Culver City, once primarily known as the storied backdrop for cinematic classics from Sony Pictures Studios and the historic Culver Studios, has gracefully evolved. This city, steeped in Hollywood history, has quietly but confidently carved out a reputation as one of Los Angeles' most dynamic and diverse culinary destinations. What was once a hub for filmmaking now buzzes with a vibrant food scene, blending long-standing favorites with exciting new establishments that constantly push the envelope.
From upscale dining experiences perfect for a celebration to casual spots ideal for a quick bite, Culver City’s gastronomic landscape offers something for every palate and occasion. We've combed through the city's offerings to help you navigate this delicious journey, ensuring your next meal is nothing short of exceptional.
Discovering a World of Flavors: Culver City's Diverse Cuisines
Culver City's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of international flavors, inviting diners on a global journey without ever leaving the city limits. Whether you crave the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine, the hearty warmth of Indian dishes, or the zesty punch of Latin American fare, you'll find an authentic experience waiting. To fully immerse yourself in the culinary richness here, we invite you to Explore Top Culver City Cuisines.
- Japanese Delights, from Ramen to Omakase: The city boasts an impressive array of Japanese options. Afuri Ramen + Dumpling, a 2024 newcomer, quickly became a local favorite with its signature yuzu-spiked ramen and crispy gyoza, offering a family-friendly vibe. For a different kind of ramen experience, Mensho Tokyo delivers luxurious bowls with rich broths and housemade noodles, while Gokigen Tori offers an upscale yakitori omakase – a slow, deliberate dining experience featuring exquisite skewers and sake pairings. Sushi aficionados are spoiled for choice with highly intimate omakase experiences at Kusano (eight seats) and Sushi Masuyoshi (five seats), both delivering pristine nigiri and unique flourishes. For a more casual sushi experience, Uzumaki offers affordable set lunches and a la carte options in a serene setting, or head to Uoichiba at Citizen Public Market for some of the city's best hand rolls with dry-aged fish. And don't miss The Brothers Sushi Culver City, offering both omakase and enticing lunch specials.
- A Taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East: The ground floor of The Shay Hotel hosts Zaytinya Culver City, Jose Andres’s Eastern Mediterranean restaurant. Here, you can savor vibrant spreads like hummus and baba ghanoush, vegetable-heavy mezze, and signature flatbreads that draw on Lebanese, Greek, and Turkish flavors. For a more casual take, Kismet Rotisserie Culver City offers juicy roast chicken, plush pita bread, and delectable sides like hummus and peanut muhammara, perfect for building your own meal.
- South American and Caribbean Spice: For a genuine taste of Brazil, Café Brasil has been a beloved staple for three decades, serving up all-day breakfast like scrambled eggs with collard greens and passion fruit juice, alongside hearty feijoada for lunch. Just bordering Culver City, Karibbean Cuisine brings soulful Dominican dishes like stewed oxtails and the classic breakfast tray "tres golpes" from Chef "Tia" Ilonka Garcia's brick-and-mortar. If you're craving Peruvian, Lonzo’s Bakery combines a vibrant bakery with a full restaurant, offering shareable ceviche, grilled beef heart anticuchos, and seafood-packed arroz con mariscos on their charming patios.
- The Best of India and Beyond: Mayura Indian Restaurant remains a long-time favorite, specializing in the rich and diverse cuisine of Kerala, India. Their towering masala dosas, aromatic biriyani plates, and a dedicated vegetarian section make it an excellent choice for groups looking for authentic flavors with historical depth.
- Mexican Mainstays: When it comes to Mexican food, Culver City has its icons. Tito’s Tacos is an old-school institution, famous for its polarizing but undeniably beloved crispy tacos and simple, satisfying burritos – best enjoyed on-site with a generous slathering of their signature salsa. Further south in Mar Vista, Provecho Calimex serves up fantastic breakfast burritos and chilaquiles, representing a true family-owned spot.
- Italian Comforts: At the Helms Bakery complex, Pasta Sisters Culver City offers a popular build-your-own pasta experience with fresh noodles and sauces like their popular pesto with tagliatelle or bolognese with pappardelle, all enjoyed on their inviting patios.
Setting the Scene: Exceptional Dining Experiences and Ambiance
Sometimes, a meal is about more than just the food; it's about the atmosphere, the service, and the overall experience. Culver City offers an array of establishments where the ambiance truly elevates your dining adventure. When you're ready to Unlock exceptional dining, these spots promise memorable moments.
- Steakhouses & Classic American Elegance: For a touch of old-school glamour and a quintessential American steakhouse experience, Dear John’s delivers. Re-opened by chefs Hans Röckenwagner and Josiah Citrin, this Rat Pack-era establishment serves ice-cold martinis, oysters Rockefeller, and a non-negotiable tableside Caesar salad for two. It's the perfect spot for celebrations, especially with their "bougie tots." Upstairs at the Culver Steps, Laurel Grill provides a sophisticated "neighborhood grill" with a Ritz-Carlton aesthetic, blonde wood, and gas fireplaces. Their menu features chowder, pizza, steaks, and mozzarella cheese bread, all served with excellent service on a fire pit patio perfect for nightcaps.
- Gastropubs & Southern Charms: Father’s Office, Sang Yoon’s iconic gastropub, is famous for its polarizing but beloved burger (no ketchup allowed!) and an excellent craft beer selection, offering a lively 21-and-over setting. For a taste of the South with a sophisticated twist, Hatchet Hall offers a charming indoor dining room and an expansive outdoor patio. Their menu features standout dishes like cast-iron cornbread, loaded baked potato gnocchi, and whole butterflied branzino, making it ideal for dinner or a leisurely brunch.
- Modern & Experimental: For a truly unique and "cerebral" dining experience, Destroyer, helmed by Vespertine chef Jordan Kahn, serves experimental all-day fare presented with abstract artistry in a modern aesthetic. Think raw oatmeal soaked in date-almond milk or loaded avocado confit.
- The Buzz of a Food Hall: Citizen Public Market offers a vibrant, communal dining experience with multiple vendors under one roof. Beyond sushi and noodles, you can grab fried chicken wings from Go Go Bird or enjoy drinks on the rooftop at Bar Bohemian. It's also surprisingly great for remote work with its various nooks.
- Casual Seafood & Sports: For a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood while catching a game, Tangaroa Fish Market is your go-to. Importing fish from New Zealand and the South Pacific, they serve excellent fish and chips, poke bowls, and oysters, all complemented by draft beers on their wrap-around patio.
Fueling Your Day: Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Spots
Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty meal, gathering friends for a relaxed brunch, or grabbing a quick but delicious lunch, Culver City has you covered. To pinpoint the perfect spot for your daytime cravings, explore the best of Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Spots across the city.
- Morning Rituals & Brunch Delights: Kickstart your day with a classic at S & W Country Diner, a cash-only institution serving affordable American diner fare like eggs, pancakes, and patty melts since 1997. For a taste of Brazil, Café Brasil offers all-day breakfast with scrambled eggs and collard greens, along with delicious pão de queijo. Provecho Calimex in Mar Vista is a must for breakfast burritos and café de olla, while Mustard's Bagels, a weekend pop-up, offers crackly sourdough bagels and messy open-faced sandwiches.
- Midday Feasts & Quick Bites: For an elegant midday escape, Juliet offers a gorgeous ambiance with modern French cuisine, perfect for a well-dressed lunch crowd. Pasta Sisters Culver City is an excellent choice for a customizable Italian lunch on one of their two patios. At the Helms Bakery complex, Helms Bakery itself offers more than just bread and cakes; you can grab pre-packaged warm or cold meals like gimbap or a deli-style chicken pot pie. For quick Japanese options, Uzumaki provides an affordable set lunch menu, and The Brothers Sushi Culver City offers value-packed lunch specials.
- Bakeries & Sweet Treats: Don't forget to visit Fat + Flour on Washington Boulevard, Nicole Rucker's standalone bakery offering indoor seating and heavenly chess pie, Key lime pie, and a gluten-free cosmic brownie. For globally inspired cookies and delightful gluten-free options, Lei’d Cookies has opened its permanent shop, serving up unique flavors like mango sticky rice and guava cheese.
Savvy & Satisfying: Affordable and Budget-Friendly Eats
Great food doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag. Culver City is home to numerous establishments where you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to get the most flavor for your dollar, then you'll want to Explore affordable eats that deliver on taste and value.
- Classic Comfort Food: Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken is renowned for Chef Vincent Williams’s shatteringly crisp and juicy fried chicken, served with drop-style biscuits and honey packets – a classic comfort meal that’s both delicious and wallet-friendly. And of course, Tito’s Tacos remains a quintessential affordable stop for crispy tacos and burritos, a Culver City legend for a reason.
- Quick & Casual International Bites: For quick, customizable meals, Kismet Rotisserie Culver City offers excellent value with its juicy roast chicken, hummus, and pita combinations. Tangaroa Fish Market serves up fresh fish and chips and poke bowls that won’t strain your budget, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. S & W Country Diner provides classic American diner fare at prices that have remained consistent for decades, making it a reliable choice for any meal. And for fresh, housemade pasta, Pasta Sisters Culver City offers generous portions and customizable options that are surprisingly affordable.
Nourishing Choices: Vegan, Vegetarian & Healthy Options
Eating well in Culver City is easier than ever, with a growing number of restaurants catering to plant-based diets and health-conscious diners. From fully vegan kitchens to establishments offering robust vegetarian selections, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious choices available. To find the best spots for mindful eating, you’ll want to Explore healthy plant-based options Discover vegan delights in Culver City.
- Dedicated Vegan Kitchens: Hey, Sunshine Kitchen is a fast-casual vegan spot celebrated for its plant-based comfort foods. You can indulge in a hot chicken sandwich, smoky "beef" tacos, or vibrant bowls and salads featuring golden chickpea fritters and lemon aioli, all without compromising on flavor.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Global Cuisine: Many of Culver City’s international restaurants offer excellent vegetarian selections. Mayura Indian Restaurant, for instance, features a dedicated vegetarian section with numerous flavorful dishes from Kerala cuisine. At Zaytinya Culver City, the Eastern Mediterranean menu is inherently vegetable-rich, offering a wide array of vibrant mezze like crispy Brussels sprouts and bantijian bil laban, perfect for a plant-forward meal.
- Health-Conscious & Innovative: Destroyer may be experimental, but its all-day fare often includes unique healthy options like raw oatmeal soaked in date-almond milk and loaded avocado confit, presented with artistic flair. For delicious baked goods that also cater to dietary needs, Fat + Flour offers a fantastic gluten-free cosmic brownie, and Lei’d Cookies includes gluten-free choices like flourless brownies and snickerdoodles among its globally inspired flavors. Even at Kismet Rotisserie, you can build a light, healthy meal with hummus, pita, and fresh salads.
Culver City's dining scene is a dynamic reflection of Los Angeles itself: diverse, innovative, and deeply satisfying. From historical landmarks to exciting new arrivals, the city continues to cement its reputation as a culinary destination not to be missed. We hope this guide inspires your next culinary adventure and helps you discover the perfect meal for any mood or moment. Enjoy exploring!