Sea Change: Pacifique

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Pacifique in West Hollywood reinvents a bistro space as an celebration of California cuisine and elegant style.

In the covered front patio, Kangaroo ferns hanging from the ceiling, strike a buoyant note amidst the Gallic elegance.. Photos, including opening image, by Dylan + Jeni

The former Le Petit Bistro space on La Cienega Boulevard has been given a significant facelift. The first commercial project from partner Sean Leffers of Sean Leffers Interiors, the interior’s inspiration parallels that of the menu which, under the direction of Wes Whitsell, who led Manuela’s innovative opening kitchen, and Chef de Cuisine Jeff Lustre of Michaels in Santa Monica, offers California cuisine brightened by a wide symphony of Asian notes, like the not-to-be-missed Karaage fried chicken, paired with yuzu kosho aioli, and the crispy brussels sprouts, pungent with lime, sambal, and cilantro.

Photo by Dylan + Jeni

Channeled through Leffers knack for composition that meant curtained booths, which echo the private dining experience of izakaya, a shou sugi ban wood bar that incorporates a natural stone imported from Brazil that appears to be strewn with cherry blossoms, Davide Groppi’s Moon pendants swaying over the main room, and Kangaroo ferns bobbing from the ceiling.

David Groopi’s Moon Pendants, large paper lanterns, are reflected in mercury glass mirrors discovered at Rose Tarlow. Photo by Dylan + Jeni

These subtle nods to the Pacific Rim are coupled with classic European elegance: navy blue velvet banquettes pair with matching cane chair and a black and white flower-patterned tile floor from Ann Sacks on the patio; and, plush channel-tufted grey tweed  banquettes and circular booths that anchor mercury glass mirrors and silver-leafed sconces from Rose Tarlow set into India-inked boiserie in the dining room.

One of the private booths. Photo by Dylan + Jeni

Art, including pieces by Nobuyoshi Araki and Hiroshi Sugimoto, and fabrics from Kelly Wearstler, Catherine Martin, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Gaston Y Daniela layer luxury and opulence over the zen space. 

The bar. Photo by Dylan + Jeni

It’s the ideal punctuation to the high-end sheen of an area which which links the boutiques of Melrose High Street, Melrose Place and Melrose with the interior design shops of West Hollywood and La Cienega’s Design Districts and the Pacific Design Center and the perfect way to end a day of upscale purchasing.

Pacifique, 631 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, 310.359.0788, dinner every night