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Zinqué
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Zinqué
7.8
This zinc countertop-inspired bistro transforms from morning café to evening wine bar, channeling Parisian sidewalk culture. The beautiful patio with fireplace creates European ambiance across from Pacific Design Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Moules Frites, Tuna Tartare
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: All-day French bistro with zinc bar inspired by Paris cafés
Who should go: Couples who love casual European cafe culture
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm Monday-Friday for $12 cocktails
What to order: Steak frites, wine flights, weekend brunch
Insider tip: Patio fireplace perfect for romantic evening dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking - arrive early or use nearby lots
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans okay but lean polished, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - perfect for conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including French onion soup, salads, pasta
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, call ahead to discuss modifications
Gluten-free options: Some options available - servers knowledgeable about ingredients
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - relaxed enough to talk, romantic patio setting, not too fancy or expensive
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, patio fills up fast - weekday lunch your best bet for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for tweens+ during daytime hours - evening skews more adult/date crowd
Best For
Better for: Relaxed French dining with great outdoor space and all-day flexibility - more approachable than stuffy bistros
Skip if: You want fine dining service, need extensive vegan options, or want a quiet intimate dinner (can get lively)
Zinqué
8.0
French-inspired neighborhood bistro serving all-day dining from European-style cafe mornings to evening wine bar. The zinc bar aesthetic and charming patio create a Parisian vibe with consistent quality and reasonable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quinoa Breakfast Burrito, Smoked Salmon Toast, Leek and Gruyère Quiche
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Authentic French bistro charm with all-day flexibility and patio dining
Who should go: Francophiles and patio dining enthusiasts
When to visit: Daily 7am start for breakfast through evening dining
What to order: Le Bowl, French toast, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Happy hour 4-6pm offers $12 cocktails and wines
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking - arrive early or use nearby paid lots
Dress code: Chic casual - think nice jeans with a blouse or button-down, avoid athleisure
Noise level: Conversational-friendly - bustling but not overwhelming
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including quiches, salads, and vegetable-forward plates
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mostly salads and sides, call ahead
Gluten-free options: Some options available - staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - romantic patio setting, not too loud for conversation, and classy without being intimidating
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, but reserve for dinner and weekend brunch to guarantee patio seating
Is it kid-friendly? Better for 10+ kids who can handle sit-down dining - no kids menu but simple options available, quieter atmosphere
Best For
Better for: All-day flexibility with consistent quality from breakfast through dinner, plus the best Design District patio for French bistro vibes
Skip if: You want quick casual dining, are on a tight budget, or prefer loud, energetic nightlife spots
Zinqué
8.0
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
French-inspired neighborhood bistro serving breakfast from 7am with La Colombe coffee and signature Le Bowl. The zinc-counter Parisian café aesthetic creates a beloved second home for locals who come to work, linger, and socialize over quinoa breakfast burritos and smoked salmon toast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quinoa Breakfast Burrito, Smoked Salmon Toast, Le Bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Parisian zinc-counter café culture with all-day dining
Who should go: French café lovers and remote workers
When to visit: Early morning for coffee and pastries
What to order: Le Bowl, smoked salmon toast, espresso martini
Insider tip: Transforms from café to full dining with live music
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive during peak hours, easier before 9am and after 3pm
Dress code: Casual chic - think elevated athleisure or jeans with nice tops
Noise level: Lively but conversational - bustling café energy without being overwhelming
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for tables, immediate seating at zinc counter
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before 11:30am, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - quinoa bowls, avocado toast, and vegetarian pastries
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - oat milk available, 2-3 dedicated vegan options
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked items including GF bread for toast options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual morning or lunch dates - relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering conversation without pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for breakfast/lunch, but expect a short wait on weekends. Counter seating almost always available
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) due to trendy atmosphere - no high chairs but accommodating for families during daytime hours
Best For
Better for: All-day hangout sessions and quality coffee culture - more substance than typical trendy spots
Skip if: You want quick grab-and-go breakfast or prefer traditional American diner fare over French-inspired dishes
Zinqué
7.7
Inspired by Parisian zinc-countertop cafés, this all-day French bistro transforms from morning coffee spot to late-night wine bar. Despite service hiccups, locals consider it their second home for Le Bowl at lunch and small plates after work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Le Bowl with Chicken, Artichoke with Romesco, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Open 7am to midnight serving French fare all day long.
Who should go: Remote workers and wine enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm weekdays for best deals
What to order: Ahi poke niçoise salad, frites, wine by the glass
Insider tip: Stick to drinks and small plates—full dinners can take an hour
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Melrose ($2/hr until 8pm), easier to find spots on side streets. No valet.
Dress code: LA casual chic - anything from nice jeans and a tee to business casual fits in
Noise level: Bustling bistro energy - lively but conversation-friendly, louder during happy hour
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for walk-ins, though bar seating often available sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 5-10 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several salads, vegetable sides, and cheese plates available
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify salads, ask about daily vegetable sides
Gluten-free options: Some options - salads and proteins available, but no GF bread substitute
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - the all-day menu means flexible timing, outdoor seating adds romance, and wine selection impresses. Just avoid peak dinner hours when service slows down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially for breakfast/lunch or if you're flexible with bar/counter seating. Weekend dinners fill up, but the late-night hours (after 9pm) typically have availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids (8+) during daytime hours. No kids menu, but frites and simple dishes work. Gets more adult-oriented after 6pm with the wine bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: All-day flexibility and authentic bistro atmosphere - few places serve quality French fare from 7am to midnight with solid wine selection throughout
Skip if: You want a special occasion dinner with attentive service - head to Republique or Petit Trois instead for elevated French dining