A piece of South Central Los Angeles history comes alive with the opening of Somerville, a Black-owned full-service restaurant inspired by the area’s 1940s jazz scene.
Officially opened on Nov. 22 in View Park-Windsor Hills, the eatery pays homage to the vibrant culture of Black Los Angeles during the Harlem Renaissance era.
Co-founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, the minds behind Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, Somerville is named after the historic Dunbar Hotel, formerly known as Hotel Somerville, which was a hub for Black musicians barred from white-owned venues during segregation.
A Cultural and Culinary Experience
Somerville offers an elevated dining experience with a menu crafted by renowned chef Geter Atienza, featuring standout dishes like scallop crudo, duck confit, collard green lasagna, and lamb shank.
The menu is complemented by a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and specialty cocktails.
The restaurant also hosts live music, channeling the spirit of jazz clubs along Central Avenue while reimagining that era for a modern audience.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Somerville combines nostalgia with contemporary elegance.
Issa Rae’s Vision for the Community
Actress and entrepreneur Issa Rae, a partner in Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, celebrated Somerville’s opening with an Instagram post on November 25.
“Always wanted a neighborhood lounge to complement the special community that is View Park-Windsor Hills,” Rae wrote, describing the space as an “ode to the classic, artistic past of Black South Central L.A.”
Somerville occupies the same retail complex as Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, further cementing Hagos and Relan’s commitment to their South L.A. roots.
“We could have been anywhere in the city, but we’re here with you… on Slauson,” they shared on Instagram.
Reviving Historic South Central
The space reflects South Central’s golden era, from 1921 to 1956, when jazz legends transformed the area into a cultural epicenter.
The design and ambiance are inspired by this history but aim to create a forward-looking vision for today’s community. “We wanted to create a 2020s version of that era, but not just a jazz club,” Relan told Eater Los Angeles.
A Milestone for South L.A.
Somerville marks Hagos and Relan’s first full-service restaurant, joining their other ventures, including Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen and Lost Rooftop Cocktail + Taco Bar in Downtown L.A.
With its roots in Black excellence and culture, Somerville promises to be more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of history, resilience, and progress.
