Los Angeles transforms into a stunning canvas when viewed from above, making it home to some of the best rooftops in California. The city's collection of top rooftop restaurants and elevated dining establishments provides the perfect vantage point to appreciate its sprawling beauty across Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and beyond. With endless sunshine gracing the metropolis year-round, these best rooftops in Los Angeles combine spectacular city views with exceptional culinary experiences. From rooftop dining in Santa Monica to sky-high restaurants in West Hollywood, these atmospheric venues create unforgettable moments high above the urban landscape, establishing LA as a premier destination for rooftop experiences.

Beverly Hills & West Hollywood Sophistication

AC Hotel Beverly Hills - 11th Floor Haven Nestled within walking distance of world-renowned cultural institutions like LACMA and the Academy Museum, this sophisticated retreat offers an intimate atmosphere with sweeping panoramas of the Miracle Mile district. The venue's signature mixed drinks and Spanish-inspired small plates create an authentic European ambiance with sweeping vistas of the bustling streets below.

Harriet's Rooftop - Sunset Strip Glamour Perched above the legendary Sunset Strip at 1 Hotel West Hollywood, this h.wood Group establishment showcases refined design elements including pinstriped furnishings and burgundy canopies. Top Chef alum Chris Crary oversees an impressive food menu featuring vegetarian-friendly bar bites alongside substantial entrees like flatbreads, chicken tinga tacos, pasta Bolognese, and Maine lobster rolls.

The Roof Garden - Peninsula's Hidden Treasure This discreet botanical oasis remains a cherished secret among Beverly Hills insiders, featuring California-inspired cuisine prepared with herbs and vegetables cultivated in the hotel's on-site garden. Guests can gather around warming fire pits while enjoying dishes like chilaquiles and cauliflower ceviche, or upgrading to grilled menu items including ancho-marinated skirt steak, branzino, and grilled swordfish.

Downtown Los Angeles Heights

Alto formerly know as “Agua Viva” - Michelin-Starred Excellence Chef José Andrés brings his culinary mastery to this sophisticated rooftop destination at the Conrad Los Angeles. The venue offers a pre-theater menu for select LA Phil concerts, featuring a three-course prix fixe experience with dishes like croquetas de cangrejo (jumbo lump crab fritters), half roasted Mary's Farm chicken with mojo rojo, and traditional Spanish flan. The strategic location opposite Walt Disney Concert Hall makes it an ideal pre-performance dining destination.

Spire 73 - Western Hemisphere's Peak Claiming the distinction of the tallest open-air restaurant in the Western Hemisphere, this 73rd-floor destination at the InterContinental offers unparalleled 360-degree cityscape views. The Cocina Moderna food menu features vegetarian-friendly blistered peppers to start, along with tostada de camarones, beef brisket hamburguesa, and salmon en salsa de tomate. Guests should note the venue maintains a $60 per-person minimum with a two-hour time limitation.

Cara Cara - All-Day Urban Sanctuary James Beard Award recipients Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne helm this remarkable space at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, featuring unobstructed boundless cityscapes and intimate fire pit areas. Chef Goin's seasonal menu features numerous vegetarian-friendly options, including Moroccan carrots and muhammara to start, white trumpet mushroom focaccia, and Cara Cara cobb salad with sweet potato, avocado, black beans, beets, and tomato. Seafood and meat-based mains include mini lobster rolls, grilled branzino, piri piri fried chicken, and pork ribs with pickled golden raisins.

Perch LA - French-Inspired Elegance Crowning the 16-story Pershing Square Building, this French-influenced establishment offers both indoor and outdoor dining experiences with unimpeded downtown vistas. Live entertainment adds to the sophisticated atmosphere at this bistro that specializes in French-influenced cuisine alongside an extensive wine selection.

Hollywood & Mid-City Excitement

Bar Lis - Riviera Romance The Thompson Hollywood's crown jewel transports guests to the French Riviera through its elegant design featuring a central water fountain and abundant cypress trees. The venue perfectly captures a Mediterranean-inspired ambiance with its sophisticated atmosphere and Côte d'Azur aesthetic.

Desert 5 Spot - Cosmic Americana This retro-themed destination at Hollywood Volume channels vintage Palm Springs aesthetics with Joshua Tree-inspired décor and cosmic Americana touches. Live performances by the house band The Desert 5 complement the venue's distinctive atmosphere that celebrates everything from vintage roadside motels to cosmic desert culture.

The Highlight Room - Entertainment Complex Spanning an impressive 11,000 square feet across Dream Hollywood's entire top floor, this expansive venue offers incomparable views stretching from the iconic Hollywood Sign to downtown's skyline. The poolside experience includes private cabanas and dining options from The Grill, making it perfect for both day and evening entertainment.

Coastal California Vibes

Élephante Beach House - Mediterranean Escape This Santa Monica destination creates an authentic coastal Italian atmosphere with ocean panoramas and carefully curated furnishings from Southern Italy and Northern Africa. The venue specializes in coastal Italian cuisine, featuring three distinct dining areas that showcase the authentic flavors and atmosphere of the Mediterranean region.

High Rooftop Lounge - Venice Beach Energy Positioned mere steps from Venice Beach's legendary skatepark and Muscle Beach, Hotel Erwin's elevated space captures epic Pacific sunsets. The venue provides the perfect setting to experience the laid-back coastal atmosphere that defines the Venice Beach experience.

Culver City Innovation

Bar Bohémien - Artistic Heritage Housed within the historic 1929 Citizen Publishing Company Building, this Culver City gem draws inspiration from global cocktail culture and Spanish tapas traditions. The venue is part of Citizen Public Market, a food hall featuring diverse culinary offerings including Bang Bang Noodles, Go Go Bird, Jolly Oyster, and WEHO Sausage Co.

Margot - Platform Sophistication This striking venue atop Culver City's Platform combines indoor and outdoor design elements with Mediterranean coastal cuisine. The restaurant offers an impressive vegan dinner menu ranging from potatoes bravas and grilled focaccia to charred broccoli with black garlic vinaigrette and quinoa, accommodating diverse dietary preferences with creative plant-based options.

Downtown LA Unique Experiences Worth Seeking

Golden Hour - Poolside Paradise Part of the spectacular Level 8 complex at AC/Moxy downtown, this Carnival-inspired destination features a rotating carousel bar and tropical atmosphere. The venue hosts Golden Daze, a Sunday pool party series from 2pm to 8pm featuring local DJs bringing Miami-meets-Copacabana energy to downtown Los Angeles.

Broken Shaker - Award-Winning Innovation This James Beard Award finalist at Freehand Los Angeles has garnered recognition as the Best American Hotel Bar from Tales of the Cocktail. The venue serves an eclectic menu of creative small bites alongside its distinctive atmosphere that combines playful design with sophisticated hospitality.

Planning Your Sky-High Adventure

Los Angeles' elevated dining scene offers something for every preference, from intimate garden settings to expansive entertainment complexes. Whether seeking Mediterranean romance, cosmic Americana vibes, or sophisticated urban elegance, these atmospheric destinations provide the perfect backdrop for memorable culinary and entertainment experiences above the City of Angels.

Many venues recommend advance reservations, particularly during sunset hours when demand peaks. Some locations maintain dress codes or spending minimums, so checking specific requirements before visiting ensures a seamless experience at these elevated urban oases.