NEW ORLEANS – This Fall, Chris and Bonnie Borges will open Charmant, a neighborhood bistro that the husband-wife duo says melds European-inspired flavors with New Orleans hospitality. Located at 514 City Park Ave. in Mid-City, the team shares Charmant will feature refined yet approachable cuisine, an extensive wine program, and a service style that flows from daytime brunch and lunch to an evening wine bar with small plates.
The name Charmant – French for “lovely” or “captivating”– captures the spirit of the restaurant: elegant but inviting, sophisticated yet unpretentious. It also nods to the Charmat process of sparkling wine production, a playful link to the convivial, celebratory energy that the Borges duo envision for their guests.
Under the direction of Executive Chef Chris Borges, Charmant will showcase contemporary interpretations of European bistro classics with subtle nods to New Orleans.
“To me, contemporary bistro cooking is the perfect canvas for a chef,” said Borges. “It’s sophisticated but still comfort food at its heart. That’s the kind of cooking I want people to experience in every dish.”
The menu, still in development, will feature daytime standouts, including a Fried Brussels Sprout Salad with Lima beans, golden raisins, sourdough croutons, cardamom yogurt, and apple cider vinaigrette, as well as a Croque Madame layered with truffle salami, fontina, rapini, soubise, and celeriac rémoulade. Evenings will feature brasserie-style small plates, such as Scallop Crudo with apples, Tokyo turnips, cucumbers, dill, almond aillade, and crème fraîche; Vermont Goat Crottin with duck confit, frisée, dried cherries, fennel, and spiced pecans; and an array of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Cocktails, along with a robust wine list curated by General Manager and Sommelier Bonnie Borges, will also be on offer.
“Wine is about discovery and connection,” said Bonnie. “At Charmant, I want to introduce our guests to exciting new varietals, but always in a way that feels approachable because sharing a glass of wine should be as fun and effortless as sitting around the table with friends.”
Designed by Bonnie herself, Charmant will embody Old World charm reimagined with a modern, elegant sensibility. The 2,880-square-foot indoor/outdoor space – formerly home to MoPho – will feature blonde wood floors with tile inlays, copper accents, and a white quartz bar, complemented by an inviting outdoor patio. Designed to be both polished and welcoming, it will be a place for leisurely brunches, casual glasses of wine, and lively evenings with friends.
Charmant is slated to open in Fall 2025 at 514 City Park Ave. in Mid-City New Orleans. Additional details and website forthcoming.
Stay up-to-date on social media:
Instagram: @charmantnola
Facebook: @Charmant