LAX Area Gets Culinary Upgrade with New Rooftop Restaurant

Tomat Blends Global Flavors with Local Charm in Westchester

A surprising culinary oasis has blossomed near Los Angeles International Airport, challenging perceptions of the area as a dining desert. Tomat, a new eatery in Westchester, offers an atmospheric rooftop terrace, house-baked delicacies, and globally inspired dishes, all from a husband-and-wife team with impressive international culinary experience.

A Culinary Journey Lands in Westchester

Behind Tomat are Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, a dynamic duo whose culinary roots stretch from Michelin-starred kitchens in London and experimental fermentation in Tokyo to rustic bakeries in Northern Italy. Posner honed his skills at The Clove Club in London and Inua in Tokyo, while both he and Dial, originally from Los Angeles, gained valuable baking experience in Italy.

From Pandemic Plans to Rooftop Views

The couple’s dream of opening a neighborhood restaurant, deeply influenced by their Persian, British, and Californian backgrounds, took root in Westchester just before the pandemic. Despite a three-year construction period that saw shifting plans, Posner and Dial persevered.

Tomat now operates as a bright, all-day cafe and a globally inspired dinner destination. Patrons can enjoy Lamill coffee and croissants in the morning or relax on the rooftop terrace with cocktails as the sun sets, watching planes depart from LAX.

“We really want to take some of the pretentiousness out of fine dining and make the experience accessible and welcoming.”

—Natalie Dial, Co-Owner of Tomat

Deep Roots, Local Sourcing

Natalie Dial’s family has a long-standing connection to Westchester, dating back to the 1940s. Her great-grandmother was a pioneer in the local grocery scene when the area was still dotted with bean fields. This personal history lends a deep sense of community to their venture.

Harry Posner emphasizes the importance of community, noting that residents appreciate places that feel like an extension of their homes. He sees Tomat as a way to contribute something new to the neighborhood, offering a welcoming, high-end dining experience that complements the area’s family-friendly atmosphere.

“For us it starts with the farmers and artisans and purveyors who source for us,” Posner explained. “We’re constantly reviewing and re-reviewing our source list and how to make the menu as local and as sustainable as we can.”

Tomat’s commitment to local sourcing is evident, with the menu highlighting over twenty-five regional partners, including K&K Ranch for its exceptional fruits and Chico Rice for its premium rice used in various dishes.

A Signature Dish Worth the Detour

A standout on the menu is the saffron rice, presented in a traditional Japanese donabe pot. This dish, inspired by Posner’s observations of synergy between Persian and Japanese culinary approaches, features saffron, pickled raisins, pumpkin seeds, and dill, creating a visually stunning and flavorful experience.

The restaurant is also fostering local cultural partnerships, recently collaborating with Sam First, a nearby jazz club, for live music on the rooftop. This initiative underscores Tomat’s broader goal of creating an accessible and enjoyable fine dining experience that removes pretension.

The Los Angeles Times reported in late 2023 that the average cost of a fine-dining meal in Los Angeles can range from $75 to over $150 per person, highlighting the value Tomat aims to offer with its focus on quality and experience. Los Angeles Times.

Community and Comfort as Cornerstones

Dial and Posner emphasize their desire to be a welcoming part of the community, whether for a casual morning coffee, a lively brunch, or an elegant evening out. They aim for Tomat to be a place where people feel comfortable enjoying exceptional food.

“Our regulars and the community are showing up. That’s why we opened Tomat in the first place,” Dial concluded.