"Tomat’s bright red, tomato-shaped neon sign might make you wonder if Souplantation has risen from the dead. This all-day spot in Westchester is big on seasonal produce—note the massive bowl of squash on the counter and menu that namedrops a long list of local farms. There's coffee and house-baked pastries during the day, but Tomat mostly stands out for being one of the few upscale dinner options near LAX, where you can relax with classic cocktails and solid food before or after dealing with airport-related stress (we love you Sepulveda In-N-Out, but you don’t always cut it). The larger dishes on the somewhat-British, Persian-leaning menu are a mixed bag, which is why we’d suggest sticking to snackier items like the warm barbari bread or tomato salad. And if you arrive before the rooftop terrace closes around dusk, ask for a table upstairs where you can gaze up at 747s while sipping a G&T. Food Rundown video credit: Cathy Park Barbari Bread & Roasted Tomato Butter A must-order. The bread arrives steaming hot, with a crackly crust and a pillowy center, and we like the dusting of tomato powder on the butter that gives it a subtle tang. photo credit: Cathy Park Tomat Salad This salad screams summer, which is even more impressive considering it's on the menu in the middle of fall. The plump tomatoes burst like gushers, and the juices form a pool of sweet dressing at the bottom of the bowl. photo credit: Cathy Park Black Cod & Suva Curry Sauce The black cod is soft and buttery, but the coconut curry beneath it is pretty bland. And the permissions piled on the side? They’re a nice seasonal touch, but feel a little tacked-on. photo credit: Cathy Park Grilled Brussels with Roasted Grapes These brussels sprouts are a little soggy and sad if you don’t realize there’s a tahini yogurt sauce hiding below. Give them a good toss or you might miss the best part. photo credit: Cathy Park Dry-Aged Duck with Saffron, Pomegranates, & Walnuts We're fans of the ultra-crispy skin on this duck, but what takes the combination up a notch is the sweet and nutty sauce studded with pomegranate and walnuts. Just know this dish costs $88 and feeds two as most. photo credit: Cathy Park Sticky Toffee Pudding, Butterscotch Sauce, and Burnt Milk Gelato Drenched in rich toffee sauce that’s nearly spilling off the plate, this Brit classic is moist and nutty on its own, and even better with the scoop of milky gelato on top." - Cathy Park
