Downtown Dough Is Issa Rae’s Latest Slice of Cultural Brilliance in DTLA

There’s a certain kind of buzz that only happens when Issa Rae touches something. It’s not just celebrity attention—it’s cultural relevance, business savvy, and a pulse on what the city needs before it even knows it. Her latest project, Downtown Dough, is no exception.

Situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the new pizzeria sits in the same Hill Street building as Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, the community-rooted café Issa launched with her partners through GVO Hospitality. At night, Hilltop transforms into a completely new dining experience—an after-hours, neon-soaked pizza bar that doesn’t just serve wood-fired pies. It delivers personality, flavor, and funk.

And yes, let’s talk about that word: “funk.” It’s not a smell. It’s a sound. A feeling. A throwback energy that defines the entire Downtown Dough experience. The walls are splashed in warm pinks and purples. The playlist features Parliament, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chaka Khan. And the pizzas? They bring the heat, with toppings like Fresno chiles, truffle cream, and crispy pepperoni that make every bite taste like a celebration.

One of the standout pies—Angie—was introduced as the “main slice,” already earning a cult following on social media. Chef Geter Atienza, known for his work at Broken Spanish and Bouchon Bistro, has curated a menu that’s just as soulful as the vibe, complete with housemade pasta and wood-grilled entrées sourced from local L.A. purveyors.

Drinks follow suit. The spritz bar is overseen by beverage director Steen Bojsen Moller, who’s given each cocktail its own musical identity. There’s the “Sweet Thang,” a pear and elderflower spritz nodding to Chaka, and the “Black Moses,” a bold mix of coffee gin and Campari named after Isaac Hayes. Every pour is part of the experience, rooted in Black musical legacy, reimagined for now.

What makes Downtown Dough special isn’t just that it’s Issa Rae’s. It’s that it feels like her. It’s smart, fun, nostalgic, but fresh. It’s unapologetically Black and joyfully accessible. There’s no hard sell—just good food, good music, and a wink of mischief packed in every pink pizza box.

And those boxes? They’ve already become a moment of their own. Stamped with FUNK INSPIRED in bold lettering, they’re showing up all over TikTok and Threads like collector’s items. In a city obsessed with the next big thing, Downtown Dough manages to stand out by simply being real. It’s not a trend—it’s a vibe, and one that’s here to stay.

Reservations are now available on OpenTable, and if you’re smart, you’ll book fast. This isn’t just dinner. It’s culture. Served hot.