For over a year, the buzz has been swirling about a new restaurant/play space coming to Los Angeles called Au Fudge. It opened a few months ago, and the Oh Joy team took a trip yesterday for brunch and to see how a restaurant and kid's play space comes together in reality…

Au Fudge is basically half restaurant, half play space. You could come with your kids, meet friends, eat, play, and have your kids be occupied by a ton of activities (and even an hour of childcare if you want!). It's like a way more chic version of Chuck E. Cheese with good food, cool crafts, and in a really beautiful (and clean) kid-friendly space.

The food is playful and fresh, simple and (mostly) healthy. Some of my favorite items on the menu were things served on boards—like the waffles and cheese and charcuterie. The whimsical accents on something as common as deviled eggs made me wish my kids were there to revel in that sweet detail with me.

Designed by Estee Stanley (one of the owners), the space is chic yet not too stuffy. It's light and fresh and full of little details that parents can appreciate like mini toilets in the bathroom, changing tables stocked with diapers, child-sized seating throughout, and a secret tree house that anyone would want to discover. I would totally go back (and bring my kids next time). I only wish it were closer to where I live and that Justin Timberlake (husband of co-owner Jessica Biel) would be there to serenade us while dining 😉

Au Fudge | 9010 Melrose Avenue | West Hollywood, CA 90069 | 424.204.9228

{Photos by Casey Brodley}