November 27, 2023
Since its founding in 1718 by French explorers, New Orleans has remained proud of its French heritage. La Nouvelle-Orléans was named in honor of Philip II, Duke of Orleans, who served as Regent of the Kingdom of France until young Louis XV could take the helm of the throne. Although the city was under Spanish control for much of the 1700s, it held tight to its French legacy, which remains evident in beaucoup aspects of New Orleans culture, including Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), jazz funerals and of course its world-renowned cuisine. Delicacies like gumbo (arguably New Orleans’ most cherished dish) and étouffée, both of which begin with a roux, would not exist without this French culinary staple. From classics to nouvelle cuisine, Francophiles will not have to search very hard to find tres bien French-inspired dishes across the city. So if you fancy French onion soup or have a craving for confit, check out one of these bistros that are serving up exceptional French fare. Bon Appetit!
Justine – justinenola.com
Justin and Mia Devillier, the talented husband-and-wife team behind La Petite Grocery, which in early 2024 will celebrate 20 successful years, once again hit it big with their highly touted French Quarter bistro, Justine. “We wanted to bring a new and contemporary French brasserie to the French Quarter to provide tourists and locals an exciting and unique dining option,” explains Mia. “Justine combines the sophistication of Parisian brasseries with the playfulness of the South’s most lively district,” she adds. A step into Justine will transport you to Paris with a design that emulates the bright and exuberant atmosphere of classic French bistros. The back dining room features a striking mural, created by local artist Ellen Macomber, that celebrates the tricentennial of New Orleans. Bold, vintage-inspired artwork echoes throughout the restaurant, with French street art lining the café walls. Justine’s menu “honors the technique and simplicity of French bistro classics,” says Mia. Executive chef/owner Justin, who holds the title of 2016 James Beard Award-winner for Best Chef (South), and his culinary team have been pleasing palates for nearly five years with signature items like onion soup gratinee, savory steamed mussels in saffron broth with tarragon and herb aioli and succulent pan-roasted fish in lemon butter topped with lump crab and fried capers. Hearty dishes like the chicken confit, served with creamy polenta, fall vegetables, and tarragon jus, and Louisiana Gulf shrimp and grits with grilled scallions, smoked bacon, roasted mushrooms and broken rice are sure to satisfy. The crispy Brussels sprouts with hot honey and smoked bacon and perfectly crisped, hand-cut pomme frites are not to be missed! Justine also offers a great brunch with tempting selections such as their sinfully delicious bread pudding French toast sticks with crème anglaise and blueberry jam; deviled farm eggs topped with crème fraiche, salmon caviar and fresh dill; and beef debris with flaky buttermilk biscuits, sunny-side-up egg, and au jus. Enhance your brunching experience with mimosa service featuring fresh fruit, select juices and seasonal garnishes. Make sure to save room for one of their luscious desserts, like the decadent chocolate Chambord truffle tart with lemon mascarpone cream and almond streusel, or classic vanilla crème brulee with almond biscotti. French wine aficionados will be tickled pink with Justine’s magnifique collection of 200-plus bottles on their wine list. If craft cocktails are more your thing, then whet your whistle with a Justine 75 or a Nouveau Carre—an intriguing blend of rye whiskey, Armagnac, French vermouth, amaro and sake. For those looking to grab a “to-go” drink or a quick, casual bite, the stylish brasserie recently unveiled its latest addition aptly named Café Justine. The perfect weekend addition to the French Quarter, the café pop-up bar opens to the Chartres Street sidewalk, emulating the quintessential Parisian-street experience. Pop by Friday–Sunday for a special café menu and happy hour all day long.
MaMou – mamounola.com
One of the latest additions to the French Quarter dining scene, MaMou threw open its doors last November to instant acclaim. The bustling modern French brasserie is the brainchild of executive chef Tom Branighan and sommelier Molly Wismeier, who share an appreciation for exceptional hospitality and elegant flavors rooted in classic techniques. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Tom’s grandmother, who was affectionately called MaMou. A New Orleans native and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, chef Tom brings over 15 years of experience to MaMou, having honed his culinary skills at Emeril’s New Orleans, Michelin-rated restaurants Café Boulud and Bouley in New York City, and Lacroix in Philadelphia. Most recently, he was chef de cuisine at Longway Tavern, when Esquire Magazine recognized the restaurant in their “Best New Restaurants” feature. Molly, who originally hails from Iowa, has uncorked over 20 years in the wine industry as sommelier in some of the country’s top restaurants, including Restaurant R'evolution in New Orleans (where she oversaw the 10,000-plus bottle wine program) and Charlie Trotter's in Chicago. Her unbridled passion for hospitality and education have garnered her top awards, such as Food & Wine Top Sommelier and Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wine List three years in a row. In one short year, the impressive duo have already stirred things up both locally and nationally by being named one of the country’s “24 Best New Restaurants of 2023” by Bon Appetit, and were featured on the New York Times 2023 Restaurant List as among “the 50 places in the United States that we’re most excited about right now.” You’ll be excited as well the moment that you step inside of the art nouveau-inspired bistro, which is bursting with charm and enchantment from the captivating, grandiose floral instillations and colorful mural, to the Paris metro-themed mirrors. While the atmosphere is quite whimsical and dramatic, the French- and Creole-influenced cuisine is beautifully refined and sophisticated. Begin your dining journey with the luxurious celeriac remoulade with blue crab claw, pain perdu and bottarga (salted, cured fish roe); the escargot tartlet with basil, romesco and suet (saturated beef fat); or the flavor-packed cassoulet with braised cannellini beans, pickled mussels, fennel sausage and pan con tomate. While you can’t go wrong with any of the Plats Grands, the succulent poisson a la Florentine with caviar beurre blanc, and the perfectly executed cote de boeuf, served with sauce au poivre and silky pommes puree, are hard to resist. The lemon Madeleines with crème anglaise are heavenly, but the Baba au Rhum (yeast cakes saturated in candied cherry and apricot syrup that are flambéed tableside with rum, then topped with pistachio cream) steals the dessert show! As expected, the wine list is exceptional, being distinctly curated and approachable with an emphasis on biodynamic wines and female winemakers. Additionally, due to their special wine preservation system, MaMou also offers a remarkable cellar list of rare and vintage selections that can be sipped by the glass. Not to be outshined are the specialty cocktails, including the popular La Vie en Rouge, an imaginative take on a beet margarita that features reposado tequila, beet juice, lime, ginger, agave, and egg whites; and the Pastis de Crème, an indulgent concoction of pastis, heavy cream, simple syrup, vanilla, and chocolate. While MaMou was modeled after a classic French bouchon, which typically serves a variety of traditional meat dishes, the culinary artists at the intimate eatery envision their cuisine as European continental fare through the lens of French technique with hints of vaudeville. What’s not to love about that!
N7 – n7nola.com
What began in November of 2015 as a wine bar with a simple menu has transcended into one of the city’s most highly lauded hidden gems. And hidden it is! Located in the Bywater area, just outside of the French Quarter, N7 discreetly sits behind a large wooden fence that encompasses nearly the entire block of the residential neighborhood. There’s no phone, no address and no flashy sign, but rather a simple N7 painted on the “secret entrance” swinging gate that can easily be overlooked. Once the gate is swung open, you’re immediately transported to another place. A vintage red Citroen automobile highlights the sprawling, lush outdoor garden area, which seats roughly 75. “We take a lot of care of our garden, but we also put quite a bit into the indoor space, which is decorated entirely with original lithographs from France and antique furniture, all from my own collection which took decades to collect,” explains Aaron Walker, who with his wife Yuki Yamaguchi, own and operate the brasserie. Inside of the former tire shop you’ll find an alluring, romantic vibe that immediately draws you in, from the elegant copper bar to the retro French maps and gallery posters. The talented husband-and-wife team have a strong connection to both Japan and France, which is quite evident in their diverse and exciting menu. While the fare at N7 is decisively French-rooted, one can’t deny the Japanese influence, which is also quite evident. “We believe that Japanese and French food complement each other very well,” explains Aaron. The two worlds collided in the Crescent City, where Aaron, who studied in the United States, Germany and France before ultimately settling in New Orleans to work as a filmmaker and restaurateur, met Yuki, a native of Japan, who traveled to Louisiana at the age of 18 to study English and landed in the bar/restaurant industry in New Orleans. The inspiration and name behind N7 were born from the couple’s travels throughout France, visiting boucheries, small farmhouse restaurants and favorite bistros. “N7’s name derives from Nationale 7, which is the highway that once ran from Paris to the border of Italy,” states Aaron. “Known as the ‘Route des Vacances’, vacationing Parisians would take the road on their way South. Along the way, the Michelin Guide would direct them to mom-and-pop restaurants, which began to appear in farmhouses and hotels along the way, hence the origin of the Michelin Star,” he adds. Today, Aaron and Yuki, along with their two daughters, divide their time between New Orleans and Kyoto, Japan, where they recently opened a second N7. The Bywater location is in the deft hands of executive chef Anthony Scanio, a New Orleans native who polished his culinary skills by working with some of the city’s top chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Donald Link. In 2020, chef Anthony joined N7, where his deep knowledge and love of French and Mediterranean cuisine allows him, in conjunction with chef Yuki, to create N7’s refined and unique cuisine. While the menu changes slightly from day to day, signature small plates include mussels steamed in sake, scallions and garlic; French onion soup; tarte flambé with caramelized onions and lardons; sake cured salmon tartine with goat cheese and cilantro; and house-made charcuterie. Indulge in large plate mainstays, such as bouillabaisse, duck confit, beef bourguignon, or classic steak au poivre. As for brunch, you’ll find several dinner dishes on the menu, in addition to a few sandwiches only available during brunch including, le N7 burger with caramelized onions, mushrooms, gruyere and truffle aioli on a squid ink bun, and salmon croque monsieur with yuzu cream cheese. Wrap up your dining experience with a Galette des Rois, a classic French-style king cake consisting of buttery puffed pastry filled with almond crème. Aaron’s passion for wine shines through in the ultra impressive and highly curated wine “book” that’s about 18 pages long and features 800-900 Old World wines. Not to be outdone, their craft cocktail menu boasts classic European and New Orleans cocktails, rare and uncommon spirits, several Shochu cocktails that are unique to N7, and an outstanding espresso martini. “Our bartender Lauren makes the most delicious espresso martini I’ve ever had—I think she’s lacing it with something,” quips Aaron. Featured in Bon Appetite as a “Best New Restaurant in America” and Imbibe Magazine for “Wine Bar of the Year,” among others, N7 is certainly the crème de la crème!
The French Stall – french-stall.com
If quick and affordable French fare with flair is what you’re seeking, then look no further than The French Stall, a new tres bien spot definitely worthy of a visit. Located just outside of the French Quarter in the St. Roch Market, you’ll find myriad local culinary artisans offering various types of food, beverages and bonbons, including The French Stall, which specializes in authentic French crepes, quiches and pastries. Chef/owner Jerome Grenier, who hails from Paris and made his way to the Crescent City via his New Orleans-born wife, has been whipping up traditional French delicacies for more than four years. “After working in digital communications for 10 years in Paris, I wanted a new challenge in line with my passion for cooking, so upon moving to New Orleans, I created The French Stall,” Jerome explains. “Initially I sold at farmer’s markets, did pop-ups and catering until joining the St. Roch Market,” he adds. Jarome’s keen sense of traditional French technique is evident in all of his divine creations, from his deliciously delicate crepes (the savory versions are made from buckwheat flour) to his perfectly baked, buttery crust quiches. Choose from top-sellers like the breakfast crepe, a tasty combo of bacon and Swiss topped with a sunny-side-up egg, or the veggie featuring grilled eggplant, tomato and zucchini. If your sweet tooth is calling, opt for the classic crepe Suzette flambéed with butter, sugar, orange and Grand Marnier, or the mouthwatering salted butter caramel. Every item is homemade from scratch, including the whole quiches and tarts, which are available for pick up or delivery. Select from tempting combos like the popular quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheese, the goat cheese and spinach quiche, or the tomato tart, a tasty melding of tomatoes, Dijon mustard, garlic, cheese and parsley. Tempting sweets include classic lemon and apple tarts, Madeleines with chocolate chips, and a simply divine chocolate cake. Jerome is planning a special dessert for the holiday season, and don’t miss his remarkable Galette des Rois, flaky puffed pastry filled with luscious almond cream. Mais Oui!
Justine – justinenola.com
Justin and Mia Devillier, the talented husband-and-wife team behind La Petite Grocery, which in early 2024 will celebrate 20 successful years, once again hit it big with their highly touted French Quarter bistro, Justine. “We wanted to bring a new and contemporary French brasserie to the French Quarter to provide tourists and locals an exciting and unique dining option,” explains Mia. “Justine combines the sophistication of Parisian brasseries with the playfulness of the South’s most lively district,” she adds. A step into Justine will transport you to Paris with a design that emulates the bright and exuberant atmosphere of classic French bistros. The back dining room features a striking mural, created by local artist Ellen Macomber, that celebrates the tricentennial of New Orleans. Bold, vintage-inspired artwork echoes throughout the restaurant, with French street art lining the café walls. Justine’s menu “honors the technique and simplicity of French bistro classics,” says Mia. Executive chef/owner Justin, who holds the title of 2016 James Beard Award-winner for Best Chef (South), and his culinary team have been pleasing palates for nearly five years with signature items like onion soup gratinee, savory steamed mussels in saffron broth with tarragon and herb aioli and succulent pan-roasted fish in lemon butter topped with lump crab and fried capers. Hearty dishes like the chicken confit, served with creamy polenta, fall vegetables, and tarragon jus, and Louisiana Gulf shrimp and grits with grilled scallions, smoked bacon, roasted mushrooms and broken rice are sure to satisfy. The crispy Brussels sprouts with hot honey and smoked bacon and perfectly crisped, hand-cut pomme frites are not to be missed! Justine also offers a great brunch with tempting selections such as their sinfully delicious bread pudding French toast sticks with crème anglaise and blueberry jam; deviled farm eggs topped with crème fraiche, salmon caviar and fresh dill; and beef debris with flaky buttermilk biscuits, sunny-side-up egg, and au jus. Enhance your brunching experience with mimosa service featuring fresh fruit, select juices and seasonal garnishes. Make sure to save room for one of their luscious desserts, like the decadent chocolate Chambord truffle tart with lemon mascarpone cream and almond streusel, or classic vanilla crème brulee with almond biscotti. French wine aficionados will be tickled pink with Justine’s magnifique collection of 200-plus bottles on their wine list. If craft cocktails are more your thing, then whet your whistle with a Justine 75 or a Nouveau Carre—an intriguing blend of rye whiskey, Armagnac, French vermouth, amaro and sake. For those looking to grab a “to-go” drink or a quick, casual bite, the stylish brasserie recently unveiled its latest addition aptly named Café Justine. The perfect weekend addition to the French Quarter, the café pop-up bar opens to the Chartres Street sidewalk, emulating the quintessential Parisian-street experience. Pop by Friday–Sunday for a special café menu and happy hour all day long.
MaMou – mamounola.com
One of the latest additions to the French Quarter dining scene, MaMou threw open its doors last November to instant acclaim. The bustling modern French brasserie is the brainchild of executive chef Tom Branighan and sommelier Molly Wismeier, who share an appreciation for exceptional hospitality and elegant flavors rooted in classic techniques. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Tom’s grandmother, who was affectionately called MaMou. A New Orleans native and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, chef Tom brings over 15 years of experience to MaMou, having honed his culinary skills at Emeril’s New Orleans, Michelin-rated restaurants Café Boulud and Bouley in New York City, and Lacroix in Philadelphia. Most recently, he was chef de cuisine at Longway Tavern, when Esquire Magazine recognized the restaurant in their “Best New Restaurants” feature. Molly, who originally hails from Iowa, has uncorked over 20 years in the wine industry as sommelier in some of the country’s top restaurants, including Restaurant R'evolution in New Orleans (where she oversaw the 10,000-plus bottle wine program) and Charlie Trotter's in Chicago. Her unbridled passion for hospitality and education have garnered her top awards, such as Food & Wine Top Sommelier and Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wine List three years in a row. In one short year, the impressive duo have already stirred things up both locally and nationally by being named one of the country’s “24 Best New Restaurants of 2023” by Bon Appetit, and were featured on the New York Times 2023 Restaurant List as among “the 50 places in the United States that we’re most excited about right now.” You’ll be excited as well the moment that you step inside of the art nouveau-inspired bistro, which is bursting with charm and enchantment from the captivating, grandiose floral instillations and colorful mural, to the Paris metro-themed mirrors. While the atmosphere is quite whimsical and dramatic, the French- and Creole-influenced cuisine is beautifully refined and sophisticated. Begin your dining journey with the luxurious celeriac remoulade with blue crab claw, pain perdu and bottarga (salted, cured fish roe); the escargot tartlet with basil, romesco and suet (saturated beef fat); or the flavor-packed cassoulet with braised cannellini beans, pickled mussels, fennel sausage and pan con tomate. While you can’t go wrong with any of the Plats Grands, the succulent poisson a la Florentine with caviar beurre blanc, and the perfectly executed cote de boeuf, served with sauce au poivre and silky pommes puree, are hard to resist. The lemon Madeleines with crème anglaise are heavenly, but the Baba au Rhum (yeast cakes saturated in candied cherry and apricot syrup that are flambéed tableside with rum, then topped with pistachio cream) steals the dessert show! As expected, the wine list is exceptional, being distinctly curated and approachable with an emphasis on biodynamic wines and female winemakers. Additionally, due to their special wine preservation system, MaMou also offers a remarkable cellar list of rare and vintage selections that can be sipped by the glass. Not to be outshined are the specialty cocktails, including the popular La Vie en Rouge, an imaginative take on a beet margarita that features reposado tequila, beet juice, lime, ginger, agave, and egg whites; and the Pastis de Crème, an indulgent concoction of pastis, heavy cream, simple syrup, vanilla, and chocolate. While MaMou was modeled after a classic French bouchon, which typically serves a variety of traditional meat dishes, the culinary artists at the intimate eatery envision their cuisine as European continental fare through the lens of French technique with hints of vaudeville. What’s not to love about that!
N7 – n7nola.com
What began in November of 2015 as a wine bar with a simple menu has transcended into one of the city’s most highly lauded hidden gems. And hidden it is! Located in the Bywater area, just outside of the French Quarter, N7 discreetly sits behind a large wooden fence that encompasses nearly the entire block of the residential neighborhood. There’s no phone, no address and no flashy sign, but rather a simple N7 painted on the “secret entrance” swinging gate that can easily be overlooked. Once the gate is swung open, you’re immediately transported to another place. A vintage red Citroen automobile highlights the sprawling, lush outdoor garden area, which seats roughly 75. “We take a lot of care of our garden, but we also put quite a bit into the indoor space, which is decorated entirely with original lithographs from France and antique furniture, all from my own collection which took decades to collect,” explains Aaron Walker, who with his wife Yuki Yamaguchi, own and operate the brasserie. Inside of the former tire shop you’ll find an alluring, romantic vibe that immediately draws you in, from the elegant copper bar to the retro French maps and gallery posters. The talented husband-and-wife team have a strong connection to both Japan and France, which is quite evident in their diverse and exciting menu. While the fare at N7 is decisively French-rooted, one can’t deny the Japanese influence, which is also quite evident. “We believe that Japanese and French food complement each other very well,” explains Aaron. The two worlds collided in the Crescent City, where Aaron, who studied in the United States, Germany and France before ultimately settling in New Orleans to work as a filmmaker and restaurateur, met Yuki, a native of Japan, who traveled to Louisiana at the age of 18 to study English and landed in the bar/restaurant industry in New Orleans. The inspiration and name behind N7 were born from the couple’s travels throughout France, visiting boucheries, small farmhouse restaurants and favorite bistros. “N7’s name derives from Nationale 7, which is the highway that once ran from Paris to the border of Italy,” states Aaron. “Known as the ‘Route des Vacances’, vacationing Parisians would take the road on their way South. Along the way, the Michelin Guide would direct them to mom-and-pop restaurants, which began to appear in farmhouses and hotels along the way, hence the origin of the Michelin Star,” he adds. Today, Aaron and Yuki, along with their two daughters, divide their time between New Orleans and Kyoto, Japan, where they recently opened a second N7. The Bywater location is in the deft hands of executive chef Anthony Scanio, a New Orleans native who polished his culinary skills by working with some of the city’s top chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Donald Link. In 2020, chef Anthony joined N7, where his deep knowledge and love of French and Mediterranean cuisine allows him, in conjunction with chef Yuki, to create N7’s refined and unique cuisine. While the menu changes slightly from day to day, signature small plates include mussels steamed in sake, scallions and garlic; French onion soup; tarte flambé with caramelized onions and lardons; sake cured salmon tartine with goat cheese and cilantro; and house-made charcuterie. Indulge in large plate mainstays, such as bouillabaisse, duck confit, beef bourguignon, or classic steak au poivre. As for brunch, you’ll find several dinner dishes on the menu, in addition to a few sandwiches only available during brunch including, le N7 burger with caramelized onions, mushrooms, gruyere and truffle aioli on a squid ink bun, and salmon croque monsieur with yuzu cream cheese. Wrap up your dining experience with a Galette des Rois, a classic French-style king cake consisting of buttery puffed pastry filled with almond crème. Aaron’s passion for wine shines through in the ultra impressive and highly curated wine “book” that’s about 18 pages long and features 800-900 Old World wines. Not to be outdone, their craft cocktail menu boasts classic European and New Orleans cocktails, rare and uncommon spirits, several Shochu cocktails that are unique to N7, and an outstanding espresso martini. “Our bartender Lauren makes the most delicious espresso martini I’ve ever had—I think she’s lacing it with something,” quips Aaron. Featured in Bon Appetite as a “Best New Restaurant in America” and Imbibe Magazine for “Wine Bar of the Year,” among others, N7 is certainly the crème de la crème!
The French Stall – french-stall.com
If quick and affordable French fare with flair is what you’re seeking, then look no further than The French Stall, a new tres bien spot definitely worthy of a visit. Located just outside of the French Quarter in the St. Roch Market, you’ll find myriad local culinary artisans offering various types of food, beverages and bonbons, including The French Stall, which specializes in authentic French crepes, quiches and pastries. Chef/owner Jerome Grenier, who hails from Paris and made his way to the Crescent City via his New Orleans-born wife, has been whipping up traditional French delicacies for more than four years. “After working in digital communications for 10 years in Paris, I wanted a new challenge in line with my passion for cooking, so upon moving to New Orleans, I created The French Stall,” Jerome explains. “Initially I sold at farmer’s markets, did pop-ups and catering until joining the St. Roch Market,” he adds. Jarome’s keen sense of traditional French technique is evident in all of his divine creations, from his deliciously delicate crepes (the savory versions are made from buckwheat flour) to his perfectly baked, buttery crust quiches. Choose from top-sellers like the breakfast crepe, a tasty combo of bacon and Swiss topped with a sunny-side-up egg, or the veggie featuring grilled eggplant, tomato and zucchini. If your sweet tooth is calling, opt for the classic crepe Suzette flambéed with butter, sugar, orange and Grand Marnier, or the mouthwatering salted butter caramel. Every item is homemade from scratch, including the whole quiches and tarts, which are available for pick up or delivery. Select from tempting combos like the popular quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheese, the goat cheese and spinach quiche, or the tomato tart, a tasty melding of tomatoes, Dijon mustard, garlic, cheese and parsley. Tempting sweets include classic lemon and apple tarts, Madeleines with chocolate chips, and a simply divine chocolate cake. Jerome is planning a special dessert for the holiday season, and don’t miss his remarkable Galette des Rois, flaky puffed pastry filled with luscious almond cream. Mais Oui!
