Très L.A. Bistro & Café Delivers European Elegance to WeHo

Sometimes you just have to be in the know to be aware of where the hotspots are in town. That is exactly the case with Très L.A. Bistro & Café at Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. Tucked inside the Pacific Design Center campus, you’ll never know this dining gem is there from the street unless you’re in the know. But this design-driven dining destination aptly blends the feel of a Parisian bistro with the effortless energy and allure that West Hollywood offers.

Conceived as a “world within a world,” the chic space was designed to feel like a beautifully collected private residence rather than a traditional restaurant. Created by Alan Dunn, Founder and CEO of Très L.A. Group, the interiors combine old-world glamour with modern California aesthetic notes through lacquered green walls, gilded mirrors, checkerboard floors, sculptural glass lighting, marble and brass accents, burnished leather, plush velvet, and curated shelves filled with books, vintage finds, and global curiosities.

Known for his outstanding work in events and catering production, along with landmark venues, such as Carondelet House in Los Angeles, The Ebell of Long Beach, and The Mason Dallas, Dunn has become recognized for his luxury, high-end hospitality while creating cinematic, layered spaces that invite guests into an immersive story. 

“Très LA has always been known for creating beautiful spaces and exquisite fine dining catering creations, but this was about taking that one step further,” said Alan Dunn. “Our goal is to build a place that feels special, approachable, and truly part of the community that feels timeless, intentional, and easy to enjoy.”

At the center of the concept, is a menu rooted in classic French technique that is reimagined through a distinctly California perspective. Led by Executive Chef Julio Castorena, the menu is intentionally focused, seasonal, and designed to evolve, with thoughtful plate offerings changing weekly to keep the experience fresh while remaining familiar.

“The idea was to strip away anything unnecessary and focus on what matters most — great ingredients, thoughtful execution, and dishes people genuinely want to eat,” said Castorena. “We wanted to create a menu that feels elevated but still approachable, where you can stop in for something light or settle in for a full meal and leave wanting to come back the next day.”

Starter items that shine include the Beet-Cured Kimchi Deviled Egg with spicy mayo, chives, and fried shallots, as well as the Grilled Prawns Provençale with rosemary-garlic marinade, grilled lemon, and caper beurre blanc, and the Bluefin Tuna Tartare with yuzu tamari dressing, garlic, sesame oil, scallions, crispy wonton, and black sesame seeds.

Standout shareables include the Grilled Broccolini prepared with garlic, red wine vinegar, and chili flakes, and the Blistered Shishito Peppers with Tamari, sea salt, black sesame, and pickled fresno chiles.

If you arrived with an appetite, the Steak Frites with Prime flat iron steak, black peppercorn rub, burgundy demi-glace, and rosemary parmesan garlic fries is a hearty and heavenly order.

A popular Chef’s Special is the Wild Mushroom Pappardelle prepped with fresh pappardelle pasta, San Marzano tomato, fire-kissed wild mushrooms, and fresh tarragon.

A decadent dessert that did not disappoint was the Brazilian Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting, candied walnuts, white chocolate whipped ganache, candied petites carrots, and salted shortbread. Likewise, if you enjoy liquid dessert, the Cafecito with mezcal, espresso, crème de cacao, espresso liqueur, and orange oil is a crowd pleaser.

Happy Hour is offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday from 5pm to 7pm in the bar/lounge only.

Trés L.A. Bistro & Café offers a walk-up café, main dining and lounge seating, a cocktail bar, and an alfresco dining patio. Designed to encourage lingering from morning coffee, through late-night conversation, the restaurant aims to become a dependable neighborhood destination, somewhere guests can come for a baguette and olives, a casual lunch, date nights, a celebratory dinner, or simply their new usual. 

Welcome to the neighborhood. I look forward to a return visit.

Trés L.A. Bistro & Café is located at    Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.  Café hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am to 3pm. Weekday lunch is from 11:30am to 3pm. And dinner is served Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 10pm. Call 323-332-1951.