Surfas Culinary District is a haven for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs like me. Upon entering, I was captivated by the vibrant assortment of culinary treasures that lay before me. This store has impressive array of unique ingredients and top-notch kitchen tools, making it a paradise for those eager to experiment with flavors and enhance their culinary skills.What truly sets Surfas apart is its welcoming atmosphere that caters to all levels of expertise. Whether you're an experienced chef or a curious home cook, the store's ambiance invites you to explore and discover. After a thorough exploration, I decided to indulge in the Lamb burger at Surfas café. Surfas Cafe harnesses a harmonious blend of cozy ambiance, reasonable pricing, and flavorful offerings. Surfas manages to strike the perfect balance between atmosphere, cost, and taste, making it a standout destination. and ... there is no problem parking there even if its off of Washington Ave. Not a problem at all
Mike F.
THANK YOU! The only place I was able to find fresh yeast. I also picked up a few cambros. Super friendly and helpful staff. THANK YOU!!
Sami G.
I love this store and buy my top grade vanilla here. And my cupcake papers and noodles. Gift buying from here is special also. Give it a go and eat at the restaurant. It's wonderful.
Teagan T.
I freakin' LOVE Surfas. But they are so pricey and I am so stupid poor. Whatever, I'll just live vicariously through my own imagination. Tried their little cafe. It was nice. All the sandwiches I guess are premade and heated up after. But I just want one of everything here if only I had the space to keep stuff or the energy to complete just one task.
Anita M.
The business has their own little parking lot, which is very convenient. The store has a warehouse feel to it with food goods in one side and restaurant supply and cookware on the other side. They stock some unusual items but not much cheese variety and I didn't find the prices outstanding but fair.
Bryson L.
What a gem this place is! This place has so much to offer. I love the unique ingredients and goods you can find here that you really wouldn't find elsewhere around LA. I spent so much time just looking at all the different products. I ended up leaving with quite a bit, but it was worth every penny. I'd also recommend stopping here for a bite as well. I tried the lamb burger (which was a special on the menu) and it was so perfect. Very juicy with just the right amount of gaminess you'd expect from lamb. It came with a side of pan-fried seasoned potatoes which were so much better than french fries! Can't wait to come here again!
Rachel K.
This store is an absolute dream for any chef or baker! I came here in need of taupe and gray food coloring. They didn't have these exact colors, but I stumbled upon black and brown powder food coloring, which perfectly met my baking needs. Plus I learned the joy of working with powdered food coloring - it's so easy to control the hue and shade of color you want. I also needed some melting chocolates, but the variety here is quite pricey so I opted for chocolate from the craft store instead. There's plenty of other pantry staples here too, like flavoring extracts, pots, pans, utensils, various flours, and a ton more. Aside from the store itself, the cafe inside serves up some delicious eats and sips. I got a matcha latte with oat milk and a tuna melt which were both so yummy. Unfortunately my total for the cafe came out to around $22, so on the pricier side for a lunch option, but I did enjoy having the store to distract me while I waited.
anne k.
I used to love Surfas, but they've been going downhill ever since they moved. Now their food selection really isn't "restaurant supply" but just "overpriced gourmet." I think today's visit is probably our last, at least for food products. The Sicilian holiday cake was literally half the price at our local Italian market. The 15% case discount for canned tomatoes came to the same price per can as the single unit cost at that same market. The holiday candied fruit peel was packed into tiny wee boxes and marked up about two thousand percent. You can buy the fancy chocolate cheaper on Amazon. They still have a decent selection of bakeware and cooking utensils. I would buy them at Surfas if it were more convenient for me, but I'm not going to make a special trip just to get a cake pan. I never used to go just for the prepared food, but the old student-run restaurant was fun and different. Now they just have a sad counter where they warm up prepared sandwiches.
Darla D.
I loved Surfas! I was in heaven walking in. Another great place to add to my list of Culinary places to shop at. There were a few things I couldn't find but its ok as all stores differ with some products. I loved all the imported products, from the butter and cheese to all my baking desires. I cant wait to come back. I was able to register my business and I am looking into buying a piece of equipment that they make that I have been looking for. Parking is decent and we also tried out some goodies from the coffee and sandwich deli. They have a nice cozy area with tables and chairs to enjoy eating some goodies. I would definitely recommend this place if you are in the food industry and even if you are not simply finding some great imported foods too enjoy and cook with!
Barbara R.
Buyer beware!!! Price gouging!!! The price at the register should be the same price listed on the item and the shelf. All my items came up wrong. My 1.95 item scanned up almost $17. That is over 870% mark up. Ouch! My cake boxes all scanned up 75 cents but the shelf listed 49 cents. I had to ask for each item to be corrected. If I had not been paying attention I would have extremely over paid for items that were listed for less. This is wrong! What going on here. Surfas should make sure the computer price is the same as the price tag on the item and shelf. The cashier told is this is what the price scanned up. Clearly it was wrong should be corrected. This used be a great store. What going on? It's not just happening to me I was the one who caught it. Watch your receipts question cheaters.
This place is amazing for all chefs and bakers. They are packed with great goodies (baking ingredients, chocolates, baking and cooking tools, decorative pieces and more). I kinda wanted to buy everything but didn't. I went to purchase a baking stone and it was in stock. Also purchased some spatulas and a sifter. They also have a small cafe in the back. I tried their pre packed beat salad, it was so divine. They also have a large selection of cheese and meats for all of you Charcuterie Enthusiast. Will continue visiting.
Kay C.
This review would be 5 stars, but the rather unfriendly staff is why it is 4. Unfriendly/Snooty Toot A$$ employees is what I feel like I've been dealing with since Surfas was in Culver City. No recent goings on in the world (Issues related to Covid) can be cited for Surfas' (Well... I won't call them "asshole-ish employees that act like you're bothering them and think it's some kind of flex for them personally to be working at Surfas") employees not pleasant attitudes. Being that I know what I want, what I need it for, etc. etc., I really don't even care that the employees leave a lot to be desired. I know what I'm dealing with and frankly, there's not a damn thing the staff can tell me that I don't already know. Stay at the counter and continue to sour puss it up! Now onto the actual store... Surfas has a very very great selection of all sorts of culinary items for the professional chef to the foodie. There are items that cannot be found elsewhere. There is one item Surfas is selling here for almost $17 that another higher end store is selling for about $4 cheaper. Just thought I'd throw that in there to be petty. But anyway, Surfas is absolutely great and I will continue coming here. I would suggest that if you have questions about product, just go ahead and break out your smartphone and just head to Google. That's what I do and often times it's better than dealing with staff.
Laura B.
I love this place for the selection in both food items and cooking products. The recent price increases are a little shocking and some items (not all!) I can find cheaper elsewhere. I still like coming here, and anyone into cooking/baking will enjoy it.
Bernice A.
2 blocks away and has everything I need as a pastry chef! The staff is always friendly and can help you with anything you need they also answered me asap to see if they had items I needed 911. Thank you guys for coming through all the time!
Lanise J.
I really liked the first original location, and then they moved here! Why ? This new location is great, but not as great as the first location. They seem to have less product and the neighborhood is a lot different. The parking is way smaller then the other location. Well it is what it is at least the customer service is still good.
Surfas Culinary District is a haven for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs like me. Upon entering, I was captivated by the vibrant assortment of culinary treasures that lay before me. This store has impressive array of unique ingredients and top-notch kitchen tools, making it a paradise for those eager to experiment with flavors and enhance their culinary skills.What truly sets Surfas apart is its welcoming atmosphere that caters to all levels of expertise. Whether you're an experienced chef or a curious home cook, the store's ambiance invites you to explore and discover. After a thorough exploration, I decided to indulge in the Lamb burger at Surfas café. Surfas Cafe harnesses a harmonious blend of cozy ambiance, reasonable pricing, and flavorful offerings. Surfas manages to strike the perfect balance between atmosphere, cost, and taste, making it a standout destination. and ... there is no problem parking there even if its off of Washington Ave. Not a problem at all
THANK YOU! The only place I was able to find fresh yeast. I also picked up a few cambros. Super friendly and helpful staff. THANK YOU!!
I love this store and buy my top grade vanilla here. And my cupcake papers and noodles. Gift buying from here is special also. Give it a go and eat at the restaurant. It's wonderful.
I freakin' LOVE Surfas. But they are so pricey and I am so stupid poor. Whatever, I'll just live vicariously through my own imagination. Tried their little cafe. It was nice. All the sandwiches I guess are premade and heated up after. But I just want one of everything here if only I had the space to keep stuff or the energy to complete just one task.
The business has their own little parking lot, which is very convenient. The store has a warehouse feel to it with food goods in one side and restaurant supply and cookware on the other side. They stock some unusual items but not much cheese variety and I didn't find the prices outstanding but fair.
What a gem this place is! This place has so much to offer. I love the unique ingredients and goods you can find here that you really wouldn't find elsewhere around LA. I spent so much time just looking at all the different products. I ended up leaving with quite a bit, but it was worth every penny. I'd also recommend stopping here for a bite as well. I tried the lamb burger (which was a special on the menu) and it was so perfect. Very juicy with just the right amount of gaminess you'd expect from lamb. It came with a side of pan-fried seasoned potatoes which were so much better than french fries! Can't wait to come here again!
This store is an absolute dream for any chef or baker! I came here in need of taupe and gray food coloring. They didn't have these exact colors, but I stumbled upon black and brown powder food coloring, which perfectly met my baking needs. Plus I learned the joy of working with powdered food coloring - it's so easy to control the hue and shade of color you want. I also needed some melting chocolates, but the variety here is quite pricey so I opted for chocolate from the craft store instead. There's plenty of other pantry staples here too, like flavoring extracts, pots, pans, utensils, various flours, and a ton more. Aside from the store itself, the cafe inside serves up some delicious eats and sips. I got a matcha latte with oat milk and a tuna melt which were both so yummy. Unfortunately my total for the cafe came out to around $22, so on the pricier side for a lunch option, but I did enjoy having the store to distract me while I waited.
I used to love Surfas, but they've been going downhill ever since they moved. Now their food selection really isn't "restaurant supply" but just "overpriced gourmet." I think today's visit is probably our last, at least for food products. The Sicilian holiday cake was literally half the price at our local Italian market. The 15% case discount for canned tomatoes came to the same price per can as the single unit cost at that same market. The holiday candied fruit peel was packed into tiny wee boxes and marked up about two thousand percent. You can buy the fancy chocolate cheaper on Amazon. They still have a decent selection of bakeware and cooking utensils. I would buy them at Surfas if it were more convenient for me, but I'm not going to make a special trip just to get a cake pan. I never used to go just for the prepared food, but the old student-run restaurant was fun and different. Now they just have a sad counter where they warm up prepared sandwiches.
I loved Surfas! I was in heaven walking in. Another great place to add to my list of Culinary places to shop at. There were a few things I couldn't find but its ok as all stores differ with some products. I loved all the imported products, from the butter and cheese to all my baking desires. I cant wait to come back. I was able to register my business and I am looking into buying a piece of equipment that they make that I have been looking for. Parking is decent and we also tried out some goodies from the coffee and sandwich deli. They have a nice cozy area with tables and chairs to enjoy eating some goodies. I would definitely recommend this place if you are in the food industry and even if you are not simply finding some great imported foods too enjoy and cook with!
Buyer beware!!! Price gouging!!! The price at the register should be the same price listed on the item and the shelf. All my items came up wrong. My 1.95 item scanned up almost $17. That is over 870% mark up. Ouch! My cake boxes all scanned up 75 cents but the shelf listed 49 cents. I had to ask for each item to be corrected. If I had not been paying attention I would have extremely over paid for items that were listed for less. This is wrong! What going on here. Surfas should make sure the computer price is the same as the price tag on the item and shelf. The cashier told is this is what the price scanned up. Clearly it was wrong should be corrected. This used be a great store. What going on? It's not just happening to me I was the one who caught it. Watch your receipts question cheaters.
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is amazing for all chefs and bakers. They are packed with great goodies (baking ingredients, chocolates, baking and cooking tools, decorative pieces and more). I kinda wanted to buy everything but didn't. I went to purchase a baking stone and it was in stock. Also purchased some spatulas and a sifter. They also have a small cafe in the back. I tried their pre packed beat salad, it was so divine. They also have a large selection of cheese and meats for all of you Charcuterie Enthusiast. Will continue visiting.
This review would be 5 stars, but the rather unfriendly staff is why it is 4. Unfriendly/Snooty Toot A$$ employees is what I feel like I've been dealing with since Surfas was in Culver City. No recent goings on in the world (Issues related to Covid) can be cited for Surfas' (Well... I won't call them "asshole-ish employees that act like you're bothering them and think it's some kind of flex for them personally to be working at Surfas") employees not pleasant attitudes. Being that I know what I want, what I need it for, etc. etc., I really don't even care that the employees leave a lot to be desired. I know what I'm dealing with and frankly, there's not a damn thing the staff can tell me that I don't already know. Stay at the counter and continue to sour puss it up! Now onto the actual store... Surfas has a very very great selection of all sorts of culinary items for the professional chef to the foodie. There are items that cannot be found elsewhere. There is one item Surfas is selling here for almost $17 that another higher end store is selling for about $4 cheaper. Just thought I'd throw that in there to be petty. But anyway, Surfas is absolutely great and I will continue coming here. I would suggest that if you have questions about product, just go ahead and break out your smartphone and just head to Google. That's what I do and often times it's better than dealing with staff.
I love this place for the selection in both food items and cooking products. The recent price increases are a little shocking and some items (not all!) I can find cheaper elsewhere. I still like coming here, and anyone into cooking/baking will enjoy it.
2 blocks away and has everything I need as a pastry chef! The staff is always friendly and can help you with anything you need they also answered me asap to see if they had items I needed 911. Thank you guys for coming through all the time!
I really liked the first original location, and then they moved here! Why ? This new location is great, but not as great as the first location. They seem to have less product and the neighborhood is a lot different. The parking is way smaller then the other location. Well it is what it is at least the customer service is still good.