Best Happy Hour French Restaurants in Los Angeles
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Perch LA
Rooftop French bistro dining with one of DTLA’s best views.
Notable Picks
#1
Perch LA
8.6
A French-inspired rooftop bistro that pairs skyline drama with approachable brasserie staples. The kitchen leans classic—steak frites, mussels, roast chicken—executed reliably at high volume, while the real draw is the terrace energy and panoramic DTLA views. Come for golden-hour cocktails and stay for a lively, view-forward dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Moules frites, Duck confit
What Makes it Special: Rooftop French bistro dining with one of DTLA’s best views.
#2
Coucou
8.4
Modern French bistro led by Bouchon-alum Chef Jacob Wetherington, pairing live-fire cooking with classic bistro plates. Locals come for steak frites, mussels, and strong cocktails in a buzzy, date-night setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Mussels marinière, Cheeseburger à la française
What Makes it Special: Live-fire French bistro cooking with serious cocktail craft.
8.4
This hybrid wine bar and gourmet market offers California-French cuisine with over 100 wines by the glass in a sophisticated space featuring communal marble tables and a wine-cave inspired private room. The establishment seamlessly blends fine dining with curated retail, offering artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty products alongside their seasonal menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Pizza with Shaved Black Truffle, Steak Tartare with Quail Egg, Wood Oven Baked Brie
What Makes it Special: Combining fine dining with gourmet retail and exceptional wine program
8.1
California-French comfort food meets urban rooftop beer garden in downtown's heart. Part of the Cohn Restaurant Group, this casual eatery features Brussels sprouts that have achieved cult status, plus an indoor fireplace and covered rooftop space perfect for people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bo-Beau's Famous Brussels Sprouts, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup
What Makes it Special: Only downtown spot with both rooftop beer garden and French-inspired menu
8.1
A Francophile wine bar and café tucked into the Spring Arcade, combining a small French market with a cozy bistro perch. The food is simple and well-done—charcuterie, croques, salads, pastries—meant to pair with an excellent French-leaning wine list. It’s a mellow, under-the-radar spot that feels like stepping into a tiny Paris lounge downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcuterie and cheese board, Croque monsieur, Seasonal tart or pastry
What Makes it Special: Wine-first French café-market hybrid with real bistro intimacy.
#6
Massilia
8.1
Marseille-inspired brasserie since 1997 blending French, Italian, Spanish, and North African influences. Known for exceptional happy hour with 50% off drinks and authentic bouillabaisse that transports diners to the Mediterranean coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
8-Hour Braised Lamb Shank, Traditional Bouillabaisse, Clams with Merguez Sausage
What Makes it Special: Authentic Marseille flavors with incredible happy hour value
Worthy Picks
#7
Simonette
7.9
All-day French café and bistro inside Palihotel Culver City reimagining a 1920s boarding house with a charming courtyard. The menu delivers approachable French-American classics from morning croissants through evening beef bourguignon in an unpretentious, light-strung setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Frites, French Onion Soup, Dijon Burger
What Makes it Special: Hidden courtyard setting with tree growing inside creates magical garden atmosphere
7.9
All-day, French-inspired café and wine bar known for tartines, quiche, and a solid steak frites. It’s a flexible hang for brunch, casual dates, and late-night glasses of wine on Lincoln.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked salmon tartine, Quiche lorraine, Steak frites
What Makes it Special: French café staples with a deep wine list and long hours.
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
What Makes it Special: French brasserie at The Music Center with service paced to curtain times, so you never miss the opening note.
#10
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
What Makes it Special: All-day French bistro with zinc bar inspired by Paris cafés