**Where to Eat in Culver City: Local Edition**

Culver City has blossomed into a lively dining destination in the last fifteen years. It used to be known as a quiet suburb where Jeopardy was filmed. As money flowed in, the empty buildings started being redeveloped and more chef-driven restaurants started flowing in.

Today, Downtown Culver City and the nearby Culver City Arts District and Helm’s Bakery - is the local’s downtown. It’s central, Westside; not too close to the ocean and not too far from Downtown LA. It’s easily accessible, nested between both the 10 and the 405.

When I first moved to LA, I heard many recommendations to visit Downtown Culver City. Back then, it was even more sleepy than today. This was when the only bar, was Father’s Office in the Helm’s Bakery District. Nowadays, there’s more than one bar to choose from, thus it demands a full-on Culver City — where to eat guide, from a local.

Top Go-To’s

**Jackson Market Culver City** - bask in the secret garden, leisurely cafe vibes, and solid omelettes and sandwiches. Order using a lovely checklist, super customizable!

Grand Casino Bakery and Cafe - Cuban bakery and market. Don’t leave without viewing their bakery counter and grabbing a crumbly shortbready polvoron cookie
Fifty One Chinese Kitchen - the only Asian restaurant on the main Downtown Culver Drag. On Sunday’s they have a dim sum special, but buckle in for long waits. For me, it’s worth it for some steamed dumplings on the Westside.
Wise & Sons Jewish Deli - SF import specializing in bagel sandwiches, the full Jewish deli spread including matzo ball soup! They have 12+ locations (who knew?)
Destroyer - Millennial cafe with coffee, french toast, oatmeal but with a twist - same chef as Vespertine, the bar is high. Elevated, post modern cafe with creative ingredients and recipes! It feels like 4 star food but in a casually cool, approachable setting (breakfast and lunch are popular). Go early morning or be ready to wait. Note, it’s off the beaten path near industrial offices! If you know, you know.

Citizen Public Market

Lined with classy checkered tiles, refurbished banisters - the 7500 square foot venue gives a vibe that is perfectly casual, perfectly cool. During the day it’s more chill, and then it transform into the perfect data-night spot (don’t mind the noise or crowds!).

The 2nd floor has a bar in the landing, and then the roof top is the best seat in the house to dine under the stars. Currently, they have comedy shows on the rooftop - so looking forward to more events to build a regular crowd. [website]

Akasha

Akasha is the stronghold where business lunches flourish, families gather, and dates trying to impress one another abound. I’m a huge fan of Chef Akasha Richmond’s menu which maximizes seasonal local produce with unfussy, veggie forward dishes The main fare has a tinge of Indian-influence — lentil soups and curried mung beans (swoons) - but this should not scare the picky eater as American standards like burgers are ever-present. Trends come and go and yes Akasha continues to be the go-to-all-day staple you can count on. [website]

Jameson’s Pub (formerly Rush Street)

The All-American Sports bar where sports crowds gather. Their website brags that they are a good ol’ sports bar, and my Chicagoan partner wholeheartedly agrees. Nachos, Tacos, Burgers and Beers - the menu has exactly what you hoped for in a neighborhood sports bar. If you’re during a game, make a reservation or arrive early otherwise you may be outta luck. Every time I go, I walk away happy - it’s exactly what the kinda bar atmosphere you need. Pre-covid times, the spaced turned into a weekend, pseudo night club - let’s see how they evolve as they come roaring back to somewhat normal times. [website]

^^^ Note: used to be called RUSH Street, the former owners called it quits and sold it ~March 2023 thus it has now (it appears to have successfully transitioned to Jameson’s Pub). Be sure to support the new owners and rebranded local sports bar.

Public School 310

School-themed, American bar with 3 LA locations (including 2 out of state locales!). Every time I go, I have a good time. Good-sized menu, sure to please everyone from deep fried buffalo cauliflower, salads, burgers and pizzas; I’ve never had anyone complaint. Dessert are decadent and memorable (do not go if you’re on a diet lol)! Huge beer and alcohol section. Pre-covid, had some good happy-hours if you can make it! Outdoor patio option is solid. It tends to get crowded with the happy hour, after work crowd. Perfect for that work happy hour. I don’t go often, but when I do - no regrets.

Mayura Indian Restaurant

On my list for top ten favorite LA restaurants. Mayura was on Jonathan Gold’s 101 Essential Eats - and thus goes down in history as an unforgettable good LA Indian restaurant. Menu has a wide selection like chicken tikka with their main Southern Indian strongholds. My go-to’s are the dosas and uthappams (fried rice or lentil flour pancakes with veggies like peas, onions and paneer). [website]

India Sweets and Spices

Unfussy setting, part Indian grocery, convenience store, part hot food bar with limited seating. I go for Indian snacks and spices that are hard to find and/or overpriced at the major grocery store chains.

I stay for the Indian sweets like gulab jamun the milk bars (burfi) and my personal favorite, samosas. Service is non-existent but because it is good and it is worth it. Bring your patience as there often seems to no particular line and check-out moves slower than one would expect. I am a huge fan and 100% hope they continue to stay in business for many years to come! [website]

Where to Eat At The Platform Culver City

**The Platform** is the mixed use, ultra hip, gathering spot, retail center, restaurant hub that has grown into *the* destination on Washington Blvd and National.

Their recently expanded outdoor space now allows more community oriented events and pop-ups - and their popularity appears to have no end in sight.

Go for the atmosphere and then some. It’s the kinda place where you can grab a Blue Bottle coffee, read a book, and eat a salad on your lunch break — then return after work for roof-top drinks at Margot, or a casual slice of pizza at Brooklyn transplant, Roberta’s.

Food recommendations at and around the Platform:

Roberta’s Pizza - for pizza and casually cool outdoor dining
Bianca - Italian all-day eats. Open early morning, go for the baked goods and sweets
Margot - roof top dining, overlooking the lightrail line
Etta - fine dining from Chicago featuring wood-fired ribs, steak, and pizzas;an LA newcomer where all the corporate credit cards are being spent - across the street from the Platform
Loqui - for tacos using homemade tortilla’s. Fresh, Cali style ingredients
Boba Guys - San Francisco style boba, fresh and with a mixology appeal

Other Things To Do

Ballona Creek Bike Path

Hop on the bike path and head West towards the ocean where you come upon my favorite view - the Jetty; a pedestrian path surrounded by water on three sides. The easiest Ballona Creek entrance from Downtown Culver City is on Duqesne Ave, west of Jefferson Blvd on the South side of the street. It’s a do-able walk from Downtown Culver to have a look-see. Biking the path is best. A highlight is spotting wildlife - mainly birds - living in the concrete jungle! And once you get to the ocean, the rewards keep coming! [website]

The Wende Museum

A museum with a rotating exhibit of Cold War era art, historical and cultural artifacts. No one ever mentions the Wende Museum, but admission is FREE and the architecture and garden are worth a look, after you’ve had your fill of food. Definitely a local hidden, cultural gem. [website]

The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Goes in the book of weird places to visit. An eclectic collection of oddities is the best way to frame this. It’s not for everyone, but everyone that goes loves it, hates it and recommends it. Unlike any other “museum” you’ve been to. [website]

The Culver Stairs!

A classic for workout junkies and those who just want a free, outdoor workout. Killer stairs but if your knees aren’t forgiving, opt for the pathways with slopes and hills! I find it pleasant for active people of all ages (kids included). Read up more on the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (aka Culver Stairs) in my post here.

If you want MORE Culver City eats - then read my part II geared towards less flashy places and more good ol’ locals joints:

Off The Radar: Where In-The-Know Locals Eat in Culver City and Palms