Which Bistro would you pick?

[sbkat]

Going to be in LA next month and trying to decide between Comme Ca, Anisette or Church and State. I need your Chowhound advise! Also, if I'm missing out on a must go-to place, please chime in. Thanks in advance.

[Lambster]

Haven't been to C&S, but it's universally liked. Although, I'm a big fan of the steak frites at Comme Ca. It's the best steak I've had in L.A.

Went to Bisto LQ last night. The Lobster Oatmeal, Foie Gras, Artichoke Salad and the Eeel were all very good. The Hangar Steak and the desserts were lousy.

[RicRios]

Downtown: Church and State.
Culver City: Bistro de l'Hermitage.

[carter]

Culver City = Le Saint Amour, next door to hermitage, unless the brand new owner has dramatically changed things this week, or thereabouts. Bruno and Florence are doing nice things at LSA, yet the wine list is not one of them.

[Jack Flash]

As between C&S and Anisette, C&S in a landslide victory. I haven't been to Comme Ca.

[bucktown]

I'd say wait for La Cachette Bistro! It'll be open by the time you're here, and sure to be the best of the lot given it's from the bistro menu at the proper La Cachette, which is some of the best food in the city.

[Phurstluv]

Debatable.

[sbkat]

Bistro LQ looks amazing - we love everything, head to toe, so this is tempting! It actually looks like our trip may be steering us toward the Santa Monica end of town. La Cachette Bistro is one I will keep an eye out for as time moves forward. Couldn't find any menu info online. Anyone know if it will be in line with a true French Bistro? Anisette looks like it may win out if for only demographics. Oh why can't I eat excessive amounts of food without pain and regret??

[Phurstluv]

It does, doesn't it??

If price is not a factor, and you want french food, you can try Melisse, which is much fancier than Anisette. And then do Anisette the next morning for b'fast - they serve all day, one of the things I love about it.

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Melisse Restaurant
1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

[sbkat]

Not really looking for mega fancy this visit. Although Melisse is amazing, it's more than we want to do. I do note your advise for breakfast at Anisette - their menu looks amazing for a Sunday brunch. Oh what fun to have these dilemmas! I'm still searching online for any La Cachette Bistro info. Hoping that will weigh in a decision (no pun intended).

[bruinike]

La Cachette Bistro is due to open August 10th!

[GRAMUA]

La Cachette Bistro will be opening within the next 2 weeks, and even though the concept is California French Bistro, you will find classic Bistro items on the menu, such as Coq Au Vin, Cassoulet, Moules Frites, Duck Rillettes, Steak Frites, Duck A L'Orange, Frisee Salad, etc...
check out Facebook.com/lacachettebistro or follow @LCBsantamonica for updates.

[sbkat]

Thanks for the info regarding La Cachette Bistro - will keep an eye on the progress. Maybe La Cachette for dinner on Saturday and brunch at Anisette on Sunday?! Looks like Santa Monica is our destination for next month. Church and State will have to wait for another visit. Many thanks all!

[New Trial]

To add to your bistro list, you might consider the newly opened Bistro LQ, very inventive food (note that he is fond of offal) from a very talented chef; however, definitely not traditional bistro fare so, if that is the goal, I would say C&S or Anisette would be the best choices; Comme Ca is more inconsistent--though a fantastic selection of cheeses and cocktails if that is a factor.

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Bistro LQ
8009 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048

[lizziee]

Church and State

[a213b]

Oooh, tough call, as I've had fantastic meals at each and every one. It might in part depend on where you are staying, if you have a car, and if so how far you are willing to drive.

If pressed, I would probably rank them C&S, Anisette, and Comme Ca.

[Phurstluv]

Very broad range in geography...........

I vote for Church & State, hands down, if in downtown.

Anisette, if in Santa Monica...........

[sbkat]

Well, therein lies the problem. We have not decided on where to stay yet. We're coming down toward LAX to catch a plane back to NYC and have an extra day before we leave. We could stay in Santa Monica or Beverly HIlls, WeHo. So, the meal will dictate the hotel area. I am unaware of hotel situations in the downtown proper.

[wutzizname]

There are tons of hotels downtown and unless there's a big event going on they're usually pretty reasonable. If your visit is mostly about the night out on the town, then definitely go for Church & State. It's my favorite of the three. And there's tons of other stuff going on downtown these days.

If however you're wanting to hit the beach during the day, then Santa Monica and Anisette would obviously be a better call.

[sbkat]

Thanks for the advise about downtown. It's been quite a while since I've explored that area of L.A. I will look into the hotels and events, sounds like C & S could be great. I've read a mixed bag on Comme Ca, so I'm hesitant, and I live in Santa Barbara, so the beach isn't really the draw for me. More shopping and eating!

[Servorg]

Consider staying around the Beverly Center or up on Sunset Blvd. in WeHo and going to Animal for dinner and (it they are on the menu) absolutely do not pass up the pork belly sliders.

ADD: If you decide that this is where you are going please be aware that the Google map that appears in the Place Link shows the restaurant much farther south than it really is. It's actually just south of Melrose (just barely south of Rosewood) and north of Beverly Blvd.

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Animal
435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036