Here’s the First Look Inside Nina Compton’s Bywater American Bistro

Bywater American Bistro, the hotly-anticipated restaurant from Nina Compton, Larry Miller, and Levi Raines, swings open to the public this Thursday (March 15) with a menu of rabbit curry, farro risotto, and charcuterie — and Eater has the first look inside the restaurant’s 2,600 square foot, converted rice mill home.

Compton, who designed the space with Miller, told Eater that the space already had “great bones” like brick walls and wood columns, so the aim was to make it feel “not so stark and cold.”

There are plenty of aesthetic similarities to Compton’s first restaurant, Compére Lapin: It’s a warm-yet-no-nonsense, industrial chic interior that mixes raw materials like wood beams and glass globe lighting, and exposed brick with Caribbean blues and forest greens, while keeping shapes and silhouettes simple.

Pops of red and art from Michalopoulos, Raine Bedsole, and NOCCA students dot the walls, making the space feel lively and energetic.

Though the interior is open, diners have some seating options. A new exhibition kitchen covered in deep blue tile and surrounded by a commodious bar provides 18 diners a view of the chefs whipping up tuna-bresaola-topped toast with tomato jam; fresh pasta; and crab fat rice while they order bottled negronis from the adjoining bar. The exposed brick dining room accommodates 60 in banquettes with forest green accents and bistro chairs under soft, warm lighting from the suspended, glass globes. Between the exhibition kitchen and dining room are “high boys” for a more casual option. A private dining nook with floral wall decor and tufted leather banquettes can seat 10.

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

JOSH BRASTED

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Josh Brasted

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Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

Josh Brasted

• Here’s Everything to Know Now About Nina Compton’s Bywater American Bistro [ENOLA]
• The 19 Most Anticipated Restaurants of 2018 [E]
• Nina Compton’s Much-Anticipated Bywater American Bistro Is Opening Very Soon [ENOLA]
• Nina Compton Shares a Sneak Peek of Bywater American Bistro’s Menu [ENOLA]

Bywater American Bistro (BABs)

2900 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 Visit Website