Culver City

A funny thing happened on the way to Venice. You found yourself waylaid by the burgeoning arts district’s galleries and the hopping downtown restaurant and wine scene. Good thing you’re just off the 10.

EXPLORE ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD:

Mandrake

2692 S La Cienega Blvd 310-837-3297

You drink therefore you are. Ponder this and other propositions post-gallery-hop over French 75s, Dark and Stormies, tomato water martinis, or a good cheap beer at the bar.

Photo: Josh White / Courtesy of Mandrake

Platine Bakery

10850 Washington Blvd 310-559-9933

Baked really, really goods: Oreo-inspired Platinos, vanilla counterpart Camées, and snazzy single-serving mignardises like pineapple upside-down cake and short stacks (silver-dollar pancakes, maple OJ emulsion, bacon candy, candied bacon).

Photo: Courtesy of Platine Bakery

Royal/T

8910 Washington Blvd 310-559-6300

Contemporary art exhibition space, gift shop, and cafe. Inspired by Tokyo’s trendy coffeehouses, it offers eats and full tea service by waitresses in French maid costumes. Makes you feel like you know what.

Photo: Courtesy of Royal/T

Akasha

9543 Culver Blvd 310-845-1700

Vegan bakery by day. Ecochic hotspot turning out organic, globally inspired cuisine by night. Biodynamic wine and spirits, too.

Photo: Courtesy of Akasha

Taylor de Cordoba

2660 S La Cienega Blvd 310-559-9156

Owned and directed by L.A. natives Heather Taylor and Alex de Cordoba, the gallery has been a springboard for new artists since 2006, right in the heart of the Culver City Art District.

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor de Cordoba