The story
At Compère Lapin, the spirit of New Orleans meets the warmth of the Caribbean. This is the dream of James Beard Award-winning Chef Nina Compton, who brings the flavors of her native St. Lucia to the heart of the Crescent City. The restaurant’s contemporary cuisine is a vibrant conversation between the islands and the Gulf Coast, where French and Italian techniques meet the bounty of Louisiana’s larder.
Born and raised in St. Lucia, Chef Nina grew up surrounded by the flavors and beauty of the islands. At Compère Lapin, she melds her Caribbean heritage with a passion for French and Italian cuisine, all while celebrating the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. The result is a menu that feels both deeply personal and unmistakably of its place—a reflection of the chef’s journey and the city she now calls home. Her work has earned her recognition as a Food & Wine Best New Chef and a James Beard Award winner, and the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Recommended distinction, a testament to its consistent excellence.
The restaurant occupies a warm, inviting space in the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, offering a setting that is both refined and relaxed. Dinner service runs Tuesday through Saturday, with a weekend brunch that has become a local favorite. The menu changes with the seasons, but the guiding philosophy remains constant: let the ingredients speak, and honor the cultural crossroads that make New Orleans unique. Whether you’re exploring the wine list—a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient—or the carefully curated spirits list, every detail is designed to complement the bold, soulful cooking.
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