On Oct. 12, the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel opened, which only means so much for local Angelenos who aren’t looking for staycation. But don’t fret: you’ll have a good reason to check out the new getaway destination very soon with the opening of their two new restaurants.
Offering two distinct culinary experiences from Proper Hospitality partners Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, Caldo Verde and Cara Cara open on Oct. 18. Right next to L.A.’s Fashion District, the hotel, and, namely the restaurants, showcase designer Kelly Wearstler’s blending of vintage and modern elements. The space speaks to the property’s historic roots and on-trend clientele.
At the lobby-level, the 2,300-plus-square-foot Caldo Verde is a medley of Portuguese, Spanish and Southern California influences. Open for all meals of the day, including brunch, the restaurant welcomes guests to tables, banquettes, the expansive bar or outside patio right on South Broadway. No matter the time of day, the menu features delectable offerings that encourage a leisurely meal.
In the morning, opt for heirloom potato cakes with smoked salmon, avocado and lemon crème fraiche, or stop by for a lunch of tosta mista on bolillo with spigarello, black olives and fresno chiles. Dinner calls for guests to round up a group of friends and share a variety of plates, like prawns with heirloom garlic and arbol chile or stuffed rabbit with morcilla and cavolo nero. Pair savory choices with one of their esoteric wines until the time comes for the restaurateurs to debut their craft cocktail program.
If you’re looking for sweeping, sparkling city views, head up to the 5,000-square-foot rooftop for restaurant and lounge Cara Cara. Set to have the same cocktail program as its downstairs counterpart, Cara Cara’s all-day menu also finds inspiration from coasts around the world. Here, Goin aimed to complement their rooftop and poolside experience by serving dishes like piri piri fried chicken, tacos and arroz de mariscos, among other options.
Later in the fall, the DTLA Proper dining experience will round out with the addition of Dalia, a ground-level cocktail lounge and bar meant to showcase small-batch spirits. For now, we’re happy to sip on a cocktail by the pool or cozy in for a dinner with friends to remember.
The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is at 1100 S. Broadway.
See also: The Best Restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles
Photography by: Dylan + Jeni
