**Off The Radar: Where In-The-Know, Locals Eat in Culver City and Palms**

Pictured: Vegan Sushi from Shojin

After living in 4+ years in Palms (a stone’s throw to Culver City), I love taking friends to off the radar food places. Ones that all the locals go and everyone else just doesn’t know unless you ask! Palms is just like Culver City but tend to be more approachable, and a little cheaper. However, once the Expo Line (E line) opened, it kinda blew up. However, it will always have a place in my heart as a special place to live.

First off, you’ll find Palms is the most diverse Westside neighborhood! Ethnically it’s 38% white, 20% Asian, 12% African-American and 23% Latino (wiki). It’s also the Westside neighborhood with the most number of Asians - and the Asian food truly is tremendous! As a minority, I felt right at home with all the wonder, local, Asian food and being just around the corner to Japantown aka Olympic and Sawtelle. I find the best LA city, Indian food is in Culver City/Palms - and I have few friends who have confesses the same :), so I want to help you with the below underrated restaurants that deserve your time!

Since my popular Where to Eat in Culver City guide, I wanted to further highlight Culver City and its surrounding unsung hero’s. I’ve tried to highlight family-owned and operated restaurants (not chains). It’s the ones, that as a resident - I love and pass on to other in-the-know residents (meaning you, wink!).

Spoiler alert, a lot of these restaurants spotlight Asian food. D’uh, as mentioned earlier - Palms has such a diversity of residents and the Asian food really shines in Palms/Culver City. So if you are only eating American, Californian then you’re totally missing the point of the neighborhood! Los Angeles has, some of the best Asian food in the nation! Do not miss out by only eating on the main downtown Culver strip.

Jonathan Goldman had a few on his list but since his passing (IMHO) no clear voice has stepped forward to fill the void. So let us continue to highligh no-frills restaurants where the food is the shining star [and outshine any pretty interiors and decor]. Read below to learn about both my favorites and ones that I’ve learned about through the grapevine.

Mayura Indian Restaurant

It’s the best Indian on the Westside IMHO; specializes in South Indian but the menu is wide-ranging to appeal to a lot of tastes. I go back time-and-time again!

The owners often come out and take our orders themselves (and it appears it’s very family oriented as it looks like the entire family is running the joint!). But the main reason to go is their Indian food is amazing. My favorites are ones that I don’t often see in other places especially the uthappams (thicker dosa made with rice flour, similar to a savory pancake). If you’re with a group definitely get the uthappams sampler plate so everyone can try the different fillings (and make sure you dip them with the curry, don’t be shy). Meat eaters often rave about the Kerala Chicken Curry, and my partner often gets the Chicken Tikka Masala and is satisfied.

If you cannot decide, go during their buffet (usually 11a-3p, call to confirm) - and eat until your heart is content trying everything! My words cannot express how good their food is (mouth watering as I write this). It’s perfect for a family gathering, a meal with friends, and/or catering a party — Mayura is and will always be my favorite :). If I could have afforded them to cater my wedding, I would have! Go to Mayura!

Mayura Indian Restaurant, 10406 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Simpang Asia

*Nasi Bungkus (chicken curry, vegetables, rice in a banana leaf) - highly recommend*

Simpang Asian first started as a convenience store with a restaurant, then expanded to two store fronts, further expanding their dine-in, restaurant!

Can you think of an LA Indonesian restaurant? Nope, because they are few and far in between. Simpang tries to cover the whole gambit of Indonesia but my favorite dish - which I recommend to newcomers is the Nasi Bungkus (chicken, curry, vegetables and rice wrapped in a banana leaf) or the Laksa (seafood curry and noodle soup). If something else floats your boat, the whole menu is small and mighty - so go crazy.

If you haven’t tried Indoesnian food, first to know is because the country is a series of over 18,000 islands, so there’s a lot of diversity which cannot be captured in one menu. I will attempt to sum it up as a perfect mix of spicy, hot and sweet and spicy with a lot of spices. Some say it’s like a blend of Indian and Thai - which I can see - but that does not do it justice. Simpang Asian has managed to thrive in its 10+ years in business because its food is memorable, unique, tasty, and unlike anything else in LA. Yum, yum yum.

Simpang Asia, 10433 National Blvd #2, Los Angeles, CA

Hatchet Hall

Hatchet Hall is a star, but I don’t see the media like The Infatuation or EaterLA praising them nearly enough. Established in 2015, it’s a casual, yet high-end, casual restaurant with world-class Californian food (old-time staples include the cornbread with whipped butter and biscuits). Every time I go, the food, atmosphere and service are unrivaled. There’s a dimly lit bar (great for date nights, or a cozy happy hour) which feels like a logger’s cabin in an Alice in Wonderland complete with a great liquor selection (I guess that’s why it’s called the Old Man’s Bar). The bar (with the help of alcohol) keeps the conversation flowing when you simply do not want the night to end. In case the dine-in area is booked, grab a seat at the bar and order from the full menu!

That’s not all… Hatchet Hall’s original chef (Brian Dunsmoor) of 6 years recently left and opened the Dunsmoor in Glassell Park; that makes him a rising star! I have no doubt Hatchet Hall’s food will stay top of the game which is why they are still on my list :) go eat, and you will not be disappointed.

Atmosphere is like a slightly upscale hunting lodge combined with grandma’s mix-and-match dishes! Perfect for impressing out-of-town guests, business lunch/dinner, a special occasion, or a nice night with good friends (definitely order a cocktail or pick from their lovely wine list). We used to go for work happy hour when the company would graciously front the bill - and ever since, I’m hooked and cannot stop going (I just pick up my own bill, and it’s worth it).

Hatchet Hall, 12517 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Lodge Bread

It started in 2015 as a bread and pastry shop that happened to have limited counter seating and smattering of cafe, menu options (like avocado toast). But then, it literally evolved into what it is today: a full-on cafe, expanded seating to more than 5x the original! I’m super proud!

Lodge Bread is like a love song to bread, bread and more bread. Only go if you want to take a bit of a wholesome, chewy, whole-wheat breadiness! They are unapolegetically, bread bakers and cater to the carb-loving crowd.

They now have 2 additional LA locations (Pico, Woodland Hills); and all signs point to continued success! Love it! Go if you love savory bread like sourdoughs. They specialize in whole grains and milling flour. Get your carb load here with an elevated ,(bread-y) take on ricotta toast, cinnamon toast or go into overdrive with a pizza. Keto peeps, stay away :) .

Lodge Bread Company (Culver City), 11918 Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90066

Kogi Taqueria

Roy Choi: the chef that started the food truck craze and is now the very definition of a modern day, celebrity chef! The Kogi Food Truck (mash up of Mexican, American and Korean) started it all. The food is just as good and relevant today as it was when it took off nearly ten years ago! It’s a compact menu - pick your form: taco or burrito then pick from other mains like wings, hot dogs or burgers. Then they used to have a Chego in Chinatown (I miss this one especially). The flavor is like an explosion! Pictures do not do this food justice because it’s not just your average taco or Korean food - it’s the perfect blend of Los Angeles (culture mish-mash and fresh ingredients). For a casual, street food night, or to-go - Kogi Truck is always on my lsit.

Ever since they vacated their brick-and-mortar, they are parking their food truck nearby! Check our their IG/website to track them.

Kogi Taqueria, 3434 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Shojin

Vegan sushi. I do eat seafood, and this vegan sushi is still head and tails above real sushi joints. This is a fancy place, it’s for a small splurge, special occasions or if you’re a mid to high roller!

The food is anything but boring. They craft each dish as a work of art! It’s the place where you slow down, and literally savory each bite. Admire the dish, the plating, the attention to detail. Don’t just inhale it. Take the time to eat. It’s truly slow food.

When I walk in, I feel like I left America and am in Japan. The servers are constantly bowing respectfully (so cute), and [during covid times] gifted us with face masks so we can stay safe in the future (why are they so thoughtful). It’s these small touches that make Shojin an experience.

They have a chef’s menu, a tasting menu, prix fixe, etc - go here for a series of dishes that take their time, are flavorful, and memorable. I feel like it’s a true LA experience. They have several LA locations (which in my book is an LA success story). Perfect for a date night, a special meal for the right out-of-towners!

Shojin Culver City, 12406 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Other notable places to eat

Spoiler: the below all happen to be Indian restaurants (by coincidence) and completely worth trying every single one. I put this list together, then reviewed it before seeing, “Oh they’re all Indian!”. Every single one is unique and hits different so they are not repetitive in the least!

India Sweets & Spices - My favorite are their dessert selections ranging from gulab jamum, milk burfi, coconut ladoo, halwa, carrot burfi and the list goes on. They also have a limited selection of hot, savory Indian food - where I always get a samosa, a dal (lentils), and aloo gobi (cauliflower and potatoes). The atmosphere is a mom-and-pop dive (like a gas station), but they do have tables and chairs so hanging out is encouraged. It’s very casual, and be prepared to stretch your patience as the people behind the counter are get-the-job-done but often seem distracted and busy. Definitely be nice and assertive when you order or you may accidentally get skipped! There’s a grocery inside, so pick up a few spices, lentils, and food items along the way. 9409 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe - its a restaurant with some limited hours that’s actually at the hare krisna temple. I know, sounds odd and unusual and IT IS! But trust me, everyone who has gone, has raved about the food. Naturally, this food is vegetarian but do not fear. It is flavorful, it is yummy, it is good. Give it a try. It’s been around for 10+ years so don’t knock it until you try it. 3764 Watseka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Annapurna Cuisine - I love this place as it has a hot, vegetarian buffet of incredible Indian food! I eat until have to unbutton my pants, and then rave about the food all day! It’s in a nondescript strip mall. Meat eaters love it, vegetarians worship it. It’s a gem, and like the others have managed to stay open 10+ years because it is truly yummy, tasty food. 10200 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

*Cauliflower Pakora, Samosa House (Image: @Samosa House IG*)

Samosa House - This is actually the worst kept secret because everyone eats here. And why not, it’s good, convenient, consistent and worth it. The word authentic gets thrown around a lot - but me thinks it’s true here. It’s Indian Street food at it’s most approachable, and at a fine price served cafeteria style. So popular there are not one but two Samosa Houses on Washington Blvd! The Samosa House West has a bigger menu so I recommend that one :) 11510 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90066

Read the popular Culver City guide which highlights Downtown Culver:

Where To Eat in Culver City: Local Edition