Bon Appétit: The Haute 5 French Restaurants in Los Angeles

As in-the-know Angelenos, we’ve all heard about as much as possible about the allure of the French.  They’re known to gorge on baguette slathered with butter, follow it with foie gras, and finish it all off with a pot de crème. French cuisine has a truly immaculate, refined style.  Both chic and sexy, to master the culinary genius of the French demands, at least, an innate knowledge of wine and a deep appreciation for unpasteurized camembert. All things conisdered, it’s easy to say that if a passerby on the street mistook you for a parisien(ne), you’d be thrilled. So why not increase your chances of that happening by ordering a meal at one of LA’s hautest French establishments?  This list of LA’s haute five French restaurants should be read very laissez-faire, bien sur.

Anisette Brasserie

Santa Monica is arguably not the first area you’d think to find an authentic French brasserie.  Offering an ambiance that would make even a nationalistic French taxi driver feel at home, Anisette hits the mark with red leather banquettes, checkered floors, tables impossibly close to one another, waiters in buttoned vests, and an enormous bar filled to the ceiling (literally) with bottles of wine.  Their menu can also impress even the most trained palate with their Onion Soup Gratinee, a Foie Gras Torchon appetizer, cheeses from varying regions of France (Petit Basque, anyone?), and a serious Duck Confit.  A votre sante!

Anisette is located at 225 Santa Monica Blvd in Santa Monica. (310) 395-3200

Bastide

Newly appointed to teach you more about the French than just a lesson in perfectly prepared cuisine, the recently renovated (for the third time?), and finally reopened, Bastide is tucked onto the quiet corner of La Cienega and Melrose Place. It shares its now slightly more casual bistro-style space with Assouline – famed French booksellers.  What was once a set-menu-only fine dining establishment is now an a la carte restaurant with Joseph Mahon at the helm. The menu now offers options like watercress custard, yellowtail with shaved vegetables, and red wine risotto.  Once you’ve drained your espresso, head into Assouline with a new appreciation for all things French – or for their huge pink coffee-table book on Barbie.

Bastide is located at 8475 Melrose Place in West Hollywood (323) 651-5950

Ortolan

Chef Christophe Eme’s Michelin-starred Ortolan is not debated, it’s just known.  Known for being one of the most delectable French eateries in town.   If you can think of something more enticing to your palate than scrambled eggs served in a shell with Ostera Caviar, you’re lying.  Perhaps crispy langoustines with peach, chanterelle mushrooms, and almond emulsion is more your speed? Regardless, a seared scallop with bacon will definitely please any kind of taste bud.  The seriousness of the inside of the restaurant is tempered by its colloquial W. 3rd Street location in the best possible way.  It’s bright yellow room is contrasted by the dark woods in another.  Finished with comfortable leather chairs, it will remind you of your chateau in France, obviously.

Ortolan is located at 8338 W. 3rd Street in West Hollywood (323) 653-3300

Café Stella

Where one Parisian will tell you the true test of a chef is how they prepare their frites, another will tell you it’s how they season their escargot, or argue that it’s all about their Sole Meuniere.  Explore all of the above and more at Café Stella in Silver Lake. Here you’ll learn just what it means to eat like the French.  Arguably the best escargots in the city of Los Angeles, Café Stella is a charming courtyard restaurant with an ambiance that beautifully marries Silver Lake chicness with French brasserie style.  Their Soupe a L’Oignon is divine and so is there Coq au Vin, Moules Frites, and Sole Meuniere. Feel free to add some Haricots Verts on the side, and be sure to save room for a Kir Royal or a pot de crème.  Is it weird that after a meal here you suddenly feel like singing the French national anthem? Not at all.

Café Stella is located at 3932 W. Sunset Blvd in Siver Lake (323) 666-0265

Bouchon

We’ve arrive now, unsurprisingly, at Thomas Keller’s Beverly Hills outpost of Bouchon Bistro. It’s simply a perfect example of why the French are so proud and unerringly fond of their cuisine.  Just like any Angeleno with an invitation to eat at Bouchon, the French will cancel previously made plans if it means they’re to eat a phenomenal meal.  Thomas Keller’s Bouchon is distinctly French in its ambiance and very Beverly Hills in its service, which is, as it turns out, a great combination.  Their Frisee aux Lardons et Oeuf Poche rivals any in the city (any city really), and their classic Steak Frites are a serious nod to impeccable cuisine. The Profiteroles could sweeten any sourpuss.  Throughout your meal, a taste of their vin de carafe program is all but required – white or red, they have an exclusive producer in Santa Barbara, so you won’t try these wines elsewhere.  C’est parfait!

Bouchon is located at 235 N. Canon Drive in Beverly Hills (310) 271-9910