We were in Downtown LA for Madeline’s fine arts performance and wanted somewhere nice to eat before heading home. Finding a last-minute Saturday brunch reservation was a challenge, but Perch had a table, so we grabbed it.
Perch LA sits high above Hill Street. The dining room and host stand are on the 15th floor, with an open-air rooftop lounge one level up. When the elevator doors open, the city is spread out below you, and by day you can see the mountains on a clear morning and Griffith Observatory on the hill.
A Shady Table on the Terrace
We sat outside on the terrace, looking out over Downtown LA. Our first table was directly in the sun, and the hostess noticed right away and moved us to a table in the shade without us having to ask. It was a small thing, but it set the tone for the meal.
What We Ordered
- Baked Brie: we started with it, and it was great. We loved it, so order it for the table.
- Three-Egg Omelette (mine): good. If you want an omelette, this is a good one.
- Perch Burger (Brad’s): he said it was fantastic. If we go back, that is what I am ordering.
- For the girls: French toast and pancakes. There is no kids’ menu, but brunch is easy for kids because there are always pancakes or French toast.
- To drink: a cappuccino for me and lemonade for the girls.
Our Honest Take on Perch LA
The view is the main event at Perch LA, and the food held up. Overall, nothing on the table disappointed us, and the baked brie and the burger were the standouts.
What the Girls Thought
Charlotte and Madeline both liked their breakfasts. One had the pancakes and the other had the French toast, and they were happy with both. Kids are a tough crowd for a restaurant whose main selling point is the LA skyline, so I’ll take it as a win that neither of them would object to going back.
Would We Go Back to Perch LA?
Yes. Perch LA is a good pick when you’re already downtown for something, like we were for Madeline’s performance, and want a sit-down meal that feels like an occasion. Next time I’m ordering the Perch Burger, we’re getting the baked brie again, and we’re skipping the valet.
Book Ahead, Even Last Minute
Saturday brunch fills up. We got lucky with a last-minute table, but I would not count on it. So book as early as you can, ask for the terrace, and check in at the 15th-floor host stand.
Skip the Valet on Market Days
This is the part I wish someone had told us. We drove and used the valet at the Hill Street entrance. When we went to pick up the car, there was a farmers market nearby, and they told us it would be about a 45-minute wait, because with the streets closed for the market they had to bring cars around through a maze of one-way Downtown LA streets. In the end, we were annoyed enough that we had the valet walk us to where the car was parked, and we got it out ourselves.
My advice: on weekend mornings, take an Uber or park yourself in a garage within walking distance. If you do use the valet, ask about the market and street closures when you drop off the car.
Perch LA: Know Before You Go
- Address: 448 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when we went
- Seating: ask for the terrace, and in the shade on a sunny day
- Kids: no kids’ menu, but pancakes and French toast are easy wins
- Parking: skip the valet on weekend market days
- Dress: smart casual
The Bottom Line
Perch was a lovely way to celebrate after Madeline’s performance. Start with the baked brie, order the Perch Burger, enjoy the view from a shady terrace table, and think twice about the valet. For another LA brunch with a very different feel, see our Fia Santa Monica garden brunch review.
