New restaurant Somni 2 wants to stay open later

11 p.m. is too early for Somni 2.

The new high-end restaurant is asking to extend its outdoor hours of operation till 1 a.m. — and it’s up to the new Community Development Director Nick Maricich to grant that request.

But first, WeHoans will have a chance to weigh in on the matter during the public hearing at 5 p.m. today at West Hollywood City Hall.

Somni 2, situated in the heart of West Hollywood, occupies a prominent corner at Nemo Street and Santa Monica Boulevard. This locale is characterized by a diverse array of commercial activities, including several dining and retail establishments. The CC1 zoning (Commercial, Community 1) of the area aims to serve a broad market, including local and visiting patrons. The restaurant’s proximity to the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, just one-fifth of a mile west along Santa Monica Boulevard, adds to its strategic importance.

The site at 9045 Nemo Street comprises three one-story commercial buildings, with two of these dedicated to the restaurant. A surface parking lot adjacent to the restaurant ensures convenient access for patrons. The outdoor dining area in question spans 774 square feet and is nestled in a sheltered courtyard within the property, providing a unique ambiance for diners.

The current permit, granted on July 24, 2023, under Administrative Permit AP 23-0020, allows for the operation of Somni 2 with a focus on ancillary sales, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The interior of the restaurant currently has permission to operate from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. daily, while the outdoor dining area’s operations are restricted to 11:00 P.M.

The request for extending the outdoor dining hours aims to synchronize the indoor and outdoor experiences, enhancing the overall appeal of the restaurant. Somni 2, under the leadership of Chef Aitor Zabala, is poised to offer a fine dining experience with an emphasis on a small-scale tasting menu, modernist techniques, and imaginative dishes. Zabala’s culinary expertise, honed through experiences at renowned establishments such as SAAM Los Angeles and The Bazaar South Beach, promises to bring a unique flavor to West Hollywood’s dining scene.

Public comments on the proposal were minimal as per the latest reports, indicating a relatively subdued response from the community.

The proximity of the restaurant to residential zones and its potential impact on the neighborhood has been a key consideration. The outdoor dining area is designed to minimize noise, with structures providing a natural buffer. Conditions from the original permit include limitations on ambient music, a requirement for a sound demonstration, and signage urging patrons to respect the neighborhood’s tranquility. These measures aim to balance the restaurant’s operation with community welfare.

The staff of the Community Development Department has recommended the conditional approval of the application. This recommendation is based on the restaurant’s compliance with WHMC Section 19.36.060, related to alcohol sales and the broader goals of the West Hollywood General Plan. The plan encourages a mix of commercial and entertainment uses, positioning the city as a desirable tourist destination.

The proposal, while seeking to extend operational hours, comes with stringent conditions aimed at preserving neighborhood harmony and adhering to municipal codes. Maricich will consider all these factors, along with public input, in the forthcoming public hearing.