Washington Blvd in Mar Vista has been experiencing a great period in Los Angeles restaurants. Recently opening up and down the street between Lincoln and Sepulveda, Washington Blvd is slowly getting on the map for culinary destinations. Culver Cafe is the to-go Thai spot for great, cheap Thai in good-sized portions to fill your belly with healthy fare. They've worked wonders with the interior of the old Taco Bell. Cheaper than Celadon, the other Thai place down the street, a little less "trying too hard", and super super fresh, the Culver Cafe tastes like there’s a farm in their parking lot. The prices are great, especially for the dinner special, where you get an entree and a soup (a good-sized soup) for just $12 and some change. Culver Cafe's food isn't over-spiced, over-sauced, or heavy in any way,  just some simple, lightly sauteed veggies, fresh meat, and deliciousness in every bite. If you're looking for some great, hearty Thai food without paying crazy prices, the unassuming Culver Cafe is your place.

Culver Cafe, 13223 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

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If you’re in the mood for Mexican and you're around the Mar Vista/Culver City/Venice area, skip Paco’s Tacos, Tito's Tacos, La Cabanita, and Casablanca entirely. Who needs the brunch and dinner lines for some mediocre chips, watery margaritas, and fatty, greasy plates with half-hearted veggies? Go straight to Mi Ranchito, the less-known gem of a Mar Vista restaurant on Washington Blvd by Centinela. The staff is exceptionally friendly, the decor is like sitting in the middle of Christmas (but not tacky – there’s a fine line, and Mi Ranchito is on one side, Paco’s Tacos is on the other side…), and the food is completely delicious – and cheaper than their competitors. Order the Abondigas soup - it's like heaven in your mouth, even on a hot day - any taco combination, any burrito – order anything and you won’t be disappointed. If you like your Mexican food real like it was cooked by your Mexican mom, with no frills, unnecessary flares, or other extras, Mi Ranchito is your place.

Mi Ranchito, 12223 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

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If your tastes run to the exotic, definitely reserve a table at Anarkali, the award-winning Indian restaurant that's been a Los Angeles mainstay for over 30 years. Anarkali has been critically acclaimed by the LA Times, Los Angeles Magazine, LA Weekly, Zagat Guide, Gourmet Magazine, Hollywood Reporter, LA Reader, Hollywood Independent, Herald Examiner, Daily News, British Weekly, and even Elmer Drills - Channel 7. So you know, if all those publications give Anarkali a thumbs up, it's got to be good!

Anarkali is serving up an eight course Valentine's Dinner for two for only $49.95! That includes a bottle of wine or an Indian beer. If you'd like to imbibe a little more, they're featuring a 50% off happy hour from 4-7pm. We know eight courses sounds like too much food, but Indian food is always served in small dishes - a little bowl of soup here, a touch of nan there - and before you know it, you're sitting there in front of empty plates feeling nicely full but not unattractively full, perfect for Valentine's Day!

7013 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

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At Chalet Edelweiss, they are completely inspired by the clean, natural life in the Swiss Alps. A place where the air is crisp, time slows down, and dining is a distinctly savored and shared experience. Cooking authentic, Swiss-influenced dishes here and – using only the best meats and fresh produce – they offer a diverse menu of world fare, specializing in hearty German and Swiss delights. Try the wood-fired pizzas made right before your eyes, Swiss cheese fondue, delicious skillets, healthy salads and everything else! True to European roots, they serve only the finest Erdinger, the finest Bavarian wheat beer, and the finest Bitburger Pils on tap, brewed according to traditional recipes - pretty much the finest of everything. Chalet Edelweiss is a romantic place any time, but especially on Valentine's Day! Don't miss what they're serving up - raspberry flapper champagne, cupid's consommé with red beets, salmon cevice with avocado, filet mignon with creamy risotto, & chocolate fondue fruit. Sooo good and so different! German/Swiss food isn't traditionally under the umbrella of "romantic" food, but you certainly won't leave hungry!

8740 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90045

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On Valentine's Day, drop by Akasha with your sweetie for some live jazz, dinner & cocktail specials in addition to their regular menu & Valentine desserts include gianduja crème brûlée & flourless chocolate cake w/raspberry-chocolate chunk gelato. If your mouth isn't watering now, it should be!

The Akasha restaurant/bar/bakery features New American cuisine offering comfort food with big flavors and sustainable ingredients, for carnivores and herbivores alike. Chef/Caterer Akasha Richmond brings visionary cuisine to her own neighborhood eatery located in the historic Hull Building in downtown Culver City. They keep the principles of sustainability in mind, as the building's original steel, wood, concrete and brick arches were restored while the design materials pair with a seventies modernity to exude an inviting and lively atmosphere. The artisan bakery has both sweet and savory selections, as well as locally roasted fair trade coffee. The 20-seat bar highlights fresh juice cocktails, organic and premium spirits, beer and wine. The entire menu is available for catering or to go.

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