Literati Cafe

Doesn't Recommend

hergoodeye

Joined 3 years ago

Poor Service. How disappointing. My husband and I went here on different occasions, thinking that our first poor experience was a fluke. With its literary theme, hand-written menu, and claim to organic and non-gluten fare, we were really looking forward to an enjoyable experience. But as they say, don't read a book by its cover.

The problem is their inability to get the order right. On our first visit, they completely forgot about my breakfast (which was a plate of fruit), and my husband had to go up and remind them. On the second visit, they got my husband's order wrong and did not correct it. The servers were friendly enough, just incompetent.

Their coffee is average, and they don't offer non-gluten bread, for those on a restricted diet.

Our recommendation: go down the block to Lazy Daisy Cafe for excellent service and delicious, generous portions.

Doesn't Recommend

Michelle M2

Joined 3 years ago

Unprofessional Service!. The matre d was unprofessional and rude. It got so terrible that we actually had to leave the restaurant because of the crap service. If you are not the type who value professional service and being treated with respect. This place might work for you. Otherwise I highly recommend to avoid this. ESPECIALLY if you are bringing your loved one!

Doesn't Recommend

FosterG

Joined 4 years ago

Dont GO. 3 THINGS HORRIBLE FOOD, WORST SERVICE, BAD MANAGEMENT..

DON'T EVEN BOTHER TO GO...

Recommends

kiercemartin

Joined 5 years ago

Great place to hole up. Once you walk in Literati it feels like you are anywhere but on wilshire. There is such a cozy atmosphere, and great bookish feel to the whole place that you can't resist staying for a while. Their sandwiches and tea are definitely where it's at. I would definitely recommend it as a place to study, or grab lunch, or both. The staff is always friendly and the food is generally pretty cost effective too. I really can't say anything bad about this place. If you're looking for a quiet place to study/get lunch. This is it.

Recommends

jenheidir

Joined 5 years ago

Next best thing to Urth. When I?m not near an Urth, my next choice is Literati. I love how books have been cemented in like bricks on the wall. Their salads and sandwiches are always fresh, and the desserts are so rich and tasty. They also have a good breakfast menu. There?s also a patio outback for those who don?t want to dine inside. Ironically though, can?t say I?ve tried the coffee.

Recommends

abstractdjc

Joined 8 years ago

Inspired. Chris is hands down my favorite chef in Los Angeles. His food is consistently delicious, arranged beautifully, and one is at once aware of the connection between farmer and chef combining for true artistry. If Alice Waters had a son, he may have turned out a bit like Chris. Tonights meal consisted of an asparagus soup, gravlax over pumpernickle with beets, gem lettuce salad, wild caught king salmon, Liberty Farms duck, lamb t-bone, and each dish was absolutely inspired. If this restaurant had a better wine list it would be one of the cities elite. The question I have is, how is this room not packed?!?

Recommends

equstrigrl

Joined 6 years ago

great food, WORST take-out service that has ever existed. I love the food and drinks at Literati, and I live close by so I always order take-out from them. EVERY SINGLE TIME I have ordered it, though, they have messed up my order.

The first time they gave me the wrong order.

The next time they left out my side salad.

Then they were out of shrimp, but didn't tell me when I ordered the shrimp linguine on the phone, and when I came to get it they said, "Umm...is it ok if we put chicken in your linguine instead?"

The next time I ordered shrimp linguine, it was smothered with cheese when I got it. I hate cheese. The menu didn't say there was cheese, it had never come with cheese before, but that day someone covered it in cheese.

They left out the bread a few times, too.

So I probably sound dumb for continuing to go back for more, but the food really is good. Just make sure you check your takeout orders before you take them home, because chances are something will be wrong.

Recommends

morgan5

Joined 6 years ago

There's Two Sides to Every Story. When I read the reviews, I had to check it out. There are two restaurants on the corner. One is the orginal cafe which is a self serve, lower priced, organic restaurant. I went in and was so glad to see the European feeling. Pictures of writers. A fireplace. Casual. Friendly people at the counter and my chicken pesto and mint lemonade were the best! I even tried their green tea frozen yogurt. Outstanding. I was so impresssed, I tried the other side which is a white linen full service place. I took my friend for her birthday. We loved the parsnip chips and the cobb salad was fresh and delicious. We even had some great Hitching Post wine. When it came time to bring the cake, they'd written Happy Birthday in chocolate on the plate. What a terrific place. So there are two sides and each offers something different. I will definitely be back now that I know the difference. Thanks to the creators.

Recommends

juju13es

Joined 6 years ago

cozy study spot. This cafe is one of my Westwood favorite study spots (when its not too crowded). It has a very quaint environment with portraits of literary figures on the wall- a nice little nook for bookworms. I can't say much for their food, because all I ever get there is their coffee and their petite cheesecakes (which are quite delicious). After you get your order, the employees pretty much leave you alone, so it's nice if you want to be in a state of solitude. It's kind of a pain to find parking during the busier hours, so I only come here when I'm feeling more motivated.

Recommends

nesor

Joined 6 years ago

Indifferant quality,high prices, cafeteria service.. Overpriced, unimaginative, and mediocre. Apparently this place is the budget sibling of the upscale Literati 2, adjacent. Dust to dust, ashes to ashes stale bread, salted butter in tiny packets, no stand-alone entrees or specialties, except sugared turkey meatloaf; the rest sandwiches to conceal the nondescript office building snack bar poor quality of what lies within. From the (valet) parking lot, gate takes one into the(upscale) Literati 2. If you head there by inadvertance, and are, say, meeting friends at Literati Cafe, you are compelled to walk a serpentine and ;unnecessary gauntlet to get to there. If a "fish rots from the head down," a corallary might also be true; if Literati Cafe stands as any foundation to its (even) more expensive sibling, Literati 2, that's a bad bet. I guess that anything can pass for "health food" and tasty convenience in (still provincial) LA. NOT RECOMMENDED.