Culver City isn't just the "Heart of Screenland" or a buzzing tech hub where Hollywood dreams meet Silicon Valley ambition. It's also a culinary kaleidoscope, where the top cuisines in Culver City serve up an astonishing array of global flavors and comforting classics. From historic steakhouses once frequented by legends to cutting-edge vegan Japanese, this dynamic city’s dining scene has blossomed into a destination in its own right, catering to discerning palates whether you’re sealing a deal or just grabbing a casual bite.
Forget everything you thought you knew about "studio town" dining. Culver City’s eateries, from the chic Platform Culver City to the revitalized Helms Bakery district, are constantly pushing boundaries. They blend a rich past with a vibrant present, offering experiences that range from Michelin-approved masterpieces to the kind of no-frills comfort food that sticks to your soul. Ready to dig in?
At a Glance: Your Culver City Dining Cheat Sheet
- Historic Charm Meets Modern Palates: Expect a delightful mix of long-standing institutions and trendy newcomers.
- Global Gastronomy: Indian, Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, Southern American, and Mediterranean flavors are all richly represented.
- Dietary-Friendly Options: A strong showing of vegan, gluten-free, and health-conscious choices makes dining accessible for everyone.
- Vibrant Hubs: Explore food halls like Citizen Public Market and retail-dining centers like Platform Culver City for diverse options.
- Beyond Dinner: Excellent spots for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and pastries ensure your cravings are covered all day long.
- Late-Night Nuances: While the dining scene is robust, be aware that premium cocktail options can thin out after 10 pm.
- Parking Pointers: Always factor in parking, especially in popular areas like Platform or Downtown Culver City.
Culver City's Culinary Ascent: More Than Just Movie Magic
For decades, Culver City was a backdrop for cinematic glory, home to iconic studios and the magic of moviemaking. Today, while Sony Pictures Studios still anchors its historic heart, a new wave of tech and media giants like Amazon, Apple, HBO, and TikTok have infused the city with fresh energy and, perhaps more importantly, a surging demand for exceptional food. This transformation has fueled a culinary renaissance, turning Culver City into a serious contender in LA's competitive dining landscape.
Whether you're seeking a power lunch, a romantic date night, or just a truly fantastic taco, the evolution of Culver City's dining scene reflects its identity: a place where heritage meets innovation, and every meal tells a story.
Iconic American Flavors: Steakhouses, Southern Comfort, and Diner Dreams
Some tastes are simply timeless, and Culver City celebrates them with establishments that are both revered classics and exciting new takes on American cuisine.
A Nod to Old Hollywood: Dear John’s
Stepping into Dear John’s is like time-traveling back to the Rat Pack era. This early 1960s steakhouse, a true haunt for Frank Sinatra himself, has been lovingly revitalized by chefs Josiah Citrin and the couple behind Rockenwagner Bakery. It’s a red-tableclothed classic that has narrowly avoided demolition multiple times, making every visit feel like a precious indulgence.
Don't leave without trying their cheese-stuffed chicken parm or the "bougie" tots, decadently topped with crème fraîche, caviar, and salmon roe. And for an experience that's pure theater, the tableside Caesar salad for two is absolutely non-negotiable. It’s a taste of history, deliciously preserved.
Southern Soul, California Style: Hatchet Hall and Honey’s Kettle
For those who appreciate the rustic elegance of live-fire cooking, Hatchet Hall delivers American Southern cuisine with a seasonal California twist. New head chef Matt Bollinger, formerly of Gigi’s in Hollywood, crafts dishes like Dungeness crab hushpuppies and Dr. Pepper-braised short rib. Classics like the shishito cornbread, oozing with honey and butter (and conveniently gluten-free-friendly), and baked oysters remain perennial favorites. The phenomenal pork chop, served with blackened peach, fig, and brown butter maple jus, is a standout. Don't forget to swing by the Old Man Bar in the back for a perfectly crafted old-fashioned.
If your idea of Southern comfort leans more toward crispy, golden perfection, then Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken is your destination. For four decades, Chef Vincent Williams has perfected his Southern-style fried chicken, replicating colonial-era kettle cooking with custom-ordered fryers and utensils. Marinated for 24 hours in a top-secret spice blend and fried in peanut oil, the chicken boasts a crispy, crackly crust that’s arguably the finest in Southern California. Paired with warm, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits and amber-hued honey, it's a culinary hug that moved from Compton to Culver City in 2005 and is now widely accessible via delivery.
BBQ Bliss and Diner Delights
Speaking of classic American, Maple Block Meat Co. brings the smoky traditions of Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina BBQ straight to Culver City. Chef Adam Cole ensures meat is butchered on-premise, and brisket is smoked over peach wood logs, giving it an unparalleled flavor. While all their smoked meats—from chopped pork shoulder to prime rib—are excellent, the pork spare ribs are the undisputed star, praised for their incredible rub and tender finish. Pair them with ranch beans seasoned with meat drippings for a true BBQ feast.
For a quintessential breakfast experience, S&W Country Diner has been a cash-only downtown Culver City fixture since 1997. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., it's the ideal spot for those who prefer a hearty, greasy spoon meal over an upscale brunch. Biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, and platter-sized pancakes (with chocolate chips or blueberries) are popular orders, served in a retro ambiance that feels like a cherished local secret.
A Global Culinary Expedition: East to West Flavors
Culver City's dining scene truly shines in its ability to transport you across continents, offering an impressive array of international cuisines right at your doorstep.
The Flavors of Asia: From Refined Rolls to Spicy Noodles
Japanese cuisine takes many forms here. For a unique experience, Shojin on the sleepy border of Mar Vista and Culver City is an entirely vegan and gluten-free Japanese restaurant with many soy-free options. Creative dishes like a dynamite roll with quinoa, miso, and vegan mayo, or mushroom tempura with truffle salt, redefine plant-based dining. Your handbag even gets its own designated basket—a testament to their meticulous attention to detail.
At the Culver Steps, Yunomi Handroll offers substantial portions of premium cuts like fried soft-shell crab and negitoro in perfectly crispy seaweed hand rolls. Elevated by high-quality loose leaf teas served in tetsubin, it’s a sophisticated, yet satisfying, choice for handroll aficionados. For a taste of the latest ramen trends, Afuri Ramen + Dumpling, which opened in 2024, is known for its signature yuzu-spiked ramen, tonkotsu tantan, and tsukemen, alongside perfectly crispy gyoza. And if you're exploring the more traditional side of Japanese noodles, Sobar, technically in Del Rey but very much a Culver City staple, specializes in lighter, healthier buckwheat soba, made in-house.
If you’re craving something with a bit more kick, Citizen Public Market is home to Bang Bang Noodles, where you can find delicious hand-pulled Chinese noodles and spicy wontons. For those seeking top Asian fusion restaurants in Downtown Culver City and beyond, these spots represent just the tip of the iceberg of what's on offer.
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Delights
José Andrés’s renowned D.C. restaurant, Zaytinya Culver City, has landed on the ground floor of the boutique Shay Hotel, bringing its Eastern Mediterranean menu inspired by Lebanese, Greek, and Turkish flavors. Expect an entire section dedicated to spreads like hummus and baba ghanoush, a vegetable-heavy mezze selection utilizing California produce, and signature flatbreads. Don’t miss the bone marrow kibbeh or the grilled lamb chops. It's an excellent spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks at Butterfly, the hotel’s rooftop bar.
For a more casual yet equally flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired meal, Kismet Rotisserie inside One Culver is a must-visit. From the acclaimed Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer, this location offers indoor seating and features juicy, flavorful roast chicken and mouthwatering schmaltz potatoes. You can build your meal with plush pita, hummus, fennel tzatziki, and peanut muhammara, all elevated by their indispensable chile oil and garlic sauce.
The Spice Trail: South Asian Culinary Gems
Culver City is a treasure trove for lovers of South Asian cuisine. Mayura Restaurant, an award-winning strip mall gem, specializes in South Indian dishes with a focus on vegan and health-conscious options. Endorsed by the late Jonathan Gold and Padma Lakshmi, their dishes burst with cumin, coriander, and turmeric. A must-order is the giant, conical ghee roast dosa, perfect for sharing. You'll also find regional specialties like uthappam and Kerala-style fish curry with ultra-light appam.
For a contemporary twist on South Asian flavors, Arth Bar & Kitchen in Downtown Culver is a newer addition making waves. Their chicken wings drenched in Old Monk marinade (India's iconic dark rum) and lobster moilee (a rich coconut milk curry from Kerala) are highlights. Modestly priced classics like pav bhaji sliders and chicken tikka kebab are loaded with authentic spices, and their playful desi-inspired cocktails, like the jal-jeera mojito, are the perfect complement. Don't miss their weekday happy hour for great deals on drinks and small plates.
Latin American Rhythms and Caribbean Spice
Peruvian cuisine finds a delightful home at Lonzo’s Bakery, a local restaurant that has expanded its menu to include large, shareable bowls of ceviche, grilled beef heart anticuchos, lomo saltado, and seafood-packed arroz con mariscos. It’s gained attention from influencers and offers a vibrant sidewalk patio for dining.
For a taste of old-school Culver City, Tito's Tacos has been a beloved walk-up taco joint since 1959. Famous for its American cheese-covered hard shell meat tacos, excellent chicken tamales, and addicting chips and plain salsa, it caters to a unique craving with its affordability and nostalgic appeal. While not strictly authentic Mexican food near Sony Studios, it's a Culver City institution that provides a uniquely satisfying experience, especially when you slather on their signature salsa.
Adding to the vibrant tapestry, Karibbean Cuisine (which transitioned from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar) offers delectable Caribbean fare, bringing Chef “Tia” Ilonka Garcia’s Dominican culinary prowess to the forefront.
Italian Indulgences: Pizza, Pasta, and Patios
Italian cuisine holds a special place in the heart of many food lovers, and Culver City offers some truly outstanding options, whether you're craving classic comfort or chic, modern takes.
Fresh Pasta and Brooklyn Pizzas
At the historic Helms Bakery building, Pasta Sisters is an airy indoor-outdoor restaurant dedicated to simple, delicious Italian family recipes. Fresh pasta is made in-house daily, and complimentary focaccia sets the stage for a delightful meal. You're encouraged to build your own perfect plate by choosing a noodle and sauce—the tagliatelle with tomato and basil, finished with a dollop of creamy burrata, is a particularly popular combination. For those seeking the best Italian outdoor seating Culver City has to offer, Pasta Sisters' patio is a fantastic choice, blending casual charm with impeccable food.
Since 2017, Roberta’s, the famous Brooklyn pizza joint, has been a fixture at Platform Culver City. Attracting a stylish Westside clientele, their West Coast team utilizes Southern California's vibrant produce for an ever-rotating menu of appetizers, salads, and pastas. While specials delight, cult-classic pizza rossa and margherita are always available, alongside constants like bucatini amatriciana. With a full bar and a pleasant outdoor patio, it's a prime spot for a lively meal.
The Plant-Based Revolution: Vegan and Health-Conscious Havens
Culver City is a leader in offering diverse and delicious options for plant-based diners, ensuring that health-conscious eating never means sacrificing flavor.
Inventive Vegan and Wholesome Bowls
We've already mentioned Shojin for its entirely vegan and gluten-free Japanese menu, featuring innovative dishes that prove plant-based can be gourmet. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for creative, satisfying vegan options.
Another standout is Hey, Sunshine Kitchen, a plant-based fast-casual restaurant from Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel (Spork Foods). It has quickly become one of Yelp's highest-rated independent restaurants, known for its warm, vibrantly colored grain bowls that are modifiable to your exact specifications. Hot sandwiches and tacos, made with plant-based fish, jackfruit carnitas, and Impossible beef crumble, ensure there’s something for every craving.
Beyond dedicated vegan eateries, many restaurants like Mayura Restaurant prominently feature vegan options, demonstrating Culver City's commitment to inclusive dining.
Marketplaces, Cafes, and Culinary Hubs: A World Under One Roof
Sometimes, you want options, a vibrant atmosphere, or simply the best baked goods around. Culver City’s market-style dining and dedicated cafes deliver.
Citizen Public Market: A Downtown Hub
This downtown Culver City food hall, housed in a revamped Beaux-Arts-slash-Art Deco building from the 1920s, is a fantastic spot for diverse dining. It hosts Bar Bohemian, one of the city’s most laid-back rooftop bars, complete with weekly trivia and comedy nights. Food vendors abound: from Hinoki & the Bird’s Brandon Kida offering chef-driven fried chicken at Go Go Bird wings to the hand-pulled noodles at Bang Bang Noodles. You'll also find WEHO Sausage Co. (burgers, sausages), Noble Rotisserie (roast chicken, ribs, grain bowls), and Uoichiba, a dry-aged fish handroll bar (though portions can be skimpy). With Sustainabowl (acai, poke, plant-based) slated to open soon, Citizen Public Market is perfect for remote work mornings or lively post-work drinks and dinner.
Hidden Gems and Artisan Breads
Jackson Market, Culver City’s "best-kept secret," is a neighborhood market and deli featuring an extensive hidden patio with a bubbling koi pond. It’s ideal for building your own midday meal with excellent deli sandwiches, a selection of pastries, and specialty snacks. A wood-fired pizza pop-up runs Thursday through Sunday, making it a serene oasis for a casual meal under the trees.
At the revitalized Helms Bakery complex, Helms Bakery (by Sang Yoon) is a destination in itself. Chef Sang Yoon of Father’s Office has created an expansive space offering some of Los Angeles's best baked goods—loaves of bread, cakes, and croissants. One side provides pre-packaged warm and cold meals like gimbap and breakfast plates, while a deli-style counter in the back serves full meals such as chicken pot pie and fried chicken.
And speaking of exceptional baked goods, Lodge Bread, opened in 2015 by James Beard-nominated baker Or Amsalam, is celebrated for its dedication to organically grown, seasonal whole grains. Their counter offers cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, and famous loaves of seeded country, whole wheat, and spelt bread. Beyond the superb bread, they also serve pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, making it one of the best places for a casual yet high-quality lunch. For a true morning treat, Copenhagen Pastry is one of the few traditional Danish bakeries in L.A. County, famous for its kringle filled with almond paste and custard, alongside braided cinnamon rolls and nougat crowns.
Gourmet Gastropubs, Elevated Cafes, and Neighborhood Gems
Culver City isn’t just about classic fine dining; it also excels at sophisticated casual experiences, from legendary burgers to inventive cafes.
The Burger Legend and Upscale Day Dining
Father’s Office, Chef-owner Sang Yoon's gastropub, is famous for its iconic burger: dry-aged beef, caramelized onions (reminiscent of French onion soup), arugula, blue cheese, and a garlic-butter-toasted bun. Be forewarned: their "no substitutions" policy, especially for ketchup, is strictly enforced. The Culver City outpost is a 21-and-over establishment, perfect for an adult outing. Beyond the burger, the menu offers compelling options like seasonal fried softshell crab and Spanish tapas-inspired dishes, all complemented by over 30 beers on tap.
For an artistic take on daytime dining, Destroyer, helmed by critically acclaimed Chef Jordan Kahn (of Vespertine), is a pricey, counter service-style café known for its otherworldly presentation and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Expect raw oatmeal soaked in date-almond milk, loaded avocado confit, and seasonal French toast. Despite the high-end feel, it offers a fine dining-esque experience without the full fine dining price tag, though you might have to wait for a seat and jockey for street parking on late weekend mornings.
Eclectic Cuisine and Polished Plates
Located at the corner of downtown Culver City’s Main Street, Piccalilli serves Southeast Asian-inspired Californian cuisine in an eclectic dining room and small patio. Dishes range from Thai chicken katsu to a namesake bread plate with Indian pickled butter. Their happy hour (daily until 6 pm) is a must, featuring miso pork jowl and nam prik wings, alongside bargain-priced drinks. It masterfully balances being a welcoming neighborhood restaurant and a destination-worthy date night spot.
Perched on the top floor of the Culver Steps, Laurel Grill, from restaurateur Dean McKillen, offers a polished, Ritz-Carlton-esque aesthetic with blonde wood, a piano, and gas fireplaces. The menu features well-executed but approachable dishes like chowder, pizza, a classic burger, and steak, all delivered with excellent service.
Your Culinary Compass in Culver City: Navigating the Tastes
Culver City’s dining scene is a testament to its dynamic spirit—a blend of Hollywood legacy, tech innovation, and a deep appreciation for diverse, high-quality food. Whether you're seeking a nostalgic bite, an adventurous global plate, or a sophisticated culinary experience, the options are abundant and consistently impressive.
From the historic charm of Dear John’s to the vegan marvels of Shojin, the comforting embrace of Honey's Kettle, or the bustling energy of Citizen Public Market, every corner of Culver City promises a memorable meal. So go ahead, explore with confidence, and let your taste buds lead the way through this extraordinary culinary landscape. Just remember to plan your late-night cocktail fixes accordingly, and you're set for an epicurean adventure.