Brunch in Culver City feels like a quest where every stop is worth savoring. The city has a distinct flavor all its own, blending classic diners with buzzing bakeries and a dash of international flair around every corner. I still remember weaving through artsy streets on a lazy Sunday morning, lured by the aroma of fresh bread and the promise of coffee paired with something warm and made to order. Each visit uncovers a new favorite—whether it’s a bustling sidewalk patio or a cozy booth where the pancakes never disappoint.
Finding the best brunch in Culver City isn’t about settling for the nearest scrambled eggs. You want a spot that captures the city’s creative energy and satisfies every craving, from crisp pastries to hearty, colorful bowls. There’s a kind of quiet excitement in knowing you’re about to discover your next go-to brunch spot, and this guide will take you right there. Consider it your cheat sheet to what really matters: good food, a lively vibe, and places you’ll want to return to, again and again.
1. Metro Cafe
Metro Cafe blends a laid-back vibe with an international twist. Tucked just off Washington Place, it’s the kind of spot where regulars greet the staff by name and newcomers instantly feel at ease. On my first visit, a gentle buzz filled the room—half from the espresso, half from the crowd chatting over brunch favorites.
This place nails the brunch basics but never stays basic. The menu is refreshingly vegetarian friendly, and offers vegan and gluten-free options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. The lemon ricotta pancakes are a standout: fluffy, tangy, and finished with a drizzle of honey that won me over after one forkful.
If you’re craving something savory, the omelets are a local legend—packed with market veggies and served alongside toasted bread. Metro Cafe’s attention to detail is what sets it apart. There’s no rush here, just plates of well-executed classics worth lingering over.
2. Akasha Restaurant
Akasha Restaurant sits at the crossroads of comfort and creativity. The space manages to feel both historic and fresh, with exposed brick and sunlight flooding the open dining room. It’s lively, yet you can still hear your brunch companion—always a plus.
Chef Akasha Richmond draws from global flavors and keeps sustainability front and center. The menu is stacked with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that taste as good as they sound. One bite of their quinoa “power bowl”—topped with roasted veggies and a perfectly poached egg—showed me that healthy brunch never has to feel like a compromise.
The cinnamon swirl French toast is another favorite: rich, satisfying, yet never too sweet. Akasha is where thoughtful sourcing and bold flavors make brunch electric for everyone at the table.
3. Cafe Vida
Cafe Vida is that sunlit corner in Culver City where brunch feels both energizing and nourishing. The colorful plates here seem designed to ward off even a hint of Sunday sluggishness. On my first visit, I noticed a steady mix of locals fueling up before errands and friends catching up over green juice.
The menu favors freshness without skimping on flavor. You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices alongside more traditional picks. I keep coming back for their breakfast burrito bowl—an artful mashup of black beans, eggs, plantains, and housemade salsa that puts most brunch bowls to shame.
If you lean sweet, the banana pancakes are pure joy: golden, pillowy, and fruity enough to justify “just one more bite.” Cafe Vida’s take on brunch is wholesome and lively, all without sacrificing flavor or flair.
4. Meet in Paris
Meet in Paris offers a taste of Parisian café life in the heart of Culver City. The checkered floors and gentle hum of conversation make Sunday brunch feel like a quick trip to France, minus the jet lag. My first visit was all buttery croissants and lively tables filled with regulars savoring every bite.
What sets this spot apart is its commitment to classic French comfort—vegetarian and gluten-free options don’t miss a beat in authenticity or flavor. I’m partial to their crème fraîche omelet with herbs, paired with a crisp salad. It’s light, bright, and never boring.
The French toast with berries comes out golden and slightly custardy, perfect with a side of people-watching on the patio. Meet in Paris is where brunch feels truly transportive, no passport required.
5. S & W Country Diner
S & W Country Diner is a slice of pure Americana in Culver City. Stepping inside, I’m always greeted by retro decor and a steady clatter of plates—this place comes alive on weekend mornings with a nostalgic buzz. The staff somehow remembers your name and your last order, making each visit feel personal.
There’s a down-home honesty to the menu, brimming with vegetarian and vegan-friendly breakfast options. Their buttermilk pancakes are thick, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet—a real crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, don’t miss the veggie scramble. Packed with fresh vegetables and served with toast or crispy hash browns, it channels the spirit of classic brunch without ever feeling heavy-handed. S & W is comfort food with an easygoing twist.
6. Tender Greens
Tender Greens is proof that brunch can be as healthful as it is satisfying. The clean, modern space always feels fresh—no wonder it draws a devoted lunch crowd that spills over into brunch hours. I once ducked in after a morning walk, hoping for something light, and left thoroughly impressed by how bold and inventive greens could be.
What makes Tender Greens shine is its focus on farmer’s market produce, translated into bowls, plates, and salads that pop with flavor. There are abundant vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, making it a favorite among diners with dietary needs.
For brunch, the happy vegan salad is a star—crunchy, vibrant, and so packed with flavor it turns skeptics into fans. If you want something warm, the seasonal roasted veggies with a fried egg is my pick for a plate that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Tender Greens never compromises freshness for flavor.
7. Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe
Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe brings island comfort straight to Culver City, and the aloha spirit is unmistakable from the minute you walk in. The walls are decked out with tropical touches, creating an easygoing escape for brunch lovers. On my last visit, a rainbow of colorful plates rolled past as everyone dug in like they were on vacation.
This spot is all about familiar flavors done with a Hawaiian twist. The menu is vegetarian friendly, and big portions keep diners satisfied well into the afternoon. For brunch, the standout is the Royale fried rice, loaded with eggs and crisp vegetables—a signature that feels hearty without being heavy.
If you want to get even cozier, the macadamia nut pancakes are a treat—fluffy, nutty, subtly sweet, and built for weekend lingering. Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe is the place to relax, recharge, and eat like you’re on island time.
8. Annapurna Cuisine
Annapurna Cuisine spins a fresh, vibrant take on Indian vegetarian brunch in Culver City. Walking in, you’re greeted by the scent of warm spices and a relaxed, welcoming vibe that never feels rushed. My first taste of their weekend brunch turned a simple Sunday into a mini feast—for the senses and the stomach.
This place is truly vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with a menu full of classics cooked to perfection. The masala dosa is a signature—crisp, savory, and always satisfying, especially paired with tangy chutneys. It’s a dish that shows off the kitchen’s skill in balancing comfort and bold flavors.
Another favorite is the vegetable uttapam, a thick pancake topped with fresh vegetables, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. If you want a brunch that’s both unique and reliably good, Annapurna never disappoints.
9. Rush Street
Rush Street brings a dash of Chicago-style energy to downtown Culver City, right down to its lively two-story space and bustling weekend crowd. There’s always something going on here, whether it’s brunch parties or folks catching a game over a plate of comfort food. My favorite seat is up on the patio, where the city buzz adds something extra to every bite.
The menu is reliably bold and vegetarian friendly, leaning into hearty brunch classics with a little creative edge. You can’t go wrong with their vegetable frittata—it’s packed with market-fresh veggies and served up with crisp potatoes and toast.
On lazy afternoons, the avocado toast platter hits the spot: surprising in flavor and satisfying even for someone who’s seen it all. Rush Street is where casual brunches go upscale without ever losing their laid-back charm.
10. City Tavern
City Tavern melds the feel of a classic neighborhood pub with the flavor of a top-tier brunch spot. Step inside and you’re met with dark woods, natural light, and a comfortable buzz that makes lingering easy. There’s an unpretentious charm here—the kind of place I once lost track of time, savoring brunch and swapping stories long past noon.
The menu is vegetarian friendly and plays to familiar favorites done with a twist. The vegetable hash is stellar—think crispy potatoes, fresh seasonal veggies, and eggs cooked just right. It’s satisfying and colorful, never heavy or bland.
If you want something simpler, the classic buttermilk pancakes are another strong bet: fluffy, golden, and perfect with a smear of jam. City Tavern stands out for nailing brunch classics in a place you’ll actually want to hang out in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best brunch spots in Culver City for vegetarians?
Culver City does brunch right for vegetarians. Top picks include Metro Cafe for savory omelets, Annapurna Cuisine for flavorful Indian classics, and Akasha Restaurant for fresh, inventive bowls.
Are there gluten-free or vegan brunch options in Culver City?
Absolutely. Cafe Vida, Tender Greens, and Akasha Restaurant all offer a solid lineup of gluten-free and vegan brunch dishes that are just as satisfying as their other menu items.
Where can I find outdoor or patio seating for brunch?
Many beloved spots—like Rush Street and Meet in Paris—feature patio seating that’s perfect for a laid-back weekend meal with a side of sunshine and people-watching.
Do I need a reservation for weekend brunch in Culver City?
It’s a smart move, especially for popular places like Akasha Restaurant, Rush Street, or City Tavern. Walk-ins can get lucky, but reservations help dodge those long waits.
What brunch places are family-friendly?
Bringing kids in tow? S & W Country Diner, Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe, and Cafe Vida are all favorites with a relaxed vibe and menus that suit everyone in the family.