Republique  opened its doors for dinner in late November at 624 S La Brea with the husband-wife chef team of Walter and Margarita Manzke welcoming diners to their new French-inspired, locally-sourced menu served at long communal tables. The space is bright and still familiar, inviting the eyes to the skylights and arches of the cloister-like brick building that was once the home to Charlie Chaplin’s offices, and more recently the La Brea Bakery and Campanille.
The new chef-owner team lives in the Mid-City area with their two year old son, setting down roots in this community. By the looks of the seating at Republique they also seem to be encouraging a sense of community: diners may mingle and get to know one another at the long family-style tables. Â “It’s a really fun and lively place to dine,” Margarita told the Buzz. “People seem to be have a great time while they’re here.”
The Manzkes have been involved in numerous LA restaurants including Church & State, Bastide and Patina. They own several successful cafes in the Philippines, where Margarita is from.
Dinner is served daily except Sundays and just recently opened for an extended continental breakfast (8 am to mid-afternoon) serving coffee and pastries baked in-house by Manzke. Â They also sell fresh-baked breads, including baguettes, multi-grain and country loaves, out of the bakery side of the new remodel, located where La Brea Bakery began, but now more integrated into the main body of the restaurant.
Reservations are via Open Table or by calling Republique directly, and walk-ins are welcome, given the expanded bar area with seating and the long community tables. In the evening, Republique offers a full oyster bar, a charcuterie selection (hand-made by chef Walter) and a selection of fish, meat and vegetable dishes. The back and second floor sections of Republique are still under construction but will be available for private parties sometime in the new year.
 Larchmont Buzz: Republique in former Campanille Location
I just went for pastries (one of pretty much each) yesterday! Gorgeous space.