bistro du soleil

This is one of my favorite, if not THE favorite, restaurant in Los Angeles or anywhere else for that matter. The wildly odd shape of the building makes it even more unique! The staff are always pleasant and knowledgeable. The decor is easy on the eye and very relaxing plus, you have the option of sitting outside.

The owner is extremely gracious and friendly. He always wanders over to see how his patrons are doing. The food is superb - really good. I'm a bit disappointed that the quiche is no longer an actual dinner item. That particular meal is outstanding.

There used to be a waiter there by the name of Hamilton. That guy was the greatest waiter EVER. I'm not kidding. He took his job seriously and really conducted himself very well with guests. Don't get me wrong - the current staff are as courteous and knowledgeable as he was. But Hamilton was still in a league of his own.

Pros: Food is superb, staff and owner are the best

Cons: My favorite waiter is no longer there...

Posted 08/07/09

It just seems fish and chips, and a calamari salad should not run you $13 a plate at lunch time. I'd take it down a couple dollars each at least. We had those too plates, a juice and a soda, and with tip we were at $37. That's for 2 people at lunch.
The kitchen was running slow but that can happen when there is a big order in front of you. Nice service staff though, and the location, so close to the beach, is great. Given the casual feel inside, and that the food is just pretty good, the prices seemed a bit high. They do a better breakfast I'd say.

Pros: great location, relaxed environment, nice folks

Cons: so-so food, especially for the price

Posted 06/21/09

This great little bistro is close to the beach!!! For some reason, they firmly insist on a $9 per person minimum charge to sit on the patio or inside - even for lunch. A group (5) of us stopped in. A couple of us wanted only coffee or tea and a few of us were starving! There was absolutely no one else dining in the restaurant. They insisted that we pay the $9 per person minimum to stay. I was really looking forward to eating there but we had to leave as some of us were not interested based on principle. Unfortunate!

Pros: Manager was friendly, food smelled great and I'm sure it is!!!

Cons: To sit on patio or in dining room, there is a minimum $9 per person charge.

Posted 08/11/08

My husband and I read the rave reviews about this place and decided to give it a try. DO NOT make that same mistake! The food was terrible! It was like they heated up a Hungry man microwave dinner and re-plated it. The Filet, looked like a Salisbury steak that you could get at a cafeteria. Also, it is outrageously over priced. After that dinner we decided McDonald's would have been a better fine dining option.

Such a disappointment....

Pros: Some good service

Cons: TERRIBLE FOOD

Posted 08/02/08

Okay, food is what breaks the writer's block. My husband found another great French restaurant, Bistro du Soleil, in Playa del Rey. How do you say, "WOW!" in French? I had the poulet reni and it was TO DIE FOR! My meal actually motivated me
to do a write up--a big deal, since I have been struggling with writer's block for a long long time.
The poulet reni is a lightly breaded chicken breast in a cream and brandy sauce with mushrooms. I had it with vegetables (carrots) and rice. The carrots were very farmer's market fresh and all the herbs that topped the dish enhanced my palate. I felt as if I were back in Toulousse. The only downside to
our dining experience there (other than the non-impressive ambiance) was that my husband and I were let down by the bread that pre-came with our dinner. They need to take some bakery notes from "The Kitchen" in Pasadena. The Kitchen also makes
homemade bread, but their bread is luscious--you could literally live "offa" that bread. Putting the ambiance and bread aside, I hope we frequent Bistro du Soleil. The meal I had was THEE absolute best meal I have had dining out. I am going to
find it hard to try the other dishes, because the poulet reni was so so sensational. My husband offered me a sample of his lemon salmon, which melted in my mouth. But it will still be hard to branch out from my breaded and creamy alcoholic (a touch of brandy) chicken breast. We will be sticking with French cuisine--if I have any say in the matter.

And while I am on the subject of France, the other French restaurants we have enjoyed are:

Creme de la Crepe, Hermosa Beach...where we go for a mache-style breakfast.

Bistro de la Gare, South Pasadena...where we went once recently for a real deal romantic meal (candlelight)!!!

???, Paris/Southern France - Babe? Hon? (Hey, I am working on our next trip there).

Bon Appetit!

Pros: Absolutely incredible dinner

Cons: Bread was not so impressive

Posted 07/29/08

My husband and I have been here many times and love it! The owner is very friendly and will even sit down with you and chat. The canard(duck) and mignonettes au porto are absolutely wonderful! The atmosphere is relaxed and casual which makes for a very enjoyable dining experience.

Pros: Relaxing atmosphere, friendly

Cons: None that I can think of

Posted 06/26/08

We came here on a rainy evening in February 2006. I was so impressed by the service here. This is a cozy, romantic cafe in America's second largest city, located mere blocks from LAX that feels like it's in a small town on some off-beaten path. Delicious food. Will definitely return.

Pros: The owner is very involved in the dining experience

Cons: None that I can think of

Posted 02/10/07

We went here for dinner during the week. When we got there, it was pretty empty. The staff was courteous and helpful. It started to fill up with people, mostly an older crowd. The appetizers were great--I'd go back just for those. The calamari was in a light batter, almost like tempura, and the brie/pear quesadillas were delicious. The main courses were good, nothing out of the park.

Pros: Good value, service

Cons: Parking is a little challenging

Posted 07/04/06

i really enjoy eating here. The food is well made- I had a GREAT veggie omellete that came with fresh vegetables and hearty brown rice. The atmosphere feels welcoming and home-y. A step up from those guilty pleasure greasy spoon places... the upkeep inside could be done a little better, it seems a little dingy when you really look at it, but to me it just adds to the charm of the place. I thought the service was good. Non-intrusive, prompt and friendly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants an honest meal in a relaxing environment.

Pros: Hearty, healthy food, Great Service, Relaxing Atmosphere

Cons: Lacking social scene

Posted 04/14/06

We've eaten at Bistro Soleil at least 7 times in the past year and the food is always great. The Croque Monsieur and fries cannot be beat at lunchtime and the salmon and Dijon chicken are also top notch. It's also a good value. Attitude-free, good service, rarely crowded, easy parking.

Pros: Value, Service, Authentic & fresh

Cons: Atmosphere

Posted 04/11/06

This charming neighborhood bistro is truly authentic sans the rude waiters. The friendly French owners are always there insuring a pleasant dining experience. During the day many of the dishes are traditional French and American fare, omelets and sandwiches. The evening boasts excellent French classic dishes, plus some interesting variations of other French standards. The specials are always a hit, but it is tough to beat the old standbys. The Bistro uses Filet Mignon for its Steak au Poivre, the soups are made fresh daily and are always must and the even the fries will take you back to France. Also, you could always ask the cheerful owner Jean-Claude what he would recommend for you. The Bistro is a great value. By the end of the evening you will be saying Cest magnifique.

Pros: Good Value, Friendly Staff

Posted 03/17/05