Le Bilboquet

Though the second coming of this bistro hotspot boasts 110 seats instead of the former 35, the mood is still that of a chic and intimate dinner party. The lighting is just dark enough, and candles on white-paper-covered tables illuminate the plush banquettes and postmodern art that adorns the walls. As for the restaurant’s classic French-bistro fare, old standards await (foie gras and moules frites, both well prepared), but the greatest delights of the menu come in some of the more unexpected creations. A crab-and-avocado dish is decked with bell peppers, adding a nice spice and crunch to contrast the creaminess of the avocado. And the signature poulet Cajun? Buttery, flavorful, tender — it lives up to the reputation. The air of traditional French sophistication is present in full force, and it makes for an elegant and memorable dining experience. That said, a word to the wise — if the thought of a menu printed entirely in French, or even just the thought of a long wait on the weekend, seems daunting rather than exciting, this might not be your spot.