Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Culver City

First thing we noticed was how the music set the tone (literally) for the night. We were greeted by the awesome sounds of a great playlist that seemed to fit the theme of a classic throwback restaurant (I’m not sure if I can explain what I mean, something about the ambiance took me back to when my family and I would make a big event about eating a fancy dinner). Anyways, my husband and I decided to look at the menu days in advance, but we couldn’t help but want everything. What we ended up choosing was: Calamari Frites, Kale Caesar Salad, Mushroom Scallops, Grilled Lion’s Mane Steak, and Eggplant Shortrib. And yes, the calamari was AMAZING. We couldn’t believe that it wasn’t real calamari. We just had to ask our server and she revealed to us that it was oyster mushrooms (yeah that makes sense, it has a great texture). The Caesar salad is sort of misleading because it doesn’t look like a big serving, but it’s very filling. The eggplant shortrib and the grilled lion’s mane steak came out, and my husband looked delighted and confused. “Wait this can’t be plant-based, can it?” The steak was delicious. The shortrib was good, but we preferred the steak for sure. We’ll be definitely be coming back to try more of the menu. Our next treat: the pizzas hopefully.

New Years Day and we wanted some place that we knew would be fantastic, so where else but Gjelina? It was busy but the hosts and servers were unfailingly polite. We ordered 6 things from the menu. My wife's vegan so she had the vegetable sandwich (she had to fight me for it, it was so good). Brussel sprouts, grilled fennel, and the frites were all great. My son and I split the anchovy and burrata toast - a first for me - and it's my new favorite. Finished with the excellent pomodoro pizza - no cheese and none needed, because the jammy tomato confit is the star of the dish. I love this place. It never lets me down. Happy 2025!

We have been to three different Bacari locations throughout the years and have really enjoyed them. This one was equally as good, if not better. My husband and I had a late lunch there and it did not disappoint. We had the gem salad, lentil stew, braised beef cheeks, and the pear & brie pizza. All were delicious! We look forward to going back soon as there were so many other items on the menu that we want to have. The wine was good and so was the service. The only note I would have is - I did not enjoy the background music. Like at all. I don’t think it went with the Bacari vibe, nor this particular location. But that’s just my personal opinion. Other than that, great experience!

Very great experience dining here! I usually come here when it’s super packed but luckily the day I went (and the time) it was not packed at all. With it being less busy, the ambiance was nice and quiet. I was able to hear my conversations. The food was amazing!! The Sweet Corn Agnolotti was very good but lacked a sufficient amount for how much the dish is. The Spicy Pomodoro was amazing!! One of my favorites here and for the amount of pasta it has, it is worth your money. I was not expecting to like the Banana Tiramisu but I enjoyed it so much! I wish I got two but I ended up getting so full haha. Overall 9/10 experience!

We had a very nice dinner pre show at Pacific Resident Theatre. Service and food was great and it was a very nice environment to catch up with friends.