There are so many incredible restaurants in Los Angeles, it can be hard to stand out from the rest. Cafe Pinot, a California French Restaurant in Downtown LA, is in a league of it’s own. Last week, I was spoiled to a 15 course meal (did you see on snap?!) of everything from Green Gazpacho (so nice during this heat wave), to Charred Octopus, Crispy Farro, and Duck Confit! Both classic and modern, this meal was a dream!
While the food speaks for itself, other perks of the restaurant include it’s beautiful location, just across from the LA Public Library, with a gorgeous outdoor dining patio, increibly personable service, and cocktails that paired with each course perfectly!
We started off our meal with a cocktail called Paper Plane, and Strawberry Ginger Lemonade (pictured above)!

First course, the Green Gazpacho Soup, made with cilantro yogurt and espelette. This was perfectly refreshing with a bit of spice!

A must is their Burrata! Paired with fresh heirloom tomatoes on olive oil and balsamic.

The Hamachi Crudo was almost too pretty to eat!

One of my favorite dishes of our meal, the Charred Octopus! Served with squid ink skordalia, brocollini, checkpeas, orange, piquillo peppers, and saffron pickled shallots, this was quite possibly the best octopus I’ve had to date!

The Manila Clams were another winner and absolute must have!

Seafood is definitely Cafet Pinot’s strong suit! The Tiger Prawns were prepared with charred avocado and black garlic puree, pickled green strawberries, purslane, fresno chiles, and cilantro! Amazing…

Tortellini with Short Rib (insert raised emoji hands)! YES…just yes…

Cavatelli Pasta with Burrata..by this point in the meal my belly was about to explode, but this pasta was too good to leave behind…we finished every last bite!

This next dish is Crispy Farro. I’ve never had this before, but would definitely order again! If you’re looking for a light and healthy, but tasty meal on a hot summer day, pair this dish with the green gazpacho, and you’ll be golden!

Crispy Duck Confit!!! Insane good. Prepared with frisee, arugula, apples, poached egg, bacon, and dijon vinaigrette. A MUST!
The chef specially prepared their new recipe for Grilled Hanger Steak, a win!

The restaurant is currently hosting a Lobster + Rose menu, and because I’m a huge fan of the Lobster Roll, the chef prepped one for us as a special addition to our mains. I highly recommend stopping in for this special.

Raspberry and Blood Orange Sorbet to clear the palate before our “real dessert!”

We finished off the meal with Manhattan Smile Cocktails. A perfect compliment to our sweets.

Two desserts: the first, a Chocolate Brownie paired with caramel truffle popcorn…

And the second, a Vanilla Fromage Blanc Mousse which was TO DIE!!!

Cafe Pinot…I love you! Be sure to check the shop box above for their website and Yelp page! Hope you stop in and enjoy as much as I did Xo