Now Open: Pitchoun! Brings Authentic French Bakery to DTLA

DTLA Rising Blog | by Brigham Yen

Opening this past Friday, Pitchoun! is an exciting new French bakery cafe that brings freshly baked baguettes and croissants to Downtown LA’s Pershing Square.

Located along Olive Street at the wonderfully restored PacMutual Building, customers are first greeted by an eye-catching outdoor patio filled with bright orange tables and chairs beckoning customers to sit outside. Upon entering the eatery, you are immediately transported to an intimate space somewhere in Paris.

Founded by French couple Frederic and Fabienne Soulies, Pitchoun! means “kiddo” in the Provençal dialect from Southern France. Frederic trained under several prominent bakers and pastry chefs in both Paris and the French Riviera and now brings a full boulangerie to this side of the world in Downtown LA. In addition, you’ll find other delectable items on the menu including croque monsieur, kouign-amann, and of course an array of soups and salads.

The restaurant, with its French imported chairs and wine barrels repurposed into tables, is designed to look vintage with a splash of modern elements. Although the ceiling height is cavernous, the space still manages to feel surprisingly cozy due to the use of dark colors, brick walls, and wood paneling. There’s even a large fireplace to sit next to that’s perfect for enjoying a cup of cappuccino. To top things off, there are over a hundred French books that adorn the shelves available to peruse.     

Pitchoun! is hoping to get its beer and wine license in late June of this year, which will prompt possibly later hours. For now, the hours are as follows with weekdays open from 7 am to 5 pm and weekends from 8 am to 4 pm.

Pitchoun activates Olive Street across from Pershing Square providing a glimpse into what the future can be like if the entire area surrounding the square is activated the same way

Quick grab and go meals are offered

Eat “pain” (bread) at Pitchoun!

Large windows allow for a peek inside the kitchen

Enjoy live music while dining

Enjoy a French book or a cup of cappuccino sitting by the fireplace

The same fireplace is double sided so it faces the outside patio as well

Dine outside underneath an 80-foot tall vertical garden