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L'Appart
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
L'Appart
7.9
A compact contemporary French brasserie and bar in the Spring Arcade corridor with a menu that moves from shareable starters to polished mains. Flavors stay familiar but thoughtfully updated, and the room feels more like a chic neighborhood hideout than a formal destination. Best for a relaxed dinner with a strong cocktail or wine backbone.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup, Roasted chicken with jus, Steak frites
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Downtown brasserie comfort with a cocktail-bar edge.
Who should go: Friends nights and casual French fans.
When to visit: Dinner hours, especially midweek.
What to order: Onion soup, steak frites, roasted chicken.
Insider tip: Grab a patio seat if available for a quieter meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Historic Core is limited; nearby paid garages along Spring/Main typically run $8–$15 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with something dressy on top.
Noise level: Moderate — lively brasserie buzz, but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch service can be lighter depending on the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options — salads, sides, and a few mains can work; confirm sauces.
Vegan options: Limited — often 1–2 workable dishes if modified; best to ask about butter/cream usage.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility — certain proteins and salads can be made gluten-free; soups and breads generally cannot.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy, intimate layout and strong cocktail program make it ideal for a relaxed first-date setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for small parties; off-peak or midweek is easiest. Weekends fill quickly, so a reservation is smart for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the room skews adult, with limited space for strollers and no children's menu. Older teens are fine; younger kids may find it too tight.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, neighborhood-style French dinner with solid cocktails — less formal and more approachable than Downtown’s destination-level French rooms.
Skip if: You’re seeking Michelin-level execution, a quiet white-tablecloth environment, or extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.
L'Appart
8.3
L’APPART by AIR FOOD brings a chef-driven French bistro to the Spring Arcade, with brunch that leans hearty—think onion soup, beef bourguignon, and rustic tartines alongside eggs. The intimate dining room feels more like a Parisian apartment than a downtown restaurant, making breakfast here feel like a small occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup with Gruyère, Beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes, Escargot with garlic butter
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cozy French bistro from Marc Moubarak and chef Thierry Babet serving rich, bistro-style brunch plates.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting a lingering French brunch.
When to visit: Sunday brunch service or early evening for brunch-leaning plates.
What to order: French onion soup, beef bourguignon, escargot to share.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead for peak hours; the apartment-like dining room is compact and fills quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around the Spring Arcade is limited but doable during early mornings; nearby paid garages on Spring and Broadway usually have availability.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight lean dressy—think elevated brunch attire or relaxed Parisian chic.
Noise level: Moderate; soft music and close tables mean you can hold a conversation, but expect some ambient dining-room buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation due to the compact dining room.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection with salads, tartines, soups, and vegetable-forward brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes incorporate butter, cream, or eggs, but a few modifications may be possible.
Gluten-free options: Some adaptable options, though bread-heavy plates dominate; alert the staff for ingredient guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate, apartment-like dining room and French bistro atmosphere make it ideal for a relaxed but polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try during weekdays or early brunch hours, but weekends and peak brunch periods almost always require a reservation due to limited seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens who enjoy sit-down brunch will be fine, but the compact space and quiet atmosphere aren’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: A slow, bistro-style French brunch with richer, more refined dishes than typical DTLA brunch spots.
Skip if: You prefer quick, casual breakfast plates, need extensive vegan options, or want a spacious, kid-friendly dining room.
L'Appart
8.3
L’APPART by AIR FOOD brings a chef-driven French bistro to the Spring Arcade, with Sunday brunch that leans hearty—think onion soup, confit and tartines alongside eggs. The intimate dining room and patio feel more like a Parisian apartment than downtown LA, making brunch here feel like a small occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup, Duck confit and eggs, Burgundy-style wood-fired pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Cozy French bistro from Marc Moubarak and partners serving rich, bistro-style brunch plates.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting a linger-worthy French brunch.
When to visit: Sunday brunch reservations late morning into early afternoon.
What to order: French onion soup, duck confit and eggs, Burgundy pizza.
Insider tip: Request a table on the arcade-side patio if you want more natural light and people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Historic Core can be tight, but there are several paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk (typically $8–$15). Metered spots along Spring and Broadway are possible early in the day.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most diners lean slightly dressy for brunch—think elevated daytime outfits rather than athleisure.
Noise level: Moderate. The intimate dining room stays conversational, but the arcade patio has a gentle hum from foot traffic.
Weekend wait: Not applicable as this location focuses on brunch and daytime service.
Weekday lunch: If visiting for weekday daytime service, waits are usually minimal with walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including tartines, salads, and egg dishes, though the menu leans classic French rather than plant-focused.
Vegan options: Limited. Most dishes incorporate dairy, eggs, or butter; you may find 1–2 adaptable items depending on specials.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items (eggs, mains), but breads and pastries dominate the menu. Ask about substitutions—accommodations vary.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate, apartment-like dining room and French bistro menu create a romantic, slow-brunch atmosphere ideal for a first date that feels special but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible but risky on Sundays when brunch is busiest. Arrive early (before 11am) for the best chance at a patio table; otherwise, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The space is cozy and better suited to adults, but older kids and teens comfortable with French-leaning menus will be fine. There are no dedicated kids’ items or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, chef-driven French brunch in an intimate setting—more atmospheric and refined than the larger, louder brunch spots in the Historic Core.
Skip if: You want fast service, a big patio scene, or vegan-forward options. The menu is richer and more traditional French than casual café alternatives nearby.