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Westside › Westside › Tuscan Son Cafe Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Tuscan Son Cafe Breakfast/Lunch/DinnerB+Worth Trying
10700 Santa Monica Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90025
· Italian restaurant, Bakery, Brunch restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (246 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual Italian-leaning cafe with strong pastas, baked goods, and counter service; great for nearby meals, less ideal for long sit-downs.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tuscan Son delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality—particularly in pastas, steaks, and baked goods—paired with warm, attentive counter service. However, modest space comfort and occasional consistency variations prevent a higher grade. The casual, unpretentious format works well for families and quick meals, but lacks the polish or destination appeal of grade A establishments.
Restaurant Summary
On Santa Monica Boulevard, Tuscan Son reads like a neighborhood nook: glass case stacked with sweets, espresso humming, and staff that keep the line moving with warm counter service. One diner summed it up: "Order at the counter and relax—food comes out fast." The vibe stays casual and unpretentious, with a seat by the window or a small spot outside if the weather cooperates. Cooking leans classic Italian comfort more than theatrics: slow-braised bolognese, a crisp-edged steak, and a crowd-pleasing mac that quietly steals the show. Presentation is straightforward, but flavors land—think reliable, housemade plates with a bakery that tempts you at the register. If you need wine-and-linen formality, look elsewhere; if you want a satisfying pasta or a well-cooked steak without fuss, you are in the right place. Families fare well here thanks to approachable staples: mac and cheese, simple pastas, panini, and roasted potatoes. There is no explicit kids menu, but the cafe format and familiar, comforting dishes make ordering easy. For picky eaters, skip the bolder salads and go for pasta or the breakfast scrambles.
At a Glance
- Strong pastas, grass-fed steak, and standout baked goods
- Friendly counter service with quick coffee and dessert turnaround
- Inconsistent operations reports (early closures, maintenance)
- Small space and traffic noise can limit lingering
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- house_baked_desserts
- grass_fed_steak_at_cafe_price
- reliable_weekday_lunch_spot
What People Love
- Comforting bolognese and vodka pasta
- Crisp-seared grass-fed steak
- Moist muffins and excellent banana bread
- Helpful, upbeat counter staff
- Reasonable prices for West LA
Points of Concern
- Operations hiccups: a few reports of closing earlier than posted or temporary maintenance closures
- Occasional inconsistency: undercooked sprouts or lighter sauces reported
- Small, cafe-style seating is less comfortable for long meals
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some templated replies, generic marketing language) which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$32-46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair Rigatoni Fiorentina with Broccoli al Forno for balance
- For lighter fare, Salmon Beet Salad plus Ribollita offers hearty-yet-lean value
Perfect For
- Casual lunch near the LA Temple
- Solo coffee and a slice from the dessert case
- Weekday office break with reliable pastas
- Low-key dinner without reservations
Location Insights
Area: Busy West LA corridor near offices and the LA Temple; daytime foot traffic and neighborhood patrons.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit arterial boulevard with steady activity; typical urban noise.
Nearby: Opposite LA Temple; near offices, apartments, and Santa Monica Blvd retail; convenient for casual meals.
SawtelleSawtelle is a vibrant neighborhood known for its strong Japanese cultural influence, featuring numerous Japanese restaurants, cafes, and shops. The dining scene is eclectic, ranging from casual ramen spots to trendy cafes, attracting locals and visitors seeking authentic and fusion Japanese cuisine alongside other casual dining options.
Sawtelle JapantownSawtelle Japantown is a well-known sub-area celebrated for its concentration of Japanese eateries, markets, and cultural shops. It has a lively yet community-oriented vibe, popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots that blend traditional and modern Japanese flavors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:30–21:00
Tuesday09:30–21:00
Wednesday09:30–21:00
Thursday09:30–21:00
Friday09:30–21:00
Saturday09:30–21:00
Sunday09:30–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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