18 Best French Restaurants In Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to nearly every kind of cuisine found around the globe. From iconic Mexican restaurants to authentic Thai fare in Thai Town, those with diverse tastes and expanded palettes will find that L.A. truly is a culinary playground. The city has also recently seen an uptick in upscale French restaurants, proving that L.A. is not all about green smoothies and salads. From rich French onion soup to buttery escargot, the French food in L.A. is just as decadent and enticing as what you'll find in France.
Whether you're looking for a romantic spot to celebrate a special date night or you've simply caught a craving for some chocolate mousse, there are several grade-A French eateries to explore. In addition to more upscale restaurants, Los Angeles is also home to more quaint and casual bakeries and cafes. Whether you're a seasoned local or just stopping through, here is our list of the best French restaurants in L.A.!
Mr. T
In the summer of 2022, Mr. T expanded from its original location in Paris. Los Angeles has been lucky enough to host the restaurant's American debut. Mr. T, named after chef Tsuyoshi Miyazaki, stays true to traditional French culinary techniques, but its cuisine is shaped by international influences.
Global inspiration defines the Los Angeles food scene, and Mr. T seeks to expand upon the city's culinary exploration. At the Los Angeles restaurant, Chef Alisa Vannah also takes full advantage of California's bounty, and is dedicated to featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients in each dish. Mr. T's handcrafted cocktails and well-crafted wine list are another lesson in balance and intentionality, and its sleek, minimalist, yet cozy interior shines the spotlight on its food.
République
République is a Los Angeles mainstay, and it's easy to see (and taste) why. Whether you're popping in for a quick pastry or rolling up for a luxurious multi-course dinner, Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke will ensure you leave satisfied. The restaurant sits inside a historic building originally constructed in 1929 by Charlie Chaplin. Just like the art created by the silent film star, République's delicious work speaks for itself.
The front of the building features a cozy cafe, bakery, and bar, perfect for quick bites and catching up with friends. The back hosts a more formal dining area, allowing guests to choose from an expertly crafted menu. The restaurant's French-inspired menu shifts with the seasons, but make sure to order the seasonal fruit pies and pan drippings regardless of what month your reservation is.
L'Appart by Air Food
L'Appart offers a masterclass in beautifully and meticulously constructed French cuisine. Its kitchen showcases Los Angeles's incredible ingredients, serving up mouthwatering versions of all of the classics that restaurant-goers crave from a French meal, from onion soup to escargot to crème brûlée. This foundation of simplicity and tradition defines the restaurant, from its menu to its name, which translates to "The Apartment."
L'Appart was created by two friends, Marc and Thierry, bound together by their love of food and culture. The pair met at a shoe sale at the Place de la République in Paris, and their partnership has carried them and their incredible food across the world. Allow yourself to be transported to their cozy, welcoming apartment, and enjoy great service, a warm atmosphere, and some truly delicious French food.
Camphor
Classic French training and a willingness to buck tradition combine to create some visually and gastronomically stunning dishes at Camphor. Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George share a Southeast Asian background. They pay homage to their heritage through their reference to the Eastern Asian camphor tree, and bring boundless ingredients and flavors to the table.
Camphor brings a similar mindfulness to its cocktails and wines, which are constructed to complement the playful nature of the rest of the menu. This modern bistro uses classic techniques and quality ingredients to frame each dish, resulting in a collection of unique and sophisticated plates. Enjoy Camphor's easy atmosphere with a group of friends — the more you bring along, the more of the menu you can share and savor.
Lumière
This French-inspired brasserie has been praised within the Los Angeles food scene and has embraced Los Angeles in return. Chef Ramon Bojorquez has created a roster of thoughtfully constructed French classics, including French onion soup, duck confit, mille-feuille, and steak frites. In true Southern Californian fashion, the restaurant's menu is driven by fresh, seasonal ingredients, and also hosts vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Restaurant-goers can opt to dine in the classic brasserie, choose to enjoy Los Angeles' famed climate in Lumière's outdoor French garden, head to the bar to sip on cocktails and wine, or pick up Parisian provisions at the patisserie. The restaurant is located in the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel, so guests can even spring for some luxe room service.
Pasjoli
Pasjoli may sit a quarter mile from the sandy beaches of Santa Monica, but it is dedicated to paying homage to the Parisian markets that shape French cuisine. Helmed by award-winning chef Dave Beran, Pasjoli's dedication to preserving thoughtful cooking, sourcing high-quality produce from Southern California, and putting a creative spin on bistro classics keeps members of the Los Angeles food scene coming back for more.
If you're a meat eater, make sure to order some of the restaurant's fowl. It's known for its pressed duck, and guests can reserve the dish in advance. Even if you don't snag a reservation, you still have a shot at scoring a delicious meal. The bar at Pasjoli is first come, first serve, and guests can order from the full dinner menu at both the bar and the neighboring hi-tops.
Le Comptoir
Le Comptoir, which translates to "The Counter," is just that: A 10-seat wooden counter where chef Gary Menes serves up an 8-course vegetable-centric prix fixe menu. The restaurant's dining room is inconspicuously tucked inside Koreatown's Hotel Normandie, but diners who score a seat at the counter will have access to a uniquely transparent cooking process. Chef Menes cooks each dish a few feet from the counter, giving his guests an insight into the entire creative process of each dish.
Transparent sourcing is also central to Menes' cooking philosophy. After all, many of his seasonally-sourced ingredients are grown in his own backyard garden in Long Beach, California. Diners can order seafood and meat supplements, but produce is the true centerpiece at Le Comptoir. If you're a veggie-lover, pull up a chair!
Petit Trois
If you feel like treating yourself to a scrumptious solo lunch, Petit Trois is where it's at. The restaurant's cozy counters are tucked into a small shop at an innocuous Hollywood strip mall, and its limited number of seats are first come, first serve. Though its location may fly under the radar, its food sure doesn't.
The menu at Petit Trois is chock-full of French classics, and the restaurant does all of them well. Dishes include a creamy, pitch-perfect omelet served alongside crisp Boston lettuce, a confit-fried chicken leg brightened up with frisée salad, and some of the best steak tartare in the city. Though the restaurant's seating is suited for solo diners, you can also enjoy Petit Trois with friends — they'll be eternally grateful that you brought them along.
Monsieur Marcel
If you've ever been to Los Angeles' historic original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax, you know it can get chaotic. If you're tired of braving the weekend crowds, or if you're gearing up for a big shopping day at The Grove, Monsieur Marcel is a much-needed oasis amidst the bustle of Melrose. Unlike many other stalls at the farmer's market, Monsieur Marcel offers generous seating, complete with white tablecloths and wicker chairs.
The restaurant has been around for almost 25 years. Its staying power can be traced to popular dishes such as French onion soup topped with a generous portion of melted cheese, delicately prepared escargots, and quiche with ham or spinach and gruyère. The restaurant also hosts a seafood, specialty food, and giftware market where shoppers can pick up thoughtfully selected cheese, charcuterie, wines, cookware, and high-quality imported ingredients.
Bicyclette
After Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke found widespread success in Los Angeles with their collaboration at République, they set out to stretch into new areas of French cooking. Bicyclette remains grounded in its classic French technical training, and the restaurant is primarily led by Walter Manzke, serving as an homage to his love of French cuisine.
The bistro sits on the bottom floor of a building that also hosts their Michelin-starred restaurant Manzke, another collaboration by the Manzke duo. The dining room is framed by warm wood, and diners are seated a few feet from the chefs that prepare their meals. The restaurant's cozy feeling extends to its menu: The baguette and Normandy butter are a must-order, the caramelized onion tart is delicious and decadent, and the tender beef short rib is the most popular entree at Bicyclette for a reason.
Oriel Chinatown
Oriel Chinatown offers great French food with a gorgeous ambiance to match. The restaurant is located inside a renovated auto body shop where red neon, romantic lighting, and beautiful greenery set the scene. Whether you're enjoying a meal with your significant other or a group of friends, Oriel has cultivated a fun energy, with delicious food to match.
The atmosphere is also paired with a great list of unique wines, with an option to please every companion you bring along. Make sure to order Oriel's Bread and Things, which consists of roasted red pepper dip and pan drippings, paired with fresh bread. Other great dishes include the restaurant's duck pate (which they've dubbed duck in a jar), Oriel's steak bavette with garlic butter and mashed potatoes, and if you want a light bite, cheese and charcuterie.
Loupiotte Kitchen
If you're in the Los Feliz neighborhood, the pastries and coffee from Loupiotte Kitchen are the perfect way to kick off your day. This cozy French cafe offers delicious food at every meal, but its breakfast is the star of the show. Luckily, breakfast is served until 2:30 p.m., so you can still enjoy the restaurant's famed French toast (topped with strawberry, orange zest, and basil) even if you sleep in.
If you're craving a savory option, the rich polenta is paired with cremini mushroom, parmesan, a fried egg, and optional add-ons like bacon, avocado, and chicken. When in doubt, opt for a dish paired with their bread. It's consistently delicious, whether it's slathered with pesto, dipped in French onion soup, or paired with the bright shakshuka.
Le Petit Paris
Le Petit Paris is a grandiose French restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The tall ceilings open up the space, and the various seating options are all equally inviting and chic. Upon arrival, the bar is one of the first things you see, encouraging you to post up for a drink while you wait for your table. The cocktail list has plenty of innovative options, such as the Paris Matcha, which is made with matcha, gin, and sour.
Once you sit down, prepare to order a ton for the table. This is definitely the kind of restaurant where you'll want to share and take bites of each dish. If you want to go all out, start with the Ossetra caviar service. Other popular appetizers include beef carpaccio, tuna tartare, and hand-cut filet steak tartare. For the main course, the bouillabaisse is a real treat.
Garçons de Café
From live music on Wednesday nights to brunch on the weekends, Garçons de Café is a fun wine bar and restaurant for any occasion. Though you can easily enjoy a full meal here, Garçons de Café is great for nights when you're craving a glass of vino along with some French-inspired bites. Since Garçons de Café is technically a wine bar, there are plenty of premium bottles to choose from.
Whether you're craving a light Sancerre from the Loire Valley or a Syrah from Rhône, Garçons de Café has it all. While many of the wines are from France, there are also bottles from Italy, California, Mexico, and more. Enjoy your vino with some smoked salmon crostinis, a classic quiche lorraine, or even a toasted baguette with butter. Be sure to save room for some crème brûlée at dessert!
Café Basque
Café Basque focuses on the food and baked goods found along the southwest coast of France. The lush patio and charming interior are immersive and inviting, making Café Basque a great place for drinks and dinner with friends or a romantic evening out on the town. Since it opens at 3 p.m. daily, Café Basque is just as great for lunch as it is for dinner. The mushroom croquettes make for a wonderful appetizer, but if you're craving something on the lighter side, go for the stuffed tomatoes or raw oysters.
When it comes to the main course, the prime sirloin comes with a decadent sauce poivre, but the grilled duck breast is full of flavor and beyond tender. No matter what you order, a side of crispy French fries for the table is a must.
Juliet
Juliet is one of the newest French restaurants to hit the L.A. dining scene. Situated in the heart of Culver City, Juliet takes a modern approach to French fare in a contemporary and stylish setting. In addition to the indoor dining room, Juliet also has a 1,500-square-foot, rattan-covered patio that sets the scene for a chic dinner outside.
The Special Potent Cocktail is one of the more unique libations and is made with Calvados, absinthe, apple, and a light egg white foam. That said, the wine list is well worth exploring if you're looking for a proper pairing with your food. The chilled mussels are a one-of-a-kind dish reminiscent of oysters on the half shell, while the bluefin carpaccio is light, vibrant, and visually enticing.
Mélisse
When it comes to fine dining, both Mélisse and its counterpart, Citrin, hold a special place in L.A. This two-starred Michelin restaurant is located off Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, and it's the ultimate place to treat your significant other to a romantic evening filled with elevated French cuisine. There are only 14 seats in the entire restaurant, creating an exclusive and intimate appeal. Guests also get an uninterrupted view of the kitchen.
Considering the tasting menu includes 18 different servings, you'll want to come hungry. The ingredients come from some of the best farms in San Diego and Napa Valley, and Chef Josiah Citrin's use of masterful and modern cooking techniques results in innovative dishes unlike any other. Next door, Citrin also has one Michelin star but focuses more on California cuisine.
Perle
Located in Old Town Pasadena, Perle uses locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients to create a French-inspired menu with a modern twist. This family-owned business maintains a cozy and community-oriented atmosphere, but the plating is stunning. Considering Chef Dean Yasharian is Michelin-trained, this should come as no surprise. The bistro-style tables and antique wall decor transport diners to France easily, but each dish's fresh, French flavors seal the deal.
In addition to a la carte ordering, Perle also offers "A Taste of Perle” menu. This four-course tasting menu changes every two weeks and is $95 per person. There is even a vegetarian version of the menu for plant-based diners. When it comes to the a la carte menu, start off with the steak tartare and escargot before diving into the truffle pasta with handmade rigatoni.