Upscale meets relaxed with Videre’s high-end menu, cozy atmosphere and breathtaking views. (photo by Jorge Soler)

Miracle Mile is on the rise. By the time the Olympics hit Los Angeles in 2028, LACMA’s expansion will be complete, the Purple Line will be carrying passengers east and west, and all that construction will finally have subsided (right … maybe?). At the center of all the hullaballoo are a few up-and-coming boutique hotels, trendy eateries and high-end coffee shops. Videre, the rooftop restaurant atop Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, is one of the shinier gems in the Miracle Mile revitalization.

Boyfriend (yes, that’s what we call him here) and I had both had long, exhausting days of work by the time we took the elevator up to Videre. The easy-going, friendly, yet still up-scale vibe was established the second the doors slid open, and the stresses of the day melted away. Our world was now just this beautiful rooftop.

Our 8 p.m. reservation made for a breathtaking nighttime 360-degree view of L.A. A spirited trivia night was underway, a new Tuesday night addition to Videre’s events. Megan, our delightful server, said that the restaurant also hosts watch-parties for reality shows and other themed events. Booths and tables surround the building’s pool, and a deck area has a fire pit and cushy seating.

It’s the kind of place you imagine the posh Hollywood elites of the 1970s may have lounged. With an air of Old Hollywood charm, it balances a Vanderpump vibe – where a classic film star might be seated next to a Kardashian, who’s sitting by a businessman who stumbled into the hidden oasis on a work trip.

Our booth was incredibly spacious and comfortable, and I lounged in between courses.

The menu offers high quality food at accessible prices. We started off with drinks – four different drinks we ultimately sampled, actually. Our bartender, Victor, skipped the alcohol on some of the libations so we could get a taste without regretting a hard buzz. The drink menu is only the start of what Victor can whip up, however. Tell the server what you like, and the team at the bar is ready to experiment and please your palate.

Tipples like Daisies Over Pastures and Eagle Clutches Serpent (what names!) each offer their own unique spin on refreshing. With a touch of cilantro flower, Daises Over Pastures was definitely made for anyone looking for a kick. The Eagle Clutches Serpent, despite the title, was more sweet, made with Moscato, guava syrup and topped with a grape and lime. A cherry-flavored Moscow mule came later (cherry is my favorite flavor, by the way – and it didn’t disappoint), but Boyfriend’s favorite (he’s a citrus boy) was Victor’s original mocktail made with kiwi, mint, pineapple and lime juice and orange blossom water. Delicious.

For food, the skewers are the star attraction at Videre. Mushrooms, chicken thighs, prawns and ribeye were all options, but Megan recommended the scallops. She knows her stuff. With housemade ponzu and roasted tomato jam, we ate them a little too quickly. A meal could be easily made from the skewers alone.

Before our entrees arrived, we shared artichoke hearts and crispy potatoes. The artichoke had a ginger chili vinaigrette that made for a sweet-and-sour experience, while the tasty potatoes were perfectly seasoned with rosemary aioli.

For the main course, Boyfriend chose the day’s market fish ­­– bass served with zucchini, charred wax beans, pearl onions and a sesame vinaigrette. I stole a few bites, and then almost stole the plate. I only refrained because I had the perfectly-cooked New York strip steak with which to contend.

Boyfriend is from Argentina originally, and no one knows good beef better than Argentinians – let’s just say Boyfriend has very specific opinions and can be a terribly harsh critic about the seasoning and quality of meat. So, to profess that Videre’s steak received his seal of approval is no small accomplishment. And to my Texas-raised taste buds, it was extremely satisfactory. We certainly know our beef, too.

Believe it or not, we still had room for dessert – and the white chocolate and pomegranate cookies served with ice cream felt like the perfect choice. The cookies were fresh-from-the-oven-at-grandma’s quality, and the ice cream had to have been churned that day.

After the meal, we moseyed over to the fire pit to sip the remainder of our drinks.

As I propped my feet up next to Boyfriend, I closed my eyes and saw the millions of faces passing on the streets below us, the personalities behind the blinking flashes of illumination. Exhale.

With the prevalence of rooftop experiences in the city, perhaps we take the views for granted – high-rise towers give us copious opportunities to take in the brilliance of the sprawl. The city lights twinkle, making for L.A.’s own unique version of a starry night.

Beyond the dinner, savory drinks and good-time activities, Videre adds to the L.A. institution of a rooftop moment – a chance to freeze time, put down the phones and take in the wonder of our metropolis.

Videre, located at 6317 Wilshire Blvd., is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 7 a.m-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, with a full brunch menu offered for morning guests. For information, visit viderela.com.