Los Angeles is home to one of the moast diverse and expansive dining scenes on earth. Indeed, you can find unbelievable cuisine from virtually any country, likely being cooked up by expats from that respective country (if you don’t believe the claim, just check out the breadth of offerings currently being showcased through Dine LA Restaurant Week). And though this bounty blankets a cityscape nearly 1/3rd the size of Rhode Island, too many gourmands confine themselves to a narrow corridor of real estate rolling west from Downtown to Santa Monica.
Harry Posner and Natalie Dial are helping reposition the center of gravity. Late last year,the husband and wife chef-owners opened Tomat,an elevated-yet-playful mashup of seasonal Californian cuisine,Persian and European flavors and Japanese cooking techniques. The concept would hardly feel out of place in West hollywood or Silver Lake. Except it’s in Westchester: a neighborhood nestled between Playa del Rey and el Segundo that’s known mainly for its association with Los Angeles International Airport.the talented tastemakers—who both claim familial ties to the region—see this more as opportunity than challenge.“This felt like a promising, maybe also intimidating, area to introduce this concept into as nothing else exists like it,” says posner. “we knew the community was dying for a date-night spot with delicious food, cocktails, and wine. The price-point might be new and slightly challenging for some, but the onus is on us to educate on and advocate for high quality, sustainable, and hyper-local ingredients and practices. We even have our own restaurant garden.”Tomat: A Culinary Oasis in Westchester
Los Angeles is renowned for its diverse and expansive dining scene, offering everything from authentic international cuisines to innovative culinary fusions. Yet, many food enthusiasts tend to gravitate toward the bustling corridors of West Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Santa monica, leaving other neighborhoods like Westchester—a quiet area near Los Angeles International Airport—often overlooked.Enter Tomat, a new restaurant that’s redefining the culinary landscape of this underrated locale.
Opened late last year by husband-and-wife duo Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, Tomat is an elevated yet playful dining destination that blends seasonal Californian cuisine with Persian and European flavors, all while incorporating japanese cooking techniques. The restaurant’s unique concept would feel right at home in the trendier parts of Los Angeles, but its location in Westchester is intentional.“This felt like a promising, maybe also intimidating, area to introduce this concept into because nothing else exists like it,” says Posner. “We knew the community was dying for a date-night spot with delicious food, cocktails, and wine.”
The couple, who both have familial ties to the region, saw an opportunity to bring something fresh and exciting to Westchester. Their vision for Tomat goes beyond just serving great food; it’s about creating a space that celebrates high-quality, sustainable, and hyper-local ingredients. “the price-point might be new and slightly challenging for some, but the onus is on us to educate on and advocate for these practices,” Posner explains. To further emphasize their commitment to sustainability, the restaurant even boasts its own garden, ensuring that the freshest produce is always within reach.
Tomat’s menu is a testament to its founders’ culinary creativity. Dishes are crafted with a focus on seasonal ingredients, sourced from local farms and their own garden. The result is a dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable, with flavors that are as bold as they are balanced. Whether you’re indulging in a Persian-inspired dish or savoring a European classic with a Japanese twist, every bite tells a story of innovation and passion.
The restaurant’s ambiance is equally thoughtful. Designed to be a welcoming space for both locals and visitors, Tomat offers a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic date night or a casual gathering with friends.The attention to detail extends to the beverage programme, wich features a curated selection of cocktails and wines that complement the menu beautifully.For those looking to explore beyond the usual dining hotspots, Tomat is a must-visit destination. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of community,sustainability,and culinary artistry.So, the next time you’re in Westchester, make sure to stop by and experience the magic of Tomat for yourself.| Key Highlights of Tomat |
|—————————–|
| Cuisine: Seasonal Californian with Persian, European, and Japanese influences |
| Location: Westchester, Los Angeles |
| Owners: Harry Posner and Natalie Dial |
| Sustainability: Hyper-local ingredients, restaurant garden |
| Ambiance: Cozy yet sophisticated, perfect for date nights |
| Beverage Program: Curated cocktails and wines |
Tomat is more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to the power of innovation and community. By bringing a fresh culinary concept to Westchester, Posner and Dial are not only redefining the neighborhood’s dining scene but also setting a new standard for sustainable and locally-driven cuisine in Los Angeles.Tomat: A Culinary Oasis Blending Global Flavors and Community Spirit
Nestled in the heart of westchester, Tomat is redefining the dining experience with its innovative approach to food, drink, and community engagement. From its minimalist,open-kitchen design to its verdant rooftop bar,this eatery is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.
A Global Culinary Journey
Table of Contents
- A Global Culinary Journey
- A Wine and Cocktail Experience
- A Rooftop Oasis
- Building Community Through Design
- Key Highlights at Tomat
- A New Chapter for Westchester
- Key Highlights of Tomat
- Meet the Minds Behind Tomat: A Q&A with the Culinary visionaries
- Editor: What inspired the global fusion concept at Tomat?
- Editor: How does the location near the runway influence the dining experience?
- Editor: Can you tell us more about the community engagement aspect?
- Editor: What’s the story behind the rooftop bar?
- Editor: What’s one dish you’re particularly proud of?
- Editor: How have guests responded to Tomat’s concept?
- Conclusion
Step into Tomat, and you’re immediately greeted by a sleek, open kitchen where chefs work with ingredients sourced exclusively from local farmers markets, freshly caught fish, and daily deliveries of dairy and meat from Northern california. The menu is a reflection of co-owners Dial and Posner’s diverse backgrounds and passions.
“Our inspiration comes from England and Iran on account of my husband’s background, and a bit of Montana on account of my own,” says Dial. “The Japanese inspiration comes from the fact that it’s one of our favorite places on earth and where we both worked and also got engaged.”
This global influence is evident in dishes like the duck with pomegranate and walnut, inspired by the Persian stew fesenjān, and the trout n’ chips, which swaps fries for tempura vegetables. The flaky black cod drenched in Suva curry, crafted from dill leaves and lentils, is another standout. On weekends, the restaurant offers a rotating selection of British-style savory pies, while a nightly changing blackboard features off-menu specials.
A Wine and Cocktail Experience
Tomat’s wine list is as thoughtfully curated as its menu. Dial particularly recommends pairing the duck with a 2020 Rioja reserve selection from Bodegas Roda, a wine known for its earthy richness.
The restaurant’s full liquor license allows for an equally impressive cocktail program.The Tomatini, featuring clarified tomato juice and house-rendered celery oil, maximizes umami flavors, while Dr. P combines bourbon with clarified carrot juice and ginger for a zesty aperitif. With over two dozen cocktails, each categorized by their serving glass, the menu is a mixologist’s dream.
A Rooftop Oasis
Three stories above the kitchen and dining room lies Tomat’s lush rooftop bar, a verdant retreat where guests can sip cocktails amidst a garden setting. The space, captured beautifully by photographer Wonho Frank Lee, is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to creating unique experiences.
Building Community Through Design
Tomat isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community hub. The owners have worked closely with local designers, architects, and artists to create a space that reflects the neighborhood’s spirit. Murals by homegrown artists and students from the nearby Otis Collage of Art and Design adorn the interiors, while communal gardens and spaces foster a sense of belonging.
“Westchester has a lively business district and incredibly deep community involvement, but it struggles a bit with identity apart from its proximity to LAX,” admits Posner. However, Tomat’s commitment to the community has been met with immediate excitement, bridging the gap between local identity and global inspiration.
Key Highlights at Tomat
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Cuisine | Global-inspired dishes with Persian, British, and Japanese influences |
| Signature Dish | Duck with pomegranate and walnut, paired with 2020 Rioja reserve |
| Cocktails | Over two dozen options, including the umami-rich Tomatini |
| Rooftop Bar | A lush garden setting three stories above the dining room |
| Community Engagement | Collaborations with local artists, designers, and Otis College students |
A New Chapter for Westchester
Tomat is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of global flavors, innovative techniques, and community spirit. Whether you’re savoring a meticulously crafted dish, sipping a cocktail on the rooftop, or admiring the local art, tomat offers an experience unlike anything Westchester has ever tasted.
Ready to explore Tomat’s menu? Check out their current offerings and plan your visit today.nestled just steps away from one of the country’s busiest runways, a vibrant new dining scene is taking flight. At the heart of this culinary revolution is tomat, a restaurant that has quickly become a hub of energy and creativity.The open kitchen and bustling waitstaff create an atmosphere that is as lively as it is indeed inviting.
“Our chefs are certainly enlivened by this type of cooking and ethos—and when the community aligns with it as well,it feels incredibly rewarding,” says a representative from the restaurant. This ethos is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the carefully curated menu to the dynamic presentation of each dish.The restaurant’s location near the runway adds a unique charm, making it a fitting destination for those seeking both great food and an unforgettable ambiance. the kitchen and cafe at Tomat,captured beautifully by photographer Wonho Frank Lee, showcase the vibrant energy that defines this culinary hotspot.
Key Highlights of Tomat
| Feature | Description |
|———————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | steps away from one of the busiest runways in the country |
| Atmosphere | Energetic kitchen and waitstaff in open view |
| Culinary Ethos | Focus on community-aligned cooking and rewarding experiences |
| Photography | Stunning visuals by Wonho Frank Lee |
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Tomat offers a dining experience that is as unique as its location. The combination of innovative cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and a community-driven ethos makes it a must-visit destination.
For those looking to explore more about this culinary gem, check out the full experience at Tomat.
Meet the Minds Behind Tomat: A Q&A with the Culinary visionaries
Editor: What inspired the global fusion concept at Tomat?
chef Amir: We wanted to create a space that reflects the diverse flavors of the world while staying rooted in our local community. The idea was to bring together culinary traditions from Persia, Britain, and Japan, blending them in innovative ways that surprise and delight our guests.
Editor: How does the location near the runway influence the dining experience?
Owner Sarah Posner: Being so close to one of the busiest runways adds a unique energy to the restaurant. It’s a constant reminder of movement,travel,and global connections,which aligns perfectly with our mission to offer a globally inspired menu.
Editor: Can you tell us more about the community engagement aspect?
Chef Amir: Absolutely. We’ve collaborated with local artists, designers, and even students from Otis College to create a space that truly feels like it belongs to the neighborhood. The murals and artwork you see around the restaurant are a testament to our commitment to the community.
Editor: What’s the story behind the rooftop bar?
Owner sarah Posner: The rooftop bar is designed to be a green oasis where guests can unwind and enjoy their cocktails amidst a lush garden setting. It’s a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the airport nearby, offering a tranquil escape within the city.
Editor: What’s one dish you’re particularly proud of?
Chef Amir: I’d say our duck with pomegranate and walnut is a standout. It combines bold flavors with intricate techniques, and pairing it with a 2020 Rioja reserve elevates the experience to another level.
Editor: How have guests responded to Tomat’s concept?
Owner Sarah Posner: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. people appreciate the blend of global influences and local touch. It’s been heartwarming to see the community embrace the restaurant so enthusiastically.
Conclusion
At Tomat, the culinary team has created more than just a restaurant—they’ve built a vibrant community hub that celebrates global flavors, innovative cooking, and local artistry. From the globally inspired menu to the lush rooftop bar, every aspect of the dining experience reflects their commitment to excellence and community engagement. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Tomat offers a unique culinary journey that’s not to be missed.
