0 Followers
A Food Affair
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
A Food Affair
8.6
A husband-and-wife French bistro that brings Provençal comfort to Pico-Robertson with careful, classic cooking and a warm, intimate room. The menu leans on time-tested staples like duck confit and bouillabaisse, executed with a homey confidence that keeps locals returning. It’s a neighborhood destination for unfussy French dinner done right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Confit, Bouillabaisse de Marseille, Beef Bourguignon
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Provence-style French classics cooked by the owners since 2012.
Who should go: French comfort seekers and date-night diners.
When to visit: Dinner midweek for easiest reservations.
What to order: Duck confit, bouillabaisse, beef bourguignon.
Insider tip: Ask what’s on the weekly special board.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm; metered spots on Pico fill quickly after 6pm. Residential streets nearby are easier midweek, but expect a short walk on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual works best—jeans are fine if paired with something polished. Many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a conversation, though the room gets livelier during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially between 7–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few strong options like ratatouille and salad-driven starters, though the menu leans classic French.
Vegan options: Very limited—French staples rely heavily on dairy and stock. Call ahead if needed.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free by request, and staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate lighting, warm service, and classic French comfort make it relaxed but still special without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early. Weekends usually require a reservation, especially for prime dining hours.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more suited to adults. Older kids who enjoy quieter dining rooms will be fine, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Classic Provençal comfort, personalized owner-driven hospitality, and intimate date-night energy that larger French spots can’t match.
Skip if: You’re seeking avant-garde French, a long tasting menu, or vegan-heavy options—this is a traditional, comfort-driven bistro.
A Food Affair
8.4
A softly lit kosher bistro with a French-Mediterranean lean that’s built for intimate dinners and unrushed conversation. The menu balances polished plates with neighborhood warmth, and the patio adds a quiet, tucked-away feel on Robertson. It’s a dependable romantic default in the corridor when you want something calm, classic, and couple-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom risotto, Lamb chops, Crème brûlée
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kosher French-Mediterranean cooking in a genuinely date-ready setting.
Who should go: Couples wanting a quiet kosher dinner.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend dinner.
What to order: Risotto, lamb chops, seasonal fish.
Insider tip: Request the patio at sunset for the calmest vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Robertson and adjacent residential blocks is the main move; availability varies by hour but is generally manageable before 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight date-night lean—nice jeans or casual dresses fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for uninterrupted conversation, even on the patio.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, depending on patio demand.
Weekday lunch: No wait; service is immediate during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several salads, pastas, and French-Mediterranean plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 workable items, though customization can help.
Gluten-free options: Solid flexibility—many entrées can be adapted; servers handle requests well.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, steady pacing, and a calm patio make it ideal for an unrushed, get-to-know-you dinner without noise distractions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights; for weekends, walk-ins are possible but the patio fills quickly, so reservations are recommended if you want outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews adult—kids are allowed, but the atmosphere is more suited to couples and small groups. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Romantic kosher dining with a softer, more intimate ambiance than most nearby corridor options, plus a quieter patio experience.
Skip if: You want a high-energy scene, large group seating, or a menu built around fast-casual portions.
A Food Affair
8.1
A softly lit kosher bistro that delivers a refined French-Mediterranean dinner without leaning formal, built for conversation and steady pacing. The cooking stays classic and ingredient-driven, with a patio option that turns a simple night out into a relaxed occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole roasted branzino, Duck leg confit, Seasonal risotto
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Kosher French-Mediterranean bistro with calm, date-ready pacing.
Who should go: Couples and friends seeking a quiet upscale kosher meal.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend dinner.
What to order: Branzino, duck confit, seasonal risotto.
Insider tip: Request the patio at sunset for the most intimate tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Robertson is doable before 6pm but tight afterward; metered spots open up after dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—elevated but comfortable. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation both indoors and on the patio.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several entrees and starters lean naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted but not a full slate.
Gluten-free options: Yes—multiple GF-friendly mains; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the lighting is warm, the pacing is relaxed, and the room stays quiet enough for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights; weekends are tighter, so arrive early if you're aiming for the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens; the vibe leans calm and date-oriented, with limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more intimate kosher dinner with French-Mediterranean touches and a standout patio.
Skip if: You want trend-chasing plates, very large group seating, or a fully vegan-friendly menu.
A Food Affair
8.4
A softly lit kosher French-Mediterranean bistro that plays perfectly for anniversaries and quieter celebrations. Seasonal specials, careful sauces, and steady timing make it feel elevated without going formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Duck confit, Seasonal risotto
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Quiet, date-ready kosher bistro with refined French-Med cooking.
Who should go: Couples and small celebrations
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends
What to order: Branzino, duck confit, risotto
Insider tip: Request patio seating at sunset
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Robertson is workable before 6pm but tougher afterward; metered spots open up intermittently. No valet, so plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—dark denim or slacks with a button-down or blouse fits the room’s date-night mood.
Noise level: Low-to-moderate; steady conversation is easy even during peak hours, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, though patio tables can take longer.
Weekday lunch: Generally seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several starters, pastas, and specials built around vegetables and fish-free plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 clearly vegan dishes, with a few others modifiable depending on sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many mains and several appetizers are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—soft lighting, calm pacing, and attentive service create an easy conversation flow without feeling formal or stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights; weekends are tighter and the patio fills fastest. Walk-ins typically wait 15–30 minutes during prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for older kids or teens who enjoy quieter dining; not ideal for toddlers due to the intimate room and slower pacing.
Best For
Better for: Refined but relaxed kosher French-Mediterranean dishes with a romantic setting—ideal for anniversaries and quieter celebrations.
Skip if: You want a high-energy room, large-group seating, or fast casual pacing; other spots nearby fit those moods better.
A Food Affair
8.4
A softly lit French-Mediterranean kosher bistro with a true back-patio setup that turns dinner into a calm al-fresco occasion. The menu leans seasonal and sauce-driven, with steady pacing that suits anniversaries or small celebrations without feeling formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole roasted branzino, Duck confit, Seasonal risotto
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Refined kosher bistro cooking with a sizable back patio.
Who should go: Couples and small groups celebrating quietly
When to visit: Golden hour into weeknight dinner
What to order: Branzino, duck confit, rotating specials
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio if you want the calmest tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico is the main option; it’s metered until evening and can be tight during prime dinner hours, but residential side streets usually have spots within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly polished—think nice jeans, blouses, button-downs, or casual dresses.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the back patio is the quietest area and allows comfortable conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, longer if requesting patio seating specifically.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple entrée and starter options, including salads, risottos, and vegetable-forward specials.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 adaptable dishes; verify with staff since sauces and sides may contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several naturally gluten-free proteins and sides; staff can guide substitutions, though no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the soft lighting, calm patio, and slower pacing create an easy, conversational atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, especially early; weekends benefit from booking ahead, and patio-specific requests may require a brief wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens are fine, but the patio leans quiet and may not suit very young children who need space to move around.
Best For
Better for: A refined yet relaxed outdoor setting with strong French-Mediterranean cooking and date-friendly pacing.
Skip if: You want a purely vegan menu, fast-casual energy, or a loud, high-traffic patio environment.
A Food Affair
8.7
A quietly destination-worthy kosher French-Mediterranean bistro where the cooking is sauce-driven, seasonal, and built for slow dinners. The back patio feels like a tucked-away courtyard, and the menu rewards anyone who likes classic technique with a Los Angeles lightness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole roasted branzino, Duck confit, Seasonal vegetable starters
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Refined kosher French cooking with a serene hidden patio.
Who should go: Couples and small groups celebrating quietly
When to visit: Weeknight golden hour into dinner
What to order: Branzino, duck confit, seasonal starters
Insider tip: Request the back patio for the calmest tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and the adjacent residential blocks is the primary option; it’s manageable before 6:30pm but tight during peak dinner hours. No valet service is offered.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight lean dressy—think polished tops, dark jeans or slacks, and light layers. Most guests arrive looking date-ready without being formal.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The indoor room stays conversational, but the back patio is notably quieter and ideal for intimate dinners.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–50 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio seating. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though patio tables may fill briefly during peak midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed vegetarian starters and mains, especially seasonal vegetable preparations and pastas.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted, but the menu leans sauce-driven and dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrées and starters naturally fit GF; staff is attentive about modifications and cross-contact awareness.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The calm back patio, warm service pacing, and refined-but-unfussy plates make it ideal for a first date where you want a relaxed, elevated vibe without noise or chaos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but outdoor tables go fast. Weekends almost always require a reservation, especially for the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, but best suited to older kids or teens who enjoy quieter dining. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu and the space leans more date-night than family-night.
Best For
Better for: Refined kosher French-Mediterranean cooking with thoughtful sauces and a serene, tucked-away patio—perfect for celebrations, anniversaries, or elegant weeknight dinners.
Skip if: You want fast casual dining, large-group energy, or a broad menu with many vegan choices. Choose alternatives if you need lively, loud, or budget-first meals.
A Food Affair
8.7
A polished kosher French-Mediterranean room where lunch feels like a discreet splurge for closing a deal. The cooking leans seasonal and sauce-driven, with seafood and vegetable plates as sharp as the mains. Quiet, refined energy makes it one of the zip’s most serious business-meal settings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Market-driven salad, Whole roasted branzino, Duck confit
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-end kosher French-Mediterranean cooking in a calm setting.
Who should go: Client lunches and celebration-level meetings.
When to visit: Early lunch for the most relaxed room.
What to order: Market salad, branzino, duck confit.
Insider tip: Request the patio when you want extra privacy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available on Pico and side streets; meters turn over reliably at lunch. No valet during daytime hours.
Dress code: Business casual leaning polished; button-downs and blazers fit the room, but upscale jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for contract reviews, discreet conversations, and client presentations.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for this lunch-focused use case, but dinner typically requires a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with a reservation; walk-ins at peak noon window may face a 10–15 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong—several composed vegetable plates and salads built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted, but it’s not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Good—many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can adjust sauces or swaps on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want refined, calm energy and thoughtful cooking—but it skews more 'professional polished' than playful, so best for serious or mature first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at lunch, especially before 12pm or after 1:30pm. Peak window may require a short wait for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the vibe is quiet and business-forward. Older teens comfortable with refined dining will be fine.
Best For
Better for: High-level business lunches where privacy, polish, and elevated kosher cooking matter more than speed or casualness.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual lunch, large-group energy, or a menu with broad vegan options.
A Food Affair
7.7
A cozy French BYOB that quietly doubles as a strong steak-night date, especially if you’re into classic sauces and candle-soft ambiance. It’s intimate, neighborhood-scaled, and more about conversation than spectacle. Treat it as a hidden rotation when you want steak without a full steakhouse scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hanger steak, Steak frites, Duck confit
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: An intimate French spot where steak frites shines on date night.
Who should go: Couples who prefer quiet, BYOB evenings.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for peak intimacy.
What to order: Hanger steak, steak frites, duck confit.
Insider tip: Bring a favorite red—corkage keeps the night easy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Robertson and side streets; generally manageable before 7pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top. Lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for long conversations without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Expect a short wait of 10–20 minutes without a reservation due to the small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is straightforward.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection — a few appetizers and mains lean veg-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes include butter or cream; check with the kitchen for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free, including certain proteins and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate lighting, quieter room, and BYOB format create a relaxed, low-pressure setting ideal for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights, yes. On weekends the room is small, so call ahead or arrive early to avoid a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger kids due to the intimate, date-leaning setting, but older teens who enjoy French comfort dishes will be fine.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more intimate steak night with French comfort and BYOB flexibility — perfect when you want relaxed pacing over scene-driven energy.
Skip if: You want a full classic steakhouse experience with large-format cuts, big rooms, and a traditional wine list.