LA is full of some pretty sweet views, but places where you can both eat and gaze out at our stunning city are few and far between. 71Above, a new Downtown restaurant, is set to change that later this year. The dining spot sits high atop the US Bank Tower building (71 stories, to be exact), offering views that stretch to Malibu in addition to the glitzy, ever-changing landscape of Downtown LA.
The chef behind 71Above is none other than Vartan Abgaryan, who previously worked at Cliff's Edge. His menu will focus on seasonal ingredients while sommelier Reggie Narito will be in charge of the wine list. But the opening date is still fairly far off—71Above is predicting a June reveal—so you'll have to look elsewhere for restaurants that boast a view as delectable as the food. To keep you satiated, here are a few dining suggestions for exceptional city and beach lookouts:
Yamashiro (Hollywood): Originally built as a "mountain palace" to store a family's collection of Asian artifacts, Yamashiro is now a gorgeous restaurant that overlooks Hollywood. Wander around the beautiful grounds after dinner for an unparalleled view of Tinseltown.
Castaway (Burbank): Perched atop Wildwood Canyon Park and next to the DeBell Golf Club, Castaway offers sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley from both the inside dining room and outdoor patio. Tuck into a steak as you gain a new appreciation for the SFV.
Mastro's Ocean Club (Malibu): The interior of Mastro's is just as stunning as the ocean view outside, but if you're seated at a table against one of the windows, it can be hard to take your eyes off the lapping waves. It's almost like they just reached outside and plucked a clam straight from the shore before plopping it on your plate.
WP24 (Downtown): Wolfgang Puck's modern Asian restaurant recently switched from a tasting menu to an à la carte, family-style format, but the views have remained the same. The twinkling high rises of Downtown spread out before diners, making this a perfect spot to impress a date—before a Laker game, perhaps?
Nobu (Malibu): Take it from Drake: "Eating crab up in Malibu at Nobu" is a pretty clutch way to spend an evening. The ritzy fine-dining destination sits on a cliff by the beach, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Lobster (Santa Monica): Another standout beachside restaurant, the Lobster is where to go when you're craving, well, lobster and a stunning sunset. Avoid the crowds on Santa Monica Pier and take in the view from this storied restaurant instead.
Perch (Downtown): Just as many people come to Perch for the drinks as they do for the food, but whatever your objective here, you're bound to get a great view of Downtown LA. The charming patio gets cozy at night with fire pits, and weekend brunch is a perfect time to avoid the hustle down below with a Bloody Mary and an eggs Benedict.
The Strand House (Manhattan Beach): South Bay residents know there are plenty of fantastic Manhattan Beach restaurants in their hood, but the Strand House is the ideal spot for watching surfers do their thing while digging into one of the best brunches in town.
