Somerville

Visiting the area for work and a coworker made a reservation for 8pm pm Sunday for 6. We arrived on time and were seated after a few minutes. Reservations are recommended but there is a fee if you have to cancel. The hostess and doorman were pleasant and accommodating. The outside of the restaurant is unassuming and makes for a surprise once inside. Full bar, mood lighting and a jazz band add to the atmosphere. We ordered all food at one time and it was delivered in stages. We ordered the bass, pork chop, chicken sliders, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lasagna and the chicken and grits. The lasagna was so hot, we had to wait a few minutes to try it. Everything seemed to be at a pleasant temperature. All of the food was delicious and I would recommend anything we tried. The service wasn't at the same level as the food. Our waitress seemed distracted or over scheduled. We asked several times for ice and drink refills and for some reason she couldn't or wouldn't split the check for us. A tip of 20% was included. The jazz music was enjoyable but was at a level that didn't allow for comfortable table conversation. I think I would try it again just because the food was so good.

Yes, yes, and yes!!!!! My daughters took me to dinner here as an early Mothers Day gift, and it was definitely a treat! The atmosphere was "Jazzy", the service was excellent and the drinks and food were delicious!!!! Issa Rae brought it home, and I love this for our community. 10/10!!!!! There is valet parking, and you do need a reservation, as they are booked about a month out. I recommend the Collard Green Lasagna. It was my favorite dish! P.S. This place is a great "date night" choice.❤️

We are visiting from DC. Our reservation was for 9:45pm. We arrived at 8:15pm in hopes of getting an earlier reservation instead, but had difficulty getting a hold of the restaurant by phone. The host was accommodating and ensured us that we would be seated sooner. We decided to check out the bar area until the table was ready since we got here early. It took a while for any bartender to notice us as we were standing behind a crowded bar, but once we got menu and eventually a seat it has been smooth sailing since. We met a really experienced bartender, Freddie, who made a refreshing, and carefully crafted, Bramble and a whiskey sour. There were, also, nearby guests that engaged in some friendly conversations regarding the menu. Once our table was ready we were greeted by a host and escorted to our table. I would note that they were out of Sir Davis and the Parker House rolls, but our second options of the Uncle Nearest whiskey and Chicken Caviar sliders, respectively, were a great substitute. Our entrees consisted of the Lasagna, Shortrib, and Lobster Mac n Cheese. Each were exceptional and came served at a hot temperature as a previous reviews mentioned being served with warm temperatures. Luckily, another reviewer made a comment about giving this place a try and seeing for ourselves. This gave us a second thought and we are glad that we came. The vibe was just what we were going for live music, great conversation, low lighting, and a beautiful aesthetic that echoed the barn scene in Sinners x progressive soul food. IYKYK! What a way to feel transported back in time and appreciating fellowship and the absence of danceable music. A great way to start our night!

The restaurant is really nice on the inside but the menu does not have much to choose from and the service was very basic. I am not going back at all. We pretty much ordered a lot from the menu and all we liked was the bread but it's like 16.00 for like 5 little pieces. The shrimp cocktail was not good very basic for the price. The lobster mac was not flavorful. And the short rib is actually like a boneless roast. I do not recommend. My friend had the chicken and it was not good. But they do have these fried Chicken and calamari sliders that were really good. So just the bread and chicken sliders for me. The mimosa I had was like 18.00 plus 4.00 for orange juice. The bill was like 400.00 or so.

Was it worth $450?? Let’s see… First of all you walk through the doors and are transported to a juke joint, speakeasy out of the Sinners movie. Loved the velvet love seats, the live jazz, the bar. You come here to make deals, make love (via a dope date spot) and eat very well. We had the… Ahi Tuna crudo and Parker house rolls (get the together, trust me 🙂‍↕️). Fried chicken and caviar sliders. The caviar got lost, overall taste and texture was great though. Chicken was a little thin. Worth trying, I’d get something else next visit. Baked Mac with lobster and Brussels sprouts were great. Awesome taste and texture on both. The sprouts had a concentrated soy reduction that worked well. Get that “golden age” and thank me later. The star of my Somerville show was the collard green lasagna. OMG… I love cooking and the first thing I ever made was lasagna. Never would have dreamt this up but thank goodness they did. Game changer!! Perfect cheese to compliment the collards. Cooked to perfection in small cast iron skillet. The only reason this experience didn’t get 5/5 for food was the steak. Flavor was great but we asked for medium rare and it came out medium well. Funny, the experience on everything else was perfect but on the main dish that we shared. Luckily everything else, including our service was amazing. I’d come back for all the things mentioned, especially the vibe. This is a 3x/ year type of place.

Please believe the hype! Somerville is an amazing dining experience. Dimly lit, live jazz music, great seating, delicious food, tasty drinks and great service. I started with Forget Me Not drink that featured mezcal which was spicy and sweet with the right kick. Then I moved to the delicious Fried Chicken and Caviar sliders followed by the perfectly cooked Rosemary chicken with truffle fries. My only critique is that you only have 90 minutes at your table before the next customer takes your table. I would have liked an additional 30 minutes to enjoy another drink or dessert at my table but I understand. I would definitely like to go back there again sometime soon. Great date night spot. You did your thing, Issa!

After two months of trying, I was so excited to finally get a reservation at Somerville. I planned it around a trip to L.A. from San Diego, and I was really looking forward to supporting a new Black-owned restaurant with a beautiful aesthetic, great vibes, and what looked like a solid menu. Leading up to the reservation, I received multiple confirmation messages, which I responded to. But on the day of, I got a message saying that if I didn’t respond before the restaurant opened, my reservation would be canceled and given to someone else. That felt excessive—especially since I had already confirmed several times and understood the $30/person no-show fee. I wasn’t told what time the restaurant opened—only my reservation time—so that uncertainty was stressful and unnecessary. We arrived a few minutes before our 8:15 reservation, valeted the car, and checked in. The hostess said they were running a bit behind and asked us to wait in the bar area, which was completely full. We ended up waiting off to the side in one of the only spaces we could stand without being in the way. Not long after, a waitress approached us—not to give an update—but to passive-aggressively suggest we move to the now-slightly-less-crowded bar area. She implied we were choosing to stand near the wall for comfort, saying something like, “You can put your purse down here.” It would’ve been much more respectful had she just said it would help clear the walkway for servers. We waited... and waited. Staff approached us twice asking if we were someone else’s reservation. Nearly 50 minutes after our original time, I finally asked when we’d be seated. The hostess told us a table was being cleared and then brought us to it. Honestly, if we hadn’t traveled from out of town and if it wasn’t already after 9 p.m., I would’ve left after 30 minutes. There were no updates, no apologies, and no effort to communicate. Once seated, our server arrived quickly with someone shadowing him—who happened to be the same waitress who had earlier made the uncomfortable comment. At that point, we were hungry, tired, and a bit irritated, but we placed our orders: two of us had the collard green lasagna, and two ordered the roasted chicken with grits and asparagus. Our water glasses were only filled halfway when we sat down—an odd detail, but it added to the feeling of being overlooked. The food, to their credit, came out in under 10 minutes, which was appreciated. The ambiance—with live jazz and stylish décor—was lovely, but by that point, the experience had already been overshadowed. Two people in our party still had to drive back to San Diego, and I was ready to return to my hotel and call it a night. We were offered dessert, but nothing stood out, so we asked for the check and retrieved our cars. Valet was quick and easy, which was a plus. Overall, unless something changes with how they handle reservations and wait times, I won’t be returning. A simple heads-up that they were running behind and the option to cancel or adjust our arrival would’ve made a huge difference. I had high hopes for Somerville, but I left disappointed—and I wasn’t the only one. While we waited, we overheard several other guests also frustrated with long delays. I really wanted to love this place, but unfortunately, the experience just didn’t deliver.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Somerville to celebrate one of my closest friend's 50th birthday, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is simply stunning—an elegant blend of 1940s jazz club charm with a modern touch. It felt as though I was transported back to Central Avenue in the 1940s. Somerville is a warm, nostalgic space, with live music setting the perfect vibe. The live band elevated the experience even more. The service was top-notch, with the staff being attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Since we were a party of 10, we worked with Olga, who was great—accommodating and willing to go the extra mile. My dad was in the hospital, and she understood that, despite everything going on, I still wanted to do something special for my friend turning 50. Additionally, the house manager, Erik, was attentive and went above and beyond to ensure the night went off without a hitch. Every dish we tried was a masterpiece, but the standouts for us were the Fried Chicken and Caviar Sliders, the Collard Green Lasagna, the Curry Striped Sea Bass, and the Brussels sprouts, which offered a unique twist on classic comfort food. I highly recommend Somerville! The overall energy of the place makes it an ideal spot for a night out or a special occasion. I can’t wait to return with my mom and try more of their amazing dishes!

Beautiful space. Chill Vibe. Classy. Good food and wonderful service. One of our menu items was the mac and cheese, that was not the best, so we told our server and she took it away, but wanted to know what can be done to make it better so she can share with the chef. The duck confit was delicious. 5/5

This restaurant is truly a gem at the center of community. They're still working out the kinks, but to me the food is worth the price and delicious, but the star of the show is the overall ambiance and environment. The space is elegant, thoughtful, lively and safe. The moment you walk in it feels like you walked through a portal that feels like a wrinkle in time. It's everything our community needed, and I will be a regular as long as it's standing. I only gave it a 4 star because something we wanted on the menu was sold out which was a bummer. But give this place grace and space as it evolves!

Somerville is a fine dining experience, from the service to the food and the wine! The overall ambiance transports you into the early to mid 20th century with dim lighting and live Jazz musicians playing throughout the night.

This was my second time dining at Somerville. My first experience was fantastic. I was hoping that the second experience would be the same, and it was! Everything was exceptional again; the food, the staff, and the overall restaurant atmosphere which is gorgeous. My friend, and I ordered a few first courses to share. We had those amazingly delicious Parker rolls which are to die for. I ordered the crab salad which was delicious and the collard greens lasagna, which was delicious. Who would've thought to put collard greens in a lasagna? It worked perfectly. It reminded me of a vegetable lasagna, but better. It was so flavorful. We also duck confit that was cooked to perfection. The flavoring of the all the food was just perfect not underwhelming or too much just perfect. This restaurant is definitely a wonderful addition to the community. The band was such a vibe and played very nice and soothing jazz music. The only thing that I would change is to have a better system for the reservation's list. It gets a little congested and confusing when you are standing outside, waiting to come in and be seated.

yesterday was her birthday & reserved dinner went SO well (I thought the internet was just hyping it up, ngl) We got there and I anticipated valet parking ($15) We walked over the hostess, give my name and the let us in through this big beautiful brown door. We walk in to a dim lit , smooth jazz vibe , and a backlit bar. Felt very secluded and classy. We were encouraged to sit at the bar until our table was ready (18 min). We ordered specialty drinks. We were then taken to our table. We didn't face the stage but I was in great company so I didn't mind. Dennis was our server and he was eager and had good suggestions and service! We got the Bass, the lobster Mac and Brussel sprouts ! Delectable!! I'm taking SCRUMPTIOUS! Everything was cooked to perfection and plated beautifully. We ordered more Mac and got a to-go box. We walked out and paid valet and the host offered to take our picture. Very sexy date night/ bday dinner spot! **my only tips: -Book reservations (booked ours 3 months in advance) -They ran out of rolls by 8:45!?! -We ordered specialty drinks and this cost more than I thought! $50 for 1 lemon drop and 1 Sir Davis & Coke -It's dark in there; glasses wearers and gracefully aged folks may need to pull the phone flashlight out -Check your bill! I almost got charged for ordering rolls I never received. WE WILL BE BACK

Do you remember the interview where Aretha Franklin rated other singers? And when it came to Taylor Swift she said, "beautiful gowns"? Well this place has beautiful ambience. But....leaves a bit to desired in other areas. 1. The parking. I can't understand why they're charging $15 for valet in a lot that has been free since Jesus was in the manger. I pulled into an open spot and parked. An attendant politely approached and asked if we were going to Somerville and said the parking was only for Somerville. I replied, that we weren't sure since we did not have a reservation but we would let him know shortly. Our plan was to check in with Summerville regarding the ability to obtain a reservation or go to Giti Thai. I have been coming to this parking lot and patronizing businesses in this shopping center for several decades and for the life of me paying for parking in this lot seems absolutely absurd. If I come here again I will not be parking in this lot-It's ridiculous. 2. The hostess attempted to dissuade us from having dinner by saying that their reservations were booked up for the evening. I mentioned that it was our birthdays, and we were only a party of two. She warned us they only had one table Avail and it was the "most undesirable table" due to the view. But she tried to throw in that we could still see celebrities. It's literally my mom and I birthday and we could care less. We are celebrating ourselves. 3. Food: The menu can stand to be a bit more expansive and creative. Truffle fries? Really? We tried the sliders, the Black Goddess salad and the Fish. For $28 for two sliders I expected more in terms of technique and execution. We did not care for the flavor of the salad there's an ingredient that lends a licorice type flavor to the dressing and it does not pair well with the tomatoes. The fish is a 4-5 ounce portion which does not lend to sharing. Although the curry sauce was delicious and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. 5. There are too many busing staff on the floor which caused miscommunication with the head servers. One of the bussers seemed very annoyed when we asked to keep our plates. Overall it feels like they still have a few kinks to work out in terms of staffing, training, and menu execution. However, it is definitely a beautiful space.

This is a temporary review as I know the restaurant is still trying to get its footing. In a few months, I expect Somerville to be able to hit 5 stars. TL,DR: lovely design, kind staff, great tasting dishes, slow service, limited menu, terrible parking situation. Even with a reservation, prepare to wait AND calculate an extra 20 minutes to use valet. There are some self park spots in the back however, after looping a few times we went with valet. Biggest complaint is they ran out of their hot buttered rolls (the audacity) and it truly was dark AF in there. We couldnt see our menus. Our table shared the collard lasagna and loved. Its certainly more of a starter and less on an entree (smaller portion/meatless). The Brussels were my favorite. Very saucy but excellent flavor! We also ordered the fried chicken and caviar. Good but could live without the caviar ($$). Cocktails and wine options were A1. Will for sure be back.

Updating this review to say the restaurant did contact me and this issue was addressed.

I loved it. We had a good time. There was live music. What a vibe. Inside was lit beautifully. It was so beautiful and elegant, without feeling overly stuffy. The staff was so nice The rolls are so good. I think it had truffle butter or truffle oil. Wow. Lobster mac & cheese was delicious. It wasn't too fishy and wasn't too rich. I got the poke starter. I didn't like the crispy chips on top. They didn't hold well. But the fish and the cucumber and the citrus wete delicious. My friend got the curry fish. The fish was cooked well. The curry was a bit sweet. I had the collard green lasagna. It was excellent. It was very rich. Excellent We had tres leches Cake. I think it was five. It was a bit wet for my liking. But it was delicious.

True rating is a 4.5 I truly loved everything about this restaurant. As soon as I walked in, I was amazed at the elegance of the ambiance inside. I also loved the added touch of the live jazz band, which I believe really elevated the dining experience. I tried a variety of items on the menu and was very impressed despite hearing many mixed reviews of the restaurant. Especially with it being new. Our waitress was really knowledgeable and recommended menu items to us that were definitely winners. 1. Fried Chicken Caviar Sliders: Loved them! They were just a tad bit salty, possibly due to the caviar. 2. Fingerling Potatoes: These were one of my favorite items! The potatoes were cooked perfectly and the herb mixture they season them with elevated this side dish to perfection. 3. Brussel Sprouts: Crispy and tasty. They had a bit of an Asian influence to them that I loved. 4. Striped Bass: The fish was fresh and delicious. It comes with a curry sauce with veggies that was to die for! 5. Parker House Rolls: Amazing! The truffle butter it comes with makes these rolls a 10/10! 6. Mighty River Cocktail: It was just okay, felt like it was heavy on the juice. I wanted to try the Forget Me Not cocktail but they were out of the Mezcal. I highly recommend making a reservation. There is valet available for $15 or free parking on the street or in the back lot around the corner. Absolutely check this place out.

Tried a few additional items. - Mac & cheese: 5/10, typical restaurant mac, very meh - Collard green lasagna: 8/10, it's pretty good! Very cheesy, vegetarian lasagna. - Truffle fries: 8/10, shoestring style and they're good, but it was half soggy half crispy - Drinks: I found out most of their wines are natural wines (and lean on the sweeter side), which explains why I don't like them. I tried the cab, but ended up just getting a cocktail. - Dessert: I just got a scoop of gelato, which was cool. The sever also mentioned the no-bake sweet potato pie isn't good... Even with a res, expect a bit of a wait. They ran out of a few items as well, including Viarae unfortunately.

I'm all about supporting our people. When I heard there was a supper club geared toward us, I was all in! I initially thought the reservation system was broken, as I couldn't get a reservation. A couple of weeks later, in January, my friend texted that she had just made a reservation--for March! Talk about filling a niche! They are booked a quarter of the year out! Parking is ample in the back (with Hilltop Cafe), but they charge $15 for valet in the front. The hosts are at the door, outside. What are they going to do when it rains? They invite you to wait for your table inside. Bad idea. There is not only no waiting seating, but you are standing for your reservation with 10 other folk who walked in, and are in wait fir a cancellation. The ambiance is old style classy...you know, 60s shiek lounge. Very nice. The live band is definitely worth coming to chill here, like a lounge (as there's also an abundance of lounge, versus table seating). The acoustics won't allow you to hear your party over their music, though. Service was great. Managers accommodating and checking on us. Servers assuring our drinks are topped off. Servers ensuring we are good during meal service. 5-star service. The menu has one selection of each entree (i.e., poultry, beef, pork, pasta). There are an overabundance of cocktails. The ladies said the cocktails were delicious; I had water. The truffle fries and duck were table winners. We had grumbles about the rest. While the food was just alright (lovely presentations, no seasoning at all, decent portions), the service was great (my people, showing their engaging competencies), and the ambiance was almost stellar (acoustics are lacking, so that the stellar band overtakes table conversation).

3.5 overall We were able to get a last minute reservation on a Saturday night (1/4/25). I heard that even with a reservation, there's a chance you either won't be seated right away, or your Food can take awhile to come. For these reasons I took my time and arrived about 20min late. The reservation note states there is a 20min grace period, but upon checking in they stated it was a 15-min grace period. So if you plan to be trifling like me, take note. Nonetheless, we were able to get seated. It's a really nice interior design and layout, so the atmosphere is a 4.5. The one downside is how certain tables face the back wall/kitchen door, so you can't really take in the scene. They initially seated us at the table closest to and facing the kitchen door (maybe that was punishment for my tardiness), but we asked to move and were obliged with no issues. Service was attentive but not super friendly. They were fairly busy as it appeared that all but 2 tables were occupied. We ordered the two N/A drinks on the menu, Collard Green Lasagna, Salmon, and the brussel sprouts. The food was just okay. I was surprised by this because I LOVE Hilltop and the owners' predecessor, The Parlor. I expected much more flavor in the food, but it could be the items we ordered. The brussel sprouts had decent flavor but still had that broiled taste/consistency in the middle. The lasagna didn't leave an impression and the Salmon was a little dry, even with the sauce. This was my first time trying Ritual (N/A) and it had a bad aftertaste. If felt like the drinks had plant water in them. I really wanted to love this spot, but it fell short. I'm giving it a 4 vs a 3 because I also LOVE that it is located in my area and really want them to continue thriving and evolving. I'll try it another time to see if this was a one off. Reservations are strong suggested, and not easy right now. However, I've had good luck with last minute reservations. I had to cancel my first one awhile back.

My cousins treated me to this gem of a place in our neck of the woods for my birthday :-) I didn't even know it was there! Goes to show how much I'm paying attention to my surroundings. Well, it was an awesome experience; Speakeasy ambiance, fresh baked glazed a top bread to start, cocktails on fire, ever single thing we ordered was delicious-the mac n cheese could go harder, but it wasn't terrible, 3 piece Jazz band was giving me NOLA vibes! Issa Rae is kin to me on my Charbonnet side, so I have to say she makes us proud, the way she's killing it with everything she does. Go cuz! Happy to support your endeavors!

It's great to have another black owned restaurant in LA and Somerville didn't disappoint. Parking is limited but they do offer valet for $15. Which isn't bad for LA prices. I was not able to get a reservation but lucked out on seats at the bar. I saw in some reviews guest had issues with service but the team at the bar was amazing!! The drinks were great. I kept it classic with an old fashioned and the nature boy was !! To start I had the fried chicken sliders and the chicory and crab salad was so fresh and flavorful. The short rib and sea bass were very rich and savory. The Mac and cheese was just okay. I didn't taste any lobster in the bites I had. The bread was fresh and hot. Overall this was a great dinning experience! I love the vibe and decor of this space. The live band only further elevates your dinner experience. What made it even more special was that all the guest were black and of all ages. Put this spot on your list!!

If you like chill vibes and good food check this place out. First we weren't sure about the parking lot out back as it said private property and didn't know who could park there so we valet for $15 (+tip). Walking inside was wonderful. I honestly wasn't expecting the decor, lighting, mood, and ambience this place had. It's definitely for the grown crowd. The lighting is a little too low to take good quality photos but it's worth being there in the moment. We had a 9pm reservation and waited till 9:30 at the bar to be seated. There was just enough people at the bar/restaurant. It wasn't over crowded like some places. The music was loud enough where you could hear it but still hold a conversation. We were disappointed by not hearing the live band play. Not sure where it's listed but they play from 6:30-8:30. The food was delicious. I highly recommend the chicken caviar sliders. You get 2 for $26. The caviar tasted more like capers to me. The chicken was seasoned the way e like our food seasoned. The sliders are large enough to share one. My husband had the lamb shank for $38. It was tender, seasoned well, and fulfilling. The brussel sprouts ($16) were seasoned well too but they were soft, not crunchy (which I prefer). I also shared the collared green lasagna ($32) with a friend (they ran out). It was delicious. Loved the cheese. But honestly the taste became overpowering after a while. So it's perfect to share with one or two people. Overall I would love to come back. The service was great! Here are a few tips though. 1. Come early. They haven't figured out the logistics of how much food to have yet. There were a few things they ran out of on the menu and certain cocktail drinks. 2. Call and ask about the time the live band will be playing that night. 3. Double check about the parking if you don't want to valet. 4. Make a reservation. The earlier the better. 5. Go with a good attitude and open mind. Remember everyone will have a different experience. I hope this review helped you make a decision about checking this place out. If you like these types of reviews please follow me for more.

Amazing love it and Proud of the culture and where it is located. On Slauson and this place is a gem so beautiful inside and elegant. They have the just outside and a live band. Came here for my sister and I birthday dinner, and it was such a fun time with my fam and siblings. The food was good! The porter rolls were amazing ordered this for sure! I tried the chivalry salad which was so bomb and for my entree the Chicken breast was amazing. The drinks were good as well. A love supreme is what I got and it was on point. Also. The express martini for my desert was bomb!! Love the taste for sure! Our server Hassan was amazing and he made our experience fun and was informative about everything! Just a good personality I am going to go back and ask for him. The managers were also very nice and made sure to check on us! The only cons is that you have to order everything at once, they add jazz as tax to the bill, which is not quite fair, and it is a bit dark inside. However, I will be back here to try more food and enjoy the ambiance. They have valet for $15 and street parking! Come here to try food and enjoy the ambiance! -Marshay D.

I am a big fan of Issa Rae my fellow Capricorn:). So it was a must that I celebrate my birthday at her newly opened restaurant. We ordered the crab salad, black goddess salad, halibut, Mary's organic roasted chicken, Parker house rolls, mashed potatoes, and cheesecake. Everything I ate was fresh, hot, well-seasoned and delicious. The roasted chicken was tender and juicy. The service was impressive. Our waiter, Hassan was very informative, kind, and personable and made great suggestions for entrees. He was attentive and gave outstanding service. Every worker I encountered while enjoying my dinner was very professional nice and helpful. The restaurant had a nice cozy atmosphere, a huge bar, nice decor, dim lighting, a nice quantity of food items on the menu, and alcoholic drinks. Note: Valet parking or self-parking on the street. They have a live Jazz band with a three percent charge added to your bill. Make sure they advise you about the live band payment included in your bill otherwise, they will charge you without you knowing. They did not inform us so they took it off the bill. I will definitely be a recurring customer.

The hype is real! The place is truly a unicorn- one of a kind. The open space, high ceilings and acoustics make for a very welcoming and soul touching experience. It's is the epitome of sexy. The music greets you the minute you walk in. The service is stellar- Freddy at the bar was kind, relatable, and thorough despite being VERY busy and pulled in different directions he greeted us and treated us like neighbors that had met before. We had the Mac & cheese+ lobster- delightful. So damn good we should have ordered two! The black goddess salad was the perfect side. A must- a must- a must!!!

We made reservations back in November and finally got in a week ago. I must say it was worth the wait for the ambiance alone. The vibe was 10. The drinks were delish and the band was on point. My only issue was the food. Nothing was a hit for the table. We ordered: Salad(I think it was the crab salad) Chicken sliders Burger Collard green lasagna Sea bass Mac and cheese I'll be back soon for drinks and to check out the band.

Food: The food is a dream! I went with a group of friends and we ordered a variety of items for the table. My favorite was the lobster mac & cheese, the scallop crudo was too fishy, but the bread was heaven! Ambiance: The whole vibe of this place is amazing! Between the live jazz and the decor, the perfect mood is being set. Service: the staff was so kind and helpful. Since it is a new restaurant, they walked us through everything and gave us the chefs recommendations. It was lovely!!! Parking: they have valet but there is a parking lot in the back. There's a quick hallway to walk through and you pop up to the left of Somerville. It's a breeze.

Somerville is the newest restaurant sensation in Inglewood, offering a fusion of American and French cuisine. Although it has been open for less than a month, it's clear that there are still some kinks to work out. The restaurant provides valet parking and has a heat lamp and a manufactured line out front. We were informed that there would be a 40-minute wait to be seated since we were walk-ins and reservations are required. However, within fourteen minutes, we were offered the opportunity to be seated. Upon entering, you are instantly transported to the dark atmosphere of a New York speakeasy reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance. There is a live band, a bar, and open-floor seating. We noticed many empty tables, which we were told had been reserved. Most of these tables remained empty until closing. Our host, Dormia, entertains our desire to be seated elsewhere only to tell us it could not be done. We sat at a corner table facing a back wall where servers congregated to cash out patrons. There was another table that faced the kitchen door near the restaurant's kitchen entrance. We requested to be moved but were informed that it wasn't possible due to reservations. However, we could go back outside and wait for a better table if we wished. Our server, Moises, was friendly but frequently rushed us to order, even when we asked for the dessert menu. When we reviewed the food options, we experienced sticker shock--the prices were quite high. Everything on the menu was à la carte, including entrées and side dishes. We ordered halibut and salmon and shared mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. While we loved the Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes, the entrée portions were small and served on oversized plates. The presentation of the dishes was excellent, but the entrées were just average. On our way out, we met one of the managers, Charity. Our overall experience was disappointing, and we felt too drained to file a complaint. On a positive note, the live band was very good.

This is a lovely date night spot whether you're dating yourself or significant other or your goddaughter such as I did. The ambience is amazing. The service is immaculate all of the service workers are happy and smiling. You could tell they love their jobs. The live music was beyond amazing. Our food was delicious. The chef sent out complementary mac & cheese because they didn't have what I originally wanted. I heard the collard greens lasagna is a very popular dish and they were out. Our food came out expeditiously we waited longer for our drinks they give you 90 minutes to dine and if you choose to stay, you're welcome to sit at the bar. They are normally booked three months ahead of time. I looked and got a last-minute booking so we were really happy about that. The prices are reasonable. The drinks are made so well our one drink lasted us all night.

We were finally able to enjoyed dinner at Somerville with some friends after waiting a month after our initial reservation. The ambiance is breathtaking as soon as you walk in. We went Thursday night and enjoyed the live jazz band playing smooth music. The waiter greeted us with a smile and bottled water. The waiter recommended we get the signature rolls, which we did, and suggested other shareable dishes for us to try. The service was very good but slow at time and we felt forgotten about but above all they provided world class hospitality. They provide small portions of food so prepare to order shareable items along with 1st course options or sides to satisfy your hunger. Definitely will revisiting this restaurant and trying more options. Perfect place for date night and dinner with friends, you can also go solo and sit at the bar for a wonderful experience as well.

I went to Somerville on a Friday night. We checked in a little early for our reservation & they invited us inside to sit in the waiting areas which was a really nice area almost like an office. It was right in front of the live band which we didn't know would be there so that was a really nice surprise, although they did not play long. The tables are really spacious & the restaurant seemed intimate but not in in a way where you feel crowded. We started off with the chicken caviar sliders & they were great but messy. I ordered the petite filet mignon which was amazing& my friend has the Collard Green Lasagna which they loved. We shared Brussel sprouts & Macaroni & cheese- we liked the mac but felt something about it was off. The drinks were good as well. Overall, I would go back again. Be sure to call for reservations as they are booked pretty far out online.

This new upscale lounge in Baldwin Hills/Windsor Hills has a great vibe with live music and dim lighting, perfect for a night out. I brought my family here for dinner. We tried a few dishes, but the caviar-chicken sliders and curry sea bass were definitely my favorites. The prices were a bit steep for what were fairly simple dishes, but it's a solid spot for a light bite and drinks at the bar. I'd definitely come back for that.

The ambiance is so comfy and cozy like home. I felt welcomed and appreciated by the staff. The bartender Matineo was so talented at making specialized drinks. My sister and I will be back with friends and family! Make sure to RSVP!

Besides the hour and a half wait because we had no reservation the food, our waiter and ambiance were great. Let me start by saying our wait was not so bad because the bouncer was great to talk to. He was friendly and helped us choose some dinner options. Our waiter was very familiar with the menu and suggested the bread. I know you're reading this thinking bread as an appetizer, how basic but this bread literally melted in my mouth and the chicken sliders with caviar *chef's kiss*. I had the scallop crudo which is a cold dish and because I didn't look this up I was in for a surprise. I would never get it again because I like a good seared scallop but it was worth a try. The dish was buttery and perfectly acidic. As sides my table shared macaroni and cheese and brussel sprouts. The macaroni and cheese was so good we had to order another and who can't cook brussel sprouts! Definitely worth it! Oh and I forgot to mention the band was a classy touch!

Rating 3.7 Somerville in Windsor Hills just opened and we had the chance to dine in. After a 2 month waiting period for a reservation we were wowed by their ambiance it is so vibrant and energetic, with a positive vibe that makes it a fun spot to visit. However, there are a few areas that left us a bit confused. The pricing structure is confusing as mocktails are often priced the same as or even more than the signature cocktails, while well drinks are cheaper than both. It's a bit odd, especially when you're expecting mocktails to be a more budget-friendly option. *no mention of a dry bar program* The food is decent, with ingredients sourced from local farmers markets, which we appreciate for its support of the community, focusing on sustainability, and fresh, seasonal offerings. But the overall taste and presentation feel like they still need some refinement *which is standard considering they recently opened*. It's clear they're working toward something great, but they haven't quite hit the mark yet. During our visit we tried an assortment of dishes and by far the seabass in curry sauce, Brussels sprouts, bread rolls, were are favorites. During our 9:00PM reservation many items were no longer available or removed from the menu entirely so be aware of this during your booking reservation to avoid a delayed dining experience. Recommend booking earlier during the evening to avoid any menu delays. *We understood this would be a factor considering the time of day we went 2 hours before closing* Somerville has a lot of potential, and once they iron out these kinks, it will become a fantastic dining destination. For now, it's worth a visit if you're curious and we are looking forward to seeing how they grow in 2025. We hope this review and our content inspires you to experience new things in the New Year. Discover the world with us through Travel, Cuisine, and Experience Content. You can catch more of us on our social media listed below. Instagram- @goosbytwins Tiktok-@goosbytwins YouTube- @goosbytwins

The ambience was simply beautiful I love the vibe and the food and drinks were a 10. The service and attention was like no other. I will return.

Been here twice!! When I say it's a nice place to have date night or girls night! They have a live band which is nice. The ambiance is nice. I would suggest to make reservations. I gave it a 4 because the menu switched up and the options aren't as good as they use to. Our waiter was awesome. The service was great. I would go here again for drinks and live music!

Wow wow wow!! Somerville is definitely a sexy place! The ambience is absolutely stunning!! I love how this restaurant is laid out and the decor is very nice. The service was impeccable, from the bartender to the table service. The food lol, we will give grace as it's a new establishment but here's how it went for us: Sliders are amazing and definitely 9/10 Shrimp cocktail was the best thing 10/10 Scallop Crudo was decent 7/10 2 steaks ordered petite filet & bone in 7/10 3 salmons ordered and all disliked 2 halibut's ordered, the flavor profile was amazing but the fish was overcooked 6/10 Lobster Mac 8.5/10 Mash potatoes 9/10 Brussels 8/10 Fingerling potatoes 9/10 With this being a new restaurant I recognize there are still kinks that need to be worked out. I would definitely order a few items again and retry a few items that were a bust. All the cocktails were extremely good. All in all, it's a vibe and I hope to try again!!

I went here last night and had a horrible experience. I wanted to sleep it off and give myself some time to reconsider this review - but I woke up today still feeling so disturbed by my first experience here. I made reservations for 9pm so waiting wasn't an issue. The host outside was decent and led us to the bar while we waited for our table (which was probably ready because we noticed a lot of open tables - so we didn't understand why we had to go to the bar and wait there - maybe so we'd order drinks we didn't want). The bartender was mediocre and lacked presentation or personality. The same applies to our server. I cannot remember her name, but it was probably because she wasn't memorable. The food was okay - nothing special (chicken was dry). THEY RAN OUT OF BREAD ROLLS. What?! The prices were outrageous for a restaurant that's inside of an old warehouse next to a shopping center. The seating arrangement was the most awkward I've ever seen - you literally sit facing other people as they dined. Everything seemed rushed and impersonal. The waiter was not attentive AT ALL and they charged a 4% service fee for a party of 2?! Never again will I visit a restaurant in Inglewood. Issa Rae's idea of an upscale restaurant for the community is counterproductive to say the least. Nothing about this place screamed excellence but the prices. I could have gone to a beach-front restaurant down the street in Santa Monica with better service, views, and food for the price Somerville charges. UPDATE: Just saw my receipt. The server's name was Janea W. Avoid her.

Yasmin, James, and AJ are the dream team! These 3 made our evening awesome & are a great reflection of the restaurant. Yasmin and James were first point of contact and made an awesome 1st impression. AJ made great recommendations & had THEE best personality/customer service. The food & vibes were top tier. Loved my first visit & will def be back. Super recommended

I went with a party of four including myself. Reservation was at 8. We were seated quickly and everyone was very nice. Pros: The restaurant is very beautiful. Low ambient lighting. Romantic speak easy vibe. The bread was delicious The band was great. The drinks were very good. Parking is easy. There's a lot around the corner off of Overhill. Cons: Food wasn't seasoned very well. We got the steak, duck confit, and short rib. I didn't care for the peanut sauce on the short rib. You would think they'd not put something on there that people could potentially be allergic too. It was just weird. The steak was not seasoned at all. The sauce with the duck could have been sweeter. They charge you a 20% service fee if your order is over 150 dollars or if you have a party of six or more. I found this outrageous. They also charge a 4% service fee for the band. Our total was 180 but after the fees and taxes we ended up paying 244 dollars. It's as if you get penalized for spending more money. They should let this be known up front. I would go again, just because I loved the vibe and the band. I hope they change their policy on the fees. I could see it being implemented for large parties, but not if you spend a certain amount. That makes no sense. Hope this is helpful.

The atmosphere and vibes are unmatched- absolutely loved the California edition of 'Harlem Nights' feel. I would like to provide some feedback on the food and drinks that I hope they take into consideration. I was in a party of six, so we were able to share quite a bit: - Wagyu steak 10/10 - Petite filet mignon 10/10 - Mac and cheese 3/10, too runny and not very cheesy - Butternut Squash Risotto 3/10 - not seasoned at all, very bland - Roasted Chicken - 9/10 - King Salmon- 9/10 - Mash Potatoes and Gravy - 9/10 - Fried chicken and caviar - chicken was 9/10, however if you're going to have caviar in the name you should be able to taste it - Brussel sprouts - 10/10 - Parker House Rolls - 10/10 The drinks were very watered down and you could barely taste the alcohol in most options. In spite of all that, I'd still recommend stopping by and taking it all in for yourself.

Chicken Caviar Sliders 10/10! Truffle Butter Rolls 10/10! Collard Green Lasagna 7/10! Interesting combination lol Braised short rib 7.5/10! Interesting peanut infused which I wasn't fond of. Ambiance of the place is great once inside. Reminds you of restaurant down south. Just a tad small. Crazy when you walk out you're on Slauson next to a liquor store. It definitely feels like you are in a different place inside. Also, didn't have to pay for parking because I got to the parking lot before 6pm to get free parking before the valet ppl put the cones out. A++ Waiter(s) were sweet. Overall gave it a four out of five because I was told to try the lamb shank and it was taken off the menu. (Not sure why). The duck was also recommended and it was also removed from the menu. Also the interesting peanut infused flavor in the sauce.

I highly recommend Somerville for the VIBE. The band was a piano and a bass and something else. It was perfect. It's upscale but comfy. Very much a Harlem Renaissance vibe. Gorgeous Black people everywhere so dress to impress. The food was A++++. Cocktails were on point! Reasonable corkage fee if you bring your own wine, which I did. It's pricey but that's justified by the service and deliciousness and atmosphere. I love LA but I felt transported somewhere else while in Somerville. I plan to go back again and again.

3.5 stars TL;DR: I'm kind of torn with how I feel after my first visit. The ambience is lovely especially with the live jazz music. The drinks are delicious. The food is mediocre. I kind of wish it was more of a lounge than a restaurant. ~~~ My friend and I tried a couple of dishes and shared it family style. We ordered the Parker bread as a starter which was really good but honestly you can't really go wrong with warm bread and butter. For the main dishes we had the braised shortrib which was tender, and the stripe bass was cooked perfectly with a crunchy skin layer and a nice light coconut curry sauce. The mac & cheese was dry in my opinion and just okay. I think my favorite part of the main dishes was the coconut curry sauce. Our server and bussers were very friendly. When we first sat at the table, our server came within 2 minutes and asked if we were ready to put in our drink order. I thought it was weird that they requested we put in our order all at once. What's the point of a starter if I'm just eating it as part of my meal? Then the food came out really fast and all at once. Our cocktails came after we were halfway through the striped bass dish. Overall, it felt like they wanted to turn the table over quickly and push us out. We ordered the Dolemite and Forget Me Not cocktails which were both delicious. I might come back for some drinks and listen to live jazz but probably won't be ordering food again. Would love it if they had a lounge though!

This a new place and still working on a few things. The ambience is very elegant and upscale. To be honest one of the best I've seen in awhile. Now on to the food, like I said, they are new and working on a few things and the food is one. Some items were no longer in the menu as they are testing the market. I had a steak which needed a touch more "love" (if you know what I mean). Prices were ok. The issue for me is that it appears you are punished for spending more money. Once your bill hits $150, you are automatically charged 20% gratuity which is strange. It is written in fine print on the menu but just doesn't seem right. I don't mind tipping or if it's a larger party of 6 or more. But it was a small group. You also pay 4% towards the band which again I don't mind. I will come back again, but and try under things and keep my bill under $150. I wanted to tip anyway, but you forced me because I spent more. Anyways, could place to visit and park in the back and walk through the center aisle to get to the restaurant. Enjoy!!!!

I'll start by saying that the ambiance here is great, as well as the decor. The Parker House rolls were delicious. Unfortunately I don't have any other accolades to give. The service was extremely slow, even though my party had one of the first reservations of the night. Also, by the time the food was served it wasn't hot. It tasted like it had been left sitting on the counter, it wasn't nasty per se just a poor presentation. In my opinion, there price you pay is not worth the quality of food or service. While I hope to see the restaurant work out the kinks and thrive, I likely won't be back.

The appetizers were delicious, the drink I had was good. The main course took a while to come out. The short rib was bland and the filet migon was dry and not flavorful. The ambiance was a ten out of ten. Customer service was excellent! The whole staff went above and beyond. The main course was a 5.5 out of 10.

Reservations are booked solid so had to wait for a seat at the bar which took some time on this Friday night. But worth the wait! Ambiance is giving sexy old school vibe. Samantha behind the bar was amazing! Food, delicious! Live jazz, wonderful! Crowd, perfect! Wagyu sirloin - flavorful and cooked to perfection Brussel sprouts- crispy and bomb Mac n cheese - needs improvement Manjari torte - dessert was great Travel_ lifestyle_chow Forgot to take pix but will be back soon enough to get some. Great date spot, or with friends, family or solo. This restaurant was so needed in the community. Will absolutely be back!!

A Must-Visit for a Special Night Out - Somerville is Exceptional! Somerville was the perfect choice! The business casual dress code set the tone for a refined evening, and I truly appreciated the absence of TVs--this made the atmosphere feel even more special, encouraging conversation and connection. If you're thinking of dining here, book your reservation now because they're booked months in advance--and for good reason! However, if you don't have a reservation, the bar is open on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive when they open. The food and customer service were exceptional, exceeding all expectations. And don't even get me started on the live band--they were phenomenal! The band director did an incredible job engaging with guests who had questions, adding to the warm and lively ambiance. Somerville is a true gem in Los Angeles. If you're looking for a sophisticated, unforgettable dining experience, this is the place to be. We'll definitely be back!

Food needs work they need to continue experimenting with the menu. My steak was charred black and chewy not a melt in your mouth bite dry. The fingerling potatoes had a good seasoning taste but all mine were charred to much. They ran out of Parker House rolls not a good look. Mac and Cheese creamy needs a little touch of soul. Ambiance A plus could not better. An added disappointment they had no Parker rolls they ran out. Really got to do better

Dear Issa Rae, it is with great pain I write this review. Your restaurant is beautiful, the vibe is on point. BUT, i couldn't help notice the EXTREME lack of Black representation on your staff on Slauson Ave. in the middle of LA. Why is that? Peeked in the kitchen, none. Bar, one. Band, one. Waiters, none! You have a staff of at least 25 employees, I saw TWO people who looked like me. However, the patrons were at least 80% Black. PROBLEM! Then I got bill and noticed that for a party of 4 you mandate a 20% tip. Wow! Never do i see that, and I'm an avid fine diner. So you don't trust your primarily Black crowd to tip your all white waiters, so you insult us and mandate a 20% tip to keep them happy. NOT A GOOD LOOK! Bottom line, you are profiting, 'others' are profiting and we are left out. It's a shame the single Black mother down the street can't tell her son or daughter to apply at your restaurant. Kendrick Lamar where are you? Awaiting you're response

Excellent ambiance for our date night, the wife and I felt cool as if we were at a speakeasy. The operation is well run and our wedge table gave us a good view of the bar, the band, and the sommelier, manager and champagne table. We had existing reservations and waited about 10-15 mins for our table with a drink at the bar, perfectly acceptable for a Friday night. The only reason they didn't earn 4 stars was the timing of the main entree which took a bit longer than expected though we ordered fish and lasagna dishes. We felt well tended to despite the busy intersection of the table, at which we felt a bit self conscious due to the centrality and middleness of the wedge table - avoid if you don't want attention. Food was well described and well presented, truth is the ambiance adds to the food - drinks are well crafted, entrees were good and creative ain their presentation. I wish I knew the provenance of the oysters (I didn't ask, should be offered by the wait staff, no biggie) and the fish as well. A wonderful dinner we're we were made to feel welcome by hosts, bartender (thanks Federico), waiter (Nathan) and bus people who constantly checked on us. Work went into the operation and we hope this place succeeds!! support the enterprise and the business with your patronage LA jazz lovers

Great vibes and service! The drinks are really good (and strong!) and the food is delish! I love the decor, Lighting, and jazz vibe!

The entire experience at the restaurant was amazing. Stepping into the restaurant made me feel peaceful - the music was good. The food was great. I really enjoyed my chicory and crab salad and bass. The service was great!