Lodge Bread

Tucked away in an unassuming stretch of Culver City surrounded by auto shops, Lodge Bread defies expectations at every turn. What began as a modest daytime bakery has evolved into an all-day destination that draws crowds from across Los Angeles. The concept remains refreshingly straightforward: exceptional, unpretentious food built around some of the best bread you’ll find anywhere in the city.

The wood-fired oven anchoring the corner of the space is the heart of Lodge’s operation. The pizzas that emerge from it are nothing short of essential—soft, chewy, sourdough-kissed rounds with ever-changing toppings. The white pizzas steal the show, particularly the four cheese and mushroom varieties, though even a slightly soggy margherita somehow manages to satisfy. Beyond pizza, the romanesco salad is an obsession-inducing dish, and the hummus with fresh pita elevates the familiar into something genuinely memorable.

Then there’s the cinnamon bun—a towering, baby-sized monument to excess that practically demands attention from nearby tables. It’s the kind of thing that makes strangers approach asking for photos. The sprouted rye toast piled with cured fish and pickled vegetables represents the kitchen’s range, while shakshuka offers a warming, egg-centric breakfast option with just enough spice.

Lodge works best when you surrender to its casual, order-at-the-counter energy. It’s not the spot for a formal date night or impressing relatives who fear carbohydrates, but for anyone seeking genuinely satisfying food in a low-key setting, this bakery-turned-restaurant delivers. Come once and you’ll find yourself inventing reasons to return—those cinnamon rolls have a way of infiltrating your thoughts long after the last bite.