Damian

The LA Link & Dine Restaurants - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Run by the chef behindCosmein NYC and Mexico City'sPujol, Damian is a fine dining spot in the Arts District that gives traditional Mexican ingredients a chic makeover: there's lobster al pastor with tart pineapple butter, a charred-until-crispy pescado a la brasa, and tostadas topped with caesar salad and uni. The food is stunning, but the back patio might be the most impressive part of your meal. Moody concrete walls and jungle-like plant arrangements frame the industrial space, which feels like a less stressful, non-dystopian version of Maze Runner." - Team Infatuation

The 18 Best Restaurants In Downtown Los Angeles - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Although Damian has a few famous siblings (the chef also runs Pujol in Mexico City and Cosme in NYC), this upscale Mexican restaurant is a star in its own right. It’s located in a pristine half-jungle, half-futuristic concrete slab in the Arts District where you’ll down uni tostadas, quesadillas filled with Swiss cheese, and the creamiest guacamole we’ve ever had. Damian is the perfect place to come with a couple of friends, sip cocktails infused with dill and absinthe, and celebrate something over rockfish ceviche." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park

"Housed within a repurposed warehouse with polished concrete, exposed brick and pendant lighting, Damian has that industrial chic look down pat, but add plush leather-covered chairs and loads of leafy green plants, plus an ever-popular terrace, and this Arts District denizen is a notch above.The menu speaks to a kitchen that is rooted in the nuances of Mexican cooking. While there may not be a right way to start a meal here, a delicious tamal de elote paired with a thirst-quenching cocktail is always a good idea. The uni tostada with a blue corn base topped with a generous pile of uni petals and a "Caesar salad" represents the kitchen's modern, subtle layering technique. Even the ever-traditional fish taco punches above its weight with precision and surprise." - Michelin Inspector

The Best Desserts in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"This local version of chef Enrique Olvera’s cornhusk meringue dessert gives a nod to the city’s love of jamaica. The popular hibiscus drink is found at Mexican restaurants and taco stands all over town. Damian’s meringue tastes properly tart while a fruity puree provides a sweet lift. It’s best enjoyed during the warm weather months on the covered patio in the Arts District." - Eater Staff

Where To Meet Up With Coworkers That Isn’t A Zoom Call - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"If your “coworker” is actually your boss, it’s time to make like Leonardo DiCaprio in 2010 and start incepting their brain with the idea to head to Damian. The Arts District restaurant (located right across the pathway from Bestia) isn’t casual by any means - you’ll definitely need to get a reservation, like, now, and be prepared to drop a few dollar signs. But the planning is well worth it - the outdoor patio they’ve got set up is beautiful and serene, a modern mix of concrete walls and jungle-like plant arrangements that’ll make you feel like you’re in a less stressful, non-dystopian version of Maze Runner. The menu is filled with Mexican dishes, many of which are borrowed from the chef’s other restaurants, Cosme in NYC and Mexico City’s Pujol, including smoked clams with cucumbers, fish tempura tacos, and an extra-smoky pescado a la brasa served with tortillas. All in all, this is a great place to show your coworker that you’re still the nice and normal person they remember from a year ago, and definitely didn’t spend all of 2020 becoming one with your bed." - kat hong