Ooh, La La: French Macaroons in L.A.

700 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (map)

Downtown L.A.'s beautifully expansive commissary and gourmet market is serving up more than just great service and Italian fare. The front-end bakery is where folks will find a temptingly colorful selection of macaroons for $1.75 each. Flavors include classics like lemon, chocolate and lavender, but the raspberry is by far the cream of the crop with its tangy, chewy center and fall-apart crispy shell.

8142 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

This idyllic Parisian patio cafe and gourmet market (it's the Little Door's little sister) might grab your attention with its endless variety of sandwiches, housemade jams, condiments, coffees and selection of wine, but this charming spot also turns out some of the tastiest macaroons in town. Grab a few to go like the unusual dulce de leche and the classic raspberry and pistachio. It's a little taste of France in the middle of L.A.

9466 Charleville Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map)

Just a few blocks from the flash of Rodeo Drive, this radiant little boutique is all macaroons, all the time. (Really. It's all they make here.) Owned by Parisian transplant Paulette Koumetz, the shop displays row upon row of the $1.60 treats, made by hand daily on-site, in just about every color of the rainbow. (We suggest the pink wedding almond flavor--you'll live happily ever after.)

1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

More than just a sweet shop, this Zen-like tea garden in the middle of Abbott Kinney is where owner Kristy Choo creates Asian-inspired twists on pastry classics. Her famous bite-sized macaroons ($1.30 each) come in 10 core flavors (chocolate, caramel, pistachio and rose, to name a few), but we recommend giving some of the more unsual tastes a try. Yuzu, Japanese plum and violet-raspberry are a few of the options that rotate on a regular basis.

8950 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (map)

This tiny cottage-like space has been one of the sweetest spots in Beverly Hills since opening its doors in 1997. Owner Farshid Hakim (a pastry chef who honed his skills at the Hotel de Paris) is among our favorites for his seasonal macaroons--think pumpkin spice in autumn and egg nog in winter. Added bonus: Those who love to eat AND shop will love browsing through all the frilly gifts--picture frames and vintage French chandeliers, anyone?

9001 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048 (map)

Adding more color to Beverly Boulevard is this cheery cafeteria-style spot that beckons customers with a bright lemon tree mural, daffodil-colored walls and dishes that range from gourmet salads to mac-and-cheese. One option we can't resist? The cute little macaroons behind the glass display. Sure, there are only two flavors--chocolate and lemon, naturally--but why fix what ain't broken?