Très chic

Chez Mia (West Hollywood)

RESTAURANTS • First Word

The Skinny: The Boujis Group (Olivetta, The Draycott) is back with Chez Mia, a French newcomer that fits right in on a West Hollywood stretch of Melrose dotted with high-fashion houses and design shops. It opened in early last month.

The Vibe: There’s a bar and a few tables inside, but the sprawling patio is why you’re here. With a color scheme reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel, feminine touches like frilly pink umbrellas and scalloped mint green detailing on the curved dining chairs balance out a geometric tiled floor. Potted plants and fountains surround the dining area making for a welcome escape from WeHo, while a well-heeled, enthusiastic crowd gives the space a light party vibe. 

The Drinks: The restaurant’s signature cocktails veer towards light and refreshing, with ingredients like watermelon and pureed peach (and a surprise red bell pepper appearance). Opt for one of the bar’s takes on classic cocktails, or sip a glass of Crémant from the predominantly French and Italian wine list.

The Food: Bright Provençal flavors with glitzy embellishments. Creme fraiche-filled gougeres are topped with a hefty dollop of caviar, while paper-thin hamachi crudo is anointed with a sliver of truffle. A few handmade pastas — fluffy ricotta-filled agnolotti on a simple tomato ragu, linguine bathed in butter and white truffle shavings — and wood-fired fish and meat round out the menu. The tender Wagyu New York strip is worth the $165 price tag. And the pommes frites, thicker than average (but not quite steak fries), are superb. 

The Verdict: So pretty you’ll want to take up residence, assuming you can afford the rent. –Karen Palmer

→ Chez Mia (West Hollywood) • 8478 Melrose Ave • Dinner: Mon-Wed 5p-12a, Thurs-Sun 5p-1230a • Reserve.