It’s funny… since arriving in LA, everyone and their mother told me how AMAZING Los Angeles Mexican cuisine is. Well it is because of restaurants like Bar Ama in Downtown LA that Los Angeles has this reputation. My expectations heading into my meal at Bar Ama were very high, and I can say with confidence that Bar Ama met and surpassed every one of my incredibly high expectations. The food is incredible. Not only is it delicious, but it is gluten-friendly and there are plenty of vegan options…
Bar Ama strives to serve delicious cuisine that satisfies all kinds of diners, and they are very successful in doing so! To start, I highly recommend the chips and guacamole. The guacamole is just how I like it- chunks of avocado and not too many distracting ingredients. The chips are awesome, too, but they are fried in a shared fryer so if you are extremely sensitive I recommend eating the guac sans chips. Following the guacamole, my table and I tried the sliced beef, Tex-Mex queso, and corn grit taquitos. The beef was incredible, and the corn grit taquitos were AMAZING. I find that I am not always able to eat taquitos– either because there is a gluten or dairy culprit (I’m dairy free, too)– but I ordered these taquitos free of both! Filled with polenta and topped with green goddess dressing (I asked for no dairy), the taquitos are an absolute must-order. Again, they are cooked in a shared fryer, so if you are highly sensitive you will have to avoid this dish, too. Now to the two best dishes of the ENTIRE meal. The cauliflower & cilantro pesto with cotija and cashews… I’m at a loss for words. This is one of the best cauliflower dishes in Los Angeles, and I’m finding there is A LOT of cauliflower in Los Angeles. Second– the shrimp ceviche. Served with pomegranate, lime, red onion, and yam, this was one of the most flavorful ceviche dishes I have EVER had. Round out your meal with one of Bar Ama’s gluten free desserts and a couple of cocktails, and you will have had the ultimate Tex-Mex meal.
I love everything about Bar Ama. From the people, to the food, to the decor, to the location… everything about this restaurant is exceptional. Bar Ama has sister restaurants all within steps of the restaurant, and I am SO excited to check out Baco Mercat, Orsa and Winston, and Ledlow soon!