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Pico Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pico Cafe
8.0
A dairy-kosher neighborhood cafe with a broad breakfast bench that runs from classic American plates to Israeli and Yemenite-leaning comfort. The cooking is unfussy but satisfying, and portions land on the generous side. Strong choice for a casual, reliable breakfast in the mid-block strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Mallawah breakfast, Lox bagel plate
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wide kosher breakfast lineup anchored by shakshuka and mallawah.
Who should go: Kosher diners and hearty-breakfast seekers.
When to visit: Weekday mornings for easiest seating.
What to order: Shakshuka, mallawah, lox bagel.
Insider tip: Ask for extra pita to scoop the shakshuka.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico is usually available before 10am; after that it becomes moderately competitive. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—typical neighborhood cafe attire. Athleisure and jeans are completely normal.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast hours; still easy enough to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a breakfast and lunch cafe.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though small queues can form around 12–12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many dishes are dairy-based or vegetable-forward, with several fully vegetarian breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes involve dairy or eggs, but a few salads and sides can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options exist (eggs, salads), but baked goods and specialty items are not GF-focused.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates—comfortable, friendly, and unfussy, ideal for low-pressure mornings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive before 10am on weekends for the smoothest experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—wide booths, flexible portions, and a menu that works well for kids from preschool age and up.
Best For
Better for: A broader kosher breakfast range than many nearby spots, especially if you want shakshuka, malawach, or dairy-heavy comfort plates in one place.
Skip if: You want a trend-driven brunch scene or specialty coffee program—this is more about dependable comfort than destination-level flair.
Pico Cafe
8.0
A dairy-kosher neighborhood cafe that covers a wide brunch lane—from classic American plates to Israeli/Yemeni-leaning comfort. The cooking is straightforward but satisfying, with generous portions and a friendly, mid-block strip-mall ease. A dependable sit-down brunch choice when you want range and reliability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Mallawah, Lox bagel
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Wide kosher brunch lineup anchored by shakshuka and mallawah.
Who should go: Kosher diners and hearty-breakfast fans.
When to visit: Weekday mornings for easiest seating.
What to order: Shakshuka, mallawah, lox bagel.
Insider tip: Ask for extra pita to scoop the shakshuka.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared strip-mall lot plus generally available metered street parking along Pico; fills up during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; neighborhood attire is perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; steady weekend buzz but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; brunch-focused spot with lighter evening traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection thanks to dairy-kosher format; many plates are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited; a few salads and vegetable sides can work but menu is dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Some options like omelets, salads, and shakshuka; baked goods are mostly not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups rather than romantic ambience; the room leans bright and functional.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive earlier on Sundays to minimize any brief waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very; generous portions, flexible seating, and a family-centric crowd make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: A wide-ranging kosher brunch menu where both American and Israeli comfort dishes are consistently reliable.
Skip if: You want a trend-driven brunch scene, upscale ambience, or vegan-leaning menus.
Pico Cafe
7.8
A casual kosher cafe with a few sidewalk tables where leashed dogs are welcome, best for simple breakfast and lunch runs. The cooking sticks to dependable American-Mediterranean comfort—omelets, salads, sandwiches—served fast and without fuss. It’s a straightforward neighborhood option when you want something easy outdoors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado omelet, Greek sub, Salmon entree
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Small dog-friendly sidewalk setup for quick kosher meals.
Who should go: Breakfast seekers with pups.
When to visit: Morning or midday for fastest service.
What to order: Omelets, subs, salmon plates.
Insider tip: Grab an outside table early; there are only a few.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico is the main option; usually manageable on weekdays before 11am but can tighten during lunch rush.
Dress code: Very casual — workout gear, tees, or dog-walking clothes are all perfectly normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; sidewalk seating has light street noise but conversation is still easy.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — café closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though outdoor tables may fill briefly during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plenty of salads, omelets, and veggie sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of salads and customizable plates, but options require modification.
Gluten-free options: Some workable choices like salads and protein plates, though no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s more of a quick, casual breakfast or lunch stop rather than a setting for lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations, and indoor seating is usually open; the few outdoor tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual daytime meals; simple menu, quick service, and no need for formal accommodations. Best for younger kids or stroller-friendly outings.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive kosher breakfasts and lunches with the option to sit outside with your dog — faster and easier than most sit-down spots nearby.
Skip if: You want an elevated patio setup, full dinner service, or a wider range of chef-driven dishes.