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Best of Downtown LA

Lunch markets

Browsing the stalls for a quick bite is the only way to handle a busy workday lunch.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Nijiya Market Little Tokyo Store image 1
Nijiya Market Little Tokyo Store image 2
Nijiya Market Little Tokyo Store image 3
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Japanese grocery store

Small Japanese grocery store with narrow aisles and a fresh, clean atmosphere reflecting cultural charm. Offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese foods, including sushi, sashimi, bento, and traditional desserts. Provides affordable prices and a microwave for heating ready-to-eat meals.

Large variety of Japanese food and ready-to-go lunches makes it easy to grab a quick meal. Pre-made bento boxes and packaged lunch options offer convenience and good prices.

Fresh Asian cut meats and authentic ingredients stand out here. The market offers a large variety of Japanese food, including premade ready-to-eat meals and spicy onigiri.

People are saying

"I found the prepared food and desserts here to be awesome."

"This grocery store has delicious bento boxes and prepared foods."

"I love this lunch spot for its authentic Japanese desserts and ready-to-go meals."

Good to know

1

The store does not accept EBT payments.

2

After 6-7 pm, certain items are 20% off.

3

There are no restrooms available at the market.

02
Hanks Organic image 1
Grocery store

Small organic grocery store offers fresh produce, ready-made foods, and an outdoor grill serving items like Bison burgers and Salmon Tacos. Clean and spacious interior combines with charging stations in the parking lot, attracting a health-conscious crowd. Prices tend to be higher, reflecting a focus on quality and niche selections.

Quick lunches come from a hot bar and a cafeteria-style section with a grill menu. Options include fresh wraps and gluten-free snacks, making it a popular spot during the week.

Small and clean with accessible parking, the market offers a well-stocked produce section. It combines a market and restaurant setup, serving as a local organic option with a chic vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the wide variety of fresh, organic healthy foods here."

"The lunch spot's hot bar food is fresh, hot, and organic."

"This market has fresh, organic produce at great prices."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, with only a few spots available for customers.

2

Prices are generally higher than other supermarkets, reflecting the organic offerings.

3

Hanks Organic offers a variety of organic ready-made foods and groceries.

03
Sushi Rush image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers fresh, flavorful sushi with high-quality fish and varied sushi rolls. The setting is casual and lively with limited seating and a counter featuring multiple sauces. The atmosphere suits sushi lovers seeking a straightforward dining experience.

Lunch offers a Sushi Rush set with 8 pieces of nigiri and a spicy tuna hand roll for $25. The Rushroll stands out as a solid lunch choice.

Offers fresh sushi within a bustling market setting. Serves as a solid choice for sushi lovers exploring the market.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi at this Market is good and prepared quickly."

"The Rushroll is the perfect Lunch Spot dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a sushi sampler for $15 with five pieces.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially for at-kitchen seating.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to avoid waiting.

04
Japanese Village Plaza image 1

Cobblestone paths and wooden facades mimic traditional Japanese shopping streets, creating an immersive small-town feel. Bright red lanterns and a 50-foot replica fire lookout tower add to the authentic Edo-period design. The plaza buzzes with lively energy, especially on weekends, drawing crowds to its outdoor dining and arcade games.

Offers great lunch options with a focus on Japanese cuisine. Serves as a popular spot to meet friends and enjoy meals alongside Japanese groceries.

Several markets offer authentic Japanese goods and snacks at good prices. Nijiya market provides quick, inexpensive meals, mostly cold. Decorative lanterns guide through shops with Asian products, collectibles, and food options.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Japanese food and casual sweets."

"It's a good place to grab lunch and browse the stores."

"I found authentic Japanese goods and snacks at the market."

Good to know

1

The plaza hosts cherry blossom events in spring with sakura-themed stalls.

2

Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August includes Obon dancing, taiko drums, and a parade.

3

Parking can get crowded and expensive on weekends.

05
China Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open-air food court style seating with red lighting and matching furniture creates a comfortable atmosphere amid a busy market hall. The space offers a bar area option and feels spacious during off-peak hours. The environment buzzes with activity and the clatter of cooking, reflecting a lively, casual dining experience.

Lunch hours get busy, especially on weekends, so expect a wait. Food meets a high standard for Chinese cuisine.

A small, honest spot inside a busy food market serves simple food without frills or gimmicks. Meals come from a counter setup that fits the market's lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"This old-school market spot serves up authentic, flavorful food."

"I found the wonton soup to be delicately flavorful and comforting."

"The portions at this Lunch Spot are huge, enough for two meals."

Good to know

1

Expect a 40-minute wait during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Parking costs $4, but it can be difficult to find a spot.

3

The meal costs less than $15, which is quite reasonable.

06
Miznon image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a lively, casual atmosphere and exciting music creates a vibrant dining experience. Food serves in paper bags and parchment paper, emphasizing a unique presentation style. The vibe reflects a young, bustling energy typical of a busy market setting.

Lunch here involves helpful service from the manager, Yasef, who assists during meals. The spot contrasts with the lively atmosphere of Grand Central Market, offering a different lunch experience.

Great spot in the market with a nice breeze and good people watching. A DJ plays music, adding to the lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pitas here are mouthwatering and perfectly seasoned."

"The brisket sandwich at this Market was delicious, even if slightly overdone."

"The steak sandwich at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect some menu items to be out of stock, especially later in the day.

2

Prices are higher than average, with pitas costing around $18-$24.

3

Gluten-free options are available but limited.

07
Bento Ya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant inside a bustling market offers quick, affordable meals with a large bento selection and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is loud and lively, reflecting downtown lunch rush energy. Seating is limited, making it a popular spot for those seeking fast, filling food.

Lunch offers a Japanese-style bento with assorted meats, vegetables, and rice in separate compartments. The spot suits a quick meal amid downtown's hustle and bustle.

A bustling market offers quick, filling meals with fast service and fair portions. Bento Ya stands out as a solid, reasonably priced option for ramen and bento boxes when the market gets busy.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is quick, filling, and reasonably priced."

"This lunch spot is pretty affordable for the portion size."

"The food at this market is delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices range from $12 to $18, with large drink refills for $2.75.

2

Bento Ya has a vegetarian and vegan menu with multiple options.

3

Finding a seat can be challenging due to the crowded market.

08
For The Win image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Historic, funky setting inside a busy market creates a loud, chaotic atmosphere with long lines. Crowd energy peaks midday, making ordering challenging. Burgers stand out as best smash burgers in town, paired with great special fries.

Long waits of around 30 minutes occur during the lunch rush. Staff struggle to handle the high volume of orders efficiently.

Quick service stands out even with lines, letting you grab food and explore the market easily. The market feels chaotic and crowded, similar to other busy food courts.

People are saying

"These smash burgers have crispy, griddle-seared edges and are amazing."

"The Market's burgers are juicy, cheesy, and a bit messy."

"The burgers at this Lunch Spot were juicy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait for a cheeseburger during peak hours.

2

Parking in the area is mostly paid and limited, plan accordingly.

3

Online ordering often fails, especially during busy times.

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