Lilette occupies a late-1800s corner drugstore on Magazine Street, opened by chef and owner John Harris in 2001. The name comes from Lilette Mauri, matriarch of the family Harris lived with in France while apprenticing at Amphyclese and Le Pré Catalan, an experience that followed his time as a sous chef under Susan Spicer at Bayona and earlier stints at Café Allegro and Spiaggia.
The kitchen runs French technique through an Italian sensibility, developed alongside chef de cuisine Ed Charles, who joined in 2003 — also a Bayona alum — and was later made a co-owner. Bouillabaisse and duck confit have held their place on the menu for years, with seasonal dishes rotating around them. The dining room itself, dim and wine-colored, framed by the building's original plate-glass windows, has a reputation as one of Uptown's more romantic rooms, with patio seating available as well.
Harris opened Bouligny Tavern next door in 2010, a small-plates and wine bar under the same ownership. He was a James Beard finalist for Best Chef South four years running (2009–2012), with the kitchen also earning Outstanding Pastry Chef semifinalist recognition in the years prior. NOLA.com's Where NOLA Eats guide named Lilette among the city's best restaurants in 2025.
The kitchen runs French technique through an Italian sensibility, developed alongside chef de cuisine Ed Charles, who joined in 2003 — also a Bayona alum — and was later made a co-owner. Bouillabaisse and duck confit have held their place on the menu for years, with seasonal dishes rotating around them. The dining room itself, dim and wine-colored, framed by the building's original plate-glass windows, has a reputation as one of Uptown's more romantic rooms, with patio seating available as well.
Harris opened Bouligny Tavern next door in 2010, a small-plates and wine bar under the same ownership. He was a James Beard finalist for Best Chef South four years running (2009–2012), with the kitchen also earning Outstanding Pastry Chef semifinalist recognition in the years prior. NOLA.com's Where NOLA Eats guide named Lilette among the city's best restaurants in 2025.