Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Lunch and date spots in Downtown

A midday date requires a specific kind of energy, and you need a place that handles lunch with the same care as dinner.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Merka Saltao - Peruvian Bowls & Burritos image 1
Merka Saltao - Peruvian Bowls & Burritos image 2
Merka Saltao - Peruvian Bowls & Burritos image 3
View all

Restaurant offers playful decor with llamas and a clean indoor and outdoor seating area. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with a fast casual vibe. Crowd enjoys authentic Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients and affordable prices.

Offers a quick lunch option with a focus on healthy dishes. Popular for both lunch and early dinner in a downtown setting.

Flavors stand out with steak bowls and burritos that come with sauces like green sauce and avocado lime ranch. Sharing dishes works well for a casual date experience.

People are saying

"This food's lomo saltado is flavorful and tender."

"The food here is incredible; I loved the flavorful dishes."

"This Lunch Spot's food is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices for dishes range from $15 to $20, with some items considered overpriced.

2

Portion sizes are smaller than expected, especially for the $18 Lomo Saltado.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan-friendly options on the menu.

02
The Brothers Sushi Culver City image 1

Small sushi restaurant with intimate seating facing sushi chefs and a small bar at the entrance. Atmosphere is lowkey and authentic with low lighting and simple decor. Known for high-quality sushi and excellent sake, it offers a quiet, focused dining experience.

Lunch specials include a Lunch Sashimi set that stands out for its quality. The menu offers a variety of options that make for a great lunch experience.

Omakase offers a shared experience that suits special occasions. Multiple visits for birthdays show it fits well for celebratory dates.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is super fresh and mouthwatering."

"The Lunch Spot's fish is super fresh and high quality."

"I thought the sushi here was some of the best I'd ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated in the Trader Joeโ€™s garage for customers.

2

Lunch meals are considerably less expensive than dinner options.

3

Expect to pay around $600 for five people, including tip.

03
MENSHO TOKYO image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy dining venue with indoor and outdoor seating and minimalist Japanese design creates a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Music adds a quiet storm jazz vibe, making it a chill spot for solo dinners or casual gatherings. Space feels comfortable and refined, offering a more elevated ramen experience than typical shops.

Lunch offers a Toripaitan ramen and a W Chashu Ramen with wagyu. The menu differs from dinner and holds up well during midday.

Elevated decor creates a suitable atmosphere for date night. The setting feels intimate and welcoming, making it a solid choice for couples.

People are saying

"I considered this the best ramen I ever had."

"The ramen here is phenomenal, rich, and flavorful for date spots."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $7 for the first hour and $1 for every 30 minutes afterward.

2

Expect long wait times during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a limited but affordable lunch menu.

04
esme image 1
Restaurant

Cozy space with minimalist design and intimate atmosphere offers a quiet setting for dining. The vibe blends stylish decor with a sense of community, featuring fresh, organic food and eclectic flavors. Lighting and music create a pleasant mood, making it suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Offers a quiet, intimate setting ideal for lunch. Serves a menu suited for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a consistent appeal for midday meals.

Cozy atmosphere suits date night or casual breakfast. Works well for both special occasions and relaxed hangouts.

People are saying

"The dinner dishes here are beautiful and delicious."

"The food at these Date Spots is delicious and incredible."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is insanely flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

The cafรฉ does not offer coffee to go, only dine-in service.

3

Expect larger protein portions than average for the price.

05
Arth Bar & Kitchen - Indian Restaurant in Culver City ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ image 1

Modern Indian restaurant blends lounge and sports bar vibe with heated outdoor patio and live performances. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for casual meals or special nights. Menu offers authentic dishes alongside innovative cocktails and vegetarian options.

Lunch comes with garlic naan that pairs well with the meal. Portions of naan feel generous enough to eat more than the lunch special includes.

Upscale yet casual vibe fits both chill nights and date nights. Atmosphere balances elegance with comfort for relaxed celebrations.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great, with creative and flavorful fusion dishes."

"The Date Spots here have flavorful chicken tikka and paneer masala."

"The garlic naan at this Lunch Spot is perfect."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right across the street in the public parking space.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off appetizers during the afternoon.

3

The restaurant is open late on Friday evenings.

06
Velvet Lounge image 1

Indoor bar and outdoor patio offer chill spots with live jazz performances creating a beautiful, elegant atmosphere. Outdoor garden area invites relaxation with birds singing overhead and a gentle breeze. Music volume varies, sometimes making conversation difficult during performances.

Outdoor seating includes a couch for lunch. The lunch menu offers very few options.

A spot with a lingering vibe that suits a first date or casual night out. Offers good food and drinks that fit a relaxed, enjoyable evening.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating here is so relaxing in the sunshine and breeze."

"The food here is incredible, especially the French onion soup."

"You have to try the croquets; they're delicious deep-fried potato balls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Live jazz performances happen every Wednesday evening, starting at 8pm.

3

High tea is a prepaid event with no refunds; adjustments require a phone call.

07
Sweet Wheat image 1

Spacious bakery with classic French design and an inviting outdoor patio featuring authentic tables and chairs. Warm, high-end atmosphere blends coziness with friendliness, making it suitable for meet-ups and work. Known for beautifully presented pastries and a vibe reminiscent of a French cafรฉ.

Lunch offers a great vibe and a spot for a long meal or quick coffee. It gets busier around lunch hours but remains a solid choice for midday dining.

Pairs can enjoy fresh baguettes and sourdough country loaves regularly. Options like chicken pesto sandwiches, pain au chocolat, and apricot tartlets complement hot lattes for a cozy date.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are phenomenal, made with real food."

"The sandwiches at this Lunch Spot taste like France."

"The food here is amazing for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Sweet Wheat opens at 6:30am, perfect for early meetings.

2

The bakery offers a buy 3 get 1 free promotion on pastries.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

08
Ugo image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio offers al fresco seating with live guitar music on weekends, creating a lively and casual atmosphere. The space feels like a European cafe in a busy city center, ideal for people watching and unwinding. Indoor bar seating contrasts with the patio, providing a different vibe that suits a lounge setting at night.

Food, service, and atmosphere create a fitting setting for special lunches. The cappuccino stands out, crafted by a bartender who works during lunch hours. Outdoor dining is less recommended for lunch.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and pizza, is delicious."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly cooked for Date Spots."

"This is a great Lunch Spot for Neapolitan style pizza."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made easily through Resy, but expect outdoor seating.

2

Street parking is challenging; use the nearby Culver City parking structure.

3

Happy Hour offers excellent prices on drinks and appetizers.

Discover more

Downtown, Culver City

Area guide
Loading Map...