Things to do
Step off campus and explore some of the places that make Downtown LA such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. From quick bites and coffee to dinner, drinks, and outdoor spaces, discover nearby spots to grab a meal, meet up with friends, or simply take a break.
The Neighborhood
Places to Wonder
Primarily food, casual stops, and places to wander
Grand Central Market
Historic Food Hall
A Downtown LA landmark since 1917, Grand Central Market brings together more than 40 vendors representing the diverse cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles. Grab a quick meal, explore the vendors, or experience one of Downtown’s most iconic gathering places.
Hill Street Bar & Restaurant
American • Bar & Restaurant
Located at 2nd and Hill in Downtown LA’s Historic Core, Hill Street serves modern American cuisine along with coffee, breakfast, lunch, and cocktails. It’s an easy spot for a casual meal or coffee break.
Visit Hill Street Bar & Restaurant
Vespaio
Italian • Restaurant & Bar
Located along Grand Avenue in the Bunker Hill arts corridor, Vespaio serves Italian dishes with Mediterranean influences, along with wine and handcrafted cocktails. Its patio makes it a nice place to linger before or after exploring the area.
Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse
Steakhouse • Upscale Dining
A Downtown LA steakhouse known for steaks, seafood, wine, and cocktails. Located in the heart of Bunker Hill, Nick + Stef’s offers a more traditional sit-down dining experience for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
Visit Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse
Noé Restaurant & Bar
California-Inspired • Restaurant & Bar
Located inside the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, Noé offers California-inspired cuisine, cocktails, happy hour, and indoor-outdoor dining with views of Downtown LA.
Entertainment
Grand Avenue Experience
Get the arts, culture, architecture, public space, and the Grand Avenue experience.
The Grand LA
Arts • Dining • Public Space
The Grand LA is a Frank Gehry-designed destination at the heart of Downtown LA’s Grand Avenue Arts Corridor, bringing together restaurants, shops, public spaces, and cultural experiences. It’s also home to DATALAND, an AI arts museum, and the Conrad Los Angeles.
Massilia
Food • Ambiance
MASSILIA is the food & ambiance of marseille with influences from france, spain, italy & north africa. with a full bar & craft cocktail program.
Colburn Café
Café • Colburn School
Located inside the Colburn School, the café offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and coffee in the middle of Downtown LA’s arts corridor. The surrounding Colburn campus also includes performance halls, recital spaces, and an outdoor plaza.
This one is admittedly a little hybrid, but I think it works in Entertainment because the point isn’t just the café — it’s the Colburn arts campus experience.
One California Plaza
Public Plaza • Outdoor Space
One California Plaza sits in the heart of Bunker Hill and features a 1.5-acre water court with open-air seating. It’s an easy place to take a break, enjoy the architecture, or explore the surrounding Grand Avenue arts district.