozy atmosphere filled with plants and sunlight. Background music stays calm and chill, supporting a friendly, respectful environment. Space feels spacious and well-decorated, inviting for meetings or casual visits.

Coffee here is friendly and professional with a focus on quality. The cafe offers great lattes and cheesecakes in a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a hidden gem.

Great ambiance with light music suits meetings, dates, and quick bites. Offers breakfast burritos, croissants, and smoothies alongside lunch options.

People are saying

"This cafe's food and drinks are fantastic and always taste fresh."

"The owners here are super sweet and really friendly."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 7am and closes at 7pm.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

3

Expect a limited drink menu due to recent ownership changes.

03
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Small cafe with high ceilings and a brick wall creates an open, stylish space. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy with pleasant music and bright, clean design. Tables spread out for a relaxed vibe, welcoming for breakfast or lunch.

Bright and clean with a cozy atmosphere, this cafe offers a decent amount of seating and ample street-metered parking. The Thai Crepe stands out as a unique menu item with a fresh, authentic taste.

Offers a relaxing atmosphere for lunch with consistently good food. Serves as a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the cafe to be cute and welcoming."

"The food here is so good and tastes ultra fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right out front, but it's metered.

2

Expect a higher charge on your bill due to extra fees.

3

The cashier handles money and food without changing gloves, raising food safety concerns.

04
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Space blends Guatemalan culture with minimalist wooden decor and unique art pieces. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, ideal for working or relaxing with mellow music. Separate seating and community areas support a calm, social vibe.

Bold, full-flavored cafe de olla stands out with sweetness from natural ingredients, not molasses. The cafe offers a friendly atmosphere and a separate, expansive seating area for comfort.

Calming decor creates a relaxed vibe for breakfast or lunch. The spot serves both meals with a focus on coffee and juice options.

People are saying

"Their specialty lattes and coffee are seriously excellent."

"I loved the coffee and food; it was superb."

Good to know

1

There is no parking available at Ulew Coffee & Juice, and street parking is hard to find.

2

The entrance is through the mini mart and you can't miss the plant store at the entrance.

3

Parking is limited on the curb, but you can enter through the flower shop into the indoor shopping center.

05
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Latin American restaurant with a cozy cafe vibe and bebop jazz music playing. Offers indoor and outdoor seating, including a small patio by the street. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, attracting those who appreciate healthy, flavorful meals.

Lunch offers healthy, yummy options with a delicious chicken taquito plate. Service moves fast during the lunch hour.

People are saying

"The Cafe De Olla is amazing with its delicious cinnamon flavor."

"This lunch spot has delicious food and coffee options."

Good to know

1

Parking can be iffy, so plan to arrive early.

2

Free street parking is available, but it may be a block away.

3

The Sunday menu is limited to burritos and tacos only.

06
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Small cafe with cozy decor and personal touches creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels like a slice of Ecuador. Comfortable seating and a full espresso bar support a relaxed, inviting vibe. The place draws a mix of patrons enjoying authentic Ecuadorian and American dishes in a family-owned setting.

Freshly baked pastries and hearty sandwiches stand out on the menu. The cafe offers a variety of food options including Ecuadorian dishes, with a cozy vibe and friendly service.

Extensive menu offers plenty of lunch options alongside breakfast and dinner. Service during lunch is consistently awesome, making it a reliable spot to stay and enjoy a meal.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's meals are delicious and filling."

"I loved the breakfast burrito with apple sausage at this cafe."

Good to know

1

They host a perreo and coffee event on select weekends.

2

On weekends, Cafe Fresco serves unmissable Ecuadorian dishes.

3

The Taco Tuesday deal includes three tacos and an agua fresca for $14.

07
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Small, old-school diner with U-shaped counter seating and covered outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and classic, with a lively vibe from regulars like city workers and families. Located in an industrial area, it offers a simple, hearty breakfast experience.

Breakfast features a giant menu with many favorites like Cajun Eggs Benedict and the Rock’n Breakfast burrito. Counter seating offers great service and easy conversation.

Offers a good selection of breakfast and lunch plates with well-portioned options. Serves classic meals suitable for both breakfast and lunch.

People are saying

"The cafe food here is delicious and the portions are huge."

"This lunch spot feels like stepping back in time with its classic diner vibe."

Good to know

1

Nick's Cafe opens super early at 6:00 am, which is an advantage over many restaurants.

2

Nick's Cafe closed at 2 PM.

3

The wait time was 45 minutes before getting seated.

08
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Spacious cafe with bright, airy design featuring polished concrete floors and exposed steel girders. Outdoor seating includes a large dog-friendly patio with heaters and shade. Atmosphere feels laid back and trendy, attracting a stylish crowd seeking both comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Bright, airy space offers a casual yet chic vibe with expertly pulled espresso that highlights the beans' flavor. Food includes blueberry compote pancakes, farm-fresh salads, and a proper Parisian Jambon Buerre.

Various plates cover both breakfast and lunch options, making it a flexible spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"You have to try the pancakes at this Cafe; they're frickin' amazing."

"The coffee here is really good, especially the mocha."

Good to know

1

This place is card only.

2

Valet parking is available for $5 with validation.

3

Parking can be difficult; consider street parking or visiting on Sundays when meters are off.

09
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Cafe sits beside a golf course with nature seating and a minimalist aesthetic. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxed, drawing both locals and tourists. Menu offers varied food options with generous portions and homemade baked goods.

Situated near a golf course, the cafe offers a peaceful atmosphere with great music and cool decor. The menu features expertly made pastries, light bites, fresh coffee, and tasty teas at reasonable prices.

Lunch features delicious meals with friendly service that includes thoughtful gestures like offering to walk a dog while eating.

People are saying

"The staff at this lunch spot were so welcoming and kind."

"The Cafe staff, especially Lady R, were so welcoming and kind."

Good to know

1

The cafe hosts an open mic event, perfect for local talent.

2

Drink specials are available regularly, offering good value.

3

Parking is usually available in the lot out front.

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Quaint and cozy space with a Parisian flair and welcoming vibe. Music plays at a perfect volume, creating a chill atmosphere. Known for elite-level ingredients and standout sandwiches, especially the tuna salad on ciabatta.

Offers elite ingredients with a Parisian flair in a quaint, cozy setting. Known for excellent matcha and sandwiches, prices are high but reflect quality.

Cute sandwich logo draws attention for lunch. Staff often prioritize friends of the owners over other customers during lunch hours.

People are saying

"I thought the food at this Cafe was insanely good."

"This lunch spot has some of the best breakfast burritos and salads."

Good to know

1

Thursday burger night features special deals on burgers.

2

Breakfast is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

Expect to pay around $5-6 for a small coffee.

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Cafe offers a quiet, immersive atmosphere with beautiful Japanese-inspired design featuring warm lighting and wood furniture. It attracts those seeking a cozy, intimate setting with attention to detail in both decor and service. The space includes a patio area that welcomes dogs with water bowls.

Offers a super authentic Japanese cafe vibe with Western-Japanese style foods. The space has a nice ambiance and serves a notable omelette rice.

Lunch draws a busy crowd, especially on weekends. The meals leave a memorable impression with their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I ordered lots of matcha drinks at this cafe."

"You have to try the millefeuille pancakes; they're the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially during lunch hours.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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