Damian

"Hidden in the back of Damian is a verdant oasis of a patio tucked between the industrial buildings of the Arts District. While the interior offers sleeker vibes for a special night out, the back patio feels a little more casual. Make sure to order the herb-topped guacamole and the duck carnitas, which are both easy to share. With the patio being covered, bad weather is not really a concern, especially when there are plenty of space heaters spread throughout." - Rebecca Roland

"Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Enrique Olvera’s Pujol from Mexico City will pop up at Olvera’s Damian in Los Angeles for 10 days, serving classics like shrimp tartare and squash blossom soup in a seven-course dinner." - Rebecca Roland

"Entering Enrique Olvera’s acclaimed Arts District restaurant Damian feels like walking through a portal to Mexico City. At night, the indoor dining room is lit just enough to highlight its industrial design, which is balanced by a long planter on the other. Intimate booths run the length of one wall, where groups split guacamole topped with a handful of herbs and sip on well-balanced margaritas. The atrium-like patio is a little brighter (and quieter), offering a dining option that feels outdoors but is still protected by a roof. The duck carnitas has been a standout on the menu since the restaurant opened, with meat that requires almost no effort to pull apart. The Caesar tostada offers an inventive take on the classic salad, while a tlayuda is topped with squash or whatever produce is in season. Round out the meal with a sweet tamal or hibiscus meringue, which looks like it belongs in an art gallery. Book a table on Resy." - Rebecca Roland

"If you’re looking for a fancy brunch on a patio, head to Damian. Servers pamper you like you're a prized poodle, trees shade the smooth cement tables, and Mexican dishes you’ve eaten thousands of times feel new again. We usually start off with some pastries like a blue corn concha and then go for chilaquiles topped with machaca de pescado. Anyone who wants to eat seafood before 11am (our heroes) will like the lobster tostadas and their brunch-only aguachile, which tastes like a group of raw scallops took a spicy acid shower. You can usually waltz right into Damian without a reservation, or book a last-minute table for you and a few masa-inclined, fancy friends." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"This sleek Modern Mexican restaurant from famed chef Enrique Olvera offers happy hour on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the bar and communal dining area. Opt for the duck carnitas taco, guacamole, or the artichoke sope and wash it down with a mezcal margarita." - Rebecca Roland