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LouLou Rooftop Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
LouLou Rooftop Restaurant
8.5
French Riviera-inspired rooftop escape with Pacific Ocean views and vibrant atmosphere. Features French-Mediterranean cuisine with California twists, weekend DJs, and one of LA's most scene-y brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Cheek Bourguignon, Lobster Linguine, LouLou Pizza with Truffle
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Ocean views meet French glamour on a buzzy rooftop
Who should go: Scene-seekers and brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Sunset for views, weekends for party vibes
What to order: Lobster linguine, bottomless brunch, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Saturday brunch has live DJs starting at 11:30am
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15-18, nearby structures $8-20, street parking scarce especially weekends
Dress code: Chic casual - think sundresses, designer jeans, no athletic wear
Noise level: Loud during DJ sets, moderate-high during regular service
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 2+ hours for Saturday brunch
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - French vegetable dishes plus California additions
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Moderate - kitchen can modify several dishes, no dedicated menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - very scene-y and loud, hard to have intimate conversation. Perfect for showing off though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner yes, but weekend brunch absolutely not - book 2+ weeks ahead. Bar seating sometimes available.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids - party atmosphere, no kids menu, DJ volume. Better for 16+ teens who appreciate the scene.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable ocean views with party atmosphere, best bottomless brunch scene in Santa Monica, Instagram photo ops
Skip if: Want quiet romantic dinner, dining with young kids, or seeking authentic traditional French cuisine
LouLou Rooftop Restaurant
7.9
Perched atop Santa Monica Place, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop offers ocean views with a party atmosphere. Weekend brunch features live DJs, while evenings blend French Mediterranean cuisine with California flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Cheek Bourguignon, LouLou Pizza, Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Ocean views from the rooftop with live DJ performances
Who should go: Groups celebrating birthdays or lively dates
When to visit: Saturday brunch for the full party experience
What to order: Beef bourguignon, French onion soup, weekend brunch buffet
Insider tip: Book sunset reservations for golden hour photos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Santa Monica Place mall parking $3/hour, valet available for $8. Street parking scarce on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think sundresses, nice jeans with heels, button-downs. Beachwear too casual
Noise level: Loud during DJ sets (weekends), moderate-loud evenings. Quieter weekday lunches
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially sunset slots
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including ratatouille and cheese soufflé
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options, can modify salads. Call ahead for special prep
Gluten-free options: Some options available, kitchen will modify. Not celiac-safe prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates. The party vibe and loud music make conversation challenging, but the views and energy are perfect once you're comfortable together
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. Try weekday happy hour (4-6pm) for walk-in bar seating, or put your name down and shop the mall while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to party atmosphere and late-night vibe. Better for teens 14+ who appreciate the scene. Sunday lunch is most family-appropriate
Best For
Better for: Celebration energy and ocean views you won't find at other French spots. More fun than Catch LA, better food than typical rooftop bars
Skip if: You want intimate conversation or authentic Parisian bistro vibes. Try Pasjoli for serious French or Elephante for quieter rooftop dining