The environment was extremely welcoming and lively. Service was extremely good, servers were really nice. The food. Man. We were two so we asked for every item from the tasting menu. All of the food was crafted with care of the details and not just show the flavor was balanced but noticeable. We could taste the herbs, the masa from the barbacoa all items and ingredients were so well put together to create an experience in your plate. ceviche ginger-turnip salsa carrot aguachile tlayudita fish chorizo tamal de barbacoa orzo de quelites Hibiscus meringue with pomegranate banana leaf flan sesame caramel read more

Damian - Tamal de Barbacoa and the tlayudita with fish chorizo - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Two of us visited Damian for the first time during dineLA in August 2026. Wanting to sample as many of the items as possible, we each ordered different items from the dineLA selections and through sharing bites, we were able to sample the whole menu. Things started off wonderfully. We were greeted and promptly seated at the bar as requested. Incense was burning, which we were informed was from the Palo Santo tree and is often used in aromatherapy. The ambiance is calm, with a modern sensibility. Drinks were poured promptly by Sammy, who was great throughout; my pomegranate drink was rich and flavorful. Complimentary baked tortillas and salsas were provided and were delicious. My menu options included the Ceviche, Tamal de barbacoa, Carne asada with shishito and Banana leaf flan. I also sampled the following menu items ordered by my dining companion: Tlayudita, Orzo de quelites, and the Hibiscus meringue. The ceviche was very ordinary, the style of ceviche one can order anywhere in LA; this version was oversalted. I found the Tlayudita bite that I sampled to be lacking in flavor. My tamal de barbacoa, made with chocolate, tasted as sweet as a brownie but was paired with Kimchi. What?! It's just as incongruous as it sounds; this dish did not work at all. My bite of the Orzo was delicious, al dente and flavorful. Then, the carne asada (made with tough flat iron steak) was paired with shishito and green onion that were absolutely drowning in salt. I felt my blood pressure go up point by point with each bite. So, if you're counting, that's two dishes on my dineLA menu that were inedible. And the banana leaf flan was just okay. Thankfully, I was able to share the highlight of the menu with my dining companion: the Hibiscus Meringue created by the late chef Joshua Ulmer. Genius dish! Worth stopping in just for this dessert. Street and valet parking available. read more

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Very disappointing visit. The food was enjoyable but the service left a lot to be desired. Maybe they were short-staffed or the kitchen was backed up, but we would have appreciated communication. Server had informed us that the restaurant was a family-style, small plate establishment and food would come out all at once with 3-4 plates being enough for two. We ordered drinks, 2 cold plates, and 2 hot plates. The wine came out before my cocktail and the wine glass was automatically placed in front of me. I had to re-direct the the person serving us and tell her the wine was actually for my partner. It would face been appreciated if she had asked who the wine at the table was for instead of assuming. Our first dishes came out, kanpachi and guacamole. Tasty bites and enjoyed the mint and dill in the guacamole. We had to flag our server after a good 30 minutes to order another round of drinks. I also asked him to check on the rest of our order. Surprisingly, he thought we were still working on the first dishes and that they course out the meal. Our server never checked on us after the first dishes were dropped off and he apparently misinformed us that food comes out all at once then. The miscommunication and mismanagement of expectations was annoying because by the time the rest of our food came out, we had been waiting close to an hour and getting hungrier. 3-4 plates were not enough for 2. The seating inside the restaurant is so crowded as well that there's barely any walking room between tables. And as the night went on, the music only got louder. It felt like I was in a club and could barely hear my partner speak. There was also an auto 15% fee added to our bill at the end of the night. I don't think we would revisit which is unfortunate because the food was quite good. read more

Came here with friend la for Dine LA, been here a few times and always enjoy led it. The patio is the place to go. It transports you far away from LA. Staff is friendly but service is a bit rushed. We added the duck carnitas to the meal and was not a fan. I much prefer the branzino. The duck was on the fatty side with too much oil dripping. Their non alcoholic cocktails are good, though limited in selection. read more

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The cocktail list was extensive and looked delicious, but due to our long drive back home, we went with agua frescas. I decided to rock with the Hibiscus that had pineapple and candied ginger, then my lady chose the Palo Santo which included cucumber and yuzu. We shared, of course. Both offered an incredibly refreshing start to our meal. We each decided on and ordered "smaller" plates, then decided on our main together. Let's eat. Chips and Salsa Freshly fried tortillas, rustically cracked into chips and served in a basket that feels like it was brought from home (Mexico). These were lightly salted and paired perfectly with the medley of salsas. The salsa verde was fresh as hell. It led with cilantro and citrus, immediately coating the tongue for a stimulating bite that tells the story of Damian off the rip. The flavor didn't linger as long as I'd hoped, but still very tasty. Next up was the seeded salsa macha. This one produced a pungent, burnt flavor, but its sweet undertone and crunchy texture delivered a unique moment. I wasn't huge on the burnt flavor, but my lady LOVED it. Now, these were both pretty good, but I was missing the spice level that I've always sought out with Mexican cuisine. I asked, they delivered. Our waiter grabbed us a cup of their spicier, red-orange salsa that they use for their more casual, "in-the-back" taqueria called Ditroit. Yeah, make sure you ask for this salsa as soon as you're seated. Habanero-forward and delicious. In my notes I wrote, "Put this shit on everything." Thank me later. Tlayuda This was my choice, and yes, it tasted as fresh as it looks. This story of unwithered, California produce used to craft delicious food anchored in Mexican culture continues. Tlayuda is a traditional, Oaxacan street food that made me close my eyes from pure content. Layered with refried black beans and lamb barbacoa, this dish already met my needs. Where it sang was the choice in veggies. Chef Chuy Cervantes went with thinly sliced pickled onions, squash blossoms, and what I believe were the stems of those blossoms. Don't quote me on that. Regardless, this dish was executed flawlessly. The textures were a 10 for me. The tortilla was crisped to perfection. The barbacoa was especially tender. Each bite forced me to slow down and appreciate the mastery. Yes, I listened to my own note and put the red-orange salsa on top, and it set the dish off. Wow. Calamar en su Tinta My lady's choice. I think she might've had me beat on this one. Calamar en su tinta translates to "squid in its ink", and this is a masterful rendition. The squid was grilled beautifully, offering a welcome color and texture. What widened my eyes about the dish was the inclusion of albacore chorizo. I had never had anything like that before. It was salty, spicy, and provided a lovely ground texture to the dish. You can tell they had ground it recently and in-house. We loved it. They included fresh onion and jalapeño that added extra dimensions of spice and umami flavors. All of this was sitting in the squid ink sauce that truly takes it all to another level with a subtle tanginess and rich flavor. We were told to mix it all up--the picture is taken pre-mix--and the sauce coated each element, creating a cool visual presentation. To top it all off, this dish was served with warm, black, corn tortillas, and we were guided to eat these as tacos. Hit it with a few squeezes of lemon and lime and... damn! Duck Carnitas DAMN! Yeah, this is one of them ones. The name alone forced a smirk from each of us, we already knew where we were headed with our choice of entrée. Topped with freshly sliced veggies and served with classic taquero accoutrements and those same black, corn tortillas--'twas game time. A crispy duck skin enveloped the most tender duck I believe I've ever had. After dismantling the presentation, we mixed everything, as instructed, and got to work. Off the first bite, the fat from the duck hits you and that flavor is truly ridiculous. The onion, radish, and cilantro elevated the dish, offering a bit of crunch and acidity that cut through each savory bite. It truly melts in your mouth. The tortillas remained fresh, and I'd recommend asking for some more chips for a crispier, tostada-like experience. Pro-tip: get a piece of duck skin in each of your bites for a pleasing texture experience. Now, the price is high. $108 for carnitas is not something I'd ever thought I'd pay for. I won't say that it's totally worth the price, but whenever we go back, we'll probably order it again. Read the rest of my restaurant reviews for free on my Substack: Still Chewing https://stillchewing.substack.com/p/herb-and-sea read more

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One of the definitive or more known fine dining Mexican restaurants in the city. I've been wanting to come here for a long time. After many attempts getting a group together to go, etc. I finally just went by myself during Dine LA the early part of 2026 and sat at the bar (which is usually among my favorite seats at any restaurant) The service was wonderful. I am having a hard time recalling the person behind the bar that was serving that evening, but I think his name was Antonio or Anthony? (so sorry I can't remember, but I just know that he was heading to Mexico City the following week). Having him serve me was like having a good friend hosting at their home for a dinner party. Just good, friendly vibes and an overall great time. With the (early 2026) Dine LA menu you got to pick different options at 4 different courses. For the first course, I selected the carrot aguachile because I heard so many good things about it. And it didn't disappoint. It was beautifully presented, and the natural sweetness from the carrot, offset the spice a little bit. It also gave it kind of an earthy flavor to the mix.. For the second course, I chose the artichoke sope. Just a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. For the main course I chose the lamb barbacoa tacos. The meat was prepared well and went well with all the other ingredients that made up the taco. I was very happy. I finished with the banana leaf flan. During my meal, I ordered two different cocktails as well and took a shot of mezcal at the end. Just a wonderful experience and wonderful meal. I truly enjoyed my time there on this visits read more

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Visited Damian for a solo dinner one evening while I was in Los Angeles and heading to an event in the Arts District later that night. I was seated at the bar, and it was nice to watch the drinks being made and inquire about the menu. The space is beautiful: contemporary with lots of stone textures, low lighting, and an open, airy feel. It is the sister restaurant to Cosme in New York City, which I have visited many times, as well as Pujol in Mexico City, and it was similar elevated contemporary Mexican fare, with everything fresh and super flavorful. I ordered the classic margarita ($19), which was fresh, well-balanced, and very enjoyable. I started with the guacamole, served with tostadas (essentially large, crisp chips), which was excellent. For my main, I had the grilled prawns, they were very good, though you do have to remove the head and shell yourself, which can be a bit of an experience. The dish came with sauce and tortillas, so you can build your own tacos, which I liked. I kept it on the lighter side this visit, but would have loved to try more of the menu. I would definitely recommend coming with a group so you can share a variety of dishes. This is not an affordable meal by any means, but it's a nice treat if you're on vacation or want an elevated meal. read more

Damian - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Is there a timeframe on how long you wait to write a review since your visit? I don't remember when we are here, maybe 1 year ago? Anyway, I need a record of places I've been and if I liked it. I remember all we had was good. I have a friend who likes to order what seems to be the entire cocktail and food menu. I'm always annoyed but get over it as soon as the food comes. Given I don't have many photos of the food we ate, I must have enjoyed it so much I forgot to take photos. Either way I'd come again! read more

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So, this is a harder review to write. I went in expecting a "wow." We opted for the dineLA menu, and the first course - the aguachile and ceviche - were definitely a "wow." Incredible flavors. Fresh. Great textures. But from there, it was okay - not great. I tried the ricotta tamale which was cold in some parts and way too sweet, and the artichoke sope which was good but not spectacular. The mushroom barbacoa taco I left most of. The mushrooms needed to be crisped, the sauce didn't work, and the mix with the black bean puree was off. I like mushrooms, but they scream for butter. This just tasted kind of icky or almost dirty water-y. The meringue dessert was pretty darn good. The banana flan was off. Way too eggy. A bit bizarre. And while our server was extremely nice, his knowledge of the food and wine was quite limited. Normally at a restaurant of this caliber, each dish is served with a bit of detail about what's in it. That didn't happen here. Zero details about the food were provided. And when we asked what was in the sauce for the mushroom barbacoa taco, he said "barbacoa." He was nice enough to offer and go and ask the chef, however. Very little wine knowledge - told us all grapes originated in France, for instance. When we asked another worker for a fork for dessert, they acted stunned and commented, which was odd. I've heard amazing things about this restaurant. Such a cute space, too! But tonight it didn't really deliver. read more

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I have no idea how I missed this place. I've been to Bestia numerous times and it's in the same alley. Anyway. It was simply great. The star of the show by far - duck carnitas? Great drinks. Great appetizers. Great service. Recommend! read more

Food 5/5: Best Mexican fusion place in LA. Every single dish we ordered was exceptional, including all the cocktails we ordered. I don't wanna say too much because this place proved that less was more. Service 5/5: exceptional service from Ally. She was great and attentive. Ambiance 5/5: dim and sets the mood. Highly recommend! read more

Damian - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Damian's been on my list for quite a while, so I finally decided to actually check it out. First thing I noticed is how stunning the restaurant looks. Super high ceilings, modern interior design, lots of natural light. Tables were spaced out very well. Very fitting for a spot in the Arts District. Food was very good. Ordered the guacamole because it was at an all-day happy hour price. Pretty basic guacamole, wouldn't have ordered this at full price. Salmon tostada was great, really enjoyed the chicatana ant mayo that gave this a unique taste. The tamal de ricotta was unlike any tamale I ever had, almost had a sweet taste to it. The star of the show was definitely the duck carnitas. Although it comes out as a big piece of duck, it is easily broken down into shredded duck. Super flavor, some of the best duck I've had anywhere. Made for eight tacos! We saved the guacamole for this and it definitely made it that much better. Definitely the highlight of the meal. Service was fine, no complaints here. Parking is a bit chaotic if you want to do valet parking, as it shares the same valet area with Bestia which across the street. Street parking is available if you look hard enough. Overall, really enjoyed my trip here. A bit pricy, but the duck carnitas definitely made this trip worth it. read more

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Huge CDMX vibes which makes sense because it comes from the team that does Pujol! The food was all very fresh and yummy. Portions are kinda small for the price but thats how most restaurants in LA are. The homemade tortillas are fabulous, especially the blue corn! Our favorite dish was the calamar. The menu rotates seasonally. Service was great. They explained the menu before we ordered, which I always appreciate. read more

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If you're looking for one of the most elevated Mexican food experiences you'll have a hard time finding anything better than Damian. Each bite of every dish, and I mean every single dish is packed with unbelievable flavor. The ceviche, guacamole, and grilled chicken (with skin intact--yes!) were my favorites. Cocktails are beautifully balanced that will pair perfectly with each dish. The margarita and old fashioned stand out. Service was fantastic. From the moment we entered, the waiter made sure that we had drinks in hand that accompanied each dish that flowed out onto our table. The main dining area is super lively along with the bar. Tip: The parking in the area is a bit tricky but they have valet for $13. read more

Came here for dinner tonight and had all my expectations blown away! Damian is located across from Bestia, so you can valet in the same area. The restaurant is such a vibe, with indoor and outdoor seating and a moody modern feel. Service was excellent, we never had to wait long for anything, and all of the staff were so friendly and accommodating. The food was fantastic! We ordered the guacamole, cesar tostada, kanpachi ceviche, prawns, hurache, pastor chicken, and duck carnitas. With the exception of the Cesar tostada (the anchovies were overpowering), everything hit. The pastor chicken, hurache, and prawns were my favorites, but everything was so flavorful and well made (I will be thinking about the chicken and prawns for a while). We ended the night with the chocolate tart which was excellent too (definitely something you should share with others). We also got some drinks, the clarified picante was my personal favorite. This place is my new favorite in the arts district and one of my favorite upscale Mexican spots in LA. It's on the pricier side, but I'd say it was totally worth it. Food was a 4.5, Service and Ambiance were a 5, so I'm happy to give this place a 5. I highly recommend this spot, skip the trendy spots and visit here if you're looking for a great date night spot in the Arts District. read more

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I really wanted to love this place. My husband and I had been eager to try it since it opened; especially since we had such a great experience at Pujol in Mexico City a few years ago. The ambiance was a 10/10. The space is beautiful, and the outdoor area where we were seated was elegant and romantic. Service was just okay. One of our dishes never made it to the table, and when we reminded the server, they didn't seem particularly apologetic, just said it was a mistake and asked if we still wanted it or preferred to cancel. We opted to cancel. As for the food, it was good but didn't quite live up to the excitement or the price point. * The artichoke huarache was fine but nothing memorable. * The grilled calamari was just good. * The duck carnitas were excellent--definitely the standout of the night. * The ceviche was unfortunately a bit fishy and fell short of expectations. Overall, it's a gorgeous spot with potential, but for us, the experience didn't quite match the hype or the cost. read more

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My husband's Chef was friends with this restaurant Chef when they lived in mexico. So we were all very excited to make reservations and try this place during our visit to LA. We ordered a ton of dishes to share, the artichoke appetizer and the Savory duck were my two favorites! I typically don't like Duck but the way this is grilled and prepared and flavored was so amazing! We loved the duck so much we ordered a second one for the table! I don't think you really could go wrong we ordered a number of dishes and each one came with a really unique and complimentary flavor palette. We also ordered a variety of a deserts. The restaurant is dark and Chic yet alive. This is a great spot to go with friends or even for a date night. So glad we got the chance to eat here during our visit to LA! read more

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We usually shy away from "fancy" Mexican spots because nothing beats family cooking, but Damian has officially changed our minds and become one of our new favorites! Booking a reservation was super easy and from the moment we walked in, the vibes were amazing - chic yet warm and inviting. It made the perfect setting for our anniversary date night. Every dish we tried was phenomenal - we were absolutely stuffed and happy! The ceviche is something I'll be dreaming about for a long time, and my partner is still raving about the tostada. The carne asada was cooked to absolute perfection. Our server was thoughtful and attentive throughout the night, which made the whole experience even better. He explained every detail which was so helpful for our first visit. If you're looking for an unforgettable meal with incredible flavors and a great atmosphere, Damian is a must. We can't wait to come back. read more

Damian - Tres leches we were gifted for our anniversary! - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Ate at Damian and had an incredible experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely exceptional and easily some of the best fine-dining Mexican cuisine I've had. We ordered the lamb, duck, guacamole, steak, ceviche, and the carrot aguachile, and every single dish was a 10 out of 10 -- beautifully presented, thoughtfully balanced, and full of bold, intentional flavor. There wasn't a single miss on the table. What really stood out was how refined yet soulful the food felt. Each dish honored traditional Mexican flavors while elevating them in a way that felt modern and sophisticated, not overdone. In comparison, it honestly puts places like Javier's to shame -- Damian operates on a completely different level. The restaurant itself is cute and quaint with an intimate, warm ambiance that makes the experience feel special without being stuffy. It's the kind of space that works just as well for a celebratory dinner as it does for a relaxed night out with friends. The service was truly top-tier -- attentive, knowledgeable, and polished, while still feeling welcoming and genuine. Our waitstaff guided us through the menu effortlessly and made the entire evening feel seamless. Between the standout food, the beautiful setting, and the exceptional service, Damian delivers a dining experience that feels well worth it. I would absolutely return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for elevated Mexican cuisine done right. read more

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Dinner of my dreams! Being an Arts District resident, I am surprised I had never had a meal here at Damian but happy that I finally did. Came with a girl friend for a last minute Saturday dinner. We got seated right away at 5:45pm in the patio. The vibe reminded me so much of Mexico City. I've always wanted to try Chef Enrique Olvera's Pujol in CDMX but never had a chance so Damian it is. The whole experience from start to finish did not disappoint! Drinks: - El Ninja with shiso shrub, delicious and bright! - My friend ordered a white wine, so refreshing. - Round 2 we both ordered a chilled red. The lovely sommelier was extremely stoked about our selections and gave us an overview of the wine each time. I'd say that definitely added so much to the drinking experience :) Food: first of all. you need to like seafood to have the best experience that Damian has to offer. The menu is seafood heavy which we loved! - Salmon tostada: the creamy salmon drenched in the fragrant house made hot sauce was perfection! We couldn't get enough of it - Carrot aguachile: don't be fooled by the name, we almost overlooked this dish thinking it was vegetarian but there were shrimps and scallops. Beautiful and bright - Tamal de ricotta: an elevated tamale, tasted like cornbread x tamale? delicious, you just gotta try for yourself - Pollito al pastor: the presentation was the dish was superb, from the carefully plated sliced pineapple to the scallion oil and freshly made tortillas. I wish we had room for dessert and a carijillo to end the meal! Next time... Shoutout to our server Francisco (who should be a voice actor if he isn't already lol). He was attentive, funny, and friendly. Francisco also told us about Ditroit (their back alley tequeria), I cannot wait to try! Hands down, Damian was one of the top meals I had this year! Will be back soon. read more

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Absolutely Amazing. I loved the ambiance, the incredible service and delicious food. Visited for Valentine's Day and although it was busy, service was excellent. The restaurant is very urban and beautiful. I can't wait to go back. read more

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Damian is my favorite Mexican restaurant in all of Los Angeles. It's located in arts district right across the street from bestia. They both share the same valet. They have an indoor area along with a patio in the back. We went on a Saturday night so the place got busy! The drinks and the food here are fantastic. If you only get one dish here make sure it's the salmon tostada! Highly Recommend: Salmon Tostada Kanpachi Ceviche Artichoke Huarache Ricotta Tamal Duck Carnitas Carne Asada Drinks: Clarified Picante Spicy Mezcal Mag Good But Not Great: Tlayuda Chocolate Cafe Mezcal Cake I will keep coming back to Damian it's that good! It might just be the best Mexican restaurant in the city! read more

Damian - Tlayuda - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Went for a date night with my boyfriend. This place is cute and very chill (aside from the crying baby there at 8 PM ). The food was delicious and my bf thoroughly enjoyed his mezcal paloma. We started with the salmon tostada and carrot aguachile - chunks of shrimp and scallop under shaved jicama and mango Then we had the tlayuda - a crisp tortilla topped with delicious shredded short rib and delicate purslane and squash blossom. Then grilled prawns, the ricotta tamal with fresh corn - so creamy and light - and the duck confit tacos from the happy hour menu. We finished with a slice of their chocolate, mezcal, and café torte, which is stellar and great for sharing because it's so rich. And they treated us to their special occasion tres leches cake since we were celebrating 14 years together. read more

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Absolute wonderful experience. My party of 4 sit down there at 7 pm and no one rushed us, we decided take our time to enjoy the incredible delicious food we ordered until almost 10 pm when we decided to leave. Every single dish was a feast of flavor. The service was great. Everything was fresh. The fish was extraordinary. The tortillas, the salsas, the dessert. One of the best high end restaurants I have experienced recently in LA. read more

Damian is worth every dollar you spend here. Every last one. I joined them for NYE. It was a busy night and their staff never missed a beat! Truly some of the best service Los Angeles has to offer is right here. We found street parking and wandered into this dimly lit gem. You are immediately transported to Mexico City with the dark lighting and elegance that ooozes out. You know immediately you are somewhere special. The bar program is smart. It's not overdone and there is something for everyone. I highly recommend the picante marg. It's clear and spicy! So good. Dinner? Just get it all! My faves were the branzino, steak, ceviche, and salmon tostada. The steak is beyond amazing! The $150 for the big boy 22oz was so worth it. And end your night with the grape swirl affogato! Damian is a standout and must try in your LA culinary journey. Grab a reservation and go! read more

What went well?! I tell you what went well .... Everything ! So let's get into it ... My mom, sister and I went out for a girls night , good food and good vibes was our only requirement. Well guess what - Damian said pull up! We're Serving both ; ) There was a little bit of a wait before we were seated but after that everything was timed perfectly . Our waiter was knowledgeable about the chef, food, and a bit of an historian when it came to Mexico City. The food spoke before we even took a bite--visually stunning plates followed by flavors that felt both nostalgic and exciting, all working seamlessly together. It was one of those meals where the presentation pulls you in, and the flavors convince you to stay. Just visit... You'll see and then You'll see ( wink wink) read more

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Great personable service with recommendations! Valet parking, and beautiful environment inside the restaurant. read more

Damian - Aguachile and tostadas - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Such an incredible experience with this place. Loved how they made the place look and minimalist and intimate. Made a reservation for Wednesday at 8:30 but we were 30 mins late and they still took us in even though kitchen last call was 9:15 so we tried our best to order and dine quickly. They do have a parking lot but I'm not sure if it's valet, there are plenty of street parking which we opted for. Their menu is very limited, we ordered the salmon tostada, Cesar tostada, carrot aguachile, kanpachi ceviche, pescado a la talla (branzino) , and the 22 oz prime ribeye medium rare. I also had their Margarita which was alright. But their food was phenomenal. everything was flavorful, light and fresh. Our family loved the aguachile and the salmon tostada so much we did a second round of it. Nothing was heavily spicy. For the branzino and steak they were accompanied by soft tortillas, pico, peppers, greens and mashed beans. Perfect combo to make tacos. Lastly we did order dessert it was a chocolate caramel cake topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Since I'm a dark chocolate lover this dessert was rich and dark, a slight hint of sweetness and the rum really brings out more bitterness of the chocolate. If you don't like overly sweets this dessert is perfect! Overall 10/10 recommend this place! I forgot to let our server know it was my sister's bday so when we sung her happy birthday within minutes they brought out another small tres leches cake with a candle for her! Amazing service to our server Jose and all the bussers there, they were very accommodating! read more

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The ambiance was dark and romantic, the food was incredible and the service was so warm and welcoming. Each dish was fresh, light delicate and I could eaten everything twice! My absolute favorite was dessert. Like a little sweet crunchy bites of heaven. I don't usually buy into the hype but that spot was everything and then more. read more

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Why did this lowkey hit... i was very nervous to try this spot bc it was giving tiny little dishes just to be fancy. They were tiny but actually really good quality and flavorful. The dishes are meant to be family style so u just share the small dishes w everyone. The tortillas... were so good... read more

Damian - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I loved my first visit to Damien! First off, the vibe of Damien is unmatched. I appreciated the low lightening, which gave it a cozy vibe and the intimate of energetic energy of the restaurant. It's the perfect spot for an intimate date night. My friend and I stopped here for a drink. She had been here been and raved about this place. While we weren't able to get a table since we didn't have reservations, we were able to get seats at the communal area and order from the menu. Service was great and our server was super friendly and personable. I wish I remembered his name but all three of us had great conversation which added to the visit. The drinks were outstanding and I can't wait to come back to try the food. Highly recommend! read more

Damian - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We had to scramble to a bank to get money to pay the valet ($13) plus tip, but we were able to before the reservation-Thank you! Damian is tucked away on a place filled with cars in the Arts District. Walk in to a welcoming atmosphere where we were greeted by the host and the bartenders. The Birthday girl selected her seat with the host and I sat across from her. Love the combination of greenery and concrete. The space is calming and clean. L started with the Mezcal Margarita (it was yum) but I was the driver so I went with the Palo Santo, which was Cucumber Yuzu- perfectly tart and not too sweet. I thought I could easily drink 5. The recommendation was to pick 1-2 dishes from each section and enjoy family style. We had the Kanapache Tostada to start. It came in a little bowl with the thinnest spices of radish, perfectly cut avocado and yellow tail and several tostadas on the side. The presentation was beautiful, we chose 2 items from the second section which was hot appetizers basically. We chose the prawns and the calamari with chorizo. They came with fresh corn tortillas. My favorite was the Calamari and was grateful I had taken L here and not my son, as we would have fought in a loving way over this dish. Finally we finished with the chicken which was recommended by our server. The scallion chili oil that went with the chicken- so good. L liked the other sauces so it worked. We had read other reviews about portions... Visually kinda small but we were full. We agreed if there was a next time we would only order 3. And yes we got dessert which was good but we were full. Full. They gave L a Tres Leches Cake with guava sorbet on top. We had just finished telling each other how growing up our parents bought a lot of the guava jiminex and at this point in our lives we both hate guava. The sorbet was very good but this Latina - not a fan. read more

Damian - Mango and yogurt soft serve, and Tres Leches Cake with Guava - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Recently had a business dinner here and enjoyed the food and service a lot. It is very pricy but upscale Mexican. The servers were very nice and they are efficient - constantly cleaning up and bringing new plates/silverware. I have several allergies which they were able to accommodate. I was able to enjoy the prawns, guac, carne asada and chicken. My table also enjoyed the ceviche (I just don't eat but could have) and artichokes. Valet parking is $13. Everything was very good. read more

Damian - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The food was excellent. We decided it's now our favorite Mexican food spot in downtown LA. The service was great and attentive. Loved the seafood dishes the most. And the chicken was incredibly good ! It's next door to bestia. And we went there the week before. I told my partner that I'd choose Damian over bestia any day. It's not as loud and the restaurant is very open design. read more

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Oh man, this place is for the RICH because it's severely overpriced. The space is dim and romantic and has a cute outside space that's brighter in the back. The service was okay. Amazing and charming host, but server seemed a bit distracted and disengaged. The food itself wasn't innovative to justify the price tag Salmon Tostada (28) - Great sauce, but because theres more tomato than actual fish, it shouldn't cost this much. For this price you should get two. Duck Carnitas (108) - We were excited to try this dish, but it was really just duck. A lot of duck meat with onions and toppings you would get for free at a taco truck (carrots, radish and peppers). The flavor itself was just duck and honestly, Chinese roasted duck tastes better at a fraction of the price. Is there a duck shortage In the arts district I don't know about? The good thing is that it was filling and tortilla refills were free. Thank goodness. Chocolate Cafe y Mezcal (19) - the bread was mush, but the ice cream was good. I have had better chocolate dessert for less tho. Missed the mark for me, but the Mezcal drizzle was unique. Wellness Benefits 4% was add and then taxed which is a pet peeve of mine. We shouldn't have to pay tax on this. I could be wrong, most people seem to LOVE Damian, but maybe that was the issue, I led me to expect more than was actually delivered. read more

Definitely on the expensive side. There's some street parking, though it doesn't feel the safest, so valet might be the move. The drinks were excellent, probably better than the food overall. A lot of the dishes leaned fusion, with some hits and misses. The guac wasn't worth the upsell, just standard with a few herbs. The standout was the fish, which was fresh and cooked perfectly, sourced locally from a shop in Sherman Oaks. Service: Professional and polished Food: Fusion menu with solid flavors, standout fish, average guac Ambiance: Upscale and modern, fits the fine dining price point 8/10 Great drinks and standout fish, but not every dish justifies the price read more

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Damian isn't just a restaurant--it's a revelation. Just do whatever it takes to eat here. Sell your car, trade in your crypto, pawn your blender--whatever it takes. This isn't dinner--it's divinity wrapped in a tortilla. Tucked into LA's Arts District, Damian is hands-down one of the best restaurants I've ever set foot in. This isn't dining--it's a full-blown spiritual awakening served with salsa. The food? Outrageous. Every dish is a fresh, mind-bending take on Mexican cuisine that fuses tradition with modern technique so seamlessly it feels like witchcraft. The salsas alone deserve their own religion. Smoky, spicy, luminous--each one smacks you like divine lightning. You don't just taste them, you ascend. The horchata? Creamy, balanced, so next-level it could negotiate world peace. This isn't a drink--it's a ceasefire in a glass. And the service is where Damian goes nuclear. Carlos, the manager, runs a crew so sharp it feels like the Navy SEALs of hospitality. He didn't just take care of us--he rolled out the red carpet and treated us like kings and queens. Warm, professional, and flawless without the attitude. It's the kind of service that makes you forget you're in a restaurant and convinces you you're at a coronation. A little history flex: Damian comes from Enrique Olvera, the culinary mastermind behind Pujol in Mexico City, one of the most acclaimed restaurants on earth. When Olvera brought his vision north, Damian became the LA flagship. This isn't "fusion"--it's evolution, Mexican cuisine hitting god mode. Forget Michelin stars--just give this place its own galaxy. The horchata belongs on the UN Security Council. Damian doesn't serve food, it serves spiritual upgrades. Damian is savage-level incredible. From the heavenly salsas to the mind-blowing horchata and the flawless service run by Carlos and his crew, it redefines what dining can be. It's not just one of the best meals I've had in LA--it's one of the best meals of my life. Period. read more

Beautiful restaurant in the arts district. We found street parking but they have valet available. I got the Paloma drink and it was refreshing. We ordered the ceviche, carrot aguachile, the garlic prawns, the branzino and the carne asada. They recommend family style dining and give you side tortillas/tostadas and salsas. Service was good and prompt and food was tasty. My favorite was the prawns and the branzino! Definitely on the pricier side, would recommend for a special occasion. read more

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This spot is such a hidden gem, definitely a romantic date night spot. I've visited 2 times and each time I've been impressed by service and food. As much as it's a hidden gem it's always busy . Definitely recommend having a reservation made and oh that branzino I can still taste it read more

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We went to Damian for a date night and had a great time. The ambience is beautiful--modern, chic, and very LA. The service was excellent, with super attentive staff who made sure we had a great experience. To start with, they gave us guacamole and other dipping sauces for their homemade chips. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the guacamole was nice and bright. Then we shared a few dishes, including the ceviche, prawns, and al pastor (which was actually chicken). But the real standout? The pineapple butter!!! I cousins had an entire tub! Absolutely delicious! Just a few notes: Food is on the pricier side, so just something to keep in mind. We didn't have alcohol, but the meal itself was solid. Parking is valet, though you can find street parking if you don't mind walking a bit. Overall, a trendy, upscale spot that's perfect for date night! read more

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