Jill Bernheimer, who recently closed her 17-year-old wine shop Domaine L.A., has continued her influence on Los Angeles’s wine scene through Bar Étoile, a wine bar and restaurant located in Melrose Hill. Co-managed with hospitality professional Julian Kurland, Bar Étoile offers a versatile setting that caters to a range of dining and drinking experiences.

The establishment features a 22-seat zinc bar that serves as a casual spot for a solo cocktail or a shared glass of wine before attending nearby events. The wine selection includes a diverse array of international options such as fizzy German rosé and peachy skin-contact wines from Chile. Both Bernheimer and Kurland are noted for guiding patrons through the bottle list, tailoring recommendations according to individual preferences and budgets.

In addition to its bar service, Bar Étoile offers a dinner menu curated by chef Travis Hayden. The menu includes innovative dishes designed to complement the wine offerings, such as chicken liver mousse paired with peach-Banyuls jam and enveloped in toasted milk bread. Another highlight is a dish that pairs roast chicken with endive braised in whey caramel, creating a balance of soft, sweet, and bitter flavors. Hayden’s cheese tart, made with Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese and finished with a dusting of chive powder, is a popular choice among diners.

Bar Étoile thus serves as a continuation of Bernheimer’s commitment to making wine approachable while also providing an elevated dining experience in the Melrose Hill neighborhood.