Very cool spot, amazing food. We had 4 small plates for 2 people and it was enough, however we threw a dessert on. Highly recommend for more people so you can try more. We wanted to order so many more plates, but we were full. Can't wait to come back

Really great place, yummy food and great atmosphere.

Each plate we got to try was so so Good! The service was great. No problem with parking.

+3

Amazing experience, booked our table online. Max time you can be there is 1.5-2 hrs. There is Valet parking available for $12.00 plus tip. We started off with aguachiles, elotes and empanadas; ofcourse we had piña coladas. Our main entree was the aged $77 steak which was amazing. Everyone there was friendly and attentive, please tip everyone they are working hard. The vibes Dama gives are chilled, it’s worth the prices for a date night or girls night out.

Great atmosphere and food. There are a few vegetarian options which are really tasty. We ate at the bar and we loved it, the outdoor area looked awesome too. Staff super helpful. Definitely recommended!

Dama is amazing! All of the food is fantastic, but my favorites are the Seafood Tostada, aguachile, and calamari. For mains, the pork and snapper are especially delicious! The vibe is super cool too: it's like walking into a Cuban hotel lobby. You get to escape from downtown LA, enjoy the courtyard view or the comfortable lounging couches, and have a drink. The service is of course excellent. The servers are all professional, courteous, and experts on the menu. Marco, the manager, is super friendly and loves to meet new people!

I hope people are deterred by the location so I can eat here without fuss for the rest of my existence. Come for the whipped beans (yep, beans) and balanced adult beverages, stay for the beautifully seasoned meats served in a lovely location.

Outdoor patio seat was great! Small plates were good for sharing!

Chill date location with amazing finger foods. There is a valet so parking is easy, the staff are friendly and helpful and the sea food is very fresh! Oysters are amazing, chicken tacos are fabulous but hot, so be careful. In general, highly recommended for dates and anniversaries.

Delicious food, great atmosphere, and good service. My personal favorite item were the beef tostadas, but there wasn't a single dish that I didn't like. Monica was our waitress and she was funny, helpful, and had great energy.

What an amazing restaurant... Great steak, short rib, oxtail tacos, great date night spot

+1

The location is not what you expect but they created an oasis in the middle of Los Angeles district. They don't go too crazy with fusion but the petmex was a delightful surprise, the "bread" is a must, and if you are smart you just listen to the manager for his recommendations. They were great.

Service was superb above all. Waitress was knowledgeable, patient, and lovely. Bussers studious attention to my families needs was greatly appreciated. My family and I had a lot of small plates (4) and one large plate (chicken). We highly recommend just sticking to the small plates, more than enough. The lamb chops were our favorite. We were looking forward to trying the Flores de calabazas but they ran out. Will definitely be coming back to try them.

Everything was good we had the whipped beans. Empanadas, oxtail tostadas, lamb chops and the calamari. Whipped beans and lamb chops were the standouts to me. The sauce with the empanadas was a little overpowering but overall good. The calamari was nice and crispy but I felt they would be better with a sauce. We dipped them in the whipped beans and they were great. Drinks were also good

Great place for a nice elegant dinner.. food was delicious and very well prepared. Had the Corn with cilantro lime, empanadas, lamb chops, aguachiles, whipped white beans, bone marrow and by the time I realized most of the food was gone and I didn't take any pictures except for this one of the corn which was one of my favorites! I definitely recommend this place I came with a few friends and it did get a bit pricey but once in a while isn't too bad. I will be coming back with the wife for a nice date night I think she would love this place!

Third visit here and they keep getting better. Love the good and ambiance. Sometimes can be a tad salty.. we absolutely love the bread and the corn, both.

Creative and delicious food & cocktails in a fantastic spot in DTLA. The vibe was just wonderful, and we will definitely be going back!

The surrounding location is without question - shady. And yet, the attention to detail makes you completely forget you're in the concrete jungle. The music sets the environment (listen for it, entrance is behind a valet stand next to a coffee shop). How DAMA was furnished absolutely makes this location. Cocktails are exquisite, and the Batida de Banana should be your first drink of choice. Food is meant to be shared and doesn't disappoint (empanadas, bone marrow, clams with chorizo). The churros are your best bet for dessert.

+1

One of mine and my husband’s favorite spots for amazing food! Everything is always fresh from the kitchen and the drinks are spot on. We got extra lucky today with our server, Santos. He was not only attentive but seemed genuinely happy to help us. His service was absolutely the best!

The food was SO GOOD. The ambiance was so cool it feels like you're somewhere else and not downtown LA. There was one dish that was a little too salty for our liking. The manager came out to check on us and made sure we were taken care of with a complimentary order of empanadas, which were disrespectfully good. My wife and I definitely plan on coming back to make this one of our favorite spots. Oh and the rotisserie chicken....was the juiciest Ive ever had in my life. I know ordering chicken sounds basic...but this rotisserie shuts all I've tried before DOWN.

Loved everything about here. The music, vibes, food, drinks and hospitality. Margarita with Mezcal was so good. Recommend their lamb chops, tacos and oysters. Definitely a date spot or even a singles spot. Hidden gem. Left my wallet by accident and Roberto (barback) ran outside and handed it to me. Will be back.

Let’s talk about DAMA, a hidden gem that will take your taste buds on a first-class flight to Latin America. Yes, when you first pull up, you might have your doubts—but don’t let the exterior fool you. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a stylish, beautifully curated space that’s both inviting and effortlessly cool. Whether you’re vibing under the stars on the patio or soaking in the energy inside, this spot delivers on all fronts. •The Food – Small Plates, Big Flavor• DAMA is a tapas-style restaurant, meaning you get to taste a little of everything—trust me, you’ll want to. I’ve practically eaten my way through the entire menu, and here’s what you can’t miss: - Crispy Squash Blossoms – An absolute knockout. The delicate crunch, the goat cheese and thyme whipped together like a love affair on your palate—it’s rich, velvety, and simply unforgettable. - Aguachile – Light, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The citrus, the spice, the freshness of the seafood—it’s everything you want in a ceviche, elevated. - Crispy Potatoes – Don’t sleep on these. They’re golden, crunchy perfection, and when that chimichurri hits, it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you questioning every other potato dish you’ve ever had. - Classic Guacamole – Simple, yes. But DAMA doesn’t just make guac, they make the guac—smooth, creamy, with just the right kick. - Toasted Bread with Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic Confit & Olive Oil – Sounds basic? Think again. This dish is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. The crunch of the bread, the slow-roasted garlic melting into every bite, the burst of sweetness from the tomatoes, and that luscious drizzle of olive oil—it’s next-level delicious. - Charred Little Gems – This isn’t just a salad. It’s smoky, crunchy, and packed with deep, complex flavors. Who knew lettuce could be this seductive? - Shrimp Cocktail – Fresh, plump, and packed with flavor. The sauce? Absolute fire. - Fish Tacos – Like a dream you never want to wake up from. The fish is perfectly cooked, the slaw adds a fresh crunch, and the sauce ties it all together like a chef’s kiss in every bite. •Desserts – Sweet, Naughty, and Oh So Necessary• Churros – A crispy, golden delight. The cinnamon-sugar coating is just right, and when dipped in that luscious sauce, it’s pure heaven in every bite. Fluffernutter – Oh honey, this one’s got a kinky side. Think warm, gooey, nutty, and sweet all at once. It’s a little sinful, a little playful, and absolutely worth every calorie. •Cocktails – Shaken, Stirred, and Straight-Up Perfect• Passion Fruit Margarita – Tropical, tangy, and dangerously smooth. The perfect balance of sweet and tart. Cock & Bull – This one? Cock-a-luscious. Bold, complex, and exactly what a cocktail should be. •The Vibe & Final Thoughts• DAMA is the place—whether you’re on a date, catching up with friends, or just looking for an excuse to indulge in phenomenal food and cocktails. The ambiance is effortlessly sexy, the service is top-notch, and the flavors? Out of this world. Pro Tips: - Make reservations—this spot stays packed. - Valet parking available—so no stress about parking. - Bring your appetite and order a little of everything. Bottom line? Don’t just add DAMA to your list—make it a priority. You can thank me later.

This was absolutely delicious. The vibes, the food, and the staff! Super friendly, super nice. My goodness, the crispy potatos with chimichurri were incredible. Highly recommended!

DAMA is LEGIT. The restaurant itself is beautiful and festive miami-vibes. The seafood tostada (which Antonia Lofaso featured on Selena Gomez's HBO show!) is so darn good. The lamb chops, corn, and aguachile were outstanding. Small and shareable plates. It's cute and Instagrammable, but the food is really the star here. Totally recommend!!!

Dama is a must try if you’re in DTLA. The chef has found an awesome way to fuse American with Latin tastes into some sensational dishes. We had the aguachile, corn, bocadillo, crispy pork shank and wrapped up dessert with some churros. Each dish is balanced to feel light and not overly heavily so make sure to come hungry. The aguachile resembles a really good ceviche, the corn reminds me of a refined elote, the bocadillo has some of the lightest and best tasting batter or calamari, the pork shank has an assortment of spicy, sour and sweet sauces to compliment the fatty in the meat, and the fresh churros are fried to perfection. Service is balanced just right to attend to your needs without being overly intrusive, the setting is hip and comfy to set the mood just right for a conversation over some good food. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

+2

Had my birthday here one year with some friends. Really nice atmosphere and drinks. Food and service were great as well. Will try to make it back here sometime since things are open again.

Often when a restaurant is super hyped up by others, or has a celebrity chef name attached, or both, I come away disappointed in the food. That is NOT the case at DAMA--this place is L E G I T. First of all, we experienced DAMA for the first time during the pandemic, and I'd like to point out that they took every precaution to make us feel safe. Outdoor seating at tables spaced well apart from each other, reservations required to keep total people in the restaurant under control. Servers wore masks, shields, and gloves too. Now let's get to DAMA's glorious, outrageously tasty food. We started our dinner with a couple cocktails, which were stiff and tasty--they have an extensive bar that'll suit any thirst. Then it was time to decide on food--forgoing the large plates, we elected to order four of the small plates instead so we could try a variety of dishes and share everything (my favorite type of dining, honestly). On a recent takeout-centric episode of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, I had seen Guy Fieri try making DAMA's beef empandas, so I knew I wanted to try those, and I am glad I did--super flavorful filling, great crunch on the outside, and that Brazilian hot vinegar dipping sauce kept me coming back for more. We also had an order of corn, complete with queso, crema, and a cilantro aioli that was dynamite--one of the best takes on street elote I've ever tried. Next were the chicken croquettes, bursting at the seams with flavor and wrapped in a crispy, crunchy breading that had me pondering licking my plate when they were gone. Our final plate was so good it gets its own paragraph. If you come to DAMA and only get one dish, make it the oxtail tostada and thank me later. I had never had oxtail before but was down to finally try it after seeing it prepared in so many mouthwatering ways on various cooking shows, and MAN am I glad I tried it at DAMA. Insanely flavorful meat with impeccably balanced toppings of cilantro, cabbage, avocado crema, hot pickled veg, and a twist of fresh lime. These tostadas are small in terms of size, but absolutely gigantic in terms of flavor. A cannot miss dish, at a cannot miss restaurant. The service was timely, friendly, and top-flight. All in all, my experience at DAMA was 100% positive, and I highly recommend everyone give it a try, especially during the pandemic when so many wonderful eateries like this one are struggling. And when you do stop by, you just might see me there, the newest DAMA addict, wolfing down oxtail tostadas by the dozen.

+1

We go to all the new hot restaurants in LA, and always come back to DAMA as our favorite spot. The food is always incredible, and so are the vibes and service! Lovely place for both date night and a group dinner/drinks.

My couple friends took me here. Because I very much enjoyed the food, the place, and the experience, I also brought my family here. They all loved it!

+6

Great Latino food served in a thriving restaurant with great vibes. Music is a bit loud, but adds to the trendy atmosphere. Smaller plates are recommended so you can try more things. Octopus was nicely cooked with great flavors and really tender. Corn is a version of elotes will the most amount of cream and cheese I've ever had. Empanadas are really flavorful. Oxtail tostadas are tasty and tangy. Only reservation would be the guacamole, nothing special there. Drinks are strong are satisfying. Probably more so than the wine list.

+4

Great food! Great service. Kinda hard to find parking though. They have valet but I opted for free street parking.

+3

DAMA was amazing!!! Food & ambiance were great! Had a full meal eating tapas and great drinks. Definitely recommend to make the trip to the fashion district to check this restaurant out. Pictures: Croquettes, Squash Blossom, Derby Cocktail Tropical, Sandia Mezcal

Dined here for the first time and really loved the ambiance and music. The surrounding area is mainly fabric vendors and buildings still undergoing construction. Once you walk into the restaurant area the energy is different with a cool vibe. We were seated at the bar first while waiting for our full party to arrive. We ordered appetizers and drinks to start (forgot the name of the drink but it had fresh watermelon juice and was really refreshing), the bread with fresh tomatoes, olive oil with slices of garlic (not your basic bread and olive oil) and empanadas were delicious. For dining we were seated in the front patio and the servers were very helpful with rearranging the shade without being asked, depending on the angles of the sun rays. The outdoor seating was super cute and at this point it was fully seated and the energy was lively. We ordered clams, ceviche, celery salad, more empanadas, and the stand out dish was the elote corn on the cob. The seasoning and zesty flavor was so good! Would definitely come back again!

+1

I love Dama in DTLA’s Fashion District. It’s in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood but the complex that Dama is in is safe and pretty cool. Dama serves Spanish/Latin inspired cuisines. Mostly tapas but there have some large plates as well. Prices are a bit high but I think it’s well worth it. A few of my favorites are the oxtail tostada, crispy squash flowers, the ribeye, crispy pork shanks and the churros for dessert. The cocktails are quite delicious as well. Definitely try the mezcal drink. They’re delicious.

We cam here for dessert for my daughters birthday and absolutely loved it! The ambience is perfect and the food is delicious. The only thing is it is in a random location and coming here at night you wouldn't guess that this incredible restaurant is nestled where it is. You can find street parking a few streets down if you get lucky but there is a valet.

Had an awesome Friday night dinner at DAMA! Come hungry because you will want to try everything! We absolutely loved the indoor / outdoor vibe and we were seated on the patio. It was cozy and comfortable, but still felt upscale and chic. Everyone from the hosts, servers, bussers, and managers were super friendly and helpful. We did not feel rushed at all and were able to linger with our drinks and conversation well after our meal had ended. Standout small plates for us were the White Beans (go for the fresh veggies add on!), the crispy potatoes, the arepas, the bread, and the chicken croquettes. We also shared the rotisserie chicken entree - honestly I am not sure we needed it after the small plate choices but the chicken was juicy and flavorful and the shoestring fries were seasoned and spectacular. Would be a great place for a date, a celebratory meal, an anniversary or birthday, or just on a night when you want a great meal out. Valet on San Julian was super easy in and out. The patio is accessible if you’re using a mobility device and the staff was super helpful about that. 5/5 top recommend!

My surprised me for my birthday. The food was outstanding. Our waiter, Julio, was attentive and knew his craft. He coursed our meal perfectly for maximum enjoyment.

+1

Went here on a whim after a day at Universal Studios -- my wife and I are both on SoCal but have lived out of state for several years. Whenever we're back we MUST get some amazing food from some of our favorite chefs, and I'd long wanted to check out one of Chef Antonia's restaurants. We knew we needed to be close to DTLA to see a movie at Alamo Drafthouse and this was the perfect stop right before the movie. We had phenomenal service and stunningly good food -- elevated tapas that don't lose their grounding in the ingredients and the heritage of the dishes. We didn't have a bad bite. All the large plates are probably great but we loved getting 5 or so small plates and each got the sangria, which came with seasonal fruit and brandy and amaretto. What a great mix and perfect for a hot summer day. I'll be stealing that recipe. We got the empanadas, guacamole, arepa, and calamari and thru were each lights out. If we didn't have to catch a movie we could have easily ordered 3 or more additional plates. Perfect portions to where you feel each one is worth the money but you also don't feel like you're going to starve. Super yummy... you could easily spend a couple hours here and couldn't possibly have a bad time. We'll be back!

+4

Beautiful location in the fashion district with a multitude of small plate options and a couple of large plates. It’s easy to over-order and the staff don’t really advise against it so I would aim for around 6 small plates + 1 large plate for a group of 4. Definitely get the Bread, Corn, Whipped Bean, Linguisa and the Pork Shank.

+6

DAMA is located in a newly renovated area outside of the main bustle of downtown that hasnt seen much revitalization otherwise. Still owned by the original farmers of Los Angeles, each building within the complex once housed produce for sale/distribution in old L.A. DAMA is a contemporary Latin restaurant that has an island plantation feel to it, beautifully warm aesthetic and a large full service bar at its center. It sits across from ROSSOBLU, which is another extremely notable DTLA kitchen, but I will save that for a later time. DAMA is the perfect place for a myriad of small bites, house unique cocktails or for a five and upward course meal. I tried to include everything I enjoyed, but at a certain point I stopped taking pics. The service is spot on with the menu and ambiance of such a polished restaurant, plates were removed and silverware replaced upon the last bite and each course was perfectly timed out. When each dish arrived the runner was as knowledgeable as the server on what each dish was, the unique details not listed on the menu and where each protein came from. One dish I did not expect to try was the Rotisserie Chicken and it is amazing. I personally never order chicken but was prompted to from our server and was not let down. I will be coming back again for their ribeye and other dishes that from start to finish have me wanting more, in the best possible way. I highly recommend you try DAMA, certainly a place you'll want to return amongst the sea of eateries that is Los Angeles. Salud.

+6

The food was delicious, had the bone marrow, oxtail tostada, oysters, corn, and crispy potato. My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary, it was the perfect setting, romantic but relaxed, service was really great, everything came out fast. This place is also good for groups , they have a few large tables. My wife had a piña colada, it was tasty. For dessert we had the churros and a mini banana sundae. Definitely the best churros I’ve ever had. We will be coming back.

+1

Delicious food, amazing wine and cocktails. Restaurant was beautiful and had a great vibe. We had the calamari, Aguachile, Oxtail tostada's just to name a few. Definitely will be back to try more!

+3

Top spot good drinks and nice ambience and atmosphere. The food was tasty especially the lamb chops and the potatoes.

My friends and I loved this restaurant! We came to celebrate a birthday and we all left extremely satisfied. There are so many items on the menu so we'd love to come back and try some more food and drinks. Here are the highlights: Seafood Tostada (8/10): Great shareable item. Comes with extra saltine crackers and worked surprisingly well with the ceviche. It was good, but I'm not sure I would get it again. Lamb Chops (9/10): The lamb was super tender and only had a slight gamey taste. The salsa verde and arugula paired perfectly with the lamb. Rib Eye (10/10): The rib eye by itself was amazing, but what made it even better was that they let you turn it into a taco. The dish also comes with corn tortillas, avocado slices, roasted chilies & green onions, greens, limes, and an olive oil based sauce. This was perfect for sharing, even with 4 people. Churros (10/10): Holy guacamole... these churros. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, it might just be the best churro I've ever had. The chocolate-caramel sauce for the first few bites, but it quickly became overly sweet. Sangria (10/10): The sangria is a great drink for anyone looking for something sweet and not high in alcohol.

+1

We had an amazing time at DAMA for Valentine’s Day! The ambiance was lively yet intimate, with a beautiful tropical vibe, and the live music fit perfectly with the atmosphere. The shrimp ceviche was incredibly fresh and zesty, and the bread with garlic olive oil and fragrant tomatoes was a standout. Our server, Cindy, was especially attentive and made excellent recommendations, including a smoky and flavorful mezcal drink. The combination of delicious food, warm service, perfect music, and convenient valet parking made the evening truly special. We can’t wait to return. Highly recommend for an unforgettable dining experience!

Eric Almquist

Atmosphere, food and service are always top notch.Recently grabbed dinner with a friend from out of town. His phone was almost dead, so they happily recharged while we ate. Server was incredibly knowledgeable, walking my buddy through the restaurant and the menu in great detail, directing us to some of her favorites. Every dish was a home run. If you are looking for a quiet spot, it’s probably not for you, but if you’re looking for a great night out with friends, with some festive music, a beautiful venue and delicious food and drinks, this spot never disappoints.

Anna Jhonson

Beautiful venue with a warm, inviting vibe — hanging plants, soft lighting, leather couches, and overall lovely aesthetics. Parking was easy, and valet service is also available, which was convenient. As for the food, it was good but not quite as great as I’d hoped. I was really looking forward to this meal, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. The elote was excellent — probably my favorite dish — and the squash blossoms were also delicious. The chicken tacos, however, had so much cabbage that it was hard to even taste the chicken. The fish dish was decent, and the grilled pineapple that came with it was the highlight. The potatoes were just okay. We finished with the churros, which had great flavor on the outside — perfectly dusted with cinnamon and sugar — but unfortunately, the inside was a bit undercooked. Overall, it was an okay experience — beautiful atmosphere, nice service, but the food could use a little more consistency to match the setting.

Winnie Yagan

One of my favorite LA restaurants for solo or dining with friends. The plates are family style. I think this restaurant is great value because though not cheap the portion sizes are large and meant to be shared.

+6

Limon R

I visited DAMA Fashion District in Downtown LA while in Cali last weekend and it completely lived up to the hype. People rave about the creative small plates—and I can see why. The lamb chops were perfectly seasoned, the squash blossoms were light and crispy, and the calamari with squid ink had a unique, rich flavor that stood out. The atmosphere is vibrant and stylish, making it a great spot for a night out. Service was attentive without feeling rushed, and the wine list is impressive and well-curated. I also loved their inventive cocktails—balanced, flavorful, and beautifully presented. If you’re in LA and looking for a place with amazing food, lively vibes, and top-notch drinks, DAMA is a must-visit.

James Johnson

Well… Dama did it again. This place has quickly become one of my favorites, and this was already my third visit. This time, we tried the clams, calamari, fried chicken tacos, and the roasted chicken. As usual, everything was excellent. If you find yourself in the Los Angeles Downtown Garment District, I definitely recommend stopping by Dama for great food and cocktails. I would recommend it, even if you're not in the area. The service is always on point, the atmosphere is chill yet a little sexy, and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. If it’s chilly outside, they have heaters to keep things comfortable.

+8

Daniel Evanston

The squash blossoms are perfect, lamb chops are great! I will highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. Their staffs are really friendly and helpful. My family did enjoy all the foods they served. I can say that vegans are perfect here. They got a lot of food to select with. Great place!

+6

Jason Hernandez

Went to DAMA to celebrate my wife's birthday. She's been wanting to try one of Antonia Lofaso's restaurants and DAMA did not disappoint. Our reservation was for 6 pm but we arrived early and were seated immediately. (It wasn't too busy) They were aware it was her birthday and she was greeted with a happy birthday. For starters, we got the bread and lamb chops. The bread was amazing and from that point on I knew things were only going to get better. The lamb chops were fantastic. Wife got the rotisserie chicken with fries and I got the crispy pork shanks which were phenomenal. Our server was attentive and even gave my wife a pretty thoughtful birthday card. Food was a bit pricey but it was definitely worth it and we will be going back.

Gray Stone

Great spot! This has to be some of the best Latin food in Los Angeles. Every dish was flavorful and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with dim lighting that gives it a cool, moody vibe—perfect for a date night or a fun night out with friends. The outdoor patio also adds to the experience, making it feel like a hidden gem in the middle of the Fashion District. Can’t wait to come back!

+1

Miguel Sanchez (Mich)

Dama Fashion District is a culinary gem! The food is absolutely phenomenal - every dish we ordered was creative, expertly prepared, and presented with flair. The flavors are bold and exciting, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. We loved the unique twists on classic dishes and the attentive service that made us feel like VIPs. The atmosphere is chic and rustic , perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion. If you're a foodie looking for a truly exceptional dining experience, Dama is a must-visit. The quality of the food, combined with the stylish ambiance, makes it a standout in the Fashion District.

+5

Lei Luo

Celebrate my friend’s birthday here~ the waitress was so kind to let us sit inside after we arrived earlier than their opening hour. The crispy potatoes is a must! And the corns were so amazing too. We ordered other dishes as well they were all good, but the corns and the potatoes stood out for me~ Photos taken by my friend~ I can never take pics this good lol

Adrianna Garcia

DAMA is one of my favorite restaurants. All the food options are really great, the drinks are well-made, the service is amazing, and the atmosphere is very nice. It's a beautiful restaurant and the bar is really cool. The service is always very friendly and welcoming. Lastly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I come for the food and drinks, then keep coming back because of the ambience and great service.

Christopher Roman

This ultra-trendy restaurant and bar with a Latin flair is great for drinks and small plates. In fact, much of the menu is small plates. The ones we tried were delicious - very flavorful! They also have lots of intriguing cocktails. I wanted to try 7 or 8 of them, so I'll have to come back! The atmosphere is top notch and sure to impress your date - super modern, well appointed, and dimly lit. It's an indoor-outdoor place but they keep it toasty in winter. Bear in mind this restaurant is in the middle of a really weird and somewhat rough area, but it's worth the trip. Street parking was available on a late Friday when we arrived. Don't forget to make reservations, you'll need them!

+6

Babs Sheng

Decided to have my birthday dinner-had great memories about the food when my gfs and I tried it a few years back so why not? It’s a cute space- lots of already included patio space- not like eating in the middle of a parking lot paying a premium right 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ We were seated once everyone arrived. And of course my friends left the ordering to me. Basically went down the menu and tried to order one of everything haha just kidding-almost. Seafood tostada Whipped beans Corn Clam and chorizo + extra bread Lamb chops Rotisserie chicken Honestly we were stuffed. The staff are super accommodating too- they made sure everyone got a serving so for the corn instead of over ordering because I think it’s 4 servings? They made it 6 so half an order. (I’m telling you- lots of restaurants don’t do this!) Get everything I ordered except if you’re not that hungry skip the beans and the chicken. The rest you really have to do. I also brought my own magnum. Corkage was $25 - reallly reasonable guys. And lots of places weren’t allowing you to bring your own wines (cough- Bestia) 🤣 We skipped dessert but they brought some on the house anyway for my birthday AND the entire restaurant sang with me toooo (there was also another fellow Virgo who shared the same birthday as me 🥰)

+5

Good drinks and decent appetizers. A little pricey, but what do you expect to the fashion district. I will say though you can avoid the oysters.

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed this place. The empanadas where so small but so good lol

The food was hit or miss. The lamb chops were chewy and over cooked. The roasted chicken felt like french fries and a little sprinkle of chicken (the chicken was flavorful. The fried squash flowers were somewhat slimy. The corn was tasty, but everyone wished it came already cut off the cobb. It was a beautiful place, but I was cold due to the outdoor location. We wanted more heat being on the corner, but the table next to us wanted less, but they had less exposure. It was difficult to manage. The staff was wonderful and accommodating.

I enjoyed my meal here and loved how fresh everything was. The seafood tostada was mostly peppers and very spicy. I could handle the spice but my friend couldn’t. The oxtail, beans, and calamari were delicious! We also enjoyed the churros. The restaurant itself is adorable and I love the ambiance.

Good food, great service. The restaurant was a little hard to find at first, but worth it.

+1

The location is really nice especially the interior decor of the surrounding bar area. The drinks are really good so it's not just for show. It's very roomy and not too loud do you can go chill out or have a nice date. The highlights on the menu are definitely the lamb chops and the crispy potatoes. Definitely try everything else but those are my top recomm's

Decent place. After my meal, I was knocked into a food coma. Try out the huge selection of incredible appetizers. Everything I tried was bursting with flavor.

+6

Pros: Gorgeous restaurant, delicious food, great ambiance Cons: the fashion district gets scarier and more desolate by the day, hilariously expensive cocktails Had a great time here at Dama. It was easy to get a reservation on a Saturday. Ambiance and decor were spot on. Cocktails were excellent and the food was very well proportioned and high quality. Service was also good. Be prepared for $17+ cocktails of course as well as semi-mandatory $12 valet parking. The fashion district becomes uglier and more skid row-ish everyday but Dama is still able to maintain an oasis of calm and beauty. Recommended!

Modern Latin flare & house cocktails pair up in stylish, tropical environment with a large bar & patio. Whipped beans: white beans, crispy pork, cotija cheese, chives, radish, pickled pearl onion $18/ add raw vegetables $9 Empanadas: dry-aged ground beef, green onion, smoked paprika, brazilian hot vinegar $16 Crispy potatoes: brussels sprouts, spicy mayo, basil, parsley, chimichurri $17 ( potatoes take a while to arrive so order them ahead of time.

+2

Say yes to DAMA! We came here to celebrate a friend’s birthday on an early Sunday night and really enjoyed ourselves. I rarely eat Latin inspired food and after this experience, I wonder what I’ve been doing with my life! The restaurant is very cute; however, warning to all handicapable folks and people with strollers, the access is difficult. The main restaurant is on the second floor and the only wheelchair accessible way up is on the backside of the restaurant in one of those electronic elevator addon thingies. They did have an entrance to the ground level patio through an easy access gate. Do make sure to reference your needs when making the resi, and ask that they seat you downstairs. The service wasn’t anything spectacular. Our server wasn’t very eager to walk us through the menu, but we found our way. She did recommend the celery salad (when prompted to help us choose), and she chose right. That salad was a huge winner - never had anything like it! In addition to the celery salad, we ordered the corn (you have to here), Seafood Tostada, Paella, Lamb Chops, and Bread. Everything was well done especially the Paella. So good. Valet parking available. Or they have a lot at the end of the street you can park at for $10. Maybe just make sure someone walks you to your car when it’s dark.

+6

Super chic restaurant! Latin influence is clear with the patterns and art on the walls. Lively and vibrant dinner spot. My boyfriend and I ordered the crispy squash flower appetizer and the whole snapper to share and it was absolutely delicious! We shared and it was plenty of food for us. I didn’t like my waitress. I felt like she was too young or didn’t have enough etiquette for such a classy establishment. Her personality did not match the vibe of the restaurant. At one point she said “are you happy?” As if to imply I wasn’t before or I wasn’t enjoying my meal. But Everything was delicious!

+3

This is a surprise gem in the middle of downtown LA. A pristine block filled with a fun brewery, a coffee shop, and this swanky restaurant. Nice date night spot. Pricey. But the food was especially flavorful. And staff went out of the way to be friendly

+1

Tucked in the Fashion District, this modern Latin restaurant is worth making a trip out to! Great drinks and small plates to share. This open atmosphere spot is good to meet up with friends for a lighter meal while enjoying an expertly made cocktail. It's pretty dimly lit so it has that romantic and intimate vibe going on. I recommend the September Morn. Frothy and strong with a hint of tartness! For food, we got a whole slew of items, but surprisingly the Corn was very good and memorable. A good amount of the menu is seafood-based and made to put on some chips. For parking, you'll most likely have to find parking nearby or get valet. I went to the Athena Parking down the street for $10 that was paid at a machine.

+2

Very elegant and sophisticate place in down town LA. The bar tender is very helpful recomending what kind of mezcal you should drink. He has a lot of experience answering questions about diferente agaves and mezcal profiles.

This restaurant is definitely a diamond in the rough!! If you are looking to grab a meal in the Fashion District this is your best bet for a flavorful and over cool experience. They have different Fusion side dishes on the menu as well as a really robust drink menu. The staff is super nice and the ambience really goes over the top.

+6

Great place. Nice vibe, cool interior. If you are not from LA then the location may seem a bit unusual and off the map right until you arrive, but it is worth the trip. I had the oxtail tostada (incredible), a delicious and perfectly seasoned oxtail onion and spice blend with a few pickled vegetables on a crispy tostada. Great contrasting textures, each mouthful was better than the last. The celery salad was also fantastic, a bit of a spin on a Caesar salad but actually much fresher and more interesting, with fresh lemon and scallions and a perfect dressing. The grilled octopus was the only minor let down, the octopus was cooked perfectly and the flavors were good but the texture needed more contrast. Ended the meal with the “cookie” which is easily a nice shareable dessert for two. Only penalty is for the mosquitoes here! Weirdly persistent, the staff seems aware and works hard to help. Most other guests did not seem to notice much. Cocktail were also on-point and the bartenders and staff are all fantastic. Would absolutely come back with friends to explore more of the menu!

Loved the vibes of this place. Food was good. Corn could be split between four people. Crispy Squash Flowers were a great starter Oxtail Tostadas was light enough for a appetizer but hearty enough to fill you up. Will have to come back for full entree course.

My favorite show of all time, Insecure, brought me here. The characters Issa and Lawrence were dining at Dama on the show, and I was intrigued. Since I was only seven minutes away at an art show, hubby and I decided to try out Dama. Dama is a Latin-inspired restaurant located in the Los Angeles Fashion District. I'm not going to lie; the area is a bit sketch, so be careful and be mindful of your surroundings. They do have valet parking which is a plus. I recommend making a reservation if you want to dine in the dining area. We did not make a reservation but were able to eat at the bar. The overall ambiance and Aesthetic were very chic with deco tropical vibes. Very romantic and has a great bar area. Friendly staff and quick service. For drinks we got a sangria and a sandia y mezcal. The sangria was terrible! It tasted like pure syrup. It definitely tasted like they forgot some ingredients. But the sandia y mezcal was delicious! For food, we got several different appetizers: - prawns ( very tasty! ) - empanadas (these are minis, and they were ok) - Fried calamari ( omg yes!!! This dish was excellent!! ) - oysters ( yes!) - aguachile ( not my favorite, it has a different texture) - squash flowers (this was a big no for me, too much filling) The dessert menu was a bit sad. I thought they would surely have flan or maybe even a tres leches cake. Instead, they had ice cream or churros. I went ahead and got the DAMA flight which included every flavor of ice cream they had and mini churros. The ice cream flavors included banana, rice pudding, and smores. The only one worth eating was the banana ice cream. The rest wasn't it. I also ordered a very yummy cappuccino! Overall, the place was super cute. Unfortunately, most of the dishes just didn't do it for me. The menu was pretty limited, so I probably won’t come back.

+6

Yes this place is amazing. The food, vibe, service, everything was great. Love the huge bar area inside and the outside patio is great as well. Everything we had was amazing and they took very good care of us and make sure we were super happy. Highly recommend coming here and def will be be back.

+6

Donya

Beautiful venue…hanging plants…soft lighting, leather couches, beautiful aesthetics. Parking was easy, valet is offered as well. The food was good not great. I was underwhelmed. And I was really looking forward to this meal. We ordered the elote which was very good, probably my favorite. Along with the squash blossoms which were very very good. The chicken tacos, there was so much cabbage in there i didn’t even detect any chicken. We had the fish and it was ok, the best part was the grilled pineapple…we also had the potatoes and they were ok also. Finally the churros, outside was seasoned great with cinnamon and sugar but the inside was near raw. Over all it was just ok…

+1

So Young Chon

Nice “tapas” style restaurant with great selection of small and large plates to be shared with friends and family. The outdoor area was elegantly arranged with heat lamps in case of a chill. There were two roaches running around, but I think they were from the surrounding area (skid row, etc.) No one seem bothered, so I guess it was ok. There is valet, but there is also street parking in front which I believe is free after 6pm.

Mayi Barov

Had a great meal at Dama. The food was delicious, the drinks were on point, and the atmosphere was lively, our server was very attentive at all times.

Hells Bells

Went there for a birthday dinner and we had a faboulous time! Nothing better than eating delicious food with people you love and adore. We ordered about 6 small plates for appetizers and the clams & chorizo and thd whole red snapper as a the dinner entree. The aguachiles and seafood tostado were good fresh quality. Nothing creative but they stuck to bringing out the fresh taste of the ingredients and a great summer al fresco dish to start. Then we moved on to the carbs: the bread, empandas and patatas bravas were all good but the bread with anchovies hit the spot for me. Next we had the refreshing celery salad with quail eggs and anchovies before moving onto the entree. Finally, the whole red snapper and the clam & chorizo was a perfect finale to the meal. The fish was seasoned amazingly that we didnt use the sauce. If anything, we enjoyed using the clam and chorizo bake sauce. Only suggestion is more bread for the clam & chorizo dish. The drinks were good and the server we had was friendly and professional and timed and grouped the dishes well. The bussers were all polite and efficient and appreciate double checking if we were finished with the dish.

+4

Oscar Cuenca

We had such a great time last night enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and attentive service — truly top-notch. Sharing small plates was a fun and flavorful way to try a variety of dishes. The guacamole, lamb chops, and elote were nice to share, though the calamari with squid ink stole the spotlight — perfectly crispy, bold, and unforgettable. The croquettes were also a standout. The wine list was well-curated and paired beautifully with the food. While we appreciated the concept of small plates, I would have loved to see a few more larger entrée options to round out the experience for heartier appetites. Still, DAMA offers a wonderful balance of ambiance, creativity, and service — looking forward to coming back!

+5

Randy

Dimly lit restaurant but very lively and busy this Saturday night. Really great service for such a busy restaurant. Definitely recommend the empanadas, some of the best I’ve had even though they’re mini-sized. The celery salad was very tangy and gave a refreshing balance in comparison to the other heavier dishes we had. All the meat was cooked perfectly but I personally did not like the flavor of the seasoning/marinade/garnishes—a little too tangy for my taste. Solid twist on latin flavors though!

+1

Went for drinks, but if you're going to charge $19 for a cocktail, I expect quality liquor. Unfortunately they used the low quality liquor to make there drinks. For that price I rather go elsewhere, other bars with similar price range used higher quality liquor for around the same price. Will not be going back.

I was very excited to have a reservation here because of the well known chef. Beautiful and welcoming restaurant ambience. We sat outside. Our waiter was very animated...like suspiciously too animated for my liking. We started with the rum banana smoothies, which were delicious. As the sun was setting, it got colder so we searched for our waiter to request the heater be turned on. It seemed as if our waiter rounded all his tables except us..twice. I assume he was just busy and to be fair we were in the outer corner, but it was quite frustrating. We ordered the small plates of oxtail tostadas and the squash blossoms which were very good. And also ordered a large plate of the shank with lettuce cups. The presentation was a statement. Each of the lettuce cups were stacked and had intricately placed cilantro leaves within it. Good attention to detail...BUT the shank was soooo salty. Pretty much inedible--we ate less than half. A bummer since the large plates cost more. Our waiter offered a to go box, but we stated how it was too salty twice and unfortunately there was no effort made to better our experience. The shank and my waiter ruined my time there.

This place used to be better but the quality of the food, and the service, has decreased during the past couple of years. I understand inflation makes things difficult but its hard to swallow increased prices accompanied with lesser quality food (including portion size) and service. The atmosphere is cool though, and the drinks aren't bad. The main issue is, for what they charge there are plenty of better options not too far away. The one red flag is that the neighborhood is sketchy. The immediate area around the restaurant is fine but outside of that bubble, the area is not "safe." If you hangout around DTLA and the Arts District, you know what I mean. It can be a uncomfortable walk to and from your car if you do not valet or happen to get a parking spot immediately next to the restaurant.

The place is really nice. I just didn't like Paying $14 for an appetizer which was 1 corn cut in 4 pieces. I could of just gone to a food truck for that and payed $2. All the menu had were appetizers. 😬 expensive ones. Piña colada taste better at Applebees.

I’ve been here a few times but this time around it was a disappointment. Drinks were not good at all!!! food was not what it used to be. I love the corn and this time around they served us 3 skinny corn cobs, as before it was served in 5 that were nice and chunky sizes. My drink was so bad they brought me another one which didn’t taste any better. Bone marrow was hard, the Chile peppers were the biggest mistake, they shouldn’t even be on the menu. Sadly I won’t returning back. I think at this point they are so busy they don’t care what they serve anymore. We spent a good chunk of $$$$ for 2 and left vey dissatisfied.

+4

Axel

Might sound harsh but this chef needs to spend less time on TV and more time at her restaurant. Our food was very lackluster. Service was even worse, the dude hardly even came to our table and we couldn’t even get water refills consistently. The empanadas were good but it was downhill from there. That chicken entree had like 6 different sauces and was still somehow so bland and dry. If you can’t get roast chicken right I don’t know what to tell you. Their dessert menu is just straus ice cream like cmon yall. You are located right next to girl and the goat, Damian, Bestia, Bavel, heck even Rossoblu across the parking lot, etc, and you expect us to come here over these caliber of restaurants?? Really disappointed. I am going to start putting these tv chefs on blast.

This was my first time going to DAMA bc it was highly recommended by my one of my good friends. As soon as we get there, I immediately get bad vibes from the hostess. She was very unwelcoming and didn’t greet us as we approached her for a walk-in. The restaurant was basically empty when we got there & we were told they had no tables until 9:30pm (which would’ve been a 4 hr wait). After we insisted on getting a table now, she proceeded to tell us that there is one table available but that we’d have to give it up for a reservation within an hour which we agreed to. We spent almost 3 hours there and nobody came to take the table from us so clearly she lied to us because she was discriminating. Never coming back. Hire better people.