5 best downtown Los Angeles restaurants

(CNN) — Almost from its start, Los Angeles has been a huge draw for tourists. Well, much of it anyway. Downtown L.A. hasn't exactly had a reputation as a haven for fun-minded vacationers.

But that's been changing in recent times. Downtown now has all sorts of attractions to keep visitors -- and residents -- entertained: Grand Park, the Broad Museum of contemporary art and shopping at the Grand Central Market are just a small sampling.

And while you enjoy downtown's parks, museums and such, you can stay for something to eat these days. The downtown restaurant scene is hopping, stays open past 5 p.m. and adds to the growing appeal of the area. And the options are befitting a city that's a global melting pot.

Here are five downtown Los Angeles restaurants highly regarded by local chefs that you might want to check out for yourself: