From Cara Cara's summery locale at the Downtown LA Proper Hotel to the instagrammable Catch LA in West Hollywood, here are the best rooftop bars and restaurants in downtown Los Angeles.
Cara Cara; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOWNTOWN LA PROPER HOTEL
Chef José Andrés’ Agua Viva—meaning “living water”—creates an enviable escape from the city inside Conrad Los Angeles with lush greenery and an open-air layout. Stop by for some much-needed R&R over a Tornup Tiki Punch and a half dozen oysters.
The Downtown LA Proper Hotel’s Cara Cara is just what every Angeleno needs this summer: an elevated eatery with firepits, innovative cuisine and chic city views. Chef Suzanne Goin does not disappoint with a seasonal menu of seafood ceviche, focaccias, chipotle carrot tacos, and more upgraded bar bites.
West Hollywood knows and loves Catch’s floral-adorned rooftop spot. This summer, head to the top floor for a tartare trio, wagyu fried rice and a 36-ounce porterhouse for two. Don’t forget to finish with a “Hit Me” chocolate cake!
Catch LA; PHOTO COURTESY OF CATCHRESTAURANTS.COM
When at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a day trip to scenic Calabra is in order. Mediterranean fare with a Californian kick draws diners in, serving poolside baba ghanoush, chicken souvlaki and endless “Pina Calabras.”
The Maybourne Beverly Hill’s more recent addition, Dante, brings a slice of NYC to 90210. Toast to good times with a Frutti de Bosco bellini before an indulgent feast of saffron arancini and Australian lamb chops.
Located a block from the beach, coastal Italian dining concept Elephanté remains high in the restaurant rankings for its stunning atmosphere and addictive dishes like whipped eggplant, spicy vodka pasta and honey-glazed soppressata pizza.
Elephanté; PHOTO COURTESY OF JAKOB LAYMAN
Chef Evan Funke takes dinner to new heights at Bar Funke in the heart of Beverly Hills. Aside from lavish pizzas and pasta, a drink or two at the beautiful Cristallo Rosa quartz bar is worth the visit.
This DTLA staple is a must-try for Mexico City flavors in Los Angeles. Fresh bowls of guacamole, tender carnitas, spicy margaritas and ice-cold cerveza are sure to get the summer fiesta started.
Pendry West Hollywood elevates dining in more ways than one. Wolfgang Puck’s Merois pairs Japanese, Southeast Asian and Franco-Californian cuisines for a rich menu of delicacies, best enjoyed with stunning views of Sunset Blvd. below.
Merois; PHOTO COURTESY OF PENDRY WEST HOLLYWOOD
La Brea’s Mother Tongue speaks its own culinary language with a mix of dishes from across the globe. Hawaiian Kanpachi crudo, Korean beef short ribs and corn agnolotti are just a few of the offerings at this renowned gastronomic melting pot.
If steak frites and a Sunset Spritz are calling your name, Perch in DTLA is the spot for you. Roosted on the 16th floor, this French bistro serves dinner above the cityscape and cocktails at the open-air bar just a few steps above.
The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel
The Penthouse’s pristine interiors and panoramic ocean views dazzle guests upon arrival. But the real treat is all-day dining, from banana foster French toast to truffle cacio e pepe, skinny fries and passionfruit crème brûlée.
The Penthouse at The Huntley Hotel; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HUNTLEY HOTEL
The unmistakable emerald seating and scenery define this Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills property staple. Gather your friends for Kaviari Kristal Caviar, Thai beef burgers and a whiskey-forward “Cider House Rules” to kick off an iconic evening in L.A.
Videre; PHOTO BY ROBERTO AMADO-CATTANEO
Cool off this season at the Kimpton Mid-Wilshire’s vibrant Videre restaurant. Imbibe poolside with craft cocktails or dine alfresco with delicious seasonal dishes. Our recommendations? The snackable seared prawns, cheesy miracle mile burger and, for dessert, a chocolate pot de crème.
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