Laurel Grill Culver City: Handmade Pastas and a Beautiful Dinner Spot

Read our Google Review with photos

We parked across the street from the Culver Steps garage, which turned out to be the easiest option — reasonable rates, plenty of space, and a quick walk over. You can take the elevator up to the restaurant, which makes the whole place accessible, but we took the stairs. Going up in the evening felt almost cinematic: the steps are softly lit, the buildings glow around you, and Culver City has that nighttime energy that feels both urban and cozy.

Laurel Grill in Culver City

Inside, Laurel Grill is big, warm, and slightly dressy in the best way. The lighting is dim but elegant, the bar stretches across the room, and there’s a hum of people settling into conversations, date nights, and groups of friends meeting after work. Even though the space is huge, we still had a short wait and eventually sat at the bar — which ended up being perfectly comfortable.

The service was lovely. We were checked on multiple times, glasses refilled, and never once felt unattended. Everyone was friendly without being overeager, which always makes a difference.

We kept dinner simple: handmade pasta — fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. We also appreciated that the menu has solid options for vegetarians. Between the pastas, salads, and sides, it didn’t feel like an afterthought. Drinks were reasonably priced for LA, and the overall atmosphere made it easy to settle in.

The bar area does sit close to the doors, and since many of them stay open, it can get chilly on colder nights. If that bothers you, request a table away from the entrances or opt for a booth inside. The outdoor fire pits also looked beautiful and would be great on a more temperate evening.

One little detail we loved: the restaurant decor includes classic Hollywood photos — Elvis and other vintage touches — which reminded us that Culver City is surrounded by studios. It gives the place a subtle, nostalgic LA personality without trying too hard.

Overall, Laurel Grill is a great pick for a slightly elevated night out. The space is gorgeous, the food is solid, the service is warm, and the whole evening feels like you made an effort without needing to overdress. We would definitely return — maybe next time for a table and a slower dinner, or a cozy drink by the fire.