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Republique
Master Critic Reviews (12 Lists)
Republique
9.1
Republique is a grand all-day French–American cafe and restaurant from chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke, set in a soaring 1929 brick-and-tile space on La Brea. Locals line up for pastries, breakfast plates, and a polished dinner menu that balances serious technique with a lively, communal feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Kimchi Fried Rice, French Onion Soup, Strawberry Passion Fruit Tart
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Chef-driven French–American cooking in a historic 1929 space.
Who should go: Dinosaurs of brunch and serious dinner date planners.
When to visit: Early mornings for pastries or early weekend dinners.
What to order: Short rib kimchi rice, French onion soup, seasonal tart.
Insider tip: Hit the pastry case right at opening before favorites sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening ($12–$15). Metered street parking on La Brea and side streets is possible but fills quickly during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; jeans are fine but most diners dress stylishly, especially at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversational at brunch, louder during peak dinner service, especially in the main hall.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; the bar area sometimes opens spots sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, aside from a short line at the pastry counter during peak morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including salads, vegetable-driven starters, and occasional seasonal mains.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes can usually be made vegan but not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Good support with GF-friendly dishes and staff knowledgeable about modifications, though no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the soaring historic space and polished cooking make it a memorable choice. Choose an earlier or weekday seating if you want a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible at brunch and dinner, but expect a line and long wait during peak times. Arriving early or being flexible with bar seating improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids or teens; the space is busy and energetic, and the menu leans upscale. High chairs are available but families with very young children may find the noise and pacing challenging.
Best For
Better for: Ambitious French–American cooking, top-tier pastries, and a dramatic historic dining room that elevates brunch and dinner beyond typical neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need extensive vegan choices, or prefer a casual, no-wait brunch — nearby cafes are better suited for low-key, faster meals.
Republique
9.0
République’s front café and bakery pair James Beard–winning pastry work from chef Margarita Manzke with a serious coffee program and an all-day pastry case in a soaring 1929 space on La Brea. Locals line up for kouign amann, seasonal tarts, and savory breakfast plates that make this one of LA’s most talked-about bakery counters as well as a full-service restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kouign amann, Ube coconut bundt cake, Baguette with cultured butter
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: French-inspired café and bakery with a James Beard–winning pastry program in a historic 1929 space.
Who should go: Brunch obsessives and pastry hunters chasing destination bakes.
When to visit: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid the heaviest bakery lines.
What to order: Kouign amann, seasonal tart, baguette with butter.
Insider tip: Join the pastry line right at opening for the best selection before favorites sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on La Brea and adjacent side streets; limited free neighborhood parking before 10am; paid lots nearby but no dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; workout clothes feel underdressed during peak brunch, but jeans and polished tops are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—morning pastry rush gets loud, but seated café tables allow normal conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — the bakery/café side closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes depending on pastry-case lines and café ordering rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — pastries, tarts, breads, and several breakfast/lunch plates are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items (salads, certain breads) qualify, but pastries and most plates use butter, eggs, or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some options — select pastries, meringues, and a few breakfast plates are GF-friendly; cross-contact is possible due to a flour-heavy bakery environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime dates—its historic setting, beautiful light, and high-end pastries create an impressive yet relaxed atmosphere. Not ideal for intimate evenings since the bakery side doesn’t operate at night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—café seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive at opening or after the morning rush for the shortest waits; weekends often require patience for both ordering and seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids—ample pastries, counter service ease, and open seating. Toddlers may find the line-heavy environment challenging during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Best-in-city pastries with a full café menu, exceptional Viennoiserie craftsmanship, and a uniquely grand architectural setting unmatched by most LA bakeries.
Skip if: You want fast grab-and-go with no line, strict vegan pastry options, or a quiet environment for long conversations—other bakeries in the area offer calmer, quicker visits.
Republique
8.9
Since 2013, Republique has turned a historic La Brea bakery space into a French-leaning all-day café where crisp, skin-on pommes frites anchor everything from steak frites to the house burger. Locals treat the fries—with garlicky aioli and plenty of sea salt—as a standalone order, whether they’re posted up at brunch or splitting snacks at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pommes frites with aioli, Steak frites, Republique burger with fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Destination-level French fries served alongside one of LA’s most celebrated all-day menus.
Who should go: Fries obsessives who also care about serious seasonal cooking.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid peak brunch crush.
What to order: Pommes frites with aioli, steak frites, burger with fries.
Insider tip: Order fries for the table at brunch; they hold up well alongside pastries and eggs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during peak hours; street parking on La Brea and neighboring streets is limited and fills quickly, especially during brunch.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge; most guests lean dressy due to the space’s architecture and crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on the hour; conversation is possible but expect a buzz during brunch and dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak 6:30–8:00pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though counter-service lines can form around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of salads, pastries, vegetable-forward plates, and sides including the fries.
Vegan options: Limited; a handful of dishes can be modified but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free, but the bakery-heavy environment means cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Republique’s dramatic interior, warm lighting, and upscale café energy make it a memorable setting, especially if you want a polished but not overly formal vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during brunch or prime dinner hours. Early arrivals or weekday visits offer the best shot at walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—families visit frequently during daytime hours, though the space is bustling and not optimized for strollers; older kids tend to fare better.
Best For
Better for: A destination when you want refined technique, standout pastries, and elevated sides like pommes frites in a historic, architectural setting.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual fries stop, a quiet dining room, or expansive vegan options.
Republique
8.9
Opened in 2013 by chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke in a 1920s landmark building, Republique turns breakfast into a full-scale French-inflected production with serious pastries, egg dishes, and coffee. Locals line up for the bakery counter and wood-lined dining room where everything from shakshouka to croque madame feels crafted for a special morning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshouka, Croque Madame, Strawberry Passion Fruit Tart
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-volume French bakery-café where breakfast feels like a destination meal.
Who should go: Breakfast obsessives who don’t mind a line for greatness.
When to visit: Early weekday mornings for shorter lines and fresher pastry trays.
What to order: Shakshouka, croque madame, seasonal pastry from the bakery case.
Insider tip: Split a pastry or two in the line, then order a full breakfast at the counter for the best of both worlds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on La Brea and surrounding residential blocks; expect competition during peak breakfast hours. The small on-site lot fills quickly.
Dress code: Casual but polished; athleisure and jeans are fine, but many diners lean stylish due to the historic setting and photo-friendly pastry case.
Noise level: Moderate during early mornings, rising to loud during peak brunch when the bakery line wraps through the hall.
Weekend wait: Not applicable, as Republique is primarily a breakfast and daytime destination for this context.
Weekday lunch: Typically a short 5–15 minute line at the counter; longer if pastry drops or seasonal specials are released.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including shakshouka, pastries, salads, and egg dishes; easy to build a full vegetarian breakfast.
Vegan options: Limited; a few pastry-case items and sides may qualify, but core breakfast dishes lean dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly items like omelets and salads; pastries are mostly wheat-based, but staff can guide you to safer picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, architecturally stunning breakfast date with elevated food; less ideal if you prefer quiet, lingering conversation due to the bustle.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Republique breakfast is counter-service, so tables turn frequently. Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids comfortable in busy spaces; high chairs are available, but limited stroller space and crowded lines can be challenging during rush periods.
Best For
Better for: Best for top-tier pastries, refined breakfast plates, and a dramatic historic setting that elevates a casual morning into an experience.
Skip if: Skip if you need a quick, low-wait breakfast, prefer quiet dining rooms, or have strict vegan or gluten-free pastry requirements.
Republique
8.9
Walter and Margarita Manzke’s French-leaning bakery-café turns brunch into a destination meal, with serious pastries, market-driven egg plates, and strong coffee served in a soaring 1920s space. Locals line up early because the kitchen delivers restaurant-level cooking from morning through midday.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Croque Madame, Seasonal Pastry Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: High-volume French bakery-café where brunch feels like an event.
Who should go: Brunch obsessives willing to line up for serious cooking.
When to visit: Early weekday mornings or off-peak afternoons to skip lines.
What to order: Shakshuka, croque madame, and a seasonal pastry.
Insider tip: Split pastries for the table so you can sample multiple flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along La Brea and surrounding residential streets; can be tight during peak brunch hours. Small paid lots nearby but no dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished—jeans are fine, but many dress up a bit for the iconic space.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but the bakery counter and vaulted ceilings make it energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: N/A — brunch-focused service; weekend brunch lines often 45–75 minutes during peak rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually 10–20 minutes, sometimes no wait if you arrive after the early-morning pastry crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of vegetarian-friendly dishes including pastries, egg plates, salads, and shakshuka.
Vegan options: Limited—typically a few market-driven vegetable dishes and sides, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes available; pastries are not GF, but staff can guide you toward safe egg plates and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if your date enjoys vibrant spaces. The 1920s architecture and pastries create a memorable setting, though the counter-service format and crowds make it better for casual, daytime dates rather than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Republique operates counter-service for brunch, so reservations aren’t required. Arrive early or during late-morning lulls to avoid long lines.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families with kids 6+. The line can be long and seating more communal than structured, but plenty of pastries and familiar breakfast items keep younger diners happy.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier pastries, iconic architecture, and chef-driven brunch dishes that rival full-service restaurants. Ideal for those who want a destination-level morning meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, seated, reservation-based brunch or have zero tolerance for lines—choose a smaller café or a table-service restaurant instead.
Republique
9.0
République is a French-inspired bakery, café, and dining room set in a soaring 1920s space where pastry cases, an open kitchen, and flickering candles make the room feel effortlessly romantic at night. Couples come for shareable plates, excellent wines, and polished service that can turn a simple dinner into a special occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal-grilled prawns, Mushroom toast with market mushrooms, Kimchi fried rice with soft egg
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: French-inspired cooking and pastry in a dramatic, historic dining room.
Who should go: Couples wanting destination-worthy French-leaning date nights.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekend evenings for softer buzz.
What to order: Mushroom toast, charcoal-grilled prawns, a seasonal pasta.
Insider tip: Book the back dining room for a quieter, more intimate feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available most evenings (typically $12–$15). Street parking on La Brea and surrounding residential streets is possible but becomes scarce after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated denim is fine, but most guests opt for dressy tops, button-downs, or date-night outfits.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzier in the main hall with open ceilings, quieter in the back dining room. You can comfortably hold a conversation, but expect ambient chatter during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though the pastry line can be brisk during morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—seasonal salads, vegetable starters, and a few pastas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable-forward dishes may be adapted, but fully vegan entrées are not a house focus.
Gluten-free options: Multiple gluten-free options, including certain mains and sides; staff is accustomed to guiding substitutions but the bakery case is not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—République’s candlelit, architectural space sets an effortlessly romantic tone. It balances lively energy with enough intimacy to keep conversation flowing, making it an ideal first or second date pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but not guaranteed. Walk-ins for dinner often require a wait, especially on weekends. Arrive early or aim for weekday evenings for the best shot at a prompt table.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—daytime service is more suitable for families thanks to the bakery-café setup. Dinner skews adult, with limited space for strollers and no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Romantic ambiance, shareable French-leaning plates, and a historic setting that outshines most nearby date-night options.
Skip if: You want a quiet, hushed dinner at peak hours or need extensive vegan options—other restaurants are better suited for those needs.
Republique
9.0
République turns a soaring 1929 Chaplin-era building into one of LA’s most reliable special-occasion dining rooms, blending French-leaning plates with a serious pastry program and polished service. Couples and groups celebrate under vaulted ceilings with shareable seafood, pastas, and big-format mains that feel worthy of birthdays and anniversaries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Toast with house-cured ham and red wine sauce, Charcoal-Grilled Santa Barbara Prawns in browned Normandy butter, Campanelle with Maine lobster and preserved Meyer lemon
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: French-driven cooking and pastries served in a dramatic, historic dining hall.
Who should go: Diners planning milestone dinners and elevated date nights.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or earlier weekend seatings for softer buzz.
What to order: Mushroom Toast, charcoal-grilled prawns, a shared seasonal dessert.
Insider tip: Book the back dining room for a quieter, more intimate special-occasion feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically offered during dinner hours (around $12–$15). Metered street parking is available on La Brea and adjoining residential streets but becomes competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated outfits fit the historic space. Nice jeans and a polished top are acceptable, but most guests dress up for special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation at most tables, but the vaulted main hall gets energetic during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins should expect 45–75 minutes; the pastry counter line moves faster but does not access the full dinner menu.
Weekday lunch: Lines at the pastry counter can form but generally move quickly; 5–15 minutes is typical.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of salads, vegetable-forward starters, and rotating pastas make it easy to dine vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable dishes can be adapted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request; pastries are mostly off-limits. Staff is well-versed in modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dramatic architecture and shareable plates create a memorable backdrop without feeling overly formal. Ideal if you want a 'wow' setting that still feels warm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Weeknights offer the best chance. Expect long waits on weekends; arriving early or opting for the bar can improve your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids or teens. The space skews adult and celebratory, with few kid-specific menu items. Brunch is more family-friendly than dinner.
Best For
Better for: Special occasions where ambiance matters—its architecture, pastry program, and polished service outshine many neighborhood bistros.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key dinner or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options; the room and menu lean indulgent.
Republique
9.0
République turns a 1920s Chaplin-era building into a soaring, always-busy French-inspired café, bakery, and dining room where lines for brunch and pastry feel like part of the experience. Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke pair serious baking and French technique with a buzzy, high-ceilinged room that draws everyone from industry regulars to weekend brunch crews. It remains one of LA’s most in-demand reservations in this ZIP, day and night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Toast, Brioche French Toast, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A cathedral-like space where serious French cooking meets all-day café energy.
Who should go: Brunch obsessives and date-night diners who love French flavors.
When to visit: Early weekday mornings or off-peak dinner slots to avoid lines.
What to order: Mushroom Toast, brioche French toast, a pastry from the case.
Insider tip: Line up before opening for the best pastry selection and quicker seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along La Brea and side streets; valet typically available for dinner but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean polished due to the setting, but elevated jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch and dinner; quieter during early weekday mornings and later weeknights.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins sometimes accommodated at the pastry counter or bar.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes depending on pastry case traffic; early lunch often has no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple strong options including salads, toasts, egg dishes, and rotating vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; certain salads and sides can be adapted—ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free, and staff is accustomed to GF requests; pastries are mostly off-limits.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially dinner. The dramatic architecture, polished service, and shareable French-leaning plates create an impressive but not stuffy setting. Brunch is buzzier and less intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Arrive right at opening for brunch or try off-peak weeknights for dinner. Counter and pastry bar seating are often easier for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to older kids and teens. High ceilings and crowds mean strollers can be cumbersome, and the menu skews refined. Brunch is more forgiving than dinner for families.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional pastries, standout brunch dishes, and a dramatic dining room that elevates casual meals into special occasions.
Skip if: You want a quick, quiet meal, need extensive vegan options, or prefer somewhere with easy parking and no wait.
Republique
9.1
République is a French-Californian all-day café, bakery, and dining room where chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke build menus around peak-season produce and market-driven specials. Set inside a soaring 1929 Chaplin-era building, it’s the farm-to-table anchor of Miracle Mile, drawing constant lines for pastries by day and elaborate, ingredient-focused plates at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom toast, Kimchi fried rice, Seasonal fruit cream pie
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A historic chapel-like space pairing meticulous French cooking with farmers-market California produce.
Who should go: Diners chasing destination-level brunch and French-Californian dinners.
When to visit: Early weekday mornings or later dinner slots to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Mushroom toast, kimchi fried rice, seasonal fruit cream pie.
Insider tip: Arrive right at opening for brunch to hit the pastry case before sellouts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along La Brea and adjacent residential streets; valet typically available during dinner service; street parking becomes challenging after 6pm due to heavy demand.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; daytime café attire is relaxed, but dinner guests often dress up slightly—nice denim, button-downs, dresses, and elevated casual wear fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate during the day with café bustle; evenings become lively but still manageable—conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Expect heavy waits without a reservation—often 45–75 minutes depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Lines move quickly but expect 10–20 minutes during peak midday; earlier mornings see little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—seasonal vegetable dishes, pastries, and composed plates that rotate with farmers-market produce.
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful—usually 1–2 composed dishes plus market vegetables; pastries are mostly non-vegan.
Gluten-free options: Several adaptable dishes and inherently gluten-free options; staff can guide substitutions, though the bakery environment is not celiac-dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially dinner. The high ceilings, warm lighting, and beautifully plated dishes create a memorable setting without feeling overly formal. Brunch is more chaotic, so choose evening if you want intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For brunch, yes—if you’re willing to wait. Lines form immediately at open. Dinner is reservation-driven, but limited walk-in bar and communal seating are sometimes available early in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Daytime is reasonably kid-friendly—order-at-the-counter service, pastries, and an open layout help. Evenings skew more adult and date-night oriented, with fewer kid-focused menu items and a busier room.
Best For
Better for: Destination-level pastry execution, French-Californian plates built around peak-season produce, and one of the most architecturally striking dining rooms in the city.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, minimal wait times, or a budget-friendly experience; brunch crowds and dinner prices are not ideal for low-key or last-minute diners.
Republique
9.0
République turns a 1929 Chaplin-era building into a French-Californian dining room where chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke run a high-end chef’s tasting in the back while the café and bakery keep the front buzzing. Multi-course seasonal menus, a deep wine list, and precise technique make the tasting menu one of LA’s most sought-after splurges in this ZIP.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s multi-course tasting menu (seasonally changing), Mushroom-focused tasting courses when offered, Kimchi fried rice or mushroom toast at adjunct café service
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A French-Californian chef’s tasting set in a grand, historic space with serious pastry pedigree.
Who should go: Din ers seeking destination-level tasting menus and wine.
When to visit: Thursday or Friday tasting seatings booked weeks in advance.
What to order: Chef’s Tasting Menu, curated wine pairing, any seasonal mushroom courses.
Insider tip: Book the chef’s tasting in the back dining room and arrive early to grab a pastry or cocktail at the front bar before your seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically offered behind the building in the shared lot; street parking on La Brea and adjacent residential streets is possible but tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated; jackets not required, but most diners dress intentionally for tasting menus.
Noise level: Moderate to lively in the front café; the back tasting room is calmer with steady conversation-level noise.
Weekend wait: Tasting menus are reservation-only; last-minute walk-ins are almost never accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is in the café front (not tasting); waits can be 10–20 minutes during peak pastry rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the kitchen can accommodate a vegetarian version of the tasting if noted in advance.
Vegan options: Very limited; the tasting format relies on dairy, eggs, and butter-forward courses. Advance notice required, but substitutions may be constrained.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free adjustments are commonly made with advance notice, though pastries and certain bread-forward courses may be replaced.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a high-end first date — the tasting room offers a refined, intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation. It’s a commitment in both time and spend, so best for someone you already know you click with.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For the tasting menu, almost never — reservations book weeks out. The front café accepts walk-ins during daytime hours, but it’s a separate experience, not the tasting menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the multi-course tasting is lengthy and structured. Teens or mature diners who enjoy formal dining may do fine, but no kid-specific amenities are offered.
Best For
Better for: République excels in French-Californian technique, seasonal ingredients, and a historic setting that adds a sense of occasion unmatched by most competitors in the ZIP.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quick meal, dislike long tasting formats, or prefer quiet minimalism over a lively, bustling environment before entering the back tasting room.
Republique
9.0
République turns a 1929 Chaplin-era building into a French-Californian dining room where chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke run seasonal chef’s tasting dinners in the back while the café and bakery keep the front buzzing. Ingredient-driven menus, special one-night-only tasting events, and a deep wine list make its chef’s table experiences some of the most sought-after in 90036.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal tasting menu (tomato or asparagus themed), Mushroom toast with soft eggs, Kimchi fried rice with smoked sausage
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Seasonal chef’s tasting dinners staged in a grand, historic space.
Who should go: Diners chasing destination-level tasting menus and pastry.
When to visit: Book chef’s tasting nights weeks ahead for prime slots.
What to order: Current tasting menu, wine pairing, mushroom toast.
Insider tip: Join ingredient-focused tasting nights like tomato or asparagus dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening (around $12–$15). Metered street parking exists on La Brea and side streets but becomes scarce after 6pm; plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished. Nice denim is fine, but most guests dress up for chef’s tasting nights—button-downs, dresses, and elevated outfits fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate. The café area can get loud, but the chef’s table dining room in the back is noticeably calmer and conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: Chef’s table tastings require reservations; walk-ins are almost never accommodated. The front café can see 20–40 minute waits at peak.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lines form for pastries earlier in the morning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. The kitchen is produce-driven and can adapt tasting menus with advance notice. A few courses may be reworked around seasonal vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited. Vegan adaptations require advance communication and may not be available for all tasting nights.
Gluten-free options: Good options. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be modified; pastries are more limited, but the kitchen handles GF restrictions thoughtfully with notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a date that appreciates food and architecture. The chef’s tasting room is intimate without being stiff, making it ideal for conversation and a shared experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For the chef’s table, almost never—those seats are booked weeks out. For the front café or bakery side, you can walk in, but waits can be long during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? For the café, yes—casual service and pastries work well for families. For chef’s tasting dinners, it’s best for older kids or teens who can handle a quiet, multi-course format.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest chef-driven tasting experiences in the ZIP, especially for diners seeking refined French-Californian technique, exceptional pastries, and a unique historic setting.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual dinner, prefer loud nightlife-style dining, or need a last-minute reservation for a large group.
Republique
8.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
République’s front café makes a powerful impression for business lunches, pairing James Beard–caliber French-Californian cooking with a soaring 1929 space that feels both buzzy and polished. Daytime service runs on a tight rhythm, so you can squeeze in kimchi fried rice or a composed lunch plate between meetings without sacrificing experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Fried Rice, Mushroom Toast, Croque Madame
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized French-Californian café that doubles as an impressive daytime meeting room.
Who should go: Clients and colleagues you want to seriously impress.
When to visit: Weekday late-morning or early-afternoon slots between peak rushes.
What to order: Kimchi Fried Rice, Mushroom Toast, Croque Madame.
Insider tip: Reserve a table in advance and request the front café area for easier conversation during lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is typically offered during peak hours; metered street parking is available but competitive during weekday lunch. Nearby paid lots along La Brea and Wilshire offer the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual. Blazers and polished workwear fit right in, but elevated jeans and a button-down are perfectly acceptable for daytime meetings.
Noise level: Moderate. The café is lively and echo-prone due to the vaulted ceilings, but you can maintain a clear business conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: République doesn’t serve a traditional weekend dinner service in the café; dinner volume occurs in the main dining room and can run 30–60 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Expect a 10–20 minute queue during peak midday hours; off-peak windows (11am or after 1:30pm) typically have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — pastries, salads, and vegetable-driven plates offer several substantial options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and modified bowls can work, but offerings rotate based on seasonal produce.
Gluten-free options: Good — many dishes can be made gluten-free, and staff is well-versed in substitutions. Some pastries are labeled GF when available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime or casual early dinners — the architecture impresses and the food is excellent, but the room can be loud, so it’s better for comfortable conversation than intimate romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily counter-service at lunch. Arrive slightly before or after the noon rush to secure seating without a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The café is bustling and not designed for strollers, but older kids who can sit through a busy lunch will enjoy pastries and breakfast plates.
Best For
Better for: Power lunches, impressive daytime meetings, French-Californian pastries, and polished café-style dining in an architecturally iconic space.
Skip if: You need a quiet, private conversation, have strict vegan requirements, or prefer a more relaxed neighborhood café without crowds.
Hours
Monday8am - 2pm
Tuesday5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday5:30pm - 10pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday8am - 2pm