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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central LA

Unique lunch spots

You have no interest in the standard midday routine and need a lunch spot that offers something genuinely different.

Based on 678 Opinions
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01
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Restaurant offers a refined yet casual setting with cozy ambiance and beautiful lighting that feels like Spain. Atmosphere stays quietly confident and inviting, welcoming guests for lunch or dinner. Neighborhood spot features a seasonal menu with simple, honest dishes and excellent Spanish wine pairings.

Lovely decor and setting create a nice atmosphere for lunch. The lunch menu offers excellent options, including standout gambas.

Drinks offer refreshing and unique flavors perfect for a warm morning. Food includes a variety of distinctive options like ricotta dip, Italian beans, and passionfruit sangria, all crafted with care.

People are saying

"The food here is so unique, with flavors that are spot on."

"The food at this lunch spot is excellent, especially the gambas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch.

2

The menu features a variety of seasonal tapas with a veggie-forward focus.

3

Prices are moderate, with many dishes allowing for sampling.

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Neon decor and spacious seating create a stylish, intimate setting with a relaxed vibe. Soft music keeps the atmosphere easy for conversation despite occasional crowd noise. Robots roam the space, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Lunch features a bento box that is tasty and reasonably priced. Free parking is available during lunch hours, making it convenient for a late lunch break.

Flavors like lychee, coconut, and matcha shine in the Nigori Sake Sampler. The sushi menu features unique rolls like the Crazy Salmon with lemon and a blue crab hand roll with real crab meat.

People are saying

"The sushi rolls here are so unique and packed with flavor."

"The lunch bento box here is really tasty and a good value."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm-6pm and 8pm-9pm with discounted rolls and drinks.

2

Parking is available in the Crescent Heights Plaza Parking area, including underground options.

3

Most rolls and appetizers are on the happy hour menu at discounted prices.

03
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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.

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

Coffee and tea come with unique spins and balanced flavors. Music playlist stays mellow and unique throughout.

People are saying

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

"I loved their unique spins on flavorful coffee and tea."

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.

04
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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.

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

Menu offers a very unique selection unlike typical coffee or breakfast spots. Owner adds a distinct flair and zest that stands out in the cafe scene.

People are saying

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

"I found the Thai crepes unique and pure bliss."

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.

05
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Rooftop restaurant offers open-air seating with wax celebrity figures for unique photo opportunities. Atmosphere ranges from peaceful and quiet to occasionally loud and chaotic with music. Guests enjoy cocktails and diverse food while escaping street-level noise.

Lunch offers excellent value with a $20 menu featuring items like puffs and the salmon melt. Friendly service from staff like Sage enhances the experience, especially on the rooftop setting.

Lifelike wax figures create a unique vibe, making it fun to eat and drink among them. Cozy seating and a great view add to the genuinely unique experience on Hollywood Blvd.

People are saying

"It's unique eating and drinking among lifelike celebrity wax statues."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers cocktails and appetizers for around $20.

2

The happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

The venue is accessible via elevator, but it requires staff assistance.

06
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Small, stylish Japanese restaurant with a modern, clean interior and a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels authentic to Japan. Bright, thoughtfully designed space includes a pet-friendly outdoor patio. Known for high-quality, inventive ramen that stands out in Los Angeles.

Comforting meals come in good lunch portions with a clear chicken broth ramen offering a light option. Lunch specials provide a good deal for midday dining.

Ramen here stands out with higher quality and a distinct taste unlike others in LA. The Matcha Tiramisu offers a unique blend of bitterness, sweet cream, and crunchies. Vegan options bring distinct flavor profiles that add to the unique menu.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be truly unique and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has the best tsukemen, it's so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu features hearty options and runs from 4-6pm daily.

2

Parking is available in a small lot; street parking is also an option nearby.

3

The lunch special offers a good deal for those looking to save.

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Small, intimate space evokes traditional Mexican rancho vibe with a family-owned atmosphere. Music adds to the welcoming, home-like feel. Crowded yet cozy setting highlights authentic, handmade Mexican cuisine.

Smash burger stands out as a solid choice for lunch. Quick service suits those needing a fast meal before heading out.

Dishes feature unique flavors that elevate traditional plates. The chef offers a unique take on Mexican food with items like onion ash sauce and mole that stand out.

People are saying

"The flavors here are unique and really well-flavored."

"This Lunch Spot's marinated chicken burrito was so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has about 5-6 small tables inside and 2 small tables outside.

3

They sometimes run out of popular dishes like mole, so arrive early.

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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.

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

Pancakes feature crispy edges and a very tasty flavor. They stand out as a unique menu item for a cafe.

People are saying

"The pancakes here are unique, with crispy edges and blueberry compote."

"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.

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Large grocery store with a bright, clean layout and ample seating both indoors and outdoors. Atmosphere feels posh and pleasant, with a self-serve salad bar and coffee bar adding to the experience. Frequented by shoppers seeking organic and health-focused products in a spacious, well-designed setting.

Great selection of fresh, quality grab and go items makes it a solid spot for lunch. Offers lots of different choices, including hot lunches sold by the pound for a quick meal.

Large, fresh produce shines with beautiful displays and a mix of everyday and unique seasonal items. The market offers luxurious products uncommon in typical supermarkets.

People are saying

"It's a great lunch spot with lots of fresh, quality choices."

"I found the store's selection to be unique and high quality."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free, but the lot can be crowded.

2

Expect higher prices compared to other grocery stores in the area.

3

The market offers a wide selection of organic products.

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Italian restaurant with indoor-outdoor decor featuring white and beige tones and plants creates a beautiful, charming atmosphere. Noise level is high, giving a lively, disco-like energy. Offers vegan menu options and an open kitchen that connects chefs and diners.

Lunch offers panini with fresh ingredients like burrata and heirloom tomatoes, plus a vegan panino with eggplant and olive pate. Servers help with the menu and dietary needs, making it easy to enjoy a sunny sidewalk meal.

Unique Italian dishes stand out with distinctive flavors not found elsewhere in the area. The vegan menu offers five perfectly cooked, unique options that highlight this specialty.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's vegan dishes are innovative and surpass expectations."

"I loved seeing the unique vegan menu options here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Civico 2064 has a vegan menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

3

Free parking is available in the adjacent lot.

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Open dining area with rainbow strobe lights and funky couches creates a casual, chill vibe. Multiple screens show live sports while east coast hip hop music plays, blending a sports bar and nightclub atmosphere. Large, flavorful sandwiches stand out as a key feature.

Lunch offers generous portions that often leave enough for leftovers. The menu suits a variety of tastes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Sandwiches feature unique flavors and hearty portions that stand out. The menu offers a distinctive twist on classic heroes with diverse ingredients.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are unique, massive, and packed with bold flavors."

"This Lunch Spot's portions are massive, with enough leftovers for another meal."

Good to know

1

Fat Sal's Deli is open late, making it a good late-night option.

2

Parking can be difficult to find near the deli.

3

The sandwich challenge includes a 27-inch sandwich called the Big Fat Fatty.

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Industrial Brooklyn style shapes the space with lively atmosphere and multiple TVs showing sports games. The vibe ranges from chill and comfortable to energetic during events upstairs. Limited seating and a focus on creative pizza and drinks define the experience.

Groups can reserve tables for lunch breaks. Pizzas come in portions suitable for taking home. TVs show games during lunch or dinner.

4-day fermentation sourdough crust baked in a wood-fired oven creates a distinct base. The mole pizza blends sweet and spicy flavors for a unique taste.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's pizzas offer creative twists on classics."

"The mole pizza's unique flavor blends sweet and spicy notes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Limited seating is available, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Parking in the area can be difficult; plan accordingly.

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Spacious indoor and outdoor seating features colorful decor and authentic Oaxacan roots. Live music, including a marimba band and mariachi, creates a lively, noisy atmosphere that immerses diners in culture. A large mezcal selection complements the vibrant setting.

Strong mole stands out and lifts the whole meal. Food offers a solid option for a nice lunch with family.

Oaxaca cuisine here offers complex flavors that highlight a different side of Mexican food. A variety of distinct moles provide unique tastes on each visit.

People are saying

"I experienced a truly unique flavor showcasing a different side of Mexican cuisine."

"This Lunch Spot's mole negro was rich, warm, and super tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available but can be expensive.

14
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Old-school Italian restaurant with live piano and singing wait staff creates a nostalgic, elegant atmosphere filled with rustic wood detailing and hanging wine bottles. The vibe recalls classic Hollywood charm and transports guests to a bygone era.

Portions are fairly big, making it easy to have leftovers for lunch the next day. The famous lasagna stands out as a solid choice for a filling midday meal.

Staff singing while serving and a piano player create a lively, unique atmosphere. The decor features dark carved wood, stained glass lights, and chianti bottles, giving a charming, historic vibe.

People are saying

"The singing waiters create a truly unique and fun atmosphere."

"The singing waiters at this Lunch Spot are incredibly entertaining."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available for two hours with metered parking nearby.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

The restaurant features live entertainment with opera students and a band.

15
SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills image 1
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Hotel showcases classic gothic feel with chic decor and unique room designs. Rooftop offers amazing views and a lively bar atmosphere. Spaces feel luxurious yet quiet, blending distinctive style with comfort.

Lunch features delicious food with a variety of options across different spots. The meals come with great quality and pair well with amazing morning coffee.

Rooms feature a distinctive style with modern sculptures and creative touches throughout. The hotel carries a moody vibe and unique art flair that shapes its atmosphere.

People are saying

"The staff's personal service makes you feel so valued."

"The staff here make you feel like you're coming home."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a private event space that accommodates up to 200 guests.

2

The speakeasy is not open for evening events.

3

The pool area closes at 6 PM, limiting evening access.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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