Many would argue (except, perhaps, the Italians) that French cuisine is one of the world’s most widely respected and prestigious culinary arts. Of course, a trip to France isn’t in the cards for everyone, but that’s why we live in L.A.! Next time you’re craving an indulgent boeuf bourguignon or a mouthwatering raclette, consider trying one of these superb French restaurants in Los Angeles that will undoubtedly leave you wanting more.
1. Mélisse
Through a discreet side entrance at L.A.’s popular Citrin restaurant, you’ll find Mélisse, an exquisite 14-seat dining room overseen by Chef Josiah Citrin and Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. Their carefully crafted menu and sleek dining experience have earned Mélisse two Michelin stars, making it one of the best French restaurants in Los Angeles. Experience traditional French culinary techniques in conversation with fresh California produce from local suppliers, as seen in dishes such as the carefully-balanced rosemary sunchoke soup, or the hay-baked golden chicken in albufera sauce.
🌐 Learn more: Mélisse
📍 Location: 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
2. Pasjoli
This upscale neighborhood bistro made headlines recently for having helped train Jeremy Allen White for his award-winning role in FX’s The Bear. “The way that I look at kitchens, especially at Pasjoli’s level and the level that students at ICE aspire to, is like a performance,” he said. James Beard-winning chef Dave Beran is the mastermind behind Pasjoli’s classic French bistro menu, inspired by Parisian and Californian markets.
🌐 Learn more: Pasjoli
📍 Location: 2732 Main St, Santa Monica, CA
3. République
With an impressive 4.8-star rating across over 10,000 Google reviews, glorious French restaurant République is regarded as one of the very best restaurants in Los Angeles. The magnificent vaulted dining room is located inside a nearly century-old building built by Charlie Chaplin, a connection that provides a delightful underscore to the unique culinary experience provided here. Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke have curated a memorable menu that marries traditional French culinary techniques with local Californian ingredients.
🌐 Learn more: République
📍 Location: 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA
4. Amour
This stunning WeHo restaurant was one of nine local culinary instutions to earn a spot on the most recent 2024 Michelin Guide. The beloved brasserie serves several elaborate tasting menus informed by French and Japanese culinary techniques. Take a seat in the 18th-century-inspired dining room complete with a roaring fireplace, or enjoy the fresh air in the immaculately-decorated jardin.
🌐 Reservations: Amour
📍 Location: 8715 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
5. Petit Trois
After training in France for twelve years, Chef Ludo Lefebvre opened Petit Trois, which grew into one of the most popular French restaurants in Los Angeles. The L’Original location in Hollywood is inspired by traditional Parisian bistros, where you can take a seat at an intimate dining counter to get a glimpse of the open kitchen. The second location in Sherman Oaks is a bit more spacious, evoking a more luxurious brasserie with a lavish marble bar.
🌐 Reservations: Petit Trois
📍 Locations:
- L’Original: 718 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA
- Le Valley: 13705 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA
6. Camphor
This Michelin-starred French restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles brings a fresh perspective to your traditional bistro experience, elevated with the creative incorporation of South and Southeast Asian culinary techniques. Camphor delivers an approachable yet meticulous menu composed of shareable starters, robust mains, and familiar French classics.
🌐 Reservations: Camphor
📍 Location: 923 E 3rd St #109, Los Angeles, CA
7. Mr. T
At Mr. T, you’ll experience the comfort of hearty street food classics prepared with French culinary techniques under the careful eye of head Chef Alisa Vannah. Highlights include the croquettes monsieur with portobello mushrooms and lemon crème fraîche, the Thai larb style steak tartare, and the decadent duck a l’orange with crispy polenta.
🌐 Reservations: Mr. T
📍 Location: 953 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA
8. Juliet
Experience the best of West Coast seafood with a delightful French twist. Specialties include the Tartare et Caviar, a sea bream tartare topped with herb crème fraîche; and Coquilles Saint-Jacques, a platter of seared scallops with trout roe. Consider visiting for brunch to enjoy a bright and fresh menu featuring expertly-prepared classic omelettes and smoked fish.
🌐 Reservations: Juliet
📍 Location: 8888 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA
9. Cafe Beaujolais
The cozy, romantic ambiance at Cafe Beaujolais makes it a perfect destination for date night. This is where you should come if you’re seeking a more traditional and authentic French restaurant in Los Angeles. Some of the most popular dishes include the decadent tureen of cheesy French onion soup, the expertly-prepared flamed filet mignon with Roquefort cheese, or the oven-baked rack of lamb with a zesty mustard sauce.
🌐 Instagram: @cafebeaujolais_
📍 Location: 1712 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
10. Loupiotte Kitchen
Lovers of French cafe food will want to reserve a table for brunch at Loupiotte Kitchen in Los Feliz, which is beloved for classics including quiches, salad, omelettes, and pastries. The cozy dining room is outfitted with homey decor that makes you feel transported to a cafe in the French countryside. Some popular orders include the brioche French toast with strawberries and basil, as well as the creamy polenta topped with cremini mushrooms and a fried egg.
🌐 Reservations: Loupiotte Kitchen
📍 Location: 1726 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA