An Alluring New French Bistro Grabs One of Hollywood’s Hottest Corners

A fine French bistro option hits Hollywood soon, as Gigi’s prepares to open on the suddenly-bustling Sycamore stretch of the neighborhood’s Media District area. The upcoming Gigi’s, which should open before the end of the year, follows fast on the heels of Tartine’s new cafe, and the upcoming Sightglass coffee shop and restaurant.

Gigi’s comes from Alex Wilmot, a longtime New Yorker who spent years as a co-founder of casual sit-down burger restaurant Whitmans, before packing up and heading west. This is his first standalone project in Los Angeles, and for the effort Wilmot has brought on partner Samantha Ressler and chef Matt Bollinger, former chef de cuisine at Trois Familia and Winsome. The plan, says Wilmot, is to keep a very casual French bistro perspective, one that’s slightly lighter in fare without skimping on the classic dishes — and still with late night hours. Courtney Rose (Petit Trois) oversees the cocktails, and Kristin Olszewski (Osteria Mozza) runs the wine.

The city’s existing French cafe and restaurant scene has ebbed and flowed over the years, with big names like Petit Trois earning most of the recognition as others, like the now-closed Little Next Door, survive quietly for years. Relative newcomers to the genre include Cote Est in Highland Park, Lupiotte Kitchen in Los Feliz, and the brand new L’Appart in Downtown. Out in Santa Monica, fine dining chef Dave Beran has turned his own tale of French cuisine at the starry new Pasjoli on Main Street.

Gigi’s. 904 N. Sycamore, Los Angeles.

• Dave Beran’s New Pasjoli Gives Santa Monica a Fine French Glow [ELA]