Cara Cara at Downtown LA Proper

“Cara Cara is a breathtaking find. From the moment we walked in and we’re greeted. It was an exceptional experience. Our lovely server was amazing . The cocktails were divine. We had the lychee martini, old-fashioned and a colada drink. They were unique and delicious and presented beautifully. The food was also delicious, aesthetically and beautifully served. We enjoyed everything and everyone. The ambience, the view the weather, the service of the team. Highly recommend enjoying this experience! in life you pay for what you get. At Cara Cara, you got more than you could ask for to celebrate life. 🎉🤩🎉”

“I was really excited to try Cara Cara, but the experience started off on a disappointing note. The host, Rodrigo, came across as rude and dismissive from the beginning. He made the check-in process feel unnecessarily uncomfortable. When asked if we were guest at the hotel, we provided our room number and confirmed our name. He mentioned a random phone number that wasn’t ours, which added to the confusion and tension. Thankfully, Franco recognized us from earlier that day and greeted us warmly, immediately putting us at ease. Shortly after, Andrew, the manager, came by to check on us. When I shared what happened, he handled it professionally, was attentive, and made sure we felt heard. His approach truly turned the experience around. The food was exceptional and beautifully presented, which helped redeem the experience. However, first impressions matter, and Rodrigo’s behavior as the first point of contact was disappointing and should be addressed. If it weren’t for Andrew stepping in, this would have been a much lower rating.”

“Dining at Cara Cara feels like stepping into a rooftop sanctuary suspended above Downtown Los Angeles. The design is deliberate organic elements, architectural shelving, and warm lighting create a refined yet welcoming mood. What impressed me most was the cohesion between atmosphere and service; nothing felt accidental. Even simple dishes, like the burger and fries, were elevated by presentation and environment. The cocktail program clearly prioritizes quality, with visible care in preparation and ingredient selection. The space manages to be stylish without feeling performative. It is equally suited for an intimate dinner or a lively rooftop gathering. In a city saturated with rooftop concepts, Cara Cara distinguishes itself through restraint and thoughtful design.”

“This is the kind of rooftop restaurant that makes Downtown Los Angeles so popular. It has a wonderful atmosphere, open space, stunning views in every direction, and a very pleasant energy. The bar deserves special praise: excellent cocktails and friendly bartenders who clearly love their work. The menu isn't extensive, but it has everything you need. I chose the lamb ribs. And that's where a small gastronomic adventure began. When the dish arrived, it seemed as if the chef was testing me to see if I could distinguish lamb ribs from charcoal. If this was a test, congratulations, I succeeded! The ribs were so overcooked they could have been barbecue charcoal. I informed the waiter, and literally five minutes later I received a new order—this time of the magnificent, juicy, and delicious lamb ribs I'd expected from the start. But the evening didn't stop there. My friend ordered a burger and received a charred patty. Luckily, the waitress quickly came to the rescue again and replaced everything without asking any questions. It was at that moment that it became clear that the restaurant truly cares about its guests. The manager didn't want to leave us disappointed and offered us any desserts free of charge. This approach is commendable. Mistakes happen in any restaurant, but not everyone can correct them so professionally and with such a sincere desire to make the guest happy. In the end, we left full, satisfied, and smiling. We left the charcoal for the chef. We'll definitely be back!”

“I've given over a week ato let my thought settle before reviewing. I'm torn as my only negative is our server. No rooftop view or food can change the way you are made to feel. It wasn't just us when a nearby table made a comment "good luck" when trying to get our server, Tony, to come back to finish placing our order and another table with a similar comment when we needed a pen from our server who avoided us for 15+ min after our check was tossed on our table. The food here.. 5 STARS!!! Other staff ... 5 STARS!! So welcoming and friendly like the entire hotel staff. Our server Tony was 2 stars as he started off ok but ran away mid order thinking it was the loud music and did get drinks delivered very quickly. When he returned with drinks my son was able to finish menu his order that was missed. Tony did explain the small kitchen and items would arrive at different times.. all good and things came out quicker and in sync more than expected. Allergies were noted and accommodated so that was appreciated. After food was delivered and we had time to enjoy our meal, the manager (I presume) was welcoming and interested in asking how we enjoyed our meal. It was all wonderful and told him so.. once he left however, it was as though we didn't exist or were of little importance. Tony came back and tossed the check on the table and turned away quickly, never stopping to see if we actually needed anything else. Had to get his attention to order dessert. My son ordered the strawberry cheesecake bar and I ordered an espresso martini.. this wasn't on the menu and I would NOT recommend an espresso martini. One of my favorite drinks I've had from MANY places. This one was all VERY strong espresso. It looked like a martini but there was NO sweetness of vanilla, chocolate or any other sweet flavor. There was no smooth finish of vodka... literally very harsh espresso with nothing else. I put it to the side hoping our server would come back. My son finished his dessert entirely and we waited... and waited. My drink sat full on the side of the table and Tony tossed our check down without question and turned to run away. I had to nearly chase after him to get his attention when I explained my drink was not good and just wanted it removed from my bill. He asked if I wanted them to remake it and I said no, I wasn't even sure it was the drink I ordered. He did have it removed but literally came back with the check and tossed it on the table and ran away quickly again without a pen so we couldn't sign to our room and leave. It dragged painfully on and on ruining what could have been an amazing experience. My son had to finally get up and ask for a pen which Tony gave him with no words and seemed annoyed. So odd and lacking in hospitality. Is this normal at an upscale restaurant to not care if your customers are satisfied? Coming from the Bay Area and dining at other upscale restaurants I just haven't ever felt "less than" like I did here. I sill left 20% but Tony, I am a 30-50% tipper and you judged us wrong. We may not have been in sequins and tux's after coming off an 8 hour drive and in comfort clothes, but deserved better. Serving is a demanding job, and I appreciate hardworking hospitality professionals as I was once one in my younger years. Customer interactions significantly impact a guest's experience and a server that is dismissive or unfriendly does not reflect the level of service I would expect from a business with such a great atmosphere. Food: -Cara Cara chopped salad - honestly best salad I've had anywhere hands down.. flavor, crunch, zest -Golden Hour Burger for son commented on how juicy and flavorful it was even cooked Med-well -Truffle Mac n cheese was the item that didn't get ordered as Tony ran away too quickly, but was ok. Was drier than expected and not as creamy and cheesy as expected. -Ragu tomato pizza had a most light and flavorful crust, my son loved it more than I did so he finished it as the tomato sauce was a bit much for me and I was more than happy to keep to my chopped salad”