Best French Cafés, Bakeries and Restaurants In and Around LA
Fig & Olive
8490 Melrose Place
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 360-9100
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Newly opened in March 2011, Fig & Olive Melrose Place brings a bit of the French Riviera to West Hollywood in an expansive 8,000 sq. ft. split-level space. One can almost taste the coastal regions of the Mediterranean in dishes such as the Fig Gorgonzola Tart and Lemon Sole Papillote. Executive Chef Pascal Lorange pairs their signature ingredient, olive oil, beautifully with each dish.
Normandie Bakery
3022 S Cochran Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90189
(323) 939-5528
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This unassuming bakery is in a slightly obscure neighborhood, but the only uncertainty will be in what to order when faced with mouth-watering, colorful French desserts, freshly-baked croissants and baguettes. Some customers swear this is the best French bakery in Los Angeles. The baguettes are light and airy with a crispy exterior and breakfast prices are low ($7 average). Normandie is also well-known for their homemade pate and make a ton of it (literally) every day.
La Provence Patisserie & Café
8950 West Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 888-8833
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This Parisian gem has some of the best food, cakes and pastries in town. Pastry chef and owner, Farshid Hakim, honed his skills at the Hotel de Paris and prepares exquisitely beautiful French confections, such as cream puffs, tarts, napoleons and his famously delicious macaroons. La Provence is a great place for breakfast as well, with several egg dishes, brioche French toast, Belgian waffles, and breakfast sandwiches to choose from.
Marche Moderne
3333 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 434-7900
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The best French restaurant in Orange County has to be Marche Moderne, located at South Coast Plaza above Tiffany & Co. Husband and wife cooking team, Florent and Amelia Marneau, put a contemporary twist on classic French dishes, emphasizing local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The décor of the intimate dining room is simple and sophisticated, with dark wood floors, white linens and French doors that lead to a rooftop patio. Try the three-course prix fixe menu, which ends with Amelia's incredible desserts.
La Petite Creperie
3809 Grand View Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 437-0226
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A variety of both savory crepes "galettes" (made from buckwheat flour) and sweet crepes (made from wheat flour) are offered at La Petite Creperie, which makes one of the best crepes in LA. Try the Citron crepe for dessert (lemon, sugar and butter), which is deliciously tart and sweet. This charming café has a homey, rustic feel and is very inviting. Excellent French press coffee and house made berry jam should not be missed ($8/jar).
Delphine
6250 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 798-1355
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Dining at Delphine at the W Hotel in Hollywood, is like stepping into an unpretentious brasserie in France's Côte d'Azur. Classic dishes such as escargots, niçoise salad, steak frites with béarnaise, and cassoulet are joined by a variety of tapas, seafood, pastas, salads and sandwiches. Enjoy a seasonal hand-crafted cocktail in this chic, yet casual Provençal spot and oogle the selection of les fruits de mer from a bountiful raw bar.
Ratata Buffet Froid et Petits Plats
1884 Westwood Blvd.
(310) 475-5900
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Co-owners Zaïa Lebtahi and Jeremie Cibert left France in 2007 and set about to recreate an authentic Parisian bistro with a warm and friendly atmosphere, similar to those found in Montmartre. They've created a place where people can gather to read, write, dream and eat traditional French dishes at reasonable prices. Live performances add to the convivial atmosphere, including Chef Zaia, who sings as well as cooks.
Gerard's French Restaurant
9814 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 687-4882
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Gerard's may look like a humble, hole-in-the-wall café, but inside it's something else altogether. Elegant décor and an intimate atmosphere make for a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Both the food and service are excellent and the prix fixe menu is a real value.
La Cachette Bistro
1733 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-9509
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After hiding away in Century City for 15 years as a traditional French restaurant, La Cachette reinvents itself as a contemporary bistro in its new digs on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The bistro has a similar menu to the original, but is less expensive. Chef/owner Jean Francois Meteigner is known for making lighter French fare and shops regularly at the local Farmers' Market, putting a California spin on classic French cooking.
Christophe's Restaurant & Lounge
296 N. 2nd. Ave.
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 256-4327
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Christophe's has been on many "Best French restaurants" list, and deservingly so. This hip brasserie in downtown Upland has style and a lounge-like atmosphere that delivers French classics, such as frog legs, duck breast and beef bourguignon with aplomb. The menu is a fusion of French, Italian and Asian influences.
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-0881
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Melisse is sophisticated, refined and nearly perfect--the epitome of French fine dining. People come here for the special experience of having an evening filled with exquisite culinary delights and top-notch service. Melisse is one of the only restaurants in Los Angeles to earn a two Michelin Star Award. The food is simply superb.
Café Beaujolais
1712 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 255-5111
This Eagle Rock neighborhood café has a warm and authentic French country-feel to it, with French-speaking waiters and freshly baked baguettes. Beamed ceilings, a wooden bar and colorful French posters add a rustic charm. Stand out dishes are: the escargots (drenched in butter and garlic) and the shrimp and scallops with creamy potato. Finish off your meal with a tangy lemon curd tart or creamy chocolate mousse. Voila!
