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Best French in Downtown LA
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Kendall's Brasserie
7.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
A French brasserie embedded in The Music Center that has built its rhythm around curtain times, pacing courses so theater-goers eat without clock-watching. The menu leans on brasserie staples like steak frites and burrata salad rather than chasing trends, which keeps it reliable for the downtown professional crowd. Expect a lively dining room on show nights and a noticeably calmer pace during weekday off-peaks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Club Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: French brasserie at The Music Center with service paced to curtain times, so you never miss the opening note.
Who should go: Theater-goers and downtown professionals wanting pre-show French fare
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the two-course Courthouse Lunch prix fixe
What to order: Start with the Brussels Sprouts to share, grab the Steak Frites or Club Sandwich as your main, and keep an eye on the clock if you have curtain.
Insider tip: The weekday Courthouse Lunch is two courses for $33 — a quieter, unhurried way to experience the kitchen without the pre-show rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot on-site at The Music Center — covered multi-story garage with security. Valet also available. Arrive early on show nights as the lot fills fast.
Dress code: Business casual — collared shirts and nice jeans are fine, but skip athletic wear and flip-flops. Expect a polished crowd on performance evenings.
Noise level: Lively and occasionally loud, especially on show nights when the dining room fills with pre-performance energy. Quieter during off-peak weekday dinners. Not ideal for intimate conversation when busy.
Weekend wait: Fills up roughly an hour before Music Center performances — reserve well in advance for Saturday evening. Walk-ins may wait 20-30+ minutes on show nights.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetable-forward options on the menu including Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts, salads, and a Cheese Board — but no explicit vegetarian labeling. Call ahead for specific accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent but not ideal for a quiet, romantic first date. The post-remodel interior is bright and lively with closely spaced tables, so it leans more 'buzzy brasserie' than 'candlelit romance.' Your best move: request patio seating for a quieter, more intimate vibe, or dine after 7pm on performance nights when the pre-show crowd clears out and the energy shifts from bustling to relaxed bistro. The French brasserie menu and professional service (Patina Restaurant Group) make a strong impression — just manage the setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but it depends on timing. This is The Music Center's primary restaurant, so pre-show hours (5pm–7pm on performance nights) fill up fast — book 1–3 days ahead for those windows. Off-peak lunch or late dinner walk-ins are generally fine, and the 345-seat capacity means you'll usually find a spot. Weekday lunches are the easiest walk-in. Weekend brunch and any evening with a major show at the Dorothy Chandler or Ahmanson, book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Workable for older kids (10+) but not a family destination. There's no dedicated kids menu, though mac and cheese, crispy frites, and gelato are on the regular menu and work well for younger palates. The atmosphere is upscale-casual — fine for well-behaved kids who can handle a sit-down French restaurant, but the close table spacing and lively noise level make it challenging with toddlers. High chair availability not confirmed — call ahead if needed.
Is it good for groups? Yes — one of the best group dining options in Downtown LA. There's a dedicated private dining room seating 14, a Grand Avenue Salon for up to 45, and a Boardroom accommodating up to 85. Semi-private and outdoor event spaces are also available. For a casual group of 6–8, standard reservations work fine. For private rooms or parties over 10, contact the Patina Restaurant Group events team at least 2–4 weeks ahead.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — an al fresco patio with approximately 30 seats. It's well-arranged with nicely spaced tables and is noticeably quieter than the interior dining room, making it the preferred option for conversation-focused meals. Dog-friendly. Whether covered or heated is not confirmed online — call ahead if weather is a concern. On pleasant evenings, the patio is the best seat in the house.
Best For
Better for: Pre-show dining at the Music Center, group gatherings with a lively atmosphere, outdoor patio drinks on the Grand Ave terrace, and impressing clients over French brasserie fare.
Consider Alternatives If: You need a quiet room for serious conversation — the dining room gets loud on show nights and the energy skews festive over intimate.