Starting at $645 per person (a price that includes a non-alcoholic drink pairing), the newly resurrected Somni is one of the city’s most expensive, difficult-to-snag reservations. Now led by Aitor Zabala—who’s trained at El Bullí, among other Spanish fine-dining icons—this ambitious 14-seat chef’s counter just off Santa Monica Boulevard offers a wealth of whimsical delights befitting of the meal’s nearly $1,000 take-home price tag. Every detail has been carefully considered, from handcarved wooden plates to the custom steak knives accompanying the txuleta, or ultra-mature steak.

Our reservation is still a few weeks away, but we can say already that Somni definitely has the price tag to classify as fancy. This tasting menu restaurant serves what is currently LA's most expensive meal at $495 per person, so save this dinner for someone with an appreciation for abstract cuisine, or at least someone who won’t ghost you anytime soon. Expect around 20 pristine-looking, Spanish-leaning courses with a story attached to each.

Walking into Somni (meaning ‘dream,’ in Catalan) feels like entering a piece of performance art—or something you might have dreamed up. Everything from the lighting to the table settings is designed to prepare you for something extraordinary. It's theater, but the kind where you're genuinely excited for the show to start.

They are n/naka, Providence, Somni, Sushi Ginza Onodera, Urasawa and Vespertine. San Francisco added two two-star restaurants, Campton Place and Saison, also for a total of six in that category. Commis in Oakland and Baumé in Palo Alto also have two stars.

Describe the mood: Designed by Brandon Miradi (of Somni, Vespertine and Frieze Art Fair), the central bar sits under arched white thickly plastered ceilings and is surrounded by walls created by the designer with brush-like painting strokes and the ocean foam as inspiration. A few lounging sofas and wall niches with mini-tables are perfect for a standing glass of wine and salty bite on custom plates that are a welcome pop of pastel colour.

Beverly Hills is home to some pioneer chefs and innovative culinary practices, and one of the most ambitious menus can be found at Somni. Somni promises a dining experience that isn’t just about taste: it’s a multi-sensory extravaganza that pushes the boundaries of what most people know about food. To start, Somni seats its customers at a half-moon counter that peers into a kitchen built for exhibition.

After a previous stint in Beverly Hills that earned two MICHELIN stars, Somni has found a new home just off Santa Monica Boulevard. The modernist tasting menu with Spanish influences transforms each plate into a captivating work of art. With only 14 seats at the exclusive Chef’s Counter, diners are immersed in the culinary journey as they witness chef Aitor Zabala and his team’s masterful techniques.

Sushi Ginza Onodera and Somni have been awarded this level of honor this year, and they both have something exceptional to offer and are worth a detour to visit while traveling.