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    Variable Cafe

    4.9 (430 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

    Order Variable Cafe Takeout or Delivery

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    VARIABLE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Variable Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    TBS Cup
    Patrick R.

    We are vegetarian but we always are looking to try vegan places we haven't tried yet. Variable Cafe was the one we picked for today and am I glad we did. They have so many options from appetizers, salads and mains as well as smoothies and drinks. The service was quick and efficient and the staff was very friendly. We even met the owner and she was so nice. The food was very tasty and with so many different options you easily will find something great. I had the Tikka Masala and it was amazing everything we ate was so flavorful and I can't wait to go back and try some more options. If you are looking for great vegan food...look no further!

    Ceasar salad with Parmesean "chicken"
    Amber F.

    I popped in for brunch after shopping at Costco across the street, looking for something healthier than Costco fare. I was pleasantly surprised! Although I'm not vegan, my Caesar salad was delicious. It was filling, it tasted good, and it looked good. The service was great, and I would totally go back.

    Patrick S.

    I've eaten here 5 or 6 times and every time always intend to leave a rave five star review but I think I'm always riding a wave of absolutely delicious elation I forget. Tonight I had the pleasure of talking with the owner Joel and hearing more about the story behind the restaurant. Meeting him made me love it even more. The drunken cauliflower is one of the best dishes I've ever had and so is the chili, tika masala, fresh made guac and chips, shrimp.. I mean it seriously is all just the top of the highest tier. Tbh... it's a top 3 favorite restaurant not just on the west side but all of LA. My fiancee and I love it here and right when we step out of the door look forward to the time we can immediately return.

    My Son's Pho
    Lorena T.

    My friend introduced me to one of her favorite vegan places, and I can see why! I had My Son's Pho ($18). I was pleasantly surprised to see fresh baby bok choy in it. Ingredients were plentiful. Soup was delicious! My friend had the Caesar's Hubris ($17), latte matcha ($7) and side dish of vegan chicken ($6) for her service dog who sat by the table. Everything was delicious! The restaurant is small. The owner, Plern, who's Thai, promotes artists' work on the walls. Our server was constantly busy and still attentive. Pleasant ambiance and free parking in the mini mall. We'll be back.

    Jasmine green tea
    Pam Y.

    Omg, DELISH!!!! We had the Drunk Cauliflower & West Coast Shrimp to start - both great sharing dishes (& some of us were just finger-fooding it). I had the Little Venice Bowl subbed with cauliflower rice. I don't know why this was so delicious or made me so full. My hubby had the Sunset Strip Burger & Organic Strawberry Lemonade, both which he enjoyed, esp. the lemonade :). My cousins had the Chicken Tikka (I had a little taste & it was SO GOOD OMG). Service was great - kind & gentle. Parking was a bit tight (small lot), but there's also street parking. The desserts looked yummy, might try them next time.

    Green Goddess Salads
    Joi R.

    The Variable Cafe stands out as the best vegan restaurant on the Westside. The food never disappoints and the service is top notch. As soon you walk in you feel a sense of community, as in "All are welcome." It's always a green flag when even the other patrons look up and smile and speak to you. The Goddess salad still remains as my favorite item on the menu, but the Drink Cauliflower is a strong competitor: plump, crispy battered cauliflower served with a flavors dipping sauce. I highly recommend dining here any day of the week. Come with friends, family, out of town guest, or just come solo and enjoy a hearty, healthy dining experience.

    Miori I.

    Craving a hearty salad and satisfying smoothie? Variable Cafe is your place. Had just finished working an event in Venice, taking the long way home to avoid some of the traffic, and in search of something satisfying yet healthy to have for lunch. Did a search on the trusty old Yelp app and tada, Variable Cafe was immediately to our right. Walked straight to the counter and was greeted by a very pleasant man. Making a decision when you're starving can be overwhelming so I asked for a recommendation of his favorite salad and the smoothies looked too good to pass up so I ordered one of those as well. The employee was kind enough to offer me a seat but the cafe was small and I didn't want to take up space for potential incoming customers. I waited outside in the car and he sweetly walked my order out to me. Service was top notch so I was pretty excited about the food quality. Pics and reviews were high praising already. What I ordered: - Green Goddess Salad: hearty, sweet, full of healthy fats and fiber topped with the crisp apple dijon dressing really hit the spot -MDR Smoothie: ordered mine without pineapple (because allergies). Delish! I've tried a ton of green smoothies and this one takes the cake. I could have done with less granola since it became difficult to drink through the straw half way through the drink. Providing a spoon was very useful. Not too sweet, not too much greens forward. A perfect balance. Too bad I live so far from Variable Cafe because I could see myself getting my greens fix there regularly.

    Inside counter

    Friendly and attentive service. Delicious food; GF, vegetarian and vegan choices! I am not vegetarian or vegan but this place had such great tasting items on their menu! The owner and her husband started this place due to her love of cooking and her dietary needs. They have put a lot of thought and love into this charming and cozy restaurant! I had the most enjoyable lunch experience there today. Will definitely return!! (I may not fully remember the names of the dishes but they were all so yummy!)

    Menu
    Jessica H.

    Found this little cafe because I was in the area and craving a smoothie. The place is small, but fills up quickly. I ordered the MDR smoothie and I really enjoyed it, plus it was filling. Next time I would skip the granola on the top since it didn't really make sense. Definitely coming back to try the food because it smelled so good.

    You and Banh Me
    Elisa H.

    Stopped in for lunch this afternoon. My hubby ordered a Banh Me sandwich which includes a side salad while I ordered a Raw Mongo salad. The banh me sandwich was tasty however, the bread wasn't at all crunchy as is normally the case with a with a sandwich like this. The side salad was delicious with a miso type dressing. I chose a raw Mongo salad which was tasty. The server was very helpful and kind. The restaurant was clean and comfortable Parking in the lot was limited, metered street paring available

    Christian T.

    The food was very good. Our party ordered a few things: -sunset strip burger -tikka masala -northern lights pasta -my sons pho -po boy -drunken cauliflower -small Venice bowl The highlights were the strip burger, the cauliflower and the pho. The portions are very generous and the food definitely worth trying. The restaurant is small but very cute and the staff is extremely helpful and friendly.

    Chili
    Peter S.

    I was sick and craving soup, so typed in "best Pho near me" and this place was ranked really highly. I am not a vegan and am a huge meat eater, but good food is good food. Didn't end up going until a few days later - The parking lot is small and the restaurant is small, there is street parking but it's very busy, especially being near Costco. I'm not sure if all the good reviews are because the vegans eating it aren't used to non-vegan food but everything was super average: Damn Good Chili - was NOT chili but more like minestrone soup. I love minestrone soup but why not just call it that because it wasn't chili. Caesar salad - was a caesar salad no more no less. Tikka Masala - All the veggies were super soft, would have been great to throw in some garbanzo beans or something with a little more texture in it and it was also pretty soupy and not very much like a spicy curry. For what it's worth, my wife LOVED the food and will come back, but I am curious about the Pho for when she brings me back something.

    Indian Tikka Masala  (Soy Free)
    Sowmya D.

    Amazing place! A vegan must-try. Food was delicious, service was 10/10. Ambiance was perfect too. Will be here again

    Tikka Masala!  OMG this was amazing

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    2 months ago

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    Plern W.

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    6 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    2 months ago

    We got takeout from them and everything was really tasty. Next time, we'll probably dine in because the space looked pretty pleasant.

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    7 months ago

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    Page 1 of 11

    Variable Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Variable Cafe

    Is there outdoor seating? Do they have high-chairs available?

    No outdoor seating.

    Do I need to make a reservation for this Thursday, 7/8/21 for an 11:00am, 2people?

    No you should be good! The food is a absolutely incredible. Get the fried cauliflower 🤤

    Do you have outdoor patio heaters?

    No outdoor seating and no outdoor patio heaters.

    View All 4 Questions

    KC's Crepes Cafe - Banana and strawberry crepe with Nutella

    KC's Crepes Cafe

    4.1(93 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $

    Here's a polished Yelp review you can post:…read more KC's Crepe Café is truly one of those hidden gems that make Marina del Rey special. Tucked away in Fisherman's Wharf, it's the kind of place you almost want to keep secret -- but it's too good not to share. The coffee is excellent -- smooth, balanced, and clearly made with care. But the real star is the crepes. There's a great variety, from savory to sweet, and everything tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Whether you're in the mood for something light or indulgent, you'll find an option that hits the spot. What makes the experience even better is the owner. The café is run by a warm and gracious Japanese gentleman who clearly takes pride in his craft. You can feel the attention to detail and hospitality in every order. If you're walking around Marina del Rey and want a relaxed, charming stop for coffee and crepes, KC's is absolutely worth it. Cozy, authentic, and quietly exceptional. I'll definitely be back.

    I came here this morning, and before anything else, let's start with the negatives: there are none…read more From the moment I walked in, the experience was warm and genuine. I was helped by a lovely Asian gentleman who took my order with care and kindness, and that attention carried straight through to the food. These people know how to make crêpes -- the real way. Not thick, doughy, pancake-style impostors like so many places serve, but thin, delicate, authentically French crêpes. That thinness matters. It's what makes every bite more flavorful, allowing the fillings to shine instead of being buried under heavy batter. The Nutella crêpe was an experience on its own. Because the crêpe is so thin, the chocolate melts instantly on your tongue. The warmth releases the deep cocoa aroma, coating your mouth in smooth, rich sweetness without ever feeling overwhelming. It's balanced, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. The breakfast omelette was just as impressive. Savory, well-seasoned, and comforting, with the salt hitting your taste buds first -- waking up your palate -- followed by the richness of the eggs. I added avocado for just $0.50, and it was absolutely worth it. The creamy texture softened the saltiness perfectly, creating a smooth, rounded bite that lingered in the best way. This place understands flavor, texture, and authenticity. When crêpes are made this thin, every ingredient speaks louder, tastes clearer, and feels more intentional. I'll be back -- without hesitation.

    Photos
    KC's Crepes Cafe - Crêpe making machine

    Crêpe making machine

    KC's Crepes Cafe - Breakfast crepes w/my Dad & friends!

    Breakfast crepes w/my Dad & friends!

    KC's Crepes Cafe - To a Beautiful Saturday...  ‍#MoteItBe3

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    To a Beautiful Saturday... ‍#MoteItBe3

    Menotti's Coffee Stop - Cortado

    Menotti's Coffee Stop

    4.2(734 reviews)
    1.7 miVenice
    $$

    Menotti's offers supreme espresso. For me it's the best option for high quality cafe near the…read moreVenice boardwalk. The barista's are skilled and know how to pull proper lattes etc. Kudos also for the general good vibes from Masa and Christian who are often behind the counter serving up the finest brew. There's also a spacious sunny outdoor area for sitting, studying, catching up with friends. Last time I was there the Venice Fire Fighter crew was at the table next to us which was cute. Even though it's positioned right by the boardwalk, Menotti's is just as much of a local's spot as it is suited for visitors.

    Menotti's is hands down my favorite coffee shop in all of Los Angeles…read more The vibes are always pristine, the music is lovely, and the coffee is unreal. The latte, Spanish latte, and the VBC are especially smooth, and my three go to drinks. Honestly, I wish they sold all three by the gallon. The interior decor is beautiful and cozy, though on the smaller side, but there's plenty of outdoor seating that more than makes up for it. You can tell the baristas genuinely love what they do, and they're amazing at it. It's the perfect spot to get my creative juices flowing as a writer, and I always leave feeling inspired (and well caffeinated). It's also the kind of spot that makes you want to linger, order another cup, and come back way too often.

    Photos
    Menotti's Coffee Stop - Merchandise

    Merchandise

    Menotti's Coffee Stop - Larry David pop up event

    Larry David pop up event

    Menotti's Coffee Stop - Inside of cafe.

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    Inside of cafe.

    Alfred Coffee - Cloud Cream Latte

    Alfred Coffee

    3.7(191 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $

    I had read about Alfred Coffee in a foodie magazine and when I drove by this location in Marina del…read moreRey, I decided to stop and check it out. This small artisan coffee shop was bustling on a Sunday morning. The busy baristas were working hard through the long line and never ending list of both in-store and mobile orders, which gave the shop a lively and slightly chaotic vibe. It definitely feels like a grab-and-go spot more than a place to settle in, especially since seating and parking are very limited. You do get validated parking with a purchase. The location is right next to a marina. There's a nice outdoor area which makes it perfect for grabbing your coffee and taking a walk around while looking at the boats and water. It's a great way to enjoy your drink without needing a seat, which is good because there are very few inside. I was there in early January, which means the holiday menu was still being offered. The seasonal drinks were fun and creative. I decided to try the eggnog latte, which was espresso and cashew milk blended with eggnog style spices. It was weird to be sure, and much different than your typical coffee drink. I'm not usually a huge fan of super involved coffee concoctions, but I still enjoyed it and appreciated that Alfred does something a little playful with their menu. I would not order it again, however. The pastries looked amazing but I had just had brunch so I passed, but knowing they're made with real French butter definitely ups the appeal. I also loved the maritime-themed décor, which fits the Marina del Rey setting perfectly. There were little sailor sculptures, diving knick knacks, and a wall decorated entirely with yacht rock albums (nice)! This made the whole place feel very on-brand for the neighborhood. I found Alfred Coffee Marina del Rey to be a fun stop for a quick, quality coffee and a stroll by the water. I'd definitely return and try one of those flaky croissants next time!

    We came to this coffee shop after having dinner at the handroll shop next door. We felt like we…read moreneeded a caffeine kick! This is the same parking lot as the shops for the marina. You can park on the left or right. You get two hours of free parking with validation! We stared at the menu for a bit before ordering. We finally decided to get their vanilla latte since it was advertised as the one that got them famous?? It was our first time here, so we were willing to try it. When ordering it, I tried to use the restroom.... Either someone was using it for a very long time, or I just couldn't figure out how to open it. I gave up! We received our drink within 5 minutes and headed back to our car. We drank it and thought it was very strong but no vanilla? We grabbed a fork from my glove compartment to give it a swirl. We drank it again and couldn't tell if there was vanilla in it. Long story short, we're not sure what made it famous because the taste was lacking. For coffee, it is definitely on the strong side, but the flavor profile was not there. It's also fairly overpriced compared to the delicious mom and pop shops we're used to. Needless to say, we probably won't give it another go.

    Photos
    Alfred Coffee - Pastries

    Pastries

    Alfred Coffee - Cloud Cream Lattes

    Cloud Cream Lattes

    Alfred Coffee - Iced Vanilla Latte

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    Iced Vanilla Latte

    Variable Cafe - vegan - Updated May 2026

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