The best views of any city are from a high, vantage viewing point. Los Angeles offers one of the most glamorous playgrounds for tourists and locals. For those seeking a reprieve from the traffic and overwhelming buzz of the city, escape to one of the city’s best sky-high venues. There are an array of elegant, open-air rooftop bars and restaurants with full glass windows showcasing the City of Angels beyond and below. Here are five of our favorite spots to sip a creative cocktail, and gaze out at the colorful skyline and twinkling lights of Los Angeles.
Filifera
Offering stunning views of Hollywood, Filifera is a new rooftop bar and lounge on the 22nd story of Hollywood Proper Residences. Sit near the glowing pool at this ideal sunset hideaway, boasting an indoor bar and outdoor lounge. Take in the sweeping views of Los Angeles, including the iconic Capitol Records building, Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Located just a few blocks from the award-winning musical Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre, it’s an ideal venue to sip a specialty cocktail and nibble on a dry-aged burger, shaved fennel salad or housemade hummus with grilled bread before of after the stellar show. Cocktail highlights include a Bourbon Penthouse Passion, Tequila Some Like It Hot and Vodka Pretty in Pink. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Sora at the Wilshire Grand
The bustling streets of downtown Los Angeles are forgotten as you take an elevator up to the 70th floor inside the new, sleek and stylish Wilshire Grand Center. When the building opened in June 2017, it was lauded as the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Rising to 73 stories and 1,100 feet, the Wilshire Grand is the newest addition to the Los Angeles skyline. Christopher Martin, the architect and development manager, designed part of the multi-use high-rise for the 889-room InterContinental Hotel, occupying floors 31 through 68. Up on the 69th floor are two dining venues—an elegant Japanese restaurant, Sora, and Dekkadance, a market-to-table buffet dining area with views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. On a perfect day, Sora offers its guests breathtaking views of Dodgers Stadium, the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory. By day, Sora is an elegant omakase dining experience for lunch with three seating areas. Stools along the glass windows are behind a rolling conveyor belt parading plates of sushi covered in clear glass domes. Guests lift appealing plates right off the belt to enjoy. Another option is to sit at the sushi bar watching itamae (sushi chefs) precisely slice fish, prepare the perfect sushi rice, grate ginger and cut scallions to prepare hand rolls, nigiri and maki rolls. The last area is a narrow dining room with high-back booths alongside glass windows. It's a popular spot in the evening for couples seeking a romantic dinner, and a place to gaze out at the twinkling nighttime views.
Perch LA
Another downtown Los Angeles destination offering a picturesque setting, is up on the 15th and 16th floors of a historical building in the old bank district. The outdoor rooftop restaurant is perched high above the L.A. skyline. Guests must take two elevators to reach Perch LA, before sitting at tables on the patio with glass walls or near a roaring fireplace, creating a romantic and festive vibe. A three-piece band plays under a string of lights enhancing the ambiance. The menu features hors d’oeuvres, small plates and entrées with a French flair. The bar makes specialty cocktails with names like Penicillin, My Fair Lady and Hemingway on the Beach. The restaurant has a vibrant bar scene, especially after 9 p.m., when all guests must be 21 or older when the restaurant transforms into a social, evening destination.
The Penthouse Restaurant at Huntley Hotel
Beachside glamour with mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean are up on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel. Famed designer Thomas Schoos teamed up with executive chef Alex Manos to create a dramatic rooftop dining experience at The Penthouse Restaurant and lounge. Besides sweeping water views, there are beach cabanas for sipping signature craft cocktails made by resident mixologist Ryan Magarian, along with California contemporary cuisine that includes artisanal cured meats, short rib tacos and cheeseburger sliders. Be sure to visit the restrooms to take in a one-of-a-kind view experience.
The Rooftop by JG
Another crown jewel in Los Angeles is the new Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills with Jean-Georges Vongerichten arriving to the Golden State. The esteemed three-stars Michelin chef and James Beard award-winner Jean Georges offers a collection of his finest dishes from New York City and beyond. To enjoy The Rooftop by JG, locals and tourists take an elevator up to the outdoor rooftop to sip wine, champagne and cocktails while taking in the panoramic views of the Westside. It’s an ideal place to soak up the glamour and celebrity scene.
