Damian! Damian! Damian! What an absolute masterpiece of a restaurant. From the food to the service to the ambiance, everything here is truly exceptional!
After my friend’s well-deserved promotion, I wanted to celebrate in style and treat her to the best Mexican restaurant in Downtown LA. Damian did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality, and the attention to detail in both the food and service was evident throughout our meal.
We kicked off our dining experience with some refreshing cocktails—expertly crafted and perfectly balanced. To start, we had the guacamole and ceviche, both of which were incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. The ceviche, in particular, was a standout, with bright citrus notes that complemented the delicate seafood beautifully.
For the main course, we opted for the branzino, which was cooked to absolute perfection. The fish was flaky, tender, and infused with incredible flavors, making every bite a delight. And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, we ended on a high note with a decadent dessert. Every dish was not only beautifully plated but also packed with layers of flavor that showcased the chefs’ creativity and expertise.
The ambiance at Damian is elegant yet inviting, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or just a night out to indulge in world-class Mexican cuisine. I can’t wait to come back and explore more of the menu—this place is truly a gem!
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Ceviche, Fish
Erick Trevino
While the food is definitely pricey, it is well worth it. Damian explores traditional Mexican dishes and elevates them to the point where I felt I was rediscovering flavors I grew up with. The Salmon Tostado was sweet and savory, but the Cesar Tostada was unlike anything I've tried. The Duck Carnitas, while being the priciest thing on the menu, is worth a try. The waiter let us know it had been aged for over 7 days, and you can feel it as soon as you dip your fork into the tender meat. I hadn't tasted anything like it before.
I also got a Paloma cocktail that wasn't all that special, and I have tried better Palomas for half the price. The lighting was also just a tad bit too dark.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Keith Richman
WOW! Dining at Damien was nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant has an incredible ambiance that perfectly balances modern elegance with a relaxed, inviting feel. We had the Hibiscus Agua Fresca, guacamole, Huarache, Tlayuda, Pollito al Pastor, and Carne Asada- each dish was perfectly balanced, rich in flavor, and beautifully presented. The Pollito al Pastor with the pineapple butter was especially outstanding, and the Carne Asada with the shishito peppers was some of the best we’ve had. The service was amazing, and big thanks to the GM Carlos who even gave my daughter a tour of the kitchen! Every detail made our experience unforgettable and Damian is a must-visit for anyone who loves elevated Mexican cuisine. We’ll definitely be back!
Overpriced. Meat overcooked, guacamole was insipid. Service is good, quality of the food is lacking. Drinks ok Unfortunate given the prices...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Ceviche
Austin Wickwire
A bit tricky to find at night since it’s tucked away in an alley. We actually ended up at the restaurant across the way first by mistake, and the valet was pretty rude—which didn’t make for the best first impression. Valet is $13.
Once inside, the service was excellent. I brought my 4-month-old, and they seated us in a spacious booth without me even having to ask, which I really appreciated. The ambiance was lively, though the music was a little too loud for my taste.
As for the food, it was good but not particularly special for the price. The duck confit was the standout—tender, flavorful, and truly memorable. Everything else was enjoyable, but for the cost, I’ve had better meals elsewhere in a more convenient location.
Overall, it was a great experience with wonderful service, but I wouldn’t necessarily return. There are better options that feel more worth it for the price.
Parking: Valet parking and there's a parking garage for flat rate of $10 in the adjacent alley
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Al Pastor
Katie Vernoy
Everything was good, but there were a couple dishes that didn't live up to their price point - most notably the duck carnitas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Magnan
Really great food, good service and ambiance. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, the duck in particular was amazing. 10/10 would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Al Pastor, Ceviche, Fish Tartar
Evelyn Puentes
Love the dining area, dim lighting. Nice for a sit down casual dinner. Service was excellent. Some dishes I think need modifications but other than that, it was delicious. Love the 3 salsa they offer to try and served with tostadas on the side. Pricy for the quantity of food it's servcing.
Kid-friendliness: It is, but would not recommend bringing children. Especially if they are not picky with food.
If you have been to Mexico City and eaten at Pujol, then you will love this place. Very much a Mexico City vibe. Food is delicious. Will be back! The salmon tostada is 🔥🔥🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven Pastores
Solid Mexican restaurant in the Arts District. We sampled the shrimp, guacamole, squid, and ceviche. Squid were a bit salty but everything else was delicious. The salsas for the tortillas were spicy but tasty. Excellent service as they checked up on us frequently and were generous with the tortillas. We were mistakenly brought another tables’ drinks which were comped. Overall a good experience just a bit pricey.
This exclusive and well lit space provides the best Mexican fusion cuisine. It has kind hostesses which one would not expect and the most masterful mixologist GRACE our bartender who made the best twist on our beloved ranch waters. Thank you for such a great evening even if it was an upscale tequila driven blur. We will be back to support your wonderful chefs soon! Gracias!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus Huarache, Tamal De Elote, Ceviche, Carne Asada, Fish Tempura Taco
Jenny
This corn tamale was the best thing I ate here! but I didn’t like the meringue
Alex C
Love the Carne asada and guac.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fernando Vargas
I celebrated my 35th birthday at Damian and WOW! What a culinary experience. My friends and I were delighted with every dish. The food was delicious and the service exceptional. I recommend the tlayuda and the steak. Even the chicken with pastor was super juicy. Definitely, I will be coming back to try more dishes and to enjoy the atmosphere.
The flavors are traditional and feel familiar, but they are presented with a fresh take. We had fun ordering a variety of entrees, sharing them, and eating with our hands. Loved all the food, they have done an exceptional job of fine tuning each dish to its best.
We had the Guava mocktail along with other drinks the bartender made off menu.
The popcorn ice cream and hibiscus meringue with cream were delicious. Both were great, but the meringue was very unique and of course scrumptious!
Service is top notch, everyone kept coming by and topping off our water, changing our plates, switching out our napkins, and tucking in our chair if we got up to use the bathroom. Everyone was very friendly.
Dietary restrictions: They are mindful of asking you at the beginning if you have any and make sure to let you know if anything you’re ordering has those items in it.
Parking: $13 for valet and shared with Bestia
Kid-friendliness: Not oriented towards kids but they’d enjoy the lighthearted atmosphere
Damian! Damian! Damian! What an absolute masterpiece of a restaurant. From the food to the service to the ambiance, everything here is truly exceptional!
After my friend’s well-deserved promotion, I wanted to celebrate in style and treat her to the best Mexican restaurant in Downtown LA. Damian did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality, and the attention to detail in both the food and service was evident throughout our meal.
We kicked off our dining experience with some refreshing cocktails—expertly crafted and perfectly balanced. To start, we had the guacamole and ceviche, both of which were incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. The ceviche, in particular, was a standout, with bright citrus notes that complemented the delicate seafood beautifully.
For the main course, we opted for the branzino, which was cooked to absolute perfection. The fish was flaky, tender, and infused with incredible flavors, making every bite a delight. And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, we ended on a high note with a decadent dessert. Every dish was not only beautifully plated but also packed with layers of flavor that showcased the chefs’ creativity and expertise.
The ambiance at Damian is elegant yet inviting, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or just a night out to indulge in world-class Mexican cuisine. I can’t wait to come back and explore more of the menu—this place is truly a gem!
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Ceviche, Fish
While the food is definitely pricey, it is well worth it. Damian explores traditional Mexican dishes and elevates them to the point where I felt I was rediscovering flavors I grew up with. The Salmon Tostado was sweet and savory, but the Cesar Tostada was unlike anything I've tried. The Duck Carnitas, while being the priciest thing on the menu, is worth a try. The waiter let us know it had been aged for over 7 days, and you can feel it as soon as you dip your fork into the tender meat. I hadn't tasted anything like it before.
I also got a Paloma cocktail that wasn't all that special, and I have tried better Palomas for half the price. The lighting was also just a tad bit too dark.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
WOW! Dining at Damien was nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant has an incredible ambiance that perfectly balances modern elegance with a relaxed, inviting feel. We had the Hibiscus Agua Fresca, guacamole, Huarache, Tlayuda, Pollito al Pastor, and Carne Asada- each dish was perfectly balanced, rich in flavor, and beautifully presented. The Pollito al Pastor with the pineapple butter was especially outstanding, and the Carne Asada with the shishito peppers was some of the best we’ve had. The service was amazing, and big thanks to the GM Carlos who even gave my daughter a tour of the kitchen! Every detail made our experience unforgettable and Damian is a must-visit for anyone who loves elevated Mexican cuisine. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tlayuda, Pineapple Butter, Guacamole, Carne Asada
Overpriced. Meat overcooked, guacamole was insipid. Service is good, quality of the food is lacking. Drinks ok
Unfortunate given the prices...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Ceviche
A bit tricky to find at night since it’s tucked away in an alley. We actually ended up at the restaurant across the way first by mistake, and the valet was pretty rude—which didn’t make for the best first impression. Valet is $13.
Once inside, the service was excellent. I brought my 4-month-old, and they seated us in a spacious booth without me even having to ask, which I really appreciated. The ambiance was lively, though the music was a little too loud for my taste.
As for the food, it was good but not particularly special for the price. The duck confit was the standout—tender, flavorful, and truly memorable. Everything else was enjoyable, but for the cost, I’ve had better meals elsewhere in a more convenient location.
Overall, it was a great experience with wonderful service, but I wouldn’t necessarily return. There are better options that feel more worth it for the price.
Parking: Valet parking and there's a parking garage for flat rate of $10 in the adjacent alley
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Al Pastor
Everything was good, but there were a couple dishes that didn't live up to their price point - most notably the duck carnitas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great food, good service and ambiance. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, the duck in particular was amazing. 10/10 would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Al Pastor, Ceviche, Fish Tartar
Love the dining area, dim lighting. Nice for a sit down casual dinner. Service was excellent. Some dishes I think need modifications but other than that, it was delicious. Love the 3 salsa they offer to try and served with tostadas on the side. Pricy for the quantity of food it's servcing.
Kid-friendliness: It is, but would not recommend bringing children. Especially if they are not picky with food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ceviche, Carne Asada, Salmon Tostada
If you have been to Mexico City and eaten at Pujol, then you will love this place. Very much a Mexico City vibe. Food is delicious. Will be back! The salmon tostada is 🔥🔥🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Solid Mexican restaurant in the Arts District. We sampled the shrimp, guacamole, squid, and ceviche. Squid were a bit salty but everything else was delicious. The salsas for the tortillas were spicy but tasty. Excellent service as they checked up on us frequently and were generous with the tortillas. We were mistakenly brought another tables’ drinks which were comped. Overall a good experience just a bit pricey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This exclusive and well lit space provides the best Mexican fusion cuisine. It has kind hostesses which one would not expect and the most masterful mixologist GRACE our bartender who made the best twist on our beloved ranch waters. Thank you for such a great evening even if it was an upscale tequila driven blur. We will be back to support your wonderful chefs soon! Gracias!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus Huarache, Tamal De Elote, Ceviche, Carne Asada, Fish Tempura Taco
This corn tamale was the best thing I ate here! but I didn’t like the meringue
Love the Carne asada and guac.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I celebrated my 35th birthday at Damian and WOW! What a culinary experience. My friends and I were delighted with every dish.
The food was delicious and the service exceptional. I recommend the tlayuda and the steak. Even the chicken with pastor was super juicy.
Definitely, I will be coming back to try more dishes and to enjoy the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tlayuda, Octopus Huarache, Guacamole
The flavors are traditional and feel familiar, but they are presented with a fresh take. We had fun ordering a variety of entrees, sharing them, and eating with our hands. Loved all the food, they have done an exceptional job of fine tuning each dish to its best.
We had the Guava mocktail along with other drinks the bartender made off menu.
The popcorn ice cream and hibiscus meringue with cream were delicious. Both were great, but the meringue was very unique and of course scrumptious!
Service is top notch, everyone kept coming by and topping off our water, changing our plates, switching out our napkins, and tucking in our chair if we got up to use the bathroom. Everyone was very friendly.
Dietary restrictions: They are mindful of asking you at the beginning if you have any and make sure to let you know if anything you’re ordering has those items in it.
Parking: $13 for valet and shared with Bestia
Kid-friendliness: Not oriented towards kids but they’d enjoy the lighthearted atmosphere
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, on floor level
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Ceviche, Carne Asada
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