Los Angeles doesn’t just do sunsets—it stages them. There’s something about dining 20 stories up, with the skyline glowing pink and gold, that makes even a simple cocktail feel cinematic. From sleek rooftop lounges downtown to breezy ocean-view terraces in Santa Monica, LA’s rooftop dining scene has become a full-blown lifestyle. You’re not just eating; you’re elevating—literally.
Perch, Downtown LA
Perch is where Paris meets Los Angeles—minus the jet lag. Perched (pun intended) on the 15th floor of a historic Pershing Square building, this French-inspired rooftop bistro feels like a scene from a romantic film. Fairy lights, velvet couches, live jazz—it’s all here.
The menu is unapologetically decadent. Think steak frites, moules marinières, and truffle poutine. Order a cocktail (the “Spicy Concombre” hits just right) and settle in for panoramic views of DTLA’s skyline that only get better as the sun dips below the horizon. Reservations are smart, but even the bar crowd gets a front-row seat to the magic.
Harriet’s Rooftop, West Hollywood
Up on the top floor of the 1 Hotel on Sunset, Harriet’s is where Hollywood glam meets summer rooftop dreams. Plush red sofas, tropical plants, and that unbeatable view of the Sunset Strip—it’s got all the “I’m in LA” vibes you could ask for.
The food leans chic Californian: tuna tartare tacos, burrata with persimmons, and a killer lobster roll. Cocktails here are an art form—each one comes out looking like it belongs in a museum. And while it’s definitely a “scene,” the vibe remains surprisingly relaxed if you go midweek. Weekend nights, though? Expect DJs, influencers, and the occasional actor pretending not to be recognized.
Élephante, Santa Monica
Few places in LA capture the coastal-meets-cosmopolitan energy like Élephante. Set just above Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue, this rooftop feels like Capri got transplanted to California. Warm terracotta tones, woven rattan furniture, ocean air drifting through—it’s escapism done right.
The wood-fired pizzas are the headliners, but don’t sleep on the whipped eggplant or the cacio e pepe. And yes, the cocktails are as good as they look. The only downside? Getting a reservation can feel like winning the lottery.
Broken Shaker, Downtown LA
Inside the Freehand Hotel, Broken Shaker brings Miami’s playful energy to DTLA. It’s colorful, casual, and slightly chaotic in the best way. Think picnic tables, tiki drinks, and palm trees circling a turquoise rooftop pool.
The menu’s small but packed with flavor: jerk chicken sliders, Cuban sandwiches, and fries loaded with queso fresco. It’s not fine dining, but it’s fun dining—and sometimes that’s exactly what a rooftop should be.
LP Rooftop, West Hollywood
Located atop E.P. & L.P., this rooftop is both a lounge and a sensory overload. Expect neon signs, Asian-inspired bites, and a crowd that looks like it just stepped out of a casting call. The rooftop bar offers one of the best unobstructed views of the Hollywood Hills, especially during golden hour.
For bites, the crispy chicken bao and miso eggplant tacos are standouts. The energy shifts as the night deepens—what starts as laid-back sunset dining transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene by 10 p.m.
Terra at Eataly, Century City
If your idea of a rooftop meal involves both Italian food and shopping for truffle oil afterward, Terra is your place. Sitting atop Eataly LA, Terra offers an open-air terrace wrapped in greenery, with a wood-burning grill at the heart of it all.
The menu celebrates simplicity: grilled branzino, handmade pasta, seasonal cocktails infused with herbs from their rooftop garden. Whether you’re winding down after a shopping spree or celebrating something special, Terra delivers that “La Dolce Vita” feeling—without a plane ticket to Milan.
Cara Cara at The Proper Hotel, Downtown LA
One of LA’s newer darlings, Cara Cara sits high atop the Proper Hotel and offers views that stretch from the city center to the Hollywood Hills. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, it’s effortlessly stylish—desert tones, linen umbrellas, and cacti framing the skyline.
The menu by chef Suzanne Goin is as thoughtful as the décor: fresh seafood, grilled veggies, and sharable plates built around California’s best produce. Order the grilled branzino or mezze platter and watch the city light up beneath you—it’s pure cinematic LA.
Table: LA’s Top Rooftop Dining Spots at a Glance
| Rooftop | Neighborhood | Signature Dish/Drink | Best Time to Visit | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perch | Downtown LA | Steak Frites | Sunset | Romantic, vintage Parisian |
| Harriet’s Rooftop | West Hollywood | Lobster Roll | Evening | Glam, upscale, lively |
| Élephante | Santa Monica | Whipped Eggplant | Sunset | Mediterranean chic |
| Broken Shaker | Downtown LA | Jerk Chicken Sliders | Late afternoon | Playful, colorful |
| LP Rooftop | West Hollywood | Crispy Chicken Bao | Golden hour | Trendy, high-energy |
| Terra (Eataly) | Century City | Grilled Branzino | Lunch/Dinner | Fresh, garden-inspired |
| Cara Cara | Downtown LA | Mezze Platter | Dusk | Elegant, panoramic views |
What Makes Rooftop Dining in LA So Special
LA’s unique geography gives diners a 360-degree sensory experience: city lights to one side, ocean breeze to the other, and mountain silhouettes framing it all. And with mild weather year-round, outdoor dining isn’t seasonal—it’s a lifestyle.
According to the City of Los Angeles Tourism Board, rooftop bars and restaurants have seen a 40% surge in bookings since 2022, fueled by both post-pandemic dining trends and the social-media love for skyline shots. These rooftops aren’t just for tourists—they’ve become the city’s new “third places,” where business meetings, first dates, and Sunday brunches all blend together above the noise.
FAQs:
Which rooftop offers the best city view?
Perch and Cara Cara offer sweeping panoramic views of Downtown LA and beyond.
Are rooftop restaurants in LA expensive?
Prices vary, but most are mid-to-high range. Expect to spend $60–$100 per person for dinner and drinks.
Which rooftop is best for a casual hangout?
Broken Shaker is perfect for a laid-back vibe with poolside cocktails.
