The food at @respiteneworleans is straightforward but distinctive, special without being fancy, and the same goes for the feel around the small new spot.
There’s a vibe, but not in the manufactured way of overdone design too common at new restaurants trying to build buzz.
Respite is a neighborhood bistro with the scale of a wine bar and the ethos of a farm-to-table gastropub.
Its beauty lies in mainstay dishes that fully live up their promise, with the added delight of changing, small batch local harvests to discover next to them.
Start with the fig martini, split that regal steak, share a bunch of smaller dishes, dive into the interesting, approachable wine list and maybe go early for what I’m calling the “snacking hour” (they open at 3 pm).
Here’s the a look around, link in my bio has the full read and tips for the best meal here.
#wherenolaeats #igersneworleans #nolaeats #nolafoodie #oysterlover
Grilled oysters, and grilled not a moment too long, with @leosbread to dredge
Respite was once Helena Moreno’s campaign HQ
Fig martini at the liminal hour between summer afternoon and evening
Betel leaf rolls, one of the momentary specials
Eggplant Milanese, a menu anchor
Whole grilled lane snapper, the fish type changes
Cashews with mint and raisins for a bar snack
The street scene is like a natural mural through the windows
Steak frites, done precisely right
A good, interesting, accessible wine list with lesser known values
