Coquette — Restaurant in Charlotte

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Coquette French restaurant, and it was an experience that left my taste buds in awe. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance set the stage for a delightful evening. Here's why Coquette stands out as a gem among French restaurants.

Culinary Marvels: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Coquette defies the stereotype of heavy French cuisine. The dishes here are a delightful departure, offering a fresh and light take on traditional favorites. The oysters, in particular, deserve special mention. As a self-proclaimed oyster enthusiast, I can confidently say that Coquette's petite, flavorful oysters surpassed my expectations. These are not your average, oversized varieties; they're a true testament to the quality and attention to detail that sets Coquette apart.

The bone marrow, a personal favorite, showcases Chef Cristian's mastery. Unlike other places that mask the beef flavor with excessive toppings, Coquette lets the richness of the bone marrow shine through. It's reminiscent of a perfectly crafted bowl of beef Pho, a symphony of flavors that leaves a lasting impression.

The aged duck is a revelation. While aged beef is a familiar concept, aging duck takes it to another level. The tender duck offers a burst of traditional flavor followed by an unexpected twist of rich pate. It's a culinary experience that lingers on the palate, challenging the boundaries of what you thought was possible with duck.

The escargot in puff pastry is a delightful quick bite, and the fries, accompanied by four dipping sauces, add an extra layer of indulgence to the meal. Each dish at Coquette is a testament to the chef's dedication to flavor and quality.

Impeccable Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The attentive and friendly service at Coquette is worth commending. The staff's knowledge and passion for the menu are evident, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a first-time French cuisine explorer, the staff's guidance adds a personal touch to the meal.

Perfect for Date Night: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Coquette's inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for a romantic date night. The combination of delectable dishes, attentive service, and a charming ambiance creates a memorable setting for special moments.

Do your taste buds a favor and treat yourself to the culinary wonders that Coquette has to offer. Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone looking for a perfect date night spot, Coquette is sure to leave you with a...

Wow, amazing experience lastnight at Coquette🥰

The food was amazing, it’s almost weird (lol) that every item we ordered was on point and super delis :) Weird bc usually restaurants have a few specialty items that they’re known for, then the rest will just be fillers….but not at Coquette…each dish was presented so beautifully and tasted heavenly!

We had (most of them have French names, but I shall not torture y’all with my perfect 4-year HS French on here😅):

1. the bone marrow: Wow, so yummy and burst of flavors. Most of the bone marrows from other places are pretty bland, almost like melted fat and no flavor to it. But these bone marrows at Coquette was so flavorful, my friend Hau (owner of Banh Mi Brothers) said it tastes like Pho Bone Marrow, full of flavor! I had to hold him down as he was about to lick the bone clean 🤣.

2. the cute bite size h’orderves were cute and tasty! I liked the potato one and the mini croissant.

3. the clams were ‘chef kiss’ delicious! Packed with flavors!

4. the fish was really good and presented and carved nicely …felt so fancy having the Manager Patrick carving that fish for us🥰

5. omg almost forgot the oysters, wow , the freshest oysters I’ve had….slurp right down ur throat and you could still taste a bit of the ocean, in a good/delis way;) Next time I’ll order 2 dozen just for me and myself😅.

6. I know it’s cliche, but I enjoyed the crème brûlée most…so rich and flannery (lol is that a word) 🍮 .

*Service: exceptional service from Sarah and Patrick! These people belong in the business…we were sitting past their closing time but they never showed any sign of agitation, when we declined dessert bc we didn’t want to burden the kitchen with our late order, they insisted it was ok…as long as it’s not the main kitchen🥰

Chef Cristian was manifique (is this French or Spanish 🤣)…perhaps this will be our Michelin Star restaurant of our Queen City!

P.S I overheard Chef Cristian talking to a customer that they’ll change up their menu in a few weeks…they have seasonal menu…something about their aging duck is almost ready;)

Highly recommended a fun, delis, fancy outting with friends and lovers! 🥰🌈

P.S.S My friends and I came as Emily, Mindy and Gabriel in Emily in...

Coquette in Uptown Charlotte delivered an enjoyable lunch experience today, with attentive and friendly service that made us feel warmly welcomed. Parking is validated if you use the correct garage, which is always a plus.

We started with two stunning tarts: the Tarte Aux Champignons (Mushroom Tart), featuring Raclette Fondue, Coquette Vinaigrette, and Truffle Oil, and the Tarte à la Tomate et Oignons (Caramelized Tomato & Onion Tart) topped with Chevre Goat Cheese Ice Cream. Both were beautifully balanced, rich in flavor, and substantial enough to double as a light entrée.

For my main course, I opted for the Duck Fat Fried Chicken Sandwich served on a Brioche Bun with Honey-Tarragon Aioli and spicy pickles. The tarragon aioli's aroma was divine, and the chicken was perfectly crispy and moist. Unfortunately, the bun became soggy, so I set it aside and enjoyed the chicken and pickles on their own. The accompanying fries were perfection—crispy, well-seasoned, and thoroughly satisfying.

One of my dining companions chose the Filet Mignon Steak Frites, cooked medium. While the presentation was appealing, they found it under-seasoned and underwhelming. My other companion ordered the pan-seared mahi-mahi (the fish of the day), served atop mashed potatoes with a Balsamic & Red Wine Reduction, which they enjoyed.

I was a bit disappointed not to see French Onion Soup on the menu, especially since Coquette’s French-inspired setting seemed like the perfect place for it. However, our meal ended on a high note when the manager surprised us with desserts to celebrate a couple of birthdays. We savored the Crème Brûlée, Apple Tarte Tatin, and Chocolate Bouchon, all delightful treats.

To top it off, I indulged in a French Hot Chocolate—thick, rich, creamy, and possibly the best in Charlotte. It was a luxurious finish to the meal.

While the experience was predominantly positive, with a few hiccups in execution, I’m eager to return and explore their dinner menu. Coquette shows promise as a sophisticated spot for French...