La Petite Cafe

When you enter La Petite Cafe during lunchtime, it might remind you of a homey cafe in Paris. The staff is friendly, and, just like in France, you don’t feel rushed to finish. Tables are squeezed in tightly to accommodate a large number of patrons in a small space.

Although the decor is cute, the focus here is clearly set on the quality and creativity of the food. The menu features interesting and thoughtfully-prepared items such as roasted duck with honey-ginger glazed sauce, calf’s liver sauteed with fresh parsley and shallots, and the filet mignon in a black pepper reduction sauce.

Seafood lovers will enjoy delicious dishes like the poached salmon in pepper reduction sauce, crab cakes, blackened salmon, Lake Superior crispy white fish, or the flavorful Bouillabaisse with fish, mussels and clams. Main entree menu items range from $16 to $32, and they’re served with mashed potatoes, baby mixed greens or veggies and rice.

Specials are often available, which you can find on the portable chalkboards around the restaurant. Appetizers, salads and sandwiches are affordable and satisfying, especially for lunch. The burger is fresh and juicy with a side of crispy fries. The onion soup is a delicious starter item, given that you’re crazy for onions. If you eat too much for your main course, you may miss the fresh fruit and mouthwatering dessert selection.

The cafe offers a fine selection of red and white wines, as well as champagne and sparkling wine. If you’re craving a beer, you can choose from Beck’s, Heineken or Fisher.

La Petite Cafe opened in 1994 by French chef Robert Bourget and his wife Teresa. He has been working as a chef since the 1960s, and after working in many well-known restaurants in France, New York and Los Angeles, he decided to open his own place in Santa Monica. While Robert still oversees the kitchen, chef Miguel Ponse is the main chef behind the oven at the cafe.

HelloMetro Tip: Lunchtime can get busy at La Petite cafe. Call ahead of time for reservations and they’ll save you a cute little table so you can dine without waiting. Also, they have four parking spots available, but since this is a popular place, you might have to find street parking at peak times.

- by Jessica Bates, Santa Monica Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.