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Guide to Santa Monica

French food

A meal defined by butter, cream, and the traditions of a French kitchen.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bread + Butter | Main Street image 1
Bread + Butter | Main Street image 2
Bread + Butter | Main Street image 3
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Small bakery offers flaky croissants with buttery layers and unique flavors like walnut and caramel sea salt. Cozy patio under trees creates a relaxed vibe perfect for enjoying fresh pastries. Open kitchen and marble counters add a light, airy design that draws a steady crowd.

Croissants stand out with many layers of crispy, flaky exterior and fluffy, buttery interior. Varieties like the walnut croissant and caramel croissant with sea salt rank among the best, alongside excellent chocolate croissants and quiches.

People are saying

"I considered these the best croissants I had found in LA."

"It's a great outdoor space with plenty of seating for drinks and food."

"I thought the French food croissants had gorgeous lamination and were so flaky."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines and ensure popular pastries are available.

2

Most pastries sell out before 10am, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking on Melrose Place is tough; metered spots fill quickly.

02
Le Petit Chez Mimi image 1
French restaurant

Cozy spot with a French bistro vibe and calm energy feels like a countryside home. Authentic dishes like French onion soup and coq au vin pair well with desserts such as Tarte Tatin. Outdoor patio enhances the warm, inviting atmosphere locals love.

Offers authentic French dishes like French onion soup, escargot, and coq au vin with a warm, casual vibe. Desserts like Tarte Tatin come with fresh whipped cream and balanced spices.

People are saying

"The French onion soup here is fantastic, not too salty."

"These dinner spots feel like dining at a cozy, charming home."

"The Tarte Tatin dessert is excellent, like warm apple pie."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open for dinners from Tuesday to Sunday and brunch on Sundays.

2

They have a large free parking lot attached, which is a huge bonus in Santa Monica.

3

Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

03
Petitgrain Boulangerie image 1

Small artisan bakery offers exceptional croissants with unique flavors like cheese and tomato. Rustic decor and an open kitchen create a warm, cozy atmosphere filled with intoxicating smells. Lines form quickly for authentic French pastries that rival Paris.

Croissants here have flakiness that surpasses Paris bakeries and include standout varieties like cheese, tomato, and potato. The quiche, especially the Swiss chard, is absolutely stunning, and the pain au chocolat ranks among the best ever tasted.

People are saying

"I thought the pastries here were outstanding and not overly sweet."

"I found the best croissant I've ever tasted here."

"These French pastries are flaky, buttery, and some of the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially during weekends and mornings.

2

The croissants sell out quickly, so arrive early.

3

There are no tables available; it's primarily a grab-and-go bakery.

04
Augie's On Main - Chicken Restaurant Santa Monica, CA image 1

Outdoor seating with a quiet courtyard creates a chill vibe perfect for relaxed hangouts. Crispy, juicy chicken shines alongside ratatouille and mushrooms, adding rich French flavors. Creative sandwiches bring fresh, bold tastes to the menu.

Sides like ratatouille and mushrooms stand out with rich flavors. The ratatouille pairs well with dishes like half chicken and broccoli, adding a tasty touch.

People are saying

"I found the spicy chicken sandwich to be one of the best."

"The outdoor seating is pleasant and a chill spot to hang out."

"I loved the French Food, especially the ratatouille."

Good to know

1

Only outdoor seating is available, so dress appropriately for the weather.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

You can bring your pets onto the patio, which is a nice touch.

05
MUSE Santa Monica image 1
Modern French restaurant

Modern French restaurant offers art deco decor and an intimate atmosphere. Brioche shines with buttery texture and flaky salt enhances the crispy exterior. Guests enjoy exceptional culinary craftsmanship and memorable desserts.

Brioche stands out with its rich, buttery texture and a croissant-like quality. The Brioche Feuilletรฉe offers an ultra-crispy, flaky exterior paired with a soft, pull-apart inside, enhanced by flaky salt.

People are saying

"The French food here is amazing, with such attentive and friendly service."

"The staff's attentiveness and warmth made it feel so intimate."

"The Vanilla St. Honorรฉ dessert is one of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at the restaurant.

2

Valet parking is suggested as parking is limited in the area.

3

Expect to spend between $400 and $500 for two people, including drinks.

06
The Place To Be image 1

Small cafe offers authentic French bakery with fresh croissants and baguette sandwiches. Cozy, Parisian vibe creates a relaxed setting away from busy spots. Menu includes classic French treats like madeleines and pain au chocolat for genuine flavors.

Baguettes and croissants come out fresh every morning, with perfectly French baking. The menu features classic French sandwiches like ham and cheese croissants and veggie baguettes with petit cornichons, plus pastries like madeleines, macarons, and pain au chocolat.

People are saying

"I found the French pastries and baked goods here to be delicious."

"This French bakery feels like a little trip to Paris."

"I found the sandwich to be amazing and totally worth it."

Good to know

1

Prices for breakfast items are reasonable, with most under $15.

2

The bakery offers a variety of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee drinks.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

07
Citrin Restaurant image 1

Dining space feels elegant but cramped with loud music, creating a bar-like vibe. Outdoor patio offers a romantic, quiet setting perfect for dates. Enjoy French butter brioche and a sweet crepe dessert for a true taste of France.

A crepe for dessert offers a sweet finish. Basil brioche comes with French butter from Normandy and has a unique flavor, though its color leans toward bright green.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"The service here is top-notch and attentive."

"The French Food, especially the lobster bolognese, was rich and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required well in advance for prime weekend seating.

2

The meal typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

3

A 4% opt-out service charge is added to the bill.

08
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop spot boasts cool water views and a lively club vibe with a live DJ. French menu shines with escargot with walnuts and classic onion soup. Perfect for large groups seeking beachy elegance and upbeat energy.

Escargot stands out, served with walnuts for a unique twist. Burrata salad and French onion soup also feature on the menu.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The DJ played awesome international music and took requests."

"The steak frites here are phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

09
pasjoli image 1
French restaurant

French fine dining shines with classic duck confit and steak frites served in an elegant yet warm space. Cozy bar and rich decor create a polished but inviting vibe. Attentive service complements the tableside pressed duck spectacle and fresh baguette with sauces.

Baguette stands out as a key part of the meal, especially with the sauces on creative plates. Dishes like duck confit with cherry, french onion soup, and steak frites highlight classic French flavors.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the steak frites, is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I really enjoyed their cocktails, especially the 'Contesse'."

"The burnt Basque cheesecake is creamy and caramelized."

Good to know

1

A mandatory 15% service charge is added after tax.

2

Appetizers and sides cost between $25 and $30, with main dishes over $50.

3

The early menu is available from 5 to 6 PM.

10
Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu image 1

Outdoor patio with spacious seating and pink decor offers a chic, relaxed vibe. Sandwiches on buttered baguettes with truffle cheese and fresh ham highlight the French menu. Live music on weekends creates a friendly atmosphere perfect for casual coffee and pastries.

Sandwiches come on buttered baguettes with creamy truffle cheese spread, fresh ham, and Swiss cheese. Croissants taste just like in Europe, with a notable raspberry croissant available.

People are saying

"The cafe staff are so friendly and warm, it's like they trained at a secret boot camp."

"The staff here is so friendly, making outdoor seating a joy."

"The French food here has such warm and friendly service."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ is very popular on weekends, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

They offer gluten-free options for baked goods and sandwiches.

3

Card payments are accepted, but refills on coffee are charged as new cups.

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