AOC

Renowned Chef Suzanne Goin, owner of restaurants Tavern and Lucques, has combined forces with sommelier Caroline Styne to create a winning feel-good Mediterranean menu in an intimate ambience.

Start by nibbling on the goodies from the hearty Cheese and Charcuterie board. For something more substantial, choose from a list of fresh and local favorites, including Duck Confit with black rice, pomegranate and walnuts, the Brioche with prosciutto, gruyere and egg, or the imaginative Autumn Peaches, burrata, cumin and almonds.

The tapas-style plates are complemented by an extensive regional and European wine list. Leave room for the decadently delicious chocolate peanut butter brownie with salted caramel. A choice spot is a stool at the Bar-- the perfect place to catch up with friends and cozy setting for a date.

8022 West Third Street
(323) 653-6359

BOUCHON

Now there's one less reason to travel all the way to Yountville. Acclaimed chef Thomas Keller continues to exceed all expectations in his growing empire with an unforgettable dining experience in Beverly Hills.

Say bonjour to Bouchon. A casual French bistro rooted in tradition, where you can expect le crème de la crème of French classics, such as sublime Steak Frites, a juicy Croque Madame, Moules au Safron, and a Grand Plateau filled with the freshest oysters, shrimps, clams, mussels, crab and lobster. Or the more adventurous Boudin Blanc, a white sausage with potato puree and poached prunes. Perfect with a glass of crisp champagne, or one of the French or Californian Wines, on the extensive wine list. The Pot de Crème tops off the meal beautifully.

Frequented by Hollywood business execs, curious restaurateurs, the European elite and those fortunate enough to afford this sensational cuisine.

235 N Canon Drive       (310) 271-9910

CAFÉ STELLA            French Bistro

A perfect French bistro is hard to come by in a city accused of being devoid of culture. Café Stella, located in the heart of Sunset Junction in the artistic community of Silver Lake just east of Hollywood, serves up a hidden nook of perfection and charm.

Whether seated in the covered patio lined with bougainvillea and tiny lights, in the cozy romantic wood-paneled dining room among deep banquettes, or in the perfectly lit bar, you are treated as a regular even on your first visit. Your palette will be pleased by an array of standard bistro fare such as Steak au Poivre, Moules Frites, Escargot, Coq au Vin, and of course, French Onion soup. The Stella Burger served with Roquefort cheese, an oven roasted tomato and grilled onions is not to be missed, especially with a side of Truffle Fries. Dive into the exceptional and hearty Cheese Plate that is curated with the help of their next door neighbors, the Silver Lake Cheese Store.

If room allows, attempt dessert. Pot de Crème is reliable and the Cheesecake is a stand out-- tart and not too dense against a perfect graham cracker crust. The ever-revolving wine list is approachable and descriptive with a focus on French, but also showcasing small gems from California, Hungary and Spain.

3932 W. Sunset Blvd      (323) 666-0265

CHURCH & STATE     French Bistro

On an obscure corner of Industrial Street in Downtown LA, beneath a sign for “National Biscuit Company” is where you will find Church & State, a restaurant brimming with Old World character. Among the French bistro style setting of tightly packed tables, mismatched chairs, exposed pipes, high ceilings and windows is where diners can enjoy an intimate, casual dining experience.

Chef Tony Esnault demonstrates his expertise to French classics such as Escargots, Bouillabaisse, Steak Frites, Cassoulet, and Foie Gras Parfait spread on a crispy baguette. For some true indulgence, try the Roasted Bone Marrow and for dessert, a Pot de Crème.

The wine list of predominantly French Burgandies pairs well with the enticing menu. Church & State is a destination spot well worth travelling to. Ooo, la la.

1850 Industrial Street      (213) 405-1434

JIRAFFE

Award winning chef-owner Raphael Lunetta has succeeded at merging the precision and delicacies of fine French cooking with the welcoming and local flavor of California cuisine. The dining experience at JiRaffe is elegant but unpretentious, detailed but approachable. A perfect dining space nestled on a corner in downtown Santa Monica invites romantic meals, celebratory affairs and casual weekday suppers.

While enjoying a seasonal specialty cocktail or a choice from the French and California focused fine wine list, an Amuse-bouche will arrive fresh from the bounty of the nearby farmers market-- preparing your palate for the ever-changing menu.

The roasted Beet Salad with walnuts, dried Bing cherries and goat cheese cream is a signature item. Another favorite is the Roasted Chicken, served with a fresh garden ragout. Caramelized Pork Chop shows off Lunetta’s passion for choosing excellent and well-sourced meats-- the sweet pork perfectly cooked and served with an apple-spiced chutney and wild rice.

JiRaffe demonstrates its creative pursuits with an extraordinary selection of nightly specials and occasional chef’s tasting menus. Mondays are Bistro Night, with a 3-course Prix fixe for $38.

502 Santa Monica Blvd.       (310) 917-6671

MÉLISSE

Located in the heart of Santa Monica, this contemporary French-American restaurant brings sophisticated elegance to the laid back West Side. Chef/Owner Josiah Citrin, demonstrates his exquisite skills, perfected from training with such culinary stars as Wolfgang Puck, to bring us dishes so impeccably presented, they deserve admiration. Each visit launches a culinary journey of creative combinations, bold flavors, and colorful masterpieces.

Egg Caviar of poached egg, lemon crème frâiche, and American Osetra Caviar is a good way to start. Entrees include the outstanding Lobster Bolognese with fresh cappelini and black truffles, or the simply divine California Guinea Hen ‘poche-roti’ with haricots vers, fennel and pistachio nut. There's even a superb seasonal Vegetarian tasting menu.

The sommelier provides expert advice for the perfect wine selection from their world class list. No evening would be complete without a spoonful of Sticky Toffee Pudding and mocha malt ice cream. Dining at Mélisse is nothing less than an outstanding visual and sensual gastronomic experience.

1104 Wilshire Blvd      (310) 395-0881