Gothic archways, tiled floors, communal tables, and exposed brick at République Café Bakery will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
Located in LA’s “Miracle Mile,” also known as “America’s Champs-Élysées,” this café is the perfect place to recharge after exploring the area’s museums, architecture, and local shops.
The historic building in which this eatery resides was initially built in 1929, later becoming the renowned La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant.
The restaurant has received many accolades, including being named in Best Restaurants in LA lists, Michelin Guide, etc.
Today, this space boasts a French bakery, cafe, and bar, with a formal dining space in the back.
Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke also own several other successful California restaurants and 16 bakeries throughout the Philippines.
From 8 am – 2 pm, they operate as a café bakery and do not take reservations. Line ups in front of the restaurant are almost guaranteed but try coming at slightly off peak meal time for a shorter wait.
You order and pay at the counter and then they give you a cup with a number to display. You find your own seat and your is brought out to you.
The café and bakery menu changes seasonally but typically includes specialties like Belgian waffles, avocado toast, French omelets, frittatas and more.
I went for a solo brunch and waited in line for about 30 minutes. Once I got in, the service was very efficient from taking my order to bringing my food when it was ready.
The Brioche French Toast was pretty much the best French Toast I’ve ever had. It literally came as a single piece of French Toast with syrup on the side. Super buttery with crispy edges and a soft, spongy middle. It was incredible. No need for any other toppings or whipped cream because you need to enjoy this piece of French Toast on its own.
The Shakshouka was aromatic and tasty and featured black kale, chickpeas, yogurt, eggs cooked to perfection and served on top of a bed of spicy tomato sauce. The food was delivered with a crisp baguette that was excellent for mopping up all the wonderful sauce.
The Green juice was also delicious and had kale, green apple, cucumber, parsley, celery, and ginger.
The fresh seasonal Fruit Danish had perfect crispy, pastry layers.
If you come for dinner in the restaurant, you can enjoy modern French fare like Black Perigord Truffle Risotto; live Maine Scallop; Liberty Duck and more. Make sure to save room for dessert – sweet treats include raspberry tiramisu; apple tart; almond brown butter cake and so forth.
Even though metered street parking is available on both sides of the street, parking is hard to come by. They offer valet but at a cost.
All in all, I loved dining at République Café and would recommend them.