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ZipPicks Awards
Best Luxury Dining French in Culver City
Best Instagram Worthy Brunch in Culver City
Best Instagram Worthy French in Culver City
Best Breakfast in Culver City
Best French in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Simonette
7.9
All-day French café and bistro inside Palihotel Culver City reimagining a 1920s boarding house with a charming courtyard. The menu delivers approachable French-American classics from morning croissants through evening beef bourguignon in an unpretentious, light-strung setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Frites, French Onion Soup, Dijon Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Hidden courtyard setting with tree growing inside creates magical garden atmosphere
Who should go: Hotel guests, locals seeking approachable French fare, happy hour hunters
When to visit: Monday all-night happy hour, weekend brunch in the courtyard
What to order: Half-priced burgers during happy hour, beef bourguignon, clams Simonette
Insider tip: Happy hour runs 3-6pm weekdays with $8 wines and $12 cocktails, all night Mondays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easy before 6pm. Hotel valet available $15 for non-guests. Paid lot across street $8 flat rate after 5pm.
Dress code: Casually chic - nice jeans and button-down works, but courtyard atmosphere invites sundresses and linen. Avoid gym wear.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - courtyard absorbs sound beautifully, indoor dining room can get lively during happy hour but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, courtyard tables book fastest
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes, peak rush 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 options including ratatouille, mushroom omelette, seasonal vegetable tart. French cuisine leans butter-heavy but accommodating.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options (salads, vegetable sides). Call ahead for modifications. Not a vegan-first menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - several protein dishes naturally GF, can modify some items. No dedicated prep area but kitchen is careful with cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The courtyard creates intimate atmosphere without being stuffy, prices won't terrify anyone ($18-32 mains), and conversation flows easily. Request courtyard seating when booking. Skip Monday happy hour - too casual for romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinners absolutely need reservations - courtyard fills by 11am weekends. Bar seating available walk-in for full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes for French dining. Courtyard setting gives kids space, brunch has scrambled eggs and pastries, staff is welcoming. Best for ages 6+ who can sit through a meal. Avoid peak dinner service if kids are restless.
How's the happy hour compared to other Culver City spots? Superior value - $8 wines and $12 cocktails beat most Downtown Culver competition, half-price burgers are legitimately good. Monday all-night happy hour is the move. More sophisticated vibe than sports bars, less pretentious than Platform spots.
Is the courtyard heated for evening dining? Yes - heat lamps and blankets provided. Courtyard open year-round but most magical spring through fall. Winter evenings can be chilly despite heating, request indoor table if you run cold.
Best For
Better for: Romantic ambiance without stuffiness, all-day dining flexibility (breakfast through dinner), happy hour value, hotel-adjacent convenience for out-of-towners, European café vibe without pretension
Skip if: You want bold innovative French (this is classic bistro comfort), need extensive vegan options, seeking scene-y energy (this is relaxed), want authentic Parisian formality, or need validated parking
Hours
Monday7am - 9pm
Tuesday7am - 9pm
Wednesday7am - 9pm
Thursday7am - 10pm
Friday7am - 10pm
Saturday7am - 10pm
Sunday7am - 9pm