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ZipPicks Awards
Best Lasagna in Downtown LA
Best Brunch in Downtown LA
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Zinc Cafe & Market
8.4
At Zinc’s Arts District outpost, a vegetable-focused menu hides a surprisingly rich spinach lasagna alongside grain bowls, salads, and wine-friendly snacks. The leafy courtyard and all-day format make it a reliable pick when you want lasagna in a lighter, more California-leaning setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Lasagna, Funghi Pizza, Seasonal Grain Bowl
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Vegetable-forward cafe where spinach lasagna meets one of DTLA’s most pleasant courtyards.
Who should go: Groups mixing lasagna cravings with lighter, veg-driven plates.
When to visit: Daytime or golden hour for maximum courtyard appeal.
What to order: Spinach lasagna, funghi pizza, a salad or grain bowl.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then claim a courtyard table away from Mateo Street traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mateo and nearby blocks is usually available but can be tight during peak Arts District hours; several paid surface lots sit within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Relaxed California casual; daytime athleisure and breezy layers are common, while evenings lean slightly more polished.
Noise level: Moderate; the courtyard allows for comfortable conversation, while indoor tables can pick up chatter during peak meals.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on courtyard demand; the all-day counter-service format helps keep the line moving.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; may spike briefly between noon and 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the menu is largely vegetable-forward with multiple vegetarian entrées and sides.
Vegan options: Moderate — several bowls, salads, and vegetable plates can be ordered vegan or easily modified.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many salads, bowls, and veggie plates are naturally gluten-free, though lasagna and pizzas are not; no dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the leafy courtyard, natural light, and relaxed pace make it an easy first-date setting, especially for daytime or early-evening meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates on counter service, so no reservations are needed. Arrive slightly early for the best courtyard seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids; the courtyard has space for strollers, but the menu skews vegetable-forward and might be less appealing to very young children.
Best For
Better for: Casual daytime meals, courtyard dining, and vegetable-led plates paired with a lighter lasagna option.
Skip if: You want a heavier, classic meat lasagna or a full-service dinner environment; choose a more traditional trattoria instead.
Hours
Monday7am - 9pm
Tuesday7am - 9pm
Wednesday7am - 9pm
Thursday7am - 9pm
Friday7am - 9pm
Saturday7am - 9pm
Sunday7am - 9pm