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Breakaway Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Breakaway Cafe
7.8
Brothers Zach and Nick Bayse combine Michelin-star technique with California casual at this surfboard-decorated cafe. The Mediterranean sandwich with crispy haloumi and the pulled pesto chicken showcase elevated cooking in approachable breakfast and lunch formats, drawing a loyal local following since opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Sandwich, Pulled Pesto Chicken, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Michelin-trained chef bringing elevated techniques to neighborhood breakfast and lunch with surfboard vibes
Who should go: Brunch enthusiasts wanting quality cafe food from experienced chefs
When to visit: Weekday mornings 8am-3pm for shorter waits, avoid weekend brunch rush
What to order: Mediterranean sandwich with haloumi and harissa aioli, shakshuka, breakfast burrito with mushrooms
Insider tip: Check their specials menu for constantly updated creative options
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on side streets, small lot behind building with 8-10 spaces, typically available weekday mornings
Dress code: Casual California - athleisure, shorts, and sandals totally fine
Noise level: Low to moderate - easy conversation over coffee, gets livelier during weekend brunch
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner - breakfast/lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait typical 12-1pm, minimal wait before 11:30am or after 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including shakshuka, Mediterranean sandwich (can sub haloumi), avocado toast variations
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mostly salads and modified toasts, not their strength
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available for sandwiches, naturally GF egg dishes and salads
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date brunch/lunch - casual vibe takes pressure off, but daytime hours and counter-service format lack dinner date romance
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come counter service with outdoor seating. Arrive before 10am weekends or come weekdays to avoid waits
Is it kid-friendly? Very - outdoor patio accommodates strollers, casual vibe welcomes families, kids menu has simple egg dishes and sandwiches. Popular with Culver City parents
Can I work on my laptop here? Not ideal - limited indoor seating, no clear laptop culture, better for eating and leaving. Try nearby coffee shops for work sessions
Do they do coffee well? Solid espresso drinks from Stumptown beans - not specialty coffee destination but way above average cafe quality
Best For
Better for: Elevated technique at neighborhood prices - get Michelin-trained cooking without the markup. Superior to typical brunch spots for ingredient quality and creative specials while keeping it accessible
Skip if: You want a sit-down service brunch experience, need vegan-specific focus, or prefer traditional American diner breakfast over Mediterranean-California fusion
Breakaway Cafe
8.3
Brothers Zach and Nick Bayse bring Michelin-star technique to neighborhood breakfast spot with globally-inspired seasonal menu. Surf-themed space serves elevated comfort like breakfast burritos and Mediterranean sandwiches with halloumi alongside specialty coffee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Mediterranean Sandwich with Halloumi, Shakshuka
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: NYC Michelin-trained chef brings refined techniques to casual breakfast format
Who should go: Locals seeking elevated neighborhood spot for work-friendly breakfast or brunch
When to visit: Early morning for quick service, weekends for leisurely brunch vibes
What to order: Breakfast burrito, avocado tartine, Mediterranean sandwich
Insider tip: Free parking lot adjacent to restaurant makes this convenient weekday stop
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot adjacent to restaurant - rare convenience in Culver City area
Dress code: Casual comfort - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts all standard breakfast attire
Noise level: Low to moderate - surf-themed space designed for conversation, laptop work feasible
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including avocado tartine, seasonal veggie dishes
Vegan options: Limited but available - menu adapts seasonal vegetables, ask about dairy substitutions
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen familiar with modifications given Michelin background, communicate needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for early-stage dates - casual breakfast/brunch vibe feels low-pressure but elevated food shows thoughtfulness. Skip for anniversary dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for weekday mornings - walk-ins welcome. Weekend brunch 9-11am gets busy, arrive early or expect 20-30 min wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual surf vibe and breakfast comfort foods work for families. Not a dedicated kids menu but breakfast burritos and simpler items appeal to children.
Can I work from here? Yes - designated 'Solo Dining Sanctuary' with laptop-friendly atmosphere, reasonable noise levels, and quality coffee. Weekday mornings best for extended stays.
Do they take my dog? Yes - 'Pet Friendly Paradise' designation means patio seating welcomes well-behaved dogs, water bowls typically available.
Best For
Better for: Elevated technique at neighborhood prices - get Michelin-quality execution on breakfast classics without Century City pricing. Free parking and work-friendly atmosphere beat crowded Arts District spots.
Skip if: You want traditional diner comfort - globally-inspired menu means no basic pancakes or classic American greasy spoon vibes. Choose elsewhere for pure nostalgia.
Breakaway Cafe
8.2
Brothers Zach and Nick Bayse bring elevated cafe techniques from Michelin-starred kitchens to this Arts District breakfast and lunch spot. Their breakfast burrito with crispy potatoes and shakshuka with green tahini showcase seasonal ingredients and global cooking methods in a bright, surfboard-adorned space with fast-moving service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Shakshuka, Avocado Tartine
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Michelin-trained chef bringing fine dining technique to neighborhood cafe breakfast
Who should go: Locals seeking quality breakfast with friendly service and dog-friendly patio
When to visit: Weekday mornings for shorter lines; Saturday-Sunday busiest 9am-11am
What to order: Breakfast burrito with salsa verde, shakshuka with sourdough, avocado tartine
Insider tip: Free parking lot next door; order online for faster pickup
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot directly next door - rare for Arts District, makes it very accessible
Dress code: Casual comfort - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts all standard for neighborhood cafe vibe
Noise level: Lively but conversational - bright, energetic cafe atmosphere where you can easily chat
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including shakshuka, avocado tartine, grain bowls with seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - can modify dishes, green tahini and plant-based ingredients available
Gluten-free options: Some options - check with staff as menu changes seasonally, sourdough can be omitted from dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime first dates - relaxed atmosphere, quality food without pretension, and easy conversation at outdoor tables. Not ideal for evening dates (closes early).
Can I bring my dog? Yes - dog-friendly patio with water bowls provided. It's a neighborhood favorite for dog owners meeting up for breakfast.
Is it good for working/laptop-friendly? Better for quick breakfast than laptop sessions - counter service and brisk turnover make it less conducive to lingering, though some outdoor seating works for shorter work breaks.
Can I take my kids? Yes - casual cafe environment welcomes families. Quick service keeps restless kids happy, though no dedicated kids menu (standard breakfast items work fine).
Do they take reservations? No - counter service, first-come-first-served. Order online ahead for faster pickup if you're in a rush during peak weekend brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Quality breakfast technique at cafe prices - you get Michelin-level execution (crispy potatoes, perfectly cooked eggs) without fine dining markup or formality. Better than chain brunch spots for food quality, better than high-end brunch for accessibility and speed.
Skip if: You want full table service with cocktails and leisurely 2-hour brunch - this is counter-service cafe with efficient turnover. Also skip if you need extensive gluten-free or vegan menus (limited options).