Los Angeles Spotlight: 71Above

71Above is a spectacular fine-dining restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, famous for its incredible location and views.

Here is a detailed overview of 71Above:

🏙️ What Makes 71Above Unique?

71Above’s main distinction is its unparalleled height and view:

• Highest Restaurant West of the Mississippi: Situated on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, it is approximately 1,000 feet above street level, giving it this impressive title.
• 360° Panoramic Views: The restaurant offers breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Los Angeles, stretching from the Pacific Ocean (Malibu, Laguna Hills) to the San Gabriel Mountains and the Hollywood Hills. This spectacular backdrop is considered the core of the dining experience.
• Diverse Dining Spaces: Beyond the main dining room, guests can experience different atmospheres, including the lively bar, the relaxed bistro-style SkyLounge, an interactive Chef’s Table facing the open kitchen, and quieter, semi-private areas.

📜 History of 71Above

• Opening: 71Above debuted in July 2016.
• Location: It occupies the 71st floor of the iconic U.S. Bank Tower (formerly the Library Tower), which itself was completed in 1989.
• Founder: The restaurant is owned by restaurateur Emil Eyvazoff.
• Executive Chefs: The original Executive Chef was Vartan Abgaryan, who later moved on. The kitchen is currently helmed by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, who continues the tradition of elevated modern American cuisine.
• Architectural Feature: The restaurant features a sophisticated design, including the installation of dynamic (electrochromic) glass to manage sunlight and glare while maintaining clear views for diners.

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items & Cuisine

The cuisine at 71Above is elevated seasonal Modern American, focusing on prix-fixe menus that highlight fresh, high-quality, and local ingredients with an artistic, modern twist.

Key Dining Features:

• Prix-Fixe Menus: The dining experience is primarily offered through curated multi-course menus.
• Menu Highlights (Examples based on customer feedback and general offerings):
  • Innovative seafood dishes (e.g., Charred Avocado with Uni, trout roe; Crispy Octopus)
  • Perfectly cooked meats (e.g., Grilled Ribeye, Pork Fillet with bacon, A5+ Japanese Wagyu)
  • Artisan-prepared starters (e.g., Yellowfin Crudo, Handkerchief Pasta)
  • Highly praised desserts for a sweet finish.

💬 Customer Feedback

Customer reviews are generally very positive, focusing on the restaurant’s key strengths:

• Breathtaking Ambiance: The spectacular 360-degree views at sunset and night are overwhelmingly cited as the most unforgettable part of the experience, making it a top choice for special occasions like anniversaries and proposals.
• Service: The impeccable and highly attentive service often receives high praise, with staff known for adding personalized touches.
• Food Quality: The food is consistently described as “legit,” “amazing,” and “innovative,” often exceeding expectations for a venue primarily famous for its view. However, some comments note that while the food is very good, it is not always considered “Michelin-star quality” but is perfectly in line with the upscale price point and ambiance.
• Value: It is acknowledged as an expensive, luxury experience, but many patrons feel it is “worth the price tag based on the view alone” and the overall memorable experience.

✨ Significant Events

71Above serves as a prominent venue for private dining and special occasions in Los Angeles. While specific large-scale public events are less commonly publicized, the restaurant is known for:

• Romantic Destination: It is frequently recognized as one of the most romantic restaurants in America (including by platforms like OpenTable) and is a popular spot for proposals and milestone anniversaries.
• Holiday Celebrations: They host special, high-end, and typically sold-out dinners for holidays like Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve often offers a unique opportunity to view fireworks across the city at eye level.
• Themed Dinners: The restaurant has hosted special curated events, such as the “Old California” dinner, featuring rare vintage wine pairings.
• Private Events: Its private dining rooms, which overlook Dodger Stadium, are highly sought after for corporate events, birthday celebrations, and secluded gatherings.

📞 Contact and Online Information