71 Above

71 Above | 633 W 5TH STREET 71ST FLOOR LOS ANGELES

Two fancy elevators later and you've here. At the very top floor of the U.S. Bank Tower in Downtown Los Angeles is the acclaimed "best view" of DTLA. Here lies 71 Above, a reputable fine dining experience that requires a smart dress code and reservations are recommended (especially for dinner). 

My first experience at 71 Above was earlier this year, with my good friend Celeste. My second time was a birthday dinner for KSOLE. This last time, was for lunch on a lazy day, something that I rarely ever get to enjoy so I wanted to make sure I make the most of it. Needless to say, if I opted to come back a 3rd time, that means that I truly love this place - and I really do. I've recommended it over and over again to friends and family, and while the price point for dinner can be steep, lunch is not. 

71 Above's lunch menu consists of three courses versus the four provided at dinner. While a couple of items sound similar to the dinner menu, they are prepared completely different for lunch. 

While the menus are different, the view at lunch and dinner are both equally breathtaking. We all know I'm a sucker for views and my goal is to have an office overlooking the ocean someday, but for now, I'll settle for visits to 71 Above. 

Everything on the menu is good so picking just one option for each category is hard. I highly suggest bringing someone with you that has the complete opposite taste so you can try what they're having (while enjoying your own dish - haha). Sharing is caring right?

My top pick for the appetizer course is the hamachi. I'm literally drooling thinking about it! The freshness of the fish, combined with the hint of spice and fresh scents of citrus is absolutely divine. I wanted 2 more orders of that afterwards. 

For the main course, I had the pasta which was cooked perfectly while KSOLE had the steak, medium rare and full of flavor. While the portions seem small, we were actually quite full after our meal especially with the addition of dessert. 

Two options were given to us so of course we ordered both. My favorite of the two was the strawberry sorbet; the texture and flavors blended well. It was also light and super refreshing. 

If you're in the neighborhood and want to splurge past your McDonalds budget, go to 71 Above. If you want to impress your girlfriend, future in-laws, or simply need a quiet escape from the bustle of the city, go to 71 Above. Lastly, if you want quality food made by people who know what they are doing, go to 71 Above. You'll most likely catch me there.