Petite Violette — Restaurant in Brookhaven

TL;DR: Finding a good French restaurant in Atlanta is hard. However, Petite Violette's quality of food and service is very good - I'm surprised this isn't more popular. I gave this 4 stars due to some oddities regarding non-kitchen-related aspects. Go here for the food, not so much the experience.

If you're visiting from other large cities, you may wonder why there's so few French restaurants in Atlanta. Seriously, I have no clue why there aren't more of them in this city... maybe our people don't care for the nuanced flavors of French cuisine. However, if you're in search of great French food, this is an impressive hole in the wall restaurant! They still have work to do to refine the overall ambiance and experience, but the food is enough to bring you back - I know I'll go again! My wife and I went there for Valentines Day, and as such may not be reflective of normal day to day operations. We'll have to check it out again on a non-holiday.

For the good: food was surprisingly well prepared - highly recommend the French Onion Soup, it's on par with some I've had in NYC. It was nicely put together, where each ingredient could be tasted without anything overpowering the others. The presentation was pleasing and inviting. Perfect temperature. I had the duck and it was cooked perfectly - good color and separation of texture between the skin and the meat. service was attentive and knowledgeable about the preparation and options, even on such a busy weekend as Valentines Day weekend. portion size was appropriate and balanced for the price point - should satisfy most diners looking for mid-scale (not fine dining, not fast-casual) dinners pricing was acceptable, where I left feeling there was good value for the price I paid (service, experience, portion, quality, etc.) recipes were authentic - honoring old-world flavors without much alteration

for the bad: the ambiance needs attention - aside for Valentines Day balloons and decor at every table, the lighting between rooms was inconsistent (we were sat in a very bright room, detracting from the occasion). That said, the Valentines Day decorations were a bit on the cheesy side with helium-filled heart balloons at every table, more decorations hanging from every light, red velvet cloth on shelves/behind the booths, etc. wine list was not descriptive. If you're looking for a specific French wine, the description of just says "Cabernet / France" - nothing about the vineyard, region of France, etc.

For the odd: I'm mid-life and when we arrived (7pm), we were the youngest ones there by at least a decade. Younger couples started to arrive during our dinner but it was a bit odd to see a more senior crowd the menus were printed on lightweight computer paper... made it seem less classy. I expect this is due to Covid protocols but it was...odd. Maybe at least go with card stock for the weight??

All in all it was very enjoyable, and I guess the oddities brought some humor to our night. Go make a...

Petite Violette Restaurant: A French Culinary Gem

Petite Violette, formerly known as Petite Auberge, has been a beloved fixture in Atlanta for over 42 years. This charming French restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine, warm service, and an inviting atmosphere.

Atmosphere and Ambiance: Petite Violette exudes warmth and charm, making it an ideal spot for special occasions. Live music graces the restaurant two nights a week, adding to the overall ambiance. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or simply enjoying a night out, the cozy setting sets the stage for a memorable meal.

Food Highlights: The menu at Petite Violette features classic French Provençal dishes alongside exciting new additions. Lobster Risotto: You hit the jackpot with this one! The lobster risotto is a standout, combining creamy Arborio rice with succulent lobster meat. It’s rich, flavorful, and simply divine. Old Favorites: The restaurant pays homage to its loyal patrons by retaining beloved dishes that have stood the test of time. Bread Pudding and Apple Tart: Dessert lovers won’t be disappointed. The bread pudding and apple tart are both heavenly choices to end your meal.

Wine Selection: Petite Violette boasts an impressive wine list. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual wine enthusiast, you’ll find something to complement your meal. Ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations—they’re happy to guide you toward the perfect pairing. Service Excellence: The attentive service at Petite Violette consistently earns high praise. From the moment you step through the door, the staff ensures that your dining experience is exceptional. Five stars plus? Absolutely! In summary, Petite Violette Restaurant is a culinary gem where French flavors come alive. Whether you’re savoring lobster risotto, enjoying live music, or indulging in delectable desserts, this restaurant promises an unforgettable evening. Bon...

First time here. Expecting something close to Agatha Christie's. It was. But different of course. The atmosphere was exciting. The Actors were much integrated with us. I love that they greeted us as we came in. The story was a little boring but the show as a whole was great. It was a great evening. Very fun. The first course, appetizer was very good. Except I didn't like the chicken salad on toast. The spicy chicken on a stick was wonderful. The second course the salad. The vinegarette was strong and too much. It saturated the salad. The bread was good but it's suppose to be french bread so the outside was so much flour and hard to bite into. The main course. I had steak, daughter had salmon. Entrees were delicious. All our entrees were a hit. Dessert. It was a few slices of strawberry. With homemade cream, vanilla ice cream and what tasted to me was a Chambord sauce. Or bourbon. Mine was gone before the ice cream could melt. Lol. It was a good night out. If you've been to Agatha's. Comparing wouldn't be fair. This location is trying it out and I do hope they succeed. I'm not jumping to plan another night like I did with Agatha. But it's not written off. Would I recommend? Yes absolutely. It was a fun night. Laughs and family style seating so you get the opportunity to meet new people. Have fun. Enjoy your night if mystery...