Earlier this month, we scouted out the hidden delights of First Cup Caffe tucked away inside the pedestrian-challenged Broadway Spring Center of the Historic Core.

Wouldn’t you agree that Downtown is a more exciting place when there are inviting places left to be stumbled upon?

Continuing that sense of discovery, I want to point out two more cafes in the recesses of our neighborhoods that — while not “new” — may be lesser known to the general population.

Located in the Central Plaza of Chinatown between Hill and Broadway, Via Cafe is probably best known among area lunch-goers. The attractive eatery, decked with an eclectic collection of local artists’ works, offers Vietnamese and Asian fusion plates (vegetarian options available), espresso, tea, boba drinks and outdoor seating.

Most food items, including the “sizzling filet mignon” and sole fish, are priced under $8. Lunch and dinner is served daily, Friday and Saturday nights until 11:00pm.

Over in Little Tokyo among the secluded confines of Weller Court, Senka Cafe offers an indie alternative to Starbucks footing the Kyoto Grand Hotel on the end of the block.

This little gem is known for its hot and chilled coffee drinks, gourmet gifts, candies, selection of wines and chocolates. Yelp fans rave over the cafe’s milk tea boba, even though Rich will be the first to disagree.

Smoothies, sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods complete the list of edible offerings until 10:00pm six days a week — a valuable piece of information to note when most other quick-eats in the vicinity are closed.

Know of any other “hidden charmers” you want to share? Let us know in the comments.

-hidden parisan charmer: first cup caffe

Via Cafe
451 Gin Ling Way #B
(Chinatown’s Central Plaza)
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-617-1481
Sun-Thur: 10:30am-8:30pm
Fri-Sat: 10:30am-11:00pm

Senka Cafe
123 Onizuka Street #103
(Little Tokyo’s Weller Court)
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-617-8699
Mon-Sat: 7:00am-10:00pm
Sun: 8:00am-7:00pm

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