Damian

“Damian was such a memorable experience from beginning to end. The atmosphere was beautiful, inviting, and clearly very carefully put together. Every part of the restaurant felt thoughtful, from the overall design to the presentation of the food and drinks. You can really tell that a lot of care goes into creating the full experience, not just the menu. The drinks were awesome and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the meal. They were balanced, interesting, and felt just as intentional as everything else. The guacamole was also really good—fresh, flavorful, and a perfect way to start. Even something that seems simple felt elevated and well executed. One thing I think is worth mentioning is that the portions are on the smaller side, which is pretty normal for fine dining, so that was not surprising. Even so, the food was still very filling, and by the end of the meal I felt satisfied. It was one of those places where the portions may look smaller at first, but everything is rich and thoughtfully prepared, so it comes together well. What stood out most to me was the attention to detail. Nothing felt random or rushed. The flavors, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the overall presentation all worked together in a way that made the meal feel special. It is the kind of place that feels perfect for a nice night out, a celebration, or just for anyone who really enjoys restaurants that care about the full dining experience. I would definitely recommend Damian to anyone visiting Los Angeles or looking for a restaurant that offers more than just a meal. It felt like a full experience, and that is what made it stand out. Here’s a second version that sounds a little more natural and personal in case you want that tone instead:”

“I visited Damian in DTLA for the first time and was immediately impressed by the atmosphere. The space is stylish, upscale, and thoughtfully designed, creating a refined yet welcoming environment. The service was attentive and polished without feeling overly formal, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. The cocktail program was also excellent—each drink was well-balanced and beautifully crafted. For my first visit, I opted to leave the menu in the hands of the kitchen, and it turned out to be a great decision. Every dish that came out was thoughtfully prepared, showcasing both creativity and strong technique. There was a clear sense of cohesion throughout the meal, and each course felt intentional. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience, combining great food, strong cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere. A place I would happily return to.”

“My husband's Chef was friends with this restaurant Chef when they lived in mexico. So we were all very excited to make reservations and try this place during our visit to LA. We ordered a ton of dishes to share, the artichoke appetizer and the Savory duck were my two favorites! I typically don't like Duck but the way this is grilled and prepared and flavored was so amazing! We loved the duck so much we ordered a second one for the table! I don't think you really could go wrong we ordered a number of dishes and each one came with a really unique and complimentary flavor palette. We also ordered a variety of a deserts. The restaurant is dark and Chic yet alive. This is a great spot to go with friends or even for a date night. So glad we got the chance to eat here during our visit to LA!”

“Went for a date night with my boyfriend. This place is cute and very chill (aside from the crying baby there at 8 PM 😭). The food was delicious and my bf thoroughly enjoyed his mezcal paloma. We started with the salmon tostada and carrot aguachile - chunks of shrimp and scallop under shaved jicama and mango Then we had the tlayuda - a crisp tortilla topped with delicious shredded short rib and delicate purslane and squash blossom. Then grilled prawns, the ricotta tamal with fresh corn - so creamy and light - and the duck confit tacos from the happy hour menu. We finished with a slice of their chocolate, mezcal, and café torte, which is stellar and great for sharing because it's so rich. And they treated us to their special occasion tres leches cake since we were celebrating 14 years together.”

“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.”