Little Louis' Oyster Bar & Fine Cuisine — Restaurant in Moncton

Little Louis' in Moncton, NB managed to turn anticipation into a forgettable experience. Our August's 2023 visit was not what we expected from a place that bills itself as a fine dining establishment. A few of our collegues had recommended this place to us (in all fairness they hadn't actually gone...just heard about it).

The restaurant is off the beaten path, and located upstairs in a unassuming building. A short elevator ride up delivers you to the restaurant’s entrance. The decor retains a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that narrowly compensates for its somewhat antiquated appearance.

Starting with a soup that looked more like an afterthought than a starter, we quickly surmised that perhaps this wasn’t our wisest dining decision. It had the taste of a steaming hot Campbell's tomato soup that aspired to be gourmet by taking a brief swim in a pool of 10% cream. I kid you not. I could have replicated that same concotion at home and served it in my own coffee cup, but then again I stopped drinking Campbell's soup when I left grade school.

Moving on to the salad, a simple enough dish that was strewn about our plates as some sort of horticultural remnant. The greens themselves looked as if they'd been yearning for a drop of dressing to bring them to life. Speaking of the dressing, it lacked the tangy-zesty-garlicky balance that was needed to enhance the salad. However, the croutons and bacon did manage to meet expectations.

The scallop dish, was unsubstantial and an ensemble of elements put together in a vain attempt at harmony. The scallops, donning some char marks, sat in a sauce that we couldn't decide was a gravy or a dressing. The corn didn't belong on the plate, neither the capers or the beets, which looked like they were trying to escape.

The main course? We both had the halibut. But the supposed star of the show, has mysteriously left no trace in our minds, on our palate, or in our photo gallery. Therefore, we can't honestly comment on it.

Somewhere in there while we dined, Chef Pierre A. Richard popped out from the kitchen. Weaving between tables, he inquired about the dining experience from chosen patrons. Not us. Fortune favored us that evening, and spared our table from his inquiries.

Overall, Little Louis didn't leave a good, lasting impressions. The aspirations and execution of the chef and the dining experience on the night we went, was a failure, so we're not inclined to go back and give it...

What a wonderful evening at Little Louis Oyster Bar and Fine Dining. My server Rachel was wonderful and the flavours beyond delicious. I chose the Chefs tasting menu, each course was a spontaneous choice from the chef.

Appetizer - Beausoleil and blue pearl oysters au naturel

1st course Oysters with vichyssoise, wild sturgeon caviar and fried leek

2nd course Smoked wild salmon, pine aioli, citrus aioli whipped horse radish, house made crisps, wild beets

3rd course Wild arctic char with crispy skin, risotto, broadmore squash and white asparagus and beurreblanc sauce

4th course Mushroom ravioli, with a veal croquette with brocollini and micro sprouts

5th course PEI blue dot strip loin aged 2 weeks in house, dauphinoise potato, fresh Brussels, mushroom ketchup

Dessert - Chocolate paté, chocolate mousse with whipped creme, meringue wings with salted caramel pearls

Dinner paired with the Osceola white wine from local Magnetic Hill Brewery and a clarified haskap berry...

A Culinary Symphony at Little Louis' Oyster Bar & Fine Cuisine "To stumble upon Little Louis' Oyster Bar & Fine Cuisine is to discover a hidden gem, a sanctuary of refined dining that transcends expectations. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance whispers of understated elegance, a perfect harmony of modern sophistication and warm, inviting charm. The culinary journey that ensues is nothing short of a masterpiece. The menu, a testament to the chef's artistry, showcases an exquisite selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood and expertly prepared dishes. The oysters, in particular, are a revelation – each one a briny kiss from the sea, presented with meticulous care.

The service at Little Louis' is equally commendable. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and possess a genuine passion for the culinary experience they provide. Their ability to guide you through the extensive wine list, suggesting perfect pairings, elevates the meal to...