Best Modern European Restaurants in Little Tokyo

The interior of Lustig is gorgeous, wood beams and frames, concrete walls, lighting. Cocktails interesting and consistent with cuisine. I had the spicy pear martini, delicious. Schnitzel and sides, spaetzle, red cabbage and sauerkraut, were beyond expectations. For desert, highly recommend the kaiserschmarren .

700 – the name of the restaurant and the address on 5th street. This restaurant is a wonderful respite in the concrete jungle of Downtown Los Angeles. The indoor décor is marked by its location – the indoor columns are stacks of recognizable books while violins and French horns float above the bar area – indicative of the LA Philharmonic and also that this is a place that welcomes those who appreciate food as a culinary art. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. The chef is from Italy and pasta is made fresh. On the day of my reservation, I was welcomed with open arms and felt like I was a VIP and old friend. The lunch specials are phenomenal. As of this writing they have a $25 lunch special that includes one appetizer and either one pasta or one pizza. Portions are generous. For an extra $5, dessert is an option. I chose the caprese salad and the cannelloni. Three large cannelloni stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth beef in a decadent bechamel was rich but light. My brother opted for the salad and the gnocchi with cream and guanciale. Both dishes were exquisite. Opted for the dessert – rum sponge cake with a dollop of ice cream along with a gorgeous cappuccino. Delizioso! This was such a pleasant experience that I will definitely be coming back bringing friends and colleagues from the office down the street. Hopefully one day I will be a true VIP by being a regular, but even now they treated us like old friends. This will no doubt be a very popular restaurant in the days and years to come.

Vespertine delivered one of the most extraordinary dining experiences we’ve ever had in the United States, rivaling the caliber of Michelin three-star restaurants abroad, such as Boragó in Santiago. The food was a stunning combination of originality, flavor, and artistry, each dish a masterpiece that delighted the palate and the eye. Service was impeccable, with the timing of each course orchestrated to perfection. The building itself is a marvel, adding a unique and modern dimension to the experience. While the evening was nearly flawless, there were a few minor areas for improvement. The final dessert felt overly elaborate and heavy, making it challenging to fully enjoy at the end of such a substantial meal. The dessert room, located near the entrance, was uncomfortably chilly on a cool evening, requiring us to retrieve our coats. Lastly, the $20 valet charge came as an unwelcome surprise, especially considering the restaurant’s high price point and the fact that the parking lot is private and on-site. A clearer sign or complimentary parking would have better matched the overall premium experience. These small critiques aside, Vespertine was a truly unforgettable dining journey—one we would highly recommend to anyone seeking a world-class culinary adventure in Los Angeles.

What a surprising gourmet experience. Who knew this nondescript restaurant in the basement downstairs could hold such a delicious array of food. The chef has to be applauded 👏🏼. The only caveat-no decaf coffee to go with the delicious brunch and dessert!

Great food, tea and ambience! My sister and I very much enjoyed our tea time! It’s was a nice little getaway away from all the hustle and bustle of LA life. Located conveniently in the city, there was plenty of parking. We loved it and will be back soon.