One of the undeniable perks of being in LA is the great weather all year round. And, what better way to enjoy sunny California than on a rooftop with bottomless mimosas, great food by noteworthy chefs, amazing music by famous DJs, celebrity sightings, and spectacular views. LA’s rooftop restaurants stand out from other cities because of the variety. You can choose to enjoy a beautiful vista overlooking the city skyline of DTLA, Hollywood Hills, or even the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking to lounge by the bar with a specially crafted cocktail, eat an exquisite meal at a 5-star restaurant, or find that perfect pool party, read on to find a rooftop that fits your vibe.
I|O At Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
1400 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles
Known for its 12,000 square feet space, I|O, at the Godfrey Hotel has fantastic panoramic views of Hollywood. The beautiful sundeck and pool area is complete with two bars. This place is well known for its pool parties and movie nights.
It’s a great spot to relax and spend time with your group of friends. Mingle and dance if you choose while holding one of their specialty cocktails.
Photo credit: @theclaxxysassypaxy
Seaside On The Pier
250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Another great spot to enjoy the sunset in LA is the rooftop lounge at this beautiful restaurant. This place offers a full menu with appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and seafood that you can pair with a wide variety of local brews, wine, and cocktails.
Their three rum colada is a must try as it is served in your choice of a freshly-cut coconut or pineapple.
Photo credit: @seasideonthepier
The Rooftop at The Wayfarer Downtown LA
813 Flower St, Los Angeles
Downtown LA has many rooftops to overlook the city, but the Wayfarer rooftop is a favorite for locals. The food has been rated delicious and the service is top tier. Not to mention it's located in the Wayfarer Hotel which is also an amazing stay.
The location is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of bars, a shopping center, Crypto arena, and Grand Central Market.
Photo credit: @thewayfarerdtla
Perch LA
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles
Perch LA's restaurant experience is one you'll never forget. Starting with the breathtaking view on the rooftop you'll see LA's skyline and the entirety of downtown LA. The ambiance is very classy and the food is just so exquisite.
FYI: Located below Perch is a secret, underground sushi restaurant called Mrs. Fish. Make reservations beforehand because it does get packed.
Photo credit: @perchlosangeles
ONYX Rooftop Bar
Hotel Shangri-la, Downtown Santa Monica, 1301 Ocean Ave #1019,
Santa Monica
If you are in Santa Monica and want to enjoy drinks with a view of the ocean, and the Santa Monica pier, Onyx is the place to be. This is located atop Hotel Shangri-La, and is the only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar in Santa Monica with a beautiful pool.
You can enjoy weekday happy hours between 4-6pm and enjoy ocean views with their resident DJ on Saturday nights from 8pm until midnight. The food options lean towards small plates. This is a great hidden gem for sunsets.
Photo credit: @luv.sophia.moon
Bar Lis
1541 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles
In the most popular LA area, Hollywood, lies the rooftop dining bar, Bar Lis. The special thing about this rooftop restaurant is they hold new themes and events all the time. Make sure to check the Bar Lis website to see what fun themes they have in store. This place is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye with flowers everywhere around you, and beautiful scenery with an amazing combo of French and Californian style. It also comes with an up close view of the iconic Hollywood Sign, so an ideal spot for Instagram pictures.
Photo credit: @barlisla
The Penthouse @ Huntley
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica
This rooftop is located on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel and has a beautiful view of the ocean. You can enjoy a weekend brunch with mimosas while watching the waves. They also have beach cabanas and sky enclaves.
Photo credit: @gianninagibelli
The Highlight Room Grill
6417 Selma Ave, Los Angeles
Located in the middle of Hollywood is the Highlight Room Grill. This rooftop has a fantastic ambiance and an up-close view of the infamous Hollywood Sign. An excellent spot for a big brunch or a romantic dinner, but also a place to host a party. Don't miss the epic pool parties in the summer.
If you're looking for a little nightlife with friends then this is a great place to visit.
Photo credit: @thehighlightroom
Best Rooftop Restaurants in LA
(TOP PICK)
Spire 73
900 Wilshire Blvd., 73rd floor, Intercontinental Los Angeles
I would say this rooftop location is the most mesmerizing. Spire 73 has the western hemisphere's highest open-air bar, and has a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. You will see all of Los Angeles and much more.
Photo credit: @mojaffee
Ka'teen
6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles
If you are looking for a blend of Mexican and local Californian cuisine, Ka’teen is the pace to be. Chef Wes Avila’s spin on ancient Yucatan culinary traditions can be seen in all the offerings on the menu from their cocktails to the starters, entrees, and sides.
The ambience almost gives you an immersive experience of Yucatan. With its Instagram-able dome entrance, and lush tropical plants, enjoy dinner under the stars in this jungle paradise.
Photo credit: @preciousmel
Mama Shelter
6500 Selma Ave, Los Angeles
If you are looking for a 360-degree view from the Hollywood sign to the Downtown skyline, Mama Shelter is the place to be. With heart-warming homemade local cuisine that they pride themselves on, and hand-crafted cocktails, this rooftop has events going on almost every evening during the week.
Pick a weeknight to enjoy live music, a comedy show, or a reggaetón party. Brunch specials include scrumptious bites and innovative skillets that can be enjoyed under their colorful and vivid umbrellas.
Photo credit: @saidemattar
Openaire
3515 Wilshire Blvd Fl 2, Los Angeles
Located in the Line Hotel, the restaurant’s indoor dining is popular for its resemblance to a greenhouse. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends with extending views of Koreatown.
They also have poolside dining, and this is easily one of the best spots to enjoy the golden hour. The menu is carefully crafted by two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin and is great if you are looking for fresh exquisite flavors. To top it off, if you are a plant lover, this will feel like paradise.
Photo credit: @openaire_la
Issima at Kimpton La Peer Hotel
623 N La Peer Dr, Los Angeles
If you want to feel like you’re on a European beach holiday, Issima has the most authentic offering of flavors of the Mediterranean coastline. Known for its wood-fired fare, the restaurant takes pride in staying true to styles of preparation while offering unique pizza options like the duck egg pizza, grilled to perfection lamb ribs, and a wide variety of seafood. This private rooftop, with poolside dining and string-lit patio, gives a great view of Hollywood Hills.
Photo credit: @issima_la
Élephante
1332 2nd St, Santa Monica
A family-friendly rooftop restaurant that overlooks the Pacific on the west side. This one of the most popular spots in Santa Monica. The menu is a combination of light coastal Italian cuisine and Mediterranean.
Great for a lazy afternoon where you can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and if you decide to stay longer, you can definitely enjoy the vibrant night scene.
Photo credit: @elephante
High Rooftop Lounge @ Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach
Perched atop Hotel Erwin, High Rooftop Lounge is one of my personal favorites to watch the sunset in Venice Beach. The place has a chill vibe, and is great for bigger groups too. Be sure to reserve a table in advance if you want an Ocean Front VIP Section.
The place is huge. You can walk in and get one of the high-top tables or just hang out while watching the sunset. This place is great for happy hour, brunch, or enjoying a few craft cocktails.
Photo credit: @ac__clara
LOULOU
395 Santa Monica Pl #300,
Santa Monica
This newly renovated rooftop is chic and glamorous. If you are looking for a French-Californian dining experience with French classics and a wide collection of French and American wines, this intimate and upscale space is the place to be.
The rooftop’s open décor is great for the day and night.
Photo credit: @loulousantamonica
The Rooftop by JG
9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills
To get a 360 view of Beverly Hills, and enjoy an exceptional gourmet meal, head to The Rooftop by JG. The lobster burger is a must try. It’s a great spot for date nights and relaxed evenings.
If you are visiting and plan to spend the day strolling and shopping on Rodeo Drive, this spot is less than a mile away. Enjoy a few drinks while you watch the sunset.
Photo credit: @therooftopbyjg
Sant'olina
9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills
If you are looking for a rooftop restaurant in Beverly Hills that serves Mediterranean cuisine and blends in the noteworthy Southern Californian style then head to Sant'olina. Located in the Beverly Hilton hotel, this is a great place for dinner under a starlit décor. Get here early as it is not open late.
Photo credit: @santolinabh @roxycabus
The Roof Garden
9882 South Santa Monica Blvd,
Beverly Hills
The rooftop is a very contemporary Cal-Fusion restaurant that is popular with the guests here that stay at the hotel. If you're looking for a palace vibe to have a casual breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner and drinks, make sure to check out The Roof Garden.
It closes by 9 pm, so this place is better for the daytime.
Photo credit: @thepeninsulabh
Above SIXTY
9360 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills
Another great spot to get a 360 view of Beverly Hills that is withing walking distance from Rodeo Drive is this rooftop located in the SIXTY Beverly Hills Hotel. It has a cozy poolside lounge with views of the skyline and the canyons.
You might catch a live DJ, depending on the day, or just visit to spend time taking in the grand views.
Photo credit: @abovesixty
The Penthouse at Mastro's
246 N Canon Dr Fl 3, Beverly Hill
The Penthouse at Mastro's like a lot of upscale spots in Beverly Hills is also not open too late. However, this is a great place for a fancy dinner.
It’s slightly casual compared to the steakhouse downstairs, but has a spectacular menu. The rooftop has an indoor and outdoor space and the décor is honed in Veuve Clicquot bottles.
Photo credit: @feralvmont
Mezcalero Long Beach
525 E Broadway Upstairs,
Long Beach
This happening rooftop patio is not only a rooftop but also one of the best bars in Long Beach. They have happy hours everyday with prices that you can’t beat; $8 margaritas and they are open till 2am nightly! Be sure to ask for their special cocktails not listed on the menu as they always have innovative drinks. Thursday nights are a lot of fun as they have guest DJs playing Hip Hop, Cumbia and Reggaetón music that you can dance the night away to.
Photo credit: @mezcalerolbc
BO-beau Kitchen + Roof Tap
144 Pine Ave, Long Beach
This casual gastro pub has two levels and the rooftop patio contains a vast menu consisting of small plates, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches and bistro plates. It also has a cute view of the street.
If you are looking for a fun night out during the week, you can check out their Tour de BO-beau Tasting Menu featuring a 4 course meal of their classics, priced at $39.95 (excluding tax and gratuity); a great bang for your buck.
Photo credit: @bobeaurooftap
Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach
