Pasjoli

Pasjoli has undergone a metamorphosis that turned heads across the LA dining scene. What was once a buttoned-up fine dining destination with impeccable choreography has loosened its collar and emerged as a vibrant bistro that still takes its food seriously—just not itself. The moody lighting and hanging plants give the space a casual warmth, and servers deliver jokes alongside their impeccable recommendations.

The menu walks a tightrope between lighter, produce-forward plates and gloriously rich French comfort food. The cordon bleu chicken wings are an absolute revelation—deboned and stuffed with prosciutto and gruyère, they crunch like potato chips while oozing molten cheese. The French onion soup arrives as a petite dome of bubbling gruyère concealing deeply savory broth beneath. And the steak frites? The au poivre sauce alone is worth the visit, silky and peppery enough to turn every fry into a little flavor vehicle.

The star of the show remains the legendary tableside pressed duck, a $350 multi-course spectacle that’s best shared among three or more diners. A whole roasted bird gets wheeled out on a cart, carved with theatrical precision, then compressed in what looks like a medieval contraption to extract every drop of rich jus. What follows is an onslaught of duck in every form—crispy skin salads, perfectly pink breast, truffle-laced confit—all punctuated by that extraordinary cognac-red wine sauce.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, impressing the parents, or simply craving an elevated date night, Pasjoli delivers without the stuffiness. Order one of their creative cocktails (complete with duck-shaped ice cubes), save room for the burnt basque cheesecake, and settle in for French food that would make even the most discerning Parisian nod in approval.