Cancel

Open app

Search

Literati Cafe

3.4 (1.4k reviews)
Open • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Literati Cafe Takeout or Delivery

Literati Cafe Photos

Business Info

LITERATI CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Literati Cafe

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Sadel S.

It was my first time visiting Literati Cafe and I'd go back, but not for the food. I got a breakfast sandwich and the eggs looked and tasted microwaved. It made me nauseous. The overly buttered sourdough toast made it kind of better? Lol. The staff were attentive and friendly - no complaints there. Anyhow, I went to get some work done and that was exactly what this place is for. Parking lot in the back is teenie and fills up quickly, but the lot immediately behind that is from Ralph's supermarket and it was enough to park there for their 2 hour limit. (There was a Ralph's employee walking around, surveying the cars. So maybe move your car after 2 hours...) Inside, there's lots of seating and it was easy enough to find a spot to lock in and get work done. The music was an Italian uplifting Playlist. Calm, cute place to write or work. I'd go back for that since working from home can be brutal. Hopefully I can make it back for one of their events/speakers/etc.

the interior
Zan L.

A solid breakfast or lunch option in a casual setting. This is not a full service restaurant instead you order at the counter, they give you a number, and deliver the food to you. Inside is pretty large, there are many different seating options and it seemed like a popular place for people to sit and do some work as well given that they have many coffee options on the menu. The staff was very polite and they do have a small free parking lot in the back however we ended up doing free street parking. For breakfast, I chose a few pastry items to start, the cinnamon churro croissant was the standout and for my breakfast I chose the Eggs Benedict, which I thought was very good. It's a quick casual version in a casual setting, but it really hit the spot and I would suggest to anyone, especially if you are in a time crunch.

Additional Seating
Kathryn L.

SPACIOUS CAFE 12 of us met for lunch here, and this huge cafe on the corner of Wilshire and Bundy went out of their way to set up tables for us on their enclosed patio. Each of us ordered what we wanted at the counter. I opted for the Old School Benedict ($14.50) - two poached eggs and Canadian bacon on an English muffin with Hollandaise sauce on the side - which was served with hash browns. We were given numbers to take to our table, and it wasn't long before our food was delivered. I was having so much fun, I forgot to photograph it! It was so good, I cleaned my plate. Although this place wasn't crowded on a weekday afternoon, people were scattered throughout the establishment, working (or pretending to) on their laptops. Prefer cocktails to coffee? They've added a full bar from Thursday - Sunday. Drink in the literary decor, and book it to this novel cafe!

Literati cafe
Kathy B.

When I was at UCLA Film School, @literaticafe was where all of the writers would go to meet, mingle, and procrastinate before finally getting to it, and pounding out some pages on our laptops in the company of other writers at this inspiring cafe. I was just on the West Side tonight and popped in and discovered that they are holding more author events, open mics, and new evening hours for all of us laptop warriors who put off pounding out our pages (or any other task) until the late hours in the day. I can't wait to go back and be inspired here, will you join me? #Brentwood #Cafe #LALocal #WritersCafe #WestLA

My husband ordered breakfast and he said it was very good.
Josie J.

Literati Cafe is located at the corner of Bundy and Wilshire. It has two dining rooms, a full bar and an outside patio. There is a small outside parking lot. Literati Cafe is a well chosen name. Literati is a Latin word that means well educated people who love books, writing and learning. When I entered the Literati Cafe I felt taken back to Montmartre, Paris where legendary artists and writers would gather in small cafes or bistros. The Literati walls are covered with famous writers and actors. The vibe is modern bohemian. You might see someone pensively hovered over their laptop or friends gathering to reconnect over a meal. Literati serves breakfast and lunch and now also serves dinner Thursday through Sunday. You walk to a counter, order and pay, find a table and your beverage and food is brought to you. It's a great place to have a relaxing meal and/or a cup of their organic coffee or tea. I've had several meals here and would come more often if I lived closer. Literati Cafe is definitely a unique and memorable place.

George F.

Literati Cafe is located on the corner of Wilshire and Bundy in West L.A. I stopped in just to see what the building and space had become. Ordered a Latte and took a stroll around the cafe. Huge changes from 26 years ago when I had my restaurant there. Nice outdoor patio seating. Still hard manage on a prominent corner and riff raff of people. Even during the 30 minutes there was some commotion with a person hassling some customers.

Blueberry muffin

I really liked the ambience of this place. So cozy and welcoming. I come here to do my homework with a side of the best chai latte ever. Great portions for the price. Service is always amazing and everyone should stop by!

Turkey avocado, Panini with lentil soup and homemade potato chips
Deborah E.

This was my first time visiting this Cafe I've been meaning to try this place for a very long time. I had the opportunity to pop over today and I was not disappointed. I had the turkey avocado Panini and a cup of lentil soup. My friend also had the same sandwich and a cup of the tomato soup. It came with homemade potato chips. The sandwich was enormous we should've shared just one the bread was toasty on the outside, but soft on the inside the turkey was fresh. The avocado was perfectly soft and the ingredients married well with one another. The lentil soup was outstanding I would return just for this item. The homemade potato chips were a little bit greasy, not as crispy as I would've liked, but they were still good. I noticed everyone else was eating breakfast, even though it was around lunchtime and I was a little envious. Their food looked delicious. I will definitely be returning. The staff was courteous and everything was fresh and enjoyable. I forgot to take a picture of my food while I was there so the only picture I have is the takeout box.

This and the patio closed 3 weeks ago
Corey L.

Gave this place another shot after 3 year hiatus. And it's worse!!! Came a little before noon & all the bakery items were empty and they wouldn't even make me a latte--something about barista on break...they close at 3:00 and it's 12:00! I'm literally chuckling as I'm writing this....but not in a good way

Found a long hair in my tacos.

See all

5 days ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

28 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Julie J.
55
20
10

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

21 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 55
Thanks 9
Love this 50
Oh no 2

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Great service, friendly staff very accommodating. Great outside patio. Cobb salad is really good.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Decent breakfast, but more expensive than I thought it would be for the amount of food that I got. I liked my avocado toast though!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Yum! Such a good breakfast with a menu with a lot of variety and impressively affordable prices for LA. Want to to try more here!!!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Delicious coffee and expertly crafted cafe fare. The staff is always friendly and high spirited. Highly recommend.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 months ago

The food is amazing . The Service is outstanding. The Cafe always has a peaceful atmosphere. Literati you got it right

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Brigitte K.

Brigitte K.

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2
Photo of J L.
1
91
0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Great place to meet up and enjoy a meal together. Great service and they don't rush you.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Cozy old school vibe. In a city of new this one is a classic cozy spot for breakfast or lunch

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of E.J. A.
633
415
2234

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Doctor L.
57
316
250

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Josh S.
3
191
4

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

1 year ago

I loved the onion rings and breakfast sandwich with hash browns. ooo and the lemonade was refreshing on this hot day. Service was great.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 35

Literati Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Literati Cafe

Can I bring my dog and eat outside?

Yes. Dog friends are allowed on the patio and sidewalk dining area.

Any plan on extending business hour anytime soon? I remember this place opening til 10-11pm before covid :)

We would like to eventually but we are not extending our hours at this time.

Am I able to work here with my laptop?

Yes absolutely. Although according to the current regulations, when not eating, you’re required to wear a mask.

How do you contact the owner or management?

Call the restaurant and ask for the manager.

Is this place good for small to medium-sized meet-up groups (~5–15 people) with light discussion?

Absolutely! Word to the wise: check out the seating opportunities first. It’s first come, first… 

Where is parking?

There is a small valet lot directly behind the building. It's a little expensive so I often park half a block up on Bundy (free street parking) and walk from there. There is also a large grocery store parking lot directly adjacent. You aren't… 

View All 8 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Coffee & Tea 19,502 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Bay Cities Italian Deli - The godmother sandwich!

Bay Cities Italian Deli

4.2(6.2k reviews)
2.2 mi
•$$

Since I was in the neighborhood, I picked up 2 small sandwiches (chicken parmigiana and meatball)…read morefor an early dinner tonight. Both my husband and I will share them both and we probably won't be able to finish them because even though they're small, they are jampacked with flavor, protein, and delicious deliciousness! And the bread is so yummy and crusty!!! I'm a big fan-and have been forever! AND I also wanted to go because it's their hundred years of being in business celebration!!!! I support small businesses especially on the WESTSIDE! Plenty of parking and wonderful people behind the counters!!! And the manager is an old friend by now :))) Highly recommend and I suggest you don't go at lunchtime when it's really crowded ... shop when it first opens between nine and 11...that is a good time and after the lunch rush and/or after 2pm.

I'd been wanting to try this place for awhile, after seeing so many others rate it online and on…read moresocial media. The hype was worth it. What looks like an intimidating ordering situations was actually really easy. I think I was expecting a NYC style service counter where you get yelled at if you don't know exactly what you want, but the staff was so nice and helpful. My wife and I split the whole turkey sub with mild peppers and American cheese, no pickles. The bread was great--a little on the crusty side, but otherwise very flavorful. All of the veggies and meat were very fresh, and the experience was cool over all. You grab a ticket at the counter, wait for them to call your number, then you order and step back while they make yours and a handful of others at the same time. I grabbed some chips and drinks while I waited, which only took 5 minutes or so, then paid at the front (cash or debit only) and enjoyed our lunch at one of the outdoor tables. I'll definitely be back to try the meatball sub, which I eyed somebody else eating and immediately wanted a taste. I'll probably grab a turkey sub, too, while I'm at it.

Photos
Bay Cities Italian Deli - Home of the Godmother

Home of the Godmother

Bay Cities Italian Deli - The Godmother (Large)

The Godmother (Large)

Bay Cities Italian Deli - Godmother (Large)

See all

Godmother (Large)

Meymuni Cafe - The Mamani Sangak Wrap

Meymuni Cafe

4.6(116 reviews)
2.0 mi•Rancho Park

Stopped in here on a whim because it was close by and had good ratings. The atmosphere is beautiful…read morewith the incense and the cashier offered me some lavender oil to rub on my hands which was very relaxing. She recommended the black sesame latte and I went with it even though that's not my favorite flavor. This one, however, is one of the best lattes I've ever had. Super creamy, flavors are balanced perfectly, and it has actual sesame seeds in it! Highly recommend this place!

I really don't understand the hype around this place…read more I didn't personally pay for the food, thankfully. A friend of mine bought several things and I tried some of what they ordered. What I tasted was extremely disappointing. One of the things I tried was honestly so bad that I spit it out. The food struck me as mediocre at best, especially considering the prices, and calling it Persian food feels like a pretty loose interpretation of Persian cuisine. The service didn't help either. My experience with the employees was rude and unwelcoming, which made an already disappointing experience even worse. What really gets me is how much effort seems to go into marketing and promoting this place. If even 10% of that energy went into improving the food, value, and customer service, I think the experience would be very different. Los Angeles has way too much genuinely good Persian food to justify paying these prices for food I personally found this mediocre. I wanted to understand what all the promotion was about, but after actually trying it, I definitely don't.

Photos
Meymuni Cafe - Avocado Mousse Toast

Avocado Mousse Toast

Meymuni Cafe - Cafe Space

Cafe Space

Meymuni Cafe

See all

Bread Head - Turkey Pesto

Bread Head

4.2(297 reviews)
1.7 mi
•$$
Family-owned & operated
Established in 2024

tl;dr the mozzarella focaccia sandwich is a masterclass in simple deliciousness, from the pillowy…read morebun to the delectable sauce When it comes to sandwiches, one of Los Angeles' buzziest options is Bread Head. This focaccia-ciabatta pop-up comes from the minds of the now-shuttered Michelin-starred French restaurant Trois Mec. Their mozzarella sandwich drew buzz from the Los Angeles Times even before Bread Head established their first brick-and-mortar location on Montana in 2024. The Santa Monica location is posted up on a boutique-y block of Montana. Outside, metal patio furniture is arranged on a semi-enclosed slatted streatery. Circumferential windows let plenty of light into the industrial-modern space. The left wall is decorated with an eclectic array of vintage posters, funny photographs, and framed accolades. Filamented bulbs hang from the ceiling. The letter board menu is displayed above the ordering counter in the back. Low-key instrumental tunes blend with chatter, while staff members intermittently shout out names for orders. I visited Bread Head for weekend lunch with a few friends, and the line to order was relatively short (it waxed and waned across our visit, occasionally stretching around the restaurant to the door). We squeezed into the last available seats at a communal bar top, and our sandwiches were prepared in about 15 minutes. Broadly, the mound of toppings on each sandwich was precariously perched on Bread Head's thick, poofy, not-overly-oily focaccia. The sauces and spreads were plentiful and generally vibrant, so we didn't end up needing the side of "Club Sauce" (a zingy pepperoncini-horseradish mayo). Our favorite sando was the Muffuletta, sporting an herbaceous and tangy olive tapenade. A close second was the vegetarian-friendly Mozzarella, paired with plentiful alfalfa sprouts and a rich, zingy za'atar sauce. Also solid was the Turkey Pesto with its uber-fresh basil-forward spread. The surprising dud of the lot was the Combo Grinder, which tasted too one-dimensionally like a grocery store hoagie. The sandwiches run about ~$15 each, and a moderate appetite should be able to tackle a whole one. Even our "worst" sandwich was solid; the best ones are crave-worthy meals worth a dedicated drive to the West Side.

Ambiance - can't speak on it, since I ordered via DoorDash…read moreService - same thing, but I will say the sandwich was wrapped well Food - I got the turkey pesto, and I can see why people like this place! The bread was crunchy, arugula fresh, and the pesto mayonnaise was great. However, it almost felt a little....underseasoned? I wish it had a bit more of a punch to it. You do get a good amount of food for what you're paying for, but personally, I'd rather go to All'Antico Vinaio in Venice and get a sandwich that costs a little bit more, but you get more food and a better seasoning. I'd go here again if I was in a pinch, but personally wouldn't try again.

Photos
Bread Head - Inside decor

Inside decor

Bread Head - Ham & Butter

Ham & Butter

Bread Head - Mozzarella

See all

Mozzarella

Lorenzo California

Lorenzo California

4.6(371 reviews)
4.0 mi
•$$

I've been here twice in the span of 4 days. We tried their Thursday steak sandwich special (forgive…read moreme I don't remember the exact name) - exquisite We tried the bresaola sandwich - exquisite, turkey sandwich was great, chicken parm sandwich was fantastic, roast beef sandwich was excellent. Their home made pastas? Winners, every. Single. One. Place has a liiiiine all the time so I recommend ordering in advance and it's tiny. It's a small husband (the cook) and wife (the orchestrator) duo with excellent service. Tell them Karen sent you ;). You won't regret trying it.

We wanted to try some authentic Italian deli sammies I'm a sucker for a savory + sweet meal so the…read moreRafaello was my choice with that fig jam, stracciatella cheese, pepperoncini, so so good, the focaccia is soft in the middle with crispy edges. My only wish was that I wish it had more meat to really balance it out. Service is fast, seating inside is only for 8 sitting and two standing next to the cashier but some outside seating as well. Even though the spot is not huge, it still has enough there for you to feel like you are walking into your local deli to grab a quick bite and carry on with your day. They have a restroom inside too which is a perk. My hubby ordered the rocco and he enjoyed it too, along with an iced tea and some chips, you really don't feel overly stuffed and I can see why it's a hot spot in this prime area.

Photos
Lorenzo California - Inside

Inside

Lorenzo California - L'INGLESE

L'INGLESE

Lorenzo California - Plethora of specialty items

See all

Plethora of specialty items

B&T’s Deli - Menu

B&T’s Deli

4.7(76 reviews)
2.1 mi
•$$

From the moment we walked in, we had a great experience -- greeted right away with warm and…read moreenthusiastic hellos at the door. I ordered The Old Sport, my husband had The Peter, and our three-year-old daughter went with the classic PB&J. We all absolutely LOVED our sandwiches. We also had the chance to meet the two owners (a woman and her partner), who were so friendly and incredibly sweet to our daughter -- such a nice touch that made the visit even more memorable. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the ingredients are refreshingly simple. I really appreciate that they don't use fake processed meats -- they keep it straightforward, yet the sandwiches are still outstanding. The bread deserves a mention too: crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. I rarely hand out five stars, but they've earned it here. Making sandwiches taste this good with such simple and whole ingredients is no easy feat, yet they pull it off nicely. Highly recommend this spot for both carnivores and vegans alike!

We finally made the trek to north Montana! We ordered the Peter and Wanda. I liked the Wanda more…read more The eggplant in the Peter was a little heavy handed on the salt or soy sauce. I loved the caramelized onions and mushrooms in Wanda. The bread was top 10 breads we've tried. The lettuce was crispy and the tomatoes had a bite. The $20 sandwiches are a little sticker shocking considering there is no protein. Maybe the cheeses are made from nuts. I would definitely appreciate like a marinated tofu slice or even slab or tempeh with the existing dressings/sauces. The old sport had the chickpeas so we'll get that next time. My partner was obsessed with the walnut date syrup brownie.

Photos
B&T’s Deli - The Susie Green

The Susie Green

B&T’s Deli - The Wanda

The Wanda

B&T’s Deli - Menu

See all

Menu

Literati Cafe - coffee - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...