Bäco Mercat

There’s something refreshing about a restaurant that refuses to fit neatly into a box. Bäco Mercat, tucked into the Historic Core of downtown Los Angeles, has spent over a decade occupying that sweet spot between a casual neighborhood haunt and a destination-worthy dining experience. The energy here is unmistakably lively—friends gathering around shared plates, the buzz of conversation bouncing off the walls—yet it never tips into pretension.

The Mediterranean-inspired menu might appear vegetable-forward at first glance, but make no mistake: this is hearty, satisfying comfort food. Start with the za’atar eggplant dip, a dish so substantial it could pass for an entrée, served alongside pillowy bread that might just steal the show. The anchovies here are a revelation for skeptics—sweet and mellow rather than aggressively salty. And that cold noodle salad? It’s essentially a bowl of chilled pasta draped in spicy meat sauce with crispy pork and all the fixings. The name is misleading in the best way possible.

The real stars, of course, are the bäcos themselves. These oversized pita tacos have achieved near-legendary status, and the Toron—stuffed with tender oxtail hash, cheddar tartare, and a tangy horseradish yogurt—remains the must-order. Pair it with the El Pesco, featuring crispy shrimp and house sriracha, and you’ve got a duo that justifies the trip alone.

Whether you’re plotting a first date, wrangling a group of friends for a rowdy weeknight dinner, or looking to show your visiting parents what downtown LA dining is all about, Bäco Mercat delivers. It’s one of those rare places that works for almost any occasion—and still tastes just as good as you remember.