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Bottega Louie
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Bottega Louie
7.9
This bright patisserie and restaurant combines casual Italian fare with stunning design and an impressive dessert case. The family-friendly atmosphere includes covered patio seating and a children's menu featuring pizza and pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Lobster Hash, French Macarons
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Beautiful patisserie with stunning dessert displays and casual dining
Who should go: Families with children who love desserts
When to visit: Weekend brunch or afternoon treats
What to order: Thin-crust pizza, weekend brunch, colorful macarons
Insider tip: Dessert case selection changes daily with photogenic treats
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, street parking competitive - arrive early or use nearby paid lots
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome, many come dressed up for photos
Noise level: Moderately loud - family chatter and open kitchen, better for groups than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, brunch can be 60+ min
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta dishes, salads, and abundant pastries
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes available, pastries mostly contain dairy
Gluten-free options: Some options - ask about gluten-free pasta, many desserts contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates - the bustling family atmosphere and bright lighting make it less romantic for dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually fine, but weekend brunch and dinner definitely need reservations or expect significant waits
Is it kid-friendly? Very - dedicated kids menu with pizza and pastries, high chairs available, families are the norm especially at brunch
Best For
Better for: Instagram photos, family celebrations, dessert lovers, and groups who want reliable crowd-pleasing Italian food with stunning presentation
Skip if: You want intimate conversation, authentic regional Italian cuisine, or you're on a tight budget - portions and pastries add up quickly
Bottega Louie
7.7
This Italian-inspired restaurant and patisserie combines coastal Californian flair with traditional Italian techniques in a bright, airy space. Known for exceptional pastries and diverse pasta menu, it offers both casual dining and special occasion elegance with covered patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Pasta Selection, Margherita Pizza, French Pastries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Restaurant-patisserie hybrid with stunning visual presentation
Who should go: Families and pastry lovers seeking Instagram-worthy dining
When to visit: Brunch for full experience, avoid lunch rush
What to order: Pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, French macarons
Insider tip: Browse the patisserie case for take-home treats
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking - arrive early or use nearby lots
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans ok but lean elevated for the Instagram atmosphere
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation friendly but not intimate
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typical, minimal wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive pasta options plus vegetarian pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options including pasta with marinara and salads
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, kitchen takes allergies seriously
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice - visually stunning space creates natural conversation starters, but can get lively so not ideal for deep intimate talks
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for weekday lunch or early weekend brunch, but dinner reservations strongly recommended - try the bar area as backup
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the pastry case, patio seating works for families, and pasta/pizza options appeal to young palates
Best For
Better for: Instagram photos, pastry selection, and combining dinner with dessert shopping - unique restaurant-patisserie concept
Skip if: Seeking authentic Italian cuisine, intimate quiet dining, or budget-conscious meals under $25 per person
Bottega Louie
7.9
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Upscale Italian-French restaurant, market, and patisserie featuring elegant weekend brunch with famous macarons and pastries. The sophisticated interior and covered patio provide a refined setting for special occasion dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Hash, Belgian Waffles, Famous Macarons
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Combination restaurant and patisserie with stunning pastry displays
Who should go: Celebration diners and pastry lovers
When to visit: Weekend brunch 9am-3pm for full experience
What to order: Lobster hash, French toast, selection of macarons
Insider tip: Take home pastries from the display case for later
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited 2-hour street parking on Robertson
Dress code: Smart casual - no shorts or flip flops, jeans ok if dressed up
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation friendly but energetic atmosphere
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 1 week ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min walk-in wait typical
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including pasta, salads, and egg dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options, pastries are mostly dairy-based
Gluten-free options: Some options available but limited given focus on pastries and bread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for impressing but can feel staged - better for 2nd or 3rd date when you want to show you put thought into it
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch maybe, but weekend brunch absolutely requires advance booking - they're booked solid
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can appreciate fancy food - the pastry case is a huge hit, but it's pricey for picky eaters
Best For
Better for: Instagram photos, celebration brunches, and taking home beautiful pastries - the pastry display alone is worth the visit
Skip if: You want a quiet intimate meal, are on a budget, or prefer casual neighborhood vibes over scene-y atmosphere
Bottega Louie
7.6
Elegant patisserie and restaurant offering French-Italian inspired breakfast with exquisite pastries and weekend brunch menu. The bright, airy space provides upscale dining with thin-crust pizzas, Belgian waffles, and their famous macarons for special occasion brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Belgian Waffles, Lobster Hash, Truffle Egg Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: High-end patisserie with Instagram-worthy presentation
Who should go: Special occasion brunchers seeking elegance
When to visit: Weekend brunch with reservations essential
What to order: Belgian waffles, lobster hash, fresh macarons
Insider tip: Valet parking available starting 6pm daily
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging in WeHo - arrive early or use nearby paid lots. Valet available 6pm+ but most brunch service ends earlier
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy - think elevated brunch attire, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate elegant buzz - perfect for conversation without shouting
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection - pastries, egg dishes, salads, and pizza options
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mainly salads and some pastries with substitutions
Gluten-free options: Some options available but not extensive - call ahead for specifics
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressive brunch dates - elegant atmosphere without being stuffy, beautiful presentations for conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends - try weekday mornings or be prepared for 60+ min wait
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) - upscale atmosphere with sweet treats but not specifically family-oriented
Best For
Better for: Special occasion brunches, Instagram content, impressing out-of-town guests with LA luxury dining
Skip if: Looking for quick breakfast, budget-friendly options, or casual family dining with young kids
Bottega Louie
7.9
This massive West Hollywood outpost of the downtown original brings French patisserie glamour to Santa Monica Boulevard. The bright, airy space excels at brunch classics and thin-crust pizzas, while the patisserie counter displays rainbow macarons and seasonal pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Macarons, Croque Madame, Basque Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Full-service restaurant with French patisserie and gourmet market.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and macaron enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend brunch 9am-3pm for full experience
What to order: Multi-colored macarons, thin-crust pizza, Basque cheesecake
Insider tip: Valet starts at 6pm; use paid parking structure at 625 N San Vicente before then
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10 starts at 6pm, before that use paid structure at 625 N San Vicente ($2-4/hr). Street parking very limited on Santa Monica Blvd
Dress code: Smart casual to upscale casual - jeans fine but pair with nice top, Instagram crowd tends dressy for brunch
Noise level: Lively but manageable - high ceilings help absorb sound, can hear your table but expect energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min peak times without reservation
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min max, often immediate seating available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including truffle pizza, portobello sandwich, multiple salads and pastas
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified salads and sides, no vegan desserts in patisserie
Gluten-free options: Some options - salads and proteins available but no GF bread/pastries, cross-contamination risk in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - bright, impressive space creates conversation starter, noise level allows talking, and dessert case provides natural date extension option
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes with short wait, weekend brunch risky - arrive before 10am or after 2pm for best chance, or expect 45+ minute wait
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch/lunch - high chairs available, kids love the colorful macarons display, but evening service skews adult with wine bar atmosphere
Best For
Better for: Superior pastry program and brunch presentation compared to Republique, more spacious than AOC, better parking than most WeHo spots
Skip if: Want intimate dinner (go to Petit Trois), need budget option (try Joan's on Third), or seeking authentic French bistro vibe (choose Bicyclette)