esme

Restaurant · Downtown

esme

Restaurant · Downtown

1

3837 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232

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Highlights

Mediterranean & Latin American cuisine, craft coffee, and curated wines  

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3837 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 Get directions

esme-la.com
@esme__la

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3837 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 Get directions

esme-la.com
@esme__la

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Aug 9, 2025

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@eater

Alinea Group Closes Fulton Market Restaurant Fire After Less Than a Year | Eater Chicago

"Opened by a former chef from the group's kitchen, this Lincoln Park restaurant has earned a Michelin star and represents the chef's successful transition to running an acclaimed independent establishment." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/closings/159756/fire-restaurant-closing-fulton-market-chicago-grant-achatz-alinea-group
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Ayushee Bandi

Google
It is a hidden gem! I absolutely love the vibe here. It’s pretty casual but the moment you sit down, look at the menu, and eat. You are in a different world altogether ! The falafel plate was actually to die for. I read a bunch of reviews and decided to try this exaggerated falafel plate and to my surprise it was damn good. The rainbow trout was amazing as well. You’ll feel a burst of flavors when you eat every bite of the food here. Now we are trying the grilled octopus. Fingers crossed.!!!

Michael Liu

Google
Cute little cafe a bit hidden across from the Culver steps that serves up some tasty Mediterranean dishes. Small menu but everything tastes homemade and made from scratch. Nice place for an intimate brunch, lunch or dinner. By the way, they are an excellent coffee shop also! They make a variety of craft coffee and espresso drinks that are delicious. Also recommend you come during low traffic hours, when the space becomes a nice, quiet coffee place - great for reading, light work or catching up with a friend. Highly recommended!

Haruna Fujita

Google
Another hidden gem in Culver City! We shared the grilled vegetables, and the sauce was so tasty that I wish they would sell it. I would’ve loved to bring home a few jars of that sauce! For my entree, I had the grilled bass, and the whole dish was perfection; the olives, the heirloom tomatoes, and the sourdough croutons all complemented the crispy, delicious fish. My husband loved his lamb dish as well. We will most certainly be back! (The only minor thing is that the outdoor tables are slatted, and some sauce slipped through and got on my shoes. I will sit inside next time 🙂)

Christopher Roman

Google
Relaxed place for coffee, lunch, and dinner all in one. The interior is pretty spartan but each dish we had was intricately constructed and delicious. Not crowded at all on the weeknight we visited!

Erik Rodriguez

Google
Delightful! I’ve been here twice now for brunch and have been impressed with the quality and creativity of each dish as well as the unmatched service. Today we tried the merguez sandwich and the blue corn huarache. Both were incredibly good. The lamb in the sandwich was so flavorful and perfectly complimented by the delicious bread it’s served on. The crispy, almost chicharrón-like, skin on the chicken topping the blue corn huarache was incredible. Last time we came, we tried the falafel plate and the chilaquiles and also had an apple danish. Everything was great and worthy of getting again though we wanted to explore the menu a bit more this time. They have a fantastic selection of wine as well as a small (3) but well-curated list of beer options. The extensive tea menu is also a pleasant surprise. Can’t wait to return!

Adela Zevada

Google
I ordered the rainbow trout but they ran out and substituted sea bass. It was next level. The best fish dish I’ve ever had. Also, the white wine from Austria was very easy to drink and delicious. Lastly, the seasonal vegetable, broccolini, in adobo butter sauce was AMAZING. I was reluctant to order because I thought it would be spicy but it wasn’t even mild, which I enjoyed. Compliments to the chef.

Andrea Sigala

Google
Every meal we’ve had here has been amazing! We absolutely loved the hummus, the mussel toast, the cabbage 🤤 and more. Can’t wait to come back for more!

Erin Jackson

Google
My husband and I live locally and we were highly recommended Esme by a coworker. We cannot wait to come back to one of our new favorite neighborhood spots! Esme feels like a cozy, authentic, and farm-to-table dining experience. I got the falafel plate which was complex and rich in flavor, and my husband got the lamb sirloin. We also shared a caesar salad and a couple of the tea blends to drink. Highly recommend all of these dishes. Next time we want to try some of the amazing in-shop wines on display! Our waitress was also attentive and service was quick.
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Christian P.

Yelp
10/10 Date Night or Brunch Spot I don't usually write Yelp reviews, but Esme deserves one. This spot isn't just good, it's thoughtful. From the second you walk in, you can tell everything was designed with intention, from the menu to the lighting to the energy of the staff (who are somehow both chill and deeply knowledgeable). Let's talk food. The rainbow trout with bagna cauda and sugar snap peas? A f**kn flavor poem. Light, buttery, with just the right amount of briny swagger from the sauce. The harissa chicken? i talked about this to friends for a week as if i had never tasted chicken before. And don't sleep on the mussel toast. sheesh. Bruh. THE EGG SANDO. i'm not playin it's the best breakfast sandwich in LA hands down. Daytime drinks are playful but elegant, especially the Blood Orange Espresso Tonic, which is basically the Beyoncé of caffeine. The vibe is perfect for a solo laptop day, a casual date, or a low-key power lunch where you pretend you're not just here as an excuse to expense the food. Highly recommend making this your go-to "impress someone without trying too hard" spot.
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Anatashia L.

Yelp
Finally got to try Esmé--and it did not disappoint! From the warm, attentive hospitality to the curated playlist and cozy, intimate vibe, this spot is a must-visit. Our server recommended what turned out to be one of the best burgers I've had in LA. Juicy, flavorful, and made with real Angus beef, it was in a soft, lightly charred brioche bun--pure greatness. Being the potato lovers we are, we couldn't resist ordering both the rosemary fries and roasted potatoes. The fries were crisp and herby, but the roasted potatoes? A garlic lover's dream. I'm still thinking about them. Can't wait to come back and explore more of the menu!
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Brian W.

Yelp
omg... DO NOT ORDER THE ESME COFFEE this place was on my list for a while. weirdly or not they close early on sundays so the last time i got here we were like trying to get a bite and they were we are CLOSED so we went across the street to get some argentinian food instead. okay so i'm back on a friday to see what the hype is all about. the vibe here is like kinda hipster and fake casual??? quiet luxury??? like you walk in and it seems pretty chill but all of a sudden you just notice that everything is kinda expensive??? it cost me $30 for my lunch and drink so like i would not recommend this place for a casual lunch? might or might not be a good date spot tho? anyway let it be known that the 2 star i am giving is specifically because of the disaster that is the esme coffee. without this i would have given a 5 star. i don't give 2 stars on yelp anymore but this deserves it. it bears the name of the cafe and somehow tastes like $7 watered down coffee? worse than a starbucks iced coffee? the menu says iced coffee, orange infused oat milk, and blackberry syrup. blackberry? don't taste it. orange? don't taste it. coffee? it's there but as mentioned it tastes like nothing even disrespectable. i can confidently say i could make a better drink at home and i suck at making drinks so that's insanely not a good thing so 2 stars. let me just be clear i don't give negative reviews anymore so this esme coffee was bad!!! do not order this specifically!!! i am sure other items are ok but not this drink!! i will gladly take back this review if someone can convince that the barista just had an off day or otherwise explain what in the world was happening with this drink but i explained clearly my take and so there it is. food? delicious. merguez sandwich? smacks, would get again. COFFEE? ANYTHING BUT THE ESME DRINK
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Louise P.

Yelp
A cute little hole in the wall restaurant that fulfills the daytime cafe aesthetic. Everything from the table decor to the wall art gave off a classy feminine vibe. We came for dinner and shared the falafel plate, mussel toast, and a side of fries. The falafel was a 6.5/10 because the falafel itself was a bit too dry, but it did come with an eggplant dip that helped mitigate the dryness. The pickled vegetables that came with it were delightfully spicy. I wasn't a huge fan of the bread it came with since it added to the dryness of the plate, but the eggplant dip saved it for me. The mussel toast is a MUST HAVE! I give it a 9.5/10. I would have given it a 10/10 if there was more of it. The unique combination of the lardo, aoli, and mussel on a beautiful piece of toast was quite memorable and will keep me coming back for more. I would highly recommend trying the Esme coffee. It was a perfect blend of orange, blackberry, and coffee. Nothing was overpowering and it was not acidic as usual orange + coffee drinks go. This restaurant has a solid understanding of balancing flavors and bringing a fresh take on Mediterranean food. The service was excellent and accommodating. This restaurant is a bit on the pricey side, but most things are for Culver City. At least you will know that the price goes towards the quality! The only hard part is finding parking, but there are a few paid lots nearby.

Jessica S.

Yelp
10/10 burger and rainbow trout Lots of veggie options - also delish The interior aesthetic is cute and our server was great!

Haruna F.

Yelp
Another hidden gem in Culver City! We shared the grilled vegetables, and the sauce was so tasty that I wish they would sell it. I would've loved to bring home a few jars of that sauce! For my entree, I had the grilled bass, and the whole dish was perfection; the olives, the heirloom tomatoes, and the sourdough croutons all complemented the crispy, delicious fish. My husband loved his lamb dish as well. We will most certainly be back! (The only minor thing is that the outdoor tables are slatted, and some sauce slipped through and got on my shoes. I will sit inside next time )
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Patrick L.

Yelp
After hiking around the Baldwin Hills Overlook, I was hungry and decided to head over to Culver City. Thanks to Yelp, I found Esme which seemed like something that would work. Well? I arrived on the early side for lunch and it wasn't busy. I thought it was more of a sit down restaurant with wait staff, but it's an order at the counter and take a seat kinda place (which was fine). Ambiance is basic, nothing fancy but it's clean and bright. As I approached the counter, I informed the order taker I had never been to Esme and was curious to know what they were "known for?" Here's where things got super lame... He replied, "Huh? What? Here's our menu." (Thinking) Bro, I can read. I replied, "Can you tell me what's popular here? Customer favorites? How about the Merquez sandwich?" Order taker: "Uh, yeah. The Merguez sandwich." Nevermind. My wife and I ordered, then sat down. The food arrive in a reasonable amount of time and was presented nicely (see photos). I liked our meal - good food and decent portions. Not cheap but about par for what things cost these days. Would I return? Maybe. Would I recommend? Maybe. A more inspired person at the counter may have helped a bit but I'm not complaining and I wasn't offended. Just not super "with it" or enthusiastic about the impending experience I was trying to enjoy. 3.75 - 4 stars
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Aslı P.

Yelp
Get the merguez sandwich!!! It's literally life changing. Everything on the menu is stellar but honestly whenever I go back I order this sandwich because it's so special. The bread is bomb. This is a cute little gem of a spot with order at the counter service. Not too much seating but it's never been crowded when I've been (that may change when more people figure out how amazing it is). Coffee bevs are also amazing!
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Steven S.

Yelp
Wow such delicious stuff that you can taste the heart that goes into it. Ivan Chef owner has created a quaint place that shines with fresh fare and flavor. This place is a literal hole in the wall surrounded by other places that are not as good as Esme is. The heart he puts into his food you can taste. He is a wonder with Lamb and veg. His hand made merguez lunch sandwich wow. He also sources chicken so that is again just fresh and clean and then aged for a couple of days. Yummy! His staff are kind and sweet and know how to make a good latte or espresso drink of your choice. Come bring a couple friends and try share a few plates and see.
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Camille W.

Yelp
I came here on a Saturday afternoon by myself and ended up spending a couple hours just enjoying my meal and reading. It was not crowded AT ALL, and there were actually a couple people on their on laptops so it felt like a calm place to come to get work done or simply to chill and read and I did the latter. I got the grilled chicken sando and a non-alcoholic blackberry fizz drink. I really enjoyed the salad that came with the sandwich, the dressing on it was very refreshing and it was the exact leafy green I felt like I was needing. The sandwich was really good as well. I didn't love the caramelized onions on it, only because I usually find caramelized onions to have too much of a burnt taste. The chicken on the sandwich was nicely grilled and I liked the leafy greens and dressing added to the top of the sandwich as well! The interior of the restaurant was very cute and cozy. I lovedddd the music they were playing, it just felt like such a great place to relax - I think I'd come back here to wfh sometime since the vibes were so immaculate For a drink and sandwich + salad, it cost me about $31 including tip so a little bit on the pricer end considering the meal itself was pretty basic. It's in Downtown Culver so super easy to walk to and there are parking garages around for easy parking too.
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Su L.

Yelp
My friend picked Esme for a weekday brunch while she was in town. I'd seen that it was newly opened in Culver City and had been pretty interested in visiting. We came on a Thursday around 12 pm and the restaurant had several diners inside already eating. They operate on a pay-first model so we ordered and paid first at the counter before sitting down to eat. The staff member at the counter was very friendly and efficient. Ambiance here is minimal and chic. My friend got the chilaquiles and I had the shakshuka. Both were good but neither were amazing. I might try Esme again if I need to be in the area but am not rushing back.
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Se S.

Yelp
I walked by this place a lot, and never went in. Glancing at the menu, always thought the prices seemed a little high. On a Friday night, when other restaurants were too crowded, this one had a table available. I wasn't expecting much but was beyond pleasantly surprised. Everything was absolutely delicious. The Caesar salad with fried artichokes, the mussel toast. The octopus.. There's not much ambience in the restaurant, but they make up for that with the quality of food. Well worth the price.
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N D.

Yelp
I came here for dinner with two friends, and we had an absolutely fantastic experience! The service was impeccable and incredibly warm--our server went above and beyond with thoughtful wine suggestions and spot-on recommendations for every course. Each dish was a delight, and we couldn't stop marveling at how perfect her choices were. Though we were the only group in the restaurant, it didn't bother us one bit. The atmosphere felt intimate and relaxed, and we loved being able to savor every moment without feeling rushed. It was the perfect setting to enjoy great food and even better company. The portions were generous, the flavors were outstanding, and the prices were more than reasonable, especially considering the quality. We had so much fun sharing and sampling everything on the table! I'm already looking forward to coming back the next time I'm in the area. If only Esmé were in San Diego--it would definitely be my go-to spot!" Key favorites: the sourdough bread, the orange wine, the roasted chicken! But honestly we had so many dishes we loved them all.
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Diana T.

Yelp
Came for a cozy Saturday night dinner! The inside of the restaurant is so lovely and would be perfect for a date night or small group. However, the indoor seating can get a bit loud if there are more guests and the music is going. We've been meaning to try ESME since we always walk past it and it did not disappoint! Our sides came out first and the grilled cabbage is a must. The roasted potatoes are crispy with a subtle flavor that keeps you wanting more. We both agreed that the pork chop was our favorite bite compared to the stripe bass, but the striped bass was cooked perfectly with the skin being crispy without drying out the fish. Although our sides came first, the entrees would have been good with a grain or other side to help balance out the savory/salty flavors. We came after 7 on Saturday night and could see that the service was a little slower as there was only one server and what appeared to be one chef. But if you're in good company and have a glass of wine, then everything at ESME is definitely worth the wait! We'll definitely come back to try the brunch and bring others for dinner.
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Amanda T.

Yelp
My friend and I came to grab some coffee and pastries here after lunch. The store is really cute, it had seating inside and out. Since it was a nice day out, we opted to sit outside. I got the Esme drink, which was essentially a blackberry coffee drink with orange-infused oat milk. It sounded so intriguing so I had to try it and it wasn't bad! The blackberry and orange-infused milk was really subtle, so it tasted like a fruity coffee drink. I also got their cardamon bun. It was a bit dry and not too fluffy. My friend got their chocolate chip banana bread, which was good but wasn't the best we've ever had. Overall, this place was nice to check out and hang out at. The service was good and quick, and the location was great, as it's in the heart of downtown Culver.
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Maruko X.

Yelp
Ambiance: it's a cozy brunch place located in culver downtown, narrow dining room inside and two bench seats outside the entrance Service: super friendly staff here, you place the order at the counter and they will bring it to your table Food & Drink: very simple menu for food, more options for drinks shakshuka - **** eggs, labneh, barbari bread, bold acid taste, recommend merguez sandwich - ***** house-made lamb sausage on barbari bread, harissa aoili, pickled onion, side of fries, crispy and layers of flavors, highly recommend mocha - **** creamy taste, recommend Price: moderate prices and reasonable prices, about $25~$30 per person

Kat J.

Yelp
They served day-old pastries on Mother's Day. Did not refund when we asked why they were stale..just offered ANOTHER day-old. Only posting now since I forgot to post and yelp reminded me. Hopefully it was an off day as I like to support small family businesses.
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Jennie D.

Yelp
Cute little spot for brunch. Indoor and outdoor seating. Order at the counter and they bring you the food and drinks. Ordered a matcha latte and the egg sando. The drinks come in 12 and 16 oz. The service was great and the person who helped us was friendly and willing to answer questions. The sandwich was delicious. I wasn't that into the little side salad it comes with. But overall a good experience here.
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Samantha K.

Yelp
I came here for breakfast on a weekend and it wasn't too busy and the staff was really nice! The egg sandwich was just okay as well as the shakshouka. I think they could have the been a little more flavorful especially for the price.
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Anna Z.

Yelp
This was an adorable place for pastries and lunch. There is free parking in the structure nearby, and paid street parking around. My partner and I split the Chilaquiles, which was phenomenal with fresh and crisp chips. The pastry we ordered was an apple danish of some sort, and that was delightful as well. You order in the front before self seating, and enjoying a laid-back time with yourself or your friends. The staff were super friendly. The prices were quite high, but understandable for the location and quality of food.
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Garvey S.

Yelp
Esme is such a cozy hole-in-the-wall. Came here on a sunny Thursday noon for lunch with some friends. The restaurant is small but already had a few patrons. You order at the front and they take your food to you once it's finished. I ordered a merguez sandwich. The bread was toasted but not too hard or sharp, which made it easy to eat. The lamb sausage coupled with the sauce was exquisite, with strong and delicious flavors. Fries were cooked to golden and crisp perfection. The restaurant was ran by only two people, which gives it a very mom-and-pop small business feeling. Despite the small size of the square footage and staff, the service, food, and ambiance were all excellent. By the time I left, most tables were already filled! I look forward to returning to try more things, including their wine!
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Melinda C.

Yelp
Loved the mushrooms in the shrueben sando but the iced matcha was way too milky. Service was meh, hardly existent and nothing outstanding. Plenty of seating inside and outside.
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Franklin C.

Yelp
This is a small hole in the wall but when entering it's a very boutique cute restaurant. The hostess was welcoming and allowed me to sit when I awaited for my guest to come for lunch. Have to order first and then get seated anywhere and we choose just side. The shashuka and the Blue Corn Huarache were delicious meal! I must have to say the food is flavorful. Will come back and taste the wine here
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Rebecca T.

Yelp
Esme recently opened, and I saw the balloons during their grand opening. It's a small, easy-to-miss little restaurant that is swallowed by the larger, competing businesses on Main Street. However, the interior is cute and minimalist which is perfect for a quick bite or coffee. I ordered the Shreuben sandwich, which is a vegetarian take on the famous Reuben sandwich. Portions are fairly generous, and the rye bread is wonderfully toasted and crusty. I did find the Russian dressing overpowering the mushrooms (which are on the bland side already), but I didn't mind it, as I like Russian dressing. Unfortunately, the chilaquiles was a disappointment: the chicken was cooked, but cold (not warmed long enough) and there was not enough salsa and cheese over the chips: it ended up being a plate of chips and chicken. Bummer, as this was a miss. Esme is on the pricier side, and the food was decent, but nothing to really write home about. However, the coffee selection looks enticing, so I might need to return to give that a try.
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Courtney S.

Yelp
this restaurant is new and small from the outside, so it's pretty easy to miss as you walk around in downtown culver. There are a few tables outside and a cute interior, with a few outlets by the smaller tables. The prices are on the higher end and the portion sizes are just average, so don't go expecting a super filling meal unless you buy multiple items. That being said, the huarache is very flavorful with really juicy chicken and refreshing pickled onions (I think?). I would recommend coming and trying this place, but don't see it becoming a consistent restaurant for me. The coffee is pleasant and the interior is very quiet, so it could potentially be better for virtually working/studying or catching up with small groups of people.
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Elizabeth R.

Yelp
Really cute boutique style restaurant that really does remind you of France. The cuisine is really unique and offers French/middle eastern fare. Would come back ! Dogs are welcome on the patio but there are only like 3 tables there. Docking a star because it's a bit more on the expensive side and although the food was good.. I just don't get why hummus and pita would ever cost over $15.
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Kristina L.

Yelp
Delicious food! Everything was made to order. The ingredients were so fresh. I assume it's because they are new and it was only two people cooking, but just be prepared for a nice leisurely pace especially if the place is really busy. You order at the counter and they will bring to your table. Service was great.

Sarah M.

Yelp
Best restaurant in Culver City. Out of all the rotating restaurants that come and go this is the first place I keep coming back to and I actually hope makes it. The food is delicious and fresh. Wonderful, unique flavors and fresh ingredients. I LOVED the ultimate bagel...wow. Coffee is incredible. The ambiance is gorgeous, super cute space, beautiful paintings on the wall, lovely tiles and colors. European cafe vibes. The service is great, very kind and responsive. Very happy there's finally a spot in my city that's worth coming back to, again and again.
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Kevin L.

Yelp
Friend and I were looking for a place to eat and opted for Esme. I thought it was a cozy spot for us to chill and chit chat. Like other downtown Culver places, parking is kind of annoying but street parking is free after 8. The place is quite small and there was no one when I arrived around 7:45. It's also not well lit outside or inside so maybe that led to no one being there. The server was nice throughout and recommended a few dishes. We decided on a chatted radicchio, the pork chop, and the short rib. So why the 3 stars? The radicchio was fine, felt like the flavor wasn't there and the radicchio was a bit undercooked. As for the short rib, it was wayyy overcooked and essentially well well done. I had to ask the server for a new one and they happily remade the dish. Again the server was such a sweetheart. That said the dish was also ok. Still lacked a lot of flavor. The pork chop was also dry. Not as bad as the short ribs so we decided not to also ask for that to be remade but also was tough and lacked any major kick. While the service was great and I'm sure they have great lunch dishes as I see most reviews for their lunch, it feels like their dinner can be improved on. My friend said she really enjoyed their lunch but had similar views of their dinner. I truly appreciate Esme for removing the short rib from the bill and very grateful for that but the meal itself was still underwhelming.
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Emanuelle Z.

Yelp
I love their vanilla lattes! The food is also super delicious. I've been loving fusion lately and this has been a delicious and refreshing way of enjoying cuisines from both cultures! I had their shakshuka and my partner had their shreuben! I have also tried their chilaquiles which were also super delicious. I can't wait to try their dinner menu! Soon inshallah

Maxwell B.

Yelp
The food was actually really great, but the service was bad. I ordered lunch (the merguez sandwich) and had an iced chai latte while I did some work on my laptop, but was asked by one of the employee's (she had a bandana) to leave because because I had my laptop and they were starting their dinner service at 6pm (no one was sitting inside or outside and it was 5:40pm). I was actually planning on ordering dinner anyways - again, the food I had was great - and I would have been happy to put my laptop away, but I guess having my laptop out at 5:40pm would have bothered the ghosts & spirits there on a Wednesday night.

F S.

Yelp
Great ambiance , it wasn't too busy. We had the burger and it was amazing. The fries need major improvements. It almost felt like McDonald's fries. It's the only reason I gave it a 4 instead of 5
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Moe A.

Yelp
My weekend ritual, start with early am hike on beautiful Santa Monica mountains, complete it with an amazing and exotic food at ESME in Culver City. Recently added new Salman bagel sandwich - delicious.
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Carissa N.

Yelp
the egg sandwich is so so so good. seriously one of the best ever this place is super cute and cozy and the cashier was super friendly! can't wait to come back when im nearby
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Sanjay N.

Yelp
Coffee was really good! Cafe was also very cute too! Ambiance was lovely as well. Ordered cappuccino and the froth was just right
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Vanessa M.

Yelp
Love this place! I tried the chicken Caesar salad. It's amazing. I've gotten it twice now in two weeks since I just started working nearby. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful. It is healthy and delicious-has kale and other greens. The salad is filling and has great texture. I definitely want to try more dishes here. I also tried an iced cappuccino and it was perfect! I get mine with oat milk and vanilla but that's just my preference. I normally order them hot but it has been hot out lately. Oh, and the staff is very nice and friendly. Great service! Give this place a try! Enjoy!
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Michelle V.

Yelp
Great service from the moment you enter the restaurant! I will definitely be coming back!
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Derek A.

Yelp
The staff was super nice and accommodating, this will be my new coffee shop/cafe when I want a nice setting to WFH. Can't wait to try everything on the menu!
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Alex J.

Yelp
I visited for my first time last night and this place did not disappoint! The food was so good!! And I loved the flavor profiles of the dishes, so many elements came together to make these dishes truly taste fresh and yummy! Especially loved the squash dish-- so amazingWould 100% recommend you try them out! I'm moving out of the area soon and I know I'll be back here before I go! Nice quiet comfortable atmosphere inside as well
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Diane M.

Yelp
Do yourself a favor and check out this new gem in Culver City! Esme was started by a couple and their love and enthusiasm for their restaurant shines through when you walk through the door. We visited on a Saturday night when it was shockingly empty, but don't let the empty tables scare you away, as the food is delicious. We shared the falafel and hummus. Portions were a good size. Flavors were unique and well balanced. The owners were both there when we visited, offering us friendly smiles and recommendations. The restaurant is small and cute, with flowers on every table. Good for a relaxed date night or catching up with friends.
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Stan H.

Yelp
This new gem in Culver City shines bright among the rest! Outstanding food conceived of by the chef and an amazing coffee program. The space is really it's own world. This is just what Culver City needed! A+
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Sarah N.

Yelp
Delightful cafe with good drinks and bites. I came here for lunch with some girlfriends and it perfectly fit the occasion. Seating is limited but they have a few tables inside and outside. Prices are in line with other places in the area.

Angela H.

Yelp
Food was great! The lamb in the Merguez sandwich was well seasons and each bite packed a punch! I could taste the fennel, cumin and other spices really well. The wall decorations were great to look at while my partner and I ate our brunch.
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Willie B.

Yelp
This might be the best food in Culver City. Everything is Michelin star level. Reminds me of food you would expect in Chicago or New York.
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Virginia S.

Yelp
I went in last Friday, typically I'm quite hesitant to try new places but I'm so happy I did. The young employee was so knowledgeable and kind I believe her name was Yara, she recommended I get the Marguez Sandwhich and pair that with an iced shakerato, the drink and sandwhich were so good I will be back to try the other drinks from the specialty drink menu!
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Sana T.

Yelp
This place was such a cute hole in the wall spot! I absolutely loved the Esme latter with orange infused oat milk, delicious!!
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Abdul A.

Yelp
Been there few times great food enjoy everything we ordered can't wait to go back Amazing friendly stufff
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Ruhi B.

Yelp
I hadn't heard much about this place nor did I research it much before going, but coming here was such a good decision! The service was impeccable - our host checked in with my party multiple times (but not in an annoying way) and the plates were portioned out and coursed out to our liking. The restaurant has a great wine selection and the food was delicious. I went in a group of 3 and we got the kohlrabi, scallop aguachile, grilled chicken and the short rib. I think we could have done with 1 less dish, but everything was so good, we didn't mind over ordering. I had never had kohlrabi before but it was one of my favorite dishes. The ricotta and the sauce added so much to the vegetable - I would definitely suggest trying that dish! The other dishes were great as well. These days, I'm eating less red meat, but the short rib was also a great decision. It was cooked so perfectly - soft but juicy. It felt hearty but it wasn't heavy, which I think is hard to find! The restaurant is really cozy and quaint with great art around. I'd suggest this as a great date spot in Culver City!

Lyndsay S.

Yelp
I was in the neighborhood after a work meeting and decided to stop in for a late breakfast. As counter service goes, it doesn't get better than this. Alex, you are a rose amongst thorns in the service industry. I ordered a regular ol cappuccino and you pointed out one of your seasonal specials instead. You did not steer me wrong. It was unique and delicious! (See photo) Every interaction was smiley and GENUINELY hospitable. What really, really, really, sealed the deal and made me want to write a review was when I let out a sneeze and within a minute, you were at my table offering me some napkins. Who does that?? Your level of service and attention is something everyone in the service industry should strive for. For my meal I ordered the shakshuka. Frankly, it was meh, but that's okay. Still giving 5 stars for the beverage, the environment, and Alex's wonderful service and demeanor.