Came on a Friday night and it was so good! Very packed, every table was filled. Espresso martini was amazing. Escargot and endive and pear salad was good to start. Then for mains we got the mussels and the hangar steak frites. Steak was cooked perfectly and mussels had a creamy tomato flavor served with toasted bread. For dessert we had crème brûlée. Top wasn't crispy but the caramel flavor was really rich and smooth. Service was amazing, attentive and he even noticed we had a wobbly table and put something underneath to even it out. Would definitely come back again. Make a reservation! read more

My family and I have been eating at Mistral for over 30 years. Raul and his crew kept this restaurant consistently amazing throughout all these years. Some menu items changed along the way, but the core of Mistral and its signature dishes always stayed the same., so recently the restaurant was sold and it's now under new ownership, and I guess the new owners decided to make some changes. The interior dining area was updated with more comfortable and intimate booths, which look great and feel very comfortable. However, I was not prepared to the changes they've made to the menu. Let's start with the service. Almost all of the original staff, except one or two people, have been replaced by younger waiters (not necessarily better ones). Our waiter forgot to enter several of the appetizers we ordered which was not a a big deal, but unfortunately it was just the beginning of our disappointment. Mistral's French onion soup was always one of the best anywhere. It came burning hot, topped with crispy toasted bread and a lots of melted mozzarella cheese. And they have completely changed it. There is no melted cheese on top. Instead, you receive a small triangle of bread with cheese inside it. What? The soup was warm rather than hot, and the entire dish was nothing like the original soup. Another signature dish was Mistral's crispy skin branzino. They have now replaced it with poached branzino. Are you kidding me? You took one of your best dishes and turned it into something that tasted like hospital food. I'm not here to tell anyone how to run their business, but I'm here to say that if it isn't broken, don't fix it. If the new owners want to add their own touch, introduce new dishes like the hanger steak, which was excellent, but don't take signature dishes that loyal customers have enjoyed for decades and completely change them. Even the aupoivre sauce on the New York strip, which we have been eating for years and always tasted the same, has been changed (vinaigrette was added to it) and is simply not as good as it used to be. To summarize: - The Caesar salad was great. - The hanger steak was great. - The new cigars were horrible. - The French onion soup has been completely changed and not for the better. - The updated seasoning and sauce on the New York strip are not nearly as good as before. - The crispy skin branzino should never have been replaced with poached branzino. Overall, this was a disappointing visit. I sincerely hope this feedback does not fall on deaf ears. After 35 years of loyalty, we will give Mistral one more chance and hope things turn back around. Please bring back the original French onion soup. Please bring back the crispy skin branzino. And please remember: new does not always mean better. read more

Mistral - Beet salad with goat cheese - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Service is excellent but the food is no bueno. Their food is bland, no salt on any of our side dishes and that mashed potato is the worst we ever had. It was loud inside, you can hear everyone talking and tables are literally like one ft. away from each other. We heard a lot of great things about this restaurant but it's is nothing special. read more

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We had a delightful Wednesday evening here. The place is very cozy and somewhat formal inside like a French brassiere. The biggest highlight was the super attentive service despite the World Cup match broadcasting between Mexico and Czech Republic in which 3 goals were scored. The French soup was bold and rich in flavor. Everyone enjoyed their entrees which were well flavored and savory. The desserts were made in house and tasted amazing. read more

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Mistral refers to a strong, cold northwesterly wind that blows through the Rhône River Valley from southern France into the Mediterranean mainly in winter. There is a well worn, old school feel and look with wood paneling, glass chandeliers, touch of l'art deco. Nice little bar that stocks extensive liquor. 0) Feuilleté au Fromage: Amuse Bouche of a small cheese puff pastry 1) Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: Timbale of moist, fibrous crab meat bound with what may be mayonnaise and bread crumbs, then baked. Sauce seems to be Béchamel with a bit of Dijon mustard. Accompanied by al dente asparagus and ribbon of braised leeks. 2) Confit de Canard à l'Orange: Leg & thigh of duck cooked in its own juices to almost falling off the bone. Touch of Grand Marnier and orange juice is added to pan drippings of the duck to create the finishing sauce. Haricots Verts/green beans, Pommes Purées/mashed potatoes 1-2) Les Cadrans de Lassègue, Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2022: My guess is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot deep red wine with full blackberry, dark plum, blueberry. Bit of barnyard, humus, good acidity & touch of bitter tannins balanced by smooth sweetness. Since it rested only 3 years, the tannins haven't had time to mellow out more. 3) Soufflé au Chocolat: Because it was in a mini soufflé dish, the high heat penetrated more intensely to create a drier texture, more like a brownie. Very thick Crème Chantilly which added to the enjoyment. 3a) I asked if there were a Banyuls, a Southern French port like liqueur that pairs well with chocolate, but was suggested a Graham Tawny Port. Light, sprightly, sweet smooth with touch of dates, grape, alcohol, it paired well with the Soufflé. 4) Mignardise is a petit Chocolate Truffle. The food here is good, but you have to eat at the bar to be under the wing of Dana, bartender nonpareil. She is a seasoned veteran who knows her trade especially in how to treat customers. She is a natural being able to read customers and think proactively for a better customer experience. Kudos to her understated yet powerful performance beyond the call of duty. Overall, 4+ stars due to Dana's ministrations. read more

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I've been coming here for my whole life with my family. It is our favorite restaurant! We came to try it since their reopening with new management. My main takeaways are: 1. Please bring back the original onion soup. It was the best onion soup that one could find in Los Angeles. The new one does not even compare (the little sandwich thing wasn't bad but the soup itself was lukewarm and having no cheese in the soup itself was a major disappointment) 2. The steak frites were phenomenal. 3. The Caesar was great. But please, I am begging : bring back the onion soup This would be a five star review if it wasn't for the soup read more

A classic that cannot be ignored. Came in for dessert and drinks. Dana makes a killer Manhattan and the cocktail program is very fun. The new owners pay homage to the og and make the necessary modest yet modern improvements. The soufflé was phenomenal, equal to or better than the P lounge. Think Paul Thomas Anderson, San Fernando valley 1970s vibes. Martini and fries. read more

Mistral - Manhattan dry - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Service was great, from valet parking to obtaining a table as a walk in group. We were lucky as we arrived during peek times of the day: lunch time. Staff was attentive often refilling our waters and checking in with us. I ordered the king salmon entree. It included a nice sized salmon the top layer of the salmon had a smoked crispy texture to it; it was amazing. It also had a side of mash potatoes broccoli and veggies. 5/5! I tried my friend's escargot and the sauce on top of it is "chef's kiss" delicious, rich like a pesto taste to it. 5/5 I would definitely get this appetizer next time. Also, the servings here are not your typical large dish; so FYI you may not get full. We ended well with the chocolate soufflé that had a side of whipped cream 5/5! This restaurant is definitely a fancy place and I highly suggest you book them for your next special event. read more

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Great vibe, beautiful new interior and excellent food and cocktails. Branzino and steaks are delicious and loved the pommes frites! Perfectly chilled martini made my day!! I have been 3 times since they reopened and it has been consistently good. Service top notch. Valley Gem!! Excited to go back again soon! read more

Exceptional from start to finish! Ten stars! We have been going to Mistral for three decades (or more), and, to be honest, it had been looking and feeling a bit tired over the past few years. So imagine our delight when we learned it had new owners ready to breathe new life into this beloved restaurant. After a beautiful interior remodel that preserves the charm and warmth of a French brasserie, along with an exterior spruce-up, the "new" Mistral feels welcoming, classy, and refreshed. It's definitely not your grandpa's restaurant anymore! We were warmly greeted by the hostess and given our favorite corner table. We shared a delicious crab cake, yummy tuna tartare, and superb steak frites with broccolini. We finished with a delightful chocolate soufflé. Everything was excellent. Our server, Rico, was attentive and wonderful. We especially appreciated that he listened when we asked for our meal to be coursed and not rushed. He truly heard us. We also admired that the new owners visited every table to make sure their diners were happy and well taken care of. That personal touch says a lot about their commitment to bringing Mistral back to its best. Congratulations to the new owners and the entire team! We're thrilled to see Mistral looking and feeling so wonderful again. We'll definitely be back! read more

Mistral has been in Sherman Oaks for years and seems to be one of their staple restaurants so I was excited to try it. It's a tiny little spot with a very cozy darkly lit dining room with great ambiance. It's packed with people from the time they open for dinner until they close. The service is fantastic. From the moment we entered, until we left we were met with amazing hospitality. Our drinks were constantly full, fresh silverware was being brought out, and we were cracking jokes. Unfortunately that's where the positive review ends. The food left a lot to be desired, accompanied with high prices. We started with the French onion soup and escargot. Both were okay but not something I'd want again. For our entrees we got the pappardelle porcini mushroom pasta, New York steak, and panko crusted John Dory. I was only able to have a couple bites of the pasta before I had to stop because there was something off about the sauce and it left an extremely strong aftertaste. The New York came in a very thick cut that resembled a filet and was very tough. However, the fries that accompanied the steak was very good and tasted like McDonald fries. The fish was tasty due to the panko crust but overall dry. The only real winners were the chocolate soufflé and the crème brûlée we got for dessert. read more

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Unfortunately this place has taken a turn. Like other reviews have mentioned, it is not the same as it used to be. I can get on board with the new admittedly improved interior and some menu updates, but it is this is no longer an opulent date-night place and has a brasserie vibe. Definitively aiming to the transient and fickle young crowd, not the population that has kept the place open for 30+ years. Worst of all, the service was slooooow and bar service slow, and the drinks weaker. read more

Mistral was exceptional from the beginning. At arriving it was pretty pack which is expected on a Saturday night. I like the ambiance of the restaurant and the staff was very accommodating as well. As for the food it was amazing one of the best burgers I've had as well as the steak and the tuna tartare. I highly recommend this place for a date night, or casual dinner night. read more

10/10 Delicious. It was "date night" for Mom & Dad. We had a reservation at 6:45pm and were seated right away. Ambience inside was sexy, intimate and somewhat dimly lit. Here's what we ordered: * CIGARS -- Insanely delicious (and inventive!). These chèvre goat cheese/honey treats wrapped in a thin, crispy phyllo dough with a this incredible dip (I ordered a second dip). I will be dreaming of these. * FRENCH ONION SOUP -- Almost perfect. The onion soup was absolutely delicious and served at a perfect temperature/ready to eat. It came with a delicious gruyere grilled cheese sandwich on top. Although the sandwich was yummy, it was a bit filling for an appetizer (we were saving room in our bellies for the main dishes) and we wished it just had melted gruyere cheese on top/few croutons instead of a sandwich. * THE BURGER (served Med) -- I must have said "oh my god" twenty times while eating. Eat bite was incredible... No morsel left behind. * STEAK FRITES (served MedRare) Hanger Steak w/ Au Poivre sauce -- Delicious, perfectly cooked. Sauce was delicious (ordered an extra). We also tried a side of the herb butter steak sauce. Equally rich and delicious. A classic dish reminiscent of Paris... * CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ -- Perfectly cooked... like a warm brownie served with a whipped cream to put inside. Nice, decadent ending to lovely meal. The restaurant got busier and volume did get louder as the night got later, but we could still hear each other and was still very romantic (even though tables were close). Excellent, unpretentious wait staff/runners/bussers... everyone was nice and smiled genuinely. I hope this restaurant stays. We'll be back... ;) read more

Great restaurant! Nice service! Delicious food! Defensively will go back! Thank you! Good location! read more

Nothing went well. Onion soup tasteless. Hanger steak, bad. Fries were good. Waiters fantastic. Maybe it was just a bad night, but bad memories for sure. read more

We had a fantastic experience! The food was delicious (with very good portions), the staff was incredible, the decor is cozy and intimate. Thank you everyone at Mistral for making our evening so special! Oh and we are French so our expectations of French food are high read more

Cute French restaurant. Great service. Dark romantic dining room. The outside seating looks nice too. All the food and drinks were fabulous. Had the lamb and duck confit. read more

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Mistral serves some of the best french cuisine in LA, excellent service (Danny, our server, was awesome), classic decor, formal white table cloth but yet, the place feels casual and comfortable, we love it. 5 stars, highly recommended! You have to try the escargots, duck confit and chocolate soufflé! read more

Mistral - Dining room - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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Every time I visit Los Angeles, Mistral is the first place I stop--it never disappoints. The maître d' is absolutely wonderful and always makes me feel welcome and valued. The calm cool ambiance of this intimately lit restaurant with a beautiful dark cherry wood bar, beautiful paintings and impeccable service make every visit feel special. And of course, the highlight of my meal is the dessert, their chocolate soufflé--it is dreamy, rich, and the perfect indulgence. Mistral is a must-visit every time I'm in town! read more

So it really is tough because it's between a 3 and a 4 for review. The food is good, but it isn't as good as the prices would make you think. Some of the service is great, but our server was just okay. I tried to ask questions about wine and he just said it's good. Had to ask to learn soup du jour, etc. I had the mussels. Good, not great. Fries were great though. Started with the crab cake and it was good though the sauce is a bit too mustardy so it took away from the crab. Really enjoyed the heirloom tomato salad. The soufflé was something I wouldn't waste time on again. For me not to finish a dessert is unheard of, but I left some behind. It's very very loud but it's fun. Overpriced though. read more

Mistral - Soufflé - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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So....14 years later. Apparently, the original owners sold the restaurant a few months ago. We went back for Mother's Day lunch. Wow. That went downhill fast. Service was a mess. Arguing with us about what we did and didn't order. Food didn't taste as good. The hostess said that they welcome any feedback. My feedback is hit CTRL-Z on any changes made since acquiring the restaurant. read more

Excellent food, friendly staff, and a very clean atmosphere. Everything tasted fresh and the service was fast and professional. Definitely coming back again. read more

Mistral is a fantastic, iconic power-player restaurant in the San Fernando Valley. We have been eating there for years, and they have never missed a single dish. Quite the contrary, I have taken hundreds of business associates there and they have been positively blown away. From the New York strip to the Dover sole (my favorite), and their salads are fantastic! Whenever my family are up in the Valley we stop in, and we receive a very warm welcome. Try it you'll love it! read more

The best in the valley' always after 37 years they know how to do things right........... Always a pleasure read more

Mistral - Pork Chop was perfect - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Mistral is hands down a great date night! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that feels both upscale and cozy. Lots of history here! It's perfect for a special occasion, or just a refined evening out. The food is exceptional -- classic French cuisine done right. The French Onion Soup is rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of melted cheese on top. Add it to your order. Do it!! The service here is impeccable. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and they really know their menu. We sat at the bar (so fun) Our server Dana who is also the bartender even suggested the perfect wine to pair with our meals, and the selection was top-notch. A couple of things to note: Mistral is intimate, so reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Valet parking is available, which is a nice touch given its Ventura Blvd location. If you're looking for elegant French dining with a relaxed, welcoming vibe, Mistral is it. I'll definitely be back! Highly recommend! read more

Our 61st wedding anniversary dinner was reserved for 5:00 pm. It was the first time for my husband but I have been at Mistral several times. The valet was the truly best. I need a steady hand. We were greeted and taken to our reserved table. A delicious hot puff was very rich and bite sized. I selected a blood orange margarita. All good. I wanted French Onion Soup that was the best. I haven't been so lucky elsewhere. It was hot and cheesy. Crunchy buns and sweet butter was presented. I also ordered burrata with tomatoes and peaches that the server split because he felt it was too much for me. He was right. My husband ordered duck confit for dinner. I selected angel hair pasta perfect!!! Desserts were peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream. For me, chocolate fondue. The servers cleaned crumbs and refilled water quietly. Beautiful bar. Next table was rather loud. I had hoped that when their food was served that the ladies would quiet down while eating. Oh well. read more

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A cozy Chicago/European bistro feel to this classic & beloved L.A. eatery with black & white tile floors, and cozy tables. Fine white tablecloth dining and fine service at reasonable prices. No tiny-taste portions here, and it never disappoints. Be sure to try the green soup. You can tell that Ownership has its eyes on every detail up to and including the wonderful whimsical artwork on the big wall by the bar. Had the grilled salmon done perfectly with mixed vegetables that were sauteed and tasty and the broccoli soup. Delicious. read more

Mistral - Original Artwork by Susan Manders - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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Service, food, and Ambiance is always exceptional!! The service is always above par and incredibly kid friendly. Thank you to all the guys!! Thank you chef, always on point!! read more

All the classic French menu options available at Mistral to transform you into a spacious elegant restaurant in Paris. From French onion soup to the Steak au Poivre with a delectable serving of fries, you can count on all the popular favorites to be on the menu. The service is amicable which makes the dining experience even more enjoyable. I deeply appreciate the full bar knowing how to make a French Connection and French 75 just right and serving them in the proper glass. We ordered the burrata salad (not French, especially since the cheese came from Puglia, Italy) which was nicely dressed. The parpadella mushroom pasta was not seasoned correctly and therefore lacked flavor; however, the rich flavors of various mushrooms wrapped in perfectly prepared pasta made this dish delectable. Our New York Steak au Poivre was overcooked (we ordered medium and served medium-well) which was surprising for a restaurant claiming to be a steakhouse. The fries were truly the star item on our plate. We finished our meal with a chocolate soufflé which was the BEST item we ordered to make our dining experience special. read more

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I enjoyed a nice brisket with some wine. It was a mountain of beef on my plate with some vegetable garnish. Awesome meal, delicious and filled up. I also tasted their fries and steak, and if you like fries, hot damn! I'll be returning. A gem in disguise. Amazing service, attention to detail, spectacular, delicious food. Chain the chefs to the kitchen and don't loose them, a rare breed! Here is a snap of my onion soup, yum! read more

Mistral - Onion soup - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

We were in the area and didn't have a reservation. Upon calling the restaurant - she was super friendly and they were able to take us. From the moment we arrived Alex and the team were extremely attentive. The sommelier came over and recommended delicious wines from Italy and Portugal. Always checking on us. We had absolutely delicious escargot with some incredible French baguette. The sauce on the escargot was amazing! We shared a steak, frites and green beans for our entree and also made to perfection! We left there feeling like we were well taken care of and the place is so charming. Can't wait to return! For sure we were transported to France Well done, thank you. read more

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Hidden gem in the valley, Great food, service and ambiance. Love coming for date nights

Well what can I say we been coming here for years unfortunately today's lunch was beyond disappointing. The service was good unfortunately the food was sub par my angel hair pasta was like glue, my wife's shrimp caesar salad was bland. Unfortunately we will not be returning anytime soon! read more

Went there for lunch today to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was quite special. The food is delicious and the service was impeccable. This is the ideal,place for an upscale lunch. We didn't have it, but the addition of a special lunch menu was a nice surprise. Next time we are going for dinner. read more

After 8 years living in Sherman Oaks, I had somehow not yet discovered this absolute GEM until last night. It blew us away! Went for a bday, and the host was so lovely and sent over complimentary champagne right away. Every dish was better than the last. A perfect martini! Incredibly attentive service and fun lively ambiance. We cannot wait to go back! What a special experience! read more

Enjoyed a very nice Valentine's Day dinner here with my sweetheart. Had a reservation for 6pm but they overbooked so we had to wait about 15 minutes for an inside table. They have a covered patio in back with immediate seating but the ambiance back there is lacking. The main inside dining room is super nice, cozy and comfortable. wait staff is super friendly and professional. Started with cocktails, the pear martini is terrific! Next, wild escargot in their shells, tender and delicious. Mains were scampi and steak, both great with a glass of smooth house Bordeaux. Lastly, a fresh, hot chocolate souffle with cold, thick house made cream, very decadent. This charming bistro (brasserie?) is a bit pricey but highly recommended! read more

Wife and I went here for the first time a few nights ago after living down the street from them for 5 years. WOW. We were both upset and thrilled at the same time. Upset that we HAVEN'T been going here the past 5 years LOL. (Also upset we have been giving our money to a different and very pretentious French spot close by). Service was truly incredible. No egos or elitism. Bartender Dana was lovely and treated us SO well. The manager was so friendly and inviting. The service at the table was great, and the food was AMAZING. Escargot, the duck, and the John Dory were so so good. I am glad I had a piece of bread left over because it saved me from actually having to lick my plate in public hahaha This place checks both boxes! Great food & great service. Worth every penny. We will return here for many years. read more

Celebrated our 39th Wedding Anniversary. We had an amazing dinner at Minstal. Our waiter was so attentive and helpful. My Cocktail was an elixir of happiness in my veins. AKA St. Germain elderflower and prosecco with a twist of lemon. We then started with king salmon sliced thin with toast points and cucumber rounds it had a sweet white sauce with dill. It tasted so fresh and divine. We shared the little gem salad with endive, pears and blue cheese. Joseph had Mussels in a white wine garlic cream sauce and pommes frit. So succulent. I had panko encrusted John Dory whitefish in a champagne vinegar sauce with asparagus and forbidden rice and it was so delicious!  It was a flavor thrill. read more

Mistral - French Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Special occasion family dinner. Ambience can not be beat. Transports you to a lovely upscale bistro in Paris. That is worth something. We have been coming to Mistral for years and the food/service has always been consistent. However on this latest experience, the food had declined just a bit. All of our entrees lacked enough sauce. Steak au poivre, steak with garlic butter sauce, chicken in mustard sauce, they were all a bit dry. The veggies with the chicken were unfortunate. Squash, turnips, etc ... they were mealy and dry. Hard to mess up a side of veg. Service was professional and friendly, but missed a little bit of the personal touch that we remembered. It was hubby's birthday and he has chosen Mistral as his special occasion restaurant for years. After the dinner, he said - I think we'll go to *** instead next year. read more