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Authentic salads in Downtown Los Angeles

A salad that feels like a genuine, authentic meal rather than a pile of greens meant to be ignored.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
SORA Craft Kitchen image 1
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Mediterranean restaurant

Open kitchen reveals live cooking action with a chef's one-man show creating an intimate atmosphere. Space holds just 16 seats, blending minimal modern design with cozy, handcrafted details. Warm, inviting vibe pairs with flavorful Mediterranean dishes, making the experience personal and memorable.

Salads feature bright herb combinations and unique flavors like the GavurdaฤŸฤฑ Salad, which stands out for its distinct taste. Root vegetable falafel comes with plum hummus and pickles, adding crisp and tender textures.

Chef-run boutique setting delivers authentic Turkish flavors with a modern Japanese twist. Dishes feature herbs and edible flowers that balance tradition and innovation.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and thoughtfully prepared."

"The salads here are made with premium ingredients and served with a personal touch."

"The food here is amazing, with rich and unique flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

There is plenty of metered parking available near the restaurant.

3

The chef personally prepares all dishes, showcasing unique culinary skills.

02
Dream Kabob House image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small, cozy space with upbeat music that encourages dancing during meals. Atmosphere feels authentic and lively, with fresh food made to order causing short waits. Only cash payments accepted, adding to an informal, straightforward vibe.

Salads come with flexible substitutions, like swapping grilled tomatoes for chicken thigh and bean salad. Extras include hummus and shirazi salad, adding variety to the plates.

Beef and chicken kabobs have an authentic taste, especially the ground beef kabob. Fresh ingredients create a genuine Mediterranean flavor throughout the dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is seriously delicious and fresh."

"I found the kabobs here to have an authentic Mediterranean taste."

"The Persian and Mediterranean food here is delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

2

Expect a 25-minute wait for food as it is made fresh on the spot.

3

The restaurant does not provide free tap water; bottled water costs $2.

03
Guzzu Bento-ya image 1
Restaurant

Spacious, modern interior combines Japanese retro pop music, anime projections, and local artwork for a cozy, welcoming vibe. Calm atmosphere suits peaceful meals, casual catch-ups, and board games. Unique blend of warehouse setting and intentional design creates a hidden gem feel.

Savory, soy-infused potatoes stand out among the salads. A variety of additional salads and stews offer bursting flavors and include options like potato salad and pickled cabbage.

Attention to detail creates an authentic Japanese bento experience with a California twist. Communal tables and modern Japanese design add to the midday escape vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food's presentation is amazing and the sides are just as good."

"The authentic salmon bento is edible art, juicy and fresh."

"The delivery salad presentation was really well done and felt high-end."

Good to know

1

Street parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

The food is made to order, ensuring freshness.

3

The online ordering system is seamless and very convenient.

04
Avocado Fresh Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with dishes like creamy guacamole and juicy meats in a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The space feels like a family kitchen, inviting and comfortable for quick or relaxed meals. It stands out with fresh toppings and a variety of sauces not commonly found elsewhere.

Salads feature grilled chicken with guacamole and a mango-jicama mix that stands out. Options include various vegetables and sauces to customize your salad or bowl.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with a modern touch. Tortas, burritos, and quesadillas feature juicy meats and fresh toppings that taste more genuine than typical Mexican spots.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's food is always fresh, flavorful, and made with quality ingredients."

"The tortas and burritos here have such authentic flavor."

"I loved the grilled chicken salad with guacamole."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos every Tuesday.

2

The tostada bowl costs $15.25, with double meat at $6.50.

3

Guacamole is priced at $3.45, and fresh agua is $4.75.

05
Settecento DTLA image 1
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.

Salads feature perfectly balanced, clean flavors inspired by southern Italy. The Settecento Salad and farro salad stand out with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

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.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and reasonably priced."

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

"Valerie's service made our salad experience feel so taken care of."

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.

06
Casa Ipanema image 1
Restaurant

Large space with beautiful decor and a tropical vibe creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Phenomenal DJs and a fire dancer keep energy lively with top-notch house music and captivating performances. Guests enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant setting that blends dining with entertainment seamlessly.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like marinated chicken with mango and a cucumber salad with tuna that pairs well with drinks. The street corn adds a tasty twist when mixed into kale salads.

Dishes burst with authentic Brazilian flavors and come cooked to perfection. The shrimp casserole offers a nostalgic, genuine taste that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The cucumber salad was delicious and heavenly."

"The staff here are so kind and welcoming, it feels authentic."

Good to know

1

Fire dance performances start at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for weekend events.

3

The fire dance show lasts about 15 minutes and is a highlight of the evening.

07
Izakaya Gazen image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Corner space with a cool triangle table creates a unique seating arrangement. Atmosphere blends relaxed charm with a peaceful jazz vibe, evoking an authentic Japanese izakaya feel. Menu offers innovative yet authentic Japanese dishes with generous portions and fair prices.

Yuzu tofu salad stands out with its bright, citrusy flavor. Cabbage salad offers a rich umami taste that complements the Japanese dishes well.

Dishes feature authentic Japanese ingredients and maintain high quality throughout. The menu offers genuine flavors that closely match traditional Japanese cuisine.

People are saying

"You have to try the housemade tofu sampler; it's effortlessly tasty."

"I found the food to be very authentic and high quality."

"The salad here uses great ingredients and tastes delicious."

Good to know

1

They validate parking for two hours with a restaurant receipt.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait even with a reservation during peak hours.

3

Lunch deals are available and offer great value.

08
Cali Chilli Downtown LA image 1
Indian restaurant

Stylish interior blends modern elegance with rich Indian heritage in a spacious, intimate setting. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, balancing upscale vibes with family-friendly comfort. Unique Indian fusion menu complements the thoughtful, well-lit dรฉcor.

Salads come as a complimentary side with green chillies or as part of the thali lunch special including daal and naan. The citrus salad offers a generous portion with very flavorful fixings.

Bold flavors and authentic Indian spices define the dishes here. The food combines a fresh approach with authentic flavor palette and creative presentation in a modern, upscale setting.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and delicious."

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and prepared to perfection."

"The citrus salad was generous and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is 90-minute parking available in the complex.

2

Parking validation is available up to $35 in a nearby parking garage.

3

The average wait time for food is 30 to 45 minutes.

09
TOT Little Tokyo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a spacious and relaxed atmosphere with comfortable booth seating. The vibe ranges from quiet and quaint to lively, depending on the time. It maintains a middle ground with average but inviting decor and a friendly, welcoming energy.

Salads come with fresh greens and often accompany bento boxes or noodle dishes. Large portions include items like the soba salad, but protein amounts can be sparse, with just a few slices of tuna or chicken in big bowls.

Japanese dishes here show authentic flavors true to Japan. The food tastes delicious and genuine, standing out from many other spots.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is wonderfully tender and juicy."

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

"I enjoyed their fresh salads with the bento boxes."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at Japanese Village Plaza for visitors.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes including katsu, curry, and bento boxes.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes offered.

10
H&H Brazilian Steakhouse image 1

Steakhouse offers Brazilian churrasco style with meat served directly at tables and a phenomenal salad bar. Spacious venue includes multiple dining rooms, fireplaces, and an outdoor patio, creating a warm, stylish atmosphere with lively music that encourages dancing.

Churrasco features authentic Brazilian flavors with a wide selection of fresh options and classic sides. The food offers high quality and stays true to traditional Brazilian cuisine.

People are saying

"I thought the food was excellent and delicious."

"The gauchos kept the service flowing, ensuring we never waited long."

"The service here is so warm, attentive, and professional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available 7 days a week at the bar.

2

The happy hour offers all-you-can-drink cocktails for $29.

3

An automatic 18% tip charge is added to all bills.

11
Pasta e Pasta by Allegro image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with rustic furnishings and dim lighting creates an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making the space feel intimate and lively. The vibe is unpretentious, attracting those who appreciate authentic and unique pasta experiences.

Salads come as a complementary side with meals, paired with fresh bread like ciabatta rolls. Both the salad and bread have a delicious taste that complements the main dishes.

Pasta here delivers authentic Italian flavors with a taste that stands out. Servers speak Japanese fluently, adding to the genuine dining experience.

People are saying

"You have to try the uni pasta; it's creamy and fresh."

"The uni pasta here is creamy, fresh, and a must-order."

"I found the pasta here to be the most authentic I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, but there is a free lot available on weekends.

2

Expect wait times to exceed an hour during busy evenings.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

12
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.

Salads come with falafel plates and include hummus, rice, and pita. Dressings sometimes add a distinctive flavor that stands out.

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

People are saying

"I thought the food here tasted really good."

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

"I loved the Greek salad with chicken kabobs."

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.

13
Ramen Maruya image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small restaurant with traditional Japanese decor creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere that feels like being in Japan. Outdoor seating offers a beautiful Little Tokyo vibe with a chill music playlist that keeps the mood relaxed. The space suits smaller groups and draws a welcoming community.

Salads come with bento boxes and combos, often including fish skin salad or seaweed salad. They appear alongside tempura and other sides, adding a fresh contrast to the meals.

Tonkotsu ramen offers a rich, authentic flavor true to Japanese tradition. Traditional decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels cozy and genuine.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, has rich, flavorful broth."

"The bento boxes came with a delicious salad and rolls."

"I found the tonkatsu ramen to taste authentic, just like in Japan."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available for customers who park at the nearby mall garage.

2

Expect a mandatory 18% gratuity for parties of six or more.

3

All menu items are accessible via QR codes, requiring online ordering during dining.

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