Bistro du Soleil
6805 Vista Del Mar Lane, Los Angeles CA 90293The mere sight of Bistro du Soleil’s exterior peaks the appetite. A slight wedge of a building splashed in country yellow and blue, Bistro du Soleil evokes the comfort of a French cottage in the easygoing beach community of Playa Del Rey. The menu features a number of French Classics, splashed with some So-Cal twists. Patrons can choose between French Onion Soup or Black Bean with lime and sour cream. Brie cheese is nestled atop juicy bistro burgers or slipped into pear quesadillas. Bistro du Soleil provides a touch of Europe in a comfortable beach setting. The food teeters between elegance and simplicity, and offers an ideal setting for a casual meal or a romantic evening.
Bistro Du Soleil - Bringing France to the Pacific
Review by TableAgent
The mere sight of Bistro du Soleil’s exterior peaks the appetite. A slight wedge of a building balanced on the hilly beach streets of Playa Del Rey, Bistro du Soleil strikes the eye as unusual and vibrant – splashed in country yellow and blue. It tiptoes the tight-rope between dignified and casual, offering a slew of French indulgences yet maintaining an unpretentious air, indicative of its comfortable beach surroundings.
Experienced restaurant planner Jean Claude Sakoun and his partner Gloria Sanchez opened Bistro du Soleil in 2001. Sakoun, who was born into a restaurant-owning family in southwest France came to America in 1965 to study finance at USC. Despite his initial intent to “get out of the restaurant business,” he eventually realized that his passions revolved around hospitality. So in 1977 he opened the Manhattan Beach eatery Pierre, with a partner, followed by Santa Monica’s Reni, which he opened in 1988 on his own. Bistro du Soleil is his latest venture, opened with a focus upon the desires of the locals, as well as a mission to bring Provencal sensibilities to a new setting.
The owners’ Old World traditions are demonstrated in their friendliness and flexibility, with an openness to serve a range of patrons from beachgoers in search of a cocktail and snack to businessmen in search of a cozy setting to have a breakfast meeting. Bistro du Soleil serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a weekend brunch. The restaurant’s combination of traditional French menu items with some hits of California and Baja makes Bistro du Soleil an good fit for the typical cravings of Playa Del Rey. Sakoun and Sanchez are almost always in-house, checking in on patrons, and striking up friendly conversations.
While I have noticed Bistro du Soleil’s exterior during daytime beach visits, and even stepped in one afternoon for a peek at the menu, my first time actually dining there is at night. Upon entering, I am immediately charmed by the strands of Christmas lights and porch-side seating. The high wooden ceilings that allow in so much seaside brightness during the day have morphed into an element of elegance, transforming the space from a cottage to a romantic hideaway. The space is split into about a dozen tables in the cozy inside room, and a handful of two-tops on the screened-in patio. The elegance is not intimidating; rather, the friendly, picnic-style tables on the patio, exposed raw wood, and chalkboard specials provide a familiar feeling. A small adjacent parking lot is also appreciated amidst the busy streets of Playa.
One glance at the menu shows a list of French classics, as well as a few So-Cal twists. Patrons can choose between French Onion Soup or Black Bean Soup with lime and sour cream. Brie cheese is nestled atop juicy bistro burgers or slipped into pear quesadillas. Halibut is served baked in a citrus glaze, or also with guacamole in a flour tortilla. French options certainly dominate the menu, but California Classics are plentiful.
Inspired by the quaint European décor, we opt to start with the escargot. Our mild-mannered waitress takes our order with no air of phoniness or rehearsed banter. While her wine-pairing tip for my order is less than enlightening (“white wine goes well with fish”), at least she isn’t pushy, and does not flinch when my date orders a Sam Adams. The wine-by-the-glass and beer lists are not overwhelming, and offer a range of flavors for $6-10 a glass. Both lists are mainly domestic; most of the European selections, including Champagne, are available by the bottle.
The escargot is presented in timely fashion, served in little mushroom caps that have sponged up a generous amount of garlic butter. The pungent brown mushroom caps are the perfect size to cup each snail. The escargots are not as springy as those I’ve had served in the traditional six-cupped plates, but the presentation is appreciated, and enjoyed with my pinot grigio.
The extensive list of dinner options includes traditional fare like Quiche Lorraine, Seafood Pasta, and Chicken or Vegetable Crepes. We opt for the classic Boeuf Bourguignon and also the Citrus Halibut – both come with a choice of mashed potatoes or wild rice. The Halibut, which has been baked with lemons, is warm and flaky with the immediate bite of lemon flavor. The thick orange glaze leaves a sweet aftertaste that melds with the lemon to create a perfect union of flavors. The evolution from almost bitter to sweet does not leave a cloying flavor in the mouth, and the rice is a well-seasoned and textured accompaniment to the smooth fish. My glass of pinot grigio subtly cuts through the sweet and buttery elements of the dish quite nicely.
The Boeuf Borguignion consists of a traditional mushroom, onion, and carrot stew, simmered in red wine. While the wine’s rich, dark color has left its mark visually—the dish is the color of a red Burgundy—it is difficult to taste any hint of it. Still, the beef is flavorful and filling, accompanied by smooth mashed potatoes.
The success of the citrus within the Halibut dish makes me curious about the Canard – a half duckling in a fruit sauce topped with mixed berries. Similarly, I regret having missed the Steak au Poivre – a favorite of Bistro du Soleil. In any case, we order our server’s dessert recommendations: Crepe Suzette and Tarte Tarin.
The crepe is spongy and golden brown, generously infused with a tangy orange flavor and served with decorative baked orange slices. The Grand Marnier is overshadowed by a sweet, pleasant flavor. The Tatin is essentially an upside-down apple tart topped with whipped cream. The apples are soft and perfectly browned, with a tender first bite followed by a sweet aftertaste that keeps us digging for more. The pastry shell is the same texture as the apples, and infused with their flavor. Both dishes are likeable, while perhaps a splurge considering their simplicity.
Bistro du Soleil provides a touch of Europe in a comfortable beach setting. The food teeters between elegance and simplicity, as does the décor. It is the type of quiet place that is perfect for dining during a relaxing day-off or a quiet romantic evening. While one can’t expect perfection in each dish, it can certainly be said that the cuisine of Bistro du Soleil elevates that of typical beach fare, and should therefore be lauded as a place that welcomes and caters to a more casual crowd. Bistro du Soleil proves the point that traditional European pace and services blends perfectly with the attitudes and desire of a beach community.
Copyright © TableAgent.com
Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 6805 Vista Del Mar Lane, Los Angeles CA 90293
- Cross Street: Culver Boulevard
- Location: South Bay | Playa del Rey
- Cuisine: French |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual Elegant
- Meals Served: Brunch | Lunch | Dinner |
- Parking: Street |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Diners Club |
- Corkage Fee: 14.50 | per bottle (if in stock, full bottle price)
- Website: http://www.bistrodusoleil.com/
- Phone: (310) 823-1530
- Features: Catering Services,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Quiet Conversation,
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Tuesday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Wednesday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Thursday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Friday
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Saturday
- Brunch - Main Dining Room 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Sunday
- Brunch - Main Dining Room 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Lunch - Main Dining Room 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Dinner - Main Dining Room 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Menus
Bistro du Soleil
-brunchtime specialties of the house- egg dishes are served with soleil potatoes and choice of toast, tortillas, zucchini or banana breads (for egg whites, add $1.00)
Oeufs Benedictines
- eggs benedict soleil 9.50
- poached eggs on english muffin with ham, bacon, or sliced turkey breast
- lox & avocado benedict 12.95
- nova scotia lox and fresh avocado
- steak 'n' eggs benedict 12.95
- half an eggs benedict with a steak
- poached salmon benedict 12.95
- poached wild salmon filet
- croissant benedict 10.25
- benedict on croissant with ham, bacon, or turkey breast
- veggie benedicts 9.75
- spinach & artichoke, or benedict arnold (vegetables of the day)
- crab cakes benedict 12.95
- a benedict with crab cakes
morning platters
- breakfast quesadilla 9.95
- scrambled egg & spanish chicken in flour tortilla, topped with melted jack & cheddar cheeses, guacamole, sour cream, & fresh salsa
- cream of chicken omelette 8.95
- with jack cheese and mushrooms
- greek omelette 9.95
- omelette with feta cheese, spinach, and tomato
- lox and bagel plate 10.95
- with tomato, capers, sliced onion, and cream cheese
- omelette printaniere 9.25
- cabbage, spinach, onion, zucchini, peas, drizzled with hollandaise
- rancheros 9.75
- fried tortilla topped with rice, refried beans, two eggs, salsa ranchera, melted jack and cheddar cheeses, guacamole & a dollop of sour cream
- spanish chicken omelette 9.95
- chicken in spicy tomato sauce & jack cheese, with sour cream
- torta louisienne 10.95
- open faced omelette with bay shrimp, tomato, and cajun spices
- "w.c.t.t." 8.95
- egg whites scrambled with cilantro, ground turkey, and tomato
- oatmeal 5.50
- served with fruit, brown sugar, raisins, and milk
- morning fruit bowl 6.95
- mixed seasonal fruit
Just eggs and so forth . . .
- eggs, any style 5.25
- eggs with sausage, bacon or ham 6.75
- steak and eggs 11.95
- eggs with ham steak 9.25
- eggs with turkey patty 8.75
- eggs with fresh beef patty 8.75
design your own omelette!
- plain omelette 5.50
- omelette fines herbes 6.50
- croissant french toast 8.95
- with apricot marmalade
sweet things
- french toast 5.50
- traditional pain perdu
- stuffed french toast 6.75
- orange marmalade & cream cheese, in egg batter, deep-fried
- waffle with fruit 6.00
- with 2 eggs, 7.95
pancakes galore!
- crêpe(s) au beurre et sucre 5.50
- pancakes 5.50
- apple pancakes 7.00
- 2 eggs with any pancakes 2.00
- cherry raisin pancakes 7.50
- banana pancakes 7.00
- blueberry pancakes 7.25
- fruit with any pancakes 2.00
side orders
- one egg 1.50
- soleil potatoes or fries 3.00
- fruit garnish 3.25
- hollandaise sauce 2.50
- croissant 3.00
- bagel & cream cheese 3.50
- zucchini or banana bread 3.25
- toast 2.00
- home-made rolls (2) 2.75
Bistro du Soleil
soups
- black bean 5.50
- black beans topped with lime & sour cream, vegetarian -cup 4.50-
- french onion 6.75
- traditional beef based soup, topped with toasted cheese -cup 5.75-
- soupe du jour 4.75
- changed daily -cup 3.25-
salads
- bistro cobb 11.00
- crumbled bleu cheese, bacon, hard-boiled egg, tomato, avocado, diced ham and turkey breast on a bed of lettuce
- calamari salad 10.00
- fried calamari on a bed of mixed greens with dijon vinaigrette
- caesar salad 9.00
- romaine, caesar dressing with anchovies, croutons, and parmesan
- del rey salad 12.00
- warm tossed salad with chicken breast, ham, turkey breast, and mushrooms in ranch-italian dressing
- feta salad 9.00
- mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives & feta cheese
- goat cheese salad 9.00
- goat cheese, croutons & mixed greens in house vinaigrette
- salade nicoise 10.00
- tuna, potato, carrots, tomato, capers and olives in house vinaigrette
- vegetable chicken salad 12.00
- chopped chicken breast, fresh mixed vegetables, tomato
- spinach salad 9.00
- fresh spinach, chopped egg, mushrooms with warm bacon dressing
- house salad 4.25
- mixed greens with house dijon vinaigrette
simple things
- rosemary chicken salad sandwich 8.00
- shaved ham or finely sliced turkey 7.00
- pate de campagne sandwich 9.00
- tarragon egg salad sandwich 7.00
savories
- quiche lorraine 9.50
- traditional, served with salad garnish or frites
- crêpe savoy 9.25
- filled with ham and swiss cheese in bechamel sauce, salad garnish
- vegetable crêpe 9.00
- filled with seasonal vegetables in bechamel sauce, salad garnish
- chicken crêpe 9.50
- filled with chicken and mushrooms in bechamel sauce, salad garnish
- le cubain 9.00
- black beans, chicken italian sausage and rice
- lamb stew 12.00
- succulent lamb & vegetables in white wine sauce with rice served with a home-made roll
- beef stroganoff 12.00
- tender chunks of beef in sour cream mushroom wine sauce over linguini served with a home-made roll
- chicken dijonnais 11.00
- breast of chicken, cream dijon mustard sauce, rice & vegetable served with a home-made roll
- chicken meunière 11.00
- morsels of chicken in a lemon sauce with mushrooms, rice & vegetable served with a home-made roll
- fish 'n' frites 10.00
- "fish 'n' chips" by any other name
- grilled salmon 12.00
- wild salmon filet grilled with lemon, served with rice & vegetable served with a home-made roll
- angelhair salmon 11.00
- salmon pieces, peas, and angel hair pasta in white wine cream sauce served with a home-made roll
- linguini naturel 9.25
- linguini with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic & sweet basil served with a home-made roll
- pâtes vegetariennes 10.50
- linguini with broccoli, zucchini, hard boiled egg, garlic, olive oil, basil, avocado, and kalamata olives served with a home-made roll
- seafood omelette 10.50
- with bay shrimp, crabmeat & mushrooms, rice & vegetable served with a home-made roll
- omelette fine herbes 8.50
- with fresh herbs, served with rice & vegetable served with a home-made roll
sandwiches... hot and not
- brie burger 9.75
- hamburger topped with melted brie cheese & almonds (turkey or beef)
- croque madame 9.00
- turkey with swiss cheese and bechamel sauce on grilled sourdough
- croque monsieur 9.00
- ham with swiss cheese and bechamel sauce on grilled sourdough
- provençal 10.00
- italian chicken sausage, bell peppers, tomato, onion and swiss on home made roll
- sandwich du steack 12.00
- cooked to order, open-faced on home made roll
- roasted lamb 11.25
- sliced lamb, aioli mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato on home made roll
- avocado, brie & chèvre 10.00
- avocado, brie and goat cheese on home made roll
- playalandia 10.00
- tuna salad, jack cheese, avocado, carrots, and tomato on sourdough
side orders
- home made rolls (2) 2.50
- vegetable 3.95
- pommes frites 3.95
- fruit garnish 3.25
- rice 3.95
- pasta 5.95
Dinner Menu
Soups/Salads
- French Onion (cup) 5.75
- traditional beef based soup, topped with toasted cheese
- Black Bean (cup) 4.50
- black beans topped with lime & sour cream, vegetarian
- Calamari Salad 10.00
- fried calamari on bed of mixed greens with dijon vinaigrette
- Goat Cheese Salad 9.00
- mixed greens, goat cheese croutons in vinaigrette
- salade nicoise 10.00
- tuna, potato, carrots, tomato, capers and olives in house vinaigrette
Main Course
- Quiche Lorraine 9.50
- served with salad or fries
- Chicken Crepes 9.50
- filled with chicken and mushrooms in bechamel sauce
- Lamb Stew 12.00
- Succulent Lamb and vegetables in white wine sauce with rice
- Chicken Dijonnais 11.00
- chicken breast, cream dijon mustard sauce, rice and vegetables
- Grilled Salmon 12.00
- wild salmon filet grilled with lemon
- Boeuf Bourguignon 16.95
- beef stew with mushrooms, onions and carrots in burgundy sauce
- Steak kau Poivre 21.95
- filet mignon flambee in brandy with wine cream sauce and cracked black pepper, served with soleil fries
- Halibut Citrus 20.95
- halibut filet baked with lemon topped with orange suace
- Canard 21.96
- half ducling in fruit sauce with mixed berries
Appetizers
- Brie Quesadilla 7.00
- flour tortillas with brie and fresh pear
- Escargots 8.00
- served in mushroom caps with seasoned garlic butter
- Crab Cakes 10.00
- touch of cayenne served with rouille
Desserts
- Tarte Tatin 7.00
- upside-down apple tarte served with whipped cream
- Crepe Suzette 13.50
- flambees with grand marnier and brandy
Bistro du Soleil
appetizers
- brie quesadilla 7.00
- warm flour tortillas filled with melted brie and fresh pear
- stuffed mushrooms 6.95
- mushroom caps stuffed with mushrooms and bacon in a red wine sauce
- escargots 7.95
- in mushroom caps with seasoned garlic butter
- scampi appetizer 9.75
- sauteed in extra-virgin olive oil with garlic, pernod
- calamari frits 7.95
- lightly breaded, served with rouille provençale
- crab cakes 9.75
- touch of cayenne served with rouille
soups
- black bean soup 5.50
- black beans topped with lime & sour cream (vegetarian) - cup 4.50 -
- french onion soup 6.75
- traditionally topped with croutons and toasted cheese - cup 5.75 -
- soup du jour 4.25
- made fresh daily - cup 3.00 -
salads
- dinner salad 6.00
- mixed greens in house dijon vinaigrette
- soleil cobb salad 11.00
- crumbled bleu cheese, bacon, hard-boiled egg, tomato, avocado, diced ham and turkey on a bed of green lettuce
- warm spinach salad 9.00
- fresh spinach, chopped egg, mushrooms with warm bacon dressing. half 7.00 (dinner only)
- caesar salad 9.00
- romaine lettuce with anchovies, caesar dressing, croutons - half 7 -
- goat cheese salad 9.50
- goat cheese, croutons and mixed greens in house vinaigrette - half 7.50 -
pasta ...and other things
- quiche lorraine 10.95
- with swiss cheese, bacon and ham, served with vegetable
- linguini maison 10.95
- cooked to order with garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and sweet basil
- pasta primavera 11.95
- angel hair pasta with vegetables sauteed in olive oil and garlic
- linguini alfredo 11.95
- in cream white wine garlic sauce
- angel hair salmon 13.50
- bits of salmon sauteed with garlic, herbs and peas in a cream parmesan wine sauce on a bed of angel hair
- seafood pasta 15.95
- linguini with fruits de mer, tomato, olives, and garlic
- fish & frites soleil 12.95
- fish and chips à la soleil
- halibut tacos 13.95
- just as you like them: flour tortillas, guacamole & pico de gallo
- chicken or vegetable crêpe 13.75
- bistro brie burger 9.50
- turkey or beef, with soleil fries
main courses
- chicken réni 15.95
- breast lightly breaded in cream brandy sauce with mushrooms
- chicken grenobloise 15.95
- breast of chicken in a lemon-caper sauce
- poulet au jus 15.95
- roasted half a chicken basted in its own juices
- poulet dijonnais 15.95
- chicken breast in a cream dijon mustard sauce
- canard 21.95
- half a duckling in a fruit sauce topped with mixed berries
- boeuf bourguignon 16.95
- beef stew with mushrooms, onions and carrots in a burgundy sauce
- steak au poivre 21.95
- filet mignon flambée in brandy with a wine cream sauce and cracked black pepper, served with soleil fries
- mignonettes au porto 22.95
- filet mignonettes with mushrooms and port wine sauce
- leg of lamb 17.95
- au jus, with rosemary and garlic
- lamb chops 23.95
- grillées with garlic parsely sauce, served with soleil fries
- halibut citrus 20.95
- halibut filet baked with lemon topped with orange sauce
- grilled salmon 18.95
- grilled with lemon butter sauce
- snapper belle meuniere 17.95
- sauteed with lemon sauce and mushrooms
- sand dabs réni 17.95
- in a light egg batter, sauteed with lemon sauce
sides
- fresh vegetable 3.95
- soleil fries/mashed potatoes 3.95
- rice 3.95
- pasta 5.95
Dessert
- assiette fromage 6.75
- brie, swiss, blue and chèvre cheeses, butter, and dinner rolls
- chocolate mousse 6.25
- defies description!
- crème brulée 6.25
- sweet cream, cooked, toppped with sugar, freshly caramelized
- crêpe martinique 7.95
- crêpe filled with chocolate mousse, rum, raspberry sauce
- crêpe suzette 11.95
- flambées with grand marnier and brandy
- peach melba 6.25
- vanilla iced cream and peaches with raspberry sauce
- tarte tatin 6.75
- upside-down apple tarte served with whipped cream - à la mode 7.75 -
- iced cream 3.95
- vanilla iced cream drizzled with chocolate or raspberry sauce