Can't go wrong at Animal. However, I actually prefer the foie gras biscuit with maple sausage gravy. Incredible.

I was inspired to move to Los Feliz after eating RIcky's Fish Tacos. I'm not even kidding.

Over $25:
Animal
Lucques
Mother Dough
Angelini Osteria
Marouch

Under $25:
Ricky's Fish Tacos
Langer's
Father's Office
Chichen Itza
Golden Deli

Can anyone recommend a dineLA lunch spot in downtown besides Water Grill, Border Grill, and Starry Kitchen?
I was thinking Magnolia, The Farm, or LA Market but I haven't heard much about these three.. Thanks for the help.

I believe its Arturos Puffy Taco

Over:

Animal
Gjelina
Lucques
Pizzeria Mozza
Angelini Osteria

Under:

Langers
Ricky's Fish Tacas
Fathers Office
Hide Sushi
Golden Triangle

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Golden Triangle
7011 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602

I'd go to SF Saloon

Looking forward to trying this place. What are the hours of operation and days of the week its open? They dont seem to have a website yet. Also, how long does it take to get a table and whats the best time to dine?

Yes, it's worth it. Not debatable. It's one of the best sandwiches you will ever eat. Any decent pastrami costs about that amount with far less quality than Langers.

Back to the subject at hand, I'd consider Gjelina vibrant and exciting but not quite high-end.

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Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

Lucques and Eva Sunday Supper is a good economical option

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Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

I'm originally from Whittier and when I want the real deal I go to Vargas in Pico Rivera. I believe its on Durfee Rd. Its takeout only (no alcohol) but the food will not dissapoint you, especially the carnitas. FYI, they usually close at around six.
Also, Los Cinco Puntos in East LA has the best carnitas anywhere, also takeout.

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Cinco Puntos
3300 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063

though not in westwood village u gotta get to Apple Pan.

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Apple Pan
10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Im also wondering how this place stacks up against all the other Persian places in the area...

I always thought Pinks was grossly overrated. Chronis has been my favorite chili dog for many years. However, It does seem like the prices have gotten a little high in recent years...

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Chronis
5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Although I respect everyones opinion it seems like there are a lot of haters when it comes to Goin and her restaurants. I've been to Lucques about a dozen times and always have had exceptional service and beautifully prepared food. I like it because it doesnt attract the ultra hip Hollywood crowd and the people who eat there go for the food and not the scence. Lucques is basically upscale Cal./Med. comfort food but I appreciate it for what it is. Goin doesn't blow me away with her creativity but she also doesn't need to. I will say that she might be stretched too thin these days...

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Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

I know the menu changes often but what are your favorite dishes?

You hit a lot of the good standbys. Newer places in downtown that are worth a little trip are Coles, Rivera, Lazy Ox Canteen. Chitzen-Itza and Mo-Chica in La Mercado de Paloma are very good as well and in walking distance of USC. I dont recommend the food at The Lab Gatropub.

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Mo-Chica
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Lazy Ox Canteen
241 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

O its damn true, ive experienced it a couple times. I just dont think a high end restaurant wants to publicize AYCE and drink on its website...

Go to Campinile for classic brunch which is excellent and located right next door to La Brea Bakery. You hit two birds with one stone.
For sushi you have endless great options in this city. '
There arent many high quality restaurants with sea view so I would hesitate to recommend any but The Lobster would probably the choice.
For Californian I would go to Lucques.
For trendy Mexican you should try Rivera or Red O.

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La Brea Bakery
624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Red O
8155 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Lucques Sunday Supper is classic. I saw Michelle Obama thier a couple weeks a go when she was visiting LA.
Eva is my second choice because wine is included and the food is delicious.

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Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Cheesecake Factory?

I went to Waterloo & City in Culver City for the USA/England game which was pretty cool. Although I wasnt too impressed with the brunch menu they have a nice beer list and are open early for most of the big World Cup games. Very fun environment as well.

SF Saloon is a solid choice

I would check out Tavern or Jar.

Has anyone tried brunch at Bottega Louie? I'm wondering if its just as loud as dinner? The menu looks appealing...

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Bottega Louie
700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Never been to Grace but im not sure if i like the idea of opening a second Rivera on the Westside. I'm sure it will thrive but I would have liked to see them come up with a new concept instead of cutting and pasting.

Skip Golden State in favor of Umami or Fathers Office. I would also substitute Hatfields for Lucques. And yes, you gotta have Mexican food while in LA.

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Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

The Golden State
426 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

M Restaurant - Hotel Metropole
205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704

I love Chronis... if it were located in a more ideal location in LA it would have a similar reputation of The Pantry or Philipes.
Pinks is garbage. I love the Dodgers but those hotdogs are just gross. Carneys reminds me of Chronis. Must have that snap!

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Chronis
5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Hole in the Wall Burger Joint fits your odd criteria well.