Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown LA

Authentic spots with outdoor seating

Made for those who seek out honest, traditional cooking and insist on enjoying it in an open-air setting.

Based on 850 Opinions
+847
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Settecento DTLA image 1
Settecento DTLA image 2
Settecento DTLA image 3
View all
Restaurant

Outdoor patio and garden with twinkling lights and live jazz music create a romantic, peaceful atmosphere. Interior features a library-themed decor surrounded by lush greenery. Cocktails and Italian dishes like truffle pizza complement the elegant, relaxed vibe.

A lush garden surrounded by city buildings sets a magical scene. Every dish offers fresh, authentic Italian flavors that bring genuine Italian cuisine and ambiance to the table.

Outdoor seating offers a gorgeous patio with a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere. Fountains add a lovely sound backdrop while twinkling lights create a magical night setting.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and reasonably priced."

"The outdoor seating offers great drinks and an upscale crowd."

"The food here is authentic Italian, full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2pm to 6pm, ending at 5:45pm.

2

Live music is available from Wednesday to Saturday evenings.

3

The restaurant validates parking for $6 for three hours at the Library parking lot.

02
Navat Halal image 1
Halal restaurant

Food truck setup with limited outdoor seating creates a casual, urban dining spot. Atmosphere feels cozy and hospitable, offering a pleasant and friendly vibe despite a gray, quiet surrounding. Known for authentic shawarma, it attracts those seeking fresh, hearty halal meals on the go.

Central Asian dishes like Manti, beef samsa, and beef pilaaf deliver fresh, authentic flavors cooked to perfection. The food offers a genuine taste of Kyrgyz cuisine with fast, flavorful halal options.

Eating outdoors offers a pleasant experience with a clean and well-maintained sitting area.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the shawarma, is juicy and delicious."

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying the well-cooked chicken wrap."

"I found the Central Asian food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers Halal food.

2

Navat Halal has a halal certificate.

3

There is plenty of free parking available.

03
CULTURAS RESTAURANT image 1

Restaurant features a warm and inviting ambiance with a cute tree centerpiece and live DJ music enhancing the atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a fabulous patio that complements the overall vibe. The bar offers creative and well-balanced drinks that add to the experience.

Dishes feature authentic Latin flavors that recall traditional home cooking. Meals come with careful preparation and rich, genuine taste.

A fabulous patio offers a pleasant spot to sit outside. The outdoor seating is comfortable and inviting.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is authentic, fresh, and flavorful."

"The authentic dishes here are so flavorful, they remind me of grandma's cooking."

"I enjoyed their fabulous outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 9 pm on Fridays with half-price on the second drink.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

04
Tsujita Artisan Noodle - Arts District image 1

Small, modern ramen restaurant offers a cozy interior with atmospheric backyard patio featuring lights and heaters. The vibe is lively and traditional, supported by a great playlist and Naruto-themed decor. It attracts groups of friends and those seeking authentic tsukemen in a fresh, urban setting.

Broths and noodles capture authentic Japanese style with rich, traditional flavors. Dishes consistently deliver a very authentic taste true to classic ramen.

A secluded patio offers privacy and calm. String lights and heaters create a warm, atmospheric backyard setting.

People are saying

"The Tsukemen broth is thick and so flavorful."

"I loved the delicious ramen and rich broth at the outdoor seating."

"I thought the Japanese food here was so authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

No wait for tables around 1-2pm during my visit.

05
La Noche Buena Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a cozy, historic vibe nestled in a bustling market setting. Staff wear white shirts and caps, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The space feels crammed and intimate, creating a lively yet comfortable dining experience.

Dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors using quality ingredients. The restaurant feels like a genuine local spot with true-to-tradition food.

Outdoor seating includes a window counter overlooking the cooking area and nearby pastries. It offers views of festivities like Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos and tamales here are delicious."

"I tasted the best Mexican breakfast with delicious chilaquilas."

"I found the most authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on Olvera Street, which is a narrow market street.

2

La Noche Buena Restaurant opens at 7am, perfect for early risers.

3

A plate of beans and rice with a choice of egg costs $9-$10 per person.

06
Chinchikurin Little Tokyo image 1
Okonomiyaki restaurant

Okonomiyaki restaurant with Japanese-inspired interior and open kitchen creates an authentic dining experience. Tables feature built-in grills for keeping food warm, supporting a lively, interactive atmosphere. The space suits groups well, combining traditional art elements with casual seating.

Food matches the authentic Japanese style found in Japan, especially the soft and moist takoyaki. The atmosphere feels relaxing and genuine, offering a true Japanese dining experience.

People are saying

"This Japanese food, the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, is a layered masterpiece."

"The Hiroshima okonomiyaki here is delicious, especially with extra mayo."

"I found the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available, making it easier to avoid street parking.

2

Happy hour offers nice drink prices, making it a good time to visit.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

07
Tacos La 26! (Previously Ave 26 Tacos) image 1

Outdoor taco stand in a large parking lot offers a self-serve salsa bar and standing room only setup. Atmosphere mixes club vibes with a diverse crowd, often lively and crowded late at night. Security presence and free parking support a casual, fast-moving experience.

Tacos come with a boiled potato on the side and deliver authentic Mexican flavors. The spot has a real street vibe that matches the taste of tacos and burritos found in Mexico.

Outdoor seating happens right in the parking lot, creating a casual vibe. The spot serves outdoor street tacos, making the experience feel authentic and relaxed.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were some of the best I ever had."

"I found the tacos here to be simple, authentic, and so good."

"The outdoor seating is great for tacos."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2.25 each, a great deal for late-night food.

2

The place is open until 2:30am, perfect for late-night cravings.

3

Parking is available, but be cautious as cars can be towed.

08
Gumbo Boys image 1
Cajun restaurant

Small Cajun spot with outdoor seating and a walk-up counter creates a casual, takeout-focused vibe. Atmosphere channels New Orleans French Quarter with a Downtown LA backdrop. Regulars line up for fried alligator bites and shrimp po'boys, reflecting authentic Louisiana flavors.

Food features authentic Cajun Gumbo that is hearty, not thin. Ingredients stay fresh and true to Louisiana cuisine. Meals come with authentic cornbread muffins that pair well with savory dishes.

Small outdoor seating area offers space to wait while chefs work. Staff keep the outside area pretty clean. Characters outside do not cause disturbance.

People are saying

"I found the gumbo here amazingly delicious and full of flavor."

"I found the gumbo to be authentic, hearty, and loaded with ingredients."

"You can sit outside and eat comfortably."

Good to know

1

The parking lot closes at 7pm, affecting late arrivals.

2

Street parking is available at the meters nearby.

3

They deliver through UberEATS, GrubHub, Doordash, and Postmates.

09
Arthurs Garden image 1
Persian restaurant

Outdoor seating includes a well-shaded patio blocked from the street, creating a pleasant garden atmosphere. The vibe feels like eating at someone's home, with staff fostering a welcoming mood. Food service can be slow due to small business scale, and the area around is less inviting with parking challenges.

Arturo Junior and Senior deliver authentic food with a strong Persian influence. The Persian tea is simple and hits the spot, but the bread served is pita, not traditional Persian bread.

A well-shaded outdoor seating area offers a cool spot away from the street. The garden and patio create a pleasant, inviting atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and tasty."

"The cherry saffron rice is an absolute must with the juicy, flavorful kebabs."

"The lamb shanks here are so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available with estimated ready times for takeout.

2

Parking can be challenging due to nearby RVs occupying spots.

3

Expect longer wait times for food during peak hours.

10
Z Falafel image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Small, clean Middle Eastern restaurant with covered patio seating and a quiet, casual vibe. Offers a welcoming atmosphere with a nice view and simple, relaxed energy. Known for budget-friendly prices and highly praised falafel and shawarma dishes.

Falafel stands out with its authentic flavor and quality. Shawarma offers a tasty experience but lacks the true Middle Eastern authenticity.

Outdoor seating includes a small shaded patio and a few seats by the front window. Limited space makes dine-in mostly about outdoor dining options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here tasted really good."

"I thought Z Falafel had the best falafel I had in LA."

"The Arabic food here has such an authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

Z falafel has no bathrooms on-site.

2

Parking is limited, so walking might be easier if already in the area.

3

The veggie plate with falafel is pricy.

Discover more

Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...