Restaurant Review: Morel’s French Bistro – Los Angeles

Bistros make me think of lunch on the patio with some good food and busy people watching. Morel’s French Bistro has seating inside that’s just as cute as it’s patio area. I’m not turned off by it’s location at the Grove because it still maintains it’s own authentic Bistro identity with the help of some dishes that have become my staple favorites.

I love how casual and easy this place is. Any hour hour of the day or night, I get a table almost immediately with good service and good food. I like grabbing a nice sunny patio table or one near a heat lamp in the evening. Another great thing about this place is their baguette and butter. I love bread and butter. Their baguette slices are always fresh with a nice softness surrounded by that thin layer of crispy crust. On top of that, they always replenish my bread basket.

Here are some of my favorite dishes.

Their French Onion Soup is something I’ve ordered almost every time I’ve been there. Their cheese is top notch and is the headliner in this dish. It doesn’t immediately solidify or become tasteless once it cools, it maintains the melting texture along with intense flavor that only exists with quality cheese.

I also think their Cheese Fondue is pretty good (see picture at top). I’ve had excellent homemade Swedish fondue (Thank you Sandrine!) and this one is close. Morel’s makes their Cheese Fondue with Emmental and Gruyere Swiss cheeses and some wine. Their menu lists it for 2 people but it can definitely serve 4. I tried their recommendation to include apple slices and loved it. You can also get broccoli with it too.

I love french fries and always make sure I get some if it’s on the menu. Thin crispy, salty and not dry old or starchy. Morel’s has some of the best french fries I’ve ever had.

They now have a great new brunch menu with items under $13 that include Brioche French Toast and various egg dishes with a side of Poppers, Beignets and homemade jams.

So here’s my problem, I’ve never made it to dessert because I always end up ordering and eating too much of everything else and they have an Amazing dessert menu. I keep promising myself that I will go here again and Only order the dessert. These are the dessert items I’m dying to try:

Apple Tart Tatin
Three Cheese and Chocolate Torte
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Chocolate Profiteroles
Warm Chocolate Souffle

Here are some other dishes I recommend:
Prime Rib Baguette Sandwich
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Charcuterie Platter (see picture below)
Cheese Menu – Amazing selection of over 20 different cheeses!

Contact:
Morel’s French Bistro (1st floor area- upstairs is their fancy French Steakhouse)
Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Daily 11:30am – 11:00pm Brunch Weekends: 11am – 1pm
Phone: 323-965-9595
Price: $8-$32

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