71Above pairs polished dining with sweeping LA views

The overview

71Above is an expensive, special-occasion restaurant at the top of the Bank of America Building in downtown Los Angeles. Based on its 4.5 Google rating from 2821 reviews and the public feedback sampled here, the appeal rests on a clear combination: a formal three-course meal, polished hospitality and expansive city views.

Diners repeatedly frame the restaurant as a birthday or celebration choice. The room is described as fancy and chic, while semi-private window seating can make the experience feel more intimate. Window tables are not guaranteed, however, so the view should be treated as a major feature of the dining room rather than a promise attached to every reservation.

Food and wine

The three-course structure uses a relatively small selection for each stage of the meal. That limited format appears to work best for diners comfortable choosing from a focused menu rather than an extensive à la carte list. Reviews emphasize careful presentation, strong flavors and thoughtful composition across the courses.

Named starters include yellowfin tuna tartare and grilled octopus, both praised for flavor. One diner specifically noted that the octopus avoided unpleasant textural issues. Raw oysters also earned attention for their balance of briny and savory qualities.

For the second course, public feedback calls out ribeye with a beef croquette and a barramundi fillet. Accompanying broccolini and mushrooms received unusually enthusiastic praise for a vegetable side. Even the bread and butter stood out to one birthday party, suggesting that the kitchen pays attention to details beyond the headline dishes.

The wine program is another consistent strength. One review described the list as a standout of the entire visit, placing it in the company of lists at Michelin-starred restaurants. While that comparison is subjective, the pattern is clear: diners interested in pairing wine with a structured dinner have good reason to consider 71Above.

Service and atmosphere

Service is frequently characterized as quick, friendly, proactive and detailed. One reviewer praised a server for explaining the three-course format and recommending pairings, while another appreciated the restaurant’s communication before the reservation. These accounts point to a team accustomed to guiding celebration dinners and higher-expectation occasions.

The elevated setting is central to the experience. Reviewers who received window tables described the views as magnificent, and a semi-private window table was a highlight in another account. The overall tone is polished rather than casual, making the restaurant better suited to a planned evening than a spontaneous meal.

Editorial verdict

The available ratings and reviews position 71Above as a dependable choice for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions that call for a memorable setting. Its strongest assets are the skyline views, attentive service, artful food presentation and substantial wine list. The trade-offs are an expensive price level, a compact set of choices and uncertainty around window seating. Booking ahead is strongly advisable, especially when the view is part of the reason for going.