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ZipPicks Awards

Best French in Santa Monica Best Instagram Worthy Brunch in Santa Monica Best Instagram Worthy French in Santa Monica

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge 7.8
Santa Monica
Perched atop Santa Monica Place mall, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop combines Mediterranean flavors with California flair, featuring ocean views and a vibrant DJ scene. The open-air patio and festive atmosphere transport diners from Santa Monica to the sun-drenched coast of Southern France.
Must-Try Dishes: LouLou Pizza with Truffle, Beef Cheek Bourguignon, Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rooftop ocean views with French Riviera party atmosphere
Who should go: Birthday celebrants and brunch party groups
When to visit: Thursday Tulum nights or weekend brunch
What to order: Prix fixe brunch menu, signature cocktails, truffle pizza
Insider tip: Free champagne for birthday tables of 6+ booked within birthday month
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mall parking at Santa Monica Place - first 2 hours free, $2 per 30 min after. Valet available for $8 with validation. Street parking very limited on 3rd Street Promenade
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think 'rooftop chic.' Jeans acceptable if elevated with heels or nice top. Many dress up for Instagram photos
Noise level: Loud during peak times - DJ and party atmosphere. Conversation difficult after 8pm Thursday-Saturday. Quieter for weekday lunch
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially summer. Bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, max 15 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several Mediterranean mezze options, salads, and pasta dishes. About 6-8 solid choices
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, but only 2-3 dedicated vegan dishes. Chef can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Some options available - primarily salads and grilled proteins. No dedicated GF prep area, cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates when you want to impress. The loud DJ scene and party vibe make intimate conversation difficult, but the views and atmosphere are undeniably romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends unlikely. Best bet is arriving right at 5pm opening or trying the bar area. Thursday-Saturday after 7pm nearly impossible without booking
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children, especially dinner service. The party atmosphere and lack of kids menu make it better for teens and up. Brunch more accommodating for families
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable rooftop ocean views and party brunch scene compared to other French spots. More festive and Instagram-worthy than Republique or Petit Trois
Skip if: Want authentic French cuisine (go to Republique) or intimate dining (try Dialogue). Skip if noise-sensitive or seeking value pricing

Hours

Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 12am
Saturday11:30am - 12am
Sunday11:30am - 10pm