0 Followers
MEET in Paris
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
MEET in Paris
8.1
Family-owned French bistro since 2009 run by husband-and-wife team Sébastien and Cécile Cornic, specializing in over a dozen mussel preparations. Red-checkered tablecloths and cozy Parisian atmosphere create an authentic neighborhood bistro experience with generous portions of classic French comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Frites (12 preparations), Beef Bourguignon, Duck Confit
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef from Parisian seafood family offers dozen mussel preparations rarely found elsewhere
Who should go: Francophiles seeking authentic bistro experience, brunch lovers, mussel enthusiasts
When to visit: Wednesday all-you-can-eat mussels, weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas
What to order: Any mussel preparation, French onion soup, steak frites
Insider tip: Wednesday bottomless mussels from 5-8:30pm features 12 unique recipes starting at $29.95
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easier to find before 6pm. Public lot on Culver Blvd (2 blocks) charges $3-5 evening rate
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans perfectly fine, but the intimate Parisian vibe suits date-night attire. No tank tops or beachwear
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - cozy bistro acoustics allow easy table talk even when full
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - French onion soup, salads, veggie crepes, and cheese plates. About 6-7 solid options beyond sides
Vegan options: Very limited - salads can be modified and some vegetable sides available, but menu is heavily seafood and dairy-focused
Gluten-free options: Moderately accommodating - mussels prepared without bread crumbs, salads, and some proteins work. Ask server about frites (may share fryer)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate red-checkered tablecloths and dim lighting create romantic ambiance without being stuffy. Sharable mussel pots are a conversation starter, and the $30-40pp price point hits the sweet spot of impressive without pretentious
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually accommodate walk-ins. Weekend evenings are tight - call ahead or arrive right at 5pm opening. Bar seating sometimes available for parties of 2
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children 6+ - owners are family-oriented and offer simple pasta/frites options. Cozy space means less room for roaming toddlers. Weekend brunch more family-casual than dinner service
How does it compare to other French spots in LA? More authentic neighborhood bistro than Republique's grandeur or Petit Trois's hype. Similar vibe to Mes Amis in Santa Monica but with better mussel variety. Less expensive than Beverly Hills French while maintaining quality
Is the Wednesday mussel deal worth it? Absolutely - $29.95 for unlimited mussels (12 preparations to choose from) is exceptional value. Arrive before 6:30pm to avoid the crowd of regulars who know this secret
Best For
Better for: Authentic Parisian bistro experience without pretension, exceptional mussel variety (12+ preparations), generous portions, value-oriented French dining, neighborhood charm over scene-chasing. Wednesday mussel special is unmatched in LA
Skip if: You want innovative/modern French cuisine, need extensive vegan options, prefer quiet spacious dining (it's cozy/intimate), seeking Instagram-famous hotspot energy, or want craft cocktail program beyond wine/beer basics
MEET in Paris
7.8
Husband-wife owners Sébastien and Cécile Cornic bring authentic Parisian bistro ambiance with red-checkered tablecloths, striped awnings, and over a dozen mussel preparations. The cozy space with outdoor terrace delivers classic French comfort food including bottomless mimosa brunches and live weekend entertainment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules Frites, Croque Madame, Duck Confit
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family seafood restaurant tradition from Paris with dozen+ mussel preparations
Who should go: French cuisine enthusiasts and those seeking authentic bistro atmosphere
When to visit: Saturday-Sunday 9am-4pm for brunch with bottomless mimosas
What to order: Any mussel preparation, steak frites, French onion soup
Insider tip: All-you-can-eat mussels Wednesdays $29.95, live music on weekends
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Washington Blvd and side streets - easier weekday mornings, competitive during weekend brunch. Paid lot at Culver City Municipal nearby ($2/hr)
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome but the Parisian bistro setting invites slightly elevated attire (sundresses, button-downs)
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can converse at brunch, louder during live music weekends (acoustic sets create energetic atmosphere)
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday evenings, less midweek
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait weekday lunch, 20-30 min Saturday-Sunday brunch peak hours (10am-1pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - French onion soup, ratatouille, salads, vegetable quiche, cheese plates. About 6-8 options across menu
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and ratatouille, but restaurant centers on seafood/dairy. Better for flexitarians than strict vegans
Gluten-free options: Moderate - mussels naturally GF, some salads work, but limited since bread/pastries are staples. Ask about preparations as some sauces contain flour
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic Parisian ambiance without being stuffy, moderate noise allows conversation, and mussel-sharing creates natural interaction. Go Thursday-Friday evening to avoid weekend brunch crowds
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible weekday lunch and early weekday dinners (before 6:30pm), but book ahead for weekend brunch and Friday-Saturday dinners. Bar seating sometimes available as walk-in backup
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch and early dinners - relaxed bistro vibe, not stuffy. Kids enjoy frites and simple preparations. Note: small space means stroller maneuvering is tight; better for ages 4+
What's the best time to experience the Parisian atmosphere? Weekday early evening (5-6:30pm) captures authentic bistro rhythm - locals lingering over wine, golden hour on terrace. Weekend brunch offers energy but less European authenticity
How does the bottomless brunch work? Saturday-Sunday 9am-4pm, bottomless mimosas with brunch entree purchase. Pours are consistent, not rushed. Expect 90-minute table limit during peak hours
Is the outdoor seating worth requesting? Absolutely for weather-appropriate days - terrace captures downtown Culver walkability and feels transportive. Indoor has more authentic bistro charm with red-checkered tables and tighter quarters
Best For
Better for: Authentic French bistro experience without pretension - Meet in Paris excels at approachable, family-style French dining with standout mussel variety (12+ preparations vs competitors' 2-3). Wednesday all-you-can-eat mussels and weekend live music create neighborhood destination feel. Better value and warmth than higher-end French spots in West LA
Skip if: You want cutting-edge or modern French cuisine (this is classic bistro comfort food), need extensive vegan options, require quiet/intimate setting (weekends get bustling), or expect fine-dining polish. For Instagram aesthetics only without caring about food authenticity, nearby spots have more curated photo moments
MEET in Paris
8.0
Husband-wife team Sébastien and Cécile Cornic bring authentic bistro warmth to Culver City with red-checkered tablecloths and cozy indoor-outdoor seating. The kitchen specializes in over a dozen mussel preparations reflecting Sébastien's Parisian seafood restaurant heritage, while classics like duck confit tacos and steak frites satisfy traditional French cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mussels (12+ Preparations), Duck Confit Tacos, Escargots à l'Ail
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Family-owned authenticity with 12+ creative mussel preparations from Parisian seafood heritage
Who should go: Francophiles seeking neighborhood warmth and generous French portions
When to visit: Wednesday evenings for bottomless mussels starting at 5pm
What to order: Any mussel variety, duck confit tacos, French onion soup
Insider tip: Free two-hour parking one block east on Cardiff Street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Cardiff Street (one block east) with 2-hour limit; additional metered street parking on Washington Boulevard
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly, matches the neighborhood bistro vibe
Noise level: Conversational - cozy indoor space and outdoor patio allow easy conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm; reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including French onion soup, salads, vegetable sides, and cheese plates
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options available; salads can be modified and some vegetable preparations work
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - grilled fish and meat dishes available, though many classics (onion soup, frites) contain gluten; kitchen can accommodate with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate outdoor seating, moderate noise level for conversation, and romantic French bistro atmosphere without being overly formal or expensive. The $$ price point keeps it comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually accommodate walk-ins. Weekend dinners are tight - make a reservation or arrive right at 5pm opening. The bar area sometimes has immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, genuinely family-friendly despite being French - welcoming atmosphere, reasonable portions, and outdoor seating works well for younger kids. Classics like frites and pasta options appeal to pickier eaters. Best for ages 5+ at dinner.
How does it compare to Père et Bébé in DTLA? MEET is more neighborhood-casual and mussel-focused, while Père et Bébé leans upscale bistro. Come here for relaxed warmth and seafood variety; go there for special occasions and classic technique.
What's the Wednesday bottomless mussels deal? Starting at 5pm every Wednesday, order any mussel preparation and get unlimited refills. One of Culver City's best weeknight deals - perfect for groups. Does get busy, so arrive early or reserve ahead.
Best For
Better for: Authentic neighborhood French warmth, creative mussel variety (12+ preparations vs. typical 2-3), family-friendly French without stuffiness, and value-driven specials like Wednesday mussels. More approachable than Santa Monica's Pasjoli, more authentic than chain French concepts.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge French technique (try Mélisse), need extensive vegan options, prefer modern minimalist ambiance over traditional bistro charm, or want a quiet romantic dinner on weekends (can get lively with families)
MEET in Paris
7.9
Family-owned French bistro serving hearty classics since 2009 with owners Sébastien and Cécile Cornic from Paris. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths set the traditional bistro tone where mussels reign supreme with over a dozen preparations. The cozy outdoor terrace and generous portions make this a neighborhood gathering spot for authentic French comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mussels Marinières, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Over a dozen mussel preparations from a Parisian seafood restaurant family
Who should go: Diners seeking traditional French bistro experience with generous portions
When to visit: Lunch weekdays or weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas
What to order: Any mussel preparation, escargots, beef bourguignon
Insider tip: Check in on Yelp for a special offer before your visit
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Washington Blvd and side streets, typically easier during lunch. Culver City municipal lot on Cardiff Ave within 2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome, but the red-checkered tablecloths suit date night attire too
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on the terrace - conversation-friendly at both
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation Friday/Saturday, reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins usually seated promptly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - French onion soup, salads, vegetable sides, but this is a seafood and meat-focused bistro
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead, not the ideal choice for plant-based diners
Gluten-free options: Some options available - mussels without frites, salads, grilled proteins. Kitchen accommodates requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially the outdoor terrace - intimate without being stuffy, with classic French romance but neighborhood warmth. The affordable price point ($$ range) keeps it low-pressure while still feeling special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknights (before 6:30pm), yes. Weekend dinners book up - call ahead or reserve online. The terrace fills fastest in good weather.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - the 'Family Friendly Favorites' vibe is earned. Generous portions to share, French fries with everything, and the casual terrace setting works for all ages. Weekend brunch particularly popular with families.
How are the bottomless mimosas? Available during weekend brunch and a neighborhood favorite - good value and well-executed. Pairs nicely with the croque madame or French toast.
Do they have happy hour? Check current offerings, but traditionally French bistros focus on full menu service. The Yelp check-in offer may provide better value than traditional happy hour.
Best For
Better for: Authentic French bistro experience without pretension or downtown prices. Best mussel variety in the area. More comfortable for families and casual groups than formal French restaurants. Generous portions make it better value than most Westside French spots.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge or modern French cuisine - this is classic comfort food. Vegans or vegetarians should look elsewhere. If you need guaranteed no-wait seating on weekends, choose a less popular spot. Skip if you're seeking quiet romance during peak hours.