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Lulu Restaurant LA
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.3
Set inside the Hammer Museum, Lulu serves a daily-changing, produce-driven menu that leans into Alice Waters–style California cooking. A sun-soaked courtyard and multi-course prix fixe options make it a polished choice for birthdays, graduations, and dinners with visiting family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Three-course seasonal prix fixe, Focaccia with market vegetables, Roasted chicken or fish of the day
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Museum-adjacent, seasonal California menus in a refined courtyard setting.
Who should go: Families, art lovers, and groups celebrating big milestones.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or sunny lunches after exploring the museum.
What to order: Daily three-course menu, seasonal salad, roasted main course.
Insider tip: Book an earlier seating to wander the Hammer galleries first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hammer Museum parking garage is the most reliable option (paid, typically $8–$15 depending on time); limited metered street parking exists but fills quickly during museum events.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished lean — elevated tops, dresses, and nice jeans all fit the room’s museum-adjacent vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; the courtyard stays lively but conversations at the table remain easy.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal wait with a reservation; without one, expect 20–40 minutes depending on museum traffic and evening events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially for earlier lunch seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — many dishes are vegetable-forward and rotate seasonally.
Vegan options: Moderate selection — at least one entrée and several starters are usually vegan or can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility — many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and servers are knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the courtyard setting, seasonal menus, and art-forward atmosphere create an easy conversation flow without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — weekday lunches are your best bet. Evenings and weekends often require reservations, especially on event nights at the Hammer.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and teens who enjoy sit-down dining; younger children may find the pace slow, but the courtyard layout helps keep things comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal California cooking served in an architectural, sun-filled courtyard — ideal for celebrations that feel refined but not stuffy.
Skip if: You want large portions, heavy comfort dishes, or a fast meal — the experience is paced and produce-driven.
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.4
Alice Waters and David Tanis bring a market-driven, prix fixe menu to the Hammer Museum’s airy indoor–outdoor courtyard at Lulu. Long wooden tables, changing seasonal dishes, and daytime light make the patio one of Westwood’s most polished places to linger outside over lunch or an early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily Three-Course Market Menu, Seasonal Vegetable Plate, Olive Oil Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven, seasonal menus served in a museum courtyard built for lingering.
Who should go: Farm-to-table fans and museum-goers who love long lunches.
When to visit: Daytime or early evening for maximum courtyard light and energy.
What to order: Three-course market menu, seasonal vegetable plate, olive oil cake.
Insider tip: Book around a Hammer exhibition and treat lunch as part of the visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Hammer Museum garage (enter on Westwood Blvd); typically $7–$10 depending on museum hours. Street parking is limited and metered, especially during UCLA events.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge. Museum-goers in relaxed attire fit in at lunch; early dinner skews slightly dressier.
Noise level: Moderate. The courtyard stays lively but still allows easy conversation, especially at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially on exhibition nights.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, though peak noon windows can see a short 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—seasonal produce drives many dishes and the prix fixe often includes at least one veg-forward entrée.
Vegan options: Limited but possible; usually 1–2 items can be adapted. Best to confirm with your server due to menu rotation.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes; staff can guide substitutions, though no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The bright courtyard, slower pacing, and beautiful seasonal dishes create an elegant but low-pressure setting that works especially well for daytime dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often at lunch, yes. Early dinner walk-ins vary with museum traffic—arrive early or aim for the opening dinner window for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy quieter dining environments. No dedicated kids’ menu, but the courtyard layout is spacious and stroller-friendly at lunch.
Best For
Better for: Farm-driven menus, refined patio dining, and museum-adjacent ambience that feels more serene than most Westwood lunch or business-dinner options.
Skip if: You want a long dinner past museum hours, a wide à la carte menu, or a louder, high-energy atmosphere.
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.5
Set inside the Hammer Museum courtyard, Lulu pairs Alice Waters–style, market-driven menus with a sunlit indoor–outdoor space that feels more like a gallery dinner party than a campus-adjacent restaurant. Seasonal prix fixe menus, daytime light, and a design-forward patio keep it on the radar of museum-goers and Westwood diners looking for a stylish night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Three-course seasonal market menu, Deviled eggs with farmers market produce, Olive oil cake
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Museum courtyard dining with a produce-obsessed, chef-driven menu.
Who should go: Design-minded diners who love market-driven California cooking.
When to visit: Daytime or golden hour for peak courtyard atmosphere.
What to order: Seasonal three-course menu, a vegetable starter, olive oil cake.
Insider tip: Book an earlier seating and walk the Hammer galleries beforehand.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking is available in the Hammer Museum garage (validation brings it to a modest rate); limited metered street parking on Lindbrook and Westwood Blvd can be competitive during museum events.
Dress code: Smart casual with a design-forward tilt — elevated basics or relaxed chic fits the museum setting.
Noise level: Moderate — lively courtyard energy but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes if walking in; reservations strongly recommended for prime patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, especially for early or late lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — many starters and mains are vegetable-forward and can be ordered vegetarian without compromise.
Vegan options: Moderate — seasonal menus often include 1–2 vegan-friendly dishes, but availability varies.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff will guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the courtyard setting is stylish without being overly formal, and the museum backdrop adds an easy conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Walk-ins are more likely to be sat for lunch or early dinner; peak evening reservations often fill in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is calm and refined, better suited to older kids or families comfortable with a leisurely meal rather than young children needing quick service.
Best For
Better for: Design lovers, museum-goers, and diners who appreciate seasonal California cooking in a serene courtyard atmosphere.
Skip if: You want large portions, fast-casual service, or a high-energy nightlife vibe — those are better found elsewhere in Westwood Village.
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.5
Lulu brings Alice Waters and David Tanis’ farm-to-table cooking to a sunlit courtyard inside the Hammer Museum, with a daily-changing menu built around peak-season produce. A mix of prix fixe and à la carte options makes it as suited to museum lunches as to low-key date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blood orange citrus salad, Lobster curry entrée, Pistachio cake
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Seasonal farm-to-table menus by Alice Waters and David Tanis in a museum courtyard setting.
Who should go: Design-minded diners who love market-driven California cooking.
When to visit: Daytime or golden hour for peak courtyard light and energy.
What to order: Blood orange citrus salad, lobster curry, pistachio cake.
Insider tip: Reserve a courtyard table and pair your meal with a Hammer Museum visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Hammer Museum garage offers validated parking (typically $7–$8 for several hours); street parking on Lindbrook and Glendon is possible but tight during peak museum hours.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished, arts-district edge; jeans are fine if paired with something dressy.
Noise level: Moderate; the courtyard is airy and conversational, but midday can get energetic with museum traffic.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for courtyard seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though exhibition days can draw light surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection; produce-driven menus often spotlight multiple vegetarian starters and mains.
Vegan options: Moderate options; typically 1–2 vegan-leaning dishes depending on the seasonal menu.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation; many dishes are naturally gluten-free and servers can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The courtyard’s natural light, museum setting, and calm-but-stylish vibe make it ideal for a relaxed conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes during lunch—just expect brief waits. Dinner walk-ins are possible but courtyard tables usually require planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably; older kids and teens do fine, but the seasonal menu and quieter atmosphere aren’t geared toward very young children or stroller-heavy groups.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal produce–driven plates in a design-forward space, ideal for daytime dining, museum pairings, and low-key but upscale dates.
Skip if: You want a long menu of comfort staples, heavy portions, or a high-energy dinner scene—other Westwood spots may fit those needs better.
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.7
Lulu brings Alice Waters and David Tanis’ farm-to-table cooking to the Hammer Museum courtyard, with a daily-changing menu built entirely around peak-season California produce. A mix of à la carte dishes and a three-course market menu makes it as suited to long museum lunches as to design-forward date nights and small celebrations in the open-air space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moroccan carrot salad with cumin and green olives, Red wine–braised lamb with spring vegetables and crispy polenta, Pistachio olive oil cake with macerated strawberries
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Alice Waters–driven courtyard restaurant centered on seasonal, regenerative California produce.
Who should go: Diners who value seasonal menus, design, and thoughtful sourcing.
When to visit: Daytime or golden hour for peak courtyard light and energy.
What to order: Moroccan carrot salad, red wine–braised lamb, pistachio olive oil cake.
Insider tip: Book courtyard seats and time your meal with a Hammer exhibition.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hammer Museum parking garage on Lindbrook Drive (paid, typically $8–$14 depending on time); limited metered street parking available but fills quickly during peak museum hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated but not formal. Sundresses, button-downs, and clean denim all fit the courtyard vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — lively museum courtyard hum but still easy to hold a conversation, especially at earlier seatings.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes with a reservation; 45–60 minutes without, depending on exhibitions and events.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; busiest around noon when museum visitors arrive.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very strong — the menu is built around seasonal California produce, with multiple plant-forward mains.
Vegan options: Good but limited; typically 1–2 composed vegan dishes plus several vegan-friendly starters.
Gluten-free options: Well accommodated; many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the courtyard setting, seasonal menu, and design-forward space create an easy, elegant atmosphere that’s impressive without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Walk-ins are often seated at off-peak times, but during museum events or nice weather, expect a wait. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens with adventurous palates. Limited stroller space and a menu geared toward adults make it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Design-focused dining, market-driven California cuisine, and a serene open-air courtyard that elevates casual lunches and date nights.
Skip if: You want a broad, comfort-heavy menu, late-night hours, or a quick/cheap meal — the experience leans slow, seasonal, and premium.
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.7
Lulu brings Alice Waters and David Tanis’ market-driven cooking to the courtyard of the Hammer Museum, with a daily-changing menu built entirely around peak-season California produce. A dedicated interior private dining room and the museum-side courtyard make it a polished choice for intimate celebrations, arts-adjacent business dinners, and chef-driven group events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blood orange citrus salad, Chicken saltimbocca, Meyer lemon gelato
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized, produce-obsessed courtyard restaurant with a true private dining room inside the Hammer Museum.
Who should go: Art lovers and groups wanting chef-driven, seasonal California cooking.
When to visit: Golden hour or early evening when the courtyard feels most atmospheric.
What to order: Blood orange citrus salad, chicken saltimbocca, Meyer lemon gelato.
Insider tip: Ask about the interior private dining room for fully enclosed events separate from the museum courtyard traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available on Lindbrook Avenue. Self‐parking is available in the Hammer Museum garage (entry on East Westwood Blvd or West Glendon Ave) — museum says “$8 for first three hours with validation; $8 flat after 5 p.m. weekdays; all day weekends.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Dress code: Smart casual: jeans are acceptable but lean dressy (think nice shirt or blouse, polished shoes) — the vibe is upscale-casual in a luxury courtyard setting. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Noise level: Moderate: conversation is comfortable in the courtyard outdoor seating; indoor room and banquette seating may be a bit louder especially when busy. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Weekend wait: With a reservation recommended; without one expect 20–30 minutes or more depending on time and museum events.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait if you book or arrive early (first seating ~11:30 a.m); walk-ins may get seated quickly. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — there are dedicated vegetarian main courses and the kitchen emphasises seasonal produce. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Vegan options: Limited — while the menu is produce-driven and seasonal, vegan options may be fewer; call ahead to confirm availability.
Gluten-free options: Yes — the restaurant lists gluten-free options on OpenTable and offers seasonal dishes that can accommodate; if strict allergy, call ahead as separate prep area is not explicitly highlighted. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely — the courtyard setting adds romance, the menu is chef-driven and exciting, and the environment strikes a balance between elevated and relaxed. For a first date you’d want to request an outdoor table at sunset for maximum ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, especially during less busy hours (weekday lunch or early dinner). But for weekend evenings or courtyard seating requests it’s wise to reserve — bar seating is first-come. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, though it’s more suited to older children or teens rather than very young kids. The vibe is refined and the plates are seasonal/chef-driven (so portions may be smaller). An earlier seating is advisable if bringing kids.
Best For
Better for: What this place does better than competitors
Skip if: When to choose alternatives instead
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.6
Lulu, from Alice Waters and David Tanis, anchors the Hammer Museum courtyard with a market-driven menu built entirely around peak-season California produce. For business lunches tied to campus or culture, it delivers museum-adjacent polish, thoughtful wines, and a setting that signals you care about sustainability and design.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal citrus salad, Lobster curry, Pistachio cake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Hammer Museum courtyard dining with Alice Waters–style, produce-obsessed cooking.
Who should go: Art-minded clients who appreciate seasonal menus and thoughtful sourcing.
When to visit: Museum-adjacent weekday lunches or golden hour for terrace meetings.
What to order: Seasonal citrus salad, daily market entrée, pistachio cake.
Insider tip: Book courtyard tables and pair lunch with a walk through the Hammer.
Lulu Restaurant LA
8.7
Set in the open-air courtyard of the Hammer Museum, Lulu pairs Alice Waters–style, market-driven cooking with a breezy, romantic space framed by trees and warm lighting. The daily-changing three-course menu and strong wine program turn a museum visit into an elegant, slow-paced date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Milanese with Seasonal Greens, Ricotta Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Brown Butter, Three-Course Market Menu
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Farm-driven Alice Waters concept with a romantic, art-filled courtyard setting.
Who should go: Seasonal-cooking fans who love artful, slow-paced dates.
When to visit: Early evening after museum hours for a quieter courtyard.
What to order: Market three-course menu, chicken Milanese, ricotta gnocchi.
Insider tip: Arrive a bit early to wander Hammer exhibits before your reservation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking is available in the Hammer Museum garage (typically $7–$8 after validation); limited street parking on Westwood Blvd and Lindbrook can fill quickly during museum events.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy due to the museum setting and romantic ambiance.
Noise level: Moderate; the open-air courtyard maintains a relaxed hum but still allows easy conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–40 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins may be delayed when the courtyard is fully booked for evening service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; museum visitors cycle in and out steadily but tables turn consistently.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options; the market-driven menu almost always includes multiple composed vegetable courses.
Vegan options: Limited but present; depending on the day’s menu there are typically 1–2 naturally vegan dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-friendly dishes available; staff can guide substitutions for the daily menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes; the courtyard’s warm lighting, artful plating, and slower pacing create an easy, conversational atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but evenings fill up quickly. Arriving early or aiming for lunch improves walk-in availability; museum event nights may require extra patience.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults; while children are welcome, the multi-course pacing and quieter, date-oriented crowd may not hold younger kids’ attention.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, market-driven cooking in a lush courtyard setting that blends fine-dining sensibilities with an unfussy museum vibe.
Skip if: You prefer large portions, fast service, or a louder, high-energy environment; the menu’s daily-changing structure may not suit picky eaters.