Margot — Restaurant in Culver City

Restaurateur Rohan Talwar helms IB Hospitality and owns the illustrious West Hollywood gem, Norahs. A few months ago, he opened the doors to modish and culinary oasis, Margot – complete with exotic dishes, regional wines and special drink menu.

Margot, a Mediterranean infused restaurant composed of various seating and dine-in areas with 360 degree views of West LA, in Culver City is a diamond in the rough. The rooftop (indoor and outdoor seated venue) nests at the top of the PLATFORM (a boutique shopping experience with fashion/pop-ups, wellness and bites) and borders tons of retail, commercial and a new hotel soon erupting. The speedy Expo line train can be seen swiftly running east to west while you sip and/or dine outside and mimics the likes of some of the more prestigious eateries within Brooklyn’s Dumbo area. Similar to the train, rumors have quickly traveled throughout the city that Amazon will begin developing a new location nearby.

‘Hot like fire’ understates the atmosphere at night as the outside appears to be torched with tons of heat lamps in tow. With fresh farm-to-fork ingredients and handmade pastas (try the spaghetti), this place is a soon to be staple within the LA area. The menu constantly changes for an all-inclusive dining experience, including those with strict plant-based diets. Great for romantic dates, celebratory moments and family gatherings on ‘Sunday Funday’ largely due to their tapas as well as fresh raw seafood bar. Talk about delectable oysters. Step foot inside to find every inch of this establishment scream social media engagement wall. Note murals and tapestries all aligned in tune with a modernistic and contemporary ambiance. Service is extremely courteous, helpful and hospitable. And if that’s not enough to keep you coming back, the handcrafted cocktails will. Try their refreshening grapefruit gin and juice or a fruity frosé – worth every penny. It’s about time Culver City got what it deserved – a casual dining experience with budding professionals who seek something edgy, youthful and tasty.

Boost your metabolism before you eat, as SoulCycle is located on the second floor right underneath Margot. Or, after a zesty salad and sandwich at Margot, you may want to head down to the first level to the cozy ice cream shop with a menu of small-batch flavors, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

*Margot is open daily from 11am-2am.

Highlights

• Accommodates approximately 150 seated or 350 for reception • Rooftop patio with dedicated bar accommodates approximately 120 seated or 150 for reception • Intimate private dining terrace available for approximately 25 seated or 40 for reception • Social dining options available for weekend brunches, lunch and dinner • Market driven menu inspired by coastal mediterranean cuisine • Full service bar with handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients • Stunning beach and city...

The cuisine is a mix of Californian-Italian-Mediterranean, and everything I’ve had is absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is hip, trendy, and upscale, but without feeling pretentious. They have large windows, setting the perfect vibe for either day or night dining. You wouldn’t think frayed black rope hanging from a tall ceiling would look cool in a space, but it works here. The bathrooms are individual stalls (my preference - I don’t want to hear other people using the restroom) and they have my favorite Aesop hand soap! We all had a drink and shared 4 small dishes + 1 entree, and it came out to ~$79 per person for 3 people.

We were easily able to make a reservation for Margot on the Resy app, and we were able to specify that we wanted to sit in the indoor dining room since it was cold outside (although I love the vibes on the patio).

For parking, we self parked in the lot right across the street (8850 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232) and walked through the Platform shopping center. To get to Margot, you take the swanky elevator (hidden in a corner, next to the jewelry store Catbird) and go to the top floor.

I loved everything we had and would repeat this exact order again. Here was our order:

Yellowtail crudo ($26) calabrian kosho, radish, citrus. Refreshing, citrus-forward, perfect texture. I loved this so much that next time I would order both crudos to share.

Patatas bravas ($16) crispy fingerlings potato’s with smoked paprika aioli on the side. Yummy for anyone who enjoys potatoes.

Wild arugula salad ($20) with hazelnuts, vinaigrette, thinly sliced apples, and Manchego sheep cheese. Light & delicious.

Charred broccoli ($24) with garlic yogurt, black garlic vinaigrette, feta. It didn’t say it on the menu, but I’m pretty sure it’s topped with quinoa. An absolute must order.

For our entrée, since we were already on a seafood theme, we went with the Ora king salmon ($38) with black rice, avocado mousse, leeks, and serrano aioli.

House Cocktail: The Hugo ($18) with elderflower, Prosecco & mint.

Non-alcohol Mocktail: Arancia Spritz ($14) Lyre's Italian orange non-alcoholic spirit & soda. Leaning sweet without being overpowering, served in...

Margot - A Feast for the Eyes, But Not the Palate

Nestled in the heart of Culver City, Margot promises a culinary journey through Spanish cuisine in an undeniably enchanting setting. The moment you step into Margot, the ambiance envelops you in a warm, sophisticated embrace. The décor is a stunning blend of modern chic and rustic charm, with soft lighting, elegant furnishings, and a rooftop patio that offers breathtaking views of the city. The atmosphere is truly spectacular and sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

However, while the ambiance at Margot is nothing short of amazing, the same cannot be said for the food. Despite the high expectations set by the restaurant's gorgeous setting, the dishes unfortunately fall short in terms of flavor. The menu, which features a variety of traditional Spanish tapas and entrees, looks promising on paper but leaves much to be desired in taste. Many of the dishes lack the savory depth and vibrant flavors that one would anticipate from a Spanish culinary experience.

The biggest letdown, however, is the mismatch between the price and the quality of the food. Margot's pricing is on the higher end, presumably reflecting its upscale ambiance. Yet, when the food arrives, it becomes clear that you are essentially paying a premium for the atmosphere rather than for culinary excellence. The portions are modest, and the flavors are disappointingly bland, making it difficult to justify the cost of the meal.

In conclusion, Margot is a place where you can immerse yourself in a beautiful, upscale environment, perfect for a special occasion or a romantic night out. However, if you are seeking a savory and memorable Spanish dining experience, you might find yourself disappointed. Margot shines brightly in terms of ambiance, but when it comes to the food, it falls short, leaving you to ponder if the stunning setting alone is worth the...