A Night Out in Downtown LA: The Nomad Hotel

I love downtown LA. I had my design studio located there for the past 10 years, my son went to school there and have witnessed firsthand the re-birth of the neighborhood.  What was once the seedy, neglected state of the 90s when I grew up going in Los Angeles to the thriving urban area that it is today. Unlike some of the other additions to the neighborhood, I was excited when I learned that the Nomad hotel was opening. I love their library bar at their hotel in New York, not only is it incredible from a design standpoint but the service, drinks and food are excellent. I was excited to try out the Nomad closer to home when it opened here in Los Angeles and I wasn't disappointed.

Housed in a former 12 story Neo-classical building formerly owned by the Bank Of Italy, I used to walk by its ornate façade for years on my way to my stone setter, cutter, platers etc all the while wondering what was inside. After an almost 2 year construction by Morgan, Walls & Clements, they have restored the building beautifully, keeping original details like the recessed Italianate ceilings and the bank vault that you walk through to visit the restroom. The building hails from 1922, originally to home to the Bank of Italy, founded by Amadeo Giannini in San Francisco, which would later became Bank of America.  

The decor matches the opulent surroundings. Murano chandeliers abound in the coffee bar and sumptuous regal velvets and wallpapers throughout the lobby.

French interior designer Jacques Garcia combines 17th- and 18th-century references with modern influences to create a timeless interpretation of French elegance. This is definitely a more is more, type of place. 

I love the fireplace! It's so cozy on a breezy night with a glass of wine in hand.

Photo by Brigham Yen

I've visited a few times, just after it opened and more recently. Feeling festive, I opted for the prosecco to start.

The wine list is good and so are their cocktails! It can be a little tricky to get a reservation unless you plan in advance but they take walk ins. I recommend going there on the early side, putting your name down and then going to have a drink in either the coffee bar or the Giannini Bar. Each time I've done that, a table has opened up within 40 minutes or so. The staff is very friendly and nice, no attitudes here which is always a plus!

The food is delicious, I opted for the more casual fare of the coffee bar and the lobby restaurant over Mezzanine, although I'm sure it's equally good. I'm just not that into fine dining these days. I've eaten at Eleven Madison Park so I was already familiar with Daniel Humm's cuisine. We were having a light meal so we started with the Hummus, with whipped lava beans, herbed ricotta, pistachios and crispy lavash.

Photo courtesy of Nomad hotel

My companions opted for the crab pasta which was delicious but more of an appetizer size. I don't see it on the menu anymore so maybe it was a seasonal dish.

I had the Chicken Milanese with black truffle, and apple and celery shavings. This is a generous portion, heaped with tons of truffle shavings on top. Delicious and I've been back to have it again! Another visit, my husband had the dry-aged beef burger with pickled vegetables and herb and lemon fries. He liked the burger better than I did, I thought it was a little under seasoned. I am hard to please with a burger since I have been spoiled by what I consider to be the best burger in LA at Everson Royce Bar just farther east down 7th.

Love the ornate ceilings and I always appreciate a good chandelier!

Photo by Lindsay Gallagher

The subterranean original bank vault with a 50 ton door, now the entrance to the lobby bathrooms.

This spring, the Rooftop with an outdoor café and cocktail bar for hotel guests will debut. Can't wait!