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Damian
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Damian
8.5
Damian reimagines Mexican flavors through an upscale lens, pairing seafood-forward small plates and charcoal-kissed mains with an ambitious cocktail and mezcal program. Dim lighting, greenery, and a polished terrace make it a strong pick for couples who want something refined but still relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Tostada, Tamal de Ricotta, Duck Carnitas
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Modern Mexican dishes served in a sleek, plant-filled warehouse space.
Who should go: Diners wanting refined Mexican plates and serious cocktails.
When to visit: Golden-hour into evening to enjoy the terrace glow.
What to order: Salmon tostada, tamal de ricotta, duck carnitas.
Insider tip: Ask about bar seats for a more spontaneous, intimate experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically offered during peak dinner hours; limited street parking is available but fills quickly after 6pm. Nearby paid garages at ROW DTLA provide a reliable backup within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish. Elevated jeans, collared shirts, dresses, and statement pieces fit the room’s polished-but-relaxed Arts District vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a date-night conversation, though the indoor room gets livelier during prime hours. The terrace is slightly quieter.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–75 minute wait without a reservation. Bar seats may open faster but are first-come, first-served.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait, especially right at opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, including vegetable-forward small plates and seasonal specials. Not a dedicated menu, but staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited; typically 1–2 naturally vegan dishes plus a few customizable sides. Best to confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many items are naturally gluten-free thanks to masa- and seafood-driven dishes. The kitchen is knowledgeable, but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, greenery, and refined service create a relaxed-romantic atmosphere, and the shareable plates help keep the experience engaging without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait during peak evenings. Your best chance is early weekday dinners or checking for bar or terrace openings, which often turn faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger children due to the upscale ambiance, dim lighting, and leisurely pacing. Older teens familiar with adventurous dining may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Refined, seafood-forward Modern Mexican cuisine in a stylish, plant-filled space with a standout terrace and sophisticated cocktail program.
Skip if: You’re looking for casual tacos, loud group-party energy, or a fast, budget-friendly meal—other Arts District spots will better suit those needs.
Damian
8.6
Damian reimagines Mexican flavors in a polished warehouse space that opens onto a lush, plant-filled terrace. Seafood tostadas, charcoal-kissed mains, and a serious mezcal and cocktail program feel especially dialed-in outdoors, where the terrace captures sunset light and downtown’s industrial edges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Tostada, Tamal de Ricotta, Duck Carnitas
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking framed by a leafy, modern terrace.
Who should go: Couples and groups chasing refined Mexican plates and mezcal.
When to visit: Golden hour for terrace light and early cocktail rounds.
What to order: Salmon tostada, tamal de ricotta, duck carnitas.
Insider tip: Book slightly earlier seatings to maximize terrace daylight and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the shared complex; street parking on surrounding blocks can be limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—button-downs, dresses, and elevated denim all fit naturally.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, though the terrace grows livelier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for terrace seating.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the terrace can fill on warm days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed vegetable dishes and adaptable small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—many tostadas, crudos, and mains are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the terrace lighting, polished service, and refined cocktails create an impressive but relaxed setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed; the bar and terrace occasionally accept walk-ins early in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the atmosphere skews adult with cocktails, pacing, and later dining times.
Best For
Better for: Terrace dining with modern Mexican flavors, strong mezcal cocktails, and a more refined ambiance than nearby casual spots.
Skip if: You want fast service, a quiet environment, or a heavily vegan menu.
Damian
8.9
Damian brings a polished, modern take on Mexican cooking to a warehouse space that opens onto a leafy, design-forward patio where dogs are welcome. Seafood-forward tostadas, charcoal-kissed mains, and a serious mezcal program make it a destination for lingering al fresco dinners in the Arts District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon tostada, Tamal de ricotta, Duck carnitas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Refined Mexican plates and mezcal served on a leafy, dog-friendly terrace.
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking upscale Mexican with patio seating.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for terrace light and cocktails.
What to order: Salmon tostada, tamal de ricotta, duck carnitas.
Insider tip: Request a patio table when reserving to secure a dog-friendly spot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at dinner ($12–$15). Street parking on Santa Fe Ave and surrounding blocks is doable but fills quickly after 6pm; allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but most guests dress elevated for the Arts District dining scene.
Noise level: Moderate. The patio offers comfortable conversation with some ambient buzz; the indoor dining room can feel louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins may only be offered patio waitlist spots.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though patio seats can fill on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward mains, tostadas, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes can be made vegan; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-free due to corn-based preparations; staff can guide you, but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The patio’s greenery, soft lighting, and refined plates create an elevated but relaxed atmosphere ideal for conversation and sharing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Walk-ins are often steered toward the patio waitlist; arrive early or closer to opening for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids or teens will do fine, but the menu leans sophisticated and the ambiance is adult-oriented. No kids’ menu or dedicated amenities.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for upscale Mexican plates, polished cocktails, and a dog-friendly patio that feels intentionally designed rather than an afterthought.
Skip if: You prefer quieter, budget-friendly Mexican spots, need extensive vegan options, or want fast, casual service.
Damian
8.7
Damian applies a polished, Mexico City–informed lens to seafood, vegetables, and masa in a spare, concrete-and-glass space with a leafy patio. Tasting-menu precision meets downtown cool, making it a go-to for long, mezcal-fueled dinners that still feel relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon tostada, Tamal de ricotta, Duck carnitas
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Refined modern Mexican cooking with a terrace that softens the industrial edge.
Who should go: Diners chasing destination-level Mexican in a design-forward space.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for patio light and cocktails.
What to order: Salmon tostada, tamal de ricotta, duck carnitas.
Insider tip: Ask for terrace seating when booking; it’s limited and coveted.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available and reliable; limited metered street parking fills quickly after 6pm, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished — elevated basics, clean sneakers or boots are fine, but most diners skew stylish.
Noise level: Moderate indoors with a lively hum; outdoor terrace is noticeably quieter and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; the bar sometimes has limited first-come seats.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; early evening walk-ins can find spots on the terrace.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — several vegetable-forward plates and masa dishes that stand on their own.
Vegan options: Limited but viable — typically 2–3 dishes can be prepared vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Good options — many dishes are masa-based; servers can guide you to naturally gluten-free plates.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the terrace offers soft lighting and a relaxed pace, while the menu feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but tricky during prime dinner hours; bar seats are the best bet for walk-ins, especially before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the space skews adult and design-forward; fine for older teens but not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Refined Mexican plates and a calmer, design-driven patio setting compared to louder Arts District hotspots.
Skip if: You want large-format, comfort-leaning Mexican dishes or a casual, quick-service experience.
Damian
8.7
Damian is a modern Mexican restaurant from Enrique Olvera’s team, pairing precise masa work and seafood with a minimalist warehouse space in the Arts District. Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide and known for dishes like duck carnitas and tamal de elote, it offers an 11-seat private dining room and patio options that work for both business dinners and design-forward celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck carnitas with warm tortillas, Salmon tostada with sungold tomatoes and chicatana ants, Tamal de elote with corn crema
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: MICHELIN-recognized modern Mexican cooking in a sleek Arts District space with a true private dining room.
Who should go: Groups and couples who want polished, modern Mexican.
When to visit: Evenings when the dining room and patio feel most alive.
What to order: Duck carnitas, salmon tostada, tamal de elote.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for the 11-seat private dining room when inquiring about events.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during dinner service; metered street parking nearby is limited and fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Polished smart casual—jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket; many guests lean elevated.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational at smaller tables, slightly louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly advised; walk-ins may face 45–75 minute waits depending on patio availability.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy to be seated quickly if service is running.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several composed vegetable dishes plus adaptable items; kitchen is attentive to substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—typically 1–2 modifiable dishes, especially masa-based items.
Gluten-free options: Very friendly—many masa-driven dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide safe ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its polished design, thoughtful service, and vibrant but not overwhelming energy make it ideal for an impressive first date without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights or early evenings; on weekends you’ll need luck or be prepared to wait. Patio walk-ins open up more opportunities.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better for adults, older teens, or special occasions with well-behaved children; no kid-specific menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward celebrations, modern Mexican tasting influences, and groups wanting a true private dining setup in the Arts District.
Skip if: You want casual, fast service, large portions, or traditional Mexican comfort dishes without contemporary reinterpretation.