09/16/09

Great relaxed atmosphere

by kimberdiva

We had my friend's bridal shower here. It was a small group of us, just looking for good food and good atmosphere. This place had plenty of both. The staff were very good to us. The only thing that stops me from giving this place five stars is that the table we had was really too small for 8 people. Another small table added to the end would have been helpful. But other than that, everything was wonderful.

• Pros: Lovely garden terrace

05/22/09

Adorable little French place w/fabulous food, good service

by EngelaufUrlaub

Having read rave reviews about the brunch at this place, I'd always wanted to try it, especially since I live close by. When they started serving dinner, I thought this would be the ideal time to see whether their food was as good as touted, so I took my mother out to dinner. Definitely a good choice. I had the special of the day (a very rich, garlicky shrimp scampi over gnocchi, which was both unique and delicious) and my mother had the smoked salmon crepe, which she also enjoyed. The bread and beautifully arranged side salad were excellent and the piece de resistance was the dessert crepe, a huge strawberry-banana-nutella concoction. In addition to the yummy food, the service was very attentive and friendly (for you single ladies out there, the waiter is definitely eye candy, with an accent to die for) and the decor very cute. Another plus is that it's very easy to find and there is no shortage of parking on nearby side streets. Definitely a winner! (On a related note, Cafe Laurent sells bread at the Mar Vista farmer's market on Sundays -- the carrot-raisin-nut bread is out of this world, as is the hazelnut-raisin.)

• Pros: Terrific food, easy parking nearby

02/17/09

Transformative Experience

by Fasuyi

On my way to my office in Culver City I have passed this delightful restaurant for years; after having waited in line to obtain my unmemorable java and sugar ladden pastry (to go) from the well known coffee franchise located several blocks north. Curosity and tedium finally compelled me to stop at Cafe Laurant. I experienced my first, and consistently repeated, warm and sincere greeting from the French Manager that gives me the feeling that I am welcomed, as well as my patronage. For several months I enjoyed stopping here to purchase an espresso and fantastic pastries. Of special note are the uniquely delicious muffins (I often purchase enough of them to share with staff at my office, and they have become The favorites for them also). I like the ambience, the warm and attentive service and sitting at the cozy counter while my order is prepared to go. On a lark I choose to be seated for breakfast one day. I've tried numerous breakfast menu items and have never been disappointed. Everything is distinctly flavorful, harmoniously combined and presented with inviting flare. My favorite has become the eggs benedict with salmon which is served on tasty brioch and with sliced tomatos and potatos au gratin, fantastic! I decided that my consistently positive experience warranted visiting for lunch. As with the breakfast, the apparent use of fresh and healthy ingredients results in very tasty meals whichever items I choose from the menu. My favorite is the salmon and pear salad, tender mixed greens nestled in light distinct, but not overbearing, dressing. I am now a regular breakfast and lunch customer. I have come to welcome the opportunity to enjoy relaxing in this welcoming enviornment, and appreciate the pleasant and familiar service and friendly clientel who evidently agree with me. Eating at Cafe Laurent is an experience that has helped me to slow down and to linger over my meal and on my reflections rather than consume unmemorable food on the run.

• Pros: The manager who assures the high quality French experience
• Cons: The manager is not in charge of dinner (breakfast and lunch only)

11/20/08

Great for Breakfast or Brunch

by hunch

I enjoy walking up to Cafe Laurent for breakfast with the family. Food and service is always good.

• Pros: location, outdoor seating

10/27/08

Loved the Lamb chops and and the chiken with mashed potatoes

by Sami999

I have been to this resturant many times in the past for breakfast and lunch, but just tried it for dinner, they just opened. I have been there twice already and tried the Lamb chops and it was awasome done to perfection specially when I asked them to have it very well done since I don't like to see any redness on my meat. The last time I tried their half chiken with mashed potatoes and pasta, the chiken was really good, but what did it for me was the mashed potatos, it was garlicky yummm the way I like it, the salad served with it was good, but I had to ask them to put more dressing on it, it wasn't enough for me. I liked the patio table and the service was good, I'll definetly go back again

05/05/08

I'd give it 6 stars if I could

by bthiem

I've lived in Culver CIty for 10 years now, and for all that time Cafe Laurent has never let me down. The food is always excellent... the freshest ingredients and a clean natural cooking style that brings out the best flavors of each food. I'm surprised at all the complaints about the service. It looks like the main problem is, people are expecting to grab a quick breakfast and get along with their day. This is a place you are meant to enjoy. Sit and chat with your friends, eat a long brunch, enjoy the wonderful courtyard ambience, and I promise you will actually appreciate how the wait staff gives you time to spend a peaceful morning, much set apart from the hectic pace of city life.

My wife and I just had our wedding reception here. Private parties are highly recommended! They catered to our every needs, giving us very reasonable rates. All the guests raved about the food and the service. The chef even ran home to get more champagne glasses for us! If you're looking for a down to earth place that will pleasure your palate while reminding you that life is to be enjoyed, start making a habit of visiting Cafe Laurent. Cheers.

• Pros: Great food, good service, easy parking, outdoor dining, best breakfast spot
• Cons: I wish they were open for dinner... they make excellent main courses.

03/05/08

Good Food, Bad Service

by jimmy_woodwork

We came here for brunch on the weekend. There was some live music. We were seated right away. We liked our food. In fact, we were talking about what we'd order the next time we came. Definitely the eggs benedict with smoked salmon. But then we ran out of coffee. And they never brought any bread. And no one came by to check on us for a very long time. When the waitress finally did swing by my girlfriend, she sweetly said that I never got the muffin I ordered. The waitress seemed very miffed and said sarcastically, "I'm only human. Sometimes we forget things" and then stalked off. Umm, okay. No one ever accused you of being less than human. We just were hoping to get the things we ordered by politely reminding you since we recognize that you are only human and that sometimes humans forget things. She never returned. Someone else brought the muffin (which was quite tasty, by the way) and the check. And then they never returned. We ended up giving the bus boy our payment. He was very nice and unfortunately for him, he has to work with jerks.

• Pros: Good food
• Cons: No Service

12/07/07

Great Food and Service

by fynton

I love this little neighborhood bistro and have been a regular there for many years. The food and specials are terrific and the service very caring. Try a Croque Monsieur. It's delicious.

11/10/07

avoid weekends

by juzcherry

i really love this restaurant i guss the service and food

now that Laurent is not in the kitchen

has declined a bit but the benedicts are always good

the salad tasty

i honestly think Laurents omelets are great

i always make my own personal omelet.

i love his food maybe visit the farmers market thats where Laurent is now a days

the restaurant just gets really slamed go on a weekday you'll enjoy it!

• Pros: good food
• Cons: not so good service

09/11/07

Gives French Cafes a bad name! Don't waste your time and money!

by avitech7

I was just there today on 9/11/07. This place has the dirtiest eating areas you can imagine. They don't even wipe the tables with solvent for the germs, they just use plain tap water. There were flies everywhere! The short/bald white guy that was waiting tables was extreamly rude. Why can't I just order a Latte and a Crossant? Why should I feel obligated to order some big meal even if I'm not hungry? There was hardly anyone there at the time anyway. But When I told him that I just wanted to order those two things he flipped and lied to me. He said "That's fine because the kitchen just closed" and he had an evil streak in his face like the look of Satan. 2 minutes later a couple comes in and sits down with menues and orders a meal. Now how could anyone order a meal there if the kitchen just closed for the day?

The other things which I really hate about that place are the exuberantly high prices for food that is so hastily put together by underpaid mexican laborers. Like eating cardboard really.

There is no French cook!!!

Also I pass by this cafe all the time. They don't open their doors until 15 minutes after 8. Even though they are supposed to be opened by 8. How could they make any money selling coffee to office workers during the morning rush hour if they only open up at 8:15 but the workers need to be at work by 8 o' clock? They also close super early. By 2:45 they close their doors! How could they sell any coffee to office workers on their evening commute home during rush hour? Those are the times when cafes make most of their money is between the hours of 6am to 8 am. And from 3pm to 6pm. Right before they open and right after they close! How do they expect to remain competitive as a business?

Also the people that go to that cafe are extreamly stuck up. Wealthy people with lots of money who only care about themselves and nobody else. The worst atmosphere for anyone to go and unwind.

Don't waste your time and money!!

• Pros: NONE at all!
• Cons: Tastless Food, Nightmare service, Dirty restrooms, Dirty Dining area, Flies everywhere