Top 10 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Los Angeles

Sitting above the Hollywood & Highland complex, this rooftop offers unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign alongside surprisingly solid food and craft cocktails. The Hollywood Hills Margarita—made with fresh jalapeño and blood orange—has become their calling card, spicy and sweet with that perfect rim salt. While the Madame Tussauds connection might suggest tourist trap, locals know this spot for pre-show drinks before hitting the Pantages or El Capitan. The sunset photo ops are genuinely spectacular, especially if you time it right during golden hour when the Hollywood Sign practically glows.

Hidden atop the Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Roof Garden is Beverly Hills' best-kept rooftop secret, offering hotel-quality service in an intimate garden setting. Their Afternoon Tea service is legendary—tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries served amid twinkling lights and potted olive trees. This is peak Beverly Hills elegance without the pretension, attracting a sophisticated crowd for special lunches, quiet celebrations, or that quintessentially LA power breakfast. The space feels like a private estate garden, making it perfect for when you want to impress without the scene.

Perched in the Verdugo Mountains above Burbank, Castaway delivers jaw-dropping valley views with old-school LA glamour and surprisingly solid food. The Prime Rib dinner is their Friday-Saturday special, served with Yorkshire pudding and all the classic accompaniments—it's the dish that's kept families coming back since 1963. This is where Burbank celebrates graduations, anniversaries, and promotions, with a sprawling patio that accommodates large parties without feeling cramped. The ratings don't lie—over 10,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars means consistent quality and service that handles crowds with grace.

This Santa Monica stunner brings Italian coastal vibes to the rooftop with whitewashed walls, lush greenery, and an airy terrace that catches the perfect ocean breeze. The Branzino al Sale—whole Mediterranean sea bass baked in salt crust and filleted tableside—is pure theater and even purer flavor, flaky and perfectly seasoned. Élephante attracts a chic Venice/Santa Monica crowd, from influencers to entertainment industry folks, especially during their weekday happy hour. The vibe walks the line between sophisticated and beach-casual, so you can wear that linen shirt with confidence.

Tucked atop the Kimpton Everly Hotel on Wilshire, Videre offers a more intimate rooftop experience with Mid-City skyline views and a neighborhood feel that's refreshingly unpretentious. Their Espresso Martini has achieved cult status among Miracle Mile locals—velvety, perfectly balanced, and served ice-cold. The small plates menu leans Mediterranean with standouts like grilled octopus and burrata, making it ideal for couples seeking a romantic evening without the scene. The heated cabanas are clutch for cooler evenings, and the service feels genuinely warm rather than transactional.

This Santa Monica rooftop channels French Riviera energy with ocean breezes, rosé on tap, and a crowd that's here to see and be seen. The Lavender Lemon Drop is their signature pour—floral, tart, and dangerously drinkable—while the food menu covers upscale bar bites perfect for sharing. Come for sunset (arrive early to snag a prime spot) and stay as the space transitions from airy restaurant to buzzing nightclub with DJ sets on weekends. It's ideal for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or anyone who wants their dinner with a side of nightlife energy.

Soaring above Downtown on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower, this is fine dining with altitude—literally the highest restaurant on the West Coast. Chef Vartan Abgaryan's contemporary American menu changes seasonally, but the Wagyu Beef presentation is a constant showstopper, prepared tableside with theatrical flair. The 360-degree views span from the Pacific to the San Gabriels, making this the ultimate special occasion destination for anniversaries, proposals, or sealing that big deal. Dress code enforced, reservations essential, and yes, it's worth every penny for the experience.

Crowning the Proper Hotel in Downtown's Broadway corridor, Cara Cara serves California-Mediterranean plates with a side of Arts District cool. The space feels like a stylish friend's rooftop party—approachable but curated, with string lights, comfortable seating, and a carefully crafted cocktail list that changes seasonally. Try their wood-fired pizzas, particularly the Burrata & Prosciutto, which arrives blistered and bubbling from the oven with perfectly charred crust. It's a fantastic choice for groups who can't agree on a vibe—casual enough for sneakers, polished enough for a celebration.

This Downtown gem channels 1920s Parisian rooftop gardens with wrought-iron fixtures, string lights, and bistro fare that punches well above its mid-range price point. The French onion soup here is the stuff of legend—crusty, gooey, and worth the inevitable cheese pull photo—while the moules frites transport you straight to Montmartre. Perch draws an eclectic mix of date-nighters, downtown professionals, and tourists who've done their homework, especially during their generous happy hour. Book ahead for weekend evenings; this is one of LA's worst-kept secrets with the Yelp reviews to prove it.

Perched atop the Wilshire in Beverly Hills, this sprawling rooftop offers sweeping views from Century City to the Hollywood Hills without the stuffiness of typical 90210 haunts. The poolside atmosphere makes it ideal for weekend brunch groups or after-work cocktails, with fire pits keeping things cozy once the sun dips below the skyline. Unlike many Beverly Hills spots, the vibe here is decidedly relaxed—think lounge chairs and craft cocktails rather than power lunches. Their Aperol Spritz is legendary among locals, served perfectly chilled with a generous orange slice that practically begs for a sunset photo.