Great Places For Dinner in Culver City

Culver City's dining scene has evolved from a sleepy studio zone into a massive hub where tech execs, neighborhood regulars, and food destinations collide. Dinner options are delicious, diverse, and difficult to categorize! We've grouped some favorite options below by overall mood and vibe.

The Institution

• Dear John's – In a category of its own. A decades-old, dim, old-school steakhouse. It has been operating on "borrowed time" due to development plans for years, but they keep extending the lease. Go for a classic martini and a steak before it actually disappears.

Fine Dining

When you want to enjoy something special.

• The Brothers Sushi – An expansion of a popular Valley spot, and the most posh traditional sushi option in the area. They focus on precise seasonal cuts and dry-aged fish. It's expensive, but it delivers if you want a high-end omakase.
• Juliet – Very sleek, French-inspired, and expensive. The indoor and outdoor spaces are built for people-watching. The best move here is seafood and wine when you want a dressy, stylish night out.
• Shojin – Entirely plant-based, macrobiotic Japanese dining. The physical location is unassuming and tucked away, but they serve highly intricate vegan tasting menus with attentive table service.
• Hatchet Hall – Wood-fired Southern cuisine in a dark, moody room. It balances a high-end price tag with a more relaxed, smoky, backyard-party energy.

See and Be Seen

The high-energy atmosphere is part of the draw.

• Laurel Grill – Located at the top of The Steps downtown. Massive indoor-outdoor space comes from the team behind West Hollywood's Laurel Hardware. It attracts a heavy studio and tech crowd and has a loud bar scene. American classics, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas.
• Piccalilli – High-concept Southeast Asian-meets-Californian cuisine. The neon decor is loud, the music is pumping, and the cocktails are excellent.
  
• Lillie's at The Culver Hotel – Operating out of the historic hotel's lobby and outdoor garden patio. It features live music, great cocktails, and a French-bistro menu. Great people watching.

Low-Key Date Nights

Romantic settings with a more relaxed vibe.

• Esme – Modern and stylish Mediterranean spot. A good option if you want a lighter, seafood-and-vegetable-forward dinner.
• Carasau – A quiet, family-run Sardinian restaurant that serves up comforting, house-made pasta.

Just Good Food

Simple yet delicious.

• Lonzo's Bread & Peruvian Eatery – A casual bakery during the day that turns into a packed Peruvian dinner spot at night.
• EK Valley – A family-run Oaxacan restaurant. Come here for proper, complex housemade moles.
• Yunomi – A fast-paced counter handroll bar. Has a modern look but it is casual, fast, and mid-range in price. Great if you want high-grade fish without sitting through a three-hour meal.
• Afuri Ramen & Dumpling – Known for Yuzu Shio ramen. The citrusy broth makes it lighter than your standard heavy tonkotsu, which is why people line up for it during the winter.
• Sobar – They specialize in traditional buckwheat soba noodles. A minimalist spot for a delicous, straightforward meal.
• Mayura – A legendary South Indian staple. Serves the best dosas and curries in the area.
• Honey Kettle's – A no-frills fried chicken joint. Crispy, reliable, and very tasty.

Group Hangs & Casual Crowds

Solid spots for larger tables.

• Father's Office – The gastropub that started it all. The rules are infamous (no substitutions, no ketchup, strictly 21+), but the burger still holds up and the beer list is massive. Go with people who don't mind a loud crowd.
• Arth Bar & Kitchen – A modern, upscale Indian spot with an energetic bar scene. The menu is built for sharing, making it a reliable alternative to standard group dinner choices.
• Citizen Public Market – A food hall with a rooftop bar. This is your safety net when your group can't agree on what to eat, because everyone can grab their own food and sit together.

Live Near the Best of Culver City

Conveniently located right next to Culver City Whole Foods and the La Cienega / Jefferson E Line Station, modern apartments at ARQ are your luxe launch point to the city. Contact us to explore move-in specials or schedule a tour around our beautiful new building.