Le Mistral Restaurant

As the eponymous wind that blows south across the French Mediterranean, Le Mistral brings a breath of fresh air to the Houston fine dining scene with its superb Provençal cuisine and inviting, unpretentious atmosphere. Owners and brothers David (chef) and Sylvain (manager) Denis have attempted to re-create their family's quaint restaurant in hometown Le Revest les Eaux, decorating the dining room with their mother's paintings and following their grandmother's time-tested recipes in the kitchen. Much to loyal diners' pleasure, David strives to keep the menu lighter and more affordable than the standard French eatery, merging southern technique with fine Texas ingredients in such standout specialties as filet of red snapper en papillote and traditional rack of lamb au jus. Sylvain manages an extensive noteworthy wine list specializing in regional French varieties.