Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Culver City
30 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Market Pizza By Drew Butler
68-hour sourdough fermentation with wood-fired cooking in a secret garden setting
Notable Picks
8.9
Hidden gem tucked in Jackson Market's back patio, where Pizza Today Rising Star 2023 Drew Butler crafts 48-hour naturally fermented sourdough pies in a wood-fired oven. The tranquil garden setting with koi ponds and fountains creates an unexpected oasis for enjoying Neo-Neapolitan pizza made with farmers market ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Sausage Party Pizza, Mushroom Pizza
What Makes it Special: 68-hour sourdough fermentation with wood-fired cooking in a secret garden setting
#2
Juliet
8.6
Michelin-recognized modern French restaurant designed by Jeremiah Brent featuring seafood-forward cuisine and an extensive French wine program. The contemporary space with its posh patio draws a fashionable crowd for everything from breakfast through late dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mousse au Foie de Volaille, Sea Bream with Ratatouille, Duck Confit Cigars
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide recognition with contemporary French aesthetic and fashion-forward design
Specialty coffee roaster with all-day brunch menu transforms into La Sabina Wine Bar evenings. Single-origin coffees and market-driven dishes like shakshuka and ricotta toast draw crowds to the cozy indoor-outdoor space with string lights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Ricotta Toast, Lawless French Toast
What Makes it Special: Dual identity as specialty roaster by day and wine bar by night
8.4
This Peruvian restaurant and bakery serves exceptional seafood-forward dishes including pristine ceviches, grilled whole branzino, and honey bay oysters with rocoto pepper sauce. The combination concept means you can finish with house-baked pastries after feasting on fresh arroz con mariscos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche Mixto, Grilled Whole Branzino, Honey Bay Oysters
What Makes it Special: Authentic Peruvian seafood with an in-house bakery under one roof
#5
Roberta's
8.4
Brooklyn's legendary pizzeria brings Neapolitan-style wood-fired pies to Platform's sun-drenched patio. The Bee Sting pizza balances soppressata, chili, and honey with cultish precision, while house-made pastas and inventive salads round out a menu that respects tradition without being precious about it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting Pizza, Famous Original Pizza, Japanese Sweet Potatoes
What Makes it Special: West Coast outpost of Brooklyn's iconic pizzeria with cult-favorite pies
8.3
Family-owned cafe by siblings Elaine and Victor Phuong honoring their mother's recipes since 2012. Clean, light pho broth simmered for hours pairs with fresh rice noodles and premium proteins including free-range chicken and prime beef cuts. Bright, modern space in downtown Culver City attracts a steady lunch crowd seeking authentic homestyle Vietnamese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet, Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio, Banh Mi Ga
What Makes it Special: Family recipes perfected over generations with premium free-range proteins
#7
Carasau
8.3
Sardinian chef Vincenzo Porcu brings rare island specialties to Culver Steps' cozy patio. Culurgiones potato ravioli and fregola di mare showcase hand-rolled pasta traditions seldom found in LA, while imported Sardinian wines and attentive service create an intimate neighborhood escape.
Must-Try Dishes:
Culurgiones, Fregola di Mare, Saffron Ravioli
What Makes it Special: LA's rare showcase of authentic Sardinian cuisine and regional wines
8.2
Operating since 1925, this neighborhood deli hides on a residential street behind a tranquil backyard patio complete with koi ponds and waterfalls. Custom-built sandwiches on fresh Boar's Head meats showcase quality ingredients in a zen garden setting that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackson Club Wrap, Italian Sandwich, BBQ Beef Brisket Panini
What Makes it Special: Nearly century-old market with spectacular hidden garden patio featuring waterfalls and koi ponds
8.2
Family-run pasta shop in Helms Bakery District where Chef Paola Da Re's century-old northern Italian recipes meet fast-casual convenience. Order at the counter, then settle into heated patios while house-made tagliatelle arrives dressed in slow-cooked sauces that prove cucina casalinga translates beautifully to LA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Tagliatelle, Black Truffle Pasta, Three Cheese Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: Five-generation family recipes with build-your-own fresh pasta combinations
#10
MEET in Paris
8.1
Family-owned French bistro since 2009 run by husband-and-wife team Sébastien and Cécile Cornic, specializing in over a dozen mussel preparations. Red-checkered tablecloths and cozy Parisian atmosphere create an authentic neighborhood bistro experience with generous portions of classic French comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Frites (12 preparations), Beef Bourguignon, Duck Confit
What Makes it Special: Chef from Parisian seafood family offers dozen mussel preparations rarely found elsewhere
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This sandwich shop pairs artisan ciabatta bread with quality meats and cheeses, creating satisfying builds like the Brie Special with caramelized onions and Granny apple. The thoughtful sandwiches justify slightly higher prices with proper bread-to-filling ratios and an eclectic selection of regional potato chips from around the country.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian, Brie Special, Pastrami
What Makes it Special: Sturdy ciabatta bread that holds ingredients without getting soggy paired with curated regional chip selection
8.1
Chef Ray Garcia's neighborhood evolution of his acclaimed DTLA modern Mexican restaurant delivers signature dishes like five-day chicharrón and refried lentils with quesillo at accessible prices. The Shure-designed space with sage-green tiles and wood accents creates a warm backdrop for his 'authentically inauthentic' Mexican cooking, where wood-fired flautas and duck albondigas draw regulars seeking refined flavors without fine-dining formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicharrón with Garlic Mojo, Refried Lentils with Quesillo, Fideo Verde
What Makes it Special: Chef Ray Garcia's 'authentically inauthentic' Mexican cooking delivers refined flavors at neighborhood-friendly prices in a warm, community-driven space.
#13
Tacos La Opcion
8
A cash-friendly Washington Blvd taqueria that earns its Mar Vista regulars with housemade salsas and a breakfast burrito worth building a morning routine around. The menu stays in its lane—tacos, burritos, plates—and executes with the kind of quiet reliability that keeps a small parking lot full. Best approached as a grab-and-go or outdoor counter meal where the food does all the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Fish Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
What Makes it Special: Cash-friendly taqueria on Washington Blvd where the breakfast burrito and housemade salsas draw a loyal Mar Vista following
#14
AFURI
8
Tokyo-based concept featuring signature yuzu-infused shio ramen with bright, citrusy chicken broth that diverges from heavy tonkotsu styles. Known for lighter, refreshing bowls alongside creative items like hazelnut tantanmen and quality dumplings, with outdoor patio seating at The Culver Steps and all-day happy hour at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yuzu Shio Ramen, Spicy Yuzu Ramen, Chicken Karaage
What Makes it Special: Signature yuzu citrus-forward ramen with lighter, refreshing chicken-based broths
#15
Loqui
8
A Tartine Bakery alum hand-rolls sourdough flour tortillas to order at this Platform LA counter, filling them with Yucatan-style cochinita pibil and chile-oil mushrooms that reward anyone who pays attention to the tortilla as much as the filling. The breezy outdoor setting at the shopping complex works well for a quick, focused meal where the craft is in the dough itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Flour Tortillas, Pork Cochinita Taco, Mushroom Taco
What Makes it Special: A Tartine Bakery alum hand-rolls sourdough-based flour tortillas to order, wrapping Yucatan-style cochinita pibil and chile-oil mushrooms at a breezy Platform LA counter
8
Family-owned since 1974 with deep Santa Monica roots, this second location opened in late 2024 serving traditional taqueria favorites with exceptional beans—both creamy refried pintos and earthy black beans. The generous portions and fresh ingredients showcase decades of refined recipes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Fajitas, Cheese Enchiladas, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: 50-year family legacy with beans that define Mexican kitchen excellence
Worthy Picks
#17
Simonette
7.9
All-day French café and bistro inside Palihotel Culver City reimagining a 1920s boarding house with a charming courtyard. The menu delivers approachable French-American classics from morning croissants through evening beef bourguignon in an unpretentious, light-strung setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Frites, French Onion Soup, Dijon Burger
What Makes it Special: Hidden courtyard setting with tree growing inside creates magical garden atmosphere
#18
AKASHA
7.9
Chef Akasha Richmond's rustic New American restaurant in the historic Hull Building showcases farm-to-table seasonal cuisine with sustainable ingredients. The warehouse-style space with reclaimed wood and outdoor patios offers creative brunch dishes like shakshuka and tiramisu French toast alongside an artisan bakery.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Tiramisu French Toast, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Long-standing farm-to-table pioneer with sustainable eco-friendly design since 2008
7.9
Modern Indian restaurant with full cocktail bar and visible tandoor ovens, opened in 2021 by aerospace engineer-turned-restaurateur Mihir Lad and Executive Chef Sagar Ghosh. The menu takes contemporary liberties with classics while maintaining authentic spice profiles, served in a stylish space with two patios and sports bar elements. Creative touches include fusion appetizers alongside traditional curries, though the kitchen performs better with South Indian specialties than North Indian standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Curry, Butter Chicken, Garlic Fries
What Makes it Special: Contemporary Indian fusion with craft cocktails in modern lounge atmosphere with visible tandoor kitchen
7.9
This approachable Japanese restaurant near Sony Studios offers classical ambiance with extensive outdoor seating on a shaded patio. Known for generous portions and daily happy hour from 4-7pm with half-price specialty rolls, the menu spans traditional sushi alongside teriyaki and tempura options at neighborhood-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lady in Red Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeño Sashimi, Crunchy Onion Albacore
What Makes it Special: Extensive outdoor patio dining with heating lamps and strong happy hour program
#21
Nardò Italian
7.9
Gianni Chiloiro's homage to his Puglian mother launched in 2024 with contemporary Southern Italian dishes and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from a custom Stefano Ferrara oven. Bright murals and tropical plants create Instagram-ready surroundings, though the kitchen is still finding its rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nardò Pizza, Gnocchi Ortolana, Branzino
What Makes it Special: Naples-imported wood-fired oven and Puglian family recipes from 2024
#22
Culver & Main
7.9
Neighborhood breakfast and lunch cafe serving comforting California fare with standout sandwiches like the crispy fried chicken and tuna melt. The accessible atmosphere and friendly service make this a reliable choice for casual Main Street dining from morning through afternoon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tuna Melt, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Comforting neighborhood cafe with generous portions and consistently friendly atmosphere on Main Street
7.8
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Texas-style smokehouse using peach wood smoking techniques serves wood-fired meats in a casual industrial setting with outdoor patio seating. While brisket can run dry, sandwiches and tacos showcase the meats better, and the honey-glazed poblano cornbread is exceptional. Daytime drinkers and coworkers on lunch breaks fill the patio for beer and BBQ.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poblano Cornbread with Honey Glaze, Spare Ribs, BBQ Tacos
What Makes it Special: Authentic Texas BBQ using whole peach wood logs for smoking
#24
Cali Tandoor
7.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Indian restaurant with a dedicated seafood program featuring tandoori fish, fish tikka, and Kerala-style preparations. The lunch buffet offers value, while dinner service provides full access to their kebab and seafood menu with outdoor patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori Fish, Fish Tikka Masala, Grilled Fish Kebabs
What Makes it Special: Authentic Indian seafood preparations rare in the LA market
#25
Breakaway Cafe
7.8
Brothers Zach and Nick Bayse combine Michelin-star technique with California casual at this surfboard-decorated cafe. The Mediterranean sandwich with crispy haloumi and the pulled pesto chicken showcase elevated cooking in approachable breakfast and lunch formats, drawing a loyal local following since opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Sandwich, Pulled Pesto Chicken, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Michelin-trained chef bringing elevated techniques to neighborhood breakfast and lunch with surfboard vibes
#26
Ugo
7.8
Established VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria since 2002, serving traditional pasta and house-made gelato. The travertine marble and dark wood interior creates Italian charm, though service can be inconsistent during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Fettuccine Bolognese, Pistachio Gelato
What Makes it Special: One of only 94 US restaurants with VPN certification for authentic Neapolitan pizza
#27
Luna Grill
7.7
Local Mediterranean kitchen chain offering kabobs, bowls, and wraps with generous portions and fresh ingredients. Clean, modern space with attentive service delivers consistent quality across Greek and Middle Eastern classics, though it remains firmly in fast-casual territory without standout innovation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabob Plate, Santorini Bowl, Grilled Salmon Plate
What Makes it Special: Generous portions with fresh Mediterranean ingredients and pet-friendly patio
#28
Le Frenchie Cafe
7.7
A Parisian-style brunch cafe that bakes everything in-house daily with organic eggs and farmers market produce, giving the pastry lineup a freshness edge over typical weekend brunch spots. The patio draws dog owners and leisurely morning crowds, though Washington Blvd traffic noise keeps it from feeling like a quiet escape. Works best when you lean into the croissant-forward menu and treat it as a casual, sunlit weekend ritual rather than a lingering sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant French Toast, Almond Croissant, Veggie Omelette
What Makes it Special: Parisian-style brunch cafe where everything is baked daily using organic eggs and produce sourced from local farmers markets.
#29
Sweetfin
7.6
California-inspired poke concept at Ivy Station featuring sustainable fish in customizable bowls with creative sauces like yuzu kosho and black garlic gochujang. The entirely gluten-free menu includes plant-based options, making it accessible for various dietary needs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Ahi Poke Bowl, Spicy Tuna Bowl, Salmon Poke Burrito
What Makes it Special: 100% gluten-free menu with premium-grade sustainable seafood daily
#30
The Truck Stop
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Pet Friendly Paradise
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Food truck hub and event venue offers all-day breakfast menu with vegan options, acai bowls, and Asian-inspired bowls. Dog-friendly outdoor patio with Verve coffee creates casual workspace atmosphere alongside affordable healthy eats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Tacos, Acai Bowls, Avocado Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese
What Makes it Special: Unique food truck venue model with event space and meal subscription options