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Interstellar

109 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
$$$
Breakfast

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Interstellar 7.9
Downtown Santa Monica ✓ Verified
Chef Angie Kim's modern all-day cafe blends Asian fusion with brunch classics in a sleek, minimalist space. The katsu curry rivals any Japanese restaurant while French toast gets elevated with blueberry ricotta, creating a menu that bridges continents with confident execution and specialty coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Katsu Curry, Blueberry Ricotta French Toast, Branzino Ochazuke
Scores:
Value: 6.9 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Asian-fusion breakfast dishes you won't find elsewhere
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking unique brunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch for faster service
What to order: Katsu curry, branzino ochazuke, seasonal latte
Insider tip: Thursday-Saturday dinner service offers expanded menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking ($2/hr until 6pm), nearby public garage on 2nd Street ($8 flat rate weekends)
Dress code: Smart casual - think elevated athleisure to business casual, Instagram-ready outfits common
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, louder during weekend brunch rush
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Thursday-Saturday, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min typical, no wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several fusion options including tofu katsu and veggie ochazuke
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, oat milk available for coffee drinks
Gluten-free options: Some options - rice-based dishes work, but cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for brunch dates - impressive without being stuffy, unique menu provides conversation starters, natural lighting ideal for looking your best
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes (except lunch rush 12-1:30pm), weekends unlikely - use Resy or arrive before 9am for walk-in success
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate diverse flavors - no kids menu, minimalist design isn't toddler-proof, but high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Fusion breakfast creativity and specialty coffee program beats traditional brunch spots - where else can you get katsu curry at 9am?
Skip if: You want classic American breakfast comfort food or need a quick, budget-friendly meal - head to The Pantry instead
Interstellar 8.1
Downtown Santa Monica ✓ Verified
Korean-American fusion cafe where brioche French toast meets kimchi fried rice in a sleek black-and-white space. Their rainbow latte art and unexpected flavor combinations create some of the most shareable plates near the Promenade.
Must-Try Dishes: Ube French Toast, Korean Fried Chicken & Waffles, Mentaiko Avocado Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: East-meets-West fusion with serious latte art game
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and coffee aficionados
When to visit: Early morning for best natural light
What to order: Ube french toast, katsu curry, seasonal latte art
Insider tip: Ask barista for their signature butterfly latte art
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking $3/hr until 6pm, nearby structure $8 flat rate weekends, expect 5-10 min walk
Dress code: Trendy casual - think curated Instagram aesthetic, athleisure to smart casual all work
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, gets louder during peak brunch
Weekend wait: Walk-ins typically seated within 20 min (dinner less crowded)
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon, 15-20 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Korean veggie options plus creative egg dishes
Vegan options: Limited - oat milk for lattes, can modify bibimbap bowl
Gluten-free options: Some options - rice-based dishes work, no dedicated prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual brunch dates - photogenic food sparks conversation, trendy vibe without being too formal, and the fusion menu gives you plenty to talk about
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but weekend brunch (10am-2pm) expect 30-45 min wait. Pro tip: solo diners and pairs get seated faster at the bar
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate unique flavors. No kids menu, limited high chairs, and the aesthetic leans adult
Best For
Better for: More creative fusion than Republique, better latte art than Urth Caffé, and more affordable than Gjelina for similar Instagram appeal
Skip if: You want traditional brunch classics - head to Huckleberry instead, or if you need quick service, Little Ruby's is faster