A FANCY DINNER THAT’S ACTUALLY FUN
Let’s be honest—multi-sensory dining experiences can sometimes feel like a high-concept science experiment where you’re not sure if you’re supposed to eat the food or just appreciate its existence. But Elementa at The Gallery in DTLA at Olive and Olympic? This is one of those rare dinners where the artistry and the flavors actually match. Normally, flavored foam and chocolate “dirt” can sound pretentious, but these—and mini-monologues about the essence of the universe introducing each of the amazing, and I mean AMAZING, courses—are for those seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. I gotta tell you, it’s just damn good food, executed with precision, creativity, and a little bit of theatrical flair.
The theme here is the five elements—Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Aether—which sounds like Cirque du Soleil brainstorming, but instead, it’s just an excuse for the kitchen to flex. And, oh, do they. Each course is a knockout, balancing depth of flavor with playfulness, so you’re never stuck nodding politely at your plate, wondering if you “get it.” Additionally, the wine pairings are sumptuous, and waiters are always at the ready to refill your glass. Sitting at long tables, you actually interact with the projected light show coming from above. I also had knockout conversations with three other couples.
It began in The Gallery’s Horizon Lounge, a gorgeous space to kick back in, and frankly, if they let you sleep there, I’d consider moving in. A bar to visit even if you aren’t heading into Elementa in the back space. A brandy cocktail on the menu was delightful, but what amazed was the simple gin martini that tasted damn near inspired. How is that possible with a hefty pour of basically gin? I dared not sample the many glorious appetizers, saving room for the main event. And am I glad for will power. What a feast was in store. Let’s get started.
EARTH – “Roots & Dirt” | Strawberries & Flowers
Okay, they literally call this “dirt,” which is a bold move for a fine dining establishment, but it works. Root vegetables get the royal treatment, roasted until they’re impossibly sweet and caramelized, then paired with black garlic for an umami bomb that sneaks up on you. The edible flowers and strawberries and chocolate sprinkles (an almost offensive term for this cocoa creation) keep it from feeling too heavy, giving the whole dish a “springtime in the forest” vibe. It’s earthy, yes, but in a way that makes you want to book a cabin in the woods rather than eat twigs.
WATER – Hamachi & Seaweed | Kabocha Squash & Tamari-Shiitake Dashi Dressing
This one tastes like the ocean, but, you know, the good parts. The hamachi is silkier than a luxury bedsheet, the seaweed adds just the right amount of briny funk, and the tamari-shiitake dashi is smoky, savory, and basically impossible to stop eating. The kabocha squash is a surprisingly sweet counterpoint, which somehow ties the whole thing together. If you get the vegan version, as some of my tablemates did, the roasted kabocha is so rich and buttery it’ll make you forget fish even exists.
AIR – Eggplant & Duck | Pickled Eggplant Chermoula & Candied Pistachios
Light, but not fowl, er, foul. The duck is ridiculously tender with a crisp, crackly skin that deserves its own round of applause. The pickled eggplant chermoula keeps things tangy, while the candied pistachios add crunch and a little sweetness. There’s so much texture and contrast going on that every bite is a little different, and somehow, they all work. The vegan version swaps in smoky, charred eggplant that somehow manages to hold its own. Really, one of the most surprising dishes of the evening.
FIRE – Tenderloin & Mushrooms | Coriander & Peppercorn Crust | Mushroom Soubise & Escabeche
Even though I don’t know what Soubise & Escabeche are (and you don’t need to know, either), serious gourmands are gonna eat this up. This is the moment where things get primal. The tenderloin arrives with a perfect sear, a ruby-red center, and just enough spice to remind you that fire is, in fact, involved. The mushroom soubise thing is velvety and indulgent, and the marinated escabeche stuff has a kind of tang to it. If you go the plant-based route, the roasted mushrooms are so deeply umami-packed that even steak lovers might find themselves jealous (yeah, I asked my neighbor for a taste again).
AETHER – Ube & Coconut | Candied Ginger & Ginger Snap Croquant
Dessert is where a lot of high-end places try to get too cute, but not here. This one is all about texture and balance. Creamy ube–a purple yam—and coconut meet the punchy heat of candied ginger, all tied together with the shattering crunch of a ginger snap cookie. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to take embarrassingly tiny bites just to make it last longer. but I didn’t. Which is why I asked for seconds.
THE VERDICT: GO. JUST GO.
Listen, Elementa is the kind of dinner that could easily take itself too seriously, but instead, it’s an absolute joy. The food is phenomenal, the drinks are top-tier, and while the experience is high-end, it never feels stuffy. If you want a meal that’s worth dressing up for, that impresses without exhausting you, and that leaves you wishing there was just one more bite, this is it.
Reservations? Highly recommended. Restraint when ordering cocktails? That’s on you.
