I perched myself at the Culver Hotel’s charming restaurant in the streets of Downtown Culver City, and I was not disappointed. I recently visited the eatery with some friends to try their Alice in Wonderland-themed, whimsical Afternoon Tea, and here is my first-hand review. 

The Culver Hotel is an upscale boutique hotel in the center of Downtown Culver City. Constructed in 1924, it was conceptualized by Curlett & Beelman, the architecture studio behind well-known Art Deco buildings throughout Los Angeles. Established as Hotel Hunt, the property is a striking six-story Renaissance Revival building.

The Culver Hotel is renowned for its aesthetically pleasing interiors, quaint ambiance, and rich history. Over the decades, it has been a venue to spot celebrities and filmmakers and is said to have been well-loved by famous stars such as Charlie Chaplin and John Wayne. In the mid-1990s, the hotel was refurbished and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Presently, the Culver Hotel houses 46 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, a wedding venue, an in-house art gallery, and a vibrant restaurant known as Lillie’s Bistro & Garden. 

With exquisite interiors, a delightful garden lounge, and a signature live music lineup, Lillie’s is a refined yet intimate dining venue inspired by European cafe culture. On a beautiful Saturday spring afternoon, I headed to Lillie’s for a relaxed afternoon tea experience. 

During the day, with its expansive windows, Lillie’s has sunlight beaming in. Conversely, at night, the setting is mysterious and cozy. Well-appointed interiors featuring elegant chandeliers, tasteful artwork, and decor pieces welcome guests to an indoor-outdoor, airy space with wooden tables and a stylish cocktail bar. I instantly loved the inviting ambiance, comfy furnishings, and historic vibe. We were greeted by a friendly host who guided us to our sunlit table past a woman beautifully playing the piano. 

The food philosophy of Lillie’s comprises seasonal dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, presented with European techniques. While the regular menu primarily consists of small and large sharing plates, I was there to experience their afternoon tea fixed menu. 

We started our afternoon tea meal with Macerated Berries with Romanov Cream and Orange Liqueur and the English Breakfast tea served in a white teapot. The other tea selections included Imperial Earl Grey, Health Well Green, Passionate Pear Green, Mountain Berry Herbal, Calming Chamomile Herbal, and Purely Peppermint Herbal.

This was followed by a bunch of sweet and savory finger food served in a regal three-tiered server. The bottom tier held savory treats such as sandwiches, the middle tier had freshly baked and warm scones, and the top tier had a selection of sweet treats. Savory bites included the Crab Cakes with Peppercorn Aioli, Egg and Tarragon Sandwiches, Vadouvan Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Cucumber and Watercress Sandwiches, and French Butter on a Baguette with Radishes. The sweet treats included Assorted Petit Fours and Fresh Scones with Strawberry Jam and Chantilly Cream. I was impressed that the food offerings tasted as good as they looked. 

The Egg and Tarragon Sandwiches, French Butter on a Baguette with Radishes, Crab Cakes, and Fresh Scones made it to my list of favorites. I especially enjoyed the fresh ingredients that elevated the entire experience. The delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and decadent pastries contributed to a wonderful and hearty spread.

I thought the afternoon tea at Lillie’s had all the ingredients of a thoughtfully curated experience. Think fine china, crisp tablecloths, a beautiful floral centerpiece, and soft, calming music that helped set the mood. Moreover, I liked that the well-trained servers were knowledgeable about the tea selection and menu offerings. I wasn’t sure about my tea selection, and my server described the teas very well, helping me to choose. 

​​In addition, the staff was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our teacups were topped off. The delectable food and beverage offerings, chic ambiance, and thoughtful service helped craft a lovely afternoon tea experience that was both sophisticated and relaxing at the same time.

Make your way to Lillie’s Bistro & Garden to unwind, catch up with friends, and enjoy their extensive beverage offerings along with the satisfying and most importantly, scrumptious food dishes. I would suggest grabbing a table by the window or in the al fresco garden (weather permitting) to take in the sights of Downtown Culver City. 

Located on the ground floor of The Culver Hotel, Lillie’s Bistro & Garden’s Afternoon Tea menu is priced at $65 per person. It is available on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You’ll have to pay $16 extra for Smoked Salmon and Dill Sandwiches, ​​$12 for a Petite Caesar Salad, and $16-$32 for a cocktail or glass of wine.

Photo by the author. She is second from the right.