Margot

Margot's location—high on the rooftop of Culver City's Platform complex—might be the restaurant's main draw, but it's also nice to see that it serves a decent meal. Chef Michael Williams' menu isn't exactly ambitious, but with a few exceptions, it's appropriately targeted at its trendy clientele and mostly succeeds in providing well-executed and well-sourced dishes to large crowds. Brunch was the most enjoyable of their two visits; there aren't many better places in town for a few pleasant hours day-drinking with friends. A crudo of kampachi ($19) with pickled mustard seed, horseradish, and dill was balanced with just enough accompaniments to complement, rather than overpower, the fattiness of the fish. The wild arugula salad ($16) with hazelnut vinaigrette, baby beets, citrus, and manchego was a standout, with the peppery arugula complementing the texture of the hazelnuts and the saltiness of the Spanish sheep's cheese.

The larger brunch courses are mostly classics, but they are prepared with care and attention that is often lacking in this underappreciated meal: Fried chicken with Calabrian honey ($24) was perfectly coated and begged to be dipped into the small dish of spicy-sweet honey. Porchetta Benedict ($17) was a fun twist on a classic, but I wish the pork had retained a bit of cracklin' to add texture to what was otherwise a soft dish. The American-wagyu steak and eggs ($32) were noteworthy not only for the perfectly cooked steak or the two glistening yolks of perfectly prepared eggs, but also for an addictive side of crisp roasted fingerling potatoes that would send anyone's Keto diet to hell in a handbasket. These are also available separately as patatas bravas ($13), which would go well with a cocktail.

Location: 8820 Washington BlvdCulver City90232

Contact: 310-643-5853

Opening hours:Daily 11am-2am

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Website: www.margot.la