DAMA Fashion District - Downtown LA Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant · Downtown Los Angeles ·
Modern Latin fare & cocktails in stylish, tropical environs
Modern Latin fare & cocktails in stylish, tropical environs
"Located in the City Market South development in a multi-level space that used to be a banana-distribution hub of Southern California, Dama is drop-dead gorgeous, with rattan patio chairs, neon banana-leaf wallpaper, and charming Spanish tilework. The focus is Latin-inspired cocktails that range from breezy and tropical to boozy and spirits-driven; all are beautifully presented and great fun to drink. Don't miss out on the perfect rendition of the classic Daiquiri." - Celeste Moure
"There are plenty of restaurants in warehouses in DTLA, but there aren’t many that will also make you feel like you’re in a colonial mansion on a tropical island. So Dama stands out, and while you can easily pretend you’re on vacation here, the food is much better than what you’d get in an island resort. We like to order a few of the smaller plates (and never skip the white bean dip), intersperse them with cocktails, and always leave room for the banana soft serve." - jess basser sanders, brant cox
"A dinner on Dama’s massive patio feels like you hopped on a plane, flew to the Caribbean, and are currently partaking in the beach vacation of your dreams. In reality, you’re in the middle of the Fashion District in Downtown, but Dama’s indoor/outdoor space is designed like a colonial mansion in Havana, making it seem like you’re a thousand miles away. As far as the food goes, expect Latin American-inspired dishes that are both fantastic and perfect for sharing with big groups. Be sure to get the whipped beans, crispy pork shank, and the banana sundae for dessert." - jess basser sanders, brant cox, brett keating
"Dinner on Dama’s massive patio feels like you hopped on a plane, flew to the Caribbean, and are currently partaking in the beach vacation of your dreams. In reality, you’re in the middle of the Fashion District in Downtown, but Dama’s indoor/outdoor space is designed like a mansion in Havana, making it seem like you’re a thousand miles away. As far as the food, expect well-made Latin dishes that are perfect for sharing. Be sure to get the whipped beans, crispy pork shank, and the banana sundae for dessert." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"If you eat out at restaurants mostly to pretend you’re on vacation (even if your last vacation was three years ago), drop what you’re doing and go to Dama in the Fashion District. A meal at this massive Latin American restaurant isn’t just a way to escape your daily stress hurricanes - it’s like driving to LAX, getting on a plane, and ending up in a remote beach town in Cuba. There’s a giant wrap-around patio, tile in every direction, and a wicker ceiling fan above your table that doubles as an ocean breeze after a few cocktails. It’s imperative the whipped beans, oxtail tacos, and banana split soft serve all make it on to table. Your vacation deserves them." - jess basser sanders, brant cox
