(323) 851-7210
7253 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood,
CA
90046
34.09074
-118.348546
Neighborhoods: West Hollywood, Central LA
Years in business
Established in 2008
Hours:
Sun- Mon. 8AM-8PM
Last updated 1.24.11
Category:
What People Are Saying About Food Lab Cafe & Marketplace
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
In Short – Nino Linsmayer and his mother, Esther, have a much underused strip of Santa Monica Boulevard (between Fairfax and La Brea) in West Hollywood buzzing with this permanent cafe and marketplace. We say "permanent" because, until now, their savory organic offerings were only available via special event catering. Paying homage to the owners' Austrian roots, the sublime new menu consists largely of flavorful European-style offerings; fresh croissants (pain au chocolate, sugar brioche, et al.), breakfast sandwiches (smoked salmon with creme fraiche and sliced cucumber, Paris ham and…
Editor's Tips
- Know Before You Go:
- Feel good about eating here: There are plenty of salads to please vegetarians and vegans; the owners insist on using organic, nitrate- and hormone-free ingredients whenever possible.
- Where to Sit:
- The European-style cafe also has a nice patio to sit and enjoy the day.
- Where to Sit:
- The European-style cafe also has a secluded back patio to sit and enjoy the day.
- What to Drink:
- Viennese coffee from Meinl is an excellent alternative to your usual Starbucks or Coffee Bean cup of joe.
- Where to Sit:
- There's ample space to enjoy your sandwich or salad on their secluded back patio. Order at the counter and they'll bring it out to you when it's ready.
| dessert | 100.0% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| drinks | 80.0% positive |
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| food quality | 81.82000160217285% positive |
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| service | 50.0% positive |
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| wait time | 0.0% positive |
|
Watch Your Back, Joan's on Third!!!
by GemmaStephens at Citysearch
I went to an Oscar Party. Someone brought Food Lab's Organic Chicken. That was 3 weeks ago. I've been back 6 times! The sandwiches are perfect. Though substantial and flavorful, they're not huge, messy, and too "busy". Ever feel glutenous after eating too much? This won't happen here. Each item I've had is artfully loaded with taste, and is the PERFECT portion. As if their sandwiches and salads (the Buffalo Mozzarella a particular standout) are not enough, you're treated to a gracious staff, free parking in the back, simple tables, etc. On your way to a party? They have modestly priced gourmet packaged candy to grab as a hostess gift!
I'm slowly working my way down their menu. Okay maybe not so slowly...But it's too good to not to.
You know how when you go to a place and certain aspects are great but if falls short in other areas? Food Lab does EVERYTHING right. Should I go there right now for some Cous Cous? I think I've earned it...
- Pros: EVERYTHING: Food, Free Parking In Back, Tables,
- Cons: I'm addicted now
Great Post-Workout Meal
by Erin W Davis at Citysearch
This spot serves healthy and mostly organic fair which is both nutritious and delicious! The organic curried chicken with lingonberry chutney on raisin walnut is a favorite. And if you want to treat yourself they also have cookies by Deluscious .
At Last East WeHo Gets Fantastically Foodie
by Nuevohombre at Citysearch
I am addicted to Food Lab. They have this amazing assortment of everything from foodie gifts and munchies, deserts and drinks to actual meals that are absolutely delicious. I'm working my way through their salads, sandwiches, soups, deserts, not to mention their cheese and meat samplers. So delicious. I have yet to have a bad experience or a bad meal. The owners are incredible. The people that work that friendly and helpful. I've lived in the neighborhood 18 years and it is the best addition ever. I'm addicted. From a quick coffee to a full meal. And the backyard. Charming. I hope it catches on but just enough to remain a great best kept secret. Love Food Lab.
- Pros: Everything
- Cons: None.
Alert!!!!!
by WhiteWater at Citysearch
The morning of July 27th, I saw a lovely young lady tie her two small dogs to a table leg so she could get a sandwich, the puppies paniced, no fault of the young woman, she tried to save her pets as they were dragging the table into danger, and a vase broke, I then ask the young lady if all was Ok, No she said in tears, he made me pay 10.00 for the vase, so folks beware, it could be costly to take your children to this cafe, if they break it, you own it. Shame on this owner, he didn't care about the woman or her littles puppies safety. Shame!!!!! I wish to add to this review, I know this lovely lady as she has been doing my hair for several years, I spoke with her last evening, and she is a loving soul, she forgave the owner and says the food there is fabulous and she is very interested in small business's excelling in this economy and she will certainly eat their she told me, and requested that my family and anyone who has the opportunity, to eat at the Food Lab do so, as she said the food won't disappoint, and her heart has nothing but forgiveness, after talking to her I felt this was worthy to comment about!!! Wish the whole world had as much love as this lady has in her heart!!!
- Pros: Good Food
- Cons: Just take the puppies home first, puppies will be puppies!!!
Amazing sandwiches and coffee
by chimmychimmycocoapops at Citysearch
Went here for the first time and tried the Turkey, Brie, Pear sandwich on wheat with Fig Honey Compote and a big cup of their house Viennese coffee.
The sandwich was absolutely fantastic. Without question the best in the neighborhood, which has limited dining options. The bread was perfectly toasted. The fillings were fresh and tasty... the saltiness of the cheese balanced the tart and sweetness of the figs and honey. Really blew me away the quality and craftsmanship, and that you would find that in such a small cafe.
The coffee was also a knockout. Smooth, rich, no bitter aftertaste or grounds. Free refills. I had three cups it was so good.
The people behind the counter were totally laid-back and friendly. Usually places like this suffer from overwhelmingly pretentious servers with L.A. attitude, but not this joint. I'd be back twice a week if a sandwich and coffee didn't set me back $12.
I wish they'd stay open until 9pm.
- Pros: Great house blend coffee
- Cons: Closes at 8pm.
The Details on Food Lab Cafe & Marketplace
Place Categories:
- amazing sandwiches
- absolutely delicious amazing assortment
- fresh fillings
- bad meal
- amazing food
- amazing staff
- favorite organic curried chicken
- incredible owners
- perfect portion
- love place
- much love wish
- bad experience
- bitter aftertaste
- amazing coffee
- overwhelmingly pretentious servers

