The Gilded Bellini's Brunch at Margot
LA is home to a lot of things that justify bragging rights, and one of those included is that it’s rooftop season all year round. But what you may not realize, is that restaurants overlooking the ocean and the Hollywood Hills are not in the only areas of the city that have some of the best views from the top – 360 degree views of the city, to be exact. This time for brunch, I visited Margot, Culver City’s new atrium rooftop restaurant that has become one of LA’s hottest spots of 2019.
Margot has quickly gained popularity, perched atop Platform in the center of a town rich in moviemaking history. It’s become a destination for nearly everyone in the area, especially locals – because what Angeleno doesn’t love a good rooftop? The guest experience begins with an elevator ride up to the top that opens into the stunning greenhouse-inspired space.
It’s an elevated dining experience, both literally and figuratively that Culver City didn’t know it was craving all along. Upon arrival, guests are transcended into a whole other world – something that I’d like to consider a brunching utopia.
Margot is ingeniously designed with modern floor to ceiling glass windows that allow for lots of sun in the industrial space, highlighting the lush indoor greenery, stylish marble and metal accents, vintage chandeliers, a striking floral mural on the wall, geometric elements and stunning monochromatic gray and white decor. It’s super artsy, with design elements that truly culminate what defines Los Angeles – pops of color, sunlight, mod details and a knack for simply having the ideal California cool vibe. Not to mention, Margot has an extremely Instagrammable “Love is Love is Love” neon sign hanging on the wall in the back adjacent to a photo booth (can’t beat some good interactive moments and photo ops).
I always appreciate imaginative detail from the moment you walk into a space until your time ends there. It’s a great indicator that the same amount of energy that went into creating the ambiance will be put into the creation of the menu as well.
The crowd on a Saturday or Sunday for brunch at Margot? Bustling. It’s simply the place to be. I knew upon sitting down I chose the right place for brunch! Pro-tip: if it’s packed, you know it’s good.
The lively atmosphere is mixed with a coastal Mediterranean flair that influences its precisely curated brunch menu. It’s evident that quality over quantity is Margot’s goal. The menu has a handful of choices yet I’d definitely categorize it as limited; but I personally prefer it that way. I think: less options on the menu, the more flavor, time and care in each dish.
My friend Kellie and I ordered a bunch of items, a few from each category on the menu. It features nourishing brunch specialties like overnight oats, avocado toast and porchetta benedict to name a few. The menu also features heavenly selections from Margot’s crudo bar, exotic salads and an inventive list of elevated focaccia sandwiches.
Every meal came on the most gorgeous plate (this is just an aside that I took note of). Love! We seriously ordered some of the best selections from the menu.
FROM THE CRUDO BAR
First, we ordered the Kampachi, made with pickled mustard seed, horseradish and dill. When I tell you that this was DIVINE, you have absolutely no idea until you try it. It was so incredibly fresh, tangy with a potent kick from the horseradish. My mouth is watering just writing about it! If you’re typically a sushi or sashimi fan in general, you’ll love this plate. And if you’re not, well…. You better try it any way because it is THAT good. I can guarantee you’ll be a fan.
FROM THE SALADS AND VEGETABLES
The Frisee Salad caught my eye and I knew we wouldn’t be disappointed. It’s made with fried capers, sun dried tomatoes, olives, shelling beans and breadcrumbs. This is a salad for everyone, easily and it’s far from ordinary. It’s beautifully presented, filling the entire plate piled high with luscious greens and garnished with its delightful ingredients. The salad is satisfying and packed with flavor.
FROM THE FOCACCIA SANDWICHES
The Chickpea Panelle was calling my name. I am a total chickpea girl so I love when a restaurant incorporates them into dishes. This one was super impressive – I have genuinely not had a sandwich like this one. The sandwich is made with avocado, black kale, sunflower seeds and tahini. With just one bite, you can taste the perfect marriage of unexpected flavors in this dish. Margot has a right to brag about its focaccia – it’s seriously to die for! So soft and flavorful, in combination with the crunchy and crispy chickpea panelle, it’s a hearty sandwich that’s mouthwatering and so enjoyable to eat.
FROM THE BRUNCH PLATES
Of course I had to order the Avocado Toast. It was a must considering that it was served on Margot’s famed focaccia. This toast is nothing like you’ve seen before – it’s like a piece of art on a plate, decked with sunflower seeds, Calabrian chili and sprouts. This is hands down the fluffiest, most heavenly plate of avocado toast I’ve ever had. Cut in long slices, it really gives the dish a more elevated, more European feel versus your traditional slab of bread on a plate.
Do you know of any other brunch spots that offer a full bowl of Overnight Oats? Didn’t think so. I am personally a huge overnight oats fan and was pleasantly surprised when I saw it on the menu. Made with almond milk, coconuts, seeds, nuts and berries, this is a satisfyingly rich bowl filled with a ton of sweet flavor. If you’re looking to order something that isn’t so savory, this is totally the choice for you.
The Porchetta Benedict was a no brainer to order after reading the menu! Sitting atop focaccia, it’s main components are hollandaise and arugula. The perfectly poached eggs were warm and spiced with precision. Once you try Margot’s Benedict, you won’t even crave anywhere else’s.
LET’S TALK BRUNCH COCKTAILS
I was beyond impressed with the extensive brunch cocktail list – and no, these are not your average brunch staples like screwdrivers or mimosas. The cocktails are carefully curated and created with a meticulousness that can’t be duplicated. Because of the heavy inspiration of both Spain and Italy when creating everything on the menu, the brilliance of each idea really transcends to each libation.
First, we tried the Negroni Painkiller. Made with bulldog gin, Campari, bianco vermouth, orange, pineapple and coconut, this cocktail was nothing short of delectable. The slushy aspect of this drink is fun and I love how although traditional negroni flavors were present, it was really the other elements of the drink that makes this drink one of a kind. It’s the best of both worlds: tropical, yet super potent.
The Bellini made with cava, pear, cardamom and vermouth sorbet took me by surprise. What an inventive way to spin a brunch tradition! It’s no question I love a bellini moment, and this bellini was far from a disappointment. Served in a coupe glass, I got all the Gatsby vibes having this in hand!
We had to try Margot’s famed Grapefruit Gin & Tonic! I spoke to Colton, a bartender at Margot who said this was the restaurant’s most popular libation and was (like all of the cocktails on the list) inspired by the aperitif drinking culture, mainly in Italy and Spain. This is hands down one of the most beautiful cocktails I have ever seen. It’s concocted with fords gin, grapefruit, black lime, tarragon and black pepper. It was almost too pretty to drink! I love how you could see so clearly through the glass which showcased each component stunningly.
Finally, we sipped on the Strawberry Spritz. Mmmmm. This is a must! Made of lillet rose, strawberry tonic and prosecco, this spritz is another exquisite bevvy, both taste and aesthetic wise. It’s filled with a bubbly springtime flavor that is aromatic and will satisfy your need for something on the sweeter side.
Margot’s concept is not only elegant and refreshing, but incredibly captivating and has proved that it’s not simply a restaurant, but a destination for an exceptional experience all around.
Margot is truly a magical spot that takes brunching to another level. It’s plain to see that there’s heart and soul that is continuously poured into this restaurant, and with each brunch experience comes a captivating, European-inspired story along with every bite and sip you take. Whether you’re brunching at Margot with friends or perhaps even on a date, your experience will be unparalleled and there’s no question that you’ll have a smile on your face the whole time; simply because Margot is just that good. Between the laid-back vibe and the distinctive Mediterranean-influenced menu made with locally sourced ingredients, you just can’t get what you get at Margot, anywhere else.
