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Destroyer
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Destroyer
8.9
Chef Jordan Kahn's minimalist daytime cafe transforms breakfast into edible art with Nordic-influenced dishes like snap-pea tartine and house-made coconut yogurt. The futuristic built-in coffee machine and stark white aesthetic create an otherworldly dining experience where simple ingredients become complex flavor compositions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Confit with Onion Ash, Koshikari Rice Porridge, Persimmon French Toast
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized chef creating fine dining breakfast with futuristic presentation
Who should go: Creative professionals and art-minded brunchers seeking unique flavors
When to visit: Early weekdays to avoid lines, outdoor seating only
What to order: Porridge, avocado confit, seasonal tartines
Insider tip: Across from two-Michelin-star Vespertine, same chef
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available in Hayden Tract area, typically easy to find. Small lot adjacent to building.
Dress code: Elevated casual - athleisure acceptable given Culver City context, but most guests lean stylish
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - outdoor-only seating with open air, easy conversation
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner - daytime only operation
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min wait peak hours (9-11am), walk-ins accepted
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - most menu is vegetable-forward with grains, dairy, eggs as foundation
Vegan options: Yes - several options including porridge, tartines can be modified, coconut yogurt
Gluten-free options: Limited - some naturally GF dishes (porridge, yogurt) but bread/tartines are menu focus
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for adventurous first dates - the unique setting and artistic food create natural conversation, but skip if your date prefers traditional brunch. Best for culturally-curious matches who appreciate design.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - walk-ins welcome but expect 15-30 min waits on weekends 9am-noon. Weekdays after 11am are safest bet. Counter seating sometimes available immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, adult-focused flavor profiles, minimalist outdoor seating without distractions. Better for teens interested in food culture.
How long does a meal take? Plan 45-60 minutes - service is relaxed European cafe style, not rushed. Perfect for lingering over coffee, less ideal if you're on tight schedule.
Is it worth the hype and price? Yes if you value culinary innovation and ingredient quality - you're paying for Michelin-level technique in casual format. Skip if you want traditional eggs/pancakes value.
Best For
Better for: Unique flavor combinations you won't find elsewhere, Instagram-worthy minimalist aesthetic, experiencing Michelin technique without formality, impressing foodie friends with obscure spot
Skip if: You want hearty portions or traditional American breakfast, need quick service, prefer indoor dining, have strict gluten-free requirements, or are looking for family-friendly atmosphere
Destroyer
9.1
Chef Jordan Kahn's Michelin-recognized daytime cafe transforms breakfast and lunch into artful compositions with Scandinavian-California fusion. Counter-service format with outdoor seating delivers avant-garde dishes like koshikari rice porridge and avocado confit dusted with burnt onion ash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Confit with Burnt Onion Ash, Koshikari Rice Porridge, Chicken Schnitzel
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Michelin-caliber fine dining techniques applied to breakfast in minimalist setting
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and design-conscious diners seeking culinary innovation
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds, arrive early for best table selection
What to order: Avocado confit, rice porridge, seasonal French toast with fruit
Insider tip: Order at counter then secure outdoor seating immediately - tables fill fast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available, small lot behind building - arrive early as Hayden Tract fills quickly
Dress code: Casual chic - athleisure to designer denim, fits the Culver City creative crowd
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - open-air patio seating allows easy conversation
Weekend wait: Not applicable - breakfast/lunch only, closes mid-afternoon
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min wait for food after ordering, no table reservations
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - most menu is vegetable-forward, multiple grain bowls and seasonal plates
Vegan options: Yes - many dishes naturally vegan or easily modified, ask at counter
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice porridge works, but many items feature house-baked bread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for the right person - impressive without being stuffy, but counter-service format is casual. Best if your date appreciates design and innovative food over traditional romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come counter service. Arrive before 10am weekends or after 1pm weekdays for best chance at outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - no kids menu, adventurous flavors, and minimalist concrete setting. Better for teenagers interested in food culture than young children.
How long does a meal take? Plan 45-60 minutes - order at counter, food comes out in 15-25 min, then leisurely dining. Not a quick grab-and-go despite casual format.
Is it worth the price for breakfast? Yes if you view it as culinary experience rather than just breakfast - you're paying for Michelin-level technique and creativity. Skip if you want classic diner fare.
Best For
Better for: Architectural design lovers and Instagram moments, innovative vegetable-forward cooking, experiencing Michelin techniques without formal dining, impressing food-savvy friends with a hidden gem
Skip if: You want traditional American breakfast, need quick service, prefer indoor air-conditioned dining, are bringing picky eaters, or expect table service and menu explanations
Destroyer
8.9
Chef Jordan Kahn's Michelin-recognized breakfast and lunch concept transforms diner classics into Nordic-inspired artful compositions. Since opening in 2016, this minimalist cafe in the Hayden Tract serves inventive dishes like koshihari rice porridge and avocado confit with onion ash, where each plate balances fine dining technique with fast-casual service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Confit, Koshihari Rice Porridge, Snap Pea Tartine
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized chef elevating breakfast into edible art with Nordic-inspired techniques
Who should go: Design enthusiasts and adventurous eaters seeking elevated morning dining
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and secure outdoor seating
What to order: Avocado confit with onion ash, koshihari rice porridge, seasonal vegetable plates
Insider tip: Arrive early for shorter waits and bring quarters for metered street parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only - bring quarters, spots fill quickly after 9am
Dress code: Casual elevated - athleisure to designer denim, matches the design-forward crowd
Noise level: Moderate - concrete and minimal surfaces create echo but spacing allows conversation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - majority of menu is vegetable-forward, 8+ substantial options
Vegan options: Yes - multiple options, chef accommodates with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice porridge works, but many dishes feature house-baked bread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for design-conscious dates who appreciate food as art - the stunning minimalist space and shareable small plates create natural conversation. Skip if your date prefers traditional breakfast comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's walk-in only. Arrive before 9am on weekends or after 1pm to minimize waits. Solo diners can often snag counter seats faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate adventurous food - no kids menu, small portions work for sharing, but the precious plating and higher price point make it stressful with young children. The fast-casual service style does mean quicker turnover than traditional fine dining.
How big are the portions? Small plates designed for sharing - plan 2-3 dishes per person plus the porridge to feel satisfied. Think tasting menu portions at brunch prices ($18-28 per plate).
Is it Instagram-worthy? Extremely - both the brutalist-meets-Scandinavian architecture and artistic plating are designed for the gram. Natural light floods the space until 11am for optimal photos.
Best For
Better for: Experiencing breakfast as high art without the formality - more innovative than Sqirl, more accessible than Vespertine, and combines Michelin technique with counter-service ease. Unmatched for vegetable-forward morning creativity and design aesthetic.
Skip if: You want hearty portions, traditional breakfast comfort (pancakes, omelets), quick grab-and-go service, or don't want to wait - try République or Gjusta instead for more conventional elevated breakfast with similar quality.