Consistency, nostalgia and warmth: Mary & Robbs’ recipe for a wonderful Dine LA experience.
Located on 1455 Westwood Blvd., Mary and Robb’s Westwood Cafe has been a Westwood staple since the 1940s; its doors open to generations while maintaining their classic, homely, family feel, even up until now.
Beginning as a neighborhood soda shop, the cafe eventually transformed into a full-fledged, full-service restaurant in the late 1960s. Though it has undergone some ownership changes, with the establishment most recently being passed on to Roozbeh Farahanipour, they have promised to maintain the restaurant’s warm, community spirit.
As soon as you walk in, you are greeted and seated in this warm, rustic and cozy environment. The wooden interior, further highlighted by the warm lighting and the homely decorations, intertwine to create an ambience that feels inviting, reminiscent of a classic American diner.
The cafe offers various seating options, including both table seating and bar seating. Choosing to sit at the bar offered a relaxed and lively vibe that added to the overall experience. From the bar seats, there was a clear view of the Westwood streets outside, allowing us to watch the steady flow of traffic and pedestrians while dining.
In accordance with Dine LA Week, Mary and Robb’s offered the “Lunch Prix-Fixe” –a simple yet classic menu selection for the price of $25. Since we went for lunch, they offered either a small soup or their house salad for the first course and then a choice of either a classic burger with fries, a triple-decker sandwich or a vegetarian healthy option. For dessert, a slice of cream pie. Drinks were not included with the prix-fixe offering.
First course meals were out in no time. The salad was simple, consisting of a balanced amount of tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and other produce. The vegetables felt fresh and the salad itself was well-seasoned and packed with a fresh feeling.
Alternatively, the vegetarian split pea soup offered a heartier option. The soup’s thick consistency and smooth texture were comfortable and filling, aligning well with the cafe’s homestyle approach.
It took some time before the main course meals were served. One notable aspect of the food was the portion sizes, as the meals were sizable enough to fill up the large plates and our stomachs. The burger was served in a deconstructed form, with the bread and the patty on one corner of the plate, and toppings like the tomato, pickles and lettuce on another. On the other side of the plate, a substantial side of steak-cut fries.
Putting the burger together, the toppings felt fresh and the patty was soft. The meat looked well-cooked and we were pleased to taste that looks were not deceiving! Upon the first bite, you could feel the flavor of the patty, with the juices oozing into the burger that will leave you fulfilled by the final chomp.
The fries were thick cut, crispy on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside. On their own, they did not have much flavor, but with ketchup, the taste paired nicely with the burger.
The Triple Decker Club Sandwich offered an equally satisfying alternative. Packed with turkey breast, bacon, lettuce and tomato stacked high on white toast, the sandwich was cut into four neatly arranged slices, making it both visually appealing and easy to eat.
Served alongside carrots and a pickle slice, the presentation of the meal felt classic and balanced. The turkey was tender while the bacon added a savory crunch to the sandwich. The fresh vegetables provided a well-rounded contrast that completed the sandwich.
Since no meal is complete without dessert, the Dine LA menu also includes a slice of Boston Cream pie. Consisting of three layers — a crumbly biscuit layer on the bottom, with a whipped chocolate filling in the center and topped off with a cloudy cream layer, the bottom layer seemed to be falling apart somewhat, not holding together too well. However, the taste itself was quite balanced, as the pie did not feel too heavy or sweet — a perfectly light dessert to top off your meal.
Mary and Robb’s executed its Dine LA Lunch Prix-Fixe menu effectively by showcasing generous proportions, efficient service and well-prepared classic dishes. The menu highlighted the cafe’s strengths in comfort food and consistency, while maintaining its welcoming, comfy atmosphere.
With their successful participation in Dine LA and its continued dedication to quality meals, the cafe serves as an excellent dining experience for those seeking a reliable and inviting dining option in Westwood.
