Mompreneur Jessica Biel and partners open the perfect spot to wine, dine and make art Au Fudge
Tucked in between design houses on West Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue, there is a whimsical destination winning over children and parents alike. Equal parts restaurant, gourmet marketplace and kids’ clubhouse, Au Fudge is the brainchild of a handful of Hollywood friends, including actress Jessica Biel.
The 4,200-square-foot space has a vintage-chic vibe, complete with reclaimed wood flooring and antique accent pieces. Within the restaurant, there is ample indoor and outdoor dining, perfect for power lunches and mom brunches, and a shop full of artisanal treats and the most stylish kids play area in town.
The concept’s cuisine, meanwhile, caters to a crowd that doesn’t want to compromise quality or style just because the kids are in tow. The all-organic, elevated kids’ menu features items like mini all-natural burgers on pretzel buns and grilled chicken with frites and haricot verts—perfect for the gluten-free crowd.
For dessert, little ones delight in the “Build your own Sundae” option, which offers a variety of ice cream flavors and fancy toppings like marshmallow fluff, marcona almonds or traditional sprinkles, finished with caramel sauce and whipped cream. For $15, kids can spend two hours exploring the childcare area, or “Creative Space,” as its called; a magical place for the smaller set that is full of surprises.
In the main space, au pairs are on hand to read or guide arts and crafts, while a golden spiral staircase leads up to a hidden birdhouse that makes for the perfect spot to let the imagination run wild. Behind the bookshelf anchoring the space is a secret classroom where kids can enjoy cooking classes like donut decorating and others for robot building, music and French lessons.
While the kids play, parents linger over favorites like charred cider brussels with tart apples and bacon lardons; truffle parmesan fries; or homemade yam chips with a whipped feta spread. Sparklers and rosé dominate the wine list, while cocktails are listed with cheeky quips like the Summer Sangria (Call the sitter…it’s time to drink) or Bravo. Tango. Charlie. (Be the Change you want to be…at the bar).
Playful, elegant and exactly what a hardworking parent needs, Au Fudge is setting the trend for what the perfect family restaurant should look like—with style.
Au Fudge
9010 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90048
424.204.9228 | AuFudge.com
Photography Courtesy of Au Fudge