The best rooftop restaurants in L.A.

What is it? The third-story pink marble rooftop bar that sits atop Evan Funke’s multi-level 90210 restaurant.

Why we love it: I consider Funke, the downstairs restaurant, one of the city’s best restaurants. This designation extends to the food offerings at Bar Funke, which includes the full dinner menu if you’re able to score a reservation. However, given the lack of height, the views while seated at Bar Funke aren’t much to look at. If you can overlook this, however, you’ll be treated to some of the city’s best Italian dining, including a section of handmade pastas you can’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles and amazing seasonal desserts by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. Walk-in guests can still enjoy the immaculately constructed, fairly pricey cocktails (most are north of $26) and a smaller aperitivi menu that includes some of the city’s fluffiest focaccia (available plain or topped with a cheesy, umami-rich pomodoro sauce) and deep-fried, ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are released seven days in advance at 9am on Resy, so plan ahead if you want to secure a table at Bar Funke.

Address: 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9:45pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm

What is it? A third-story West Hollywood staple that looks and feels nothing like you remember, thanks to a moody, dark-wood-and-velvet redesign for its 10th anniversary.

Why we love it: Catch is a paradox. It's as much a place for A-listers and finance bros as it is for tourists, families, and special occasions. In other words, you never know what you're going to find here in terms of the clientele, and that's part of the fun. While the place looks unrecognizable from its former garden-greenhouse whimsy-chic aesthetic, fret not—many of the dishes that made Catch famous are still up for grabs. Case in point: the signature hot-stone Wagyu fried rice loaded with shiitake mushrooms and Chinese pork sausage, crowned with a fried egg and strips of Wagyu, is a mainstay. The forever-favorite truffle sashimi remains, and the nigiri stands strong and steady. New additions hold their own: a beautifully plated salmon, tuna, and hamachi Crudo di Catch in a yuzu vinaigrette; baby bok choy salad with muscat grapes, candied sunflower seeds, and creamy sesame vinaigrette; and cornflake-crusted chicken and Kaluga caviar bao buns with wasabi-avocado ranch and house pickles. And if you loved their pretzel bread, prepare to fall hard for the reimagined pretzel-croissant pull-apart bread with honey mustard butter. In the cocktail department, nothing quite beats the tequila-and-mezcal Fresno paloma (though a filthy martini with furikake mascarpone olives, or a tomato martini with basil, will tickle any martini lover's fancy).

Time Out tip: The restaurant is divided into several areas. The terrace and the circular booths in the main dining room remain the best seats in the house—especially near sunset, when the glass-paned roof and retractable awning open up. 

Address: 8715 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6-10pm; Fri 5:30-10:30pm; Sat 5:30-11pm; Sun 5:30-10pm

What is it? The newest iteration of the rooftop restaurant and lounge—dishing out SoCal-inspired Pan-Asian—at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Why we love it: If you desire prime panoramic views of Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills, the 12th-story vantage point of the swanky Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is the place to find them. Gemma opened in May as a full reset: new menu, new lewk. Gone is the onyx bar and shimmery velvet-jungle aesthetic. Instead, a marble stone bar, plants galore and sculptural yellow lantern-inspired floor lamps set the earthy-meets-Hollywood-golden-age vibe. As for the food, chef Peleg Miron (the Waldorf's executive chef since 2022) pulls from Southeast Asia, Hawaii and Southern California for a menu that leans into raw fish (sashimi, sushi rolls) and dim sum (Wagyu beef wontons with truffle black vinegar, lobster wontons with chili ponzu, shrimp har gow). Yes, crispy rice on the menu is somewhat predictable at a place like this, but the Wagyu permutation is not. Definitely worth ordering. So is the citrus soy tuna tartare layered with avocado and served with lotus chips. Entrees include Singaporean noodles, orange chicken, whole branzino, and kaffir lime-forward Thai curry with generous portions of branzino and shrimp. For those here to see and be seen (you’re not alone), Petrossian caviar is on offer. As are the Scorpion Bowls—multiple rums, cognac, gin, passion fruit and citrus in a large, hand-painted tiki bowl—which fall right in line with the "refined tiki spirit" cocktail program. If you're avoiding mixing your spirits, the margarita verde with Ancho Reyes Verde, pineapple, habanero and lime is as zesty as it is refreshing. Aside from the stunning vistas (planes ascending out of Burbank included), the best thing about Gemma might be the people-watching. From wedding parties to multigenerational Beverly Hills family gatherings to first dates dressed several notches above the occasion, it’s a sight to behold in any direction—which, let’s be honest, is part of what you came for.  

Time Out tip: Don’t skimp. Get two desserts—the banana (croissant) bread pudding and colossal chocolate chip cookies finished with sea salt.

Address: 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? The ritzy 90210 hotel rooftop outpost of an award-winning New York City cocktail bar with amazing drinks and sweeping views of the hills.

Why we love it: The Maybourne’s ninth-floor vantage point is gorgeous no matter what time of day you arrive, but Dante Beverly Hills isn’t just any old rooftop bar—it serves some of the best all-around drinks in town. There are 10 different iterations of the martini (all equally great), plus Dante’s signature “fluffy” orange juice Garibaldi and a few agave-based creations unique to Los Angeles. Given the area code, drink prices are higher than average; most run in the $19 to $30 range, but the overall quality and consistency makes them well worth the price. Food-wise, however, is a slightly different story—the seasonally inspired all-day Italian fare is straightfoward but not particularly memorable. Nevertheless, the luxurious ambience makes for a wonderful backdrop whenever. One more unique aspect of Dante for the caffeine-sensitive: It’s one of the few places in town where you can find a decaf espresso martini.

Time Out tip: Not in the mood for a whole drink? Many of Dante’s signature cocktails can be made in half-portions, including a mini version of a Bloody Maria.

Address: 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–11pm

What is it? Elevated Cal-Mexican fare with a side of panoramic views at the ultra-vibe-y EDITION in West Hollywood—one of the chicest rooftop scenes on the Sunset Strip.

Why we love it: If you're in WeHo, you can't beat a Friday hotel bar scene like The Roof at the EDITION, where the setting and cocktails are as beautiful as the people. You’re basically in a glass box, 14 floors above the Sunset Strip. What’s more? I've yet to try a cocktail I didn't love. In order of preference, and from lightest to boldest: the Flor de Luna (Union Mezcal, hibiscus, falernum, lime, plum), the Jalisco Spicy Margarita (a straightforward rendition with Lost Explorer Blanco, jalapeño, St. Germain, agave, lime, habanero), and the El Camino Old Fashioned (Ilegal Mezcal, Patrón Reposado, Doc Swinson's bourbon, Ancho Reyes chile, and chocolate). As for the food, the SoCal take on Mexican is high-quality and crowd-pleasing, from honey-Tapatío-soaked wings with cilantro ranch to a handful of raw and taco offerings. I particularly enjoyed the aji amarillo hamachi tiradito, six-hour duck confit tacos with candied cacao nibs and the Pacific striped bass tacos with morita aioli. Burger lovers can rejoice in the EDITION's rendition with Angus, pepper jack, poblano and chipotle spread. And the views from the 14th floor are stellar and—on a clear day—far-reaching. Come during golden hour. 

Time Out tip: Want to soak in the pool and rooftop vibes all day long? Snag a day pass via ResortPass—pricing is variable, starting at $100 depending on the date. And the full menu is available at the pool. 

Address: 9040 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-12:30am; Sun 11:30am-9:30pm

What is it? The newest Westside location of Din Tai Fung which offers sweeping ocean views and booths shaped like steamer baskets alongside the same award-winning Taiwanese menu of appetizers, noodles, dumplings and stir-fried veggies.

Why we love it: ​Din Tai Fung inside Santa Monica Place is easily one of the places in Santa Monica for a solid meal with a heaping side of ambiance. It’s hard to beat a golden hour reservation on the patio, where you can catch a glimpse of the Santa Monica Pier’s famous Ferris wheel. On my recent visit, I particularly liked the brand-new shaved snow with fresh mango and chocolate ganache-filled dumplings. As par for the course for a tourist-centric location, the friendly, efficient staff keep things moving; play your cards right, and you can be in and out of here with your belly full and your eyeballs sated after about an hour and a change.

Time Out tip: Plan ahead and reserve, or keep tabs on the waitlist and join early—it can jump from 45 minutes to two hours in the blink of an eye.

Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–9:30pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm; Sun 11:30am–9pm

What is it? A three-story farm-to-table London-inspired restaurant from husband-and-wife team Harry Posner and Natalie Dial with a rooftop bar and urban garden—and unobstructed views of planes coming in for the descent at LAX.

Why we love it: We know what you're thinking… a three-story spot next to the airport might not scream rooftop appeal. But think again, especially considering that said rooftop has gotten a redesign (say hello to shading and heat for SoCal’s bipolar weather) and is mixing some of the city's best cocktails. Beverage director Miley Aryucharoen has devised a lengthy and ambitious cocktail list. Highlights include the Bee's Knees and any spritz, really. The food menu is limited up here (I still prefer downstairs), but it does feature a to-die-for tomato galette with pistachio pesto and garden onion dijon salad. Plus a handful of other mains, like a shoulder roast with L'Entrecôte de Tomat sauce and roast potatoes. Fair warning: eating this dish and seeing an Air France flight landing might just inspire an impulse trip to Paris.

Time Out tip: Until further notice, Wednesday is game night. Meaning, you can BYOB(oard game) or grab one of Tomat's backgammon, chess, checkers and Scrabble boards. And weekends are full of festivities—every other Saturday features a DJ set by Jesse Olmos, and every other Sunday welcomes LMU and USC students for a night of live jazz. When I went, my fiancé beat me in Scrabble 148 to 96. He is better than me at most things. (I bet him that if he won I’d write this.) 

Address: 6261 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 8am–2:30pm, 5–8:30pm (last seating)

What is it? The seventh-floor rooftop restaurant perched atop the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. 

Why we love it: Calabra is a full-on restaurant, but as far as I’m concerned, the bar is the centerpiece of the Proper’s stunner of a rooftop—and the best seat in the house (aside from the loungy couch tables along the corridors featuring prime East and West views). Sunset is the ideal time for a visit, when the place fills with beautiful travelers on the prowl (nothing like meeting a stranger at a classy hotel bar). You'll want to get the urfa mezcalita with sage and blood orange and the hamachi crudo. Though an even better way to play is to take advantage of the rooftop pool by booking an alcove table, which can accommodate up to 12 guests. It comes with a farmers' market fruit platter, a Calabra mezze board and bottled water. Pricing runs $300–$600 depending on whether you book during the day or at dinner time.

Time Out tip: Espresso martinis and urfa mezcalitas are only $15 during Proper Hour (4-5pm Mon-Fri; 3-5pm Sat-Sun). 

Address: 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90401

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm; Sun noon-10pm 

What is it? Eataly’s grill-focused third-floor rooftop restaurant and bar inside Westfield Century City. 

Why we love it: Perched high above Santa Monica Boulevard, Terra offers surprisingly scenic views for an eatery inside a mall. Head upstairs from the Italian cuisine emporium’s second-floor market to find a gorgeous patio eatery offering homemade pastas, plus straightforward vegetarian-friendly grilled entrées, for a delightful plein air meal that just happens to be at Westfield Century City. Casual drinkers can post up for refreshing Italian spritzers at the bar, while Terra’s cozy fire pit is the ideal place to bring groups of four to six. If you’re rolling that deep, I recommend one of the family-style grilled meat or seafood platters (though you only need a minimum of two to participate). Don’t miss the tableside gelato cart for dessert, complete with a bevy of traditional toppings, including amarena cherries and crushed almonds.

Time Out tip: Terra also offers a $66 seasonal tasting menu—but since it’s served family-style, everyone at the table is required to participate. 

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Roof, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–5–10pm; Fri 11:30am–11pm; Sat 10:30am–11pm; Sun 10:30am–10pm

What is it? Probably the splashiest rooftop opening in WeHo since the OG Catch in 2016, complete with a retractable roof.  

Why we love it: From the street, you'd have no idea that four floors above you there's an 11,000-square-foot playground for anyone looking to see and be seen in LA. Enter: Sushisamba, famously remembered for its cameo in Sex and the City during its New York era (yes, the brand is that old). I often frequented the Miami Beach location, where my good friend DJ'd weekly until the wee hours of the night. That hasn't changed at its newest location, where the party (and DJ) goes till 2am on weekends, with a reduced late-set menu from 11:30pm–1am. And regarding the DJ, for what it’s worth, I was there around sunset and it was never too loud to have a conversation. Food-and-drink-wise, Sushisamba is Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian fusion. Highlights include pao de queijo (gluten-free!) with decadent honey truffle butter, varying ceviches and tiraditos, miso sea bass anticuchos from the robata grill, and hot stone Japanese Wagyu (worth going for the Kobe). You'll see sushi rolls on most tables, and I appreciate that one roll swaps the usual cream cheese offense for fresh melted mozzarella—though I'd still take the nigiri and sashimi over any roll. The views aren't exactly unobstructed, but if people-watching is your thing, Sushisamba is a human aquarium—think designer everything, cosmetic surgery greatest hits, and sugar-daddies snapping photos of their babies, LV bags in tow.

Time Out tip: Not all tables are created equal here. If you can, opt for the center-stage main dining room or the surrounding elevated tables and booths. Really, you're just trying to avoid the tucked-away tables to the right of the elevators—you're better off at the walk-in-only lounge, where it's livelier.

Address: 639 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon-Tue 5pm-midnight; Wed noon-midnight; Thu noon-1am; Fri noon-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-midnight 

What is it? A 16th-floor rooftop Downtown restaurant featuring breezy small plates from A.O.C.’s Suzanne Goin. 

Why we love it: ​​With highly focused yet breezy cocktails and amazing views of Downtown, Cara Cara would easily land on our best rooftop bars list, save for one not-insignificant snag: tables take up most of its square footage, and come sunset they’re almost always packed with reservations. Compared to nearby Cabra, the food menu runs more snacky and straightforward. Think focaccia, tacos, burger and a lobster roll. (Goin and her business partner, Caroline Styne, generally put more culinary focus on Calabra, the Portuguese-inspired seasonal restaurant downstairs.) Walk-ins are forced to hover by the firepit or jockey for an empty table, making this excellent rooftop bar more of a light-bites lounge. Don’t let all the hoops deter you, though—the food, drinks and the view at this Downtown rooftop restaurant definitely justify the need for advanced planning.

Time Out tip: From 4 to 7pm, Cara Cara hosts Sunset Hour, which features discounted drinks and bites like piri piri fried chicken and shrimp tacos. 

Address: 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–11am; Fri, Sat noon–midnight; Sun noon–11am

What is it? A 10th-floor Spanish-meets-Californian seasonal fine dining concept by world-famous chef Jose Andrés.

Why we love it: If you’re in the market to gaze upon Walt Disney Concert Hall across the street and Downtown writ large as you nosh on tapas in the form of pan amb tomaquet (Catalan-style crusty bread with tomato and olive oil), crab croquettes, Galician octopus with pee wee potatoes drenched in olive oil and hefty amounts of paprika, this is the place to do it. You can also snag a $48 lunch prix fixe option that’s, relatively speaking, quite a steal. It includes oysters, scallops, hiramasa crudo and heirloom tomato salad, plus your choice of entrée.

Time Out tip: If you’re driving, San Laurel validates for up to 3 hours: $15 for valet, or $4.50 for self-parking. It’s also fairly close to the Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Metro station.

Address: 100 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Daily 6:30–2pm, 5–10pm

What is it? One of the oldest, most popular rooftop bars in the city. 

Why we love it: No matter how many new Downtown rooftops open, we always come back to Perch, one of the prettiest rooftop bars (and bistros) in town. Patterned tile floors, potted trees full of twinkly lights and charming seating combine nightly for a scene full of Downtown locals, plus a few hundred of their closest friends. While you can technically enjoy a meal here too, I actually prefer the food at Mrs. Fish downstairs. That being said, if you insist on coming here for dinner, you’ll find a menu of fairly average bistro staples like steak frites, French onion and a vegan-friendly plat provençale. The interior boudoir-themed bar can get crowded, though dine-in guests generally have plenty of room at their tables. The after-work crowd often likes to drop in for happy hour, which runs weekdays from 4 to 6pm, while late-night partygoers and music-lovers can enjoy frequent DJ sets and live bands.

Time Out tip: The bar offers several compelling non-alcoholic drink options.

Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–1am; Thu 4pm–1:30am; Fri 11:30am-1:30am; Sat 10am–1:30 am, 4:30pm–1:30am; Sun 10am–1am

What is it? An indoor-outdoor restaurant in Burbank with sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Why we love it: Castaway’s gem of a patio is hardly a secret. In fact, it’s been one of the San Fernando Valley’s special-occasion go-tos for decades. But the old-fashioned restaurant that native Angelenos might have gone to before prom now sports a whole new taste and look: Today’s Castaway boasts a revamped food menu and sleeker, more modern décor, while its stellar, sweeping views of the Valley, Downtown and beyond still remain as gorgeous as ever. Steaks, whole roast fish, impressive charcuterie boards and luscious pastas are now the norm, and make for perfect snacky fare, full dinner or bottomless brunch on that spacious patio with one of L.A.’s most romantic views. During brunch, it’s also one of the places in town where you can find bottomless mimosas ($32 per person) in mix-and-match flavors like lavender lemonade and pineapple matcha.

Time Out tip: If you time your dinner right, you can have a $9 cocktail at the bar during “Golden Hour” (4-6 pm Mon-Thu; 3-5 pm Fri-Sun) then proceed to the patio for your meal.

Address: 1250 E Harvard Rd, Burbank, CA 91501

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 11am–9pm; Thu–Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm

What is it? A Long Beach brewery with stunning sunset ocean views.

Why we love it: Alright, Ballast Point can barely be considered a rooftop, but it still offers a pretty great view from its two-story space right on the water. Head upstairs for the best seats in the house, throw in the straightforward food menu and a couple of fire pits, and Ballast Point easily wins the title for brewery with the best views in L.A. County. If you’re looking for ordering recommendations, I like the Baja fish tacos, Filipino-inspired pork ribs and garlic fries, and you can’t go wrong with either the chicken wings or fish and chips. Walk-ins only (but reservations are accepted for parties of nine or more).

Time Out tip: This is one of the most popular places in Long Beach—so expect to wait for a table if you show up at peak hours. 

Address: 110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm

What is it? A Wolfgang Puck hotel restaurant atop the Sun Rose West Hollywood (formerly the Pendry).

Why we love it: Whether you’re in the dining room or outside on the patio, the views of the city are stunning at Merois—and the food is better than it needs to be. Other WeHo hotel restaurants might possess a similar winning combination of ritzy, ultra-chic interior design and breathtaking urban vistas (plus the glitzy patrons to match), but only Merois aspires to do more than just coast on its looks. Pairing aesthetics with actual substance, Merois demonstrates that later works in a longtime celebrity chef’s oeuvre, even one as expansive and commercialized as Puck’s, can still delight and outright impress more seasoned diners. I still recommend skipping lunch and coming here after dark, when you can grab a solid rendition of Australian king prawns, salt spring mussels with grilled focaccia, and Iberico pork chops without feeling like you paid more than you needed to for the sights. 

Time Out tip: Order two desserts, and make sure the Spikey Lemon baked-to-order madeleine is one of them.

Address: 8430 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–10pm

What is it? A sixth-story Mexican rooftop restaurant and bar by José Andrés Group. 

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a sit-down meal that comes with the best views in Culver City, Butterfly is your best option. The food and drink menu is small but somewhat similar to Oyamel, the hospitality group’s popular longtime Mexican concept in Washington, D.C. This includes the chef’s famous Salt Air Margarita, which features a cloud of sea salt-flecked foam. (The drink can also be made non-alcoholic.) The snacky menu includes crowd-pleasers like queso fundido, crispy brussels sprouts and sea bass ceviche, plus salads and tacos. It's a great stop for margaritas and light bites before heading elsewhere in the area—Roberta’s, Pasta Sisters or Zaytinya downstairs—for dinner. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant offers validated valet parking ($18 for up to three hours), but if you’re willing to walk a little, you can normally find parking along National Boulevard.

Address: 8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Daily 7am–9pm

What is it? Located upstairs from the Laemmle Theater, Élephante boasts one of Santa Monica's best—and few—rooftop eateries, with resort-like interior design that feels ripped from the pages of Condé Nast Traveler.

Why we love it: Vibes: the only word that comes to mind after the elevator ride up to this Tulum-like, all-day rooftop restaurant and bar serving seasonal California-Mediterranean cuisine and top-notch cocktails. Inside, chic modern wood furniture and a selection of cacti and lush houseplants set the stage for a stunning view of the ocean from the aptly-named Sunset Room. Meet friends during the day for brunch and lunch, then bring a date at night for low-lit romance. Don’t expect life-changing fare, but do expect to leave satisfied and in a better mood than when you arrived. You can thank the Pacific Ocean and Élephante’s punch bowls for that.  

Time Out tip: Our go-to is the whipped eggplant dip with puffy house-made flatbread, but there's also solid pizza, pasta and a sunny weekend brunch with the likes of rich banana bread, ricotta pancakes, eggy dishes, and a proper matcha latte.

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am-midnight; Fri, Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am–midnight