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Best French in Culver City
Best French Fries in Culver City
Best Breakfast in Culver City
Best Brunch in Culver City
Best Romantic Restaurants in Culver City
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Culver City
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Cafe Laurent
7.7
A French-rooted brunch cafe that leans on classical technique—crepes, quiche, eggs Benedict—executed with enough precision to hold 1,100+ Google reviews at 4.5 stars. The draw is reliable neighborhood brunch on Venice Blvd where the menu stays in its lane and delivers familiar French comfort without overreaching. Expect a weekend wait and straightforward cafe energy rather than a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omelette, Crepes, Eggs Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: French-rooted brunch cafe on Venice Blvd where classics like crepes, quiche, and eggs Benedict draw consistent neighborhood loyalty.
Who should go: Weekend brunch seekers craving authentic French cafe fare
When to visit: Early weekend mornings to beat the brunch rush
What to order: Start with a croissant, commit to the omelette or eggs Benedict, and add the potato gratin as a side — portions are generous so share if ordering multiple mains.
Insider tip: Grab a table on the patio — it's the preferred spot among regulars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Venice Blvd with a bus lane directly in front—look for the small lot behind the building first, or try free residential streets one block south
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—veggie omelet (La Véggie), spinach and olive quiches, Veggie Pasta with black truffle oil, Le Véggie Club sandwich, plus multiple sweet crepes
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free bread available as a substitution on sandwiches and burgers for +$2; no other GF-labeled items on the menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a daytime date — this charming French cafe has a cozy, romantic-leaning atmosphere with a serene courtyard patio that feels tucked away from the street. Sunday brunch is especially appealing with live French-flavored music on the patio. It's a breakfast/brunch/lunch spot (open 8 AM–3 PM only), so plan for a daytime date rather than dinner. Request patio seating for the best ambiance, and arrive before 10:30 AM on weekends to avoid the noisy peak-hour crowd.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday mornings, walk-ins are generally fine. Weekends are a different story — the cafe recommends reservations, and after 10:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays expect a wait of 30 minutes or more. Arriving before 10 AM on weekends usually means no wait. Call ahead at minimum; same-day reservations likely work for weekdays, but book a day or two ahead for weekend brunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — reviewers describe it as super kid-friendly, with an outdoor patio area that toddlers enjoy and a park directly across the street for post-meal energy burning. Kids can order items like waffles off the regular menu. A dedicated kids menu and high chair availability are not confirmed online — call ahead to ask. Best for families during earlier hours before the weekend rush hits.
Is it good for groups? Yes — they accommodate groups and automatically add 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more, confirming they handle at least that size. Exact maximum party size and large table configurations are not specified online — call ahead for groups over 6 to arrange seating. No private dining room has been confirmed, which is expected for a neighborhood cafe of this size.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — they offer three seating areas: indoor, an open-air patio, and a covered patio section. The outdoor area has heaters near tables for cooler mornings and is set back from Venice Blvd for a relatively peaceful feel, though some street noise carries. The patio has ample seating and hosts live music on Sundays. It's a standout feature of the restaurant and the preferred seating for most regulars.
Best For
Better for: Lazy French-style brunch with crepes, quiches, and omelets—strong for groups of 2-3 who want to linger over coffee on the patio
Skip if: You need dinner—they close at 3 PM daily—or you want a quick in-and-out on weekend mornings when the wait builds up
Hours
Monday8am - 3pm
Tuesday8am - 3pm
Wednesday8am - 3pm
Thursday8am - 3pm
Friday8am - 3pm
Saturday8am - 3pm
Sunday8am - 3pm