La Mirabelle

La Mirabelle often appears at the top of lists of most loved neighborhood restaurants. Unstuffy, honest and gentle, its patrons have been returning for decades. Annick Le Douaron, a transplanted Breton, brought her love of bistro fare, fresh ingredients and European hospitality to this corner of the city. Although this chatelaine of La Mirabelle passed away last year, her daughter Natalie and her husband have embraced the role. Highly recommended is the roasted duckling with plums, which is crispy, juicy, while the sweetbreads are rich and memorable. The dining room is cozy but not crowded and unlike many new venues, you need not strain to hear your dining partner. Softly lit, the walls are decorated with Gallic paintings of rustic scenes that set the tone.