'Perched' above LaLaLand

LaLaLand’s endless options for amazing food makes it difficult to choose the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. So I began weeks in advance to plan this special dinner adventure. Perch LA is world renowned for having one of the best panoramic views and rooftops in LA, and a must go to when visiting. It is centrally located in downtown Los Angeles in the Pershing Square building atop the 13th floor. Walk up one flight of stairs from the main entrance of the restaurant and you will take in the breathless views of LA from their rooftop bar. Here you are treated to a 360-degree view of the Los Angeles skyline while enjoying one of their delicious craft cocktails. We decided to soak in the sunset lit backdrop with a cocktail before sitting down for dinner.

Protip: you have to make a reservation for this restaurant three weeks out, but it is definitely worth booking.

Lucky for us, we were able to snag a seat on one of the couches right in front of a firepit overlooking Perishing Square. The rooftop bar features live music at 7pm every night and on Friday and Saturday nights a DJ at 9pm. We went on a Friday night and the crowd was a mix between the grab a drink after work crowd and date night couples.

We made our way back down the stairs to a packed restaurant. We checked in with the hostess, but she said that our table would not be ready for 10-15mins. So we worked our way over to the bar. The inside of the restaurant is decorated with eclectic chairs, couches and tables allowing parties of differing sizes to be seated quite comfortably.

Protip: check in with the hostess 20 mins prior to your reservation so you don’t have to wait beyond your reservation

We were seated at this cute little table outside against the glass railing, allowing an unobstructed view of the skyline. We had dinner and a view…and I am not just talking about my date sitting across from me. February on a rooftop gets chilly for dinner, but the staff offered us blankets and had plenty of heaters to keep us warm.

We instantly ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare made with avocado, cucumber, ponzu and gyoza chips. The ahi was so fresh it will melt in your mouth, and had tons of flavor; It was the perfect size for us to share. Our server highly recommended the Moules which consisted of mussels, saffron & cherry tomatoes to place on crostini; but I am not a fan of mussels. He also suggested the Charcuterie plate which consisted of two cheeses and two cured meats, nuts, fruit, mustard and a raisin-walnut crostini. Being sensitive to lactose I unfortunately have to avoid the cheese plates... as much as I would loved to try it.

I ordered the pan roasted salmon that sat on a bed of smoked eggplant puree, vegetables and artichoke chips. Weston ordered the filet mignon topped with crab, which sat on top of a parsnip and potato puree, asparagus and mushroom sauce.

Salmon on eggplant puree & veggies

Filet with Crab

We created our own surf and turf by splitting the filet and salmon so we could have the best of both worlds (And it was worth it)! The food was just phenomenal. Each dish was perfectly seasoned and artistically plated. I would not have changed anything we ordered.

Perch is the perfect place to just grab drinks on their rooftop, celebrate a milestone or have a date night. Cheers!!!