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Cafe Milan
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
205 Culver BlvdPlaya Del Rey, CA 90293
Neighborhood: Playa Del Rey
(310) 306-0059
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
82 reviews for Cafe Milan
Review Highlights
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"nice little cozy place right by the beach." In 19 reviews -
"Best blueberry pancakes ever." In 5 reviews -
"bagel sandwiches delicious: smoked salmon & lox is my fave." In 4 reviews
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82 reviews in English
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Review from Justin M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/29/2012
Comforting, home style ambience on the beach. Awesome food and quick service. Totally worth going to, followed by a stroll on the beach!!
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Review from Pete M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2012
A comfortable breakfast place.
Relaxed atmosphere. decent prices.
Its a locals place, where the locals hang out is usually decently priced with decent food.
It is a little small for the amount of business they get. Sat and Sun mornings can be challenging to find a table sometimes.
Really nice staff. -
Review from Barbara A.
East Watertown, MA
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
We needed to get out of my lovely cousin's hair while she did some work, so my girl and I headed out on an adventure to find a breakfast place. We found this cute little spot. On the plus side, it had wifi and it had a shared parking lot. On the minus side, it is small and they don't have servers.
This is tiny place and was packed at 10ish on a weekday. This is definitely a place where regulars go to hang out and gossip about the day (topic of the day was the Oscars), but that was not a bad thing and almost cute.
We ran the gamut of breakfast stuff like croissants, pancakes, and eggs. I like that they substitute fruit for breakfast potatoes without an extra charge (ah, California). It was all average - not bad, but not great.Listed in: California ... I will be back
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Review from Jeff B.
Playa Del Rey, CA
5/16/2012
This little neighborhood joint has a couple of decent vegetarian food options, and the pricing is reasonable. Sometimes they have wonderful homemade desserts in the fridge, but it doesn't seem predictable when their cooks will make the killer tiramisu that I've had there--that's not a bad thing, otherwise I'd eat it every day. Crowds come early on sunny days and weekends, and everyone's urge to linger in the outdoor seating quickly makes it a competition to get a cherry spot if you're looking for more than a coffee to go. Staff are friendly, but can be a bit distracted from time to time (although it's nowhere as bad as the hip staff in similar spots in Venice, for instance).
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Review from mandy s.
Santa Monica, CA
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food is decent but they run out of bagels almost every weekend! Iced tea is good, and the service is always so friendly.
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Review from Ciara W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/17/2012
Cool spot! Grabbed a quick lunch of smoked salmon sandwich and salad. Tasty food and friendly service from the staff. Outside seating available to enjoy a beautiful day. Want to try their pancakes next time!
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Review from Maggie A.
Culver City, CA
8/22/2011
This is a great local cafe that hasn't "sold out". I love seeing the same patrons every time I come here - to me that means it's a local favorite, that it's comfortable and yummy. It's proximity to the beach definitely helps, but its good quality food and coffee and affordable prices, along with nice outdoor and indoor seating all adds up to a great time. I always get eggs and sausage - not sure what it is about the sausage but it's stellar!!
Side Note - you can get here relatively quickly on a bike from Marina / Culver City on the balona creek bike path! It's a great way to spend a weekend morning. They are very "cyclist friendly". Enjoy! -
Review from Ed T.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
****B-Dub best watch the throne****
While searching for a new breakfast spot in one of the beach cities, I saw Cafe Milan had high marks. I read the reviews and saw that B-Dub gave it high praise; since he's the duke of the joint I decided it'd be worth scoping out.
We arrived on Sunday morning at about 10am and it was packed. We perused the menu while standing in line. I opted for the egg white omelet with potatoes while the fiancee settled for the breakfast croissant. We waited a good 15 minutes for our food, halfway through the waiting period we didn't see any of the tables opening up so we asked for our food to go. When we did finally get out food a table opened up so we sat down and chowed.
You can tell right away that this is everything B-Dub wrote in his review; a locals hang out. There were people who had already finished their meals but continued sitting, chatting away. I can dig that vibe, albeit a bit selfish on their part for not allowing others to be seated, but this joint just does that to you, I guess.
My egg white omelet was down right delicious. Sweet, sweet basil, savory garlic and cool juicy tomatoes = YUM! Every bite I took of the omelet left we wanting more. It was hands down the best omelet I've had. The potatoes were out of this world delicious. My fiancee's croissant was A-OK, not very different, but it did the trick.
The seating in this place is small, as has been mentioned there are seats outside as well. We sat inside and couldn't help but over here everyone's conversations. This old dude to the right of us told everyone that would listen that he was the CFO for AT&T and went on about how many millions he made last year. Heh, do you, guy...do you.
Overall, I'll be "ret'n" to this spot in the near future. So B-Dub...watch the throne ;).
****Seriously, try the egg white omelet**** -
Review from Erica S.
Playa Del Rey, CA
2/20/2012
I love the cozy, comfortable and relaxed feel of Cafe Milan. I can't get over their smoothies! Strawberry/Mango smoothie with soy milk...ahhh! I just can't deviate from that. It's sooo good:)
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Review from Steve A.
Newbury Park, CA
4/8/2012
Excellent eggs benadict. And blueberries pancake
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Review from Zoheb M.
Playa Del Rey, CA
2/6/2012
Brilliant Spot ! Gotta try the blueberry pancakes !
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Review from pauline c.
Los Angeles, CA
3/16/2011
The sandwiches are legit. There isn't anything super crazy or special about them but, Cafe Milan makes a good standard sandwich.
It really has nothing to do with Milan, that I know of. Maybe it feels super chill? Good for late brunch days and lunches you wish you didn't have to go back to work.Listed in: Playa Vista Culver City
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Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
Milan Italy is the "Moral Capital of Italy". Cafe Milan is the "Breakfast Capital of Playa del Rey". This small cafe doesn't seem to have any real connection to its Italian namesake, but does offer traditional American breakfast options and small cafe sandwiches all day. It was surprising how popular the tiny restaurant was.
We walked over on Sunday for a late lunch. I asked for a recommendation from the guy at the counter and he suggested the Turkey and Avocado Sandwich. You can choose your bread so I went with Sourdough. It comes with a small side salad (my choice) or a bag of chips. The sandwich was filling, but nothing really special. Olivia got an Ice Coffee (with 1 free refill) while I opted for one of the bottle drinks.
Cafe Milan isn't a place to drive out of your way for at all, but when in Playa or on your way to/from the beach it'll do.Listed in: America's Got Talent, Not Just for Breakfast Anymore, Wich Hunt
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Review from Kazu O.
3/9/2011
Very chill spot... come by, get a sandwich, eat outside and enjoy the beach wind/view.
The turkey avocado sandwich is good.
Come by for lunch, but be careful, you will not want to go back to work... -
Review from Sean B.
Playa Del Rey, CA
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely get the b'fast burrito with chicken apple sausage! This is loaded with goodies...avocado..eggs..cheese..and the green salsa has a kick! Not a downside of going but there are no headlamps so dress accordingly. Seating is limited.
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Review from Ana P.
Los Angeles, CA
3/15/2012 3 Check-ins Here
the coffee is good and their bagels!
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Review from Saarah S.
9/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My husband and I call this "Our breakfast spot". Its a diamond in the ruff...really. Its so quaint....the food is so delicious whatever you get, and the staff/service are amazing.
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Review from Sarah F.
Altadena, CA
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very cute little breakfast spot. I had the cinnamon french toast and quite enjoyed it. It came in a pretty large portion and I couldn't eat it all despite my best efforts. On con might be that the syrup was in prepackaged condiment containers; I like to have my syrup in a big, fun, pouring device. Maybe a little pre-manufactured feeling, but overall a solid, cheaper choice with nice outdoor seating options.
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Review from Andrew Y.
I've yet to be disappointed. It's a local spot in PDR and feels that way - the staff have always been pleasant and the food has been...comforting. Every time I head in I change up what I order and eat everything. Great place to grab to-go and head to the beach or to even eat in as a stop-in from a good walk.
Must Try: breakfast burrito -
Review from Cheryl C.
Playa Del Rey, CA
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love it here. The food is consistently good. My favs has been the breakfast burrito and blueberry banana pancakes.
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Review from Elite B.
Culver City, CA
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I wanted to try a new place for breakfast. Cafe Milan fit the bill. It's a fantastic, local, coffee and eatery. He had the California Omelette while I opted for two eggs scrambled with bacon. The staff was friendly and the service was unobtrusive. Definitely added to our list faves.
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Review from O K.
West Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2011
The good:
- Cheap
- Casual
The bad:
- Out of the 4 orders for our party, 3 came out incorrect. Two breakfast burritos requested without bacon came with lots of it; a plate supposed to come with a side of bacon was served with sausage instead.
- We only asked them to fix one of the burritos and the service was indifferent.
Summary:
If you're in the area and starving, check it out. Otherwise, there are lots of other places that are probably more deserving of your money. -
Review from Barry W.
1/15/2009 50 Check-ins Here
*** the quintessential breakfast joint of playa del rey. ***
i have come here for years. it feels like a beach home now.
i miss their cinnamon rolls from yrs ago so much though ...
the cook who made those lil masterpieces has moved on. ;(
but what remains still feels as comfortable as my back porch.
omelettes are all good: the egg white, the salmon, the chicken ...
bagel sandwiches delicious: smoked salmon & lox is my fave ...
large coffee selection: the house (vienna), colombian, jet fuel ...
their patrons are really mellow and remarkably unassuming:
runners, retirees, bicyclists, couples, dog walkers, actors ...
*** chill, wi-fi, or take-out and picnic on the beach ... it's all good. ***Listed in: Brunch Anyone?, Play'n Playa del Rey
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Review from Nathalie V.
San Jose, CA
9/16/2008
I love mom-and-pop breakfast joints and this one is a winner.
I had the smoked salmon omelette with potatoes and toast paired with Vanilla Nut coffee. One word: awesome.
The place is very small, but feels like a home. If I lived in Playa Del Rey, this could easily be a place I'd visit on a weekly basis. -
Review from Brendon D.
Long Beach, CA
6/26/2008
True local breakfast spot in "The Playa".
Jerry at the counter is awesome. He's super chill and upbeat. The oatmeal is better than any other that I've had at a restaurant here on the westside.
All of the people are locals and are upbeat and relaxed. We met George Carlin's daughter there this morning. He died last week. She came up to us in true local fashion and chatted with us (she overheard my buddy, who is a stand-up comedian, talking about a recent gig ). She was still teary eyed and made sure he knew to keep on sticking with stand-up because that's what her dad would have wanted...a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Wow.
Don't half step. Go here after surfing at El Porto or Manhattan Beach. -
Review from Aryf H.
7/23/2010 3 photos
Nice neighborhood place; has an unpretentious feel.
Nice food (yummy sandwiches and salads and the breakfast items are good, too). The kind of place you'd roll out of bed just to come to.
One can definitely spend time here 'watching the world go by' and not feel rushed.
Their wireless internet is also most useful.
Friendly staff.
I like the quietness of the place; many other 'coffee places' always seem to have some noise coming from the kitchen from some appliance or other. It's ironic that coffee places (to my knowledge, in my experience, at least) are supposed to be tranquil, quiet places, like a reaction against the loud, booze-soaked bars - yet most coffee places are NOISY! There's continually some damn blender or other applicance, or people banging plates and cups so loudly you can't hear yourself think.
Thankfully, Cafe Milan does not have that.
I had their huge, delicious breakfast burrito one Sunday and had to go back the next day for a yummy turkey sandwich. It's quality stuff; you can always tell when it's prepared with care. -
Review from Mia T.
Santa Monica, CA
1/8/2009
Cafe Milan is a staple in the Playa community...I've been going there since I was 15 and I've never been disappointed. The coffee is good, the breakfasts are great and I guess it doesn't hurt that I met my boyfriend there. The cafe is a local hangout and offers a great plce to sit outside in the sun and enjoy reading.
I agree with Alex, the coffee is better than Tanners'.Listed in: Classic Old Timers
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Review from Amber L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
It was good. I ordered the california omelet with eggwhites, wheat toast and fruit. Strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon (the cantaloupe was hard, but tasty nonetheless). The service was good. Food was good, not amazing, a little bland, but for the most part it was all around a good restaurant. Prices, location, service, food 4 stars.
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Review from Marlene G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really like the unpretentious feel, most people were having breakfast in their gym clothes and flip flops.
We ordered at the counter and then had a seat. I ordered french toast and eggs. The french toast was delicious but the eggs were over cooked. My friend ordered steak and eggs. I snuck a taste and it was delicious! Coffee was yummy.
I'll make another visit. -
Review from Lin Lin S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/15/2011
i scrolled through the reviews to see if there were any recommendations. some people said pancakes and breakfast burritos. i didnt get either.
i ordered the california omelette made with eggwhites, dry wheat toast with a side of fruit. what a healthy breakfast option.
cali omelette can be subbed with eggwhites for an extra charge. it's filled with veggies: spinach, red onions, mushrooms, avocado slices and cheese. you can choose 2 slices of white or wheat toast. you can choose roasted potatoes or fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberry medley).
most of the reviews said this place is pretty straighforward. you taste exactly what you ordered. the portions are hearty (i couldnt finish mine). filled with plenty of veggies, i wasn't disappointed. all this for less than $10.
if you want a no-frills place for simple breakfast and lunch fare, come here. nothing will excite your palate. only the basics are offered. maybe i should've gotten the pancakes or the breakfast burrito. eh, maybe next time if i'm ever in the area again.
free parking in the lot. some tables on the inside, some tables on the outside. -
Review from Alex N.
Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2007
I enjoy the coffee here better than Tanners, which is across the street. Maybe that's blasphemy to some, but that's my opinion.
The food is good, nothing truly rave about, however I do like their lox and bagel. I also enjoy their carrot soup.
4 stars on convenience and vibe for being a Playa del Rey local. More than anything, I have a soft spot for that little area as my office use to be above that complex.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from marc l.
Manhattan Beach, CA
9/20/2011
Great place by the beach. The locals love it.
Breakfast is good- pancakes or eggs.
I love their turkey burgers. My favorite turkey burgers for miles.
MMM -
Review from Nancy K.
4/1/2011
If you're in the area, this is the best place for breakfast. It's a tiny spot in an old strip mall but a favorite with the locals. They have a small menu, breakfasts are your standard omelettes, etc, but everything is solid and done just right. We thought it was really cheap (like less than $8 for a generous-sized omelette with potatoes or fruit and toast, really?!?) for the portions and being by the beach. This side of town doesn't get that crowded so it's a nice spot to just have a great breakfast and take a stroll on the beach.
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Review from Troy C.
Playa Del Rey, CA
1/3/2012
takes forever to get a bagel. my god.
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Review from Tanya K.
Playa Del Rey, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome omelets! My favorite ones are: California (with avocado) and smoked salmon. Always struggling to chose between potatoes or fruit for the side - both are great! Also very happy with the service and prices. While it is always super hot inside, the place has nice outside sitting.
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Review from Annie L.
El Segundo, CA
1/21/2010
I eat here everyday.. the food is fresh, high-quality, and inexpensive! Doesn't get any better than that :) The Banana Blueberry Pancakes and the Egg-white omelette are my favorites!
A lot of people come here for breakfast and lunch, but it's also a great place for espresso and lattes. They use illy espresso to make their drinks so you know it's GOOD! -
Review from Samandhi A.
Playa Del Rey, CA
4/8/2011
I signed up for Yelp today for the specific purpose of showering Cafe Milan with the praise it deserves.
I have lived just up the street from Cafe Milan for a year and a half and I don't know what I would do without them being a three minute walk from my front door. Not only is the food great and fast, but the place is charming in a very sweet, small beach town kind of way. You don't feel like you're in LA. You fell like you're somewhere in Santa Cruz. (I am sure it helps that the little shopping center is rife with all the old sailor-types and young families with their dogs who pepper Playa del Rey.) It feels so comforting to feel like, as a local, I belong somewhere. It also makes me smile that they have a little library that you can either borrow from or add to. Love it.
Yes, the pancakes are amazing. Yes, they make awesome smoothies. Yes, their breakfasts are just what the doctor ordered. And yes, they have a really great selection of salads and wraps for us healthy types. But what makes this place the best in the west is the service. Since I moved to PDR, I have perfected my weird custom order at Milan- breakfast burrito, no bacon, no cheese, add spinach and mushrooms and onions and tomatoes and whatever you have back there in the kitchen, please; with an iced tea, a little ice, and a wedge of lemon. And Justin- oh sweet, sweet Justin- remembers it every time. He'll see me in line and have my iced tea waiting at the counter when I get up there. When I call in my order to come pick up, it's gotten to the point where he mocks me by asking me if I would like cucumbers in my burrito also. No, Justin. That's gross. But thanks for making fun of me.
And it's a major plus that they have simple syrup for the iced tea. Win all around.
It's become a regular routine for me to walk down to Milan on the weekends, eat and then bring my freshly-refilled iced tea (again... thanks buddy!) to the beach and walk off the five pounds of food in my stomach (and sometimes the chocolate croissant, i.e. the best hangover cure on god's green earth). And I wouldn't have it any other way.
OH- and when they ask you if you want fruit or potatoes, get potatoes. Trust me. -
Review from Jason K.
Tarzana, CA
6/30/2010
I loved this place and will definitely go back. It sort of has the feel of a San Francisco or Portland coffee shop -- a down-to-earth, layback vibe.
The breakfast burrito (about $7.50) I had this morning was excellent (eggs, cheese avacado). My friend had eggs, bacon and toast. It's got good, basic café food that's well made. It's a great place to just relax and talk or people watch.
Oh, and it's cheap! -
Review from Lindsay A.
Santa Monica, CA
5/16/2010
Tried Cafe Milan for the first time this afternoon with my boyfriend and our two small dogs. I was surprised to hear another reviewer say that dogs are not allowed, because no one said anything to us about the pups (except that they're cute!).
Had a cheeseburger and salad--both very good. My boyfriend likes his breakfast burrito a little spicier, but I tried it, and it was good + very filling. Plenty of breakfast and sandwich choices, plus dang good coffee and even some Mexican hot chocolate! The muffins/pastries looked really good, but we were too full from our entrees to give them a try.
When we were there (Sunday afternoon) there were lots of people enjoying brunch on the patio, however, plenty of seating still available. The waitstaff was really friendly as were the other patrons - a very chill spot to read the paper, surf the internet, or have a lazy date with a friend. -
Review from A R.
Boston, MA
5/15/2011 1 photo
Hands down the best lattes in LA (they serve illy!). The breakfasts are great and the staff is super friendly (Need your water bottle refilled, no problem! Want to stay there for hours and chat with a friend...no pressure!)
Free wifi, plenty of outdoor seating, quick order-as-you-go service. Go once, and you will quickly become a regular.
Note: If the parking lot is full, there is typically lots of street parking within a block of the cafe!
