I met a friend here for lunch and, though the area was super busy due to the classic car show, it was really easy to find a seat. When I went to order at the counter, the staff said we could sit and they were serve us, which I wasn't expecting at all! I really appreciate they that have both the fast-casual order style and the sit down and enjoy style duality to this restaurant. I got the chai latte and a hummus bowl with falafel (though as I write this I can't remember if that was the actual menu name of the dish). It was delicious--the falafel was one of the best I've ever had taste wise, and a bit on the airy side instead of being super dense, which I appreciated. Sometimes falafel is too dang dry, and they really got it right. The hummus was phenomenal. I'm really such a sucker for a good, quality hummus and it was so creamy and the oil they topped it with was wonderful too. The veggies were fresh and the pita was such a star: it was thick and chewy and clearly freshly made. Immediate 5 star for the food. So glad I stopped by here and will definitely be back! read more

ESME - Falafel plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

In a town full of great dining choices we have been here several times. Small, friendly, and fresh seems to sum it up. Indoor and outdoor seating. With mild music allowing you to enjoy your food and company. Meats prepared as ordered, amazing sauces, and a very solid burger. read more

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This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. We are in town for work and took our team there for dinner. The ambiance is perfect and the smell from the kitchen catch you as you walk in. We ordered a lot of dishes and shared family style among the 6 of us since the food curation is so unique. Everything tasted outstanding! All starters and mains were perfectly prepared and the bext in flavor and quality. We had the braised short rib, yellowfin tuna ceviche, whipped ricotta, mussel toast, grilled octopus, bavette steak, rainbow trout, and lamb sirloin. I seriously felt like I was one of those judges on a Food Network show with every first taste as it was THAT GOOD! The wine and beer selection was fantastic. I had a glass of the Marcio Lopes - Laranja and a glass of the Mammoth Pilsner. Our server, George, was fantastic and he ensured that our glasses were full and explained the preparation of every item. Plus he grabbed a snap of us prior to the meal. Thanks George! This was a memorable outing and I can't wait to come back during lunch time before I leave town. I can't recommend ESMÉ enough. read more

ESME - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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Ended up here late one night in downtown Culver City with friends and had such a great experience. Customer service really stood out, super friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in. We wanted to try their coffee but it was already closed for the night, so our server helped us narrow down some wine options and gave great recommendations. We had already eaten, so we went all in on desserts. The whipped ricotta was the highlight, so good. The churros came out warm, and we also tried the ice cream sandwich and panna cotta, which we all enjoyed. The ambience is really unique, laid back with a soft, cozy feel. Definitely a spot we'll be coming back to, especially to try the famous esme drink and brunch. read more

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Cute spot on Main Street in Downtown Culver City with exceptionally friendly baristas. I went with a cold brew which was fantastic. Passing by the folks eating and based off other people's food photos, I definitely wanna come try their sandwiches. They look so damn yummy. read more

ESME - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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Service and food was wonderful. I wasn't keen on the coffee drink I ordered, but I'll order something more normal for me next time. Cute place, simple aesthetic. Sandwich was insanely good and big! I had to eat the other half the next day. read more

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I absolutely love the food and drinks here! The merguez sandwich was outstanding, what stood out was their homemade barbari bread, absolutely delicious! Service is wonderful here, you instantly feel welcome. The food is made to order quickly, portions are generous, and the fries were very good as well. They have seating inside as well as a bit outside, which makes for an enjoyable meal. I always love supporting local businesses that work as hard to offer unique and delicious items as Esme does, highly recommended! read more

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Plenty of downtown culver city restaurants come and go, but always curious to try new ones, so had esme on my list for a while. Came on a Saturday night and plenty of tables available (they don't take reservations). For two of us we ordered: Caesar salad - pleasantly surprised the market greens was kale which was coated with perfect amount of dressing already, fried artichokes still warm from the fryer and croutons rounded out a great texture to the plate. Also it was pretty big, I was a little full after eating half Rainbow trout - nice crispy skin on top, tasty white sauce, plenty of crispy veggies on bottom, great dish! Also a decent size piece of trout. Lamb - tender, flavorful, not at all gamey. Not the most appetizing to look at, but there's veggies underneath the meat that help round it out Impressed with the food and portion sizes, they could rival Laurel Grill with slightly lower prices ;) Would come back to try their daytime menu which is supposed to be more brunch type items! I hope they stick around! Free 1 hour parking in the downtown culver city structures, or street meter parking. Cute and small space, with a few outdoor patio tables. read more

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Their oatmilk lattes are delicious. Employees are kind and helpful. They were a little behind in opening on Sunday morning which I always find a travesty when it comes to your morning caffeine. Cute interior and art on the walls. read more

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Food: - I have wanted to try this place for a while, but was putoff by the lack of customers every time I walked by, don't let that stop you! - Merguez sandwich: I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of flavor in this sandwich. It was delicious! The barbari bread added a crunchy soft texture along with sesame seeds lining the top of the bread. Meat had a slight spice, and a tad too salty, but paired well with the multiple components in this sandwich. - Generous serving of fries read more

I was originally going to go to Bacari next door, but the wait was two hours. I stumbled into ESME with a couple of my girlfriends, and I am SO glad we did. We enjoyed the whipped ricotta (which I highly recommend saving for dessert), grilled leeks, Caesar salad, rosemary fries, and bavette steak. We were so hungry that I forgot to take a picture of it all. Everything was incredible. You can tell there is a lot of thought and care put into every dish's flavors. I would love to come again and try more of their food! read more

ESME - Whipped ricotta - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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The barista was super friendly and gave some great recommendations. The ambiance is lots of soft wood tones and pretty framed pieces that create a breezy, laid-back vibe. I tried the specialty Esme drink, and honestly it was a bit odd. Even though it's technically a coffee drink, the fruity notes are so strong that it barely tastes like coffee. If you're into that kind of flavor profile, it could definitely be worth trying. Personally, I wasn't blown away and kind of wished I'd just ordered something more classic. That said, their lattes are really good - just note they come sweetened by default. Didn't try the food this time, but I've only heard great things about it. read more

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If you're reading this, here's the short version: this is easily one of the best restaurants in Culver City, and you need to try it now! It's a small spot in downtown Culver City that you could walk past without noticing. I'm glad I didn't. There are a couple of tables outside, but most of the seating is indoors. The space is modern, clean, and relaxing. We ordered three dishes, all recommended by our waiter. The mussel toast is a must. Every bite is savory and packed with seafood flavor. For mains, we had the short rib and rainbow trout. The short rib was perfection. Cooked over fire and served with crispy potato strings. It's something you get at high-end steakhouse but at half the price. The rainbow trout looked beautiful and tasted fresh, though the citrus was a bit stronger than I prefer. For dessert, we couldn't resist the churro and ice cream sandwich. The ice cream (another must try), sourced from a Persian maker, was rich with rose, honey, and pistachio. The presentation was just as impressive. The churros were decent, though I wished they were crispier and the dipping sauce was thicker. Overall, I'd give this place a solid five stars. The food is close to Michelin quality without the Michelin prices. Go and you won't be disappointed. read more

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Cute place for midday lunch or cozy girl dinner! Very elevated dishes and great natural wine selection; I love how cute and quiet this spot is, the servers were incredibly personable and didn't rush us. I love a place that I can hear myself talk and feel like I'm relaxing at home! Mostly meat & seafood, but a couple of vegetarian options and one vegan options - I got the falafel and it is to DIE for. Absolutely will be coming back. A bit spendy but I would say you're getting high quality meals read more

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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. read more

ESME - Mussel Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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New brunch/breakfast spot in Culver City. Esme is a cute little restaurant that reminds me of the smaller places in NYC. They have a small menu but they keep things simple. By the time I went for lunch, their bakery items had already sold out. I tried the chilaquiles and my friend go the egg sand, subbing the chorizo for avocado. I chose to try both salsas and honestly those were the best part of the dish. They were definitely homemade and so flavorful. The portion size was decent and I felt full walking away. The prices here are average but perhaps slightly lower than other places in CC. I would love to come back and try other menu items as well as their coffee! With plentiful seating and outlets, it seems like a great place otherwise get some work done. read more

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Food was excellent. Had the half chicken and he had the burger and fries. Beautiful texture flavor, incredibly presented. My only big beef is the cooks did not wear gloves and touched my food with their bare hands :( kind of ruined it for me. They have an open kitchen. They had gloves on earlier but then I guess they took them off at some point and when he got to plating my dish, his hands were all over my food! I'd come back again if I had some guarantee they use gloves next time!! I was here at around 830 on Saturday. read more

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 read more

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Came here for a morning coffee and it was fine. I tried their specialty with orange and blackberry and it was gross. $8 basically and the berry concentrate wouldn't mix and all you got was seeds. The coffee was weak so it tasted like washed out berry juice. My partner got a vanilla latte which tasted decent. read more

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. read more

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Excellent and friendly service. The food is insanely good here. Came with my honey and we split the leek dish, the octopus in squid ink and the rainbow trout (and a bottle of wine). The dishes were all phenomenal, extra shout out to the super crispy potatoes in the octopus dish which were well paired with the squid ink aioli; the rainbow trout also was super flavorful in its sauce with a nice crunch on the skin and in the spring peas. Esme feels like the little engine that could next to the power house which is bacari, don't overlook it. read more

Delicious. Had the whipped ricotta, Caesar salad, grilled octopus and lamb sirloin and it was enough for 3 of us. All were amazing, but the lamb was like nothing I've had before. Service was excellent. We'll be back! read more

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. read more

ESME - The new dinner menu. 10/24 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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. read more

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The atmosphere was like being invited into a friend's home for dinner: casual, and friendly. And then the food kicked it up. The whipped ricotta and the grilled cabbage appetizers were amazing. The rainbow trout entree, delicious. Can't wait to go back. read more

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! read more

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! read more

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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. read more

ESME - Shakshuka - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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I got the shakshuka (~20$). It was so filling and very warming! They added some bell peppers as well and added a nice sweetness. The inside it somewhat small but they make use of the space, giving it an overall cozy/chill vibe. read more

ESME - Shakshuka (~20$) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

Ivan's Shakshuka reminds me of my childhood and the Persian omelette my mom would make back in Tehran ... just awesome ... Thank you Ivan Very well balanced lighting and friendly and soft colors and atmosphere, friendly staff, love the wooden tables and the arts on the walls are also a unique touch. Dishes are very well made, and the home made sausage sandwich is something else ... try it once and you know what I am saying ... Great little gem in the heart of culver Culver City downtown ... Thank you Esme read more

Tiny little place on Main Street CC. Only had coffee and breakfasts looked good. Saw great reviews so decided to give it a go for dinner with a friend. Anyways. Let's get to the food. Enjoyed the Caesar salad and surprising was the delicate flavor and rendering of the cabbage. Both 4/5 The trout was decent. 4/5 I thought the tomato and flavors of the beans with the octopus was a bit aggressive. 3/5 They were out of dishes at 7:3 pm. But I get it. It's a small place. Really wanted to love it, but the waitress became really weird about the inkind app. To use the bonus my friend and I got for signing up, we asked to split the bill which we didn't realize initially. It just left a weird taste in our mouths so to speak. I mean it's not like we didn't order multiple dishes. It's like her energy switched up. Oh well. I may try it again someday but not anytime soon. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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 read more

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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. read more

ESME - Esme drink and cardamon bun - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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. read more

ESME - Apple pastry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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. read more

ESME - Matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California

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Eh... okay joint. Food was fine. Decent breakfast burrito BUT 20$ FOR A COUNTER SERVICE BREAKFAST BURRITO? Christ. Also, took foreeeeever to get our food. It was like 11:30am on a weekday. On top of that, 3 of us got our food while the last person had to wait for a good long time. The server brought over our food and didn't mention anything about the last person's food. I thought maybe she simply had to go back for the last plate but she never returned. But when I went up and asked about it, my lord the attitude. Look, I get it, you don't like your job. But, cmon now. We don't even care the food's going to be late. Just a heads up would be nice. Again, very expensive for basically a coffee shop vibe. read more

Phenomenal place to grab lunch -- I strongly recommend the lamb sandwich or chicken salad. Excited to try the dinner menu.

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! read more

ESME - Merguez sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Culver City, California