Rooftop dining is a seasonal staple in Los Angeles. Come summer, every sky-high restaurant, from Downtown Los Angeles to West Hollywood, comes alive with patrons seeking dinner with a view. Whether you prefer an oceanic scene or a sweeping city skyline, several of the city’s best rooftop restaurants take full advantage of L.A.’s unique landscape to create an immersive ambiance several stories high. Poolside eateries like Butterfly and Cabra serve Latin American fare alongside refreshing cocktails, while posh spots like Merois keep things elegant with twinkling chandeliers, silk-draped ceilings and a high-end menu.

Craving a more urban landscape that makes you feel like you’re enjoying summer in NYC? Pay a visit to Downtown L.A.’s Cara Cara or admire Frank Gehry’s legendary Walt Disney Concert Hall from chef José Andrés’ San Laurel. No matter which side of town you choose, a rooftop dining experience provides a new perspective of the city, allowing you to escape from the hustle and bustle down below—if only for a couple of hours. From poolside ceviche and margs to celeb-frequented eateries with epic ocean views, these are the best rooftop restaurants in L.A.

Butterfly by José Andrés is a tropical oasis atop The Shay in Culver City. The signature Salt Air Margarita boasts a savory, seafoam-inspired top, making it the ideal rooftop libation to enjoy poolside this summer. Even though this is a more casual eatery, pink furniture, palm leaf wallpaper and white vaulted ceilings maintain an elevated vibe, while the menu focuses on gourmet tacos and shareable ceviches made with fresh seafood and vibrant produce. Can’t miss dishes include the ahi tuna ceviche and Baja fish tacos, but if you want a vegetarian-friendly appetizer, opt for the tropical young coconut ceviche. 

Located on top of the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Cara Cara is a lush hideaway in the middle of the city’s urban........

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