Choosing where to dine in Culver City shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes decision. You want more than just sustenance—you crave an experience that fits the moment, whether it’s a celebratory feast or a casual bite. Let these 20 handpicked spots guide you to culinary satisfaction.
Shake Shack Westfield Culver City
$ | (424) 339-2231 | WEBSITE
Shake Shack Westfield Culver City is the burger destination Inspector Gadget: no matter what type of craving you have, this spot probably has it under its streamlined counter-service coat. The restaurant opens early and stays late, with self-order monitors that make grabbing lunch a two-minute affair, while the dining area basically doubles as a casual refueling station. It has simple tables, plenty of seating, and a clean atmosphere that’s good for solo visits or quick family stops.
The efficient service allows you to order a ‘Shroom Burger and spicy cheese fries without breaking stride from your shopping, and there’s even a convenient mall location in case you’re looking for an easy option. For dessert, the milkshakes become the focus, and Shake Shack pulls out one more gadget: that rich chocolate shake.
El Pollo Loco
$ | (310) 301-0326 | WEBSITE
Like many other fast-casual Mexican spots, this El Pollo Loco location in Culver City is consistent and efficient, with hot, delicious food at reasonable prices. As long as you don’t need table service and are OK with a straightforward drive-thru experience, this is a very reliable spot for a quick, satisfying meal. The friendly staff who know regulars by name is a nice bonus.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (310) 313-9185 | WEBSITE
An old friend called you out of the blue wanting to catch up over lunch, and you agreed to meet at Olive Garden. After about 20 minutes, you realize you actually have a lot to talk about and should probably make a meal of it. If you’re at Olive Garden in Culver City, you won’t need to move from your cozy booth. This family-friendly spot serves Italian comfort food ranging from pizza and chicken Parmesan for lunch to unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks throughout the day.
And if you really get into reminiscing and want to stretch the afternoon, their lunch special with salad, breadsticks, and spaghetti offers great value without breaking the bank.
The Waffle Building
$$$$ | (323) 320-4023 | WEBSITE
Special occasions demand special places, no matter what kind of celebration you’re planning. So rather than settling for a predictable dinner where every bite feels like something you’ve had before, go to The Waffle Building in Culver City. It’s innovative and provides an immersive feast, but it also has that valet parking charge that might seem a bit high, so it’s truly a splurge-worthy experience.
As long as you don’t mind the investment, you can indulge and order the quail prepared in three different ways or any of their other creative, perfect dishes.
Mi Clavelyto
$ | (323) 376-1192 | WEBSITE
Some neighborhoods in Culver City have plenty of fast-food taco joints, but very little else in terms of authentic Mexican cuisine. The area around the main commercial strip is one such stretch. So keep an eye out for Mi Clavelyto, a vibrant spot serving rotating specials and traditional staples. There are a handful of wheelchair-accessible tables and a couple of colorful booths that make this a good non-chain option for a casual dinner.
The spicy salsa adds a delightful kick to the crowd-favorite Gorditas, though it may be too hot for some. Vegetarian options are available, and the generous hospitality makes you feel right at home. For a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank—expect to spend around $15–$25 per person—this is a solid choice when you’re craving something beyond the ordinary.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
$$ | (424) 341-0850 | WEBSITE
When you need a cool spot around Culver City on a warm day, check out Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, which offers outside seating in the shade. They serve their own ice cream and it’s the kind of place where a real dessert lover could be very happy, but whether or not you’re interested in the various vegan and dairy options on offer, you can enjoy the charming location for a casual treat.
The Bombay Frankie Company
$ | (310) 444-9241 | WEBSITE
The Bombay Frankie Company is a compact Indian-inspired spot near the Westfield mall with bold flavors and easy parking outside. It’s a block from the mall entrance, so keep it in mind for a quick, flavorful meal after shopping. They serve chicken tikka masala Frankies and garlic naan from lunch through dinner, with crispy naan crust and spicy, seasoned-to-perfection dishes that customers praise.
The friendly staff take pride in their food, and the place is very clean, making it a convenient regular haunt for those who return to try more options like the chicken tikka masala bowl with potatoes or mango lassi.
Pasta Sisters
$$ | (424) 603-4503 | WEBSITE
Pasta Sisters is different things to different people. Some use it as a quick lunch spot. Some come here for a casual dinner date and a glass of wine. We recommend it as a solid neighborhood choice the next time you need a reliable Italian meal in Culver City. The setup is laid-back, where you order at the counter before finding a seat, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
We wouldn’t tell you to go out of your way to eat here, but the menu goes beyond pasta with salads, sandwiches, pizza squares, and desserts, and you can easily use Pasta Sisters for a working lunch or relaxed dinner. The friendly staff also don’t seem to mind if you linger over your tiramisu and coffee.
Jameson’s Pub – Culver City
$$ | (310) 837-9546 | WEBSITE
Jameson’s Pub is a Culver City sports bar with an upstairs area that feels kind of like someone’s game room, and it’s a solid spot for watching a game with a few friends who eventually need to get back to their neighborhoods. The main level is pretty bright with all the TVs, but on the plus side, the usual sports bar chaos of cheers, shouts, and play-by-play commentary feels somewhat energizing.
Joxer Daly’s
$ | (310) 838-3745 | WEBSITE
Culver City is a stronghold of sports bars, and Joxer Daly’s, located right in the heart of the action, is another convenient spot to grab either a beer and a bite during the game, or a cocktail later on. It gets swamped during weekend matches, but there’s usually plenty of seating available during the week. If your night requires a pool table and a lively atmosphere, camp out at one of Joxer Daly’s tables.
Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken
$ | (323) 396-9339 | WEBSITE
Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken in Culver City is a clean space with unique seating inside and extra tables outside. It’s a straightforward spot that serves high-quality food at decent prices, with a kitchen that prepares everything fresh to order and friendly service. The menu features delicious options like the chicken filet with gravy, scrambled eggs, and a biscuit, or a two-piece chicken meal with fries, a biscuit, and pickles.
The chicken has a tasty wet batter that gives it a unique crispiness, reminiscent of old-school Pioneer chicken, and the gravy is a highlight, packed with onions, seasonings, and pieces of chicken. The fries are seasoned well, and the biscuits are soft, fresh, and buttery. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see people who look like they just got off work or are taking a break from nearby offices, all enjoying the food that’s worth the occasional wait.
Subway
$ | (310) 397-1515 | WEBSITE
Subway is not exactly a fine dining establishment. However, this sandwich spot in Culver City does operate 24 hours a day, every day of the week. And the smaller, cozy space offers the rare combination of being a good spot for both grabbing a quick bite and satisfying late-night cravings. It’s easy to get to with plenty of parking, and it has surprisingly delicious sandwiches that are worth checking out.
Tom’s Number 5
$ | (310) 204-0225 | WEBSITE
Tom’s Number 5 would be an ideal spot for a quick lunch if so many people didn’t already know that it’s an ideal spot for a quick lunch. It’s almost always busy, but we’ll still recommend it, because it’s easy to get to from pretty much anywhere in Culver City and it has a fair number of counter seats. If you’re planning on eating, they have good food options all day, but again – the lunch rush can make this place look like a food truck festival.
They’re open from early morning until late afternoon, though, so keep Tom’s Number 5 in mind for breakfast, or one of those mid-morning breaks when you’re not sure if it’s a breakfast burrito thing or a pastrami burger thing.
Trimana Grill
$ | (310) 641-3200 | WEBSITE
Culver City has the nickname ‘Fox Hills’ for a reason, and the neighborhood’s Trimana Grill knows it. This relaxed, casual cafe has wheelchair-accessible seating inside, along with designated spaces for parking strollers outside. So if you’re looking to eat a mushroom jack cheese turkey burger with some kids in tow, your options don’t get much better than this.
Burger Lounge
$ | (310) 842-8800 | WEBSITE
Burger Lounge is a straightforward neighborhood burger joint with a solid selection of options. Most of the burgers are tasty and satisfying, though they might not be the most filling meal for everyone. Fortunately, this is Culver City, so locals can always grab a second helping or pair it with their favorite sides if they need something more substantial. The turkey burger and queso burger come highly recommended, featuring those crispy-edged patties that many have praised.
Brian and his team keep things friendly and welcoming, which makes for a pleasant visit. They offer gluten-free buns too, making it a good choice for those with dietary needs. The happy hour deal on chicken burgers until 5 pm on weekdays is a nice touch, though some might find the truffle-style turkey burger a bit pricey. The absence of lamb burgers here is a letdown for regulars who expect them, and some customers do find the French fries too salty.
But overall, it’s a reliable spot for a decent burger when you’re in the area.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (310) 839-0999 | WEBSITE
Domino’s Pizza isn’t the fanciest spot in Culver City, but they have a bunch of locations in convenient areas like shopping centers and near major intersections. If you’re looking for pizza and a quick meal, you’ll likely be able to find a Domino’s nearby (this particular one is easy to get to with plenty of parking). The pizzas are worth checking out as well.
Sake House by Hikari
$$ | (310) 253-5038 | WEBSITE
Maybe you don’t want to deal with the parking hassle at other spots, or you just want a standard sushi place rather than a restaurant that’s also a club. Check out Sake House by Hikari. It’s located with a great atmosphere and has a lot of outdoor seating on a cute, shaded patio, plus a generous and delicious teriyaki lunch special with rice, soup, and two sides in case you want a full meal.
MillCross Coffee Bar & Kitchen / La Sabina Wine Bar
$ | (424) 603-4132 | WEBSITE
MillCross Coffee Bar & Kitchen / La Sabina Wine Bar might be a bit too cozy for formal dining, but it’s a perfect spot for any kind of relaxed gathering. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available, making it easy to find a place to settle in. They serve excellent coffee drinks in proper cups, along with a diverse menu of brunch options throughout the day.
The coffee is available during all open hours, but this place does transition into a wine bar in the evening, so don’t plan on quietly reviewing documents once the wine selections start flowing.
Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine
$$ | (424) 835-4414 | WEBSITE
Your friend insisted you try the best Thai food in Culver City, and you agreed to meet for lunch. Sure, any Thai spot could work, but on the off chance that your friend was actually right, you’ll be happy you chose Hidden Garden Thai Cuisine in that small shopping mart. Start with the Tom Kha soup at a cozy table, and if you’re still hungry, order the yellow curry or pineapple fried rice and get to know the sweet staff while enjoying the warm, friendly atmosphere.
The attentive waiter remembers what you like, the food comes quickly, and the sticky rice mango dessert is amazing. It’s truly a hidden gem where everyone is kind with a smile.
Variable Cafe
$$ | (424) 228-5768 | WEBSITE
Culver City might not have the restaurant-on-every-corner concentration that some LA neighborhoods boast, but thankfully Variable Cafe offers plenty of seating in a chilled, charming atmosphere. They accommodate various dietary needs, and the Seoul Bowl and shrimp dishes are particularly solid. Just remember that some options, like the pho, might not suit every palate.