This Tiny French Restaurant In Southern California Is Always Busy

We all love it when we find a true hidden gem, like a “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant that no one seems to know about but that serves unbelievable food. We excitedly tell our friends and family we found a place they have to try, and we can’t believe more people don’t go there. Of course, that kind of word of mouth is a two-edged sword. If enough people “discover” and share a place, it almost guarantees the restaurant’s success, but the downside is our no-longer-hidden gem now has a line out the door. One thing is for sure though – when people line up to eat the food, you know it has to be good. This tiny French restaurant in Southern California is absolutely worth the wait.

Petit Trois is a little French restaurant by Chef Ludo Lefebvre. Its humble exterior and location in a small strip mall barely hint at the amazingness that awaits you inside.

Kevin Cubberly/Google Local

Once through the door, you are welcomed by simple European charm. The entire restaurant consists of these two rows of counter seating, as well as a few small tables outside. Limited seating is just one reason why there is nearly always a wait to get a seat.

Keira Chu/Google Local

Of course, long wait times would only continue so long without a menu full of mouthwatering dishes that locals have come to crave.

Xiaojun Ma/Google Local

This is what Petit Trois looks like once the doors open - every seat filled and servers bustling to handle orders.

D *Juanito” H/Google Local

Petit Trois offers a variety of authentic French flavors and classic dishes, starting with buttery, garlicky Burgundy Escargots.

sunadda saravatpuntudis/Google Local

Naturally, one of the most-loved and reviewed menu items is the French Onion Soup, made with veal broth and two kinds of delicious cheese melted over the top.

Olivier LA/Google Local

Try a classic French sandwich like the Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame with parisian ham and Gruyere. Or try the cheeky Big Mec, a double cheeseburger with special sauce. And no sandwich would be complete without Frites (French fries.)

Rory Scott/Google Local

Dining at the bar puts you right in front of the action as you watch the delectable dishes being artfully prepared in the small open kitchen.

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European flair extends the restaurant’s beverage offerings, from Pellegrino to cappuccino, as well as a host of signature cocktails like the Courant Violet and Fleur de Mal.

Tolley Casperis/Google Local

End your meal with a Paris-Brest pastry filled with praline cream and hazelnuts, a traditional Napoleon, or perhaps a Tahitian vanilla Creme Brulee.

Elezar Kenig/Google Local

Even after creating some additional patio seating, the lines still form, and reservations are still a good idea. This little restaurant’s popularity is pretty obvious when you see people dining outside even in the rain.

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Locals cannot seem to get enough of this amazing little eatery, and they are happy to stand in line and wait their turn. Have you ever been to Petit Trois? What was your favorite dish? We would love to hear about your favorite little restaurants that always seem to have people lined up to get in. Check out this list of other tiny Southern California Restaurants with fantastic food.