Newsflash: There’s a new addition to downtown Culver City’s restaurant scene and it’s already won me over. Picnic LA is the name and phenomenal food is their game. There’s so much to love about this Pinterest-perfect restaurant—from the most colorful food options you’ll ever see, to the highly Instagram-able décor. It’s “fast-casual”, so you get to mix and match entrees and salads to create the meal you want. A rotating menu ensures that you’ll never get bored with the selections here, as it changes to highlight the freshest ingredients that are currently in season. It’s a perfect spot to grab a refreshing lunch when L.A. is 80 degrees in February, but would also make for a charming date night in downtown Culver City…
I’m sold on this place because there’s something here for everyone. Each dish is clearly labeled as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, seafood, nuts, etc. to make dining here convenient and pleasant for those with dietary restrictions. You can’t really go wrong with any of the gluten-free options, which is over half of the menu. The Tuscan Black Kale Salad and the Roasted Parsnip & Arugula Salad are perfectly crafted with a refreshing mix of ingredients. Pair these salads with the Olive Oil Poached Salmon and you have a quick and healthy meal. My favorite combo was a little warmer and heartier–Mary’s Chicken Leg Tagine packs a flavor punch that goes great with the Green Lentils du Puy and a cup of creamy Anson Mills Polenta. Believe it or not, these are only a few of the gluten-free options at Picnic LA, and the rest are equally delicious!
For us NOBREAD peeps, this place is a dream come true and fills a necessary niche in the market. Gluten-free “fast-casual” options in LA are limited to chains like Lemonade or Chipotle, but how many burrito bowls can one human possibly eat? That’s a trick question because it’s infinity. BUT Picnic LA is here to save the day with super fresh gluten-free entrees and salads with an affordable price tag. These guys are serious about high quality ingredients, sourcing food from North Carolina to Scotland to ensure that only the freshest seasonal ingredients will make it to your plate. Give this place a try and I guarantee you’ll love it!
* Cross contamination is possible as the kitchen uses shared equipment, but I’m highly sensitive and did not have a problem.