Lumiere

Tucked inside the Fairmont Century Plaza, Lumiere brings the essence of a Parisian brasserie to one of LA’s most business-minded neighborhoods. The sophisticated space strikes the right balance between polished elegance and approachable warmth, making it a natural choice when you need somewhere impressive that won’t feel stuffy.

The star of the menu might just be the French onion soup—a bowl so well-executed it’s worth rearranging your schedule for. Thick hunks of bread slowly absorb a savory onion broth while a blanket of melted aged gruyere forms a golden crust on top. At $16, it’s substantial enough to work as a full meal, though you’d be missing out on other solid offerings. The tuna niçoise stands out among the lighter options, generous in portion and fresh in execution.

Century City has no shortage of places to hold a midday meeting, but Lumiere distinguishes itself by delivering consistently good French cooking in an environment that feels appropriately elevated. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can actually hear your dining companions, the service is attentive without hovering, and the food arrives looking as good as it tastes.

Whether you’re entertaining clients, celebrating a weekday win, or simply craving well-made French classics without trekking to the Westside, Lumiere delivers. Save room for that soup—it’s the real reason to make the trip.