New French Bistro, Lou Lou Arrives Downtown

Naotake Murayama

It's not really a bistro without the ratatouille.

​Jacques Ardisson, master of the bistro concept (Moonchine, Indochine) steps out of his usual realm of Asian fusion with the opening of Lou Lou, the newest notch in his restaurant belt. Named for his daughter Carla Lou, "le petit bistro" is both chic enough for a date and casual enough for a hangover recovery lunch on the weekends.

The former Indochine has had a home along the old downtown strip next to neighborhood favorites Tobacco Road and River Oyster Bar for the past eight years, but Ardisson was apparently in the mood to overhaul. He decided to "change the concept for a new challenge." The space has been re-conceived as a sexy French diner, with red leather bar chairs, matching red walls, a fancy mosaic bar and beaucoup chandeliers. It's a bit too flashy to be considered an authentic French brasserie, but this is Miami.

The fare is what is to be expected -- if you can always get behind a good ratatouille ($5) or duck confit ($14), and the words "homemade mayonnaise" make you weak in the knees, this is your happy place. Everything from the lamb shank ($28) to the foie gras terrine ($19) oozes Frenchified gluttony.

The wine list had some help from Sommelier Sebastien Verrier (Palme d'Or, W Wine Boutique) so fantastic French varietals will keep you lingering.

Lou Lou
638 S Miami Ave., Miami
305-379-1404

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