**Eating Through Downtown Culver:**
**Spots I Actually Recommend**

One thing that never ceases to amaze me about Los Angeles is, no matter how long I live here, went I return to a place I’ve been before… it’s as if I’m seeing it for the first time! It’s dazzling in its newness and seeing things I’ve never seen before. I wrote a “What to Eat In Downtown Culver City” blog post earlier, and now that so many places have opened up, and old OG ones like Akasha have shut down - I think it’s now time to do another post as to where I recommend eating in Downtown Culver City!

What’s old is new again, as they say!

The Strongholds of Downtown Culver City Dining

For Bar and Drink Forward Places

310 Public School

This place is great if you want a traditional happy hour and bar roof, that is always solid and good - sure to please everyone! It has a huge patio, so when the days are long and weather is beautiful, sitting outside is always a win. website / Vibes: Casual bar. Good for sports, meeting up with friends, a casual date where you want Happy Hour.

*Rice and Tofu Dish at Nong La Vietnamese Cafe in Culver City*

Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe

*Nong La Vietnamese Cafe in Downtown Culver City*

Nong Lá has quickly become one of downtown Culver City’s go-to spots for a warm, comforting bowl of Vietnamese food. It’s a bright, inviting little cafe—easy to walk into after wandering around the neighborhood, and even easier to leave happy.

The pho is the star for most people: simple, soothing, and exactly the kind of bowl that warms your whole belly. Chicken, beef, pork, tofu, and wild mushrooms give you plenty of directions to go, and they’ll customize things like toppings or vegan broth if needed. The egg rolls, noodle salads, and banh mi also get a lot of fan love—the bread comes out warm, lightly crisped, and genuinely delicious.

Vegetarians will find good options, though note that many lean mushroom-forward. For everyone else, it’s a reliable place where dishes taste fresh, portions feel solid, and service is consistently warm.

Perfect for a comforting bowl of pho on a hot day (yes, people do it), a yummy banh mi. I always come back, again and again! Website

*The Velvet Lounge (speakeasy, cocktail bar) @The Culver City Hotel*

Velvet Lounge (the hidden-ish Cocktail lounge, inside of the Culver City Hotel!)

This is the upstairs cocktail lounge that feels very intimate, sexy and secret! To get here, once you’re in the Culver Hotel main dining area, you’ll see a set of stairs that lead upwards! So you walk up those stairs and either at the top or the bottom, someone will greet you and show you where to go, or put your name down if there’s a wait. As of now, it’s only open FRI & SAT, 7p-12a! They specialize in fancy cocktails and libations that are more than just your standard drink order. // Vibes: Sleek, sexy, secret speak-easy, must-know spot! It’s upscale, and if you’re looking to impress.

*Stanley's Wet Goods in Downtown Culver City*

Stanley’s Wet Goods (A Local Wine Bar and Wine Shop!)

If you’ve ever wandered through downtown Culver City craving a glass of something good, this little wine bar is the kind of place you hope to stumble into. Part bottle shop, part casual hangout, it has that unintentionally perfect vibe—where you can pop in for a quick pour or stay long enough to watch the sunset.

Inside, the atmosphere is fast-casual and friendly, with communal seating that somehow just works (yes, even for catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in months). Outside, it’s all warm golden hour and clinking glasses.

They’ve got cheese boards, small bites, and a wide selection of wines by the glass or bottle. People rave about the charcuterie. One guest said it paired perfectly with both their red and white, plus the staff really know their wines without being pretentious about it.

Happy Hour: Happy hour from 3–6 PM, which I fully intend to come back for. And yes, there’s even a mini market area if you’re the kind of person who buys a bottle “for later” but knows it’s getting opened tonight.

Perfect Vibes for: (1) A date night where you don’t want to try too hard; (2) A girls’ night out with easy conversation; (3) A solo glass of wine with a side of people-watching

An off the main strip, gem that is both relaxed and a little special.

*Elevated view of Duquesne and Culver Blvd in Downtown Culver*

Fast Casual

Cava Mediterranean

This is a fast casual Mediterranean salad bowl chain, that is always solid and I think the prices are reasonable for what you get! When I worked a block away and wanted a healthy salad that was fast and affordable, I always went here! They can handle the lunchtime rush, and I always feel “good” in the sense that I’ve eating reasonably!! And I think it tastes good! Customized salad bowls! It’s like SweetGreen but more Mediterranean! / Vibes: Very casual. I would say eating there is do-able but most people grab their salad bowl and walk away! You could go there on a date, if you’re into that grab and go vibe. There is seating! So you’re welcome to linger.

*At Simonette Restaurant in Downtown Culver City*

For Sleeker Dining Times (Date Nights, Girl’s Night, Special Ocassions Night)

Simonette Restaurant

I love this one because they do have Happy Hour specials (which for hours/day), it’s sexy, classy and not too big and not too small. It’s nestled in the downstairs of the Culver City Palihotel, which is a gorgeous hotel chain that I’d like to live in!! This place serves French classics like burgers and fries! They have lovely craft cocktails (I always partake). I enjoy sitting at the bar and talking to the bartenders when they aren’t busy! The checkered floors, and semi-open court yard, I mean wow. It screams, beautiful interiors! So if you like pretty spaces, and a little more class and swank, then I highly recommend. Website / Vibes: Classy (without trying too hard), French bistro vibes on the groundfloor of a recognized hotel. It’s secluded in it’s tucked off the main strip on a residential street!

Laurel Grill

Laurel Grill is the newest, sleekest and one of the biggest members of restaurants to hit Culver City in quite a while! It’s on top of the “Steps” which is above Philz Coffee, so you can walk up the amphlitheater style steps to get to the entracne. Then you’re greeted by a huge, wrap around patio, cozy fire pits and welcoming patio chairs! It screams, cabin welcome. It’s a little bit of pomp and circumstance, in the California cool way! It’s very much welcome! As I stood there, huge families arrived to celebrate out of town visitors, gatherings, and people on dates! It’s definitely a place to go if you want to splurge on a date, or have someone in town and want to show them a good time! It truly reminds me of The Honor Bar and The Gulf Stream restaurant group (which I miss so much) - this is a compliment! / Vibes: Great for special life milestones, a fancier dinner, showing people from out of town, or just an elevated local date! It’s a little fancy in a California cool way! They are high service!

The Historic Culver City Hotel Bar and Restaurant

If you love a bar + restaurant with story and soul, The Culver Hotel delivers both in spades. Tucked inside Culver’s most iconic historic buildings, this spot pairs old-Hollywood charm with genuinely warm, modern hospitality.

Vibes: Chill, classy, and effortlessly impressive. It’s the kind of place you can bring friends, dates, clients — anyone you want to treat to something a little elevated without ever feeling stuffy.

I personally enjoy the fantastic dirty martinis, thoughtful cocktails, and the friendly bartenders who make you feel instantly at home. There’s high ceilings, the live-in-its-history architecture, and the glow of the lobby bar - making it a elevated and classy, while being welcoming at the same time!

If you’re in downtown Culver City, this is one of those rare spots that always hits the mark: great drinks, food and service, great vibes, and a setting that makes any night feel just a bit more cinematic. Website

Mensho Tokyo

If you love a deeply comforting bowl of ramen, Toripaitan is a standout. The Toripaitan soup base is usually made from slow-simmered chicken bones… and is rich, velvety, and full of flavor. It’s different from the classic tonkotsu, but just as satisfying, especially if you add the ajitama egg (highly recommend).

Toppings are thoughtful and high quality, with distinct cuts of chashu (chicken, duck, pork) that each bring their own texture and flavor. The bowls run slightly smaller than a typical ramen shop, but the execution is polished and elevated enough that you’ll want to try everything on the menu anyway.

If you like heat, the spicy toripaitan is the winner—balanced, full-bodied, and delicious to the last slurp. People are calling this some of the best ramen in LA… and honestly, it might be. Website

Yunomi Handroll

Handroll spots are having a moment in Downtown Culver; Yunomi is at the center, earning a Michelin Guide nod. Expect counter seating, chefs rolling everything right in front of you, and a line out the door. Tip: join the Yelp waitlist before you go.

The rolls are fresh, clean, and consistently good; the standouts people swear by are the Yunomi Special, Unagi, Scallop, and Tuna, plus the rock shrimp tempura and sunomono for appetizers. Just don’t walk in expecting a life-changing Michelin-level experience — it’s solid, tasty, and reliable, but not wildly above the trend.

Overall: Trendy vibe, great handrolls, fresh ingredients, and worth the repeat visits — just plan ahead for the crowds and parking. Website

Sweet Wheat (Boulangerie for Pastries, and Sandwiches!)

Culver City has a new boulangerie on the block, and honestly? The vibes alone are worth the visit. Tucked into a prime corner with huge windows and soft morning light, this bakery feels lifted straight out of a Parisian side street — airy, chic, and already buzzing with locals grabbing their first coffee of the day.

I swung by early on a weekday, and it was that perfect L.A. moment where everyone looks half-asleep but somehow effortlessly stylish. The space is beautifully designed, warm, and welcoming… the kind of place that makes you want to open your laptop and pretend you're writing a novel.

What’s Good: The savory items seem to be the early standouts. The quiche Lorraine is rich, creamy, and—most importantly—fluffy. It’s the kind of quiche that makes you sigh and forget you’re actually supposed to be dialing into a Teams meeting in four minutes.

The almond croissant is currently the star of the pastry case. Balanced sweetness, fragrant almond filling, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without veering into “oops I need a nap.”

Veggie lovers: there are plenty of vegetarian savory options, which is a pleasant surprise for a classic French-inspired spot. Website

*Egg, Ham Croissant at Sweet Wheat in Culver City*

*Elevated View of Downtown Culver City, facing City Hall!*

About Linhda (aka Elle)

Linhda thrives on being a tourist in her own city, generously sharing over 10 years of Los Angeles knowledge with fellow enthusiasts!

An enthusiastic bike-to-work cyclist, also known as a commuter, Linhda has recently embraced the world of roller skating. If you have any questions about LA, drop her a line, or simply say HELLO! Meeting new people brings her immense joy. Cheers! linhdy@outlook.com

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