L.A.’s Appetit Is Back for Bistros

After years of Italian dominance, French food is making a comeback, with bistro being all the rage. A sampling of what L.A. has to offer. Bon appetit!

Cafe Bizou, 14016 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 788-3536. A lively French restaurant with a reliable menu.

Cafe des Artistes, 1534 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. (323) 469-7300. Traditional French fare in a bohemian environment.

Cafe Stella, 3932 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake. (323) 666-0265. A wonderful bistro in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it storefront.

Chez Mimi, 246 26th St., Brentwood. (310) 393-0558. A romantic courtyard restaurant with classic fare.

La Cachette, 10506 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. (310) 470-4992. Updated French fare from former L’Orangerie chef Jean Francois Meteigner.

Le Marmiton, 1327 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 393-7716. A petite but charming cafe with takeout.

Le Petit Bistro, 631 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 289-9797. A popular and inexpensive bistro with big portions.

Le Petit Cafe, 2842 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 829-6792. A popular and inexpensive cafe.

Les Deux Cafe, 1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. (323) 465-0509. Worth visiting for the hip Hollywood crowd.

Les Freres Taix, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. (213) 484-1265. L.A.’s oldest French restaurant, known for its wine list more than its old-style food.

L’Orangerie, 903 N. La Cienega, L.A. (310) 652-9770. The closest thing to a grand French restaurant in the city.

Mimosa, 8009 Beverly Blvd., L.A. (323) 655-8895. A bustling bistro with a classic menu.

Pastis, 8114 Beverly Blvd., L.A. (323) 655-8822. Homey Provencal food in a bistro setting.

Pinot Bistro, 12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 990-0500. Joaquim Splichal’s vision of a French bistro.