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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Modern interesting spots in Downtown LA

You want to spend your time in places that offer a new perspective or a break from the expected.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
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Korean restaurant

Minimalist decor blends Asian and American styles with soft lighting and clean lines creating an intimate setting. Nostalgic Korean music fills the air, while the atmosphere carries a mix of comfort and nervous energy. Guests experience thoughtful tasting menus paired with unique Korean drinks in a refined yet lively environment.

Creative, upscale takes on Korean food shape the menu. Dishes focus on modern, delicate flavors with a clear emphasis on innovation.

Most dishes feature some form of in-house fermentation. Interesting sauces use less familiar ingredients. Drinks in the sool pairing are complex and refreshing.

People are saying

"I loved the creative tasting menu, especially the seaweed dishes."

"It's a creative, modern take on Korean food."

"The dishes here are creatively done and exceptionally seasoned."

Good to know

1

Weekend reservations fill up quickly, so book in advance.

2

The tasting menu costs $110, offering good value for a fine dining experience.

3

A non-alcoholic pairing is available with the tasting menu.

02
Hauser & Wirth image 1
Art gallery

Spacious, beautifully restored gallery combines industrial vibe with airy indoor-outdoor design. Quiet, relaxing atmosphere serves as an artists' haven with a community garden and farm animals adding tranquility. Locals gather to enjoy thought-provoking exhibits, a bookstore, and a cozy restaurant, creating a unique cultural scene.

Rotating exhibits showcase modern and contemporary art in a modern industrial setting. The space combines galleries with unique design elements and even features live chickens.

Exhibitions feature high quality contemporary art that feels inviting and consistently interesting to explore.

People are saying

"I loved the art, architecture, and atmosphere at these galleries."

"The art and exhibitions here are always interesting."

"I found beautiful modern art in a unique industrial setting."

Good to know

1

Entry to the gallery is free, making it accessible for everyone.

2

Parking is available in a paid garage lot across the street.

3

The gallery features rotating exhibitions, often changing monthly.

03
Archives Of Us image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop on a second-floor terrace offers outdoor seating with views of downtown and historic sites. Atmosphere is quiet and refined, featuring an all-black design and modern showroom style. Space attracts young professionals who come to work or study in a calm, casual setting.

Space feels like a modern showroom with a design-forward vibe. A modern sound system adds to the cozy atmosphere.

Curated Korean-leaning menu offers savory dishes that stand out. The orange mint matcha drink adds an interesting, slightly sweet twist.

People are saying

"I found the matcha drinks had just the right balance of sweetness."

"The Modern matcha drinks are smooth, strong, and perfectly balanced."

"The matcha here is interesting, strong, and earthy."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available for 30 minutes with a purchase.

2

Parking costs $3 for the first hour after validation.

3

The cafe is located on the second floor, accessible by elevator.

04
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels image 1

Strikingly modern cathedral with breathtaking architecture and stunning frescoes offers a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and prayer. Quiet prayer garden and live choir music enhance the serene atmosphere. Amenities include an underground parking garage, cafeteria, and gift shop, supporting a comfortable visit.

Architecture stands out with a large unique modern design that feels both magnificent and impressive. The space combines beauty with modern sacred elements and offers great acoustics.

Brutalist architecture shapes the sacred space with a striking modern edge. The mausoleum beneath holds poetic epitaphs that add a deeply personal and interesting layer to the site.

People are saying

"This meditation spot offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere."

"I found the cathedral's modern architecture to be powerful and peaceful."

"The architecture here is interesting, with its monumental, sober, and sand-colored concrete walls."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with validation at the cathedral.

2

Entry to the cathedral is free.

3

The church is wheelchair accessible from the curbside drop-off area.

05
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.

Bold flavors and authentic Indian spices define the menu, paired with creative presentation. The setting feels modern and upscale, with a clean, peaceful atmosphere and thoughtful design.

Menu offers interesting flavors and innovative combinations with a mix of familiar tastes. Regular selections stay approachable yet creative.

People are saying

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

"The food here is a modern Indian fusion bursting with bold flavors."

"I found the menu here to be interesting and innovative."

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.

06
Hotel Per La, Autograph Collection image 1

Building repurposed from an early 1900s bank features elegant 1920s decor and a visible vault near the restaurant. Rooftop offers a heated pool, bar, and courtyard with city views. Atmosphere feels cinematic and romantic, suited for intimate stays.

Rooms feature modern design with clean lines and stylish decor. The hotel blends an old bank's charm with contemporary touches and comfortable, large spaces.

Interesting, old architecture shapes the hotel with cool furniture and unique room layouts. Nearby, plenty of restaurants and a Shake Shack add to the visual and cultural appeal.

People are saying

"The hotel rooms are cute with a comfortable bed and neat vibe."

"The staff here are so friendly and make the modern rooms feel warm."

"The hotel's decor is interesting, with cool furniture and layouts."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $60 per night, not including tip.

2

A $450 deposit is required at check-in, returned upon departure.

3

The hotel charges an $81 resort fee that is not disclosed upfront.

07
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Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant with stylish decor and a Gatsby-inspired bar creates an elegant atmosphere. Bollywood-inspired DJ music adds lively energy and encourages dancing. The space feels open and vibrant, attracting groups for social dining and celebrations.

Dishes serve as modern reinterpretations of classic Indian cuisine with authentic flavors and spices. Presentation blends traditional tastes with a contemporary dining atmosphere.

Cocktails feature an interesting desi twist with unique blends. Food offers an interesting spin on North Indian dishes with a fusion perspective.

People are saying

"The food here was absolutely amazing and delicious."

"The cocktails are creative, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

"I loved their interesting spin on traditional Indian dishes."

Good to know

1

Brunch on Sundays features live music, with dancing starting around 1:30pm.

2

A special prix fixe menu is available during brunch and special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure accommodation.

08
STILE Downtown Los Angeles image 1

Hotel combines art deco and brutalist styles with a modern art flair in its design. Rooftop features a heated swimming pool, bar, and lounge area with excellent city views. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful during the day to loud with music late at night.

Rooms show a modern, industrial vibe with clean lines and stylish design. Large soaking tubs add a touch of luxury to the space.

Historic building features interesting rooms and a rooftop pool. The vibe shifts with the switch to Kasa, keeping the hotel experience engaging.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff were so friendly and helpful."

"The rooms blend historic character with stylish, modern updates."

"The interior design and use of space here is really interesting."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available on site.

2

The area around the hotel can be unsafe, especially at night.

3

Rooftop parties occur Thursday to Sunday, often with loud music until 3 a.m.

09
Maru Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalist design with natural lighting creates a calming, modern vibe. The space feels open yet crowded, attracting those who appreciate quality coffee and stylish surroundings. Comfortable seating and good music add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Clean decor blends Japanese and Norwegian styles with warm woods. The vibe feels simple modern, great for socializing or taking photos.

A hip atmosphere with cool music sets the tone. Coffee features citrusy notes and the crowd includes many interesting people to watch.

People are saying

"I loved the smooth and fruity espresso here."

"The coffee shop is quaint and minimalistic."

"The Modern creamtop was amazing, just the right amount of sweetness."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult; there is no free parking nearby.

2

Expect long lines on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons.

3

Maru Coffee has a cashless policy, so bring a card.

10
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles image 1

Glass elevators provide exceptional views of the city skyline, enhancing the luxurious high-rise atmosphere. Spacious rooms offer spectacular city views and a tranquil environment with sounds of flowing water. On-site amenities include a pool, gym, multiple restaurants, and a 24-hour Starbucks, creating a convenient and relaxing stay.

Unique cylindrical towers shape an iconic skyline presence. Rooms feature a modern, clean layout with comfortable bathrooms and fixtures.

Exploring the neighborhoods offers a rich cultural experience and plenty to learn. The hotel stands out with its modernist architecture and intriguing interior design.

People are saying

"This hotel's accessible design made everything easy to reach."

"The hotel's design is striking, with a modern aesthetic and iconic towers."

"The architecture here is interesting, especially the unique circular tower design."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $57 per day at the hotel; self-parking is $55 across the street.

2

There is a $35 night destination fee for guests.

3

The rooftop lounge and restaurant are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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