As the weather starts to get a bit chilly, these are a few of my favorite spots in Culver City to catch up with an old friend or take the family out for a fun night:
Surfas
As a Culver City Realtor I have grown to adore unique experiences in Culver City as well as becoming a true food lover. Surfas is a chef’s paradise that serves as a gathering place for our eclectic Culver City community.
This unique establishment has been around since 1937 and is now in their third generation of ownership. Currently owned by husband/wife team Dina and Les Surfas, and son Steven, Surfas opened their café doors in 2006 and began serving breakfast, lunch, beverages, and of course, their famous pastries (all made in-house).
Within just one week, Surfas was Zagat-ranked as one of the “Top 10 New Restaurants in Los Angeles”. I do not blame Zagat for this rating, especially with their signature dishes such as their Lavender Lemon Bars and French Chocolate Valrhona Brownies— all secret recipes that the Surfas family keeps close to their vests.
Other delicious favorites are legendary Kobe Burger, the Tomato and Fig Panini, the Ultimate Grilled Cheese, The Asian Soba Noodle Salad (made with a Yuzu dressing) the Curried Chicken Salad, the Quinoa with Kale and Pine Nuts dish, as well as the Mint Salad.
My favorite thing about Surfas, however, is their neighborly atmosphere that is inviting and warm. Aside from lovely indoor seating, there is a large and welcoming patio outdoors that is shaded by trees. Enjoy this peaceful place where dogs and children are welcome. Meet a friend for nice cup of coffee, enjoy a smooth glass of wine with your love, or sip on an Italian soda with your little one. Or by all means, enjoy a full meal here! With Surfas, you cannot go wrong.
Mama’s Original Pizza
Conrado Aviles is the owner and chef at Mama’s Original Pizza and Pasta, which is a family business that values its patrons and wants everyone to know that you are considered family when you walk through their doors. With a large menu and recipies that date back to many generations, your dining experience will surely satisfy your every taste bud.
The surroundings are special as well. The building was constructed in 1924 and originally served as a firehouse and the location of many Laurel and Hardy movies. The dining room appeared in the 1994 movie, “Threesome.” Also, rare and original advertising art is on display, together with many antique pieces from the early 1900s.
Olga’s Naturally
When Max Cruz and his wife, Olga, decided to open a restaurant in 2009, choosing a name that reflected the health-conscious approach to the restaurant was no problem all. With the all-natural/organic Mexican and vegan cuisine they planned to offer, the name Olga’s Naturally was, well,natural.
With authentic and time-tested recipes using only fresh ingredients, zero preservatives, produce that is mainly certified Organic and using only free-range eggs and grass fed beef, Olga’s Naturally menu surely makes an impression.
The restaurant offers and large vegan menu and many dishes have the option to be prepared vegan. Meat-lovers will not leave disappointed as well. They have many delicious choices, such as the Portobello Burrito, a signature dish that can be prepared with chicken, shrimp or salmon.
They also serve fresh squeezed juices and smoothies, with the option to be sweetened with organic agave nectar, of course.I love this casual family-dining restaurant again and again, not only because it is healthfully prepared, but also because of the warm atmosphere.
Signature Burger
Looking for a killer burger? Blame the children of owner Shahnaz Virani who came up with the idea to present diners from Culver City and beyond with international versions of the traditional burger and fries since its opening in May 2013.
Priding themselves on a burger of gourmet status, they are obviously doing something deliciously right if customers who come in, travel from near and far.
This October was a very special month for Virani. Not only did she celebrate 25 years of marriage to her husband, she embarked upon a trip overseas that will probably inspire new flavors on the already amazing menu.
Signature Burger offers meat that is never frozen, gourmet fries, sauces and breads that are freshly baked. Also on the menu are salads, wraps, sandwiches, desserts and beverages. Here, residents of Culver City have an accessible destination for globally inspired burger-meals and visitors don’t even need a passport.
