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Tomat
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tomat
8.8
Michelin-listed Tomat brings a produce-obsessed, farm-driven menu to Westchester, with much of the bounty coming from its own nearby urban farm and a long roster of local growers. Seasonal vegetables, wood-fired mains, and polished cocktails make it a rare destination-level dinner option just minutes from LAX.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbari bread with roasted tomato butter, Half Liberty Farms duck with pomegranate-walnut mole, Sticky toffee pudding with burnt milk gelato
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Serious farm-to-table cooking powered by its own urban farm.
Who should go: Travelers and locals seeking destination dining near LAX.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinner for calmer vibes.
What to order: Barbari bread, Liberty Farms duck, sticky toffee pudding.
Insider tip: Book dinner, then head up to the rooftop for post-meal drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for ~$12; limited metered street parking gets competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — polished denim is fine, but most guests opt for elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate — buzzy but conversation-friendly, even at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; the bar fills quickly by 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the dining room may run at half capacity for prep.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several seasonal veggie-driven plates plus at least one hearty veg entrée.
Vegan options: Limited — usually 2–3 composed dishes; some items can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many plates are naturally gluten-free and the kitchen is attentive, though not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely. The warm lighting, luxe farm-to-table presentation, and polished service create an effortless ‘impressive but not stuffy’ first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evening walk-ins (before 6:30pm) have the best chance. Otherwise, expect to wait at the bar or grab a rooftop drink until a table opens.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more adult-leaning. Well-behaved older kids or teens are fine, but there’s no kids’ menu and the ambiance skews date-night and celebratory.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal produce obsessives, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone wanting destination-level dining minutes from LAX — a rare combo in Westchester.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual dining, quick in-and-out meals, or broad vegan options; nearby cafés and casual spots may suit you better.
Tomat
8.7
Michelin-recognized Tomat turns Westchester produce and its own nearby farm into tightly composed, shareable courses that feel like a relaxed tasting menu just minutes from LAX. At night, the multi-level space shifts from café to serious dinner destination, with seasonal small plates and mains built around Persian, British, and Californian influences.
Must-Try Dishes:
White bean ajoblanco with roasted seasonal vegetables, Black cod in yellow curry, Sticky toffee pudding
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Michelin-noted, farm-driven dinners in a striking multi-level space near LAX.
Who should go: Travelers and locals seeking chef-driven tasting-style dinners
When to visit: Evenings, especially weekends and special set-menu event nights
What to order: Ajoblanco, black cod in yellow curry, sticky toffee pudding
Insider tip: Watch for holiday and New Year’s Eve 7-course set menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot in back plus limited street parking; arrive early on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—elevated but not formal. Nice jeans and a polished top work well.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzier near the bar, quieter on the upper level; you can still hold a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait since the space functions more like a café midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several seasonal veggie-forward small plates that can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—typically 1–2 small plates; call ahead if you want a full vegan progression.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be prepared gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable and careful with substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and shareable seasonal plates make it intimate without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—there are a few walk-in spots, but weekend evenings fill quickly. Arrive right at opening for your best shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens who enjoy adventurous flavors will do fine, but there’s no dedicated kids’ menu or stroller-friendly layout.
Best For
Better for: Chef-driven, farm-sourced tasting-style meals in a relaxed setting close to LAX; ideal for dates and special nights without going full white-tablecloth.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual meal, large-group seating, or very broad dietary customization—other Westchester spots may be more flexible.
Tomat
8.6
Opened by Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, Tomat is a modern farm-to-table restaurant that grows much of its own produce for highly seasonal, globally influenced plates. Dinner feels like a chef’s table experience, with a rooftop terrace, thoughtful cocktails, and dishes that regularly land it on critic shortlists and in the Michelin Guide.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black cod in yellow curry, Persian trout and chips, Sticky toffee pudding
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Ambitious rooftop farm-to-table tasting-style dinners steps from LAX.
Who should go: Date-night diners and food travelers chasing buzzy openings
When to visit: Golden-hour rooftop cocktails rolling into dinner service
What to order: Black cod in curry, trout and chips, sticky toffee pudding.
Insider tip: Book the rooftop for cocktails and flatbreads before a later dinner downstairs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $14; limited street parking fills quickly after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual — elevated outfits recommended; polished denim acceptable but most guests lean dressy.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly even during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; rooftop seats book up earliest.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the rooftop may have brief holds during sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple seasonal plates rely on their rooftop produce, and the kitchen can adapt several tasting items.
Vegan options: Limited — usually 1–2 composed dishes, but chefs accommodate with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Strong options — many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff note GF restrictions with careful prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the chef’s table feel, rooftop sunset views, and refined pacing make it ideal for an impressive but relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed — walk-ins are sometimes seated at the bar or rooftop early in the evening; peak hours typically require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — well-behaved older kids (10+) may enjoy the tasting-style format, but there’s no kids’ menu and the ambience skews adult.
Best For
Better for: Chef interaction, hyper-seasonal menus using on-site-grown produce, and rooftop cocktail experiences that outshine nearby fine-dining spots.
Skip if: You prefer large portions, speedy casual meals, or quiet spaces without the social, chef-driven energy of a tasting-style dinner.