Restaurateurs Marissa and Matt Hermer opened a new hotspot on October 8 called Chez Mia inside the former Ago space near the corner of Melrose Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. Inspired by the south of France, the nearly three-year project originally called Lalou opened in partnership with entrepreneur Kurt Seidensticker, who founded Vital Proteins. Boujis Group, the hospitality group behind restaurants the Draycott and Olivetta, brought on its culinary director Ivo Filho to lead the kitchen. With 220 seats set across one of LA’s best new patios and a colorful interior, Chez Mia follows the Hermers’ see-and-be-seen formula with high-quality ingredients, sharp cooking, and easy cocktails to match attentive service.

Those entering the space will likely get directed to a banquette along the sprawling, lush patio lined with foliage, covered by massive square umbrellas, and patterned upholstery. When the sun sets, the space has a secret garden energy, with catchy neo-disco and pop tunes piping through the various sections. Tom Parker’s Fettle handled the compelling design that feels plucked out of the Italian coast or French Riviera. Potted plants, iron-backed chairs, pastel fabrics, and brass accents complete the vibe.

The lengthy menu starts with raw items like oysters, snow crab claws, tuna tartare, and Ora king salmon carpaccio with tomato confit and espelette. A tight caviar section allows those with limitless spending to feel like royalty. A diminutive gougere tops a cheesy pastry with a solid dollop of caviar for something more approachable but still costs $29 a bite. Menu prices range from $14 to $225, so bring enough people to help distribute the cost of entry.

Most diners will want the 72-hour fermented fougasse bread paired with softened Normandy butter. Next, take on the crudites, which come with eggplant caviar, roasted pepper spread, walnut puree, and three grilled wild prawns laced with wild herb sauce. Out of the three kinds of pasta on the menu, the grated black truffle-topped linguini is the most popular. There’s a protein for nearly everyone, like roast chicken, Ora king salmon, or wagyu filet mignon with caramelized shallots and grilled baby gem lettuce. Those looking to share could order a whole grilled branzino with preserved lemon sauce or cote de boeuf, a dry-aged rib-eye from Snake River Farms.

Of course, it’s always good to start with a sweet and shaken drink. A Nicolette’s Waterfire brings some spicy heat to a mezcal or tequila cocktail with watermelon and lime for a sweet balance. Sommelier Erika Parjus, previously with Bourbon Steak and RPM Italian in Washington D.C., has compiled a compelling list with a juicy Bandol rose and crisp Vermentino to complete the South of France/coastal Italian picture. Desserts are light, fruity, and fun, like a peach melba, pistachio soft serve with raspberry coulis, and tarte Tropezienne. Baked-to-order madeleines with hazelnut butter or chocolate mousse make for a heftier finish.

With so many popular restaurants in the area, like E.P. & L.P., Catch Steak, and DiDi, Chez Mia adds the best new outdoor dining situation to the block. Expect plenty of early traction with influencers and celebrity types given its picturesque setting, always a solid strategy for generating the most buzz in Los Angeles.

Chez Mia is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with eventual lunch and brunch service. It’s located at 8478 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA, 90069. Reservations are on Resy.