Review: Damian

What were your first impressions when you arrived?

The space is the epitome of modern industrial chic—think concrete floors, exposed brick walls, lots of planters with lush greenery, and dimmed lighting both in the main dining room and in the back terrace, with its retractable roof and colorful mural.

What’s the crowd like?

The crowd is just as chic and impeccably dressed, looking every bit like they're there to celebrate a special occasion or perhaps on a first date hoping to impress. Whether in hushed tones or in boisterous conversation, everyone looks pleased to be there and excited by whatever dish lays in front.

What should we be drinking?

You're in a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles... surely a Margarita is in the cards! If not, the rest of cocktail list has plenty of other delicious librations to tempt a thirsty diner.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.

The menu draws techniques and inspiration from across Mexico, though it seems to largely favor Oaxaca and Baja. Local produce, seafood and possibly the best tortillas in the city play the well-deserved starring roles. Every item on the menu is meticulously plated—the kind you'll want to photograph even if you're not one of those people.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?

Just like everything else about this restaurant, the staff are on point: making thoughtful recommendations, expounding on the virtues of their favorite cocktail on the list (if asked), refilling your water at the appropriate moment. Nothing about dining here feels rushed, instead, every moment is meant to be savored at exactly the right pace.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?

You could try to drop in and score a table, but most likely you'll have to book weeks in advance. So this is the kind of place you go when you're planning something special or trying to impress a special someone.