Ratata Buffet Froid Et Petits Plats

Amazing piano music, cool ambiance,
I think it might be closed now but it’s a shame because it’s one of those places that will stay in your heart forever. Hopefully the closure is temporary.

Closed.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!
This place is awesome. I will tell you right off the bat, do not come here if you are in a rush. Just don’t. There are other places around that are also delicious and speedy. However, if you have a little time, this place will transport you to the french countryside for a nice afternoon or lazy morning.
We came on a Saturday afternoon. There was only one other person there when we arrived, and only one person working. Yes, that is right. ONE PERSON. He ran the til, the kitchen and waited tables. It was like being at some one’s house for brunch. He was awesome. He helped us pick out what to get and suggested the bean salad and the pâté sandwich. I also got a latte and my bf ordered a side carrot soup.
The bean salad was very unique. It was actually kind of like a cold soup. It was very delicious and filling. The pâté was mind blowingly delicious. I do not really like foie gras, so I was hesitant to try this, but he said it was their best sandwich, so I got it. So tasty and well balanced. The soup my bf got had clean flavors and was satisfying.
I think we were probably there for about 1.5 — 2 hours but it was so nice and relaxing that it felt like we were only there for 30 or so. We will definitely be back, especially when in the mood for something light, fresh and tasty. Their dinners look amazing, so we will also be back to try that. We were told that in the evenings, they have live music as well. So happy to have found this place.

I stopped by Ratata for a weekday lunch as I was passing through LA and was pleasantly surprised. This place was just what I needed: a quiet, distinctly French ambiance, friendly service, and good food. This city is miserably busy — but in here I feel like I can slow down. The latte tastes like it’s from Paris, the carrot soup tastes like it was made with freshly picked carrots, and the bean salad I would happily order again.
If I’m ever coming through this part of town again, I hope to stop by and experience the dinner menu. This would also be an excellent place to have thoughtful conversations with friends.

MORE THEATER THAN FOOD
First, we should not confuse this «little café» with a restaurant. The food and the menu are more like props decorating the room for effect. What they are really selling here is atmosphere. The owners say they are trying to recreate a Parisian café in the heart of Westwood. At worst, it is something between Disney and Fawlty Towers. But make no mistake: this place is more about theater than food. If you keep that in mind it makes for a great evening.
Live guitar and madame owner at the mike filled the tiny room with cabaret music all night — the best part of the night. The wine — a pinot noir — was also terrific. It all combined to create a pleasant intimacy.
Our meal, however, was very uneven. The salad featuring french bread with melted goat cheese on it was the best part. The mousse was embarrassing and, had this been a real restaurant, it would never have been served. It was just watery chocolate syrup. The main dishes were unappealing — duck over baked beans and hamburger under mashed potatoes. I wouldn’t go there again for the food.
Just for fun, the soup was served without spoons; the water glasses were always empty; it was a challenge to find anyone who would take our order for a second glass of wine. I would be more critical of the service but there just wasn’t any.
You should probably eat somewhere else and come here for a drink and some cheese afterwards. it’s all about the experience here, all about the charm, the friendliness and the entertainment. If you keep your sense of humor about it, going to Ratata can be a very fun evening.

A LITTLE BIT OF PARIS in this hole-​in-​the-​wall on Westwood Blvd. Totally unrecognizable from the outside, who would’ve thought, right?
LIVE PIANO
There’s a darling pianist who plays to her and your hearts’ content. She’ll take requests, too, but usually does her own thing or a song that Ratata Owner wants to sing. Yes, you’ll be serenaded to by the gal who runs the place – musical entertainment on the house… typical Paris.
AUTHENTIC CUISINE
My company ordered Beef Burgundy, a huge rec from the chef. Thoroughly-​stewed beef shanks, potatoes, carrots and mushrooms, served steaming hot and packed with hearty flavor. Goes well with crusty baguette.
Ratata’s House Menu changes nightly.
The weekday night I went, there were: soups like Cucumber or Butternut Squash which can be served cold or hot, salads like Smoked Salmon and Cucumber or Greek-​style or Chevre on toast, and meat-​heavy entrees like Beef Burgundy, Duck or Coq au Vin.
DESSERTS – most memorable items of the night.
Crème Brulee: a classic! Served warm, the custard base is creamy and velvety, the top is a bronze crystalline crust. Great way to break the ice with a dessert like this!
Chocolate Mousse Cake: smooth, not too sweet, and sufficiently chocolatey.
Assorted crepes with strawberries, nutella, banana, or lemon and sugar (or all the above) are available, too.
INEVITABLY ROMANTIC
The lights go dim as the sun goes down. There aren’t a whole lot of customers (perhaps, more on weekend evenings), but the space remains a calm, warm and serene date kind of place, ideal for a 3-​course meal occasion or desserts and drinks after dinner.
Pricey like Paris, but the charm and authenticity of Ratata are sufficient reasons to visit for an occasion.

In a nutshell? Charming French bistro that comes up short on food quality and even shorter on service.
And to clarify that, Ratata is adorable in ambiance. Soft lighting, live piano player, waitress /​chanteuse, patio seating — adorable all around.
The food was not so spectacular. My party ordered the Pâté, Mushroom Soup, Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Beef Burgundy, and Hachis Parmentier.
The Pâté: Good actually, perhaps the highlight of the meal. Strong, not overpowering flavor and nice chunkier texture. Plenty of crusty bread to go with.
Mushroom Soup: Bleh. Each of us took 2 spoonfuls (the 2^nd being more hopeful) and put down our silverware. Thin, watery, tasted like mushrooms… no flare.
Chicken /​Mushroom Sauce: Another good dish. The sauce itself was again, a bit watery for our tastes (maybe they just poured the mushroom soup on to the chicken and rice?) but the chicken and rice were cooked well and the overall flavor was pleasing.
Beef Burgundy: My husband (who ordered it) said he liked it but I asked him again if he’d go back and order it a 2^nd time, he said no which to me speaks volumes. Personally, I think Soleil in Westwood does a better Beef Burgundy but I must profess, I am not a big fan of this dish to be begin with.
Hachis Parmentier: At first, really really great. But as I continued to eat, I noticed it became more and more salty… to the point that I couldn’t finish the dish. To add further confirmation, I split the entrée with my friend who LOVES salt. When I noticed she continued to enjoy the dish without the salt shaker, it confirmed my suspicions. Beyond the salt, the dish was well composed with good flavors and textures.
For dessert we all ordered 4 different macarons: Raspberry, Caramel, Chocolate and … actually, I can’t remember the last one. All four were TINY… and we paid something like $ 1.40 for each. 2 of the macarons were overly refrigerated and difficult to bite down into and were just overall a terrible representation of a good macaron. Mind you, the night before, we had just had macrons from Bottega Louie… color us disappointed.
Also, don’t get the French Lemonade. This is not Ratata’s fault because it come pre-​bottled but this stuff tastes nothing like lemons… it’s basically just simple syrup thinned down to soda-​like consistency.
Service was extremely slow. They’re fine when we ordered and fine bringing out the food but that’s where the check-​ups fell off a cliff. I mean, I love French food — it’s my favorite… and I don’t typically go to an affordable French restaurant for its service if you know what I mean. But still, waiting for as long as we did to ask for the check (no one was even out manning front of the house at the end) was tedious.
Also weird: near the end of the meal, some kids decided it was Open Mic night and decided to start singing and playing guitar really loudly (like 4 feet away from us). I’m going to try to be nice but they were clearly young and clearly inexperienced in their musical endeavors. I’m all for supporting the arts but probably not the best audience when trying to enjoy a nice dinner between 4 friends.
On the other hand, the staff including the absent waitress was charming and very nice and there is free parking in back. I can’t say I’ll never be back but such a blah experience left a bad taste in my mouth. (Maybe it’s the salt.)

Coming here felt like coming home… if home was Paris. My friends and I lucked out and came on a quiet evening, where we almost had the place to ourselves. The owner and chef introduced herself and we asked for recommendations, which she gave. We then ate, laughed, and even enjoyed some live music (performed by the owner!) all over a bottle of wine and some of the best food of my life.
You just don’t find restaurants like this any more… It’s hard to describe the magic that we all experienced over dinner, but hopefully I’ll be able to after my return visit, which happens to be scheduled for tonight.
So on an evening where you aren’t rushed, pick up a bottle of wine at World Market Across the street, head on over, and be open to experiencing this place for all it is. You will not get a cookie cutter, quick, overly fancy experience. What you will get is a quaint restaurant with real charm and an experience that takes you away from the LA vibe completely.

Def initely mom and pop, literally. The wife entertains while the husband does all the serving and kitchen work it seems. They have a little girl that goes around and chats with all the guests too. The night we went, she even sang two of her songs for us, so cute. It has a very homey feel to it, as if I was walking into their family living room/​dining room and was a guest at their home. I like the feel and look of the place. The menu is simple but works, and fits very well with the environment. The pace that everything flows at is very European. There have been many complaints on here about the speed of service — know that it is actually part of the atmosphere of the store, and is part of the authentic European bistro experience. The bf and I ordered the pâté, the small assorted charcuterie and cheeses plate, and the boeuf bourginon to share. I enjoyed everything very much, though the boeuf bourginon was a bit too much food in the end and we had to take about half of the huge bowl back home. It actually tasted better reheated later on. The boeuf bourginon was a little bland by itself and definitely needed the Dijon mustard they served it with. Prices I will agree were a little high, but not so much that I would put up a fuss about it.
One thing, which I think really puts a dent in their shop, is that they currently have a ‘bug’ problem. They are trying to get rid of them, and have gotten an exterminator in to treat the problem apparently, but I think they need to get that guy back again. I didn’t want to say anything at first, but when the little guy crawled onto the table, I almost screamed, and had to tell mrs. owner about, for which in her defense she thoroughly apologized for. My bf joked that I should think of it as Wall-E’s friend come to say hello, but sorry, I’m not a fan of bugs. I think I’m going to wait a little bit before visiting this establishment again, but it was a really cute place, and I think still warrants another visit to see if they have thoroughly eliminated their intruders.

Je peux dit que Ratata est mon place favorite pour un croque monsieur, mais ca n’est pas la verite. Mon place favorite, c’est ma maison. Bien sur, quand on né veux pas mange a ton mason, on doit va a Ratata.
Sans blague. Vraiment Bön.

I can’t believe this actually exists in LA!!! I was thoroughly surprised when I first walked into the restaurant. It’s a small little place, but very cozy — great for intimate dinners.
The husband-​wife team is excellent and very friendly. I feel like I’m back in France when I’m in this restaurant. The owner serenades customers with French songs throughout dinner (I think this may be every night. though I did go on a Friday night…). The food is excellent — it’s light but flavorful. We ordered the escargots (yummy pesto sauce!!), mixed cheese/​meats platter (amazing cured meats!), mushroom soup (fresh and light), beef bourgignon (very filling and delicious), and tiramisu (I’m partial to tiramisu, but it was great and creamy. I think it may be store bought).
Customer service is fantastic, they’re attentive and polite. Courses are spaced out very well. They recommend dishes to you and give tips for more complex dishes. I can’t wait to try their breakfast specials and sandwiches. Can’t wait to go back to this place!

Very mom-​and-​pop feel. I was comfortable sitting here for hours. Literally hours. There is no rush here, so if you are incredibly hungry and desperate for food go somewhere else. You’ll be doing someone else a favor by not wasting space.
The service is relaxed for sure, but your food will eventually come. The food itself is fine, not 5 diamond french but authentic. The only qualm is that the prices are high for what you get. I had a meat and cheese platter, which was presented nicely and of good quality, but it was something I could have made for ½ the price.
This seems like a good place to hang out and enjoy the evening, and the owners certainly don’t mind. One of them was actually singing and putting on a nice show. I felt like I was in the 30’s.

Ratata was such an interesting experience I don’t know where to start. I went to Ratata with a friend of mine that was pretty much a regular. The minute I walked into the restaurant I was greeted with hugs and kisses. It was a bit awkward at first because the place was brightly lit with about 15 USC French Major Students obviously there to «learn and experience the French culture». We were seated in a little table for two because all the tables were taken by these students… but let’s just start when the lights dimmed down a bit and talk about my favorite part of the night first.
It was literally a «day & night» change in atmosphere when the lights dimmed down. It was so romantic with French music and live singing by the owner/​wife. The owners and their kid (my goodness she is SO cute) were very personable and welcoming. The food was amazing and probably as authentic as it could get. I felt as if I was at a guest at their home.
I was already warned about the service being very «European» We made sure we were there rather early so we had time to finish our meal before the restaurant closed lol. It was literally a 5 hour meal packed with singing, chatting and just having a chill night. I had such a delightful night, I will definitely come back again… when I have a lot of time of course :)

I’m very surprised that you can get the «legit» French restaurant experience in Westwood, and that is the primary reason for my high score. I’m not going to go into too much detail because you can read others’ paragraphs, but the service is totally French style. The serving style is more relaxed (at cafes and small family owned restaurants – not hoity toity restaurants) and the owners priorities are to chat you up first and serve you second – indulge them. It’s a cultural thing. It might be strange at first, but do it – you’ll enjoy a new experience.
Although the décor is cute – I couldn’t help but feel a bit «cheesy» being in an American in a French-​French restaurant. Maybe it’s because I’ve grown so cynical and bitter as I’ve gotten older so everything now seems «cliché.» First timers will have a good time though.
Yes, do note that dinner is more expensive than lunch. Expect to spend ~$ 12 for lunch and up to ~$ 40 for dinner ($ 20 entrees). I have had the whole European cold-​cuts dinner before (La Mer, Ploughman’s Lunch and what-​not) I thought theirs wasn’t the best I’ve ever had (no offense – they are lovely people). I’d say skip La Mer. I’d forgotten how much I don’t like seafood preparation by Europeans (Europeans are all about red/​white meat and cured meat… Asians are all about the seafood). It was basically smoked salmon (which I eat regularly), poached shrimp, capers, and baked (?) tuna – with a bit of salad on the side. I’d go for the cured meat plate. The chicken with the peanut sauce was really interesting. Definitely something to try if you go there.
I didn’t know about the singing/​movie so we got confused earlier. Just go inside when you see that. It’s not someone’s party or what-​not.
I just was a little annoyed at the water thing (though I didn’t know that was also a cultural thing). I drink like fish and I always feel dehydrated so I need constant refilling of my drink. That was my only gripe with the service.
Next time I hope to hear some France Gall (she said she’d sing some for me next time) and maybe get some beouf bourguinon.

Ratata would not be the place that it is if it weren’t for the charming wife and husband (and daughter) team that run this place. On a rainy Thursday evening my friends and I were for the most part the only ones to dine at Ratata. We were greeted by a cute little girl (the daughter) who kept us company until the rest of our party came. The owners are very sweet and gracious. We spent half the time sharing our bottle of wine with the owner and chatting about anything and everything. You don’t see that very often. Plus the wife would bust out some French tunes in between courses to provide some entertainment.
The food? Very pleasing as well. While I will be honest that I was not blown away by the caliber of the cooking, the dishes were well prepared and flavorful. The appetizers in particular were my favorites.
For a very non-​LA dining experience, Ratata is a hard place to beat. Intimate dinners with friends or dates are ideal for Ratata. Bön appetit!

When I was in Paris, each meal would take me at least 2 hours to complete. I never knew why. I don’t eat particularly slow. I don’t immerse myself in other activities while I was eating at the restaurant. But when I had lunch, I entered at 12:30, I would leave at 2:30. When I had dinner, I entered at 7, I left at 10. And I appreciated the slow pace of eating I experienced in Paris. Because I enjoyed my meal much more.
(Finally the review) I experienced the same here. I came in at 1 for lunch, I left at 3. I am not sure why it was so, but it was a leisure lunch. I did not feel a rush to leave. I did not do much while eating except chatting with the boy.
He and I drank our coffee, shared our onion soup (which was amazing), ate our sandwich (I had the duck pâté, which tasted completely different from any pâté I have ever had), listened to some harp playing, chatted with the owner’s little daughter, and ate a macaron (pistachio flavor — quite yummy!).
I sure wish I didn’t have to study for finals. Otherwise, i would have been so happy to sip on another cup of delicious coffee, listened to the music, chat with the owners. This just shows how friendly they are.
I would love to come back for dinner and enjoy some more live music, while having a slow, leisure dinner.
If you are a person who is the type to eat quickly and leave right away, I don’t think you will enjoy this place much. It is quite slow, but I think it goes well with the environment the owners are trying to create.

I am absolutely head over heels in love with this adorable little place!
So cute! Authentically French! Beautiful and friendly owner couple. In the evenings they have live music where the owner lady sings. The décor is homey and adorable. Pretty flowers in a vase on each table, a piano in the corner, very familiar Chat Noir poster that everyone loves…
Great coffee, yummy macarons, flaky croissants. Can’t wait to go back for the escargot.
**free parking lot in the back.
**say 3 nice French words and get 10% off!

I have no patience. I was hungry and I didn’t want to wait 15 minutes for someone to take my order, but I did. I didn’t want to wait another 20 minutes before the sandwich came out, but I did. As we were finishing our sandwiches, we reminded the owner that we had ordered the lunch special with the crêpe. He said that he had to make a new batch of the mix so it was going to take a while. I asked if I could substitute it for another dessert but they were out of many of the other items on the menu. But the owners knew we had ordered the lunch special and we informed them that we wanted the crêpe for dessert so why didn’t they start making the mix earlier?
I expected minimal service but what we got was worse than that. One owner spent 10 minutes chatting with other customers while the other hid inside the kitchen. Hello? I’m on my lunch hour and it took 1 ½ hours even with me trying to rush them.
What can I say? The food was still ok and the place is still quaint. If only I had more time, I would’ve enjoyed the experience more.

Another good Unilocal find. Very small neighborhood oriented place with many surprises. it is run by a French family, we spoke quite a bit with the lady who owns the place who was very friendly and interesting.
I love the couple’s picture on the entrance and on the menu. They are apparently entertainers who are associated with film and she sings jazz and blues as well. She looked a little bleary eyed at 12 in the afternoon and she said it was because they had a party the previous night which lasted till 5 in the morning. They seem to know how to have a good time!
Now, about the café itself. It is very sparsely decorated. Some old chairs and rustic tables with a few paintings on the wall. There is an old piano and some sound equipment when they have live music. The menu has some sandwiches, salads and desserts, all pretty reasonably priced. The floor was a little dirty but I am going to chalk it up to the party and not hold it against them. I liked the music which seemed liked the Buddha bar CDs which were popular some years ago. I waffled between the parma ham and a couple of other sandwiches and finally landed on the goat cheese and cucumber. It ended up being huuuge. It was tasty but the baguette was a little too hard for my liking.
For dessert, I tried the chocolate cake which tasted a little old and tried the chocolate tart as well which was very good. Overall, very interesting place. I wish the owners all success. If I lived closer, I would go here quite often and definitely check out one of their parties!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Ratata! A charming and much needed addition to la rue de Westwood. It’s a great place to sit and relax/​read/​work, either inside or on the little patio.
Zaia and Jeremie are wonderful and engaging owners. They started their weekend brunch this week I believe — haven’t had a chance to try it yet. Live entertainment is also available on certain nights of the week.
YUMS (will be updated regularly as I foresee many lunches here)
: (⁶⁄₁₈) Salmon and cucumber salade in a creamy sauce — Generous portions of smoked salmon and freshly cut cucumbers. Comes with a toasty warm handful of baguette.
Support your local restaurants!

Came here to have lunch with my friend eva and it was great meal.
Salade Nicoise and salmon salad.
Sitting by the window and enjoying a nice sunny afternoon lunch.
What a beautiful place to really takeit easy…
When going there let them know I recommended you.
The owner will take care of you like they did for me.