The best bistros and brasseries California

This successful little French bistro has expanded, taking on the allure of a Parisian establishment. Thanks to this new space, the wine and beer lists have been extended, and the crêpes, as good as ever, are wonderfully accompanied by these Californian and European nectars. Both sweet and savoury crepes are recommended, and for breakfast you can enjoy pastries, a good baguette, a croissant or a nice fruit salad. It's a French-style treat, but it's only open until lunchtime.

A.O.C. is the second establishment opened by chef Suzanne Goin and sommelier Caroline Styne, a talented duo. Suzanne Goin, who studied with some of the world's greatest chefs, prepares an inventive cuisine with Mediterranean influences, flavored with spices from around the world. As for her, her partner has elaborated a wine list that has won several awards and presents a hundred references. A special feature is the wood-fired oven in which the delicious black rice with squid and the brioche with prosciutto and Gruyere cheese - among others - are cooked.

We would like all neighbourhood restaurants to be so refined. The menu is inspired by the Santa Monica farmer market and changes every month. The list of wines has been carefully designed, but the price is paid. Artisanales beer also has their sommelier, which is why it is just as impossible to choose at the time of order. Here, everything is organic and everything is good!

The same concept as its small brother and neighbour, the Crossroads Café, the servers and employees are ex-inmates in a reintegration program (the Delancey Street Foundation). The staff were very friendly and helpful. For the evening, typical American kitchen and excellent cakes (taste chocolate-based, a delight) for a few dollars. A very good address.

With his old zinc counter, it looks like the Figaro is straight out of the beautiful quarters of Paris… Madonna even turned a clip to Louis Vuitton in 2009. Los Angeles is a real culinary paradise mixing all the influences of Asian, Mexican and American traditions, so we don't recommend that you throw yourself on a fried chat; but if you have a sudden envy of Burgundy snails or marinative mussels, this restaurant will be all right. The hotel is held by a Frenchman and offers typical cuisine from home, without falling into the clichés. The chocolate soufflé is divine; during happy hours, you can sip kir, wine or small aperitifs from 5 US $ unity.

This fine address opened its doors in 1981 in the lively Sunset Plaza district. Le Petit Four's success is due in part to its charm, which is comparable to that of a brasserie in the south of France. Its eclectic Mediterranean cuisine includes a wide variety of salads, meats, fish and pastas, as well as a few pizzas and vegetarian dishes. From Napoleon to cheesecake, from saint-honoré to tarte Tatin, the desserts are an admirable blend of French pastry expertise and American gourmandise.