Best French restaurants in Los Angeles [2024]

Los Angeles may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of French cuisine, but there are actually a number of excellent French restaurants scattered throughout the city. From classic bistros to modern fine dining establishments, LA has something to offer for every Francophile. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best French restaurants in Los Angeles, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out in this culinary landscape. So, whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or simply looking to explore the world of French cuisine, read on to discover some of LA’s best French restaurants.

Republique

Address: 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: +1 (310) 362-6115
Website: republiquela.com
Details: $$$, Modern French restaurant

Republique is a fantastic French restaurant that offers delicious pastries, breakfasts, and small plates in a cool and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant has an extensive menu, with great choices that are all highly recommended. The baguette with butter and pan drippings, baby greens, crudo, stuffed squash blossoms, lobster Campanella and arugula casarecce, are all must-tries. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list that pairs well with the food.

The atmosphere is modern and inviting, with high ceilings that allow the restaurant to feel spacious and airy. The service is top-notch, with highly knowledgeable wait staff who are quick to respond to guests’ needs. The restaurant is a perfect spot for a birthday dinner or a night out, with indoor and outdoor seating options available.

Republique’s chef masterfully twists classic French flavors and techniques with seasonal California ingredients, resulting in fresh and unique flavors that are specific to the time and place. The pastries are also highly recommended, with every kind of pastry from creams, savory, fruits, etc. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a fancy dinner, Republique is definitely worth a visit.

The Little Door

Address: 8164 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: +1 (323) 951-1210
Website: thelittledoor.com
Details: $$$$, Modern European restaurant

The Little Door is a beautiful French restaurant that features exceptional service, outstanding food, and a romantic ambiance. The restaurant has a unique design, with a lovely patio adorned with green vines, twinkling lights, and hanging lanterns that create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The service is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about providing excellent service.

The menu features a range of delicious dishes, including the sea bass, lamb chops, grilled octopus, and shaved Brussels sprout salad. The portions are substantial and not pretentious, and the food is of the highest quality. The restaurant also offers a prix fixe menu and a chef selection menu that is similar to DineLA pricing and set up.

The Little Door is a hidden gem that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The restaurant is a little hard to find, but once inside, the rustic ambiance dazzles. The food is superb, and the grilled octopus is a must-try. The restaurant is one of the prettiest in LA, with a courtyard, fountain, and tree canopy of twinkling lights that are absolutely stunning. Overall, The Little Door is a must-visit for anyone looking for an exceptional French dining experience in a beautiful and romantic setting.

WeHo Bistro

Address: 1040 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: +1 (310) 657-9696
Website: wehobistro.com
Details: $$, Bar & grill

WeHo Bistro is a hidden gem in West Hollywood that offers outstanding food and excellent service. The restaurant has a simple and welcoming ambiance, with a cute outdoor patio covered with flowers that creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The menu is one of the best in LA, with a good variety of options that match everyone’s favorite flavors and ingredients. From simple fries with truffles, hummus, and Italian plate with prosciutto to avocado burrata toast, garlic truffle fries, and baked Atlantic salmon, everything is made with fresh ingredients and great sauces.

The service is attentive and quick, without feeling rushed. The staff is friendly and handles food sensitivities with ease. They go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, and the owner is grateful for your visit. The waitress is amazing and even bought out a surprise candle with dessert when she overheard us talking about one of our group’s birthdays.

The prices are reasonable for West Hollywood, and the food is of excellent quality. The portions are generous, and the flavors are unforgettable. WeHo Bistro is perfect for a quiet evening with somebody or celebrating a special occasion with friends and family. It’s a great neighborhood eatery that offers great food and outstanding service, and it’s definitely worth a repeat visit.

Le Petit Four

Address: 8654 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: +1 (310) 652-3863
Website: lepetitfour.net
Details: $$, Californian restaurant

Le Petit Four is a delightful French restaurant located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. The restaurant has a lovely outdoor setting that creates a charming and bustling atmosphere, reminiscent of eating in Saint Tropez or Cannes in the South of France. The menu features a great variety of dishes, including seafood stew from the South of France, steak au poivre, and linguine with clams. The food is consistently excellent, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great place to enjoy delicious French cuisine without breaking the bank.

The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive, and the owner, Alex, makes sure that every guest feels welcome and at home. He goes above and beyond to ensure that all is to the guests’ taste, and his warm welcome and impeccable service make Le Petit Four a must-stop on every visit to LA. The waiters are helpful, and the service is impeccable, making every visit a memorable experience.

Le Petit Four is perfect for all occasions, from intimate dinners to larger parties. The restaurant has a specific vegan menu, and their chicken dijon and salmon are both amazing. The desserts are too tempting to resist, especially the apple tarte tatin and Saint Honore. The restaurant is a true gem that will make you feel like you have traveled to the South of France for a few hours. Highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious French cuisine, impeccable service, and a charming atmosphere.

Julienne

Address: 2649 Mission St, San Marino, CA 91108
Phone: +1 (626) 441-2299
Website: juliennetogo.com
Details: $$, Gourmet grocery store

Julienne is a charming European-inspired restaurant located in Pasadena, close to the Langham Huntington Hotel. The restaurant is always busy, so reservations are recommended. They have a wide variety of takeout options, including delicious French desserts. The food is always beautifully presented, and the menu features intelligently-designed comfort food, served by experienced and well-trained waitstaff. Eating on their patio is a stress-relieving and enjoyable experience, and they also have an adjacent deli with many interesting pastries and other prepared foods.

The ambiance of Julienne is enchanting, and the floral arrangements and music add to the delightful atmosphere. The restaurant offers elegant, but not stuffy, surroundings with seating on the garden front patio or within the intimate, wood-paneled library room adorned with frescoed ceilings. The service is excellent, and the staff makes you feel welcome. The attached gourmet market and gift shop is a must-visit, with freshly prepared food to go, little gifts for sale, and their wonderful rosemary bread. The whole place is like a miniature Rick Steves tour of Europe, and it is as close to European elegance as you’ll get in Southern California.

Julienne is a true bistro that offers great food for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. The atmosphere is charming and transports you to Provence, France. Whether you opt for takeout or dine-in, the food is always delicious, and the service is top-notch. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delightful European-inspired dining experience in Pasadena.

Bistro 45

Address: 45 S Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: +1 (626) 795-2478
Website: bistro45.com
Details: $$$, Fine dining restaurant

Bistro 45 is a classy and upscale restaurant located in Pasadena that offers an exceptional dining experience. The owner and staff make every guest feel special, going above and beyond to accommodate their needs. They offer private rooms for special occasions and make sure that everything is taken care of, from drinks to clean-up to orders and special requests. The menu features varied and creative dishes, including fresh fish caught the day before in Santa Barbara and everything is organic and sustainably farmed. The wine list and cocktails are also great, and the staff is friendly and attentive.

The food at Bistro 45 is delicious and artfully crafted, and they have the best pizza in town. The menu is rich in variety, and the dishes are cooked to perfection. The burrata is incredible, the salmon ravioli is new and interesting, and the lamb chops are the best you’ll ever have. The chocolate soup and the Meyer Lemon Trio dessert are over the top in deliciousness. The service is impeccable, with friendly and efficient staff, and the ambiance is refined and welcoming. The white tablecloth linens and crisp napkins add to the special feel of the restaurant.

Bistro 45 is a special place for a special meal, and it is a premier dining experience with personable service and excellent gastronomy. They offer a Prix Fixe menu for special occasions, and the food is always great. The staff is helpful and attentive, and the owner, Robert Simon, is a gracious host who pays attention to every detail. The restaurant is a perfect place for a romantic dinner, a family reunion, or any special occasion that requires great food, excellent service, and a refined ambiance.

Taix French Country Cuisine

Address: 1911 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: +1 (213) 484-1265
Website: taixfrench.com
Details: $$, French restaurant

Taix French Country Cuisine is a Los Angeles gem that has been in business for over 90 years, offering exceptional French cuisine and excellent service. The restaurant features vast, comfortably decorated spaces with large banquettes, and floor and wall treatments that help to mute sound and make conversation easy. The ambiance is reminiscent of restaurants long gone in the more glamorous days of the 1940s and 1950s, providing a luxury in modern restaurant dining. The restaurant offers traditional service, including a bottomless tureen of delicious soup, a salad, and an entree. The dishes are cooked to perfection, and the desserts are superb.

The staff at Taix French Country Cuisine is attentive and friendly, making sure that every guest feels welcomed and taken care of. The restaurant is a perfect place for midsize and larger events, offering excellent value for money. The valet parking is convenient and very reasonably priced. The restaurant also participated in Restaurant Week, offering a steal deal for guests to enjoy their French cuisine and top-notch wine.

The vibe at Taix French Country Cuisine is old school, providing a perfect experience for those who love French food and an excellent dining experience. The restaurant offers a warm potato and leek soup on Saturdays, and the mussels are delicious. The waiter suggested a lovely Chardonnay to complete the feast. While the property has been sold to a developer, the restaurant will be closing temporarily and re-opening in a smaller space in the apartment building to be built on the current site. However, the owner ensures that the food will be just as extraordinary, and they will continue to welcome guests with the same excellent service.

Patina Restaurant

Address: The Walt Disney Concert Hall, 141 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: +1 (213) 972-3331
Website: patinagroup.com/patina-restaurant
Details: $$$$, Fine dining restaurant
Patina Restaurant in Los Angeles offers an exceptional dining experience, praised by its customers for its friendly and top-notch service, serene atmosphere, and delectable menu. The staff is outstanding, going beyond what is expected to ensure that customers are comfortable and have a memorable time. The menu is diverse, with the chef’s creations presented as small expressions of fine art on a plate. Although the items may seem overpriced, the unique experience is worth every dollar.

The spacious dining room is well-separated, and tables are surrounded by beautiful lighting and tables/chairs, giving the space an elegant and serene ambiance. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and the wine list is globally impressive. The restaurant is a top-class eatery in Los Angeles, Downtown, and is a perfect place to dine before a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a feature that the staff is well aware of, ensuring that customers are not late for the show.

Patina Restaurant’s General Manager, Kevin Welby, and Executive Chef, Andreas Roller, oversee an outstanding team dedicated to making sure that customers’ dining experience is unforgettable. The restaurant is pricey, but its service, quality, and styling of food warrant the cost of the multi-course menus. For a unique dining experience, Patina Restaurant is worth the visit, and with vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary accommodations, there is something for everyone.

Le Petit Paris

Address: 418 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: +1 (213) 217-4445
Website: web.facebook.com/lepetitparisla
Details: $$$, French restaurant
Le Petit Paris is a French restaurant located in downtown LA that offers a delightful culinary experience. The restaurant has an elegant indoor dining space and a comfortable outdoor patio seating area. The staff is friendly, efficient, and welcoming, making the atmosphere warm and inviting. The menu offers a wide range of French cuisine, with every dish prepared to perfection. The starters, such as bone marrow, ceviche, and escargot, are delicious, while the entrees, including truffle pasta, boeuf bourguignon, filet mignon, and Maine scallop risotto, are outstanding.

The restaurant is also known for its wonderful brunch buffet, which offers over 63 selections of French dishes. Guests can enjoy Parisian Omelette, French baguette, croissant, pain au chocolat, chouquette, briochi, and sugar, French toast, nutella crepes, salmon, cod, roasted beef with truffle foie gras sauce, saffron risotto, vegetable linguine, and chicken, to name a few. The chocolate fountain and charcuterie and cheese platters are perfectly paired with bottomless mimosa, Bellini, or Bloody Mary.

Le Petit Paris is an excellent place to celebrate special occasions, have a romantic dinner or a Jazz Music Sunday brunch. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with high ceilings and a grand staircase leading to the upstairs bar. The ambiance is chic and swanky yet relaxed and cool. Prices are high, but the food is worth every penny. Overall, Le Petit Paris is highly recommended for those who are looking for a walk back to the golden age of LA architecture with a modern fair and a great culinary experience.

Compagnon Wine Bistro

Address: 335 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: +1 (424) 342-9840
Website: compagnonbistro.com
Details: French restaurant
Compagnon Wine Bistro is a small French restaurant located in San Pedro, Los Angeles. The owners, Thomas and Loni Compagnon, go out of their way to make dinner special, and their hard work and dedication are reflected in the exceptional food and service. The atmosphere is romantic, whether eating indoors or out, and the wine list is exceptional, with little-known wines from which the staff can advise the optimum matches.

The menu is typical and traditional Bistro, but executed with a slant towards Southern France, with even wisps of Spanish influence. The Chef, who trained in Toulouse, has fashioned his recipes and presentation with that background, resulting in dishes of great refinement and presentation. The Beef Bourguignon and Duck Confit are both excellent, and the Sea Bass is fresh and perfectly prepared. The Crème Brûlée is also a must-try dessert.

Service is impeccable and overseen by the owners, with staff juggling as many tables as they can during busy dinner times. Parking is limited to spaces on the street, but it’s worth it to dine at this gem of a French Bistro, which offers the most delicious cuisine and wine at very reasonable prices. Reservations are highly recommended, as seating is varied, with tables accommodating from two to six individuals at a single table, or the option to sit at the bar.

Green Street Tavern

Address: 69 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: +1 (626) 229-9961
Website: greenstreettavern.net
Details: $$, Californian restaurant
Green Street Tavern is a charming and intimate restaurant located in Old Town Pasadena. The varied menu features original and creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a date or small celebration. Service is attentive, professional, and friendly, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

The menu at Green Street Tavern is outstanding, with ten or so items for appetizers, another ten or so for the main course, etc., ensuring a focus on quality. Customers rave about the Margherita Flatbread, steak Quesadilla, Baked Brie, Wild Boar Meatloaf, and lamb tangine, which are among the best dishes they have had in a long time. The restaurant’s wine selection is also excellent and decently priced, with most wines at $10 a glass.

Green Street Tavern’s staff is exceptional, with servers like Gabrielle and Talia providing excellent, attentive, and helpful service. The restaurant is also managed by Grigor, whose enthusiasm and contagious energy add to the overall dining experience. The restaurant has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike, with customers stating that they will undoubtedly return for dinner or brunch, and recommend it to others.

Trois Mec

Address: 716 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: +1 (323) 484-8588
Website: troismec.com
Details: $$$$, French restaurant
Trois Mec, a Michelin-starred French restaurant located in Los Angeles, offers a spectacular dining experience that customers will never forget. Although the restaurant’s exterior has a funky, hipster vibe, the warm and relaxed atmosphere inside welcomes guests. The staff is cheerful and approachable, creating a comfortable environment for customers to enjoy their meal. Guests have the option of sitting at the counter and watching the “show” of a Michelin Star dinner unfold before them, as the hardworking chefs are all smiling.

The highlight of Trois Mec is the food, which is described as “outstanding” and “super special.” Customers rave about the creativity and flavors of each dish, with many calling it the best restaurant meal they have ever had. The restaurant’s pre-fixe menu of five courses and extras is carefully crafted and beautifully presented. The wine list is extensive, with offerings at all price points, and the staff is happy to make recommendations. Trois Mec can accommodate various allergies and preferences, making it a great place for anyone to dine.

The restaurant’s eccentric setting, in a former pizzeria in a strip mall, only adds to the unique and unforgettable dining experience. The attentive and professional service, efficient kitchen, and creative menu make Trois Mec a foodie’s paradise. Although the price is high, many customers say it is worth it, and Trois Mec has been added to their list of “keeper” Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Overall, Trois Mec is highly recommended for those who appreciate a different take on food, as well as for those who enjoy the good surprises of life, food, and a non-assuming atmosphere.

Brandywine

Address: 22757 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone: +1 (818) 225-9114
Website: thebrandywinerestaurant.com
Details: $$$, Wine store
Brandywine was a French restaurant located in Los Angeles that was known for serving excellent continental food for decades. Despite being a small restaurant, many reviewers enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and felt welcomed by the warm and friendly staff. The original owners retired, and a new owner took over, but the quality of the food and service remained just as high as before.

The menu at Brandywine featured a range of French cuisine, with standout dishes such as the smoked salmon amuse bouche, the onion soup, and the warm spinach salad with bacon. Other popular menu items included the duck orange, rack of lamb, and filet and lobster tail. Reviewers consistently praised the attention to detail in the food preparation and presentation, as well as the high quality of the ingredients.

In addition to the exceptional food, Brandywine was also known for its impeccable service and charming ambiance. The staff made diners feel like old friends and were attentive without being overbearing. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, with its vintage decor and blackboard menu, added to the overall experience. While the prices were on the higher side, many reviewers felt that the quality of the food and service justified the cost and made it a worthwhile splurge for a special occasion or a romantic night out.

Overall, Brandywine was a beloved local establishment that provided a fine dining experience to those who appreciated excellent food and attentive service. Its small size and intimate atmosphere made it a charming and unique destination that stood out from the chain restaurants and over-programmed eateries that dominated the area. Although the restaurant has since closed, its legacy lives on through the many positive reviews and fond memories shared by its patrons.

Bistro De La Gare

Address: 921 Meridian Ave, S Pasadena, CA 91030
Phone: +1 (626) 799-8828
Website: bistrodelagare.com
Details: $$, French restaurant
Bistro De La Gare is a charming French bistro in South Pasadena, praised for its fantastic food and cozy ambiance. The restaurant has a modern feel, while still retaining the charm of traditional French cuisine. The menu and wine list cater to a wide range of tastes, and each dish is prepared to perfection. The service is attentive and friendly, with the chef often coming out to greet diners and talk about the evening’s menu.

The hospitable chef and friendly staff provide excellent service, making customers feel welcome and well taken care of. The waitstaff is personable and helpful, providing wine pairing recommendations and making sure that diners are satisfied with their meal. The ambiance is warm and comfortable, making it a great place for a romantic evening or a casual lunch. The cozy terrace and intimate dining room add to the overall experience.

Bistro De La Gare is a gem in South Pasadena, offering authentic French cuisine with a California twist. The food is high quality, flavorful, and well worth the price. The staff handles every obstacle with grace and makes customers feel like part of the family. With a range of dishes from traditional escargots and foie gras to full Provencal dishes, Bistro De La Gare is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of France in Southern California.

In conclusion, Los Angeles may not have the same reputation as Paris when it comes to French cuisine, but the city has a surprising number of excellent French restaurants. From classic bistros to modern fine dining establishments, LA’s French food scene is diverse and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic steak frites or a more adventurous tasting menu, there’s something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in LA, be sure to check out one of these top French restaurants for a culinary experience that’s sure to impress.