30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Mid-Wilshire
Best Bakery in Mid-Wilshire
Best French Fries in Mid-Wilshire
Best Breakfast in Mid-Wilshire
Best Brunch in Mid-Wilshire
Best Romantic Restaurants in Mid-Wilshire
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Mid-Wilshire
Best Trendy Restaurants in Mid-Wilshire
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Mid-Wilshire
Best Tasting Menus in Mid-Wilshire
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Mid-Wilshire
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
Republique
9.1
Republique is a grand all-day French–American cafe and restaurant from chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke, set in a soaring 1929 brick-and-tile space on La Brea. Locals line up for pastries, breakfast plates, and a polished dinner menu that balances serious technique with a lively, communal feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Kimchi Fried Rice, French Onion Soup, Strawberry Passion Fruit Tart
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Chef-driven French–American cooking in a historic 1929 space.
Who should go: Dinosaurs of brunch and serious dinner date planners.
When to visit: Early mornings for pastries or early weekend dinners.
What to order: Short rib kimchi rice, French onion soup, seasonal tart.
Insider tip: Hit the pastry case right at opening before favorites sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening ($12–$15). Metered street parking on La Brea and side streets is possible but fills quickly during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; jeans are fine but most diners dress stylishly, especially at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversational at brunch, louder during peak dinner service, especially in the main hall.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; the bar area sometimes opens spots sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, aside from a short line at the pastry counter during peak morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including salads, vegetable-driven starters, and occasional seasonal mains.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes can usually be made vegan but not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Good support with GF-friendly dishes and staff knowledgeable about modifications, though no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the soaring historic space and polished cooking make it a memorable choice. Choose an earlier or weekday seating if you want a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible at brunch and dinner, but expect a line and long wait during peak times. Arriving early or being flexible with bar seating improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids or teens; the space is busy and energetic, and the menu leans upscale. High chairs are available but families with very young children may find the noise and pacing challenging.
Best For
Better for: Ambitious French–American cooking, top-tier pastries, and a dramatic historic dining room that elevates brunch and dinner beyond typical neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need extensive vegan choices, or prefer a casual, no-wait brunch — nearby cafes are better suited for low-key, faster meals.
Hours
Monday8am - 2pm
Tuesday5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday5:30pm - 10pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday8am - 2pm