Every turn around the sun brings hope that this year will be better than the last — even in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. Everyone at 1133 Hope wishes all your dreams and desires come true in 2022. If that means knowing where to get the best takeout and delivery around Downtown L.A. — because you’re back to work, school, and life — we’ve got you covered.
With so many different types of cuisines around South Park, you can eat around the world without ever having to leave DTLA. From Filipino sinigang to carne asada in pillowy soft handmade flour tortillas, Middle Eastern falafel to spicy Thai food, here’s where to find the best takeout to kick the new year into high gear.
Filipino: Petit Peso
This is Filipino comfort fare with flash in the Historic Core. The mighty-but-small operation has social distancing and contactless pickup on lock. Dishes range from sisig and pinkabet-inspired salads to chicken adobo rice bowls, pork lumpia, and housemade pan de sel and ensaymadas. Call or order via online to pick up.
Cal-Mexican: Angry Egret Dinette
After Wes Avila stepped away from Guerrilla Tacos he launched this spot in Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza. Named for two birds he saw fighting in the Los Angeles River one day, the menu is small but mighty, mostly his version of a Mexican torta, like grilled beef belly, prosciutto, or crispy chicken thighs stuffed on toasted birote rolls. There’s a walk-up window in person, or order pickup here.
Brazilian: Woodspoon
Chef and owner Natalia Pereira hails from the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, which influences the menu at her Fashion District spot greatly. This isn’t a Brazilian steakhouse. Think: Dishes like empado de frango, a flaky chicken pot pie stuffed with hearts of palm, olives and corn; Portuguese dumplings filled with shrimp and coconut; and Brazilian street food favorites like chicken croquetas. Pickup and delivery are both available.
Thai: Holy Basil
There are a lot of big flavors coming out of this tiny takeout window inside the Santee Passage food court. It’s not where you expect to find unapologetically spicy Thai food, but here it is. Using high quality ingredients that are often locally sourced, the chef chef Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat and partner Tongkamal “Joy” Yuon create some bomb takes on favorites like pad mee mao and green curry. Available for takeout and delivery.
Sushi: Sushi Gen
The famed sashimi lunch may have gone up in price (thanks, pandemic), but it’s still one of the best deals in Little Tokyo. The platter of sparkling yellowtail, tuna, salmon and chopped spicy fishes, which comes with rice, is a steal for the quality and quantity you get. Anything off the regular menu, including for dinner, is perfect as well. All the L.A. chefs who’ve been going here for years can’t be wrong. Call in orders to pickup; no delivery.
Soul Food: Comfort LA
Organic fried chicken, locally sourced greens, mac and cheese, candied yams and cornbread — this is classic soul food as seen through a Southern California lens. Do not forget “that sauce,” a sweet and tangy condiment that you’ll want to eat on everything. Call ahead for pickup at the Arts District-adjacent location or order delivery here.
Cantonese: Ricebox
Husband and wife duo, Leo and Lydia Lee, both share a rich culinary background spanning three generations, including running a family-run Chinese restaurant in Mexicali, to working for esteemed chefs like Joachim Splichal here in L.A. The menu at this super casual diner in the Spring Arcade is a tribute to classic Cantonese BBQ, things like char siu pork, curry beef stew, roast duck, and bao. Order delivery here.
Mexican: Sonoratown
It’s a good thing this taqueria is within walking distance. You’ll want this Northern-style Mexican food regularly. Burritos, quesadillas, and caramelos are all made with award-winning flour tortillas stuffed with everything from beans and cheese to carne asada and tripal The salsas are dynamite, the margaritas can be ordered to go, and you can call in or order online for easy pickup or get delivery.
Ramen: Afuri
There is no shortage of ramen restaurants around L.A., especially in DTLA (i.e. Little Tokyo). But with so many styles, recipes, and vibes, there’s always room for more. Enter Afuri, an export from Tokyo with locations in Portland and Northern Cali, which features a light, acidic broth that’s a combination of chicken, seafood, vegetables, and seaweed. It’s a lovely contrast to the tonkotsu ramen that proliferates around town. There’s also a full cocktail and beer menu, which makes this another great option for the Arts District. Order online for pickup or delivery here.
Middle Eastern: Dune
Casual passersby could blink and miss this unassuming Mediterranean less than six blocks away from 1133 Hope, a compact storefront composed of little more than a counter and a few small tables near a bustling corner. It’s hard to choose between the organic green falafel with shoestring potatoes, lamb with turmeric yogurt, or fried eggplant with hummus and an 8-minute egg, but all come on housemade flatbread and tons of flavor and color. Order online for delivery or pickup here.
Featured photo by Social Cut/Unsplash