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ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Santa Monica
Best Instagram Worthy French in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Wally's Santa Monica
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
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Combining fine dining with gourmet retail and exceptional wine program
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts and gourmet food lovers
When to visit: Saturday wine tastings or weekday prix fixe
What to order: Cheese and charcuterie boards, truffle dishes, wine flights
Insider tip: Visit the retail counter for specialty items to take home
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, public garage 2 blocks away ($3/hr), street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans acceptable, business casual ideal for lunch
Noise level: Moderately lively - communal tables can get buzzy but private room quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min walk-in, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak business lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 dedicated options plus customizable cheese boards
Vegan options: Limited - 2 modified dishes, better options at lunch
Gluten-free options: Yes - staff knowledgeable, can modify most dishes, GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, wine flights create natural conversation starters, and communal seating takes pressure off
Can I get a table without a reservation? Best bet is bar seating or communal tables, especially before 6pm weekdays. Weekend dinners need reservations 2+ weeks out
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Lunch more accommodating than dinner
Best For
Better for: Superior wine program and retail integration compared to typical French bistros - like having a sommelier and gourmet shop in one
Consider Alternatives If: You want intimate dining (communal tables dominate) or traditional French bistro prices - go to Petit Trois instead
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 11pm
Thursday11:30am - 11:30pm
Friday11:30am - 12am
Saturday11:30am - 12am
Sunday11:30am - 10:30pm