Somni restaurant in West Hollywood offers a cozy yet fantastical dining experience
Somni 2.0, the updated version of the restaurant that earned two Michelin stars for its Catalan-inspired tasting menus, has reopened in West Hollywood. Juli Capella Samper, from Barcelona's studio Capella Garcia Arquitectura, designed this dreamy dining destination.
Located at 9045 Nemo St, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States, and available online at somnirestaurant.com, Somni 2.0 is a 'dream of domesticity and eating at home' brought to life.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by an enchanting outdoor garden walkway and patio under sycamore trees, leading to an indoor curved 14-seat tasting table bar. The entrance feels like a private residence's patio walkway, setting the tone for an intimate and personal dining experience.
The main space of the restaurant boasts serene neutral tones, contrasted by the bright, primary colors of the bull head sculpture by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. The facade of the house features an illuminated yellow giraffe sculpture and tiles that nod to Gaudi and modernist Barcelona.
Chef Aitor Zabala, half Catalan and half Basque, plays with textures, flavors, and custom artisan ceramic plating to create a dining experience that includes 20-plus exquisite bites with an avant-garde and whimsical twist.
The patio terrace expands the domestic micro-universe with small cane cubicles, sculptural floating clouds, and a fountain inspired by pieces by the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Inside the restaurant, larger plates include dashi with caviar shaped like a fish, mussels in escabeche emulsion, and beets enshrouded in rose petals.
Several signature dishes from the old space, such as a beef tartare-filled shiso tempura puff, are still available at Somni. Beverage pairing options at Somni include a strong selection of wines from Spain and California. A side room holding a wine cellar can be booked for up to six for private dining.
The surreal dining experience begins in the garden with finger food such as a crispy Parmesan feather and thinly sliced Jamón Ibérico. The dining experience ends in the garden, under the trees, for coffee and 'sweet little things'.
Somni 2.0 is an updated version of the restaurant that earned two Michelin stars for its Catalan-inspired tasting menus. Chef Aitor Zabala, who has previously cooked at El Bullí and Saam for José Andrés' The Bazaar, has reopened Somni, which previously closed during the pandemic.
