Meteora

Nestled on Melrose Avenue in Hancock Park, Meteora offers one of LA’s most visually striking dining environments. The entrance greets you through an elaborate bird’s nest structure of spiraling branches, opening into a jungle-inspired space filled with lush foliage reaching toward massive skylights. Palo santo smoke drifts through the air while ambient bass pulses softly in the background. From the same team behind Vespertine and the beloved Destroyer, this experimental concept attempts to bridge theatrical fine dining with accessible a la carte ordering.

The menu divides into four categories—vegetables, grains, meats, and seafood—with dishes designed for sharing. Expect unconventional combinations like grilled bigfin squid paired with crunchy jicama, or heirloom stone fruits wrapped in cured duck breast. The kitchen clearly aims for artistic presentation and ingredient pairings you won’t find elsewhere in the city. However, the execution often prioritizes concept over seasoning, leaving many dishes underseasoned despite their creative compositions.

The experience leans heavily into atmosphere and ritual. Every thirty minutes, a server circles the room with burning incense, adding to the monastery-meets-jungle aesthetic. The cocktail menu reads like an apothecary list, focusing on herbal tonics rather than traditional spirits. Curved banquettes and cushioned wicker chairs create a lounge-like vibe that initially feels inviting, though the lack of a proper bar means you can’t simply order a straightforward drink to accompany your meal.

Meteora works best for those seeking Instagram-worthy surroundings and conversation-starting dishes rather than satisfying flavors. It’s undeniably unique—part dinner theater, part botanical garden, part experimental art project. Just know that the visual experience far outpaces what lands on your plate, and the $100-plus per person price tag may leave you wishing for more substance beneath the spectacle.