R23 (CLOSED)

Once a railroad loading dock, now a hip downtown hideaway for those who like it raw. R23 is a remarkable little culinary and cultural oasis, tucked off an alley in a former Santa Fe Railroad building in the post-industrial Arts District, just a few blocks from Little Tokyo. The decor is by famed architect Frank Gehry and features compressed cardboard furniture. The restaurant offers some of finest sushi in the city, although it is the truly outstanding cooked items that make R23 one of best-reviewed restaurants in Los Angeles. Lunch is served Monday to Friday, and dinner Monday to Saturday.