A modern French restaurant featuring a bakery and cocktail bar, Republique tantalizes passer-bys with a line wrapped around the door during weekend brunch. It had been on my LA bucketlist for a while, and my first opportunity arose when I was invited out on a work dinner. The building itself is extremely magnetic; when you enter, the core of the first room is a great hall marked by two medievalesque arches. It also extends back much farther than one may think, with two floors of seating in the back section of the restaurant. There is a reason for the unique architecture of this place: it was built by Charlie Chaplin back in 1928, with architecture designed by Roy Sheldon. The multiple floors allowed for shops to fill the ground floor with office space above.
Dinner at Republique was highlighted by a charcuterie board with an extremely memorable baguette and raisin bread, both mouth-wateringly delicious. I drank the House G&T and had the opportunity to eat oysters for my first time ever. There is a generous wine selection.
Arriving at around 11am for Sunday brunch, my friend Anna and I spent about 30 minutes waiting in line. During part of that time, the line takes you right by the bakery where you can pick out a powdery morsel to add to your meal or take to-go. The raspberry bombolones and honey cake were calling my name, but I resisted in favor of a matcha tea latte, a baguette to share, and the fried chicken & waffles plate. Beautiful skylights allow sunlight to spill in during brunchtime.
I'd highly recommend experiencing a meal at Republique - whether it be lunch or dinner. Just know that brunch has a wait and dinner = reservations recommended. Brunch valet was $8 but dinner valet is $20 - so take note and plan accordingly! If you want to feel like you're dining in Princess Belle's tavern without going all the way to Disneyland, this is the place to do so.
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