🥐 Best in LA

Best French Restaurants in LA

LA's best French restaurants — from Republique's La Brea brasserie to Petit Trois's classic bistro. The definitive 2026 French food guide.

9 picks

LA's French restaurant scene punches above its weight — partly because of the number of French-trained chefs who've settled here, and partly because California produce makes French cooking shine. From Republique's celebrated weekend brunch to Ludo Lefebvre's Hollywood projects, these are the restaurants where classical French technique meets California ingredients.

Two styles of French cooking coexist in LA: the brasserie tradition (Republique's weekend pastries and all-day café culture, Petrossian's smoked fish and caviar on the Westside, the lingering wine-focused lunch that has always had a foothold in Beverly Hills) and a more modern approach where French technique serves as a framework rather than a rulebook. The best restaurants here have a clear identity in one of these two camps.

For visitors looking for the quintessential LA-French experience: Republique on Saturday morning is as good as brunch gets in the city. The croissant program is justifiably famous, the room is beautiful, and the cooking is serious without being precious. Book through Resy well in advance for peak weekend hours, or arrive at 9am on a weekday for a more spontaneous visit.

Melisse / Citrin Watch

Melisse / Citrin

Modern American · French  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $$$$

★★★★½ 4.9 1,450

Santa Monica's refined tasting menu for the most special of occasions

Must-try: Full Tasting Menu ($295), Tomato Salad, Lobster Bolognese

📍 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Full Details Reserve on Resy
Republique Watch

Republique

French · Californian  ·  Mid-Wilshire  ·  $$$

★★★★½ 4.7 8,900

Parisian brunch meets California produce in a stunning space

Must-try: Croque Madame, Butter Croissant, Roasted Chicken

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

Full Details Reserve on Resy
Camphor Watch

Camphor

French · New American  ·  Arts District  ·  $$$

★★★★½ 4.7 2,800

Michelin-recognized French-Asian in the Arts District — steak frites, bay scallop ravioli, and the best rigatoni in DTLA

Must-try: Steak frites, Bay scallop ravioli, Rigatoni with artichoke & Comté

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

Full Details Reserve on Resy
Pasjoli Watch

Pasjoli

French · Bistro  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $$$$

★★★★½ 4.6 486

Michelin-starred French bistro on Main Street — showstopping pressed duck and casual Parisian soul

Must-try: Canard à la Presse (pressed duck for two), Moules frites, Jambon beurre

📍 2732 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable
Perle Watch

Perle

French · Bistro  ·  Pasadena  ·  $$$

★★★★½ 4.5 1,100

Michelin-recognized Pasadena French bistro — intimate Old Town dining

Must-try: Steak frites, French onion soup, Crème brûlée

📍 43 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103

Full Details View on Maps
Boneyard Bistro Watch

Boneyard Bistro

BBQ · American · Bistro  ·  Sherman Oaks  ·  $$

★★★★½ 4.5 2,900

Sherman Oaks' 20-year-old Valley institution — half bistro, half BBQ spot with one of the best burgers in the San Fernando Valley

Must-try: BBQ combo plate, The Boneyard burger, Santa Fe chicken

📍 13539 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable
Philippe the Original Watch

Philippe the Original

American · French Dip Sandwiches  ·  Chinatown  ·  $

★★★★ 4.4 5,831

The French dip's birthplace since 1908 — sawdust floors, dipped sandwiches, and lines that have not changed in a century

Must-try: Double-dipped lamb sandwich, Beef French dip, Chocolate cream pie

📍 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Full Details View on Maps
Petit Trois Watch

Petit Trois

French · Bistro  ·  Hollywood  ·  $$$

★★★★ 4.4 2,831

Hollywood's tiny French counter — Ludo Lefebvre's omelette, steak frites, and a brasserie that proves Paris fits in 30 seats

Must-try: Classic omelette, Steak frites with béarnaise, Escargot

📍 718 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable
Petit Trois Le Valley Watch

Petit Trois Le Valley

French  ·  Sherman Oaks  ·  $$$

★★★★ 4.1 1,366

A Parisian brasserie hiding on Ventura Blvd

Must-try: Boursin Cheese Omelette, Burgundy Escargot, Steak Frites

📍 13705 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best French restaurant in Los Angeles?

Republique on La Brea is the most beloved French-influenced restaurant in LA — the weekend brunch is iconic and the dinner menu showcases Walter Manzke's classical French training applied to California ingredients. For something smaller and more bistro-like, Petit Trois in Hollywood is exceptional.

Where can I get the best croissants in LA?

Republique is the gold standard for croissants in LA — buttery, perfectly laminated, available weekend mornings. Bottega Louie in DTLA also has excellent French pastry. The line at Republique on Saturday morning is worth joining.

Are there Michelin-starred French restaurants in LA?

Yes — Republique has Michelin recognition. For a more classical fine dining French experience, several LA restaurants blend French technique with California ingredients at Michelin-recognized levels, including some tasting menu destinations.

What is the difference between Republique and Petit Trois in LA?

Republique is the full dining experience — a beautiful 1930s room, all-day menu from breakfast through dinner, and one of the city's most celebrated brunches. Petit Trois is a smaller, more focused Hollywood bistro — bar seating only, excellent cocktails, and a tighter menu of French classics. Both are excellent; they serve different occasions.

Is French food in LA expensive?

Republique dinner runs $80–$120 per person with wine, in line with the quality. Petit Trois is more moderate. LA has fewer options for pure French fine dining than New York, but the California-French hybrid style found here offers genuine quality at justified prices.

What is the best French bistro in Los Angeles?

Petit Trois in Hollywood is the strongest bistro experience in LA — no reservations, bar seating only, and a focused menu of French-American classics executed at a high level. The onion soup, croque madame, and burger are all worth ordering. Arrive early or expect a wait on weekends.