Inside the Kitchen at 71Above: The Seasonal Menu That Keeps Los Angeles Coming Back
Inside the Kitchen at 71Above: The Seasonal Menu That Keeps Los Angeles Coming Back
Ask any dedicated food lover in Los Angeles what restaurant they return to most, and 71Above will come up again and again. The reason is not just the view from 950 feet above the city, though that alone would justify the trip. It is the kitchen. Under the direction of Chef Javier Lopez, 71Above produces a seasonal menu that evolves with California's finest ingredients and consistently surprises even regular guests. Here is an inside look at what makes the culinary program at 71Above one of the best in Los Angeles.
A Menu Built Around California's Best Ingredients
The philosophy at 71Above starts with sourcing. Chef Lopez builds each season's menu around what California's farmers, fishermen, and ranchers are producing at their peak. The result is a menu that tastes unmistakably Californian while drawing on classical French technique and modern American creativity. Diners who visit in spring will find a completely different menu than those who dine in the fall. This commitment to seasonality is one of the reasons 71Above keeps drawing back guests who have already experienced it once.
The Prix-Fixe Format: Why It Works at 71Above
The three-course prix-fixe menu at $95 per person is not simply a pricing decision. It is a deliberate culinary choice. By setting the structure of the meal, Chef Lopez controls the arc of the dining experience from start to finish. A starter designed to awaken the palate, a main course built around a showcase protein or produce, and a dessert that closes the experience with precision. Every element is considered in relation to the others. The result feels less like ordering off a menu and more like attending a performance where every act is connected.
The Wine Program at 71Above
The food at 71Above is matched by a wine program that takes the dining experience to another level. The cellar features an extensive selection of California vintages alongside thoughtfully chosen bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and beyond. The sommelier team is knowledgeable and approachable, equally comfortable guiding a first-time wine drinker as they are discussing specific vintages with a collector. Wine pairings are available alongside the prix-fixe menu and add a dimension to the meal that is hard to replicate at home.
Dietary Accommodations Without Compromise
One of the hallmarks of a truly great kitchen is its ability to accommodate dietary needs without reducing the quality of the experience. At 71Above, guests with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requirements are not handed a simplified alternative. Chef Lopez and his team craft substitutions and alternatives that reflect the same level of creativity and care as the standard menu. Informing the restaurant of dietary needs at the time of booking ensures the kitchen is prepared to deliver something exceptional regardless of restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 71Above Menu
How often does the menu change at 71Above?
The menu at 71Above changes seasonally, typically four times per year. This keeps the menu fresh and ensures that ingredients are used at their peak. Regular diners often return specifically to experience each new season's offerings.
Is the prix-fixe menu the only option at 71Above?
The three-course prix-fixe menu is the primary dining format in the main dining room. The bar and lounge area offers a more flexible a la carte menu with craft cocktails and lighter fare for guests who prefer a less structured experience.
What type of cuisine does 71Above serve?
71Above serves modern American cuisine with a strong California influence. The menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients prepared with refined technique. The style is contemporary and ingredient-driven, designed to let the quality of the produce and proteins speak for itself.
Can I request a specific dish at 71Above?
The menu is set seasonally, but the kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions and special requests when communicated in advance. While it is not possible to request dishes from previous seasonal menus, the team works hard to ensure every guest's needs are met within the current offering.
Experience the 71Above Seasonal Menu for Yourself
The menu at 71Above is one of the most compelling reasons to dine there, and it changes often enough that no two visits feel the same. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning regular, the kitchen has something new to offer. Reserve your table and discover what Chef Lopez and his team are creating this season.
Reserve Your Table at 71Above →