My friend and I waltzed in for lunch at 11:30 today and—mon dieu—there was no line. A miracle! A blessing! A sign from the food gods of Paris… or at least Santa Monica. The pink-and-white patio looked like it had been designed by a French pastry chef with a Pinterest account, and naturally we loved every second of it.

Breakfast all day? Oui, oui! Their pancakes—plain, blueberry, or chocolate—arrive so fluffy they practically need a passport. Add bananas and French whipped cream and suddenly you’re having an emotional experience. Or go full “Sunday in Paris” with their Eggs Benedict: organic eggs on a brioche bun with avocado, hollandaise, turkey or salmon lox, plus a mixed green salad to convince yourself you’re being healthy.

We are also deeply loyal to the BLT, which comes packed with bacon, eggs over hard, avocado, melted white cheddar, lettuce, and mayo on grilled sourdough. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you shout “Oh là là!” without irony.

Today we ventured into new territory with the Keto Bowl—moked Atlantic lox, avocado, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes, roasted almonds, goat cheese on a bed of spinach with lemon vinaigrette. Very chic. Very nutritious. Very “I’m a sophisticated French adult who definitely does Pilates.”

If you want a little taste of Paris without the jet lag, the exchange rate, or a waiter judging your accent, you must try Le Café de la Plage. Bon appétit, bébé!