The Most Fabulous French Restaurants in L.A. for Steak Frites, Escargot and Joie de Vivre

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.

Camélia

• 1850 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

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

• 108 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Muse landed on the corner of Channel Road and Pacific Coast Highway in August 2024, bringing fine French fare to Santa Monica Canyon. Despite having a fancy, upscale feel, owner Fardad Khayami greets each table every evening, creating a cozy and personable ambiance. Though a bread starter might seem basic, the brioche feuilletée with French butter is a can’t-miss appetizer, followed by the bite-sized tuna tartlets and veal bonbons. If you’re up for a pasta course, opt for the Catalana risotto with local spot prawns before enjoying the tender filet mignon with Bordelaise as your main. The tableside dessert tray allows you to get a visual understanding of each sweet treat, but standout items include the tiramisu and traditional Vanilla St. Honoré.

Violet Bistro

• 1121 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Tucked away in Westwood Village, Violet Bistro is a charming and quaint eatery that doubles as a French cooking school. The outdoor courtyard features red brick walls covered in green vines and overhead string lights, setting a romantic backdrop for a shareable spread of baguette and butter, fresh oysters and escargot-style mushrooms. For your main course, indulge in the locally-loved double smashburger steak au poivre with a side of truffle frites. The Violet Spritz is a refreshing blend of St. Germain, Lillet Rose and Butterfly Pea Powder, but you’ll also find a solid list of sustainable and organic wines. 

Oh Lala

• 921 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106

Oh Lala is a bakery and bistro created by friends Maxence Bouvier and Thomas Kocer. The concept started as a casual cafe-style dining destination, but Oh Lala recently launched a dinner service Thursday through Sunday, featuring French favorites coq au vin, steak frites and beef bourguignon casserole. While they don’t serve liquor, they offer a handful of wine-based cocktails along with French-focused wines by the bottle and glass. The cabbage confit is the ultimate savory side, topped with a tangy blue cheese sauce and pomegranate molasses, while the creamy goat cheesecake offers a rich and creamy end to your meal. 

Pasjoli

• 2732 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Pasjoli has been a Santa Monica staple since it first opened in 2019, but the fine dining French spot recently underwent a menu shift, ushering in a more laid-back era for this Main Street eatery. Despite being best-known for the signature tableside pressed duck, which must be reserved in advance, the updated menu keeps things simple with classic items like beef tartare, steamed mussels and a roasted Provençal chicken. The crème fraîche eggs are a can’t-miss appetizer, but when it comes to dessert, save room for the creamy burnt Basque cheesecake and an accompanying cognac espresso martini.

Camphor

• 923 E 3rd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal when you dine at Camphor in L.A.’s historic Arts District. Despite receiving one of the most coveted culinary awards, Camphor maintains a laid-back yet elegant ambiance—not too stuffy nor exclusive. Most dishes are meant to be shared, from the fresh oysters to the beautiful scallop raviolis. When it comes to entrées, the famous steak au poivre and le burger are both top-notch picks. If you can, save room for dessert and order the cloud-like bread pudding, along with a sommelier-recommended port or Chartreuse. 

Mr. T

• 953 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Considering the original location is in Paris, Mr. T is easily one of the best restaurants for contemporary French cuisine in L.A. Located in the heart of Hollywood, Mr. T serves up elegant wines and inventive cocktails that change regularly, but you always have plenty of options that range from spirit-forward to sweet and savory. Though you’ll notice steak frites and branzino beurre blanc on the menu, don’t expect traditional French fare. Most dishes are given a modern twist, as seen in the grilled asparagus with miso hollandaise and breaded chicken with lemon chimichurri. 

Lumière

• 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Located within the Fairmont Century Plaza, Lumière is a quintessential French restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The tiled floors, gold hardware and dark green accents make you feel like you’re dining in a posh Parisian bistro in the Champs-Élysées. Between the light Bibb lettuce salad and the chicken liver mousse, all French cuisine classics are covered. The fantastic cheese selection shouldn’t be skipped, especially the Comté and petite Brie Fermier, but the braised short rib and pomme purée are a match made in heaven. 

Petit Trois Le Valley

• 13705 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

There is no better place to enjoy a sunny valley day than on the patio at Petit Trois; however, if you want cozier vibes, head to the L’Original. Created by chef Ludo Lefebvre, both menus remain classically French, with locally-loved items like the cheesy and rich French onion soup, Burgundy snails, mussels marinière and even a delicate trout almondine. Of course, no French dessert menu would be complete without crème brûlée, but you can also opt for the hazelnut-infused chocolate mousse if that’s more your style.

The Little Door

• 8164 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Since opening in 1996, The Little Door has been a go-to spot for romantic date nights and dinners. The menu harmoniously blends French and Mediterranean flavors in creations like the Portuguese piri-piri shrimp, seared salmon and herb-crusted rack of lamb. Those craving a refreshing cocktail will be drawn to the cucumber martini or pomegranate margarita, but you’ll also find a stunning list of wines from France, Italy and California. The restaurant’s crown jewel is the lush and twinkling patio that creates a transportive oasis in the heart of West 3rd. 

République

• 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Located in a historic building designed by Charlie Chaplin in 1929, République is a cafe, restaurant and bakery all in one. Every day, Angelenos drive from all over and stand in line for République’s fresh-baked breads and pastries. If you’re looking to sit down for dinner, it is best to make a reservation in advance. Some menu items change with the seasons, ensuring that the best produce is used. Start with the corn beignets and duck liver tartlets before exploring one of the handmade pastas and Dover sole. Heartier highlights include the Australian Wagyu zabuton and Kaluga caviar-topped Kurobuta pork belly.

Adkt L.A.

• 531 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Flashy and fun, Adkt L.A. is the ultimate place for dinner and a show. The red booths and glitzy interior set the scene for live music and complement the grandiose seafood tower and show-stopping cocktails. You’ll find caviar and gold flakes sprinkled on several of the seafood appetizers and raw dishes, but even the simple French baguette with cultured butter manages to impress. While the glitz and glam of the restaurant might cause you to assume that the quality of food gets neglected, Adkt successfully avoids this stereotype. The steaks are the standout menu items, including the Wagyu Chateaubriand and chimichurri-topped tomahawk. 

Coucou

• 218 Main St., Venice, CA 90291
• 9045 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

After creating a loyal following of locals in Venice, Coucou expanded to West Hollywood in 2024. This modern French bistro and bar fuses classics with fresh California produce, many of which are cooked to perfection over a live-fire grill. Though some dishes vary between locations, signature items include the lamb-stuffed fried olives, zucchini beignets, steak frites with black garlic jus and the cheese fondue-topped l’haute dog. Quench your thirst with a glass of natural wine or sip on one of Coucou’s many martinis. The West Hollywood location recently launched brunch, serving up mimosas alongside fluffy French omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, the signature burger and more. 

Juliet

• 8888 Washington Blvd Suite 102, Culver City, CA 90232

Culver City’s Juliet is a Michelin Guide restaurant showcasing a seafood-heavy menu prepared with timeless French techniques. The wine list features more than 100 hand-picked bottles, and the sleek interior boasts curved architecture, a romantic bar and industrial accents. Though you can visit for lunch, Juliet is most popular for dinner service. Start with fresh oysters and the bluefin tuna carpaccio before ordering the beloved duck confit “cigars” and seared scallops. If you’re not a fan of seafood, stick with the lamb rib chops, boneless chicken or mushroom risotto. 

Amour Weho

• 8715 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

Amour Weho opened in 2023 as a culinary love letter to French cuisine. Though the restaurant gained a loyal following of regulars who loved their truffle gnocchi, fried frog legs, escargot and signature French Riviera Martini, the romantic eatery decided to pause operations in September 2025, with plans to reopen later in the year. While we’re not sure what changes will be coming to the Amour menu or interiors, we look forward to seeing what’s on the horizon for this moody gem on Beverly Boulevard.