Located in Buckhead Village, Le Bon Nosh is a French-inspired restaurant and market dedicated to intentionally and meaningfully made dishes. Translating to “the good bite,” guests can expect a thoughtfully crafted experience, or, as the founder, Forough Vakili seeks to ensure, for guests to feel as if they’re having a meal in her own kitchen.
“Our concept is a farm-to-table space,” says Forough over a phone call. “It has a coffee and pastry counter. We do have a market section with products that we make in-house. We have a lunch service as well as dinner service and a very robust wine program.”`
Le Bon Nosh started as a distant concept by Iranian Georgia-Tech alumni and professionally trained chef, Forough Vakili. Now the owner as well as the head chef, Forough wasn’t sure if she’d pursue the culinary arts—let alone open her own restaurant. It wasn’t until she came across applications for culinary school while applying to law school that her husband saw just how much she wanted to go to culinary school and encouraged her to follow her true passion. Forough applied to Le Cordon Bleu, a world-renowned culinary school. Within 9 months, she was on her way to Paris.
After attending Le Cordon Bleu, Forough began working as an executive consultant in food operations with Porsche. At the time, she had no plans to open her own restaurant until she was older. “I had decided that was something that I was going to pursue as a retirement plan.” Forough told VUE. “I was going to food when I’m older, and I will open this tiny cafe and do this fashion project later in life.” However, she eventually decided to follow her lifelong dream of opening her own restaurant. This is where Le Bon Nosh was born.
Although the Atlanta gem is well-known for its breakfast and weekend brunch menus, Le Bon Nosh offers a full table-service dinner.
When dining in for dinner at Le Bon Nosh, the first thing guests can expect to see is the elegant European-inspired interior, infused with both elements of Forough’s Iranian heritage and French inspiration. Soft lighting and the aroma of fresh ingredients immediately set the stage for culinary artistry and a beautiful dining experience.
The menu showcases the best of French-Mediterranean cuisine, influenced as well by Forough’s Iranian roots and time studying in France. A standout choice for the beginning of the evening is a delightful mocktail called the Silk Road, a refreshing blend of black tea, saffron, and honey, topped with rose petals over an ice cube.
The housemade sourdough, presented on a rustic cutting board alongside homemade whipped butter, is a simple yet delicious choice as a starter to dinner. Another delicious option: the mushroom tartine. A slice of sourdough smeared with creamy Stracciatella cheese, roasted mushrooms, and topped with parsley before being served.
All dishes are prepared fresh with local ingredients, a hallmark of Forough’s commitment to quality and sourcing from nearby farmers.
“Simplicity is how I was raised,” Forough tells us. “…on very, very simple yet perfectly sourced ingredients. So I made it my mission here at the restaurant to also put the focus on the quality of the ingredients that we start with.”
There are a plethora of options available for the main course, one being the duck confit. Slow-cooked duck legs served with French lentils, carrot puree, and a side of greens. The duck is tender and flavorful, while the accompanying sides elevate the dish. Although each component has a different taste and texture, the dish blends the combination of tastes together wonderfully.
For dessert, the pavlova is light and airy, offering a perfectly sweet ending to a remarkable meal. Forough emphasizes, “The idea is to focus on one or two ingredients and make them the star of the dish.”
Ultimately, Le Bon Nosh is beyond the typical restaurant experience; it serves as a community hub where individuals come together to enjoy delicious food prepared with integrity. Forough’s journey from engineering to culinary arts is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the positive impact it can have on a community.
Le Bon Nosh is a celebration of food, culture, and togetherness, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Atlanta.
Le Bon Nosh is located at 65 Irby Avenue NW Suite 103, Atlanta, Georgia 30305
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