A First Look at Le Moyne | Listen

From the team behind Plates and recently-opened Maria’s Oyster and Wine Bar in New Orleans, Le Moyne is a French-style bistro that embraces Louisiana culinary traditions and historically-rooted flavors. Named for the founder of New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the restaurant hopes to embody both the past and future of New Orleans cuisine. With the city positioning itself as a cultural and culinary hub for both visitors and locals, co-owner Brian Weisnicht aims to create a space that is effortless, elevated, and appeals to regulars.

For Weisnicht, French bistros are about embracing uncomplicated, effortless dining. Slow mornings reading the paper, the low rumble of two men arguing over cards, the crack of a baguette breaking open, the scent of freshly-poured espresso: these are the images that fuel the vision behind Le Moyne. Patrons should expect to find French classics like oysters, steak frites, steak au poivre, a hearty French onion soup, and other staples like crispy baguettes and fresh pickles. Weisnicht hopes to emulate a space for slow dining and savoring the moment. “We’re not doing anything that hasn’t been done around here since the 1850s. This is New Orleans history. We’re simply embracing the bones of this city and creating a modern, well-executed take on what makes this feel like home,” says Weisnicht. And it’s true: French bistros somehow exist in that timeless space between historic institutions and modern mainstays.

Le Moyne is in New Orleans’ warehouse district, a neighborhood that has undergone immense transformation since the 1990s. When Emeril Lagasse first opened his restaurant in the area, people were perplexed as to why he would choose a grungy location. Now, nearly 30 years later, the area has blossomed into a budding arts district with multiple big-name restaurants, access to shopping, activities, and the arenas. There is a steady stream of visitor and residential traffic in the area, and Le Moyne sets its sights on both. “For us, it’s about building relationships with those in the neighborhood. We want them to know, even if there’s a 35,000-person conference in town, we still have a table for them,” says Weisnicht. While many restaurants in the area book up quickly, Le Moyne plans to offer approachable pricing, specials geared toward locals, and a comfortable atmosphere for easy weekday dining. 

Housed in a renovated warehouse from the early 1800s, the space will lean into the classic decorum of French bistros and embrace the industrial warehouse elements and fixtures for a modern bistro look. Exposed brick and wooden beams will mingle with white tablecloths and milk glass sconces, giving nods to an archetypal bistro setting. 

Christian Hurst and Farrell Harrison are co-executive chefs of Le Moyne and will execute a vision of classic French dishes that lean into the Louisiana landscape for inspiration. Appetizers like steak tartare, crab au gratin, and a seasonally-rotating pâté will be menu staples. “We have to really nail the French onion soup. We want French onion soup to be a namesake for the space,” says Hurst. Guests can anticipate other dishes like duck confit, beef bourguignon, and steak frites to be paired with gulf-inspired vegetable-forward side dishes. Their in-house pastry chef will oversee a robust bread and dessert program and specialize in ice cream. The drink program will center on French and small sustainable bottles whereas the cocktail menu will pay homage to the French-New Orleans classics like Sazeracs with vintage armagnac or absinthe. Over time, they hope to build a reserve list for both their wine and cocktail program.   

As Le Moyne opens their doors in the warehouse district, they hope to rekindle New Orleans spirit, the confluence of historic French influence with Gulf Coast grit. 

The Opening Menu at Le Moyne

Keep Reading

First Look

A First Look at La Cave | Listen

Patrons are ushered through a tunnel from Félix’s dining room into La Cave, for a slower, natural reprieve from the bustle of King Street.

First Look

A First Look at Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery | Listen

With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, could easily be titled “the little market that could.”

First Look

A First Look at Bayonet | Listen

Named for the resilient Spanish plant, Bayonet, Rob and Emily McDaniel’s latest concepts opens its doors in Birmingham, Alabama.