
DAMA Fashion District Restaurant & Bar
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where Latin American soul meets contemporary refinement, DAMA Fashion District Restaurant & Bar Los Angeles transforms a historic banana warehouse into Downtown's most enchanting culinary escape. Celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso's vision unfolds within this 5,000-square-foot tropical sanctuary, where old Havana glamour mingles with modern sophistication in the heart of the Fashion District.
Since opening in 2018, DAMA has established itself as a cornerstone of Los Angeles fine dining through Lofaso's authentic approach to pan-Latin cuisine. The Top Chef and Iron Chef America veteran draws from extensive travels across Spanish, Caribbean, and South American territories, crafting a menu that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Her partnership with restaurant veterans Mario Guddemi and Salvatore Aurora has created a destination that earned recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, cementing its status among the best restaurants Los Angeles offers.
The cuisine celebrates bold, shareable flavors through meticulously crafted dishes that showcase Latin America's diverse culinary landscape. Signature offerings include the whole red snapper with escabeche and pineapple, a 24-ounce dry-aged ribeye accompanied by salsa verde and avocado, and the celebrated rotisserie chicken with seasonal peppers and three distinctive dipping sauces. The crispy pork shank arrives with lettuce cups and pickled vegetables, while the saffron-kissed paella demonstrates Lofaso's technical mastery. Small plates like empanadas, aguachile, and whipped beans create perfect preludes to the Pacific Banana Co. Sundae, a playful homage to the building's heritage featuring buttered bananas, caramel, and peanuts.
The two-level space accommodates 170 guests across intimate dining rooms, three semi-private terraces, and an expansive outdoor patio overlooking the courtyard. Art Deco elements blend seamlessly with tropical design—massive wicker fans, colorful Cuban tiles, and lush greenery create an atmosphere reminiscent of Havana's grand hotels. The wrap-around cocktail bar showcases creations by legendary mixologists Steve Livigni and Pablo Moix, featuring rare spirits and innovative techniques in drinks like the Captain's Cocktail with Capurro pisco and the rum-forward Fair and Warmer. Sommelier Taylor Grant's wine program spans major European regions, perfectly complementing the cuisine's complexity.
DAMA Fashion District Restaurant & Bar offers an unparalleled fusion of authentic Latin flavors and sophisticated ambiance that defines best fine dining in Los Angeles. Reservations are essential for this sought-after destination where tropical elegance meets culinary artistry, creating memories that linger long after the final bite of tres leches sundae.
CHEF
Antonia Lofaso
ACCOLADES












