Rich, decadent and utterly sophisticated, French fare is at the heart of modern fine dining. The complex cooking techniques are rooted in tradition, and unlike other cuisines, French food tends to follow a formal structure that yields consistent results across classic dishes like coq au vin, escargot and beef bourguignon. Though France is, of course, the best place to experience these legendary recipes, don’t sleep on Los Angeles’ French restaurants. From casual cafes to upscale eateries with Michelin recognition, L.A. has embraced the Parisian joie de vivre, ensuring that a comforting meal of duck confit and steak frites isn’t too hard to come by. 

Staples like The Little Door have been around since the 1990s, but over the last couple of years, new spots such as Camélia and Muse have proven that locals can’t get enough of the French je ne sais quoi. Prefer a quaint and cozy patio for wining and dining? Westwood’s Violet Bistro houses a romantic red brick courtyard, while Coucou West Hollywood transports you to a sidewalk bistro in Paris. While we recommend leaving the complex cooking to the experts, Monsieur Marcel is a historic market that specializes in French imports, and after a little gourmet shopping, you can sit down at the on-site bistro for a glass of rosé and oysters. 

While French fare is a great example of “if it ain't broke, don’t fix it,” more modern restaurants have branched out and put a twist on tradition by incorporating globally-inspired flavors from places like India and Japan. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night in Santa Monica or looking to enjoy a cup of French onion soup in a cozy courtyard, say bonjour to the most fabulous French restaurants in L.A.

Step into a world of Japanese and French fusion when dining at downtown L.A.’s Camélia. Located in the urban Arts District, this industrial bistro puts an Asian twist on beloved French classics. The running egg-topped Croque Madame, for example, is made with a crisp ham katsu, while the grilled loup de mer is served with an oroshi ponzu. Other menu highlights include the soft shell crab tempura, seasonal market lettuce salad and braised beef cheek with a side of kombu and garlic butter rice. In addition to a solid selection of wines and sake, Camélia specializes in craft cocktails made with unexpected ingredients—think a white Negroni made with sunchokes and a whiskey Highball infused with curry leaf. 

Muse landed on the corner of Channel Road and Pacific Coast Highway in August 2024, bringing fine French fare to Santa Monica Canyon.........

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