Best Instagram Worthy French Restaurants in Los Angeles
27 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Camphor
Michelin-recognized French cooking with a subtle Thai-leaning spice lens.
Essential Picks
#1
Camphor
9.1
A modern French dining room in the Arts District led by Chef Max Boonthanakit, blending classic technique with subtle Southeast Asian accents. The cooking is precise and layered—rich sauces, careful char, and bright aromatics—without losing bistro warmth. Reservations are competitive for a reason: it consistently delivers special-occasion caliber meals in a relaxed, warehouse-chic space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre with frites, Rigatoni stuffed with artichoke and Comté, Seasonal crudo with citrus and herbs
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized French cooking with a subtle Thai-leaning spice lens.
#2
Olive & Rose
9.1
Michelin-starred Chef Philip Pretty's neo-bistro brings California flavors with French technique to a restored mid-century motel courtyard. The 32-seat open-air space emphasizes zero-waste practices and seasonal ingredients from the siblings' urban farm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus with Potato & Pimento, Aged Rib Cap with Frites, Amberjack Crudo with Cucumber
What Makes it Special: Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
9
An intimate, art-filled modern French dining room from chef-owner Fardad Khayami, MUSE turns Channel Road into a destination for multi-course date nights. Tasting-style plates, a serious wine program, and candlelit Art Déco interiors make it one of the most romantic rooms on the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal bonbons with sauce verte, Lobster with pommes soufflées and caviar, Vanilla St. Honoré
What Makes it Special: Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.
Notable Picks
#4
Pasjoli
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran transformed his Michelin Plate bistro into a more accessible French experience while maintaining exacting standards. The pressed duck carved tableside remains legendary, but cordon bleu chicken wings stuffed with prosciutto and a French onion soup with explosive gruyère show the kitchen's playful mastery of rich, butter-forward bistro classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cordon Bleu Chicken Wings, French Onion Soup, Pressed Duck ($350, reservation required)
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized bistro from Alinea alum serving technically perfect French fare with California produce
#5
Juliet
8.6
Michelin-recognized modern French restaurant designed by Jeremiah Brent featuring seafood-forward cuisine and an extensive French wine program. The contemporary space with its posh patio draws a fashionable crowd for everything from breakfast through late dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mousse au Foie de Volaille, Sea Bream with Ratatouille, Duck Confit Cigars
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide recognition with contemporary French aesthetic and fashion-forward design
8.6
World-renowned Parisian pâtisserie offering an enchanting tea salon experience with their legendary macarons in 15+ flavors. The pastel-hued interior with marble counters and velvet seating creates the perfect Instagram backdrop for afternoon tea service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow of Macarons, French Onion Soup, Croque Monsieur
What Makes it Special: First all plant-based Ladurée location in the world
8.6
Atop the Waldorf Astoria, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's largest LA rooftop offers panoramic 360-degree views with an impeccably styled garden setting. The weekend brunch menu features organic frittatas and banana pancakes alongside creative cocktails like the Espresso Yourself martini.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Burger, Truffle Cheeseburger, Chia Bowl
What Makes it Special: Beverly Hills' largest rooftop with 12-story views
8.5
Artelice Patisserie redefines the French pastry shop in West Los Angeles with visually stunning desserts and inventive twists on classics. They specialize in modern takes on macarons, canelé, and seasonal pastry launches, drawing foodies and dessert lovers to their vibrant storefront. The bakery is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, artistic presentation, and inventive flavor combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Canelé de Bordeaux, Artisan Macaron Box, Painted Éclair
What Makes it Special: Modern French patisserie blending art and flavor.
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
A grand, Belle-Époque-styled French room in the Historic Core that trades in romance and theatrical dining. The menu stays rooted in French classics—escargot, tartare, steak and seafood—supported by a deep cocktail and champagne program. After a recent return to service, it’s again a reliable pick for special nights when you want atmosphere to match the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules frites, Steak tartare, Escargot with herb butter
What Makes it Special: A revived Parisian dining hall where ambience is half the experience.
#10
La Chouquette
8.4
La Chouquette is a French-owned bakery-café on the Melrose Arts District stretch of 90046, known for meticulous viennoiseries, layered cakes, and its signature Mazou dessert. Regulars come for croissants, canelés, and seasonal tarts that feel straight out of Paris, enjoyed at a few cozy tables or taken to-go for nearby gallery walks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mazou signature cake, Butter croissant, Seasonal fruit tartlet
What Makes it Special: French-run patisserie focused on precise viennoiseries and elegant cakes.
8.2
A French countryside–styled bakery-café known for well-made viennoiserie and polished pastries in a bright, friendly space. It’s a strong morning and midday stop, with flaky croissants and seasonal sweets that feel carefully crafted rather than mass-produced. Best for lingering over coffee and a pastry plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Croissant, Almond Croissant, Seasonal Fruit Tart
What Makes it Special: French-style pastries with a true café-bakery feel.
#12
Le Petit Four
8.2
A Sunset Plaza institution since 1981, this vibrant Cali-French bistro beneath its signature sunflower-yellow awning serves classics like Burgundy snails and frog legs with a laid-back West Coast sensibility. The patio offers prime people-watching and free parking—a rare luxury on the Strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burgundy Snails in Garlic Butter, Frog Legs Provençal, Steak au Poivre Filet Mignon
What Makes it Special: Over 40 years of authentic French dining on iconic Sunset Plaza.
#13
Penny Oven
8.2
A cheerful artisanal bakery and cafe with morning French-style pastries and expertly brewed coffee. Penny Oven is celebrated for flakey almond croissants and lemon curd tarts, and the inviting, sunlit interior attracts neighborhood regulars seeking a relaxed breakfast or takeout treat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond Croissant, Lemon Curd Tart, Pain au Chocolat
What Makes it Special: Known for vibrant pastries and stellar coffee in a welcoming space.
8.2
The production bakery behind both Ivy restaurants, run by chef Richard Irving whose pedigree traces through L.A. Desserts and Le Restaurant, turning out house-baked breads, gelato, and a trimmed Ivy menu at roughly half the price. The European cafe atmosphere—real flowers, antique chandeliers, weathered French chairs—punches well above typical counter-service, making it a quieter way to access Ivy-quality cooking without the Robertson scene. Best used as a weekday lunch stop or a take-home bakery run for the famous chocolate chip cookies and fresh baguettes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Fresh Fish Tacos on Homemade Tortillas, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Salad Nicoise
What Makes it Special: The casual bakery offshoot of The Ivy, doubling as the production bakery that supplies desserts to both Ivy locations daily, serving a shortened version of The Ivy menu at lower prices.
8.2
A neighborhood wine bar and bistro in Glassell Park that leans Californian-American, with a tight seasonal menu built for sharing. The kitchen delivers polished comfort plates and brunch-forward fare that pair naturally with an excellent, low-pressure bottle list. Best for a relaxed date or small group dinner where food and wine are equally in focus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal toast or tartine, House charcuterie and cheese board, Honey spice cake
What Makes it Special: Seasonal American small plates anchored by a standout wine program.
#16
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone street since 1991, this see-and-be-seen bistro offers California cuisine with French and Pan-Asian influences. The flagstone patio overlooking Rodeo Drive provides prime people-watching territory where celebrities regularly dine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Omelette, Moroccan Lamb, Lobster Mac N Cheese
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant directly on Rodeo Drive's cobblestones
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Sweet Treats Escapes
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A Japanese-French patisserie operating in Brentwood since 2002, built on scratch-made laminated doughs—the kouign-amann and almond croissant are the draws that keep regulars returning across two decades. Counter service moves quickly during the morning rush, though the pastry case thins out by late morning, so timing matters. The ivy-covered storefront and colorful display set a charming tone for a neighborhood bakery at moderate prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Ham & cheese croissant, Croque monsieur
What Makes it Special: A rare Westside café where serious French viennoiserie meets reliable all-day dining.
#18
Azay
8
A family-run Little Tokyo storefront where Chef Akira Hirose applies classical French technique to traditional Japanese morning plates — one of the few places in LA proper doing a dedicated Japanese breakfast. The tight, open-kitchen format keeps things intimate and unhurried, built for regulars who treat it as a weekend ritual rather than a one-off visit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily Bento, Japanese Breakfast, Omurice
What Makes it Special: Family-run Little Tokyo institution where Chef Akira Hirose merges classical French technique with traditional Japanese breakfast — one of the only dedicated Japanese breakfasts served in LA proper.
#19
Fleurs et Sel
8
A West Adams bakeshop built around deliberately underbaked, doughy cookies finished with fleur de sel and rotated through French-inspired flavors like matcha white chocolate and brownie fudge noir. The format is counter-service grab-and-go with a tight, curated menu—think specialty cookie shop, not full bakery. Near-unanimous approval across 162 ratings suggests they've locked in their technique and don't deviate from it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea Salt Chocolate Chip, Cookie au Beurre™, Brownie Fudge Noir Extreme™
What Makes it Special: Pandemic-born West Adams bakeshop specializing in deliberately underbaked, doughy cookies with French-inspired rotating flavors and a signature fleur de sel finish.
Worthy Picks
#20
Bottega Louie
7.9
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Upscale Italian-French restaurant, market, and patisserie featuring elegant weekend brunch with famous macarons and pastries. The sophisticated interior and covered patio provide a refined setting for special occasion dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Hash, Belgian Waffles, Famous Macarons
What Makes it Special: Combination restaurant and patisserie with stunning pastry displays
A French patisserie operating out of Smorgasburg and a private studio, specializing in hand-painted character macarons and seasonal custom desserts with clean, balanced sweetness. The made-to-order format means everything comes fresh, and the visual presentation — intricate macaron designs and themed boxes — gives each order a gift-like quality. Expect a market stall experience, not a sit-down café, with weekend mornings at Smorgasburg being the primary walk-up window.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted French macarons, Character/hand-painted macaron boxes, Seasonal custom cake slices
What Makes it Special: Studio-made, French-style macarons with playful, artistic finishes.
7.9
A single-focus mille crepe shop on Sawtelle that builds each cake from dozens of paper-thin layers filled with custard, assembled fresh daily rather than pulled from a case. The format is counter-order and grab-a-seat simple, which keeps the emphasis on the crepes themselves—the custard version and the crème brûlée variant with its torched sugar cap are the draws. Fits naturally into a Sawtelle dessert crawl, though the tight space and weekend foot traffic mean weekday visits run smoother.
Must-Try Dishes:
Custard Mille Crepe, Crème Brûlée Crepe, Green Tea Ice Cream
What Makes it Special: Japanese-style mille crepe shop on Sawtelle where delicate, multi-layered custard crepes are assembled fresh daily
#23
Firstborn
7.8
Chef Anthony Wang's French bistronomy lens on Chinese American cooking produces technically ambitious plates—chili-crisp fried chicken, mapo-inflected steak tartare—inside a green-tiled Chinatown dining room at Mandarin Plaza. The polarized review pattern suggests diners who connect with the boundary-crossing approach leave thrilled, while others find the fusion concept uneven. Best on a quieter midweek evening when the noise drops and you can focus on the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Legs with Morita Chili Crisp, Steak Tartare with Broad Bean Paste and Silken Tofu, BBQ Cabbage with Aged Pork and Leeks Vinaigrette
What Makes it Special: Chef Anthony Wang applies French bistronomy techniques to Chinese American cooking, finishing dishes like chili-crisp fried chicken and mapo-style steak tartare in a green-tiled Chinatown dining room.
#24
Gigi's
7.8
A chic, California-inflected French bistro that brought genuine warmth and culinary credibility to Hollywood's emerging Sycamore Avenue corridor from November 2020 until May 2025. The menu channeled bistro classics with California sensibilities — steak tartare, escargot, endive salad, and braised short rib — served inside an intimate room of wood paneling and green velvet seating alongside a string-lit sidewalk patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grand Tower, Caviar, Seared Branzino
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Brunch Bliss Spots
Perched atop Santa Monica Place mall, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop combines Mediterranean flavors with California flair, featuring ocean views and a vibrant DJ scene. The open-air patio and festive atmosphere transport diners from Santa Monica to the sun-drenched coast of Southern France.
Must-Try Dishes:
LouLou Pizza with Truffle, Beef Cheek Bourguignon, Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
What Makes it Special: Rooftop ocean views with French Riviera party atmosphere
#26
Chez Mia
7.6
Provençal-inspired Mediterranean escape on Restaurant Row features pink umbrellas and bold design for Instagram appeal. Wagyu strip steak and seared octopus shine despite premium pricing reflecting Melrose Avenue glamour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Strip Steak, Seared Octopus, Caviar Gougère
What Makes it Special: Riviera-themed restaurant with whimsical design and Mediterranean brunch
#27
TOUS les JOURS
7.5
A Korean bakery chain applying French pastry technique to a deep rotation of breads, cakes, and filled pastries—baked on-site daily with items like sweet potato bread and fresh yogurt cream cakes that lean into Korean flavor profiles. The Little Tokyo location draws a mix of quick-grab commuters and cake shoppers, though the 17% one-star rate across reviews signals uneven execution depending on timing and item selection. Works best when you know what you want and treat it as a reliable pickup counter rather than a destination bakery experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blueberry Fresh Yogurt Cream Cake, Sweet Potato Bread, Coffee Bun
What Makes it Special: Korean-French bakery baking 300+ items fresh daily, blending Seoul street-food fillings with French pastry technique in the heart of Little Tokyo