Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown LA

French food spots

French cuisine that captures the classic spirit of a bistro without the stuffy, outdated formalities.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Sampa image 1
Sampa image 2
Sampa image 3
View all
Filipino restaurant

Dark, moody space with ambient lighting sets an intimate tone. Rich, flavorful escargot shines alongside ceviche and crab rice. Cool cave-like hallway adds charm while DJ music keeps energy chill for easy conversation.

Rich and flavorful escargot stands out, especially the KUHOL escargot with coconut butter. Starters include ceviche and dishes like crab rice and bamboo shoots that complement the French flavors.

People are saying

"The Filipino food here is fresh and creatively elevated."

"This fine dining reimagines Filipino classics with a refined sensibility."

"The crispy pasta here is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There is a public parking lot across the street.

2

Sampa does not have a liquor license yet; only mocktails are available.

3

Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu.

02
The Wolves image 1

Vintage space with early 1900s architecture offers a warm, cozy vibe and live performances. Enjoy classic comfort food alongside unique cocktails in a beautifully designed setting. French dishes shine with Rillettes and Ratatouille, paired with standout butter and baguette.

Great charcuterie includes Rillettes, Terrine, and Prosciutto. Ratatouille comes with a baguette. Butter served with the baguette stands out.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The bar's atmosphere is beautiful and unique."

"The French food here has a gorgeous, well-designed atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait for a table.

2

Parking in Downtown Los Angeles can be difficult; plan ahead.

3

Happy hour offers $2 off old fashioned cocktails.

03
Cafe Balzac image 1
Coffee shop

Outdoor seating by a plaza offers a mini Paris vibe with fresh pastry aromas. French crepes like 4 cheese and strawberry matcha shine alongside single origin Brazilian coffee. Calm energy suits slow mornings and coffee breaks perfectly.

Savory and sweet crepes stand out with authentic French style and rich flavors. Options like the 4 cheese crepe and strawberry matcha crepe offer a tasty variety for breakfast or any time.

People are saying

"I loved the French crepes and pastries; they were amazing."

"The Moroccan spiced latte has phenomenal flavor and spices."

"I loved the spinach & feta and jalapeño cheese croissants."

Good to know

1

Cafe Balzac has single origin coffee beans from Brazil.

2

The prices at the store are affordable.

3

There is no indoor seating at Cafe Balzac.

04
Zinqué - DTLA image 1
French restaurant

Massive ceilings and stylish seating create a cozy euro-urban vibe with a calm energy that can get hectic. Classic French dishes like Potato Gratin Dauphinois and croque madame offer generous portions and modern twists. Outdoor patio provides great people watching in a relaxed atmosphere.

Classic French dishes come with a modern twist, featuring items like croque madame and artisanal sandwiches. The Potato Gratin Dauphinois and ratatouille stand out for their quality and generous portions.

People are saying

"The steak and fries are amazing for date spots."

"I loved the salmon tartine with avocado."

"I loved the steak frites, cooked perfectly with crispy fries."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers three appetizers for $22, making it a great deal.

2

Reservations are advisable, especially during busy hours.

3

Public parking is available next door for $15 all day.

05
Garçons de Café image 1

Cozy Parisian-style wine bar shines with live jazz piano and a pet-friendly space. Quiche boasts a delicious crust and frisee salad, while escargot offers a standout texture. Perfect for relaxed evenings with friends or dates.

Quiche features a delicious crust and comes with a frisee salad dressed in a nice vinaigrette. Escargot offers a taste on point with a texture that stands out.

People are saying

"The wine here feels like a party in a cool Parisian cafe."

"It's so classy and cozy, you forget where you are."

"The French food's escargot is tender in rich garlic-herb butter."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounts on wine, cocktails, and beer.

2

Jazz night occurs every Friday, providing a lively atmosphere.

3

The patio is open for brunch on weekends, offering a nice outdoor experience.

06
Perch image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop bar offers breathtaking cityscape and live music for a relaxed vibe. French menu shines with steak frites and crème brûlée. Cocktails are a must-try, but book ahead due to limited space.

Steak frites features a medium rare steak with thin crunchy truffle fries and BBQ sauce. French onion soup and crème brûlée dessert also stand out.

People are saying

"The rooftop view here is amazing, especially at night."

"The steak here has a view that's worth coming back for."

"The steak frites here are perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary due to high demand, especially for brunch and dinner.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Live music occurs from 6-10pm, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

07
Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA image 1

Small bakery inside a hotel lobby offers a cozy atmosphere with free wifi and limited seating. French treats like the cookie croissant shine, while croque monsieur rates a solid 8 out of 10. Quiet vibe suits those seeking calm weekdays.

Cookie croissant stands out with its delicious flavor. The croque monsieur scores well, rated 8 out of 10, though some items can be cold or soggy.

People are saying

"I loved their banana matcha; it was shockingly good."

"The bear bread is fluffy, cute, and delicious."

"I considered it the best Japanese bakery in the greater Los Angeles area."

Good to know

1

The bakery opens at 7am.

2

Parking is very difficult, which is expected for DTLA.

3

There was usually a wait time at Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA.

08
Azay image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot blends wabi-sabi aesthetics with a laid-back vibe. Menu shines with beef bourguignon and duck confit, plus rich crab and uni milk toast. Intimate space feels authentic, energy lifts when chef appears, making it truly special.

Beef bourguignon and duck confit with couscous highlight the menu. Rich crab and uni milk toast sits on a crisp baguette base. Desserts include matcha creme brulee and apple tart.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is authentic and delicious."

"I loved the Japanese breakfast here; it was exactly what I hoped for."

"The French food here is intentionally detailed and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect long wait times if you don't reserve ahead.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

09
Camphor image 1
Restaurant

Michelin-starred French restaurant shines with onion tartine and a unique ribeye-duck burger. Restored warehouse setting offers high ceilings and an open kitchen that energizes the space. Upscale yet comfortable, it blends style with lively dining.

Onion tartine offers a deconstructed French onion soup experience. The burger blends ribeye and duck, topped with smoked gouda and caramelized onions on a brioche bun.

People are saying

"The Dover sole and sea bream at these dinner spots are phenomenal."

"You have to try the desserts; they're unique and excellent."

"The French food, especially the steak frites, is a must-try."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for $20 with a $2.50 convenience charge.

2

Reservations are recommended due to high demand.

3

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual is preferred.

10
Paris Baguette image 1

Bakery blends cozy atmosphere with flaky pastries like strawberry croissants that mix fresh fruit and cream. Food feels like an American take on French bistro with tasty ham and cheese options. Parking is limited but nearby validation helps.

Strawberry croissants stand out with fresh strawberries and balanced cream. Ham and cheese croissants offer great flavor despite light ham. The food feels like an American take on a French bistro.

People are saying

"The pastries here are delicious and rich in flavor."

"The coffee here is rich, delicious, and a must-have."

"The strawberry croissant is just right, a perfect bite of French Food."

Good to know

1

Street parking is limited around the area.

2

The prices at Paris Baguette are generally acceptable compared to other options in Los Angeles.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, and drinks.

11
Dalian's Café image 1
Coffee shop

Small café offers cozy seating with real orchids and lilac decor. French pastries like croissants are light and flaky, though quality varies. Outdoor area is a quiet oasis amid city noise, perfect for relaxing with good music.

French pastries include kouign amann, pain au chocolat, and croissants. Croissants are light and flaky with a soft inside and a crisp outside, though quality varies.

People are saying

"The pastries here are delicious and fresh."

"The cafe staff are always friendly and welcoming."

"The French pastries here are delicious, even better than French bakeries."

Good to know

1

There is almost no seating inside, so expect to sit outside on the sidewalk.

2

Finding a street parking spot is challenging; parking is about 1 3/4 blocks away.

3

Dalian's Cafe offers a wide selection of milk substitutes for your coffee.

12
Crêpes De Paris image 1

Small space with European style decor offers authentic French crepes with fresh fillings like ham and cheese. Cozy atmosphere and patio area make it great for quick meals or casual breakfasts. Crepes are light, fluffy, and made fresh before you.

Savory and sweet crepes feature fresh fillings like ham, cheese, mushrooms, spinach, peppers, and tomatoes. Crepes have a light, fluffy texture and are made fresh right in front of you, with options catering to different diets.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the crepes, is warm, delicious, and authentic."

"I found the coffee here to be delicious and strong."

"It's a small, adorable place, really cozy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the building's garage.

2

Street parking with a meter nearby is easy to find in the evening.

3

They charge in 15 minute increments for parking.

Discover more

Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...