You’re about to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Los Angeles, where the flavors of France await. The city’s French food scene is thriving, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to all tastes.
From casual bistros to upscale restaurants, LA’s French culinary landscape is a fusion of traditional techniques and fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a casual lunch, you’ll find the perfect spot to indulge in classic French cuisine.
With a plethora of options available, navigating the best French restaurants in LA can be a challenge. This guide will help you uncover the hidden gems and iconic eateries that make LA a haven for French food enthusiasts.
Discovering LA’s French Culinary Scene
In LA, you can indulge in the rich flavors and techniques of French cooking at numerous top-tier restaurants. The city’s French culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural diversity and love for fine dining.
The Rise of French Cuisine in Los Angeles
French cuisine has become an integral part of LA’s dining culture, offering a sophisticated and refined dining experience. French restaurants in LA balance elegant, if pricey meals with well-curated menus, flawless service, and exceptional appetizers. The cuisine ranges from traditional French cooking to experimental prix-fixe menus, with dishes like steak frites, croque monsieurs, and escargot.
What Makes French Restaurants Special
You’ll appreciate how French restaurants stand apart through their meticulous attention to detail, from perfectly executed sauces to precisely timed cooking techniques. Here are some key aspects that make them special:
- The dining experience often emphasizes the ritual of the meal itself, encouraging you to savor each course.
- Classics are honored while incorporating California’s abundant local ingredients.
- The service style strikes a balance between formal expertise and warm hospitality.
- Wine plays an essential role, with thoughtfully curated lists that complement the menu offerings.
- Ambiance is created through décor, lighting, and table settings, transporting you to Paris.
Iconic French Bistros in Los Angeles
Discovering the best French bistros in Los Angeles is a culinary journey worth taking. The city is dotted with charming establishments that bring the essence of France to the West Coast.
Petit Trois
Petit Trois is a beloved French bistro in Los Angeles, known for its classic dishes and cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy their signature steak tartare and other French favorites in a setting that feels like a Parisian corner in the heart of LA.
République
République is another iconic spot, offering a blend of traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu includes a range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate, from escargot to duck confit.
Oriel
Oriel, located beneath the Metro tracks in Chinatown, is a hidden gem. This chic wine bar and bistro offers some of the best French onion soup in Los Angeles, along with other bistro classics and unique dishes like gnocchi parisienne.
Oriel’s atmosphere is characterized by its modern décor, hanging plants, and a carefully curated wine list focusing on French selections. You’ll appreciate the reasonable prices and the expertise brought by the team behind Bar Covell in Los Feliz.
Upscale French Dining Experiences
LA’s upscale French dining scene is characterized by its elegance and refinement. For those looking to indulge in a sophisticated culinary experience, several top-tier restaurants offer exceptional French cuisine.
Pasjoli
Pasjoli in Santa Monica is a culinary gem, offering a refined French dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to using only the freshest ingredients results in dishes that are both elegant and flavorful.
Mélisse/Citrin
Mélisse and Citrin, located in Santa Monica, are sister restaurants that offer an upscale French dining experience. Under the guidance of renowned chef Josiah Citrin, these restaurants provide a sophisticated culinary journey with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Camphor
Camphor, situated in the Arts District, offers a unique French dining experience with a lighter touch. The restaurant’s airy white and blue dining room creates a serene backdrop for the refined culinary experience, with dishes that are both elegant and modern.
Neighborhood French Gems
Experience the best of French cuisine in LA’s local gems. These hidden treasures offer authentic French dining experiences in various neighborhoods across the city.
Perle in Pasadena
Perle in Pasadena is a delightful French restaurant that offers a sophisticated dining experience. With its elegant ambiance and exceptional service, it’s a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
A Food Affair in Pico-Robertson
A Food Affair in Pico-Robertson is a charming French bistro that serves classic dishes with a modern twist. Their menu features a range of options, including steak frites and duck confit, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Violet Bistro in Westwood
Violet Bistro in Westwood is a French bistro that boasts one of the cutest patios in the city. You’ll love their thoughtfully executed menu featuring French classics like French onion soup, trout amandine, and steak frites. The pommes frites are particularly delicious, with a unique chip-like consistency. The bistro primarily caters to a local crowd, making it an authentic neighborhood spot.
Los Angeles, California: Acclaimed French Restaurants with a Twist
If you’re looking for a French dining experience in LA that goes beyond the usual, you’re in luck. Los Angeles is home to a variety of French restaurants that offer a unique twist on classic cuisine.
Mr. T in Hollywood
Mr. T is a French restaurant located in the heart of Hollywood, offering a sophisticated dining experience. The menu features a range of French classics with a modern twist.
Coucou in Venice
Coucou is a charming French restaurant in Venice, known for its creative take on traditional French cuisine. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a casual dinner or a night out.
Le Champ in Arts District
Le Champ is a sprawling wine bar in the Arts District, serving outstanding French food. The menu includes classics like jambon beurre and escargot, as well as one of the best burgers in town. On weekends, Le Champ offers a brunch menu featuring croque madame, omelets, and duck confit. The restaurant’s spacious layout and extensive wine selection make it a great spot to enjoy French cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Casual French Eateries Worth Visiting
If you’re looking for a relaxed French dining experience in LA, you’re in luck. Los Angeles offers a variety of casual French eateries that serve delicious meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Monsieur Marcel at Farmers Market
Monsieur Marcel is a charming French bistro located within the historic Farmers Market. This eatery offers a range of French classics in a welcoming setting.
Loupiotte Kitchen in Los Feliz
Loupiotte Kitchen, owned by longtime Parisian restaurateur Sarah Bessade, is a charming Los Feliz spot that serves all-day bistro fare. You’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere in its rustic farmhouse-style storefront on Vermont Avenue. The menu features soft-scrambled eggs and French toast for breakfast, and options like vegetable quiche and goat cheese salad for lunch. Loupiotte Kitchen is a versatile neighborhood spot where you can enjoy French cuisine from morning until evening.
Must-Try French Dishes in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a diverse range of French culinary delights, with certain dishes standing out as must-try experiences. When dining at LA’s French restaurants, you’ll want to explore the classics that have made French cuisine renowned worldwide.
Classic French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a staple of French cuisine, and LA’s restaurants do it justice. This classic dish is characterized by its rich, savory broth, topped with croutons and melted cheese. You’ll find that the caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s a perfect starter for any meal, setting the tone for a satisfying dining experience.
Steak Frites
No French bistro is complete without Steak Frites on the menu, and LA’s French eateries are no exception. This simple yet elegant dish consists of a tender steak served with crispy fries. The quality of the steak and the cooking method can vary, but the result is always a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pepper steak or something more adventurous, Steak Frites is a dish worth trying.
Duck Confit
Duck Confit, a dish originating from southwest France, has become a celebrated delicacy in LA’s French restaurants. The traditional technique involves curing duck legs with salt and aromatics, then slowly cooking them in their own fat until tender. Restaurants like République serve Liberty duck confit by night, while Le Champ offers it as part of their weekend brunch menu. The result is meat that’s so tender it falls off the bone, with a rich, concentrated flavor that’s particularly satisfying on a cool LA night.
| Dish | Description | Recommended At |
|---|---|---|
| French Onion Soup | Rich broth with caramelized onions, croutons, and melted cheese | Republique, Petit Trois |
| Steak Frites | Tender steak served with crispy fries | Oriel, Le Champ |
| Duck Confit | Duck legs cured and cooked in their own fat, served with crispy skin | Republique, Le Champ |
French Desserts and Pastries in LA
From classic soufflés to modern twists on traditional desserts, LA’s French restaurants are a paradise for dessert lovers. You can experience the art of French dessert-making at its finest in the diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles.
Soufflés and Tarte Tatin
Soufflés, with their light-as-air texture, are a hallmark of French patisserie. You might enjoy a classic Grand Marnier soufflé, elevated with the subtle flavor of orange liqueur, making for a delightful end to your meal. Tarte Tatin, another French favorite, is a caramelized apple tart that’s turned upside down after baking, revealing a beautifully glazed fruit surface. It’s a dessert that requires precise time and temperature control in the kitchen.
Basque Cheesecake
Basque cheesecake has become a sensation in Los Angeles’ French dining scene. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, the Basque version is crustless and features a dramatically burnt top, creating a rich, caramelized flavor. You should try Pasjoli’s excellent version, which has garnered a devoted following among dessert enthusiasts for its perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Violet Bistro also offers a noteworthy interpretation, providing a fitting conclusion to their bistro experience. The contrast between the creamy interior and the caramelized exterior makes it a compelling dessert choice.
| Dessert | Description | Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Soufflé | Light-as-air texture, often flavored with Grand Marnier | Various French Restaurants |
| Tarte Tatin | Caramelized apple tart turned upside down after baking | Classic French Bistros |
| Basque Cheesecake | Crustless with a burnt top, creating a caramelized flavor | Pasjoli, Violet Bistro |
Enjoying these French desserts is a great way to cap off your dining night at a French restaurant in LA. Whether you’re savoring a soufflé or indulging in a slice of Basque cheesecake, you’re sure to appreciate the culinary skill that goes into creating these sweet treats, served to you at your table.
The above is subject to change.
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