I’m one of those people who will pick a restaurant based on its decor over its food - woops! I just love a beautifully decorated space, what can I say! Lucky for me, some of my fave restaurants in LA happen to not only be gorgeous, but also serve super yummy food. Hallelujah! For this list I kept it to my fave spots near where I live in West Los Angeles, mainly located in Culver City and Venice - my two fave parts of the city. Keep scrolling for all my picks!

The Butcher’s Daughter

This plant based spot on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice is totally Insta-famous, and it’s easy to see why. A boho decor lover’s dream, the space is filled with plants, wooden furniture, indigo accents, and beautiful tiling. And that’s just the decor! The food is scrumptious, whether you viz for brunch, happy hour bites, or dinner, Butcher’s Daughter is sure not to disappoint.

THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER
Fave Bites: Avocado Toast, Mixed Mushroom Pizza
Drink of Choice: Spicy Margarita

Greenleaf

My Venice happy hour go-to! I love the laid back, relaxed vibe here. Order at the counter and have your food brought to your table on the lovely back patio, or just grab a seat at the bar for those quick cocktail refills. I love Greenleaf because not only is everything on the menu super delish, it’s also pretty healthy for you! Or, healthier versions at least. Their happy hour starts early (3pm yaaaas!) and goes till 6pm so it’s great if you want to get an early start.

GREENLEAF
Fave Bites: BAKED Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Pesto, Nachos Rancheros
Drink of Choice: Charcoal Mule

Margot

Margot just opened last month at Platform in Culver City, and I’m already obsessed. Such a beautiful rooftop restaurant, impeccably designed with stunning decor and 360 degree LA views. It’s a hot spot just a month after its grand opening, so be sure to snag a reservation for more popular times in the evening and on weekends. The outdoor portion of the restaurant is a gem, situated right near the the Expo Line for a bit of excitement every time the train rolls past at eye level. Perf for if you’re just in the mood for drinks and small bites, or a full course meal.

MARGOT
Fave Bites: ‘nduja Toast, Potatoes Bravas
Drink of Choice: Aperol Spritz

hatchet hall

Oh, how I love Hatchet Hall. Every meal feels special at this Culver City joint. The menu changes daily, reflecting the seasons of California and the local farmers the restaurant works with. I’ve never had a meal here that was anything less than scrumptious, which is really saying something for a constantly changing menu! It keeps things exciting, as you never know what to expect when you visit. The design of the space is rustic and classy - I love the romantic outdoor patio filled with plants and dreamy string lights. There also happens to be the perfectly named lil “Old Man Bar” attached to the restaurant, which opens at 8pm. Perf for after dinner drinks, if you’re in the mood. Lodge-like with a cozy fireplace, vinyl spinning, and filled with taxidermy, it’s def a vibe - and I’m here for it.

HATCHET HALL
Fave Bites: Potato Yeast Rolls, Octopus
Drink of Choice: Pinequila

The Rose

The Rose in Venice is split into two sections - the cafe market/bakery half and then the actual sit-down restaurant on the right hand side when you walk in.

Let’s start with my loves - the decor, of course! The market section has a beautiful hanging macrame/plant/light sitch that’s a real show stopper, I always stare in awe of it whenever I’m there. On the dinner side, the patio is beautiful and the food is super yums. To be honest, The Rose’s market section tends to have a bit of a problem with service. More than once I’ve received the wrong food or my order took an unreasonably long time to arrive. But the food is yummy and the decor is pretty, so it keeps me coming back. And I’ve only ever received excellent service on the restaurant side! So for that, it makes the list :)

THE ROSE
Fave Bites: Buttermilk Blackberry Pancakes, Almond Butter & Jam Tartine
Drink of Choice: Ruby Rose

Neighbor

Neighbor took the place of the wonderful Willie Jane (RIP to the yummiest biscuits eva) on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, but I love it just as much if not more tbh! Everything is designed to perfection, right down to their darling menus with the flamingos and gorge colored cloth napkins. Even the exterior is a dream, with lots of beautiful plants to greet you as you walk in the door. And don’t even get me started on the back patio! Plants, wicker and wood furniture, jewel toned sofas and gorge rugs - can I move in orrrr?? Of course, the food is delish too :P Their brunch is scrumptious and I love their Happy Hour choices. A+ all around!

NEIGHBOR
Fave Bites: Blueberry Walnut Buttermilk Pancakes, Potato Spiral, Chayote Tostada
Drink of Choice: Infante