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ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Fat + Flour Pie Shop
8.0
James Beard-nominated pastry chef Nicole Rucker applies her Gjelina/Gjusta training to a focused pie program built on all-butter crusts, seasonal fruit, and Guittard chocolate. The shop draws bakers and dessert-focused eaters who want craft technique over volume—key lime, banana cream, and chocolate chess hold down a tight rotation. A KCRW Good Food Pie Contest winner operating out of Culver City with the pedigree to back up the price of admission.
Must-Try Dishes:
Key Lime Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Chocolate Chess Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: James Beard-nominated pastry chef Nicole Rucker, a KCRW Good Food Pie Contest blue-ribbon winner and former Gjelina/Gjusta baker, builds every pie on an all-butter crust with seasonal fruit and Guittard chocolate.
Who should go: Pie lovers and bakers seeking craft pastry perfection
When to visit: Early morning for best slice selection; popular pies sell out
What to order: Start with a Key Lime slice for the signature sweet-tart balance, add a Chocolate Chess or seasonal fruit pie, and grab cookies for the road.
Insider tip: Pre-order whole pies through Tock at least 48 hours in advance — walk-in slices sell out early on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Bakery-cafe with savory options like quiche, paninis, and seasonal salads alongside pies, cookies, and scones
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a low-key, charming first date — not a candlelit dinner. The space has warm lighting, beautiful food-themed artwork, and a cozy-but-spacious feel that makes conversation easy. It's counter service, so the vibe is casual and pressure-free — perfect for a daytime date over pie slices and coffee. For something more special, check if one of their occasional evening dessert pop-up events is coming up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's counter service, so no reservations needed. Order at the counter and they'll call your name when it's ready. Weekend afternoons draw lines, especially Saturdays; aiming for around 3pm on Saturdays tends to hit the sweet spot between fresh bakes and shorter waits. Weekday visits are generally easy. Note: whole pies require 48-hour advance pre-order, but slices and other items are available same-day.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it's a welcoming, casual bakery with no formal dining expectations. Kids will love picking out pie slices and cookies from the display case. The counter-service format means no long waits at the table, and the relaxed noise level is forgiving. There's no dedicated kids menu, but the offerings — pie slices, cookies, sandwiches, and drinks — are naturally kid-appropriate. Best for all ages.
Is it good for groups? Good for small groups of 4-6. The space has a handful of tables and is described as spacious for a bakery, but it's still a cozy neighborhood pie shop — not built for large parties. Great for a casual catch-up with friends over coffee and pie. For groups larger than 6, the limited seating could be a challenge, especially on weekends.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed — no outdoor seating is specifically mentioned online. The shop has indoor seating with a handful of tables. Metered street parking is available. Call ahead at 310-437-0040 to confirm if any sidewalk or patio seating has been added.
Best For
Better for: Pie lovers seeking seasonal fruit pies and a standout key lime — described as 'heaven for pie people'; popular items sell out fast so go early in the day
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full sit-down meal or dinner — open Wed-Sun 9am-5pm only, counter-service cafe format
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday9am - 5pm
Thursday9am - 5pm
Friday9am - 5pm
Saturday9am - 5pm
Sunday9am - 5pm