Laurel Grill — Restaurant in Culver City

My wife and I were going to pick up our grandson from the CC Metro station and had time for dinner before hand. Our neighbors had mentioned the new restaurant atop the "Steps" and this seemed like a great time to try it but weren't sure we could since we didn't have reservation. Laurel Grill, what a great surprise! It was around 4:45 but even at that time a lot of places seem reluctant to seat without a reservation. The Hostess didn't seem to mind that we didn't have reserations, looked at her seating chart and immediately took us to a delightful booth with a view of at least three of the cooking stations and adjacent to a section of the main bar where it looked like you could order food at as well. A lot of thought had to go into the design and decor of the facility. As "seniors" we enjoyed the comfortable booths and while the ambient lighting was soft and soothing there was ample lighting over each booth to read the menu and see the food, which was presented in such a way you wanted to see it! The wait staff were amazing. They worked as a team and seemed to enjoy one another and also taking care of us well. They were attentive but didn't make us feel rushed. We appreciated their attire, which may not be big to some folks, but it just seemed to enhance the casual elegance the space exuded. We were not dressed up by any means but when we left we could see that guests were costumed as contemporary society. And the ages and ethnicity were diverse. The menu too was well thought out. I think most folks will find something they want to try in every column. We had the clam chowder which was delicious. While they called it New England, it was not as "creamy and potatoy" as most served locally of which I'm not a fan. This had a lighter broth lots of bacon, and tasty clam morsels! Really good! My wife had the baby back ribs with cole slaw and french frys. I had the Sea Bass with spinach and cous cous. At our age we usually share, and the portions were such that we could have (should have) But so good that I'm glad we didn't! Her ribs were fall off the bone tender and tasty. Not "Texas" tasty but cusine tasty! Easy to eat with knife and fork; my wife chose to eat with her fingers! She did share a couple with me. The fish was served with skin up but peeled so easily from the meat that I'm guessing that was by design. It was delicious! We had apple pie a la mode which was amazing. We had a good view of the desert station from where we sat and the other deserts looked pretty good as well. By the time we left, which was perfect time to pick up our grandson, the restaurant was quite full and the staff that seemed too many when we arrived were busily taking care of all the guests. I have never written a review of a restuarant before. But we had such a delightful meal in this perfect atmosphere with lovely wait staff that I thought I'd give it a shot. I hope if you read this it makes you want...

Laurel Grill in Culver City is an absolute gem — and I’m already plotting my next visit.

From the moment we walked in, the vibe was electric — warm, buzzing, and effortlessly cool. Whether you’re posted up at one of the two stylish indoor bars or lounging by the fire pits out front, this place just gets ambience. It’s rare to find a spot that feels upscale without being stuffy, lively without being chaotic, and somehow doesn’t even feel like you’re in Culver City — in the best way possible.

We kicked things off with their fresh-baked bread stuffed with gooey mozzarella, fresh out of their stunning oven. Let me tell you… this bread is reason enough to come back. Golden, melty, and the perfect balance of crispy and soft — total showstopper.

For mains, I ordered the Caesar salad with salmon (well done), and my husband went with the seabass. The Caesar was next-level — crisp romaine, a creamy dreamy dressing, perfectly crunchy croutons, and a shockingly generous portion of salmon for the price. A healthy, satisfying dish that still felt indulgent — the ideal way to start a weekend. My husband’s seabass was delicate and flavorful, plated beautifully and cooked to perfection.

And can we talk cocktails? They actually carry green Chartreuse — which meant I got to order a Last Word (if you know, you know). It was made perfectly — balanced, refreshing, and worth savoring. Shoutout to Ava, who was everything you want in a server — attentive, friendly, and full of solid recommendations.

Whether you’re coming with your pup, your kids, or just to vibe out with friends, Laurel Grill has you covered. The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, fire-lit, and gorgeous. Inside? Equally stunning. The whole place was totally hopping — clearly already a local favorite.

And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better — the warm apple pie arrived. I honestly didn’t expect dessert to stand out (how often is apple pie memorable?), but Laurel Grill delivered. The crust was golden and flaky, the apples were perfectly spiced, and the whole thing was served warm with a melty scoop of vanilla ice cream. I asked for an extra scoop because… why not? Best decision ever. It was nostalgic, cozy, and shockingly refined — the kind of dessert that makes you pause mid-convo just to appreciate how good it is.

Final word: Laurel Grill isn’t just another pretty face in the LA food scene. It’s the real deal — food, drinks, service, and setting all firing on every cylinder....

Our only complaint is the menu is not large enough. What they have is great and we were super happy. But only having gross American Cheese for a burger, well that is not real cheese. They could also have prime rib every day and not just on the weekends because, again, there are not enough choices. Maybe add another fish or pasta. I don't know but add something. The chef is the best, so I know he can make anything he wants.

The service here is just amazing. We had the best server and then other servers came by just to make sure we had everything and were happy. They are also adorable. They know the menu well and I have not had this kind of great service in a while. We were happy campers.

They have a counter with a full bar, which is first come, first served. You can make a reservation for the dinning area which is ever so comfortable. We went to dinner early so we had no wait at all and no reservation.

The entire place inside and out is spotless, and the décor is wonderful. Even the outside is pretty. It is just a great place (get some darn cheddar for the love of God).

The food we had was perfect. I had the starter fried calamari and a wonderful salad. We also had their cheese type bread which was not a hit with us, but it was fine. Next time we will just get a pizza instead.

My husband had the best steak, cooked perfectly with grilled asparagus and a side of charred broccolini. He was in heaven.

For dessert we shared a perfect chocolate cake. I really did not want to share, but I am a giver (again, add onto the menu). It was just so great. We were so happy.

Parking is for a fee.

The entire area is lovely and inviting. You will...