Lilette

In many ways, Lilette is a physical manifestation of a lifetime of culinary experience. Born out of chef and owner John Harris' desire to create an intimate dining environment, Lilette enjoys both a loyal local following and a steady stream of visitors from around the country. Cheerful and sunny at lunchtime, at night the dining room takes a turn toward the romantic, awash in wine-colored walls and soft lighting. But decades before Travel and Leisure magazine dubbed it "the sexiest dining room in New Orleans," the space itself began as an apothecary. Nestled in one of New Orleans' most verdant and vibrant neighborhoods, when Harris discovered the location in late 2000, he embarked on a two-year restoration project. The building, which over time had been broken up and repurposed to serve the specific needs of its occupants, was revitalized and returned to its original open floor plan. The feel is classic New Orleans -- with tin ceilings, cast iron columns and tile floors. Whether it's a quick lunch in the midst of a Magazine Street shopping excursion, a romantic evening, or a family celebration, Harris' goal has always been to make sure every guest has a memorable experience. From its quietly elegant dining environment to thoughtfully prepared dishes and top-notch service, Lilette does not disappoint.