There’s been much ado over the oozy wagyu burger that drips through your fingers with warm Parisian mimolette cheese sauce, and the standout smash burger made with smoked salmon belly, herby gribiche sauce and enticing turnip pickle at Burgette in Santa Monica.

Burgette

Chicken Cordon Bleu burger (Courtesy Burgette)

But that’s just the tip of the frisée at this new moody Parisian-inspired small plates restaurant and wine bar. It’s not just about the burgers.

The dimly lit, hole-in-the-wall spot you might find on a side street in Paris is next door to sister restaurant Bar Monette from Canadian chef Sean MacDonald, a sexy hideaway perfect for a flirtatious tête-à-tête by the beach.

Ideal for sharing, the fork-optional fresh prosciutto on the eclectic charcuterie and fromage menu wraps around your tongue like a delicate salty kiss. Crunchy cornichons provide a puckery climax. No less titillating and for mature audiences only, the 72-hour slow-cooked beef cheek Bourguignon with jiggly roasted bone marrow is a carnal must. For a happy ending, order the playful croissant bathed in warm, wet chocolate sauce or the creamy blood orange creme brûlée.

Burgette

Fresh prosciutto (Michele Stueven)

In the former Stout Burgers & Beer location, Burgette is twice the size of its sister restaurant, seating 45 people at tables and the large, convex bar, which is the room’s focal point. It’s decorated with a collection of copper pots and pans belonging to the chef, and a lusty hip-hop playlist serves as a seductive backdrop.  A mix of dark wood and rust-red wallpaper complements the original 1924 brick of the historic 100-year-old building, timestamped on the exterior wall. 

The private dining area, or ‘champagne room,’ is separate from the rest of the space, reminiscent of an intimate courtyard in France with a custom wall of assorted antique champagne flutes, available for guests to select a coup of their choice upon entry. The bathrooms are outfitted with white tile and playful black graffiti characters, intended to capture the soul of a Paris metro station.

While the prices may also seem sinful, Burgette is still cheaper than two tickets to the Left Bank and just as romantic.

Burgette

Beef cheek Bourguignon with bone marrow (Michele Stueven)

Burgette

Chocolate croissant (Courtesy Burgette)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.