17 Dec Please The Palate Pick of the Week: Cara Cara Rooftop Restaurant at The Proper Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles

When friends told me they were coming to Los Angeles for the weekend and said they wanted to meet for lunch, I wanted to pick a place that was as visually pleasing as it was delicious. The first place that came to mind is Cara Cara, the rooftop restaurant at The Proper Hotel in downtown LA. Sitting on the 15th floor with sweeping 360-degree city views, it is no wonder that Cara Cara has been named “Best Hotel Rooftop 2022” by Angeleno Magazine, one of “15 Rooftop Bars with Incredible LA Views” by Eater LA, and one of “The Best New Patios in LA” by The Infatuation. And Cara Cara, with its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, friendly service, and great views, is the Please The Palate pick of the week.

The Proper Hotel Downtown LA is located in a historic 1920s building on South Broadway at 11th Street. After a modern makeover, the hotel opened in 2021.

Inside the hotel, there are two restaurants, Caldo Verde on the ground floor and Cara Cara on the rooftop. Both restaurants are managed by restauranteurs and partners Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne.

It is impossible to get a bad seat on the rooftop. The views are unobstructed and provide sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles and beyond. It is an ideal space for al fresco dining.

Chef Suzanne Goin has created a fresh and flavorful menu filled with seasonal California ingredients. The great thing about the menu is that all of the dishes are easy to share.

Seafood Ceviche with salsa huacaina, avocado, lime

Quinoa Fritters with feta, tahini, cherry tomatoes

Scottish Salmon with cauliflower couscous, ginger chutney

Roasted Pear Focaccia with fromage blanc, caramelized shallots, chiriboga blue

Spiced Pork Ribs with glazed apples, fennel salad, champagne vinegar

These vibrant dishes each had much flavor, emphasizing the freshness and purity of the ingredients. We enjoyed our dishes with a lovely Chablis from the wine list that was curated by Caroline Styne. And, the service was exceptionally friendly.

Cara Cara was the perfect spot to take out-of-town friends! Great food, amazing views, a comfortable setting, and great service, it was a lovely afternoon that should how great Los Angeles is!