The Exchange Crafts a Colorful Israeli Narrative in Downtown

Downtown’s new Freehand Hotel is here to switch things up. The bohemian escape hatch is a colorful Miami reminder that things don’t always have to look the same. In fact, a little pop of color can be refreshing sometimes.

Take for example The Exchange, the new Israeli-ish restaurant officially opening at the ground floor of the property on June 22. Run by young chef/partner Alex Chang, the restaurant is a laid back ode to Chang’s own heritage growing up in Los Angeles and the flavors of Tel Aviv. Chang worked previously in Miami (and long ran USC’s Paladar pop-up), where he met Bar Lab owners Gabe Orta and Elad Zvi, the team behind highly-regarded 27 Restaurant and Broken Shaker (Miami and Chicago), so there’s certainly some history to the people and the place.

The space itself carries loads of longtime Downtown baggage, and actually borrows its name from an iconic blade sign hanging on the building outside. East Coast outfit Roman & Williams designed the restaurant (and the hotel), with the Sydell Group CEO Andrew Zobler leading the overall building rehab. They’re the ones behind places like the Line Hotel, Nomad, and the Saguaro in Palm Springs, which means they have a way with keeping things casual and fun. Loaded with retro wood features, tall ceilings, loose fabrics, and lots of greenery, The Exchange would certainly agree.

The Freehand Hotel and The Exchange officially open June 22, with the restaurant keeping all-day hours starting at 7 a.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. on weekends. Dinner runs from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. most nights, with a jump to midnight on Friday and Saturday night.

The Exchange at Freehand Los Angeles
416 W. 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA