
Somni
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where Spanish molecular gastronomy meets California's finest ingredients, Somni Los Angeles transforms fine dining into an immersive theatrical experience that redefines luxury cuisine. Chef Aitor Zabala's three-Michelin-starred restaurant, meaning "dream" in Catalan, occupies an intimate West Hollywood sanctuary where just 10-14 guests witness culinary artistry at its most profound.
Zabala's extraordinary journey from Ferran Adrià's legendary El Bulli to independent restaurateur culminated in Somni's remarkable resurrection. Originally earning two Michelin stars in Beverly Hills before pandemic closure, the restaurant's 2024 West Hollywood relaunch achieved an unprecedented three Michelin stars within seven months—a testament to Zabala's visionary evolution. This phoenix-like rise establishes Somni among Los Angeles fine dining's most coveted destinations, where reservations represent access to culinary history in the making.
The cuisine transcends traditional tasting menu boundaries through 20-30 meticulously crafted courses that blur art, science, and gastronomy. Zabala's Catalan and Basque heritage manifests in revolutionary techniques like steamed egg yolk pasta sheets and 3-D printed edible tomato "paper." Signature creations include pigtail curry buns, dry-aged turbot with molecular precision, and the iconic shiso tartare tempura—each dish representing textural innovation rooted in classical Spanish foundations. The menu's seasonal evolution incorporates California's premium ingredients through Spanish storytelling, creating a dialogue between Mediterranean tradition and Pacific Coast abundance.
Somni's West Hollywood space epitomizes intimate luxury through its farmhouse-inspired design featuring oak-lined curved ceilings, church-like windows, and a striking rainbow-tinted bull installation. The communal counter dissolves barriers between kitchen and dining room, while soft lighting creates individual spotlights for each guest. Service transcends traditional hospitality as chef-servers, trained by acting coaches, deliver choreographed presentations that transform each course into performance art. The rare wine program features vintage selections paired with innovative non-alcoholic alternatives, ensuring every guest experiences optimal flavor harmony.
Securing Somni reservations requires patience and persistence, as this ultra-premium experience represents Los Angeles' most exclusive fine dining opportunity. The restaurant's intimate scale and three-Michelin-star status create extraordinary demand among discerning gourmands seeking transformative culinary experiences. For those fortunate enough to secure seats, Somni delivers an unforgettable journey through Zabala's dreamscape where Spanish heritage and California innovation converge in perfect harmony.
CHEF
Aitor Zabala
ACCOLADES

(2025) Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence
