Seemor
Westside › Westside › Mom, Please Ukrainian food, Playa Vista
Mom, Please Ukrainian food, Playa VistaBWorth Trying
13151 Fountain Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90094
· Ukrainian restaurant, Cafe, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (538 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Cozy Ukrainian cafe with standout dumplings, syrnyky, and teas; counter-order model, lovely patio, strong owner engagement, but small portions, slow-at-peak service, and pricing add-ons can frustrate.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Mom, Please delivers authentic Ukrainian comfort with standout syrnyky and varenyky that justify its loyal following, but inconsistent execution—variable portions, seasoning swings, and kitchen delays—prevents a higher grade. The charming patio and friendly counter service create genuine warmth, though isolated food safety reports warrant caution. A worthwhile neighborhood destination for authentic Eastern European flavors, best visited with patience for waits.
Restaurant Summary
On a sunny Playa Vista plaza, this cafe feels warm and homelike—order at the counter, settle onto the patio by the sunflower wall, and sip a sea-buckthorn tea while you wait. Staff are often kind and helpful, though the kitchen can back up. One diner summed it up: "cozy spot with food that tastes like home." The cooking leans classic Ukrainian comfort—borscht, varenyky, pelmeni, and syrnyky—executed with care rather than flash, though a few plates add a modern touch like the caviar bagel. Fans rave about the airy syrnyky and potato dumplings with sour cream; critics cite small portions and seasoning swings. Expect honest, home-style flavors more than restaurant theatrics. Families do well here: simple dumplings, cottage cheese pancakes, and crepes appeal to kids, and there are even toys on the patio at times. The menu offers vegetarian choices (cabbage varenyky, salads), but egg-heavy pancakes may not fit all diets. If your child prefers very plain food, stick to dumplings and crepes.
At a Glance
- Authentic Ukrainian comfort dishes with standout syrnyky and dumplings
- Charming patio and friendly counter team
- Portions run small relative to price; add-on charges and surcharge noted
- Kitchen delays at peak times; service can feel stretched
- Isolated food safety complaints; monitor if sensitive
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_ukrainian_home_cooking
- cozy_patio_ambiance
- strong_owner_engagement
What People Love
- That first spoon of nostalgic borscht
- Airy, lightly sweet syrnyky with berries
- Welcoming, cozy patio atmosphere
- Staff guiding newcomers through the menu
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($20+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Food can take 30–60 minutes when backed up; counter line also slows
- Some reports of bland borscht or sparse fillings; quality varies by visit
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (high 5-star share, enthusiastic tone) which may not reflect every diner's experience
- A reviewer reported a 5.1% surcharge at checkout; factor into budget
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarian: Varenyky with Cabbage ($22), Classic Vinaigrette Salad ($18), Cabbage Salad ($12.50)
- Comfort sampler: Borscht ($19) + Pelmeni ($19) + Syrnyky ($16-$18)
- Light lunch: Okroshka ($18) + Mlyntsi Classic ($10)
Perfect For
- Casual weekend brunch on a sunny patio
- Comfort-food cravings without heavy formality
- Curious first-timers exploring Ukrainian cuisine
- Solo coffee and dumplings stop
Location Insights
Area: Modern, master-planned Playa Vista with families, tech workers, and pet-friendly plazas; relaxed, community vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit and walkable; reviewers note feeling comfortable and secure.
Nearby: Residential complexes, parks, and mixed-use retail; short drive to Marina del Rey and beach corridors.
Playa VistaPlaya Vista features a contemporary dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and diverse international cuisines catering to a tech-savvy and family-oriented population. The area is safe, walkable, and designed with community spaces, making it popular for both work and leisure dining.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:30–21:00
Tuesday08:30–21:00
Wednesday08:30–21:00
Thursday08:30–21:00
Friday08:30–21:30
Saturday08:30–21:30
Sunday08:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →