One of the best cafes in LA. I’ve been going here for years and the food, service and atmosphere has always been incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Mosqueda
Their breakfast tacos really are sooooo good!
Ashley Christiano
Literati is usually fine, nothing special. But today it was bad.
The cashier was hungover or something and yawned and rubbed his eyes through my whole order. So of course it was not correct when it eventually showed up.
I had ordered the fill side of fruit and instead got a tiny fruit cup that replaced the hasbrowns that should have come with my meal. And the chocolate chip banana bread I ordered was out. But they apparently never would have told me if I hadn’t asked where it was. They passed my request off to three people before they figured it out. They gave me a replacement muffin that was cheaper than what I had originally ordered. The woman next to me had ordered a scone that was also no longer available, and she never would have gotten her order if she hadn’t flagged them down either.
Terrible service. Mediocre food and coffee.
I would recommend Amandine or Blu Jam over Literati any day of the week.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Christine Kauffman
Disappointed with our recent visit after a great first visit a few months ago. We arrived for lunch at 2:40, ordered our meals, and went to the outside patio to find a table. As soon as we got outside, the woman cleaning the patio said they close at 3 PM. We said ok and that we were just looking for a place to eat because we already ordered (we were holding out number). She said again that they close at 3. We asked if the patio was closed…asking again if we could eat out here and she said “yes but we close at 3.” Super off-putting considering we already paid for our food. She clearly wanted to leave at 3 and not have us dirty up the patio (which was still being cleaned).
Our food arrived so quickly (great), but hash browns were cold. I brought them back to the counter and the guy asked if we wanted them crispier. I said we just wanted them warm.
By the time they came back, we were done with our eggs. The hash browns were warm but extra greasy and not good. The Canadian bacon on Eggs Benedict was gristly, too.
We asked for more ketchup but never got it, so we went back to the counter to get it ourselves plus salt, pepper, and sweetener for coffee. Listen I don’t mind helping myself that way but not sure what the 20% gratuity is for considering we felt unwelcome, too.
It was a fairly underwhelming experience and super disappointing.
I would have emailed the restaurant directly instead of posting a review, but there was no contact info on your website.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Jordan Charter
I only discovered the Literati Cafe a few months ago and I've already ordered from there 20+ times. Everything I've had from the Cobb salad to the breakfast tacos to the benedicts and sandwiches has all been phenomenal. One of my go-to spots in LA.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Noble
Had early morning Chai here. It was absolutely delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine Waljeski
Always delish fresh food , friendly lovely staff and the best ambiance for a coffee, a snack, a meal or a spot to get some reading done.
Chelsea
This is one of my most favorite places on the west side. The breakfast burrito and breakfast tacos are my FAVE!!! The coffee options endless. The chocolate chip bannana bread is RIDICULOUS! I would highly recommend all things on the menu and the staff is fantastic! Make sure to tip them!!! They deserve it!!!
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Literati since it opened over 20 years ago. It has consistently been a welcoming, delicious retreat. From having a place to study when I was younger to a place where I can take my kids for meals, Literati has been a home away from home. The absolute best.
Michelle Solotar
Literati Cafe is a gem! Lovely people (a family-run business), friendly service, and, most of all, great food. From the egg dishes to the salads to the sandwiches, and more, everything so well-prepared and nicely presented. And they are totally open to customizing your order (within reason). So fortunate to have such a terrific eatery in the neighborhood!
Sara Kramer Crockett
A neighborhood gem! Cozy ambiance, delicious food and warm people. Definitely recommend!
Joes Bashas
Stopped by Literati Café and was honestly taken aback by how I was treated. The owner—older guy with a white beard—seemed cheerful with everyone else, but when it came to me, the energy shifted completely. No greeting, no smile, just this cold, almost irritated expression.
It was hard not to notice the contrast. He was warm and friendly to others but acted like I didn’t belong. As someone with Middle Eastern features, it definitely felt like there was something deeper behind the way he looked at me. The whole interaction made me uncomfortable and unwelcome.
The place itself might seem cozy, but vibes matter and this one gave me the worst kind. Won’t be coming back.
dianaholbert
Ugh. The coffee & the almond croissant couldn’t be better but why on earth would they call this “Literati”?? Impossible to read a book or have a discussion. We asked 4 times to turn down the music and they either ignored us or gruffly denied us. We’re not going back.
Such a wonderful place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
One of the best cafes in LA. I’ve been going here for years and the food, service and atmosphere has always been incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their breakfast tacos really are sooooo good!
Literati is usually fine, nothing special. But today it was bad.
The cashier was hungover or something and yawned and rubbed his eyes through my whole order. So of course it was not correct when it eventually showed up.
I had ordered the fill side of fruit and instead got a tiny fruit cup that replaced the hasbrowns that should have come with my meal. And the chocolate chip banana bread I ordered was out. But they apparently never would have told me if I hadn’t asked where it was. They passed my request off to three people before they figured it out. They gave me a replacement muffin that was cheaper than what I had originally ordered. The woman next to me had ordered a scone that was also no longer available, and she never would have gotten her order if she hadn’t flagged them down either.
Terrible service. Mediocre food and coffee.
I would recommend Amandine or Blu Jam over Literati any day of the week.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Disappointed with our recent visit after a great first visit a few months ago. We arrived for lunch at 2:40, ordered our meals, and went to the outside patio to find a table. As soon as we got outside, the woman cleaning the patio said they close at 3 PM. We said ok and that we were just looking for a place to eat because we already ordered (we were holding out number). She said again that they close at 3. We asked if the patio was closed…asking again if we could eat out here and she said “yes but we close at 3.” Super off-putting considering we already paid for our food. She clearly wanted to leave at 3 and not have us dirty up the patio (which was still being cleaned).
Our food arrived so quickly (great), but hash browns were cold. I brought them back to the counter and the guy asked if we wanted them crispier. I said we just wanted them warm.
By the time they came back, we were done with our eggs. The hash browns were warm but extra greasy and not good. The Canadian bacon on Eggs Benedict was gristly, too.
We asked for more ketchup but never got it, so we went back to the counter to get it ourselves plus salt, pepper, and sweetener for coffee. Listen I don’t mind helping myself that way but not sure what the 20% gratuity is for considering we felt unwelcome, too.
It was a fairly underwhelming experience and super disappointing.
I would have emailed the restaurant directly instead of posting a review, but there was no contact info on your website.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
I only discovered the Literati Cafe a few months ago and I've already ordered from there 20+ times. Everything I've had from the Cobb salad to the breakfast tacos to the benedicts and sandwiches has all been phenomenal. One of my go-to spots in LA.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had early morning Chai here. It was absolutely delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always delish fresh food , friendly lovely staff and the best ambiance for a coffee, a snack, a meal or a spot to get some reading done.
This is one of my most favorite places on the west side. The breakfast burrito and breakfast tacos are my FAVE!!! The coffee options endless. The chocolate chip bannana bread is RIDICULOUS! I would highly recommend all things on the menu and the staff is fantastic! Make sure to tip them!!! They deserve it!!!
Cute spot with good food!
Restaurantji Recommends
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Literati since it opened over 20 years ago. It has consistently been a welcoming, delicious retreat. From having a place to study when I was younger to a place where I can take my kids for meals, Literati has been a home away from home. The absolute best.
Literati Cafe is a gem! Lovely people (a family-run business), friendly service, and, most of all, great food. From the egg dishes to the salads to the sandwiches, and more, everything so well-prepared and nicely presented. And they are totally open to customizing your order (within reason). So fortunate to have such a terrific eatery in the neighborhood!
A neighborhood gem! Cozy ambiance, delicious food and warm people. Definitely recommend!
Stopped by Literati Café and was honestly taken aback by how I was treated. The owner—older guy with a white beard—seemed cheerful with everyone else, but when it came to me, the energy shifted completely. No greeting, no smile, just this cold, almost irritated expression.
It was hard not to notice the contrast. He was warm and friendly to others but acted like I didn’t belong. As someone with Middle Eastern features, it definitely felt like there was something deeper behind the way he looked at me. The whole interaction made me uncomfortable and unwelcome.
The place itself might seem cozy, but vibes matter and this one gave me the worst kind. Won’t be coming back.
Ugh. The coffee & the almond croissant couldn’t be better but why on earth would they call this “Literati”?? Impossible to read a book or have a discussion. We asked 4 times to turn down the music and they either ignored us or gruffly denied us. We’re not going back.
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