Sweet Souffles

* So light--the expression “it melts in your mouth” couldn’t be more appropriate for a souffle.

Off Vine: This charming old Craftsman bungalow has three choices, raspberry, Grand Marnier and bittersweet chocolate, all served with whipped cream. Maybe the secret of the fluffy texture is hand-whipping the eggs. (All souffles, $6.95.) Off Vine, 6263 Leland Way, Hollywood, (323) 962-1900.

Moustache Cafe: Gorgeous, ample, very light souffles have been a trademark here for 25 years. They’re available in dark chocolate and Grand Marnier flavors, or a combo of both. Souffles come with whipped cream. (Souffles, $6.50.) Moustache Cafe, 8155 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 651-2111; 1071 Glendon Ave., Westwood, (310) 208-6633.

The Ritz: Chef Salvatore Troia makes tall, puffy souffles, either dark chocolate or Grand Marnier flavored with vanilla and orange and lemon zest. Dusted with powdered sugar, they look like snow-capped mountains. (Souffle, $8.) The Ritz, Fashion Island, 880 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, (949) 720-1800.

The Bistro Garden: This kitchen has used the same recipe for nearly 40 years. When the chocolate souffle is served in its elegant china ramekin, the waiter pokes a hole in it and spoons whipped cream into the cavity. (Chocolate souffle, $7.) The Bistro Garden at Coldwater, 12950 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 501-0202.

Regent Beverly Wilshire: Pastry chef Lee Smith makes pillowy souffles big enough to split. The Valrhona chocolate comes with bittersweet chocolate sauce, the raspberry with raspberry coulis and the Grand Marnier with creme anglaise laced with orange zest. And if you’d like a little whipped cream or ice cream on the side, just ask. (Souffles, $10.) Regent Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 275-5200.

La Cachette: Chef-owner Jean-Francois Meteigner likes to surprise diners by putting a layer of brandied cherries on the bottom of his chocolate souffle. This souffle is not overly sweet but a bit denser than most, almost like a tart. It comes with vanilla sauce and whipped cream. (Souffle, $14.) La Cachette, 10506 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, (310) 470-4992.

Jessica Strand