Hours
| Friday | 12–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 12–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 12–9 PM |
| Monday | 12–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–10 PM |
| Thursday | 12–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 899 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (213) 461-2252
Website: https://www.malbecartsdistrict.com/
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Malbec Arts District
Malbec – Arts District Restaurant – Los Angeles, CA | OpenTable
Malbec Arts District – Downtown LA
Reviews
Parking can be a little confusing. Don’t park at the open lot right next to the restaurant — it’s $5 for just 30 minutes, not per hour. Instead, use the parking structure next door, where they offer two hours free with validation. Just know that the entrance to the restaurant from there is a bit hidden. You’ll need to go straight, make a right on 3rd Street, drive to the other side of the structure, and look for a door that leads directly into the restaurant.
Despite the parking hassle, the dining experience makes it worth it. Highly recommend for a date night or special occasion.
They even surprised us with sparkling rose to celebrate our anniversary. Can’t wait to go back and take friends.
For our visit we ordered the Duo De Empanadas – spinach and cheese and chicken. They were crispy and delicious. We asked for spicy chimichurri to slather on. Definitely recommend. We followed that up with the Ensalada De La Casa. It was fresh and flavorful. The sweetness of the toasted corn, crust of the celery and saltiness of the cheese were a perfect combination. It was a great transition into our mains.
I had the Polla A La Diabla, accompanied by roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. The Diabla sauce was tangy and spicy. The potatoes were roasted perfectly, and a great vehicle to sop up the spicy sauce. My husband ordered the Arroz Con Mariscos. The rice was cooked perfectly and the seafood was fresh. The octopus was slightly overcooked, but good overall.
Special mention that they make a really good martini AND have blue cheese olives. Shout out to our server Uly who made the meal a lot of fun.
We will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.
Tucked in the heart of the Arts District on Traction Ave, **Malbec** nails the aesthetic game—exposed brick walls, moody lighting, sleek leather booths, and oversized wine racks that scream upscale urban parrilla ✨. The chic decor makes it perfect for date nights or impressing out-of-town friends; the vibe is lively without being loud, and the outdoor patio catches that perfect DTLA evening buzz.
The wine list shines with a deep selection of Argentine Malbecs by the glass or bottle, and the empanadas (beef and spinach) arrive crispy and flavorful—great starters. The **provoleta** (grilled provolone with oregano) is gooey and addictive.
That said, points deducted because the core steak experience felt **average**. The **bife de chorizo** (sirloin) and **entraña** (skirt steak) were cooked accurately to medium-rare but lacked that deep charcoal kiss and juicy tenderness I crave from true Argentine asados. Seasoning was safe rather than bold, and the **chimichurri** was underwhelming—more parsley-forward than garlicky, herby, spicy punch. Sides like papas provenzal and grilled vegetables were fine but forgettable. Overall, it didn’t transport me to Argentina; it felt more like a polished American steakhouse with an Argentine accent than the real deal.
Service was attentive and knowledgeable about the wines. Malbec is still a solid choice for the Arts District when you want a stylish night out with decent grilled meats and great ambiance—just don’t go expecting an authentic Buenos Aires parrilla experience. I’d return for drinks and apps on the patio, but for unforgettable Argentine steak, I’ll look elsewhere.