No Lightsabers, Please: Skywalker Grill Lands in LA

The opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas also signals the launch of its signature full-service restaurant, the Skywalker Grill. Sitting atop the spaceship-like main building, the restaurant was designed by Rockwell Group’s LA office “to draw inspiration from the welcoming spirit of Lucas’ legendary Skywalker Ranch, pairing classic American cuisine with warm hospitality and sweeping views overlooking Los Angeles,” the museum said in the restaurant’s pre-opening news release.

An overview of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Photo by Iwan Baan

Guests check in at a designated host stand in the museum’s main lobby and then take an elevator to the fifth-floor grill. In its coverage of the space, the Los Angeles Times notes that “guests who arrive in costume are very much welcome, though if they’re sporting lightsabers, there is a strict check-at-the-door policy.” The restaurant, which has indoor seating for 160 seats in its main room and 60 outdoors, is open to both museum guests and the general public. (The square footage of the space was not immediately available.)

One inside, guests will find themselves in a space that doesn’t contain a single 90-degree angle, continuing the sweeping curves of the main building by MAD Architects. The interior of the restaurant features curved cherrywood ceilings and tree-like pillars tower over the tables, booths and bar for a cinematic effect. Softly illuminated white onyx Corian surfaces introduce a subtle sense of light and movement.

Anchoring the space is a central sculptural bar that’s surrounded by intimate seating areas. The space also features an elegant private dining room with switch-glass walls that transition from clear to frosted for added privacy, as well as an outdoor terrace.

“The Lucas Museum celebrates the power of storytelling, and we wanted Skywalker Grill to become part of that narrative,” says David Rockwell, Founder and President, Rockwell Group. “Our design echoes the museum’s craftsmanship and innovation while introducing moments of intimacy, warmth, and surprise. From the glowing Corian surfaces to the handcrafted cherry wood detailing, every element was designed to create a sense of wonder that feels tactile and welcoming.”

The grill’s menu is heavy on California-grown ingredients and classic American cuisine. (The Skywalker Ranch Wagyu Burger ($38) is a big hit, the Times notes.) Note: If you’re interested in giving the Grill a go, be forewarned: its reservations are sold out through the end of this year, the Times reports.

The restaurant is being operated by Rhubarb Events & Hospitality Collection, part of Oak View Group (OVG).