Popular Restaurateurs of Fundamental LA Bring a Revered Westside Establishment to a New Locale in Downtown Los Angeles
Since opening in 2011, Jeffrey Faust and Woogene Lee’s intimate restaurant fundamental LA has emerged as a beloved Westwood institution thanks to its casual counter-service lunch, refined full-service dinner and eclectic wine selection. Now Faust and Lee have expanded their concept with fundamental DTLA, complete with the addition of breakfast service featuring a wide selection of pastries and baked goods crafted in-house, plus a bar that’s destined to become the area’s next go-to gathering spot.
“We decided to open downtown because we wanted to be early adopters of the new-age renaissance happening that is attracting a lot of businesses and expanding the L.A. food scene,” says Lee. “[f]undamental DTLA is a place where people can come at any time of the day for good drinks and high-quality food in a casual neighborhood environment.”
Situated along Grand Avenue—on the ground floor of the Eight & Grand apartments—fundamental DTLA features light and airy surroundings designed by Lucinda Pacé of Concept XL, with a main dining room that seats 40, bar with room for six and patio that accommodates 16 diners. Expect a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere punctuated with macramé planters overflowing with plants and greenery, cozy wood and brushed brass banquettes, marble countertops and a tiled bar in deep teal blue.
Executive Chef Andy Lee helms the kitchen, where he serves up a menu of seasonal comfort fare with an international flair. Among the highlights is the chicken sausage breakfast burrito; avocado toast; free-range fried chicken and turkey breast sandwiches; spot prawns; branzino; and pork belly “Bo Ssam” (with oyster kimchi, shiso, baby gems, leek and miso).
Diners also will find a collection of small-producer and natural wines, a diverse beer list, and signature cocktails such as the Earl Grey (goat milk washed Scotch, amaretto, honey, peat) and Matcha Tea (Pisco, peach calpico, sparkling sake, absinthe, salt), as well as riffs on classics. Newly launched is a daily power hour (happy hour) from 4-7 p.m. offering the signature fundamental burger and free-range kung pao chicken wings, along with wine, beer and cocktails.
Fundamental DTLA
750 S Grand Ave #30, Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.935.8180 | fundamental-dtla.com
Photographs Courtesy of Wonho Frank Lee