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Salad and Mexican food spots in Downtown LA

Made for those who want the lightness of a fresh salad alongside the robust, time-honored flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Avocado Fresh Mexican Grill image 1
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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.

Fresh-grilled carne asada and sizzling fajitas fill the air with aroma. Tacos and burrito bowls feature quality ingredients and authentic flavor, while the guacamole stands out as creamy and perfectly balanced.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"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.

02
Jose Chiquito image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Grand Central Market hosts a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with freshly brewed coffee aromas and cheerful staff creating an active vibe. The spot offers a diverse menu blending classic and Mexican breakfast dishes, standing out for its consistent quality and convenient beeper system for multi-restaurant orders.

Chicken stands out as the best tasting part of the salads, especially in the Chinese chicken salad. Dressings tend to be generous, which might be too much for some.

Breakfast burritos stand out with chorizo and potatoes or a veggie option loaded with rice and beans. Chilaquiles offer a seriously authentic Mexican flavor, reflecting decades of traditional cooking.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is huge and delicious."

"I had to get my Mexican food fix at Jose Chiquito every time."

"I found the Chinese chicken salad to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open every day from 8 AM to 9 PM.

2

Expect a wait time of about 18 minutes for food preparation.

3

Prices are surprisingly affordable, with meals averaging around $13.50.

03
Rappahannock Oyster Bar image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Oyster bar with elegant interior and a stunning outdoor patio featuring heaters for a cozy, private setting. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and intimate to lively with rock and pop en espaรฑol music. Known for locally sourced seafood and a variety of well-crafted cocktails.

Watermelon and cucumber salads stand out with large portions and a mix of strawberries and feta. Caesar salad offers a homemade twist that tastes different but good.

Seafood dishes stand out with shrimp tacos loaded with slaw and a ceviche tostada that has a bit of spice. The seafood quesadilla offers a tasty option alongside other items like fried oyster tacos.

People are saying

"The oysters here are so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood quesadilla was delicious and fresh."

"The watermelon salad with strawberries and feta is really nice."

Good to know

1

There is two hours of free parking available.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday from 4 to 6 PM.

3

During happy hour, enjoy 6 charbroiled oysters for only $19.

04
Cabrillo image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers beautiful views and a calm, relaxed atmosphere with stylish, spacious decor. The vibe blends casual elegance with an upbeat cafรฉ music backdrop. It attracts diners seeking a vegetarian and pescatarian-friendly menu in a memorable environment.

Chopped salad stands out with fresh ingredients and solid flavor. Arugula salad features a lemony dressing that adds a spicy kick. Side salad tends to be overseasoned, affecting its balance.

Crab tostadas stand out during happy hour, paired well with a blood orange margarita. Breakfast offers carnitas and sweet potato hash, with the carnitas leaning salty for some tastes.

People are saying

"The oyster mushroom omelet with goat cheese had a great creamy texture."

"You have to try the crab tostadas and blood orange margarita."

"The oyster mushroom omelet salad is creamy with well-executed mushrooms."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Cabrillo offers private event hosting for groups of 50-70 people.

3

The restaurant features a diverse menu with vegetarian and pescatarian options.

05
Sampa image 1
Filipino restaurant

Dark, moody space with black walls and ambient lighting creates an intimate, elegant vibe. A cool cave-like hallway leads to extra seating, adding a unique touch. Music from a DJ keeps energy chill while good acoustics allow easy conversation.

Salads feature crispy rice with garlic roasted peanuts and a calamansi vinaigrette, plus a phenomenal papaya salad. The cucumber ribbon salad also stands out.

Tamales stand out with rich oxtail filling and a side of broccolini. The menu also features a fresh cucumber ribbon salad and well-prepared steak.

People are saying

"The Filipino food here is fresh and creatively elevated."

"The cucumber ribbon salad was well-dressed and substantial."

"You have to try the tamales; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a public parking lot across the street.

2

Sampa does not have a liquor license yet; only mocktails are available.

3

Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu.

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.

Pan de queso stands out with its unexpected flavor that surprises many. Beef quesadillas come juicy and perfectly cooked, packed with rich flavor.

People are saying

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

"The cucumber salad was delicious and heavenly."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and full of flavor."

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
Perch image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop bar with a breathtaking cityscape view and live music that enhances a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. The space feels crowded, requiring reservations due to limited capacity. Cocktails stand out as a distinctive feature complementing the setting.

Ribeye chilaquiles stand out with rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Scrambled huevos rancheros offer a solid take on classic Mexican breakfast dishes.

People are saying

"The rooftop view here is amazing, especially at night."

"The salads here offer a cinematic view of the city."

"You have to try the ribeye chilaquiles for Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary due to high demand, especially for brunch and dinner.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Live music occurs from 6-10pm, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

08
Farmer Boys image 1
Fast food restaurant

Rustic, farm-inspired dรฉcor creates a cozy, casual dining vibe with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Noise levels rise during peak hours, but the place stays clean and well-maintained. Open 24 hours, it offers a quiet breakfast spot and a lively evening scene.

Southwest and Cobb salads stand out with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The Cobb salad features fried chicken, fried onion crispies, and chili ranch dressing for a rich taste.

Breakfast burritos stand out with fillings like pastrami, egg, cheese, and potatoes. All-day options include the chili cheese burrito and other hearty choices.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be fresh and flavorful."

"I loved the Cobb Salad with fried chicken and chili ranch."

"Their breakfast burritos with pastrami, egg, and cheese are top notch."

Good to know

1

Farmer Boys offers free breakfast to moms on Mother's Day.

2

Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day on 9/18/24 at Farmer Boys.

3

Farmer Boys is open 24 hours for dine-in and drive-thru.

09
Bike Shed Moto Co image 1

Motorcycle-themed restaurant combines open air space, British decor, and a central bar to create a laid-back, fun vibe. It hosts a barbershop, tattoo parlor, and retail shops, attracting motorcycle enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Spacious seating with leather sofas and high ceilings adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Fresh beet salads come with goat cheese and walnuts. The Wild Mushroom Salad stands out as always delicious. Balsamic vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the steak sandwich and side salad.

Breakfast shines with a vegan breakfast burrito and Huevos Rancheros standing out. The breakfast burrito with salsa also delivers solid flavor, while the quesadilla falls flat.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the wagyu beef burger."

"I found the Mexican Food here to be a fun spot."

"I found the salads here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 5-7 PM with great deals.

2

They host special events regularly, so check in frequently for updates.

3

MotoGP watch parties and bike nights are popular events held here.

10
Cara Cara image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers beautiful city views with a cool atmosphere enhanced by heated lamps and fire pits. Cocktails stand out as phenomenal, complementing the relaxed yet vibrant vibe. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the casual, comfortable setting.

Cara Cara Cobb Salad features fresh ingredients with a balanced mix of flavors. It stands out alongside other dishes but holds its own as a solid salad option.

Wagyu tacos stand out, especially the brisket version. The shrimp tamale offers a rich, satisfying flavor. Other Mexican dishes like shrimp tacos also deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"The views here are amazing and breathtaking."

"The Mexican food here is amazing with breathtaking skyline views."

"The salads here offer a beautiful view of the downtown LA skyline."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

11
Traxx Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Union Station's art deco architecture shapes a sophisticated atmosphere with jazzy background music that complements the historic setting. The space includes a gorgeous indoor patio where locals and travelers mingle, creating lively energy especially during events like home Dodger games.

Salads here come with light dressing that lets the fresh flavors shine through. The Cobb salad stands out for being fresh, crisp, and generous without overwhelming sauce.

Pozole features flavorful chicken and perfect tortilla in a satisfying soup bowl. Birria tacos come loaded with meat and rich flavor, paired well with French fries.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and talented."

"I thought the Cobb salad was fantasticโ€”fresh, crisp, generous."

"The birria tacos here are flavorful and not skimpy on the meat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour pricing is available, but specific times are not mentioned.

2

Food service ends at 7 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Validated parking is available at the Station entrance.

12
Cafe Dulce (Little Tokyo) image 1

Tiny cafe blends Japanese and Hispanic influence with modern, cozy decor and large windows. Bright, cheerful vibe fills both indoor bar seating and plentiful outdoor tables ideal for people watching. Music and atmosphere create a feeling of being in Japan despite urban surroundings.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and really good dressing. They taste delicious and often accompany sandwiches.

Breakfast burritos stand out with tender meat, spicy salsa, and options like avocado instead of meat. Pastries like the Koko Churro and Cake Jars complement the savory dishes well.

People are saying

"The coffee here is exquisite and thoughtfully crafted."

"The breakfast burrito here is tasty, filling, and really amazing."

"Their salads are always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available for customers; only restaurants have facilities.

2

You can avoid the long line by visiting before noon.

3

They open early at 7am for breakfast.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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