This emerging hub for tech and digital media brands has become a hotbed for exciting restaurants, ranging from Michelin fine dining to street tacos and everything in between.
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Culver City has a rich , storied story as a moviemaking hub , but nowadays , it ’s better known as one of the city ’s hot culinary destinations , rising among the ranks of other Westside fine dining Mecca likeManhattan BeachandSanta Monica . That ’s due in large part to an increased demand for local , worthwhile dining options from an inflow of digital medium and technical school workers who now patronize the area .
“ Since the eatery was founded in 1959 , Tito ’s Tacos has witnessed at first hand how the metropolis has evolve from a sleepy neighbourhood community of interests where the fabricated town of Mayberry onThe Andy Griffith Showwas shoot to now developing into one of the quickest - grow digital entertainment hubs on the planet , ” says Lynne Davidson , co - owner of Culver City landmarkTito ’s Tacosand granddaughter of founder Benjamin Davidson .
Hatchet Hall
As tons of technical school and medium company — Amazon , Apple , HBO , and TikTok , to name a few — move into the area , fresh restaurants are opening to serve up the appetency of their employees . “ What ’s exciting about Culver City is that it ’s seeing an influx of residents moving in from the entertainment and tech industries , who tend to list towards unlike and unique dining experiences , ” saysPiccalillico - proprietor and executive chef Macks Collins . Now , fine - dining institutions hold up alongside fast - casual eateries , sacrifice this once - sleepy-eyed suburb a variety of phenomenal option to keep your sense of taste bud from ever get under one’s skin blase .
From boom to bust to boom again , Culver City ’s dining aspect continues to grow and build up . Whether you want adecadent brunchorclassic steakhousefare , quondam - school greaser or new - shoal greaser , here are the 21 best places to gorge yourself in Culver City .
Piccalilli
This capricious Downtown Culver City spot is the inspiration of atomic number 27 - owner Macks Collins and Bryan Kidwell , who disregard their tooth at Michelin - starred restaurants and plunge the extremely laudedMad Pambazosfood truck in LA . At Piccalilli , the eye - protrude decor — lush plant life-time , bluish - purple lowlights , butterfly motifs — is as vivacious and adventuresome as the intellectual nourishment itself . instigate by everything from South Carolina Lowcountry ( Collins is an SC native ) to Southeast Asia , the bill of fare is bursting with baby-sit - up - and - take - card flavors : Green Papaya Salad punched up with tamarind vinaigrette , Brussels Sprouts spiced with Korean chili , Potato Wedges dunk in curry salt and sambal aioli , and Tender Miso Pork Jowl light up up by house ponzu sauce . Sunday brunch brings the same energy with a few additions you wo n’t ascertain on the dinner party fare , like mouth-watering pledge with umami - productive Chinese black bean sauce and a sweet-scented version slather with kumquat marmalade and crème fraîche . Drinks are no afterthought either ; Piccalilli ’s mixologists concoct sign - made syrup and liquor extract on site for a rotating fare of originative wiliness cocktail .
Etta
regulate family - style at this wood - fired Italian eating place is a must . deposit in a dress shop hotel calledThe Shay , this darling Chicago transplant specializes in crave - suitable shareables — from mouthpiece - watering starters and salads to from - scratch pastas and pizzas , all of which spotlight California - fresh garden truck and ingredients . But the marvelous forest - fired picnics are where you ’ll need the most assistance — whether you order the 40 - ounce Bone - in Short Rib or Whole - Grilled Lobster stuff with shrimp and king crab , both of which are assist with a tower of mild hearth bread , lettuce cups , cucumbers , and an array of delicious sauces and accompaniments to avail you build your own dinner . While you ’re there , ascertain out Etta ’s baby restaurant / barCelestinaon the hotel ’s rooftop — where you could savor Elotes , Coconut Shrimp , and Short Rib Tacos , along with poolside vista .
Chica’s Tacos
Helmed by James Beard - nominated chef Eduardo Ruiz , this modern , fast - casual taqueria put the stress on fresh ingredient and bluff feel to produce bunch - pleasing taco , burritos , and bowls . The card is notable for its fistful of luscious vegan options — include a Jackfruit Taco topped with avocado salsa and a crispy Supreme Taco filled with Abbot ’s Butcher plant - based meat — but carnivores will love the easy - braised Marinated Barbacoa ( especially when it ’s service on a hand - pressed corn tortillas from restaurant collaborator La Princesita , which cause them using a traditional process of cooking , steeping , and grinding corn ) . They ’ve also got their take on “ pizzas”—consisting of several tortilla shaped into a rope , covered in cheese and meat , and broil to a satisfying potato chip . How to book : Orderonlinefor pickup or deliverance .
Citizen Public Market
Located in the same fleck that once housed the city ’s local newspaper back in 1929 , Citizen Public Market keep back many of the original building ’s Art Deco design and structural element . Now it ’s a food hall with an impressive lineup of vendors . AtGoodboybob Coffee , perfect lattes live alongside tasty tartines and chapati ( admit a few unique to this fix ) . Chef Brandon Kida’sGo Go Birdis your go - to for fantabulous fried chicken and Japanese - inspired sides , like cheddar biscuit infuse with umami miso flavor , furikake - dust Roger Fry , and mashed potatoes with Japanese curry manna from heaven . Jolly Oyster ’s sustainably produced seafood includes oyster sourced from its own farm and Santa Barbara uni phonograph recording . Bang Bang Noodleshas finally convey its hand - pull out noodles to the Westside ( and the list go on ) . Not to mention , the nutrient hall has an expansive patio and rooftop perfect for hostingcomedy nights , trivia competitions , and other event .
Platform
Since initiative in 2016 , this innovative , receptive - air shopping center has acquire into one of LA ’s most exciting dining destinations , where you could satisfy your cravings with a panoptic reach of cuisines and try new concepts via rotating papa - ups . Some of Platform ’s permanent eateries to bring down let in rooftop restaurantMargot , which serves incredible Italian / Mediterranean / Spanish nutrient and cocktails , along with 360 - degree views , in a stunning indoor - sports meeting - outdoor outer space that ’s perfect for escort night and chemical group gatherings . Renowned Bushwick pizzeriaRoberta’sopened its first California location here , where you could enjoy its scald , champagne , chewy pie on a lively patio . Loqui , which started as a hebdomadal popup out of the back of San Francisco ’s Tartine Bakery , sling amazing tacos with handmade tortillas , whileBiancaturns out fresh - parched bread and pastries influenced by the owners ’ Italian , Argentinean , and Gallic root . Then there ’s newcomerHoley Grail , a vegan taro donut construct from Hawaii . Plus , every Saturday , weapons platform hosts a culinary pop - up series that spotlight rising chef natural endowment in LA on the back terrace .
Ms Chi Cafe
Cheeseburgers and potstickers seem like an unlikely pairing until you ’ve accept a chomp out of the elephantine - sized soil squawk dumplings at Ms Chi Cafe . transude with melty cheddar cheese cheese and served with smoky - cherubic bacon tomato jam , the potstickers are a signature ofTop Chefrunner - up Shirley Chung ( and one of her gain dish on the show ) . Like her far-famed creation , the residue of Chung ’s menu is a spectacular ode to Formosan - American culinary art , merge Northern - mode Taiwanese flavors with all - American classic for unexpectedly delicious combination . Crisp Salt and Pepper Tots are spice up up with Sichuan chilis , made - to - ordination Scallion Pancakes get with whipped tofu , and the creamy Honey Walnut Shrimp is coat in plum tree garlic sauce and studded with candied nuts . Even the cocktails reflect Chung ’s progressive approach , with an espresso - infused soju drink and chili - infused litchi libation on offer . How to book : Make reservationsonlineor call 424 - 361 - 5225 for pickup arm .
Vespertine
The recipient of two Michelin star , Vespertine is probably the most over - the - top eating house you ’ll ever dine at — in a in force way of life . While they ’re currently only offer take - home meals , you ’ll soon be able to see Vespertine ’s trippy , transformative culinary odyssey IRL . The pure dining room is housed in a dramatic , undulating , glass - and - blade structure called “ The Waffle , ” which help set the timber as soon as you step inside . Chef Jordan Kahn ( who ’s also behind Culver City’sDestroyer ) takes diners on a sensational journey , turn out beautifully plate courses set to a especially curated musical score . retiring ingredients ( some of which Kahn forage himself ) have included jumbo kelp , black currant , abalone , smoked soy , and sunchoke , fashioned into mysterious , nonobjective shapes that seem absolutely nothing like what they are . Meanwhile , servers move in unison in a choreographed saltation ( no , really , they ’ve been trained by a choreographer ) , graciously pouring drinks and setting down collection plate in sync . How to reserve : Order take - home mealsonlineand stay tuned for news program of their reopening .
Simonette
Situated inside Palihotel Culver City ’s lush courtyard and anteroom surface area , Simonette is a wizardly office with Parisian cafe vibes and a photogenic patio that operates pretty much all day long . Brunch calls for gruyere - fill Buckwheat Crepes , crescent roll and bruleed Citrus paradisi ( also known as the “ French Breakfast ” ) , and tartines , while lunch and dinner involve Salad Nicoise , Escargots baked in savory puff pastry , and mussels in vermouth emollient sauce . In between the two meal during happy hour , you may regularise anything from Gougeres and Oysters to Pomme Frites with mayo , along with $ 7 wines ( the restaurant prides itself on its excerpt of Old World wines ) and $ 8 craft cocktail that eviscerate inspiration from Gallic cooking technique and ingredient .
Lodge Bread Co
Out - of - this - world kale is the name of the game here , but Lodge also surpass at all things shekels , from fluffy mediate Eastern pita to flaky croissants and decadent cinnamon axial rotation . The menu is stacked with carby , crave - worthy eats : hefty sammies , takeaway loaves , and even a goner bar with toppings like ricotta , polite butter , and seasonal electronic jamming . Years ago , chefs Alex Phaneuf and Or Amsalam also started host pizza Nox , which — during the pandemic — evolve into a bulge out - up concept operating out of Lodge Bread . Now their passion project has turned into a full - vaned enterprise calledFull Proof Pizza , where they ’re slinging New York - dash , whole - grain - concenter pie made with a raw sourdough starter motor ( rather than yeast ) and emphasizing seasonal fixings and unexpected jazz band , such as murphy and Allium porrum , burrata and zucchini , and BBQ poulet . How to book : Orderonlinefor pickup .
Dear John’s
This pallidly lit , honest-to-goodness - school chophouse has a long , rich history dating back to the ‘ 60 , when it was a flourish hotspot for Hollywood glitterati ( let in Ol’ gamy Eyes himself , who used to act pianoforte in the turning point ) . A few years ago , chefs Hans Röckenwagner and Josiah Citrin teamed up to rest new aliveness into Dear John’s — convey back tuxedoed servers , leather booths , white tablecloths , and all the snobby Rat Pack vibes . The computer menu is transportive as well , full of American classics like tableside Caesar Salad flip with yolk and anchovies , fragrant garlic bread , Shrimp Cocktail , Oysters Rockefeller , juicy ribeyes , and more — the perfect pairing to classic martini and Manhattans .
Pasta Sisters
After the runaway succeeder of their Mid - City eating place , the family behind Pasta Sisters spread this bigger location in the Helms Bakery complex . The computer menu ’s establish on mere yet delicious heirloom recipes crafted with high - quality component : fresh alimentary paste made in menage with 100 % Italian texture , tomatoes from the south of Italy wangle for nine hours to achieve the perfect feel , and focaccia ( it ’s complimentary ! ) made with a raising process that jump at 4 am every day . At this nonchalant spot , you’re able to build your own pasta — pick a attic ( anything from delightfully chewy gnocchi to ribbons of tagliatelle ) to pair with a sauce ( from simple love apple and basil to creamy porcini mushroom ) . While you ca n’t go unseasonable with any combo , one of the favourite is Pappardelle Bolognese ; cooked perfectly al dente , the thick alimentary paste noodles are smothered in a meaty , gently tangy , slightly sweet sauce that will have you scratch the bottom of your plate . While alimentary paste is understandably the star , the restaurant also turns out other standout bag , like Chicken Milanese or Porchetta Sandwiches , for a true Italian feast . How to book : Order online forpickup .
Stanley’s
While it ’s not a eatery per se , Stanley ’s Wet Goods has a endearing indoor cake and outdoor patio that ’s ideal for sipping on a full - embodied Lambrusco and noshing on cheeseflower , charcuterie , and small plates — whether it ’s a easy - misrepresent Mushroom Medley , Smoked Trout on pledge , or Mac and Cheese elevated with mince coppa . It ’s also a market that gasconade a mad - diverse booze collection with hundreds of wines ( many of them natural ) , beer , and liveliness for all your take - home needs . If you ever postulate counseling , the team is always ready to extend the perfect suggestions . How to book : Walk - ins welcome . Place ordersonlineor call 424 - 341 - 2870 for free same - day local delivery on ordination over $ 100 .
Hatchet Hall
Dining at Hatchet Hall — with its dim , moody lighting and wood - fired grille — palpate like you ’re eating the best home - cooked repast . While the computer menu has a southerly slant , everything ’s distinctly modern , seasonal , and California - friendly . On nearly every board , you ’ll receive a plate of the dampish White Cheddar Cornbread , which is speckled with shishito peppers and glaze with honey and cultured butter . But do n’t kip on the relaxation of the menu , like Indian meal - Fried Green Tomatoes , Blue Prawns and grit , and excellent slope , admit Slow - Cooked Collard Greens , Charred Carrots , and Crispy Potatoes with crème fraîche . Tucked off in the rear of the eating house , there ’s also aspeakeasy specializing in American Bourbon and whiskies , which has a fireplace and hanging taxidermy on the paries for a lodge - similar feel . How to reserve : Walk - Indiana welcome .
Copenhagen Pastry
A bastion of Danish baking , Copenhagen uses traditional techniques to blister up Kringles ( flaky cakes stuffed with marchpane and custard , then dusted with almonds and lucre ) , poppy seed twists , hot chocolate rum balls , and a variety of other pastries jammed with nut , jellies , and yield . How to hold : purchase order forin - store pickupordelivery .
Destroyer
At Destroyer , you get a fine - dining experience for half the cost . food for thought is a visual art here , but it ’s also downright yummy . Take the Raw Oatmeal , which has everyone climb poetic about , well , oatmeal : a creamy , chewy bowl of grains that conceal hidden fruit and coarse-textured screwball butter , all topped with a frozen yoghourt disk . Even the Beef Tartare ( a smasher done to death everywhere in LA ) feel astonishingly new , serve buried beneath thin sliced radish and sundry with pickle mushrooms and grains . How to reserve : walkway - ins welcome or orderonlinefor pickup or delivery .
Father’s Office
This big , 21 + locating of chef Sang Yoon ’s game - changing Santa Monica gastropub has one of LA ’s best craft beer programs , along with one ofLA ’s adept burgers . The only contention against this ironic - cured beef patty , top with blue cheese , arugula , and onion plant hole ( with no substitutions ) , is that it ’s really closer to a sandwich than a burger — in which case , it ’s the best burgerandthe best sandwich in Culver City . If you’re able to manage to expect past the allurement of The Office Burger , you ’ll discover a bill of fare full of other well - fulfil delights like Chorizo Fritters , Grilled Octopus Salad , and Roasted Bone Marrow . How to reserve : Walk - ins welcome or orderonlinefor getaway or delivery .
Maple Block Meat Company
move are the days when you used to have to ram across town for BBQ ; Culver City has its own core tabernacle dedicated to long - stand American barbecue traditions . Wood - smoked substance are get up using definitive smoking techniques , so you ’ll find oneself naughty brisket , fall - off - the - bone porc costa , and planetary house - made sausage balloon links . Lunchtime is for delectable sandwich and BBQ combo plates , while they get a snatch fancy for dinner party , showcasing small plates like Lettuce Wraps filled with tiptop - tender , smoke pork barrel articulatio humeri , and Chicken Wings follow by ferment raging sauce . Leaving without trying the Buttermilk Biscuits — flaky vehicles undecomposed for souse up leftover meat juice , but also just as delicious smirch with whip honey butter — is an absolute crime .
Samosa House East
The menu at this debauched - solid food Indian counter is minuscule than the original Samosa House just up the street , but it ’s got one affair the other location does n’t have : fake ( aka soy ) Chicken Tikka Masala that ’s so good you ’ll need to utilise at least two of your three combo selection on it when ordering . Do n’t will without a Mango Lassi ( there ’s a vegan version too ! ) and a pipe - hot Samosa or two .
Johnnie’s Pastrami
Not to be disconcert with the thick - cut stuff you get at delis like Langer ’s , this classic Culver City diner specializes in the piles of chopped pastrami made notable by The Hat ( and others ) . beak a Song dynasty on the former - shoal mini - nickelodeon , then take hold of the jus - dipped sandwich in your fist and go to town .
Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken
The original Compton location of this fabled fry crybaby store close years ago , but the Culver City location is still going strong . They make intensely crunchy , heavily battered chicken using humanely raised chickens , which are fresh - fried to a prosperous crisp . The taste and texture is over-the-top — especially when you make your own repast jazz group by adding on piping - raging buttery biscuit and sides like flannel cake , Sauteed Green Beans , and Corn on the Cob . If you ’re dining in , you ’ll also want to douse everything in ardent dearest from a spout for an extra jot of sweetness . How to hold : Orderonlinefor pickup or delivery .
Tito’s Tacos
This greaser stand first opened in Culver City in 1959 , right next to where the 405 motorway was being built . severely - working grammatical construction workers would line up here for dejeuner every day — and ever since then , the lines have n’t stopped . You ca n’t go untimely with the Hard - Shell Beef Tacos sprinkled with grated yellow cheeseflower , but they ’ve also got tamales , enchiladas , tostadas , and burritos wrapped in hot - off - the - grill tortilla . ( Plus , they now assume credit cards!)How to book : Orderonlinefor pickup or delivery .
Margot
Part of Culver City’sPlatformshopping centre , this a beautifully designed rooftop eating house sport 360 - level city views and a bustling indoor space that slop into a wholesale outdoor expanse . The loud , lively vibration cause Margot ideal for enceinte grouping , and the Italian / Mediterranean / Spanish menu ’s full of easy - to - share dish with a piffling something for everyone . set forth with the excellent crudo bar ( citrusy hamachi , juicy oysters , and jamon iberico are on offer ) and tasty small plates ( like cheese - stuffed piquillo peppers and ricotta - topped focaccia ) , then move onto heavier transportation like their famous pastas ( we commend the yolky carbonara peppered with piquant morsel of guanciale and the saffron - flavor , Cancer the Crab - satisfy tagliarini ) . Oh , and you ’d be remiss not to order from the lineup of idealistic cocktails too – such as the shining , dandelion - infused vodka or creamy matcha colada .
Roberta’s
Another Platform destination , this renowned Bushwick pizzeria opened its first California location in Culver City last twelvemonth – and its lively out-of-door terrace has been backpack with hungry Angelenos ever since . Obviously pizza are the star of the show , particularly the Bee Sting ( a spicy , honey - spackled pie with soppressata and chili ) and Famous Original ( a vessel for tomato , caciocavallo , and parmigiano reggiano ) . Yes , you could totally ordinate some pasta or side salad or marinated olive , but why would you when you should really economize your venter for those blistered , champagne , chewy , thin , comfortable - to - fold crusts and extraordinary toppings ?
Bianca Bakery
One of Platform ’s up-to-the-minute newcomers , Bianca Bakery turn out fresh - adust bread and pastries ( think : flaky honey croissants , umber zucchini dough , and pistachio tree woman of the street ) , all influenced by the owner ’ Italian , Argentinean , and French source . Despite the name , this “ bakery ” is actually more of a restaurant , meaning you could just as easy hold on by to grab a loaf of bread of manchego focaccia or stay for lunch or dinner party ( there ’s a bar and outdoor terrace ) , when the menu boasts square eggplant parm and empanadas . Whatever you do , get the molasses bun filled with dulce de leche and topped with brown sugar .
Loqui
Yes , Loqui ( part of Culver City ’s Platform ) is the umpteenth taqueria on this list , but it earns its spot with a limited but incredibly tasty menu of first-class tacos and shell . What started as a hebdomadal popup out of the back of San Francisco ’s Tartine Bakery has grown into one of the city ’s hot taco patch . You ’ll find a handful of tasty taco fillings like mushroom , chicken , and pork barrel , but the true stars are Loqui ’s handmade tortillas , which are extremist - thin and cooked until perfectly crisp , and can be purchased by the bag for all your household - taco needs .
