ESME

I came here for dinner with two friends, and we had an absolutely fantastic experience! The service was impeccable and incredibly warm--our server went above and beyond with thoughtful wine suggestions and spot-on recommendations for every course. Each dish was a delight, and we couldn't stop marveling at how perfect her choices were. Though we were the only group in the restaurant, it didn't bother us one bit. The atmosphere felt intimate and relaxed, and we loved being able to savor every moment without feeling rushed. It was the perfect setting to enjoy great food and even better company. The portions were generous, the flavors were outstanding, and the prices were more than reasonable, especially considering the quality. We had so much fun sharing and sampling everything on the table! I'm already looking forward to coming back the next time I'm in the area. If only Esmé were in San Diego--it would definitely be my go-to spot!" Key favorites: the sourdough bread, the orange wine, the roasted chicken! But honestly we had so many dishes we loved them all.

After hiking around the Baldwin Hills Overlook, I was hungry and decided to head over to Culver City.Thanks to Yelp, I found Esme which seemed like something that would work.Well?I arrived on the early side for lunch and it wasn't busy. I thought it was more of a sit down restaurant with wait staff, but it's an order at the counter and take a seat kinda place (which was fine). Ambiance is basic, nothing fancy but it's clean and bright.As I approached the counter, I informed the order taker I had never been to Esme and was curious to know what they were "known for?" Here's where things got super lame...He replied, "Huh? What? Here's our menu." (Thinking) Bro, I can read. I replied, "Can you tell me what's popular here? Customer favorites? How about the Merquez sandwich?"Order taker: "Uh, yeah. The Merguez sandwich."Nevermind.My wife and I ordered, then sat down. The food arrive in a reasonable amount of time and was presented nicely (see photos).I liked our meal - good food and decent portions. Not cheap but about par for what things cost these days.Would I return? Maybe. Would I recommend? Maybe.A more inspired person at the counter may have helped a bit but I'm not complaining and I wasn't offended. Just not super "with it" or enthusiastic about the impending experience I was trying to enjoy.3.75 - 4 stars

Wow such delicious stuff that you can taste the heart that goes into it. Ivan Chef owner has created a quaint place that shines with fresh fare and flavor. This place is a literal hole in the wall surrounded by other places that are not as good as Esme is. The heart he puts into his food you can taste. He is a wonder with Lamb and veg. His hand made merguez lunch sandwich wow. He also sources chicken so that is again just fresh and clean and then aged for a couple of days. Yummy!His staff are kind and sweet and know how to make a good latte or espresso drink of your choice. Come bring a couple friends and try share a few plates and see.

Great service from the moment you enter the restaurant! I will definitely be coming back!

I came here on a Saturday afternoon by myself and ended up spending a couple hours just enjoying my meal and reading.It was not crowded AT ALL, and there were actually a couple people on their on laptops so it felt like a calm place to come to get work done or simply to chill and read and I did the latter. I got the grilled chicken sando and a non-alcoholic blackberry fizz drink. I really enjoyed the salad that came with the sandwich, the dressing on it was very refreshing and it was the exact leafy green I felt like I was needing. The sandwich was really good as well. I didn't love the caramelized onions on it, only because I usually find caramelized onions to have too much of a burnt taste. The chicken on the sandwich was nicely grilled and I liked the leafy greens and dressing added to the top of the sandwich as well!The interior of the restaurant was very cute and cozy. I lovedddd the music they were playing, it just felt like such a great place to relax - I think I'd come back here to wfh sometime since the vibes were so immaculate For a drink and sandwich + salad, it cost me about $31 including tip so a little bit on the pricer end considering the meal itself was pretty basic. It's in Downtown Culver so super easy to walk to and there are parking garages around for easy parking too.

My friend picked Esme for a weekday brunch while she was in town. I'd seen that it was newly opened in Culver City and had been pretty interested in visiting. We came on a Thursday around 12 pm and the restaurant had several diners inside already eating. They operate on a pay-first model so we ordered and paid first at the counter before sitting down to eat.The staff member at the counter was very friendly and efficient. Ambiance here is minimal and chic. My friend got the chilaquiles and I had the shakshuka. Both were good but neither were amazing. I might try Esme again if I need to be in the area but am not rushing back.

Came for a cozy Saturday night dinner! The inside of the restaurant is so lovely and would be perfect for a date night or small group. However, the indoor seating can get a bit loud if there are more guests and the music is going. We've been meaning to try ESME since we always walk past it and it did not disappoint! Our sides came out first and the grilled cabbage is a must. The roasted potatoes are crispy with a subtle flavor that keeps you wanting more. We both agreed that the pork chop was our favorite bite compared to the stripe bass, but the striped bass was cooked perfectly with the skin being crispy without drying out the fish. Although our sides came first, the entrees would have been good with a grain or other side to help balance out the savory/salty flavors.We came after 7 on Saturday night and could see that the service was a little slower as there was only one server and what appeared to be one chef. But if you're in good company and have a glass of wine, then everything at ESME is definitely worth the wait! We'll definitely come back to try the brunch and bring others for dinner.

My friend and I came to grab some coffee and pastries here after lunch. The store is really cute, it had seating inside and out. Since it was a nice day out, we opted to sit outside. I got the Esme drink, which was essentially a blackberry coffee drink with orange-infused oat milk. It sounded so intriguing so I had to try it and it wasn't bad! The blackberry and orange-infused milk was really subtle, so it tasted like a fruity coffee drink. I also got their cardamon bun. It was a bit dry and not too fluffy. My friend got their chocolate chip banana bread, which was good but wasn't the best we've ever had. Overall, this place was nice to check out and hang out at. The service was good and quick, and the location was great, as it's in the heart of downtown Culver.

Ambiance: it's a cozy brunch place located in culver downtown, narrow dining room inside and two bench seats outside the entranceService: super friendly staff here, you place the order at the counter and they will bring it to your tableFood & Drink: very simple menu for food, more options for drinks shakshuka - **** eggs, labneh, barbari bread, bold acid taste, recommend merguez sandwich - ***** house-made lamb sausage on barbari bread, harissa aoili, pickled onion, side of fries, crispy and layers of flavors, highly recommend mocha - **** creamy taste, recommendPrice: moderate prices and reasonable prices, about $25~$30 per person

I came here for breakfast on a weekend and it wasn't too busy and the staff was really nice! The egg sandwich was just okay as well as the shakshouka. I think they could have the been a little more flavorful especially for the price.