Compere Lapin

Compere Lapin is a contemporary Creole and Caribbean restaurant at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District of New Orleans, Louisiana, inside the Old No. 77 Hotel. Chef Nina Compton, born in Saint Lucia and trained in classical French and Italian kitchens, opened it in 2015 after a successful run on a national televised cooking competition, and she received the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef South award in 2018. The name refers to a trickster rabbit in Caribbean and Louisiana folklore. The menu blends the flavors of the Caribbean with New Orleans tradition and Italian technique. The signature conch stew with gnocchi is a rich, aromatic comfort dish, while the curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi, grilled octopus, cassoulet, and seasonal Gulf fish show the same breadth. Plates are meant for sharing, and vegetables, rum and spices play a large role. Desserts and rum cocktails lean tropical, and the bar program includes a long list of aged rums and island-inspired drinks alongside a thoughtful wine list. The dining room is airy and modern, with high ceilings, exposed brick from the building's warehouse past, warm lighting and an open bar. The mood is stylish but relaxed, energetic at dinner and weekend brunch, and the noise level is moderate to lively. Dress is smart casual. The restaurant is popular with both visitors and locals, so reservations are recommended, and Friday and Saturday dinners are best reserved a week or more ahead. Brunch is available on weekends and is a lighter, less costly alternative, while dinner typically runs about US$45-80 per person before drinks. The restaurant is close to the Contemporary Arts Center, the National WWII Museum and the Convention Center, which makes it convenient for conference and museum visitors. Guests who want the full range of the kitchen can build a meal from several small plates, and the staff can advise on spice levels and dishes that suit vegetarian or seafood-free diners.