Sparrow

Dining at this elegant oasis in downtown’s Hotel Figueroa is a transportive experience, assisted by enchanting, Mediterranean-inspired elements (think: arched entryways, a 1920s limestone fireplace, and patterned tile insets) in a light-filled, indoor-meets-outdoor space that opens up to the hotel’s pool deck. With an emphasis on sustainable and organic ingredients, Sparrow Italia's coastal Italian menu—as well as its innovative cocktails and well-edited selection of French and Italian wines—keeps pace with the resort-like surroundings. Hotel Figueroa’s first female executive chef, Joana Cruz, spearheads a menu of from-scratch pizzas, pastas, and wood-fired dishes with a made-you-think twist, like Pistachio Pesto Radiatore or Wagyu Alla Vodka pizza. Dessert lovers will appreciate the respectable sweets menu—which includes everything from Bread Pudding Panettone to Citrus Olive Oil Cake. Sip on an after-dinner amaro, and it’s easy to pretend you’re somewhere along the Amalfi Coast instead of DTLA.
How to book: Reservations are available via SevenRooms.

The Hotel Figueroa is a Downtown landmark, with its three columns of recently renovated rooms looming over the LA Live complex, and its restaurants have become mainstays too. Sparrow Italia in particular has gained a following for chef AJ McCloud’s elevated coastal Italian cooking in a grown-up atmosphere, and new executive chef Joana Cruz has the kitchen buzzing. There are house-made pastas in interesting shapes like mafaldine and radiatore, there is duck prosciutto on the charcuterie board, and the wood-fired oven kicks out everything from pizzas to vegetables and large-format proteins. Don’t miss the cocktails either, which lean into Italian-style amari.
How to book: Reservations available through their website.

The historic Hotel Figueroa’s coastal Italian eatery set on a sexy covered patio is highlighting its Italian-Med menu during DineLA with a three-course feast. Start with Braised Wagyu Meatballs with whipped ricotta or a Tomato and Eggplant Bruschetta Duo, move on to an entree of Branzino with charred lemon or Chicken Paillard in a caper beurre blanc, and finish things off with an Olive Oil Cake garnished with orange marmalade and a passionfruit gel.
The deal: $70 for a three-course dinner
What to order: Wagyu Meatballs, Branzino, Olive Oil Cake
How to book: via SevenRooms

The historic Hotel Figueroa’s new coastal Italian eatery is set within its sexy covered patio, flanked by a dramatic wrought-iron bar, original fireplace, and vintage chandeliers. Here, co-executive chefs Jan Claudio and AJ McCloud—who spent time in Italy to prepare for Sparrow’s opening—shine with fresh seafood dishes like the Bluefin Tuna Tartare with truffle ponzu and a deconstructed Grilled Octopus with baby potatoes over a garlic crema. You’ll also find classic pastas (from Puttanesca to Pomodoro), pizzas (including a Wagyu Alla Vodka version!), and mains like Chicken Parm and Grilled Branzino. The cocktail list features drinks named after Mediterranean destinations, with dramatic tableside presentations.
How to book: via Sevenrooms.