If you’re hungering for a dining experience that is the antithesis of sleek, corporate modernity, look no further than L’Ami restaurant, which evokes a natural yet chic environment reminiscent of St. Tropez.
Located in a 1930s era building across the street from the historic Brentwood Country Mart, the charming space has been a restaurant location for decades and most recently was the site of The Little Door and previously, Chez Mimi.
Owner Marc-Antoine Rambaud opened L’Ami in early April and recently hosted a private lunch on the flower-filled, sun-dappled terrace to introduce the French Mediterranean menu to a group of Los Angeles tastemakers.
Before sitting down to a multi-course meal, guests were treated to craft cocktails at the cozy bar–made even more inviting with white shearling-covered bar chairs–and were given a tour of the 4,500 square foot property, which features two patios and a private dining room along with the main room.
Rambaud aims for his guests to feel like they are in a home in the South of France, whether they are at the restaurant for a romantic dinner, group gatherings or cocktails. L’Ami looks to fit the bill for many occasions with offerings that are fresh, seasonal and organic. The featured items are inspired by Rambaud’s culinary experience going back to his youth in France and by chef Francis Bey, who runs the kitchen.
The lunch menu was spectacular. It began with beautifully plated first courses served family style, including salmon tartar, beef carpaccio, Asiago Ahi tuna salad with Napa cabbage and cilantro and soy vinaigrette and the Instagram-ready beets and burrata tower, layered with baby arugula, candied walnuts and basil coulis.
The entrées exceeded expectations, with Scottish salmon, day boat scallops, organic free range chicken breast and a rack of lamb brought to the table to the accompaniment of ooohs and aahs before everyone began diving in. A beautiful dessert tray with pastries and pies was the perfect capper to the day’s dining experience.
All of the items mentioned are available at dinner. Athough the restaurant is not open for lunch during the week, brunch is available both weekend days. A happy hour every day of the week goes from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and features cocktails and wines by the glass for $9 and bar bites—including the salmon tartar and the Ahi tuna salad –for $10.
Dinner is served nightly from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
L’Ami, 246 26th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 310.310.8064, www.lamirestaurant.com
