Just off the coast of California, where the sun kisses the sea, the aroma of French cuisine floats along the fresh, airy sea breeze. It’s LouLou Santa Monica, a rooftop destination that feels more like a Mediterranean vacation on the French Riviera than a restaurant. A vacation of taste that perfectly combines the relaxed, chic vibes of France with Los Angeles.
Located just a short distance from the Santa Monica Promenade, LouLou takes up the third floor rooftop of Santa Monica Place shopping center, just above dozens of shops including Nordstrom, Geary’s Rolex Boutique, and designer Coach among others.
LouLou’s Port of Entry begins with a touch of magic: a grass wall just outside that shimmers with intermittent pin-lights, sparkling delightfully, inviting all guests into the main room that houses the decorative bar, where crystal wares hold wine, spirits, and signature cocktails.
Continuing just past the mix of spirits, LouLou gives way with a few steps leading up to their elevated rooftop dining area. This area surrounds the bar, making it appear as a sunken stage while cascading woven dividers line the rooftop border, protecting diners from the harsher moments of the sun.
This space is rich with a coastal feel, with its rattan furnishings, grass canopies, and brass details. As flowing grass shades hang from above, gently blowing in the breeze, diners find intimate seating areas on an elevated patio that offers both shaded and unshaded panoramic city views.
As the sun retreats, LouLou glows as warm and luminous as the sunset itself. The seamless ascent of servers to tables under a tarp of woven wood, allowing dappled sunlight to filter through, makes LouLou a rare escape that feels both intimate and expansive.
This harmonious fusion of French Mediterranean tradition and vacation hideaway is owned by Erik Chol. Together with the creative vision of Executive Chef Stanislav Suchy, the two present an eclectic menu as unique as the atmosphere, blending classic French favorites with a modern California sensibility.
Voted DT Weekly’s Best of DineLA 2025, LouLou offered guests a chance to escape in early August with a tasting of their extensive menu. The experience began with an appetizer of escargot, bathed in a rich garlic-butter sauce, brightened by preserved Meyer lemon, and given a textural crunch from walnuts and parsley. This was followed by the artichoke butter, part of a crudité platter with a steamed hazelnut and artichoke spread paired with a surprising, sweet-tart raspberry vinaigrette.
For the DineLA main course, guests savored the rich flavors of both land and sea with choses between Burgundy Truffle Chicken, Poached salmon or Eggplant Parmigiana. With DineLA coming to an end on August 8, the adventure continues daily with Golden Hour, offering special prices on signature cocktails and a complimentary bite with the first drink.
Tulum Thursdays is when the sunset transforms into a lively affair with sunset cocktails, the sounds of DJ Yanicrash, belly dancers, and live percussion.
Weekends offer two distinct brunch experiences: Rosé Brunch on Saturdays is a coastal ritual of flowing Rosé and Mediterranean flavors, where groups of six or more receive a complimentary bottle of French Rosé wine.
On Sundays, the “Pardon My French!” brunch brings a chic and festive flair with DJs and live performances. Beyond its regular dining experiences, LouLou is a place where a dinner becomes a party, a brunch becomes a ritual, and moments become magical.
Whatever the occasion, or when it’s time to get away, LouLou’s unique cuisine and vibrant, vacation-style atmosphere ensures every visit is seamless, festive, and unforgettable. LouLou is located at 395 Santa Monica Place #300Santa Monica, CA 90401. www.loulousantamonica.com
