By Demetria Johnson
This summer, I had the joy of dining at Ristorante Per L’Ora inside Hotel Per La during Dine LA Restaurant Week AND LET ME TELL YOU…. It was an experience to savor!
For $65 per person, their four-course Dine LA dinner menu offered a refined journey through coastal Italian cuisine, layered with the essence of seasonal Los Angeles ingredients. We sampled every corner of the thoughtfully curated menu by the masterminds of Executive Chef Joey Roacho and Executive Sous Chef John Acosta, and even ordered a few extras because, well… when in Rome.
We began with a choice between the Endive Salad, bright and citrusy with Castelvetrano olives, cherries, Cara Cara oranges, pistachios, and lemon vinaigrette, or the Romana Artichokes, served with a zesty Calabrian chili aioli and charred lemon. We decided on the latter which literally melted in our mouths with each bite, stalks and all.
The Focaccia bread was warm, aromatic, and loaded with garlic confit, rosemary, and D.O.P. Parmesa setting the tone for what was to come. The Spaghetti alla Checca, featuring Munak Farms sungold tomato sugo and fine herb whipped goat cheese, delivered summer in a bowl. Meanwhile, the Orecchiette Birria stunned with a rich short rib guajillo chile ragù and a playful onion foam. Each pasta was a love letter to flavor and texture.
For mains, we sampled the Scallops with leek risotto and pickled summer squash, and the Salmon, served in a vibrant Munak Farms tomato broth with pancetta, salsa verde, and summer vegetables. Both were beautifully executed and full of depth. Every plate was layered, balanced, and meticulously composed.
And dessert? A decadent Cannoli with Valrhona chocolate, pistachios, and creamy rice pudding served as a sweet finale that still lingers in my mind. I have a mean sweet tooth, but this was a perfect balance that complimented the end which I paired with an espresso martini made with Mezcal tequila (you’re welcome for that twist on a delicious drink).
Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering off-menu as well. It’s tomato season, so the Caprese was an absolute must! We were honored to have it presented personally by Chef Gema Delfin, who expertly explained the love she personally put into making it. The Hamachi Crudo was equally divine: fresh, clean, and layered in flavor. Both were worthy additions to an already flawless dinner.
Cocktails deserve their own standing ovation. The dirty martinis were crisp, cool, and confidently prepared by a team of expert mixologists. Did I mention my Espresso Martini with Mezcal tequila? It deserves an encore because I had an encore after dinner at the bar.
But, what truly elevated the night was the service. From the moment we walked in, we were treated with grace, warmth, and attentiveness. It wasn’t just our table…every single guest in the busy dining room was met with care and detail. From the front-of-house to the kitchen, the staff’s synergy was palpable. It’s rare to witness a team this dialed in, this invested in creating something memorable for every diner.
Be sure to visit Bar Clara on the rooftop for one of the best panoramic views of Downtown LA, and don’t skip a trip to the basement to experience the preserved bank vault. It is a charming nod to the building’s architectural legacy.
Whether it’s a date night, girls’ night, or a solo moment of self-love, Ristorante Per L’Ora delivers a picturesque and soul-satisfying evening. Reservations are highly recommended and for good reason. Dine LA offers a rare opportunity to taste the artistry of celebrated chefs at a set price. Once you go, you’ll definitely want to return.
10/10. No notes. A masterclass in modern Italian dining. My gratitude is at an all-time high.
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