10 of the best restaurants in Culver City, Los Angeles

Bacari Culver City brings a lush, Mediterranean-inspired oasis to the heart of the neighborhood, specializing in small plates that encourage a communal dining style. The atmosphere is undeniably enchanting, featuring a sprawling outdoor patio anchored by a massive tree and twinkling string lights that create a hidden forest vibe. Founded by Robert and Danny Kronfli alongside chef Lior Hillel, the Bacari brand has become a staple of Los Angeles hospitality with other popular locations in Playa del Rey and Silver Lake. The kitchen has earned a reputation in The Infatuation for its consistent quality and approachable price points. You should focus your order on the glazed pork belly with cherry chocolate sauce or the no-cheese pizza with charred scallion and tomato. The restaurant operates on a philosophy of “cicchetti”—small snacks or side dishes—allowing for a broad exploration of the menu in a single sitting.

Butterfly introduces a vibrant contemporary Mexican concept to the local scene, focusing on bold flavors and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Located within the bustling Platform shopping complex, the setting is modern and minimalist, featuring clean lines and an open-air feel that perfectly suits a sunny afternoon. The restaurant is part of the culinary portfolio that includes local favorites like Bianca, bringing a refined touch to traditional street-food inspirations. Food writers from Eater LA have noted the restaurant’s ability to balance classic techniques with modern Southern California sensibilities. The al pastor tacos, featuring pork marinated for 24 hours and topped with roasted pineapple, are a standout, as is the refreshing shrimp aguachile. The sourcing philosophy emphasizes the use of non-GMO corn for the handmade tortillas and seasonal produce from local markets. It provides a bright, energetic experience that highlights the evolution of Mexican cuisine in the city.

The Culver Hotel Bar and Restaurant offers a sophisticated French American experience inside a National Historic Landmark that has stood since 1924. The setting is grand and evocative, featuring high ceilings, velvet armchairs, and vintage architectural details that transport you back to the golden age of cinema. The venue has long been a favorite of The New York Times for its historical significance and role as a social hub for the entertainment industry. The menu leans into bistro classics, with the steak frites and onion soup gratinée serving as pillars of the dining room. The kitchen focuses on timeless recipes executed with modern precision for “grandeur without pretension,” making it an ideal spot for a pre-theater meal or a celebratory cocktail in a space that has hosted everyone from Judy Garland to Dwight Eisenhower.

Zaytinya is a Mediterranean powerhouse that brings the celebrated flavors of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon to the Westside’s stylish Shay Hotel, offering a bright and airy atmosphere with Mediterranean-blue accents and floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a marquee project from world-renowned chef José Andrés and the José Andrés Group, which also operates the MICHELIN-Starred Minibar in D.C. and The Bazaar. Since its opening, it has been a frequent highlight in Los Angeles Magazine for its masterful mezze-style service. Standout dishes include the crispy Brussels sprouts Afelia and the Hunkar Begendi—a traditional Turkish braised lamb over smoky eggplant puree. The sourcing philosophy focuses on rare Mediterranean spices and high-quality olive oils, ensuring that every small plate delivers a punch of sunshine, solidifying its place among the best restaurants in Culver City Los Angeles.

Dear John’s is a classic steakhouse that feels like a well-preserved secret, located in a windowless building that has served as a Hollywood haunt since 1962. The interior is dark and intimate, with wood paneling and tuxedo-clad servers that evoke the era of Frank Sinatra, who was a regular here. This revival project is led by chef Josiah Citrin, of the two-MICHELIN-Starred Mélisse, and Hans Röckenwagner, a duo that has saved this landmark from demolition. The Infatuation has praised the restaurant for its nostalgic charm and high-level execution of retro favorites. The tableside Caesar salad and filet mignon with peppercorn sauce are essential orders for anyone seeking a traditional steakhouse experience. The philosophy centers on honoring the past while ensuring the ingredients meet modern standards of excellence. It offers a rare opportunity to dine in a space where the walls practically talk, making it a mandatory stop for history buffs.

Broken Spanish Comedor brings a deeply personal and soulful Mexican dining experience to the neighborhood, focusing on the intersection of heritage and innovation. The space is warm and inviting, featuring vibrant textures and an open kitchen that allows you to see the craftsmanship behind every plate. Chef Ray Garcia, a James Beard Award semifinalist, is the visionary behind this concept, which evolved from his acclaimed downtown flagship. Eater LA has consistently celebrated Garcia’s ability to use “broken” Spanish as a metaphor for his unique culinary dialect—a mix of traditional Mexican roots and a Los Angeles upbringing. The menu features the famous heirloom corn masa with various seasonal toppings and the succulent lamb neck with ayocote beans. Garcia’s philosophy involves a commitment to heirloom ingredients and a refusal to compromise on the complexity of traditional flavors. It is a sophisticated yet accessible celebration of modern Latino culture.

Vespertine is a world-renowned Californian destination that transcends the traditional definition of a restaurant to become a multi-sensory art installation. Located in an architecturally striking building known as “The Waffle,” the atmosphere is otherworldly, with soundscapes and scent-play designed to accompany the meal. Chef Jordan Kahn is the mastermind here, having earned the restaurant two MICHELIN Stars and a rare four-star review from the Los Angeles Times. Kahn, who also oversees the avant-garde Destroyer nearby, uses Vespertine as a canvas for his architectural approach to food. The menu is a highly choreographed tasting experience that may include ingredients you have never heard of, presented in ways that defy gravity. The philosophy is one of total immersion, where the environment, the service, and the food form a singular, cohesive narrative. For those seeking the pinnacle of experimental dining, this is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Culver City Los Angeles.

Simonette at Palihotel Culver City is a charming French bistro that captures the effortless cool of a Parisian sidewalk cafe. The restaurant features a stunning courtyard with checkered floors, lush greenery, and a cozy indoor bar that feels like a private club. This concept is part of the Paligroup, known for its boutique hotels and stylish dining rooms like the Hart and the Hunter. The Hollywood Reporter has noted Simonette as a top spot for power breakfasts and relaxed industry lunches. The menu is a love letter to French comfort, featuring the Gruyère-topped Simonette burger and perfectly crispy moules frites. The culinary philosophy focuses on approachable, well-executed classics that encourage diners to linger over a bottle of wine. It is a beautiful, low-key escape from the city’s frantic pace, providing a consistent and polished experience from morning until late at night.

Nardo is an Italian gem that brings the authentic flavors of Southern Italy to a sleek, modern space in the downtown Culver City area. The restaurant features an open kitchen dominated by a massive pizza oven and an inviting bar that serves as a focal point for the room. Founded by the same team behind the popular L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, Nardo focuses on the broader traditions of the Campania region. Eater LA has highlighted the restaurant for its commitment to traditional techniques, particularly its 48-hour fermented dough. The menu shines with the tagliatelle alla Bolognese and the white-based pistachio pizza, which offers a perfect balance of nutty and savory notes. The philosophy is centered on the concept of “simplicity as the ultimate sophistication,” using imported Italian flour and tomatoes to ensure a flavor profile that remains true to its roots. It is a warm, family-friendly spot that doesn’t sacrifice elegance for comfort.

Maple Block Barbecue is a dedicated Barbecue destination that has redefined the wood-smoked meat scene in Southern California. The setting is rustic and utilitarian, featuring long communal tables and a visible smoker that fills the air with the scent of burning peach wood. Pitmaster Adam Cole, who has a background in fine dining including a stint at The Bazaar, brings a chef’s precision to the low-and-slow traditions of Texas and the Carolinas. The restaurant has been featured in the Los Angeles Times’ 101 Best Restaurants list for its uncompromising quality. The sliced brisket, with its thick bark and tender center, is widely considered some of the best in the city, especially when paired with the vinegar slaw. Cole’s philosophy is built on the pillars of “wood, meat, and time,” eschewing shortcuts in favor of a 12-to-14-hour smoking process. It is a masterclass in craft, providing a hearty and deeply satisfying dining experience.