Dine with a View: Circa’s Favorite Rooftop Oases

Soar over the cityscape and dine with a view on DTLA’s glamorous rooftop oases. Enjoy craft cocktails, chef-driven menus, and shareable dishes served high in the sky at iconic venues, such as LEVEL 8, Cabra at The Hoxton, Cara Cara at Downtown LA Proper Hotel, LA Cha Cha Chá, and Perch. Some of our favorite rooftop spaces are also offering festive summer events, including pool parties, DJ sounds, vintage markets, and dive-in movie nights, many not far from Circa. Whatever your vibe, there’s an elevated table waiting for you. Check websites for hours and reservations.


LEVEL 8 Golden Hour rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Golden Hour at LEVEL 8 AC/Moxy, 1254 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Perched high above the pulse of Downtown LA, Golden Hour is where the city comes to exhale. Nestled atop the Moxy at Level 8, you’ll find a rooftop pool and bar experience that blends sun-soaked leisure with late-night energy. Start at the iconic rotating carousel bar, where every spin offers a fresh perspective and a perfectly balanced drink. Then retreat to a poolside cabana for the best views in town, as you sip craft cocktails by world-class mixologist Juan Martinez.

LEVEL 8 Golden Daze Pool Parties rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Golden Daze Pool Parties LEVEL 8 AC/Moxy, 1254 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

By day, Golden Hour is your hideaway in the sky; a place to swim, sip, and soak in panoramic views of the cityscape. This summer, Golden Hour is hosting two weekly pool parties: Sunset Sessions, featuring house music on Fridays from 5pm-10pm; and Golden Daze on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm-10pm. As the sun dips low, the vibe shifts and Golden Hour glows into a nightlife escape where DJs spin, cocktails flow, and golden memories are made under the stars.

Broken Shaker at Freehand rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Market Freehand Los Angeles, 416 W 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA  90014

Vintage aficionados take note! Freehand Los Angeles hosts a Rooftop Market at Broken Shaker rooftop bar and pool deck on the first Sunday of every month. Taking place from noon to 4pm, the Rooftop Market supports small businesses and features a selection of jewelry, vintage clothing and other one-of-a-kind items.

InterContinental Hotel rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Dive-in Movie Nights InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, 900 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA  90017

Splash, relax, and enjoy the show! Bring the whole crew for Dive-In Movie Nights at the pool, featuring your favorite flicks and snacks under the stars. Dive-In Movie Nights are held on the seventh-floor pool deck every other Friday through August 29. Selected screenings include The Parent Trap, Moana and, of course, La La Land.


La Lo La Rooftop rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

La Lo La Rooftop AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, 1260 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

La Lo La Rooftop is an ethereal, sophisticated oasis high above the heart of DTLA, located on the 34th floor of the recently debuted AC Hotel Downtown LA. The expansive wraparound rooftop, which spans almost 4,000 square feet, is designed by the award-winning design studio Yabu Pushelberg, providing an intimate setting for visitors and locals alike. Guests are invited to enjoy specialty cocktails, shareable dishes, and a rotating program of live music and DJs, all with commanding 270 degree views of the city. 

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer 813 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Revel on The Rooftop veranda at The Wayfarer Hotel, your hidden oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, serving lunch, brunch and dinner with a full bar and delicious cocktails. Sip, eat and chill on the 12th floor with friends, family or solo. Hang  every Saturday and Sunday for their weekend brunch from 10am – 4pm, which will take you on a wild ride fusing together delicious culture, local fare, and a touch of nostalgia.

LA Cha Cha Chá rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Cha Cha Chá 812 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The sister location of Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Chá is located in a chic outdoor rooftop space in the Arts District. The restaurant offers gorgeous views of DTLA and a notable menu. Begin with traditional starters like guacamole, frijoles refritos, and empanada de calabasa, and move on to expertly prepared mains such as grilled fish and other seafood dishes, charcoal roasted chicken, and pork shoulder confit carnitas. Be sure to check out the margarita and mezcal offerings from the bar.

Perch restaurant rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Perch 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch Los Angeles is a French-inspired rooftop bistro offering unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, fir pits, and lounge and table seating. Enjoy classic French dishes with a twist from the menu for dinner, or sip beer, wine or Parisian-inspired cocktails at any one of the bars. Perch also offers a unique and an elegant list of rare Cognacs, Armagnacs, Calvados and French Cordials to pique your palate.


Cara Cara at Proper Hotel DTLA  rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cara Cara Downtown LA Proper Hotel, 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Set above the city with sweeping skyline views, Cara Cara is Downtown L.A. Proper’s rooftop destination for golden afternoons and starlit evenings. Chef Suzanne Goin’s menu is bright, bold, and unmistakably Californian, layered with the season’s freshest ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a just-right sense of indulgence. Lush landscaping, fire pits, and comfortable alcoves set the scene, while James Beard Award winner Caroline Styne curates a spirited mix of organic wines, craft cocktails, and low-proof pours. 

La Casita at Hotel Figueroa rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

La Casita Hotel Figueroa, 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

An intimate retreat from the bustle of downtown Los Angeles, La Casita at Hotel Figueroa lends homage to the Mediterranean coastal lifestyle where art meets fashion amidst a serene backdrop. A Spanish & Mediterranean-inspired two-story villa and cocktail lounge, La Casita is a quintessential haven featuring a world-class hand-crafted beverage program replete with an expansive agave list accompanied by coastal Mediterranean fare and shareable small plates. The menu offerings will be accompanied by ongoing programming including eclectic poolside vibes with live DJs, musicians and performance art, and a series of daytime and nighttime events.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Cara Cara at Proper Hotel DTLA 

Photo #2: LEVEL 8 / Houston Hospitality

Photo #3: LEVEL 8

Photo #4: Broken Shaker at Freehand

Photo #5: InterContinental Hotel 

Photo #6: La Lo La Rooftop

Photo #7: The Rooftop at The Wayfarer

Photo #8: LA Cha Cha Chá

Photo #9: Perch 

Photo #10: Cara Cara

Photo #11: La Casita at Hotel Figueroa

 

 

 

Joie de Vivre: Circa Celebrates Bastille Day in DTLA

Bastille Day is right around the corner, commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 and the birth of the French Republic. For the first time ever, the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles, in partnership with Grand Performances, is launching a large-scale Bastille Day celebration in the heart of Downtown! The sizable French population in Los Angeles is represented by a creative wave of artisans, entrepreneurs, and restauranteurs who are making a significant impact on our culture and dining habits. From Parisian-style bistros and romantic wine bars to delectable pastry shops – many close to Circa, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to celebrate your joie de vivre in DTLA.


Bastille Day Grand Performances near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Bastille Day Celebration California Plaza 350 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA, 90071

July 15 Join the Consulat Général de France in Los Angeles, in partnership with Grand Performances, for an unforgettable Bastille Day celebration in the heart of Downtown! Be immersed in an open-air celebration combining live music, French food specialties, and artisanal discoveries. Local French vendors will offer delicious bites and products that showcase the French art de vivre, such as crêpes, quiches, pastries, and handmade goods. The night wraps up with a DJ set from Joachim Garraud, a pioneer of the French Touch, who will turn California Plaza into a giant open-air dance floor. Free admission.

Le Petit Paris French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Le Petit Paris 418 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Housed inside the historic El Dorado Building, Le Petit Paris is the vision of Cannes-based restauranteurs David and Fanny Rolland. The 300-seat restaurant brings a quintessential brasserie dining experience to Downtown LA’s Historic Core. The venue is an architectural marvel designed by the Rollands, featuring multiple skylights, two bars, a mezzanine level, and a large outdoor patio. During the daytime, Le Petit Paris provides a tranquil, bright venue, and at night it transforms into an upscale fine dining restaurant with a lounge. 


Perch French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Perch 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch Los Angeles is a French-inspired rooftop bistro offering unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, fir pits, lounge, and table seating. Enjoy classic French dishes with a twist from the menu for dinner, or sip beer, wine or Parisian-inspired cocktails at any one of the bars. Perch also offers a unique and elegant list of rare Cognacs, Armagnacs, Calvados, and French Cordials.


Garçons de Café French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Garçons de Café 541 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Garçons de Café is a chic wine bar offering a curated selection of wines from France, Mexico, Italy, Spain, California, and more. A piece of France in downtown LA, Garçons de Café is the beautiful aftermath of what happened when three French traveling friends were united by their big dreams, expensive tastes, and love of California. Their adventure most recently culminated with the merger and move of L’Appart, the popular DTLA bistro run by chef Thierry Babet and partner Marc Moubarak, with Garçons de Café.


L’Appart French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

L’Appart 541 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

L’Appart by Air Food will make you feel like you flew straight to Paris, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive French culinary experience. Created by two passionate visionaries, Marc and Thierry, L’Appart blends the art of fine dining with the exclusivity of a refined bar. Discover a unique venue where every moment becomes an unforgettable experience.


Pitchoun Bakery & Café French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Pitchoun Bakery & Café 545 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Pitchoun is a family-owned fine French bakery, pastry store and restaurant, offering fresh artisan breads and home-made pastries and cakes, along with an array of healthy salads, sandwiches, hot dishes, soups, and more. Using traditional French family recipes, everything is home-made daily from scratch, using house-made starter levain and organic or local ingredients. The flavors are crisp, authentic, and clean, and all products aim for pure simplicity and high quality.

Zinqué DTLA French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Zinqué DTLA 939 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Inspired by the zinc-topped bars found all over France, Zinqué is a high design, low-key all-day neighborhood restaurant serving French-inspired dishes and small plates, along with a craft cocktail menu and uniquely curated wine & beer selection. Soak up the atmosphere at a wooden table on their sidewalk patio or sidle up to the beautiful bar. 


Camelia French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cameiia 1850 Industrial St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Located in DTLA’s Arts District, Camelia offers an intriguing blend of French and Japanese cuisine. Chef/Owner Charles Namba was inspired by a childhood eating his mom’s homemade Japanese cooking, combined with years working in French kitchens. Camelia boasts an extensive wine and saki list curated by Owner/Wine + Saki Director Courtney Kaplan. Estevan Silva, Pastry Chef, rounds out the menu with his decadent pastries, soufflé tarts, puddings, and housemade mochi.

Camphor French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Camphor 923 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Michelin-starred modern French bistro Camphor, located in Downtown LA’s Arts District, is a testament to the visionary approach of No. 8 Hospitality, a premier hospitality and development group. Owned and operated by Sarah Lam and Cyrus Batchan, No. 8 has cultivated Camphor into a dining destination that re-imagines the classic bistro experience. Guests can indulge in shareable small plates, heartier mains, scenographic desserts, classic cocktails with a French twist, and an enviable selection of French and European wines, all curated to reflect the distinctive culinary vision that No. 8 brings to the table.

Kendall's Brasserie French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Kendall’s Brasserie 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Soak in the conviviality and energy of a lively French oasis located at The Music Center on Grand Avenue below the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Kendall’s Brasserie offers French cuisine with a California-flare, balancing beloved classic French styles of cooking with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal dishes. The recently reimagined space was inspired by mid-century French art and the cut paper of Henri Matisse, along with hidden nods to honor Kendall’s history and location, such as chandeliers from Stern Grand Hall in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and drawn curtains from the Ahmanson Theatre.

Mignon wine bar near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Mignon Wine Bar 128 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mignon is a cozy wine bar in the heart of the Historic Core in Downtown Los Angeles. True to its name (mignon roughly translates to “small and cute” in French), this elegant little spot aims to be an oasis for anyone who is weary of the ubiquitous bar experience. They specialize in boutique wines, mostly natural/organic/biodynamic, paired with gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, along with seasonal, rustic French cuisine.


Café Basque French restaurant near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Café Basque The Hoxton 1060 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Café Basque celebrates the rich heritage of classic French tradition intertwined with the vibrant flavors of the southwest coast of France. The culinary inspiration stems from the region’s renowned use of sweet and mildly hot peppers. Drawing inspiration from their Californian surroundings, the team brings a local touch to each dish, highlighting the bounty of high-quality ingredients sourced from land and sea.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Le Petit Paris

Photo #2: Consulat Général de France in Los Angeles/Grand Performances

Photo #3: Le Petit Paris

Photo #4: Perch

Photo #5: Garçons de Café

Photo #6: L’Appart

Photo #7: Pitchoun Bakery & Café 

Photo #8: Zinqué DTLA

Photo #9: Camelia

Photo #10: Camphor

Photo #11: Kendall’s Brasserie

Photo #12: Mignon Wine Bar

Photo #13: Café Basque