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esme
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
esme
8.6
This design-forward cafe blends California ingredients with Middle Eastern and Latin flavors in refined dishes like shakshuka and merguez sandwiches. Founded by Ivan and Gabby in their deeply personal vision from 2017, the bright space showcases thoughtful plating and a warm community atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Merguez Sandwich, Barbari Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Husband-wife founded cafe merging Middle Eastern-Latin flavors with California seasonality
Who should go: Food enthusiasts seeking creative flavor combinations and thoughtful execution
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm, closed Mondays
What to order: Shakshuka, merguez sandwich, house-made bread
Insider tip: Small space fills quickly, arrive early for best seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easier mornings/early afternoon. Public lot on Culver Blvd (2 blocks) $2/hr
Dress code: Casual-cool - think nice jeans and a button-up or sundress. Instagram-ready but comfortable
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - small space keeps volume low, perfect for catching up
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait typical, faster before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - shakshuka, multiple veggie-forward plates, house bread with spreads
Vegan options: Moderate - 3-4 options available, staff accommodating with modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited but available - can modify some dishes, ask about bread alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for early dates (brunch/lunch only). Intimate but not overly romantic, interesting menu gives conversation starters, and the aesthetics make both of you look good in photos if things go well
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations. Arrive by 9:30am weekends or after 1pm to avoid peak waits. Solo diners often get seated at the counter quickly
Is it kid-friendly? Works for well-behaved kids 8+ but not ideal for toddlers - small space, no high chairs, sophisticated atmosphere. Better for special occasions with older children
How long should I plan to stay? Leisurely 90-minute experience is the vibe - food comes at a relaxed pace, people linger. Not a quick bite spot
Is it worth the wait? Yes if you appreciate thoughtful cooking and unique flavors. Skip if you're in a rush or want traditional American brunch - this is more refined and globally-inspired
Best For
Better for: Esme excels at ingredient-driven creativity and intimate atmosphere - choose this over Republique when you want a quieter, more personal experience with globally-inspired flavors rather than French technique. Better than Gjusta for an actual sit-down meal vs. market chaos
Skip if: You want traditional eggs Benedict/pancakes, need kid entertainment, are in a hurry, or have a group larger than 4. Head to Huckleberry for family-friendly or Destroyer for equally creative but faster service
esme
8.5
Chef Ivan Corona's Mediterranean-California cafe transforms from coffee shop by day to intimate restaurant by night. Farm-to-table approach yields dishes like merguez shakshuka and falafel plates with complex flavors in cozy, design-forward downtown space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Merguez Shakshuka, Short Rib Falafel Plate, Lamb Sirloin
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: NYC Michelin experience meets California ingredients in intimate setting
Who should go: Couples and food enthusiasts seeking thoughtful Mediterranean-inspired brunch or dinner
When to visit: Weekday mornings for relaxed cafe vibe, weekend brunch for full menu
What to order: Merguez shakshuka, falafel plate, craft coffee drinks
Insider tip: Hidden across from Culver Steps - easy to miss but worth seeking out
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd or nearby streets - moderately difficult on weekends. Public lot at Culver Steps across the street ($2/hr). Arrive 10 min early to find a spot.
Dress code: California casual with effort - nice jeans and button-down works perfectly. Fits the design-forward space without being stuffy.
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - cozy space keeps volume moderate. Perfect for dates or catching up with friends.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday evenings. Small space fills quickly - book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - cafe-style service during weekday mornings/afternoons
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - shakshuka, falafel plate, and multiple vegetable-forward Mediterranean options. Farm-to-table approach means seasonal veggie dishes rotate.
Vegan options: Yes - falafel plate easily modified, hummus plates, and seasonal vegetable preparations. Chef accommodating with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Limited but possible - many Mediterranean dishes naturally GF or easily modified. Ask server about pita substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely yes. Intimate without being too dark, impressive without being pretentious, and moderate noise level means you can actually talk. The Mediterranean-California menu gives you interesting things to discuss, and the cozy design-forward space creates natural chemistry. Skip the coffee-shop daytime vibe - come for dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday breakfast/lunch - yes, walk-ins welcome in cafe mode. Weekend brunch and any dinner service - reservation strongly recommended. Small space (maybe 15-20 tables) fills fast. If you arrive without one, try for 2:30pm-5pm shoulder hours or be prepared to wait 30-45 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) at dinner due to intimate date-night atmosphere. Weekend brunch is more family-appropriate with cafe vibe. No kids menu but Mediterranean plates are shareable. Space is small so strollers challenging - consider leaving at home.
How does this compare to République or Republique? More intimate and neighborhood-focused than République's grand brasserie scale. Similar farm-to-table ethos and Mediterranean influences, but esme feels like discovering a hidden local gem vs. a destination restaurant. Better for conversation, République better for impressing out-of-town guests.
Is the coffee as good as the food? Yes - Chef Corona takes coffee seriously with quality beans and proper technique. Morning cafe service is legitimately excellent, not just an afterthought. Come for coffee and pastry at 8am, or stay for the full shakshuka experience.
Best For
Better for: Intimate dates, discovering hidden Culver City gems, Mediterranean brunch done right, quality over quantity approach, feeling like an insider vs. a tourist, transitional cafe-to-restaurant experience that works morning through night
Skip if: You want grand LA dining spectacle, need easy parking, bringing large groups (6+), want kid-focused brunch spot, prefer traditional American breakfast, looking for quick in-and-out meal, want guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends
esme
8.7
Chef Ivan and Gabby's deeply personal cafe-to-restaurant project blends Middle Eastern and Latin flavors in farm-to-table dishes. The merguez sandwich with house-made falafel and seasonal rotating menu draws passionate fans to this intimate downtown space where breakfast flows into wine service, all crafted with locally-sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Merguez Sandwich, Falafel Plate, Egg Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Husband-wife team's passion project fusing Middle Eastern-Latin flavors with seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Foodies seeking creative farm-to-table breakfast in cozy intimate setting
When to visit: Tuesday-Thursday for quieter mornings; closed Mondays year-round
What to order: Merguez sandwich with incredible fries, house-made falafel plate, egg sandwich
Insider tip: Rotating seasonal menu means frequent delicious changes worth repeat visits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, metered until 6pm weekdays. Small public lot behind building accessible from Culver Blvd. Easier on weekends.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - think elevated athleisure or jeans with nice top. Downtown Culver vibe, not fancy.
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - small space with 10-12 tables means easy talking, some kitchen clatter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - falafel plate, egg sandwiches, seasonal veggie dishes are menu highlights
Vegan options: Yes - falafel can be made vegan, ask about tahini-based options, seasonal vegetables
Gluten-free options: Limited but possible - skip sandwiches, focus on egg dishes and falafel without pita, communicate allergies
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for early dates - intimate without being too formal, interesting food sparks conversation, and the husband-wife backstory adds romantic energy. Brunch or early dinner work best.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday mornings yes, definitely. Weekend brunch expect 20-40 min wait during peak hours. They don't take reservations for breakfast typically, so it's first-come except for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate interesting food. Small intimate space doesn't have high chairs or kids menu, but staff is welcoming. Not ideal for toddlers during busy brunch.
Do they serve alcohol? Yes - natural wine list transitions from breakfast to lunch/dinner service. Mimosas and light morning cocktails available during brunch.
How long should I plan to spend? Leisurely breakfast runs 60-75 minutes. Service is attentive but relaxed - this is a linger-over-coffee kind of place, not a quick fuel stop.
Best For
Better for: Creative seasonal breakfast with Middle Eastern-Latin fusion, intimate date atmosphere, farm-to-table execution at reasonable prices, passionate chef-driven cooking that rotates frequently
Skip if: You want classic American breakfast comfort food, need quick service, prefer large casual spaces, want extensive menu options (seasonal means limited but excellent choices)
esme
8.4
Farm-to-table cafe blending Middle Eastern and Latin flavors with craft coffee and natural wines. The merguez sandwich and short rib falafel plate showcase quality ingredients and creative execution in a cozy, modern space that transitions from morning coffee to intimate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Merguez Sandwich, Short Rib Falafel Plate, Blue Corn Huarache
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Unique Middle Eastern-Latin fusion with exceptional coffee program and wine selection
Who should go: Food enthusiasts seeking creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with craft beverages
When to visit: Weekday breakfast or weekend dinner for intimate atmosphere
What to order: Merguez sandwich, falafel plate, shakshuka, natural wines
Insider tip: Extensive tea menu rivals the coffee selection
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easier during breakfast/lunch. Culver City municipal lot 1 block east. Metered spots turn free after 6pm weekdays.
Dress code: Casual chic - jeans and nice top work perfectly. Slightly elevated for dinner dates but still relaxed.
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - cozy space keeps volume perfect for dates and catch-ups
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Book ahead recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - shakshuka, falafel plate, multiple veggie-forward small plates. Staff knowledgeable about modifications.
Vegan options: Good options - falafel can be made vegan, several salads and veggie plates. Ask about dairy substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited - some salads and protein plates work, but many signature items (merguez sandwich, pita) contain gluten. Call ahead for details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a first date. Intimate without being too dark, interesting menu gives you conversation starters, and the $$ price point feels special without breaking the bank. Weekend dinner hits the sweet spot - romantic but not stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday breakfast/lunch - absolutely, walk right in. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinner - risky after 7pm. If you show up without a reservation, try the coffee bar seating or ask about their wait time. Earlier dinners (5-6:30pm) are safer bets.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate interesting food. It's a small, date-night space without a kids menu or high chairs. Brunch is more casual if you must bring little ones, but this isn't a family restaurant.
How's the coffee program? Legit craft coffee - they take their espresso and pour-overs seriously. Come for breakfast or afternoon coffee and pastry. The baristas know their stuff and beans rotate seasonally.
Can I just come for drinks? Yes - the natural wine list is thoughtfully curated and you can order small plates. Later evening (8pm+) the vibe shifts more bar/lounge. Coffee bar is perfect for afternoon solo hangs too.
Best For
Better for: ESME wins when you want creative Middle Eastern fusion with craft beverage game in an intimate setting. Better coffee program than typical Mediterranean spots, more interesting wine list than standard brunch cafes, and the Latin influences make it unique in the Culver City scene.
Skip if: Skip if you want traditional authentic Middle Eastern (go to Carousel or Zankou), need a big group space (too small), want a full bar with cocktails (wine/coffee focused), or are bringing young kids. Also skip if you're gluten-free with limited flexibility.