There’s something undeniably romantic about sitting down to a genuinely French meal in Los Angeles. Between the city’s sun-drenched boulevards and palm‑studded sidewalks, you might never expect to stumble upon the tenderest steak frites this side of Paris, or a flaky croissant that tastes like buttery daydreams. But LA’s French dining scene is surprisingly rich and varied—so whether you’re hunting that effortless bistro charm or a white‑tablecloth splurge, there’s a perfect spot waiting. Here, in no particular order (because honestly, it’s impossible to rank perfection), are seven of my absolute favorite French restaurants in Los Angeles. I’ve lingered over every one of these meals, and I can promise you they’ll linger in your memory, too.

1. République

République occupies a beautifully restored 1920s building in Mid‑Wilshire, originally designed by Charlie Chaplin, and today glows under vaulted ceilings and old‑world light fixtures. Helmed by husband‑and‑wife chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke, the menu spans wood‑fired paellas, delicate pastries, and French classics like escargots en croûte, all underscored by ingredients sourced directly from California farmers. Morning coffee and croissants give way to power‑lunch salads and wine‑soaked dinners, making République as versatile as it is beloved.

2. Pasjoli

In Santa Monica, Pasjoli delivers high‑end French dining without pretense—think tableside onion‑tart theatrics and tables groaning under caviar service. Chef Dave Beran’s approach blends ‘90s California‑French nostalgia with contemporary precision, showcased in a shimmering brasserie space that nods to midcentury glamour. Despite its tasting‑menu roots, Pasjoli’s à la carte offerings—like the gleaming onion tart and the caviar‑topped service—ensure even first‑timers leave with memories as rich as the food.

3. Petit Trois

Tucked into a Hollywood strip mall, Petit Trois is Ludo Lefebvre’s cozy tribute to Parisian bistros, complete with marble countertops, checkerboard floors, and a playlist of French hip‑hop. The menu reads like a love letter to classics—Boursin‑filled omelet, garlicky escargots de Bourgogne, and the indulgent “Big Mec” burger lavish with bordelaise and bone marrow sauce. Counter seating encourages communal vibes, where watching the open kitchen feels like being front‑row at a performance of butter, garlic, and technique.

4. Mélisse

Mélisse in Santa Monica stands among the few remaining bastions of multi‑star fine‑dining in L.A., where chef Josiah Citrin’s nine‑course tasting menu evolves with just one dish carried over from the restaurant’s 25‑year history—an orange tomato soup poured tableside over pistachio and strawberry sorbet. The Michelin two‑starred kitchen balances luxury and warmth, as seen in its hay‑smoked chicken plated alongside pink oyster mushrooms and ravioli enriched with egg yolk. Citrin’s drive for innovation ensures each visit to Mélisse feels both timeless and invigorating.

5. Le Champ

Down a tucked‑away alley in the Arts District, Le Champ unfolds in an outdoor garden under a canopy of twinkling lights, transforming classic French bistro fare into an intimate, al fresco experience. The dim, lantern‑lit ambiance is matched by standout dishes like escargots with house‑baked baguette and a French onion soup that drips molten cheese over veal‑rich broth. Part of Eater LA’s essential French list, Le Champ feels like stumbling upon a little slice of Provence in the city’s art‑laden core.

6. Oriel

Oriel in Chinatown is a breezy, white‑walled bistro where classic French cooking meets a stellar wine list, making it the perfect low‑key haunt for both solo diners and gatherings. Owners—veteran Angelenos of the wine‑bar scene—have fashioned a spot where escargots, steak bavette, and duck‑in‑a‑jar coexist with under‑the‑tracks charm and consistent train‑track ambiance. Its approachable prices and art‑strewn walls cement Oriel as a neighborhood gem for weekday dinners or lingering weekend lunches.

7. Lumière

Housed within the Fairmont Century Plaza, Lumière unfolds as a relaxed brasserie, where friendly staff guide diners through classics like steak frites and fruits de mer in a sunlit room accented by plush booths and brass fixtures. As part of the Michelin Guide’s roster, it bridges the gap between hotel dining and genuine French comfort, poised beneath mid‑century modern murals and served on gleaming white porcelain. Whether it’s weekend brunch or a late‑night consolation, Lumière shines with accessible sophistication.

Tips for Savoring French Cuisine in L.A.

• Reserve Early: Hot spots like République and Pasjoli fill up days in advance—plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Embrace the Bar Counter: Many French bistros invite you to watch the kitchen at work; seating at the counter can heighten the experience.
• Share Plates: From escargots to steak frites, splitting classics lets you sample more without overordering.
• Time It Right: Off‑peak dining (late lunch, early dinner) often offers better availability and a more relaxed pace.
• Explore Wine Lists: French gastronomy is inseparable from its wines; seek out spots with thoughtfully curated by‑the‑glass offerings.

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Conclusion

From landmark dining rooms steeped in L.A. history to hidden garden bistros under twinkling lights, these seven French restaurants showcase the depth and diversity of Gallic cuisine in Los Angeles. Each spot delivers its own brand of authenticity—whether it’s Mélisse’s refined tasting menus, Oriel’s laid‑back wine‑bar vibe, or Petit Trois’s gleaming marble counter—and together, they map a delicious, distinctly Angeleno journey through France’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a longtime francophile or a curious newcomer, these tables are ready to welcome you with warm hospitality and unforgettable flavors.