Cheaper and faster than an Air France flight to the City of Lights, these classic bistros in the heart of Los Angeles give you that vrai taste of France:
La Poubelle Bistro
La Poubelle Bistro lies in the heart of Franklin Village. The name, which translates to “the trash can,” was picked to honor seedy jazz clubs and brothels of early 1960s London (which is not French, but let’s go with it).
In 1969 when La Poubelle opened, it seemed a fitting name for the state of the Franklin Village neighborhood and spirit of the owners. “La Poubelle is a crazy place,” says long-time employee Mançois when I corner him under the bistro’s iconic blue awning. The French fare includes classics like steak frites, moules frites and soupe à l’oignon. At night, La Poubelle Bistro opens its La Poubelle party doors to the neighboring room, where local bands play under a massive disco ball and neon Le Son sign (the sound). If you’re longing for some down-and-out Paris vibes, La Poubelle is the Parisian fringe party you may be looking for.
Pro tip: Enjoy the delicious cocktails and apéritifs on the patio couch framed by the blue mural of Paris city streets and the Eiffel Tower.
Figaro Bistrot
Figaro Bistrot, or as Los Feliz locals call it “Café Figaro,” is the charming variety of bistro that’s perfect for people watching from one of the blue and gold patio tables that frames Vermont Avenue or meeting friends for champagne and dessert. Inside, a stunning glass case is filled with cheesecakes, fruit tarts, eclairs, soufflés and croissants. While the French pastries are certainly a star at Figaro Bistrot, the menu offers and executes top-notch items from the Caesar salad to the pain perdu (French toast) and especially le crab façon bénédicte (crab cakes eggs benny) – they’re all incredible.
Pro tip: Since it’s just a hop and a skip from Skylight Books, Figaro Bistrot may be the perfect spot to plop down with a book (maybe “Candide” by Voltaire or Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”?) and a café au lait. Bonus: A dining room with comfy couches and cozy pillows in overstuffed chairs. While La Poubelle might be the perfect French joint to party it up, Figaro Bistrot is the perfect place to wind down with a glass of wine and enjoy something smothered in béchamel.
Loupiotte Kitchen
Another Los Feliz charmer is Loupiotte Kitchen. The small restaurant looks like a French market with tables framed by vibrant shelves stocked with French wines, champagne, cookies and oils. Patrons can order at the counter from a menu with French classics like soft scrambled eggs made with Parmesan and crème fraîche, croque monsieur with hot ham, mushrooms and béchamel, and a goat cheese salad served on sourdough bread. The food will satisfy your craving for authentic French food, and the ambiance is quaint and inviting. Dine in for breakfast and lunch (the restaurant is closed midafternoon) or come by later for dinner. There’s also a secluded room in the back perfect for intimate dinner parties and birthday celebrations, and a charming patio with bench tables outside.
Pro tip: Order the orange wine, it’s soft and silky and goes down lovely on a hot Los Feliz summer day.
