Seldom does a dining experience transcend the diner to exotic and distant places only heard of in visions of luxury. Even less frequent are those experiences that rival their respective destination in authenticity, accuracy, and relevancy.
Upon first entrance to this 10k square foot piece of France, Cannes to be precise, guests are greeted by a sprawling dining room with modest touches of elegant, modern luxury and design. Beyond the craftily outfitted dining room with its various modes of seating from plush sofas, to hi-top tables and a welcoming bar, lies a grand marble staircase welcoming n00bs and regulars alike to the mezzanine level. Atop this magnificent and original staircase, guests will find a bottom-lit bar top reminiscent of that which might be found in a B&W film of the 20’s. Set within the historic Stowell Hotel, the owners, Fanny and David Rolland made sure to preserve the pieces of the property that spoke to the history of the location. Throughout the dining room, which was originally the lobby of the hotel, the floor maintains its original tile, on which some of the century’s greats danced upon; Charlie Chaplin being one of those greats. Ceiling-high columns with original crowns and a bit of a modernized color scheme line the walls.
Space was designed by Fanny and David and not one element of the overall design was overlooked. From chairs and table tops to modern custom art along the mezzanine walls, to even the monstrous and impressive air conditioning system, Fanny and David have achieved what most restaurateurs aspire to dream up. Both from Cannes, with two successful restaurants Le Petit Paris (very first restaurant) and The Miramar Beach on the famous La Croisette, they beamingly admit to being apprehensive about scouting a Downtown space for their beloved concept, a process they began in 2015 that took a surprising turn at first look of the impressive building. Separately, they both explain that they were looking to the westside of LA to house their business model.
Both from Cannes, with two successful restaurants in both Cannes and Miramar, they beamingly admit to being apprehensive about scouting a Downtown space for their beloved concept, a process they began in 2015 that took a surprising turn at first look of the impressive building. Separately, they both explain that they were looking to the west side of LA to house their business model.
They come from beachfront shores of Southern France and had their collective mindset on the same. When asked if they are pleased with the decision to build-out a historic hotel in DTLA, they both grin, nodding adamantly in affirmation. As a DTLA resident, this Francophile couldn’t be happier they did.
They’ve done it right, too. Not only does the venue look and feel aesthetically satisfying, the food and special programs the French couple has implemented at LPP are designed with the guest experience in mind. From happy hour with $1 oysters and $18 bottomless Rosé [M-F 4:00pm-7:00pm], to shuttles between the restaurant and the DTLA Music Center (pre-post-show drinks, anyone?) and a resident DJ helming the decks every night between Wednesday and Sunday, the Rollands have fine-tuned their offerings to maximize the guest experience.
An Authentic Sampling of the South of France’s Finest
Don’t have time for a lengthy sit-down lunch, but not feeling the same fast style food? Monday to Friday LPP offers an express menu which boasts a 2-course lunch for $24. If you’re feeling really froggy, jump over to the pastry tray and add a house-made dessert for $5 to that express lunch.
Chef Baptiste Grellier, a longtime friend of the Rollands and opening chef of LPPLA, presents dishes that are executed perfectly in concept, relevance and, most importantly, execution. To train a kitchen full of cooks to season each component of each dish perfectly requires a mastery of the craft. The salmon gravlax with homemade blinis whisks you away to a sunny day on the beaches of Cannes. Cured in-house, and perfectly briny, you can taste the quality of the product Chef Baptiste begins with. Beef filet carpaccio with truffle cream that spreads on the French bread like tempered butter is one of those memorable dishes that leaves you mopping the plate with the last tiny pieces of that bread. Spiced.
Roasted. Cod. Do it! Gingerbread butter, curry, and mashed potatoes? Under many other normal circumstances, my eyes would have scrolled right past such a description. Not being a big fan of various curries, I tend to look past anything with them listed.
This dish is a game changer; really.
Cod from the European Atlantic cooked to literal perfection. Mashed potatoes the way they’re supposed to be buttery and seasoned with the right amount of salt. I found myself asking for more bread to clean this plate with. Pastries, desserts, bakeries, all with that magical French touch, await their final destination at your table (or to-go box). This place will quickly make the cut for your list of DTLA favorites. 418-420 S. Spring Street, LA CA 90013. 213.217.4445 lepetitparisla.com
