Literati Cafe

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12081 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1201
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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(310) 231-7484
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Literati Cafe - Los Angeles, CA
Literati Cafe - Los Angeles, CA
Reviews
( 39 )
( 19 )
( 12 )
( 6 )
( 10 )

Best

Once you walk in Literati it feels like you are anywhere but on wilshire. There is such a cozy atmosphere, and great bookish feel to the whole place that you can't resist staying ...

Worst

I really thought the first time I went to the Literati that the BLT was one of the best I'd had. It was a WEEKDAY in the mid day and they weren't slammed. The next time we patro...

User review by rovingfoodie 6/21/2005

My husband and I have visited the Lit2 (as we now call it) so many times since opening, I think we're officially ""regulars"". I've met the owners and the chef, and they are truly people out to please. The literary theme is consistent, not only in the decor, but in the artful, rolling menu and the creative specialty drink menu. Chef Chris combines flavors and ingredients like a virtuoso. The menu changes slightly every day, but you'll find a favorite every time you visit. The scene provides interest from the almost-liquid floor below to the glowing diamond-plate lights above, very comfortable. My only warning...Although you may not have room for dessert, order it anyway. It would be a crime to miss out on the Carpe Diem chocolate Cake (7 different chocolates) or the lighter-than-air Meyer Lemon Tart (deep-fried lemon slices?!!?). This place will re-write LA Dining. more
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LA's got a new superstar on the restaurant scene. 6/21/2005

We arrived for dinner friday night after the LA Times restaurant review called the Literati II, ""A Breakout Hangout"". We weren't disappointed. Our drinks came out hand-delivered by the prettiest bartender I've ever seen, a creative dynamo who muddles fresh organic fruit into tres generaciones tequila. outstanding! The decor keeps your eyes wandering around the room in awe. The warm wood against the cool stone and the funky lighting everywhere keeps you cozy and grounded. And then there's the food...I started with the shaved cauliflour salad and then a Kansas City steak cooked on the wood-fired grill. I thought i was in heaven until the carrot cake landed on the table. Then it was ""goodnight irene"". The best part of the evening was the final tab. It made me feel extra-good about going out that night, and makes me want to return again and again. Pros: outstanding service, food/drink, decor more
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Unremarkable Food and Rude Staff 6/21/2005

I am an attorney who works a block away. We were seated in the outdoor patio. When I went indoors to ask the hostess where the restroom was, she told me that ""there are no public restrooms here."" This was extremely offensive. I told her that I am dining right outside. I also told her that she was rude. There were many people sitting outside in the patio area. I was dressed appropriately for a spring/summer night. To make matters worse, the hostess attempted the most insincere apology I have ever heard. She told me that I am ""cuter and younger"" than most of the customers who eat there. So diners beware - if you are cute and/or young - Literati II does not want your business. Only old ugly farts should dine here. I will never go back and will not recommend it to anyone I like. more
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Brentwood has come alive!! 6/20/2005

When i found out the folks at literati cafe were expanding to add a full-service version, i knew it would be great, but the newly opened literati 2 is absolutely outstanding. i've been there for many lunches now and quite a few dinners. i can't believe the value i get considering the quality of the food, the beautiful presentation, and the top-notch service. our drinks are made from the finest stock available, the wines are selected from a list inspired by the gods, and the staff is always right there keeping our experience pristine and seamless. my guests are always impressed, and i'd gladly pay double the ticket for the good times we consistently have. brentwood should be proud! Pros: choice beef/fish, creative salads, premium drinks more
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Worst Dining Experience Ever in Los Angeles 6/20/2005

As a frequent diner in LA, Literati II was the worst dinner I have ever had. The food was overpriced and sub-par and the wine list was a complete let-down. The service, however, was even more terrible. Our hostess didn't even seat us, she simply pointed a finger in the direction of our table. Following this, we waited 20 minutes for menus, another 20 minutes to order, and an hour and a half to get our food. Literati II's poor respect for its customers and cuisine make it one of the worst restaurants in all of LA. Do not go here. Cons: Food, Service, Wine List more
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Literati II- ""Best meal in 5 years!"" 6/19/2005

I can't decide which aspect of this new restaurant i like best. The decor was cozy, inviting and unusual. The service was prompt, professional and always with a smile. The drinks were all top-shelf and creative. But i guess the food rules the day! The chef uses combinations of flavors you wouldn't normally expect, but the final result just dances on your tongue. I treated my relatives to a dinner last week, and my brother professed that it was the best meal he'd had in 5 years. Bravo!! Pros: Creativity, Flavors, Service more
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Horrible Service, Mediocre Food 6/19/2005

The service was horrible. It took 10 minutes to get our water; 40 minutes for our appetizers to arrive; and over 1 hour to get our entrees (even though the waitress kept telling us everything was on the way). When my friend asked the hostess where the restrooms were, she was told that the restrooms were ""not public."" The hostess erroneously assumed she had just walked in off the street to use their restrooms. She later insincerely apologized for her mistake, telling my friend that she didn't look like on of their normal customers because she was ""younger and cuter."" The waitress was very unfriendly and rarely came to check on us. Our experience could have been salvaged if the food had been good, but it was just mediocre. Perhaps the horrible service soured our taste buds, but we aren't willing to give this restaurant another chance. Pros: Patio Cons: Service more
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The LA Times was right! A+ 6/19/2005

After watching the corner of Wilshire and Bundy being transofrmed over the last year, i couldn't wait to try to the new addition to my favorite Literati Cafe, next door. The Literati II amazed me from the minute io walked in. Warm birch decor, unique lighting, mystifying floor and subtle outrageousness abound. i was immediately given a bright smile from the beautiful hostess, and then treated to a burst of La Brea bread and homemade crackers as soon as i sat down. a great way to start. The artful presentation was consumed by the freshness and flavor of the dishes. The chef's experience is evidenced by the thoughtful composition and blend of flavors. I'm not sorry to say i've been back way too often and i'm never disappointed. Nice Job, Literati! Pros: CHEF, Premium Bar, Cozy Decor more
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My new favorite Place! 6/19/2005

I am a regular at the literati cafe next door, and was one of the first people to dine at the new Literati II when they opened in april. I was amazed at the decor and delighted by the flavors of both the drinks and, of course, the great food. I heard the chef comes from campanile on la brea, and i'm glad he moved to brentwood to spoil us here. his dishes are creative, unusual, wonderfully fresh and reasonably priced considering the high-quality of ingredients. I am now a regular there for lunch and dinner, and the staff always greets us with a big smile. we're in love! Pros: great food, drinks, decor more
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User review by ayk9 6/16/2005

6:20-- call to ask if I can get a table for two. rude hostess curtly responds no but if i walk in the wait should be about 30 minutes. 6:30--walk in to put name down for 2 and rude hostesses unapologetically tell me that wait will be 40 minutes. (tables are 85% empty) 8:00--after having a few grossly overpriced drinks at bar, approach hostess about my table and she suggests that i come back at 9:00. (tables are 30% empty) 8:01--left restaurant utterly horrified by the service and incompetence of staff. more
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Go before a reservation is impossible to get 4/8/2005

We really enjoyed the dinner. The service was impeccable. The food was prepared perfectly. I am very picky when it comes to dinning out. I could find no flaws. I would recommend going. I will be back. Pros: good parking, friendly staff, wine friendly more
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Best little place in Brentwood 3/7/2005

I love coming here - the best breakfast/brunch/coffeehouse in Brentwood. Food is always excellent - try the turkey asparagus sandwich or any of the breakfast items. Great place for people watching too - many celebs make it here. Very crowded on Sunday afternoons - so pick another time. more
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Best Coffee in town 10/28/2004

I've gone to Literati Cafe probably 10 times in the past two weeks! I used to be there all the time when I was in school but when I got a full time job, I could only go on the weekends. Nowadays, I have a little more flexibility, so I go to the cafe for breakfast and the paper in the morning and a few times my co-workers and I have stopped by for lunch. I love Literati II too! But I just love the buzz of the cafe, organic coffee, and delicious food. Plus the new manager is awesome and the place is better than ever. Pros: Non-fat Vanilla Latte, Turk/Asparagus Affair, Eggs Benedict Cons: Sometimes it's really busy more
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Musical Tables??? 7/16/2004

I have been going to Literati since 2 years ago. In the early days, the food and service were much better. One evening in May 2004, I went there with my roommate and grabbed a table with a sign, ""reserved for 3 or more people."" A server rudely demanded that we move since there were only two of us. We told him that someone else is joining us. Ten minutes later, he forced us to move to a small table (barely able to hold our food) even though we told him our friend was trying to find parking. When our friend arrived two minutes later, the server just looked at us like ""too bad."" A neighboring table overheard and said that they get chased around all the time. The same server said that since they know each other, they couldn't sit at separate tables and must always sit together. Pros: organic food, good lighting Cons: , crowded sometimes, mediocre food more
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No Better in LA 6/17/2004

I've been frequenting the literati cafe for about two years now, and cannot get enough of several things: the nonfat latte...the turkey asparagus affair sandwich...the giant (over a 1/4 pound?!?)chocolate chip cookie ...and ofcourse...the UCLA girls everywhere. my only complaint is sometimes it's so packed that you have to sit nearly shoulder to shoulder with all those lovely girls. DARN!! i think i may be in love..uh...with the cafe, ofcourse! Pros: healthy, but savory, organic coffee, people watching Cons: , addictive coffee, addictive ambience more
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Home away from home 6/16/2004

Wow, what an amazing place. This is a great place to read a newspaper, study, and have great organic food. I was taken by surprise when I first walked in. The atmosphere was stimulating. It made me feel like I was at home. I felt really comforterable. I highly recommend ordering the Pesto Sandwich. They have some of the best brewed coffees in town. I use to go to Starbucks, but after experiencing Literati, I now see that there is no other place to go. If you are ever in the Brentwood area, go check out Literati. You'll never be disappointed! Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Inspiring Atmosphere Cons: , Closes at 11pm more
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This is our neighborhood favorite. 6/15/2004

If you are a Brentwood local, this is the place. Literati has a great eclectic menu, from pancakes to vegan soups, from quesadillas with rock shrimp to pesto chicken sandwiches, it is always an amuse bouche for a value price. And the decor is so relaxing and inspiring - and the crowd is all locals. If you love great coffee and a place that can be your living room like you always wanted (away from home) this is the place. Oh - and rubbing shoulders with Michelle Pfeifer and Christian Slater ain't bad either... :) Pros: Healthy eats, Great music & decor, Value Priced more
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They've discovered my secret!!! 5/6/2004

You know when you find a place that you and your friends love, but no one else has caught onto it yet? You get the pleasure of surprising people who have never yet been there, and the afterglow and gloating once they become hooked...Literati was my place for this. But it's a secret no more. In the last week, I've seen Reese Witherspoon, Billy Baldwin, Christian Slater, and the Olsen twins. It's still my favorite place - but it's just not a secret anymore. At least I found it first!!! SO THERE! Pros: #1 Ambiance in LA, Value, Eclectic menu Cons: , Papparazzi, not open 24 hours more
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Mixed Bag 10/10/2003

I live right by this cafe and visit it regularly at various time of the day. Overall, my opinion of Literati is quite mixed. I do like the ambiance, the large tables, the location, and the staff is friendly and likeable. What I have consistently been dissapointed in is the food, particularly the prepared breakfast/brunch foods. This may have something to do with their health-conscious orientation, but frankly their French toast was unedible. Their omelettes are only average and lack flavor, but I give high marks to their cereal and bagels. Finally, with respect to coffee, it is a little better than the food. The selections are not spectacular (though I have not tried everything), but just adequate. The teas are a little better. Overall, depending on how important food is to you, this place is a mixed bag. Pros: atmosphere, friendly staff Cons: very busy at times, lackluster food, inattentive service more
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Great value, worth a wait 10/7/2003

Perahps the best value for the $$$ in Brentwood. It can get crowded with the laptop set (of which I am one), and the parking is inadequate. It closes early for this kind of hangout (midnight on Fri-Sat, 11 pm weekdays). Favorites: rosemary risotto with chicken, espresso Pros: Great value, Rosemary risotto, Espresso Cons: Inadequate parking, Gets crowded, Closes early more
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Menu for Literati Cafe


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    High ceilings and exposed brick walls plastered with black-and-white photos of literary heroes lend this coffeehouse an airy, industrial look. Lunch draws a chatty business...

  • 8/14/2003 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: M-F 7am-11pm, Sat/Sun 8am-11pm
  • Payments: American Express, Master Card, Discover, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: West Los Angeles, West LA
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