French restaurant Coquette is planning a relocation next year in light of a recent purchase of the building where Coquette currently operates. It will be moving from its space at 400 South Tryon St. to a 5,300-square-foot space in District One at 101 South Tryon St., according to the Charlotte Business Journal. It will continue operating in its current space through the end of the year, with plans to make the transition in January.
Essex Bar & Bistro has been operating in the District One space since 2016 but will be closing by the end of the month.
Founded by Jill Marcus, Coquette is a fine-dining restaurant and patisserie with a design and cuisine inspired by Parisian buvettes. It offers oysters, charcuterie, wine, pastries and entrees like Duck Fat Fried Chicken and Filet D’Agneau au Fenouil Confit (lamb loin and slow-cooked fennel).
“With curated French wines and cocktails, Coquette offers a refined yet inviting experience — your neighborhood escape to France,” the website states.
Marcus is behind Mother Earth Group, which also operates concepts like Something Classic Catering and Mariposa. Marcus drew on inspiration from an experience studying abroad in college in Brittany, France, where she developed an appreciation for French culture and cuisine. These experiences led her to bring the dishes she loved to Charlotte through Coquette.
Stefano Gallo is the head chef for Coquette. Originally from Italy, Gallo has gained experience at acclaimed restaurants across Italy, Switzerland, London and New York.
