Laurel Grill

Imagine crossing the sleek sophistication of a Hillstone restaurant with the warm, golden glow of a high-end spa, then adding a grand piano for good measure. That’s Laurel Grill in a nutshell. Nestled in Downtown Culver City—a neighborhood that’s evolved from quiet to culinarily ambitious—this gorgeous “neighborhood grill” fills a gap the area has been waiting for since classic Hollywood days.

The wood-fired kitchen is where Laurel Grill really shines. Start with the hot bread, essentially gussied-up hot pockets made from chewy pizza dough and stuffed with gooey, pull-worthy mozzarella. From there, the hearth delivers standouts like the prime ribeye, seasoned just right and served with black garlic butter, and baby back ribs that somehow manage to be fall-off-the-bone tender while still carrying that essential char and smoke. The salmon ceviche makes for a bright, refreshing opener, and the Asian chicken salad offers unexpected depth thanks to chunks of smoky rotisserie chicken.

This is the kind of place where studio executives can close deals, couples can enjoy a double date in plush booths, and families can celebrate milestones without anyone feeling out of place. The pace here is relaxed—you’re meant to linger, let the pianist provide ambiance, then maybe cap things off with an Old Fashioned by the patio fire pits.

If your group chat is full of friends who default to ordering burgers everywhere but still want a polished dining experience, Laurel Grill is the perfect suggestion. It won’t surprise you with avant-garde dishes, but it will deliver exactly what you came for: great steaks, solid sides, and a setting that makes dinner feel like an occasion.