Vive La France! How to be a Francophile in Los Angeles

Monsieur Marcel now has two outposts (the other is on 3rd Street Promenade), however the Farmer’s market location has a market where you can pick up all kinds of delectables (cheeses, wine, bread, etc…) But if you’re in the mood to sit down to a nice quiche or some baked brie then either location works. The last time I was here I had the Salade Paysanne which comes topped with a poached egg. YUM.

I LOVE this place. I love the way it’s decorated, I love the food, I love the little cat that decorates their to-go bags, and I LOVE how they put fennel in the water— it’s delicious! Licorice-flavored water!! Anyway, I’ve been here a couple times for sandwiches and have always been a happy camper. Throw in some macaroons to go (pistachio, please) and I am a VERY happy camper.

I applaud La Dijonaise! Not only do they have Merguez (spicy North African sausage) on their menu, but they have one of my FAVORITE French sandwiches: the Pan Bagnat. Tuna, eggs, olives, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and vinaigrette. Tuna+Hard boiled eggs=Best combo ever.

While the atmosphere is way more Hollywood than Parisian, Comme Ca is your typical French bistro. Onion soup, bouillabaisse, roast chicken, steak frites, and of course, pomme frites (french fries). And just because they didn’t want to let you forget you’re still in LA, there’s also a burger on the menu.

Since it’s about 90 degrees as I’m writing this, the idea of eating a nice cool salad is VERY appetizing. Especially if it’s got breaded goat cheese and smoked salmon on it. And if you’re the type person who balks at eating “rabbit food” for a meal, then you can still get your fill Provence: they also offer quiches and crepes.

Yes, Le Pain is a chain, but don’t knock it till you try it. I think this place serves some of the best French pastries and tartines in town.

This Silver Lake restaurant might be the closest you’ll get to Paris in Los Angeles. The food is good (not amazing), but the atmosphere is 100% Parisian bistro. I had the duck the last time I was here, which I remember being pretty tasty.

While you can pretty much walk down any street in Paris and find a creperie, finding one in Los Angeles requires a little more travel. This one, which happens to be located in the Famer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax, is one of the more French-like ones in LA— mostly because you’re not subjected to the sounds of cars whizzing by or people honking their horns incessantly.

As much as Comme Ca is scene-y, La Cachette is un-scene-y. The average age here is probably 50. But don’t let that let you think this place is stuffy. As much as they serve traditional French food, it also has a California twist to it. Tuna Burger on Brioche with Horseradish Sauce, anyone?

I’ve been going to this restaurant longer than I can remember, and it’s always packed without fail— you have to wait even when you have a reservation! But this really attests to Bizou’s quality. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been here, and I’ve never had a bad meal here, EVER. My fave? The baked mushrooms stuffed with chicken and spinach mousse in a balsamic sauce.

With a name like “House of Bread” how can you NOT go here??? Everything here is SPECTACULAR. The croissants, the baguettes, the sandwiches, the fruit tarts…bring on the calories!!!

Moroccan cooking is as much a part of French cuisine as snails or frogs legs— and in my opinion MUCH more appetizing. Bastilla (a sweet flaky pastry filled with meat, nuts, and dried fruit), couscous, and tagines (a delicious meat stew that’s usually peppered with dried fruit) are just some of the DELICIOUS things you can expect.

I was just here recently, and while it’s not a French establishment in name, what’s more French than bread, cheese and wine? Nothing I can think of. Anyway, this place is pretty impressive array of cheese, and if you’re planning on eating your weight in brie or Camembert, you shouldn’t have a problem.

I used to live in the area, and went here a couple times. It’s pretty much your typical French cafe— simple tasty sandwiches and pastries. And what’s even better, is that Al Gelato is across the street. What’s better than going to France for lunch? Going to Italy for dessert.