Petit Trois

Tucked along Highland Avenue in Hollywood, Petit Trois offers an intimate French dining experience centered around a sleek dark-wood bar counter. The narrow space creates an atmosphere that feels more Parisian than Los Angeles, where watching chefs work the small open kitchen becomes part of the entertainment. The scent of brown butter fills the air while conversations flow easily between neighbors at the counter—this is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes dining out feel special.

The kitchen doesn’t try to reinvent French cuisine but instead executes the classics with confidence and plenty of richness. The signature omelet arrives impossibly silky, stuffed with tangy Boursin cheese and made memorable by what seems like an entire stick of butter. The escargot comes drenched in a garlicky, herbaceous sauce that demands fresh bread for soaking. For something heartier, the Big Mec burger delivers an almost excessive amount of savory bordelaise—it’s the kind of dish that demands a partner to share both the pleasure and the portion.

The lunch prix-fixe offers excellent value for those who want to experience multiple dishes, though the à la carte menu provides freedom to construct your own French feast. A croque monsieur with its blistered gruyère top or a glass of wine with bread and butter at two in the afternoon captures exactly what makes this place tick. It’s unpretentious, unapologetically rich, and focused on simple pleasures done exceptionally well.

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or seeking refuge from the workday over an extended lunch, Petit Trois rewards those who settle in at the bar and let the experience unfold. Order a glass of something French, breathe in that buttery aroma, and remember why classics become classics in the first place.