Sherman Oaks' Mistral Bistro Gets a Modern Makeover

Mistral, a nearly four-decade-old French bistro on Ventura Boulevard, has been purchased by restaurateurs Jonah Freedman and Josh Migdal from founder Henri Abergel. The new owners are updating the menu and interior while preserving the restaurant's classic charm, and plan to open a seafood bar named Henri's in an adjoining space. The bistro has long been a gathering spot for entertainment industry figures.

The bistro’s new owners have deliberately kept its storied past intact while introducing subtle changes, such as refined wood paneling and vintage lighting, alongside a menu that still features classics like escargots and steak frites. A separate seafood bar, named Henri’s after the founder, will occupy an adjacent private dining room, honoring Abergel’s legacy. Abergel, who once worked at the now-shuttered La Serre, even appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” as a restaurant manager, reflecting his deep roots in the Valley’s dining scene.