For a midweek break or a special date-night occasion, sophisticated Angelenos go to Paris. Not literally, of course—by way one of these oh-so-français spots nestled across town. From humble pastry shops to fine dining, here’s where to indulge your inner Francophile.
9 Los Angeles Restaurants That Make You Feel Like You’re in Paris
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Published Mar 12, 2018
Côté Est In Highland Park
This airy spot has a menu inspired by the contemporary French bistronomie movement (i.e., the gastropub gone Gallic), so while there are classics such as duck confit served with lentils and frisee, you’ll also choose among specials such as “Le Coq Frite” made with buttermilk-brined fried chicken and celery-root remoulade and served on a ciabatta roll.
5022 York Ave., Highland Park; 323-739-6762 or cote-est.com
République In Mid-city
In 1928, Charlie Chaplin built this tile-clad building with soaring archways; today, the food that the husband-and-wife owners turn out here is as high-quality and innovative as anything filmed by that pioneer. Grab a seat at the bar and order something traditional, like escargot en croute or pickled-onion-flecked beef tartare. Or mix it up with a Japanese grain bowl topped by a fried egg or bucatini. Just be sure to browse the many wines by the glass and save room for the next-level desserts.
624 S. La Brea Ave.; 310-362-6115 or republiquela.com
Petit Trois In Hollywood
No reservations. Not a lot of seating. And no separation between you and the kitchen, where you might see star French chef Ludo Lefebvre stepping in to make a perfect omelette. That’s the magic combination here in this little café tucked into a strip mall. It’s beloved by the French and foodies alike for its perfectly executed classics—hello, escargot.
718 N. Highland Ave.; 323-468-8916 or petittrois.com
Melody LA
Melody In East Hollywood
This converted single-family home has a warm hipster vibe befitting its Silverlake-adjacent locale. The chefs call their cooking “lazy French” to evoke the unfussy presentation and simple, flavor-forward recipes. Order chorizo-and-basil-dotted mussels along with an octopus salad that has apples and labneh cheese. And if you forget your sweater, pas de problème—just borrow one of the restaurant’s blankets for your shoulders.
751 N. Virgil Ave,; 323-922-6037 or melodyla.com
Pitchoun Bakery In Dtla
Everything at this family bakery run by a French-born husband and Monaco-born wife is made fresh daily. From quiches to the open-faced sandwiches known as tartines (especially the California, with its pile of tuna, arugula, heirloom tomatoes and avocado mayo on sourdough), this place is a little slice of delicious sophistication.
545 S. Olive St.; 213-689-3240 or pitchounbakery.com
La Chouquette In Hollywood
Lychee rose raspberry éclair. Nutella puff pastry. Chocolate ganache with berries. If these tastes sound right to you (and your sweet tooth), then this jewel-box bakery owned by French expats is your next stop. Sit on one of the café tables outside and nosh with your café au lait—there are even gluten-free pastries so you can take your dietary-restricted friends.
7350 Melrose Ave.; 424-362-4380 or lachouquette.com
Oriel Chinatown
This is like the reliable bistro you’d find in any Parisian neighborhood, with classic fare, good tunes and a not-too-expensive menu. We loved the duck-in-a-jar (a creamy pâté) along with crusty bread followed by a light almond tart. Simple isn’t easy to do well, but to that, Oriel says au contraire.
1135 Alameda St.; 213-253-9419 or orielchinatown.com
Monsieur Marcel At The Original Farmers’ Market
For more than 20 years, this patio restaurant has packed in the crowds with its combo of casual Cali vibe and classic French fare. The French onion soup alone will sustain you at this shopping mecca—you’ll want to browse the attached gourmet food mart or the just-opened Sézane Parisian apparel pop-up at the Grove. On Tuesdays through March, get free melted Raclette cheese with every order. (You don’t have to tell us twice.)
6333 W. Third St.; 323-939-7792 or mrmarcel.com
Figaro Bistrot In Los Feliz
The crowded sidewalk seating is always such an entertainingly packed scene, you might not make it indoors. Which would be a shame, since the fin de siècle antiques are imported from France (it’s so accurate, Louis Vuitton used it for an ad starring Madonna). Order a glass of red and a plate of beef carpaccio off the happy hour menu, and get to people-watching.
1802 N. Vermont Ave.; 323-662-1587 or figarobistrot.com
