Josef Centeno's Downtown flagship serves up a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

No area in LA has undergone a more dramatic culinary transformation in recent years than Downtown. One of a handful of chefs who have pioneered this revolution is Josef Centeno, who over the past three years has built up a mini empire of restaurants that have helped to reinvent the area as a culinary hotspot.

Known for his creative menus and skilful cooking served up in a trendy setting and relaxed environment, his flagship restaurant Bäco Mercat offers its wildly popular signature bäco flatbread sandwich alongside inventive small plates showcasing the flavours of the Mediterranean.

The original bäco was the crispy pork belly and beef carnitas with caraway pepper. Since then, the bäco bread has taken center stage and works as a vessel for all things delicious: pork, beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables.

Located in the historic Old Bank district in downtown Los Angeles, Bäco Mercat is a convivial neighborhood spot that also offers a focused liquor program with hand-picked spirits, beers and wines from around the world.

Ideal For

A quick lunch with a friend or a lengthy dinner with a group

Favourite Table

Outside on the heated patio

Signature Dishes

The bäco comes with fillings ranging from crispy shrimp to beef tongue schnitzel, while inventive vegetable sides include the signature Caesar brussels sprouts, blistered okra and yellow beet salad with sumac yogurt, feta and walnut vinaigrette. Other highlights include hamachi crude and ricotta ravioli with pork belly sugo.