Somni — Restaurant in West Hollywood

Although COVID claimed a number of eateries across the globe few in America were so acclaimed as Somni, and although the re-opening has been protracted fans of Chef Aitor Zabala will be happy to know his new iteration in West Hollywood picks up where the former left off with both Food and staff already executing at a level rarely seen stateside.

Now a standalone space with six added seats, the PDR up front designed moreso for oenophiles, guests again begin with bites outside the main space and instead of a hotel lobby this occurs on a tiled patio with “fried” Almonds, a Citrus sipper and Cheese quite literally as light as a “feather.”

As much theater as a meal, Chef Zabala’s experience at El Bulli, Arzak and Akelarre gifting he and his kitchen staff with a good sense of how to use modified textures without compromising ingredients, act two takes place at a curved counter with full view of most plates’ preparation.

Unveiled across three-hours and twenty-five items, much of the staff familiar from five years ago and all of them at least sous Chefs, a description of each plate undermines Zabala’s sense of flow and skills akin to a conductor as simple names such as “Beets & Roses” or “Sardine Tart” do little to explain the complexity of either.

Assuredly pricey, a 1:1 chef to diner ratio and WeHo real estate merely part of an equation that will set couples back $1250 without alcohol, Ingredients take the spotlight in cases like a Fish-shaped puff loaded with Caviar and throwback Shiso tartare tempura.

A slow build across the evening, Amaebi atop faultless Rice with Truffles following an Egg Yolk “Ravioli” filled with Huitlacoche, “Entrees” consist of an Oxtail Bun with aromatic Curry followed by aged Spanish Beef and concentrated Red Peppers.

Bringing back "Cow and her milk" from the SLS, still one of America’s best composed Cheese courses, Dessert sends guests off with a breath of Pina Colada and Mignardises ranging from Fruit Leather to a...

Somni 2.0 is possibly the best restaurant in Los Angeles. The newly revived restaurant located on Nemo street offers just 14 seats once a night. This 20-course tasting menu highlights traditional Spanish dishes interpreted through chef Aitor Zabala's genius.

Every bite at Somni is creative showcasing extreme technical precision and culinary mastery. We especially liked the black truffle tartlet, golden osetra caviar served on fluffy bread with dashi, mussels escabeche and Spanish cow with piquillo peppers. Each bite here seems to be better than the last and presentation is stunning. Textures, flavors and different preparation techniques offers nice surprises and keeps you guessing.

The restaurant also feels warm and inviting, and the whole experience (from eating small bites in the patio to dining on the counter tops in the dining room) makes you feel like you're dining at a private residence with a celebrity chef cooking for you.

The service and staff here are wonderful and go out of their way to ensure you are comfortable and having fun. More amazing is that every staff member cooks as well (many have returned from the original Somni when it was at the SLS Hotel for this latest iteration).

The price point is steep (approximately $500/pp and an additional $150/pp for alcoholic beverage pairing). However, if you are willing to pay the price for admission, it is one of the most unforgettable and special experiences and definitely worth a special visit if in the area. The roughly 3.5 hour service goes by quickly and will have you planning your next...

The best fine dining experience in LA, and perhaps in all of the USA. This was an experience on par with the finest meals in the world. We are thrilled to have Somni back, and better than ever.

The food was excellent. Service was an expertly timed ballet. The wine pairing was fantastic, although I will likely choose the juice pairing next time!

As you arrive, you are invited to enjoy aperitifs and amuse in their outdoor courtyard before being escorted to the main dining room where the show begins. It is fabulous to watch the staff all equally take part in providing a fantastic meal, from preparation and plating to serving you on queue with the rest of the dining room.

The staff were all exceptionally friendly and personable without an ounce of typical fine dining frou frou pretentiousness. The fine dining world needs more of this - and less of the Thomas Keller x Alain Passard (and many more, sadly) Michelin Star merchant boring nonsense!

As of writing this review, they have only just recently reopened. That said, they deserve to be the first 3 star in Los Angeles. They deserve to be on the World's Best list. I will return here to update this review WHEN (not IF) they rightfully earn...