Cafe Vida
Tucked into the heart of Culver City at 9755 Culver Blvd, Cafe Vida hits that sweet spot between classy and casual. Whether you're swinging by for a laid-back breakfast or gathering friends for happy hour specials, this local gem sets the perfect tone with its moderate buzz, dog-friendly patio, and super welcoming vibe for families.
Let’s talk about the food—because that’s where Cafe Vida really shines. Their Breakfast Sandwich is a crowd-pleaser that balances fresh ingredients with comforting flavors. If you’re craving something bold and full of flavor, the Huevos Rancheros or the colorful Chilaquiles are both worth waking up early for. On the lunch front, their Braised Short Ribs deliver slow-cooked perfection, while the Balance Bowl packs nutrition and taste into every bite. And yes, their Buttermilk Pancakes? Fluffy, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is exactly what you'd want for a relaxed brunch or early dinner. It’s cozy without being cramped, energetic but not overwhelming. You’ll spot families enjoying a meal, couples sharing plates, and yes, even the occasional pup soaking up the California sun out front.
Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie, a breakfast fanatic, or someone who just wants to enjoy good food in a relaxed space, Cafe Vida offers something that hits the spot. Plus, with its central location and easy-going energy, it’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to—again and again.
Reviews
Is it just a pancake? Or is there some voodoo magic involved? I don't understand how pancakes can taste this good. It's thicker and has more texture, but it's also fluffy at the same time. It's sweeter, but also fragrant. It reminds me of a cake, but it's not inappropriately saccharine. I ordered the turkey burger scramble, but the star of the show was clearly the blueberry pancakes. The blueberry was so fresh that the juice flowed out when my knife severed a corner. The fruit topping on the pancake complemented the already fruity content. I involuntarily shut my eyes as I savored each bite. The scramble was rather forgettable, but it's not a knock. The pancakes were just so incredible that everything paled in comparison. Service was wonderful, and they even brought me a bowl of water for my dog.
We got blackened salmon fish tacos and breakfast burrito. Food was fresh. Will be back soon. Went on a Sunday, it was very busy
I ordered the chipotle chicken quesadilla and it was delicious. I'm very picky when it comes to chicken, but this was delicious and not dry at all. The service was phenomenal. My order was taken quickly, arrived in a timely manner, and the hostess checked in regularly. I liked the welcoming atmosphere, it was nice to see regulars being greeted warmly and having their usual orders remembered. I thought it was sweet. There is also plenty of seating and although parking might seem limited, there are a few public parking lots nearby.
Love Cafe Vida. It's was always one of my fave spots when I lived in LA. Used to go to the one on the Palisades which sadly burned down in the fires. Was actually at the Culver City location the day after the fires started. Cute location in downtown Culver City with both indoor and outdoor seating. Server was friendly and efficient. I appreciate they they offer many veggie options from salads to sandwiches to juices. I had the ginger lemonade which was delicious. Also opted for the house made veggie burger with sweet potato fries. Excellent choice if you appreciate a veg patty made from real ingredients versus fake meat. Highly recommend.
A delightful spot for brunch with friends, family, and even your furry companions! This was our first visit, as we were in the area for a play at the Kirk Douglas Theater. Despite the windy weather, the place was bustling with a 25-minute wait to be seated. We were seated outside under an umbrella, in a very relaxing and friendly environment. Our waiter promptly took our orders, with drinks arriving quickly and the food following just 15 minutes later. Everything looked delicious and fresh. We were all satisfied with our meal, which was more than enough to fill our tummies. We'll be back when we're back in the area.