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Perch LA
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Perch LA
8.4
This French-inspired rooftop bistro on the 15th floor delivers sweeping downtown skyline views alongside an elevated brunch menu. Live jazz and bossa nova accompany weekend service, where oysters, omelettes and prix fixe options meet seasonal fruit sangria and Bellinis.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Seasonal Oysters, Steak Frites, French Omelettes
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 360-degree downtown LA skyline views with live music on a 15th-floor terrace
Who should go: Special occasion brunchers and tourists seeking iconic LA views
When to visit: Saturday-Sunday 10am-3:30pm; sunset timing for dinner transitions beautifully
What to order: Prix fixe brunch menu, oysters, steak frites, French-inspired pastries
Insider tip: Valet at front entrance on Hill St; make reservations well ahead for window tables
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at Hill St entrance; street parking extremely limited in Historic Core. Nearby Grand Central Market garage $8-12
Dress code: Upscale casual - sundresses, collared shirts recommended. No shorts or athletic wear. Think brunch chic
Noise level: Lively during live music sets - conversation-friendly but energetic atmosphere, especially on weekends
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, virtually impossible for prime sunset hours
Weekday lunch: 20-30 min for bar seating, reservations still recommended for dining room
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including vegetable omelette, seasonal salads, and French onion soup
Vegan options: Limited - 2 adaptable dishes, call ahead for best experience. Pastries are not vegan
Gluten-free options: Available - can modify several dishes, including steak frites with substitutions. Alert server upon arrival
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 2nd-3rd dates when you want to impress - the views and live music create natural conversation starters. May be too high-pressure for casual first dates ($$$$). Weekend brunch is more relaxed than dinner service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch (Mon-Fri) has walk-in availability at the bar 60% of the time. Weekend brunch and any dinner service require reservations 1-2 weeks out minimum. Resy releases tables 14 days ahead at midnight - set alerts.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - rooftop venue with 15th-floor open terrace, no kids menu, and upscale atmosphere. Teens 14+ fine for special occasions. Most parties are couples or adult groups.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for: panoramic downtown views, live music ambiance, French bistro elegance in LA, Instagram moments, celebrating milestones. The rooftop terrace is the real differentiator - you're paying for the experience as much as the food.
Skip if: You want quick casual brunch, authentic French technique over ambiance, or budget-friendly options. Also skip if you're uncomfortable with heights or prefer quieter intimate settings. Better value French bistros exist - you're here for the views and scene.
Perch LA
7.9
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Rooftop French-American bistro on the 15th floor offering 360-degree Downtown skyline views with fire pits and plush seating. While the scenery consistently impresses, food quality varies though brunch service and sunset cocktails remain reliable draws for the Instagram-ready setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, French Toast, Bread Pudding with Vanilla
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Unobstructed Downtown LA rooftop views from 15th floor with French-inspired cocktails
Who should go: Tourists and locals prioritizing ambiance over culinary excellence for celebrations
When to visit: Sunset reservations or Monday nights for Molly Miller's live band
What to order: French toast at brunch, bread pudding for dessert, Saint-Germain cocktail
Insider tip: Outdoor seating not guaranteed; dress in layers as rooftop can be chilly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15-20, or FIGat7th parking structure 2 blocks away ($10-15). Street parking nearly impossible evenings/weekends
Dress code: Elevated casual to cocktail attire - jeans acceptable if styled up, but most guests dress for photos. Avoid athleisure
Noise level: Moderate to loud - music and crowd energy picks up after 8pm, especially weekends. Can converse but expect to lean in
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation at prime sunset hours (5-7pm). Reservations essential, book 2+ weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins often available, 15-30 min wait maximum
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including French onion soup, seasonal vegetable dishes, and salads
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options, staff can modify some dishes. Call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates with modifications, though famous French toast unavailable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for 2nd-3rd dates when you want to impress with views and ambiance. Too loud/scene-y for getting-to-know-you conversation. Perfect for established couples seeking romance with a view
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible weekday afternoons or Monday nights, but expect 45+ min wait. Weekends and sunset times absolutely require reservations 2-3 weeks out. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for kids under 12 - rooftop setting, adult-focused vibe, and lack of kids menu make it better for teens and adults. Go for brunch if bringing older kids
Best For
Better for: Unmatched 360-degree skyline views and photo opportunities in DTLA. Superior ambiance for celebrations and impressing out-of-town visitors. Reliable brunch service and sunset cocktails when prioritizing experience over culinary precision
Skip if: You're a serious foodie prioritizing food quality over atmosphere, seeking quiet intimate conversation, or need consistently excellent French cuisine. Choose 71Above for similar views with more refined food, or Republique for superior French fare without the view
Perch LA
7.7
French-inspired rooftop bistro perched on the 15th floor delivers sweeping Downtown skyline views with fire pits and live jazz nightly. The classic menu leans heavily on atmosphere—stellar for cocktails and mussels while watching sunset transform office towers into sparkling silhouettes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mussels in White Wine, Steak Frites, Bread Pudding
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Unobstructed 360-degree Downtown skyline views from 15th-floor rooftop terrace
Who should go: Celebration seekers prioritizing views over cutting-edge cuisine
When to visit: Sunset hour weeknights, avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Craft cocktails, mussels, and the bread pudding
Insider tip: Weekday early dinners offer same views with calmer energy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, or Pershing Square garage 2 blocks away ($10-18). Street parking nearly impossible evenings/weekends
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - no sneakers or shorts. Think date night attire, jeans acceptable if paired up
Noise level: Lively - live jazz creates buzz, can hear your date but not a quiet intimate setting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, Friday/Saturday book 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, though dinner service is the main draw
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including salads, risotto, and vegetable plates
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options, better to call ahead for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen can modify most dishes, GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress - the rooftop views and fire pits create instant romance. Just know conversation competes with live music, so better for dates where you're comfortable with some silence and ambiance over deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 6:30pm, possibly. Weekends and after 7pm any night, highly unlikely. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and offers same views - arrive by 5:30pm sunset window.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children under 12 - it's a rooftop bar atmosphere with live music until late. No kids menu. Teens for special occasions are fine, but this is date night territory.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for skyline views, impressing out-of-town guests, proposals, and celebratory cocktails. The rooftop setting and live jazz create an atmosphere competitors can't match at this price point.
Skip if: You're a serious foodie seeking innovative cuisine, want an intimate quiet dinner, or dining solo (this place is built for groups and couples). Also skip if you're on a tight budget - you're paying for the view.
Perch LA
8.0
French-inspired rooftop bistro perched on the 15th floor of the historic Pershing Square Building with sweeping Downtown LA skyline views. The experience emphasizes atmosphere over culinary precision, offering straightforward French-American fare like mussels and steak frites alongside craft cocktails, fire pits, and live music that creates memorable date night moments.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, P.E.I. Mussels, Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Unobstructed 360-degree rooftop views of Downtown LA skyline with French bistro charm
Who should go: Couples prioritizing ambiance and views over cutting-edge cuisine
When to visit: Sunset arrival for golden hour views, Monday for Molly Miller jazz
What to order: Charcuterie board, steak frites, bread pudding dessert
Insider tip: Outdoor seating not guaranteed even with reservations—request specifically when booking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15-18, street parking metered and challenging downtown - arrive 15 min early to circle or use nearby lot at 448 S Hill St
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy - dark jeans acceptable but sundresses and button-downs recommended, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderately lively - live music creates ambiance but tables allow conversation, outdoor fire pit areas quieter than indoor bar
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, outdoor seating fills first
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 min Tuesday-Thursday before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including mushroom tartine, French onion soup, market salads, vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options typically (ask server to modify salads, frites available without aioli)
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodation - proteins and salads work, but bread-heavy menu limits options, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the views and atmosphere do conversational heavy-lifting, built-in talking points with skyline and live music, casual enough to not feel too serious
Can I get a table without a reservation? Challenging on Friday-Saturday evenings - try arriving at 5pm opening or after 9:30pm, weekday lunches and early dinners more flexible, bar seating first-come basis
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended under 12 - no kids menu, romantic date night vibe, 15th floor outdoor space with railings, better suited for teens and adults
Worth it if I just want great food? Skip it - the food is solid but not destination-worthy, come for the total package of views + vibes + atmosphere, not Michelin-level execution
Good for proposals or anniversaries? Perfect for proposals - romantic skyline backdrop, fire pits create intimacy, just notify staff ahead for champagne timing and preferred table placement
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for Downtown LA rooftop views with full dinner service, superior Instagram moments, live music ambiance, and creating memorable date experiences without stuffiness - beats competitors on pure atmosphere and special occasion feel
Skip if: You're a foodie prioritizing culinary innovation over ambiance, prefer quiet intimate corners, visiting alone or with large groups 8+, on tight budget (drinks add up), or during cold/rainy weather when outdoor magic disappears