Martinique Restaurant

This Magazine Street cottage might be the most unassuming, unsung bistro in the city. The tiny indoor space creates an intimate French cafe vibe, while the spacious patio offers a lush, hidden garden feel. This romantic neighborhood gem is a relaxing haunt for Uptown executives and the "Daddy's buying" university crowd.

While the ambience might be classic French, the menu pulls influences from world cuisines--especially fruit and savory combinations--without undue flourish or flash. A savory French toast starter combines shreds of hearty lamb confit and mushroom with a slightly sugary herbed blueberry reduction, to wonderful effect. A simple sauté of curried Gulf shrimp with dried mango continues the well-executed sweet/spicy theme. The sauteed pork medallions--accented with plums, shiitake and walnuts, then drizzled with a fragrant Armagnac sauce--are a masterful homage to the flavors of southwestern France. Finish with an exceptional molten chocolate cake.