Damian blew me away – hands down the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Every dish was creative, perfectly balanced, and full of flavor.
The service was outstanding: friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful with recommendations. The atmosphere is refined yet warm, with beautifully designed interiors that elevate the whole experience. An absolute must-visit in LA.
Dont miss grilled calamar and ceviche
Gray Stone
Had some great food at Damian! We came on a Friday night and the atmosphere was lively but still comfortable. I wouldn’t say it blew me out of the water the way Bestia does, but it’s definitely a solid upscale Mexican spot with high-quality ingredients and creative dishes. The service was friendly and attentive, and everything we ordered was well-executed. Overall, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for modern Mexican cuisine in a cool setting.
Robert January
I want them to get a Michelin star but the selfish fan in me wants to keep this place a secret.
I’m not into paying $200 plus for a meal but when I tell you everything was it to die for!
I want to go back and order everything that I didn’t get to try.
Carrot Aguachile 12/10 (my tastebuds were blown away, flawless dish)
Guacamole 8.5/10 ( they had a bed of fresh herbs on top of this fresh guac… I’ve never had mint with guacamole but it was delightful)
Tuna Tostada 10/10 ( that ant mayo and those tomatoes melted in my mouth… pause)
Branzino 10/10 ( this feeds two people and even the plating is minimalistic, don’t be confused… it’s amazing)
PuffPuff Smash
He loves to play with his handsome little hands in the background of the movie The Little Mermaid
william bumpus
Never a disappointment. And I love the new check holders. My only disappointment ever has been those shell type check holders. So I for one, really appreciate the new ones.
Paul Estuar
We had an amazing dinner for Father's Day at Damian. We brought along my 80-year old parents whose appetites and tastebuds have been formed by decades of Filipino food, so I was a little concerned about how they would do with a menu of elevated Mexican food in shareable plates. But long and short of it is they enjoyed their every bite. Their (our) favorites were the ceviche, the branzino, and the calamari with the fish chorizo. The seafood was incredibly fresh and bright, and the combination of flavors was surprising and a joy to consume. You can tell that a lot of thought and care had been put into each dish. The staff were uniformly welcoming and quietly professional. Hopefully their brunch service, which I thought to be one of the best at the time, will return soon. Parking is valet $13, cash or card.
jamie jones
Dishes were hit and miss. Wines by-the-glass missing a heavier red (to pair with food that generally needed bolder wine.) Appetizer - salmon tostada and ceviche (raw were a hit). Dinner - limited menu and no shrimp (we ate early so assume out all day), branzino okay (needed more seasoning of some sort), I don't eat meat so can't speak about the chicken or carne asada that was ordered - but they were not finished which was a bit of a sign and group was enthusiastic about ordering dessert. Desserts were all a miss flan (no taste heavy custard), chocolate cake, soft serve (good if you were able to get a few or the small amount of mangos in your bite.)
Nice atmosphere- challenging for a business dinner (6 people but didn't want booth seating).
Good service - sommelier knows the drink menu and [wine] bottles well. The wait staff was very attentive and watching for cues.
Wrote the manager an email about experience but no response (as of 10 days ago)
Kyle Lee
Always a great experience and awesome service
Saswat Patnaik
Second time here and everything is still as charming and delicious. They have nailed something with the decor and taste that puts you in a comfort zone immediately.
I can't put my finger on if it's the wicker partitions or the green decor or skylights which transport you out of arts district into somewhere far yet not foreign.
I really appreciate the concise menu. The chef did an incredible job taming diverse flavors into a harmonious meal. The brilliant idea of serving the sharable mains as tacos turned it into an instant family-style dinner..we ordered a few of the small plates and two main plates and walked out full. Do save room for dessert . The cocktails are delicious.
Sam Medina
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!
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.
Exceptional Modern Mexican Cuisine
Damian blew me away – hands down the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Every dish was creative, perfectly balanced, and full of flavor.
The service was outstanding: friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful with recommendations. The atmosphere is refined yet warm, with beautifully designed interiors that elevate the whole experience. An absolute must-visit in LA.
Dont miss grilled calamar and ceviche
Had some great food at Damian! We came on a Friday night and the atmosphere was lively but still comfortable. I wouldn’t say it blew me out of the water the way Bestia does, but it’s definitely a solid upscale Mexican spot with high-quality ingredients and creative dishes. The service was friendly and attentive, and everything we ordered was well-executed. Overall, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for modern Mexican cuisine in a cool setting.
I want them to get a Michelin star but the selfish fan in me wants to keep this place a secret.
I’m not into paying $200 plus for a meal but when I tell you everything was it to die for!
I want to go back and order everything that I didn’t get to try.
Carrot Aguachile 12/10 (my tastebuds were blown away, flawless dish)
Guacamole 8.5/10 ( they had a bed of fresh herbs on top of this fresh guac… I’ve never had mint with guacamole but it was delightful)
Tuna Tostada 10/10 ( that ant mayo and those tomatoes melted in my mouth… pause)
Branzino 10/10 ( this feeds two people and even the plating is minimalistic, don’t be confused… it’s amazing)
He loves to play with his handsome little hands in the background of the movie The Little Mermaid
Never a disappointment. And I love the new check holders. My only disappointment ever has been those shell type check holders. So I for one, really appreciate the new ones.
We had an amazing dinner for Father's Day at Damian. We brought along my 80-year old parents whose appetites and tastebuds have been formed by decades of Filipino food, so I was a little concerned about how they would do with a menu of elevated Mexican food in shareable plates. But long and short of it is they enjoyed their every bite. Their (our) favorites were the ceviche, the branzino, and the calamari with the fish chorizo. The seafood was incredibly fresh and bright, and the combination of flavors was surprising and a joy to consume. You can tell that a lot of thought and care had been put into each dish. The staff were uniformly welcoming and quietly professional. Hopefully their brunch service, which I thought to be one of the best at the time, will return soon. Parking is valet $13, cash or card.
Dishes were hit and miss. Wines by-the-glass missing a heavier red (to pair with food that generally needed bolder wine.) Appetizer - salmon tostada and ceviche (raw were a hit). Dinner - limited menu and no shrimp (we ate early so assume out all day), branzino okay (needed more seasoning of some sort), I don't eat meat so can't speak about the chicken or carne asada that was ordered - but they were not finished which was a bit of a sign and group was enthusiastic about ordering dessert. Desserts were all a miss flan (no taste heavy custard), chocolate cake, soft serve (good if you were able to get a few or the small amount of mangos in your bite.)
Nice atmosphere- challenging for a business dinner (6 people but didn't want booth seating).
Good service - sommelier knows the drink menu and [wine] bottles well. The wait staff was very attentive and watching for cues.
Wrote the manager an email about experience but no response (as of 10 days ago)
Always a great experience and awesome service
Second time here and everything is still as charming and delicious. They have nailed something with the decor and taste that puts you in a comfort zone immediately.
I can't put my finger on if it's the wicker partitions or the green decor or skylights which transport you out of arts district into somewhere far yet not foreign.
I really appreciate the concise menu. The chef did an incredible job taming diverse flavors into a harmonious meal. The brilliant idea of serving the sharable mains as tacos turned it into an instant family-style dinner..we ordered a few of the small plates and two main plates and walked out full. Do save room for dessert . The cocktails are delicious.
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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