Perch — Restaurant in Los Angeles

On April 30th, 2024, I found myself visiting the downtown area and was lucky enough to land at this fine dining establishment. I saw that they had an amazing overlook of DTLA, an elegant appeal, and live bands on certain nights. When I finally visited, I was ecstatic at how well the service and the food. This restaurant has much more to offer than a rooftop and food.

A precious friend and I waited around until 4pm when they opened. As you exit on the 15th floor, there’s a host readily available to seat you. Though the main attraction is the outdoor tables, you can't go wrong with any seat in the house. The space was elegantly decorated with marble tile, glass tables, falling vegetation and plants throughout. Much of the area was shaded but there was an ample amount of natural light in every corner of the space. A true and sudden immersive environment.

We were able to choose our preferred seating. We sat on the West patio, the most shaded area. We oversaw Hill Street & Pershing Square/Park. The server, an astonishingly beautiful woman, came after a few minutes and brought two menus each. Having worked there for years, she was very accommodating with any questions we had – whether it was about the menu, busiest time(s) of day, the drinks, crowd, etc. – very personable lady. Waters were immediately brought, all questions answered, well-spring of knowledge. She could do no wrong.

I’m no high roller so thankfully we made it in time for happy hour. Altogether, we ordered the Surf & Turf Skewer (hold the bleu cheese), French Onion Soup, and the Campari Tomato Burrata. Our server checked on us a few times while we were still taking in the scenery. The food arrived and it was honestly the best food (of any kind) that I’ve ever eaten. The shrimp perfectly seasoned, grilled with the perfect amount of char and had the perfect proportion of firm/juicy. The Filet was soft and nearly dissolved while I chewing. The complimentary béarnaise made it all come together. When we ordered the Campari Tomato Burrata, a joyous surprise. The crusted skin was textbook – soft, crunchy and flavorful. The tomato sauce was so rich and savory. Last, but not least, the French Onion Soup (her order). I’ve never had French Onion Soup before but I was blown away at how well it all came together. The cheese was zesty and gooey, when mixed with the savory soup and hidden bread inside, I could’ve died and gone to heaven.

We then decided to up the experience and order drinks! She had the Berry LA while I ordered the Penthouse Passion. The Penthouse Passion was boozy yet smooth, almost like an elevated version of a passion fruit tequila-mojito.

When it was all said & done, the check came out and though it was about $80, I couldn’t care what the final number was because it was well WORTH IT. There’s a feeling of elegance, hospitality and fulfillment that immediately overcomes you as each minute passes on this 15th floor restaurant, which makes you reluctant to leave. This feeling, while simultaneously experiencing all the highest elements of hospitality, fine dining and immersion, is God-like. I cannot rave about my experience here enough. It's a true delight, well worth any ticket price. I know there’s thousands of places to eat in LA but you’re missing out if you don’t eat here at least once. If I could give it 10 stars, I would.

Also, do not shy away from the “$$$” rating. There are food/drink options for the cost-conscious customer, it’s worth taking off work ½ hr early on a weekday to make happy...

I'm a downtown local and been living here for a while now. I haven't been here for about 13 years. After coming back to this place I didn't expect to have such an experience. I felt very discriminated by Marilyn on Sunday evening. When I arrived I sat at bar waiting for a couple of friends to come through. I ordered my drink; she came back with my drink and placed it right in front of me. I was on my phone and she asked if I wanted to pay or place a card to keep my tab open. I then said, I want to keep it open give me a second. Keep in mind I'm being polite. She then pulled my drink back I ordered from right in front of me.

I then hand her my card and she places the drink back in front of me and rolls her eyes at me. I don't understand why this girl "Marilyn" is giving me an attitude; my advice, don't come here in sweat pants cause this girl will think you're running out on a tab and "she will profile you"

In general this establishment will profile you, no doubt so dress up on a slow day.

I then hand her my card and tell her you pulling my drink from in front of me was so unnecessary. Only because I'm in sweat pants and dressed very casual doesn't mean I'm going to run out on the tab..... she rolled her eyes as she took my card.

My friends arrived... keep in mind my card is in their possession. I move because my friends wanted to sit elsewhere at the bar. My friends order their drinks and only because I moved and sat next to them Marilyn then asked if I wanted to close my tab!

At this point I'm furious. I asked her, did I ask to close my tab?!? She then continue to give me an attitude and walked away.

I spoke to the manager Brett that same night in regards to the accident I've experienced. I told Brett don't reprimand her please just educate her because I didn't want her to lose her job.

I still being considered of this young girls job... SMFH

I come back 5 days later forgetting about what happened not even focused on this girl. Once I approach the bar; she grabs the bar stool I was going to sit and says, "you can't sit here"

I was confused and said, "me or anyone in general" and Marilyn said, "me" with a malicious smile.

Honestly, that was really unprofessional. If I wasn't allowed at the bar it should've came from a manager not a new hire bartender. At this point I feel really targeted. I came here to have a drama free night especially after a long stressful week.

Then I was told I can be at the rooftop to enjoy the rest of my night but about an hour or so Brett told me that Marilyn said I have threatened her the night of the accident and didn't feel safe! The fact that this employee lied!!!!!! Lied about who knows what exactly!!!

I would never in my life even threaten an employee ever! After I even told the manager about the incident that same night and said, "please educate her and don't reprimand her" because I was concerned about her job! Is mind blowing.

I honestly don't recommend this place!!! Any complaint you have will be brushed under the rug and will be in favor of the employee that lies and does wrong by you.

Please save your money and go elsewhere. The Moxy Level 8 just opened about a few minutes away from Perch and the food, drinks, view and ambience not to mention great customer service is far more impressive than this place. Save your money and go to Level...

I usually don't do long reviews, but here we are. This review is also the average of 8 people combined (our table).

Overall score total of 2 out of 5.

We made a birthday reservation party of 8 for Sunday 10/27 @7:30pm. We arrived around 7:35/40pm as due to La traffic and parking situation, plus elevator wait to go up as it is small. To start off it felt fine and we were ready to have a great experience for a birthday celebration. But as we were seated, it was a long wait for the server to just come and introduce themselves. Then even after they did it took another 20/30 minutes for them to take our orders. Since it was busy and we had a big group, we had to get the pre fix combo meals. The first dishes for our group took another 15/20 minutes and same thing for the course/entree and deserts. The funny part is that the bussers would also keep coming to us and asking if we were done. Even if we were the plates get all taken away but our next dish was another wait. On top of that our server was no where to be found the entire time, which also made no sense when the 20% gratuity was added to our bill by default already. Made it seem like since they know and we know we are getting auto charged for gratuity they can do whatever and they're still getting their tips. Then, when my entree came it was a steak frite, I asked for medium well which I usually get and has never had a problem at other restaurants. But when I got it at the Perch, it was different very rare and I told them nicely and the server took it back gave me a new one, which the steak was honestly not any better and if anything was more rare. I kept wanting to look on the bright side but it was just getting worse. Anyways they gave birthday girl the desert with a candle, but tell me why another table outside in the patio outisde got the whole team (all the servers) to sing for them. When we only got the busser who brought out the desert and sang happy birthday halfway and just left.... I don't know if they normally sing for birthdays but we felt racially discriminated as there were no Asians inside the restaurant at the time as well. Well as it ended I was discussing with our group about the service and food, pretty sure a server heard us talking about REVIEWS and YELP, so then somehow the manager runs over and asks us about our experience. We told him a little about this overall experience and he offered us to go checkout the rooftop and gave us drinks. But he lowkey didn't make it any better because we didn't ask for drinks or talk about our genuine experience to get free drinks and rooftop bar entry. It wasn't our point, but I do think overall the Perch needs better teamwork and everyone on the same page because why did it take forever to get our food and for our server or anyone to come assist us. On top of everything it wasn't busy too. For an upscale restaurant that we are paying each $73 for, I would expect better service and food.

Anyways sorry for the long review, but on my behalf and my group we just didn't feel like this was an upscale 5 star...