Can we just cut to the chase and say that this is a near-perfect bistro? The tucked-away restaurant is chic but inviting; the locally sourced ingredients are bright with freshness; service is practiced; and the menu is French meets modern Southern bistro. We sampled an octopus carpaccio made lively with a pepper-and-chorizo citrus vinaigrette, and loved a simple lamb-ribs appetizer—just right with a dollop of marinated eggplant and Creole tomato jam. The grilled hanger steak, in a rich red-wine bone-marrow reduction, is deeply flavored, and local dessert favorites are tweaked in amusing, inviting ways—king-cake bread pudding with Creole cream-cheese ice cream (though the pretzel-crust peanut-butter cup gives it a run). All are sweet and worthy. Reserve well in advance during peak periods.