Downtown Los Angeles, a bustling hub of activity, offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape. And while burgers and tacos reign supreme, there's a burgeoning scene for health-conscious eaters seeking fresh, delicious salads. This guide highlights 18 of the best salad restaurants in Downtown LA, catering to various tastes and budgets. We've carefully curated this list considering factors like freshness of ingredients, variety of options, and overall dining experience. Whether you're craving a light lunch or a hearty dinner, you'll find the perfect leafy green escape here.
Finding Your Perfect Downtown LA Salad: A Guide to 18 Top Spots
This isn't just a list; it's a curated journey through Downtown LA's salad scene. We've categorized our selections to help you find your perfect bowl:
Upscale & Elevated Salad Experiences:
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The Little Door: This charming restaurant offers beautifully composed salads with high-quality ingredients and creative dressings. Expect unique flavor combinations and a sophisticated ambiance. Their Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a must-try.
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WP24 by Wolfgang Puck: Located atop the Ritz-Carlton, WP24 boasts stunning city views alongside its refined menu. Their salads are artfully presented and incorporate seasonal ingredients. The Asian Pear and Watercress Salad is a favorite among regulars.
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Otium: This Michelin-recommended restaurant features modern American cuisine, including several impressive salad options. The focus here is on high-quality, locally-sourced produce. Expect unexpected flavor pairings and elegant presentation.
Casual & Quick Salad Spots:
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Sweetgreen: This popular chain offers customizable salads with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The customizable aspect allows for dietary restrictions and preferences to be easily accommodated. Their "signature" salads provide delicious inspiration.
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Mendocino Farms: Known for its delicious sandwiches, Mendocino Farms also boasts creative and flavorful salads. Their salads are generally more substantial and satisfying, ideal for a larger appetite.
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Saladworks: Another customizable salad chain, Saladworks provides a quick and easy option for a healthy lunch. It's a perfect solution for those on the go. Their daily specials often feature exciting combinations.
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California Pizza Kitchen (CPK): While primarily known for pizza, CPK offers several fresh and flavorful salads that are a great alternative or side to their main dishes.
Unique & Niche Salad Options:
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Gracias Madre: This vegan Mexican restaurant features vibrant, flavorful salads bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs. Their Taco Salad is a delicious and unexpected twist on the classic.
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Crossroads Kitchen: Another vegan option, Crossroads Kitchen offers sophisticated and creative salads featuring seasonal produce and unique dressings. Their focus on plant-based ingredients is impressive.
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SunCafe Organic: This organic cafe provides a wide array of healthy and delicious salad options, many of which are vegan or gluten-free. Their commitment to organic ingredients is clear.
Health-Focused & Gourmet Salads:
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Juice Served Here: This juice bar offers not only fresh juices but also healthy and nutritious salads, often incorporating superfoods. It's a great place to get a boost of vitamins and energy.
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Flower Child: This fast-casual restaurant offers a variety of delicious and healthy bowls and salads, emphasizing fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Their Mediterranean Bowl is a customer favorite.
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Native Foods Cafe: This vegan fast-casual restaurant has several unique salad options including creative ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, and flavorful dressings.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites:
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Grand Central Market: While not a restaurant itself, Grand Central Market houses several vendors offering fantastic salad options, offering diverse cuisines and flavors in one location. Explore and discover hidden gems!
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The Perch: This rooftop bar offers stunning city views and a surprisingly good salad menu. It's a perfect spot for a light lunch or a pre-dinner appetizer.
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Angel City Brewery: While known for its craft beer, Angel City Brewery also offers food, including tasty salads perfect for pairing with a brew.
Budget-Friendly Picks:
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Pret a Manger: This popular chain offers a variety of quick, affordable, and healthy salad options, perfect for a grab-and-go lunch.
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Trader Joe's (various locations): While not a restaurant, Trader Joe's offers ready-made salads at affordable prices. It's a budget-friendly choice for a quick and easy meal.
Choosing the Right Salad for You: A Quick Guide
This table summarizes our recommendations, categorized by style and price point:
| Restaurant | Style | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| The Little Door | Upscale | $$ |
| WP24 by Wolfgang Puck | Upscale | $$ |
| Otium | Upscale | $$ |
| Sweetgreen | Casual | $ |
| Mendocino Farms | Casual | $ |
| Saladworks | Casual | $ |
| CPK | Casual | $ |
| Gracias Madre | Vegan, Casual | $ |
| Crossroads Kitchen | Vegan, Upscale | $$ |
| SunCafe Organic | Organic, Casual | $ |
| Juice Served Here | Health-Focused | $ |
| Flower Child | Health-Focused | $ |
| Native Foods Cafe | Vegan, Casual | $ |
| Grand Central Market | Diverse, Variable | $ - $$ |
| The Perch | Upscale, Rooftop | $$ |
| Angel City Brewery | Casual, Brewery | $ |
| Pret a Manger | Casual, Budget-Friendly | $ |
| Trader Joe's | Grocery, Budget-Friendly | $ |
Note: Price points are approximate and may vary. $ = inexpensive, $ = moderate, $$ = expensive, $$ = very expensive.
This extensive guide should help you navigate the diverse salad scene in Downtown Los Angeles and find your perfect leafy green escape. Remember to check restaurant websites for hours, menus, and any special offers before your visit! Enjoy your delicious and healthy Downtown LA salad adventure!
