Discover the 7 best rooftop restaurants in LA — from DTLA to Santa Monica — for epic views, craft cocktails, and delicious food. Book your table now!
Los Angeles is the city of dreams, but it’s also the city of light — all 300-plus days of sunshine every year. There’s a particular moment, just as the sun starts to melt into the Pacific and the smog turns to glitter, when the entire city seems to hold its breath. That’s the moment rooftop dining was invented for. From the glass towers of Downtown LA to the salt-tinged air of Venice Beach, LA’s elevated restaurants have turned dinner into an emotional experience: chef-crafted plates, carefully poured cocktails, and a 360-degree view of the most cinematic skyline in America. I’ve combed through the city’s sky-high scene — testing, sipping, and snapping away — so you don’t have to. These are the 7 rooftop restaurants in LA with the food, the views, and the vibe you won’t want to miss.
Why Rooftop Dining Is the Definitive LA Experience
In a city spread across 500 square miles, the rooftop is the great equalizer. It’s where Angelenos come to feel the ocean breeze, stare down the Hollywood sign, and watch the grid of city lights flicker to life. Rooftop dining isn’t just an outdoor meal; it’s a love letter to the city itself. The best venues understand that you’re not just feeding hunger — you’re feeding a craving for skyline, palm trees, and the low hum of a city in motion.
When scouting the city’s best rooftops, I kept four criteria front and center. Use these as your own litmus test whenever you’re debating where to book:
- A view that tells a story — Look for skyline panoramas, ocean horizons, or landmark icons that make you feel like you’re inside a movie poster.
- Cocktails that earn their price tag — The best rooftops pair that view with a thoughtful bar program, not just overpriced well drinks.
- Chef-driven menus — A great rooftop doesn’t rely on the view alone; the food should be worth the elevator ride.
- An atmosphere with personality — Whether it’s fire pits, giant Scrabble boards, or a hidden speakeasy vibe, the space should have its own identity.
The spots below are the ones that check every box — the rooftop dining experiences that have become rituals for locals and must-visits for out-of-towners. No guesswork required.
The 7 Best Rooftop Restaurants in LA
After weeks of research, on-the-ground testing, and more than a few overpriced-but-worth-it cocktails, these are the seven rooftop restaurants in LA that deliver on every front. Each one earns its spot with a combination of food, drinks, atmosphere, and views you’ll never forget.
1. Perch LA — Downtown LA
Perch is a French-inspired haven at 448 S Hill St, with a 360-degree view of the LA skyline and palm-lined streets. The fireplace lounge and twinkling string lights make it the perfect date spot. Order the Smoked Salmon Toast ($18) and the Paris 75 cocktail ($16), then settle in for an evening that feels like a movie set.
2. 71Above — Downtown LA
Located on the 71st floor of 633 W 5th St, 71Above is the highest dining room in Los Angeles. The views stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains, and chef Samuel Gurevich’s tasting menus start at $135. Come for sunset and watch the city transform from gold to neon.
3. High Rooftop Lounge — Santa Monica
Perched on top of Hotel Erwin at 1697 Pacific Ave, this is the only beachside rooftop in LA. You’ll have direct views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific. The Rooftop Margarita ($14) goes perfectly with their fish tacos, and the casual vibe is ideal for kicking back after a day by the ocean.
4. EP & LP — West Hollywood
At 7363 Melrose Ave, EP & LP combines modern Malaysian-Latin cuisine with one of the swankiest rooftops in WeHo. The Thai Basil Chicken ($24) is a standout, but the real draw is the energetic atmosphere — think name DJs and a see-and-be-seen crowd.
5. Mama Shelter — Hollywood
This French-owned hotel rooftop at 6500 Selma Ave offers a playful vibe, with views of the Capitol Records building and the Hollywood Hills. Their Veggie Pizza ($16) is surprisingly good, and the colorful decor and board games make it a low-key spot for groups.
6. The Rooftop at The Standard — Downtown LA
An iconic spot at 550 S Flower St, The Standard’s rooftop is known for its lime-green pool pods and giant lawn. The Standard Burger ($17) is a classic, and the $12 Michelada pairs perfectly with the downtown skyline. It’s a party from happy hour onward.
7. Elevate Lounge — Santa Monica
On the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel at 1111 2nd St, Elevate Lounge offers a more refined experience with ocean views and a sophisticated crowd. The Lobster Roll ($28) is the top seller, and the service is attentive. It’s perfect for a business dinner or a classy date.
Pro Tips for Your Rooftop Visit
To make the most of your elevated evening, keep the following in mind:
- Book a reservation at least a week in advance, especially for sunset seating times.
- Dress in layers — evening temps can drop 10 degrees once the sun goes down.
- Photographers: bring a lens with f/2.8 for that golden-hour glow.
- Check dress codes before you go — some rooftops don’t allow flip-flops.
Ready to see LA from above? These rooftop restaurants in LA book up fast, so make your reservation today via OpenTable or the restaurant’s official website. Your table in the sky is waiting.
