Part of the popular Silicon Beach region of Los Angeles that overlaps with South Bay and Westside, the Westchester neighborhood is just north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Over the years, it has evolved into a culinary destination, with standout eateries such as Tomat, a modern farm-to-table restaurant and cafe that opened in 2024 and was founded by husband-and-wife team Harry Posner and Natalie Dial.
An ode to tomatoes originating in the Americas, as well as the owners’ ethos of farm-to-table cooking, the name Tomat also is based on a nickname Posner and Dial independently shared in their childhood, as both have a tendency to turn red in the sun. “Even in our logo, tomato seeds are highlighted to honor the seed-to-farm-to-table mentality,” Dial says.
A distinctive feature of Tomat is its multiple event spaces, which are spread across three floors, offering groups a variety of options for events of all sizes. The restaurant recently unveiled its refreshed rooftop terrace, which offers shading and heat, hosts up to 40 people, and is dog-friendly.
“We also make our rooftop available for buyouts, which typically involve standing-room cocktail parties,” says Dial. “[Events on] the rooftop have [access to] an unparalleled view of jets landing at LAX, a fully native plant garden, and a private chef cooking from a wood-fired grill. We commissioned a really special mural to be painted on the entirety of the wall up there, which is an ode to businesses and buildings of Westchester past. It is the epitome of vibrant, celebratory urban art, and can be seen from several blocks away. We’re so proud of the revamps to this space, and hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a coffee or cocktail as they bask in the breeze and take in the view.”
The first-floor dining area accommodates 55 people and can be reconfigured to a more centralized seating arrangement that allows groups to feel like a singular unit. “Typically, we seat guests at one long table, with room on either side to get up and move around,” says Dial. “If guests are interested in starting their dining experience with a standing-room cocktail arrangement before sitting for dinner, we can certainly accommodate this with standing drink service and passed appetizers.”
On the second floor, an event space dedicated to private dining fits 35 attendees. The space doubles as Tomat’s wine storage room, so guests are surrounded by wine bottles that give the room a cellar-like feel. The space can be reserved for everything from meetings and personal celebrations to corporate events and holiday parties.“On the far side of the private dining room is our pastry kitchen, so a few chefs are at work on desserts and breads throughout the service,” says Dial. “A large window into our neighboring shop, The Book Jewel, gives a beautiful vantage point into the wooden rafters and books below.”
Groups are welcome to do full buyouts of all three spaces to create a dynamic experience that involves all three floors. “For example, cocktails and appetizers on our rooftop terrace, dinner in our main dining room, and dessert on our second floor,” says Dial. “Or, a combination of the first or second floor and rooftop terrace.”
Attendees also can enjoy exploring the unique artwork that decorates the walls throughout Tomat’s various spaces, with almost every piece created by a female artist—except for a David Hockney lithograph that depicts the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood where Posner’s parents met back in the 1980s. “We intentionally chose artists who hail from England, Iran, and Montana (our roots) and celebrate produce, culture, and cheeky quips,” says Dial. “Our art is curated to make guests feel at home but also immersed in the cultural influences our food aligns with. Several of the artists are friends of ours, some are British comedians, while others are artists we love and admire from afar.”
The team at Tomat works with planners to design a prix fixe dining menu that showcases the restaurant’s most popular dishes, with seasonality heavily considered. Popular offerings include a rockfish tostada with avocado crème and purple corn tortilla, pizzas with toppings like lamb kofta or ratatouille, barbari bread with roasted tomato butter, sticky toffee pudding, and more. Cocktail, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic drink menus also are available.
“Our cocktail director was named one of Punch’s 2026 ‘Best New Bartenders’ in America, which we are so incredibly proud of,” says Dial. “We intentionally use small-batch, curated, and lesser-known spirit producers who share our ethos of quality and sustainability and goals of regenerative farming practices. Our cocktail director’s skills extend not only to alcohol and spirits, but also to house-made nonalcoholic beverages, with equal intention, time, and love put in. We typically have nonalcoholic house-made whiskey, gin, cola, kefir, and amazake on the menu.”
As companies begin to look ahead to holiday-party season, Dial and Posner encourage planners to reach out early to book their preferred date for these festive gatherings. For now, they can host events Wednesday through Sunday and are flexible with timing.
“It’s a really special opportunity to experience our food and ambience in a private setting, and it’s always a delight for us to host both small and large parties,” says Dial. “Our events team is communicative and accommodating, and we’re so excited to welcome more of the Los Angeles community to Westchester.”
