Le Petit Village

We had the pleasure of dining at Le Petit Village before its official opening, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From the first sip of a meticulously crafted cocktail to the final bite of a rich and flavorful Steak au Poivre, every element of the experience transported us to the charming villages of Provence. This highly anticipated French bistro, opening on February 20, 2025, at 173 7th Avenue South in the West Village, is poised to become one of the city's most coveted dining destinations.

Behind this new concept is a powerhouse team of restaurateurs and investors. Owners Mathias Van Leyden and Mino Habib, known for Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy and Adelaide’s Salon, have teamed up with New York Jets Captain C.J. Mosley and his business partner Brandon Wassel to bring this vision to life. For Van Leyden, the project is a deeply personal one, inspired by his childhood spent in the small villages of Southern France in the late 1970s.

The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Mehjabin Ahmed, is a love letter to French regional cuisine. With experience in some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park, Le Coucou, Spice Market, and Jean’s, Chef Mehjabin has designed a menu that blends classic French techniques with a seasonal, terroir-driven approach. Guests can look forward to Coq au Vin, a slow-braised chicken dish simmered in red wine, or the rich, comforting Cassoulet, a slow-cooked medley of beans, sausage, and confit duck. Other highlights include Raclette, featuring warm, melted cheese served over potatoes and charcuterie, the rustic and flavorful Ratatouille, and the indulgent Bœuf Bourguignon, a tender, wine-braised beef dish that embodies the heart of French cooking.

For those who prefer to dine earlier in the day, brunch will launch on March 22nd, bringing a new layer of indulgence to the experience.

A restaurant with such thoughtful cuisine deserves an equally refined bar program, and Le Petit Village delivers with a cocktail menu designed by Jeremy Le Blanche of Fantom Creative Hospitality. With a background at La Reserve St. Tropez and Thyme Bar NYC, Le Blanche’s creations push the boundaries of traditional French mixology. The Rose De Chloe, a blend of bourbon, Ratafia, and salted caramel Campari topped with meringue and dehydrated rose, is a must-try. The Fleure Blanche offers an eye-catching mix of bee pollen-infused vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, cucumber Pani Puri syrup, and edible glitter. Other standouts include the smoky Devilwood Old Fashioned and the playful yet sophisticated My First Love. Each cocktail is not just a drink but an experience, with carefully selected ingredients designed to enhance both flavor and presentation.

The ambiance at Le Petit Village is just as inviting as its menu. Designed by Delphine Mauroit of DMDesign - Architecture, the 3,000-square-foot space blends old-world French elegance with modern intimacy. The bi-level venue features two bars, seating ten guests at the main bar and six on the mezzanine, while the dining room is warmed by reclaimed wood, parquet flooring, and exposed brick. Dark red leather banquettes, softly lit brass sconces, and a vintage fireplace create an inviting, cozy atmosphere. Upstairs, a private dining and cocktail lounge adds an element of exclusivity, featuring nostalgic black-and-white party photos reminiscent of New York’s vibrant nightlife history. Outside, the classic French storefront is adorned with a hand-painted deep red and white façade, climbing greenery, and an old-world charm that makes it feel as though it has always been part of the neighborhood.

Reservations will soon be available on www.lepetitvillagenyc.com. With its authentic French cuisine, artfully crafted cocktails, and a setting that captures the romance of Provence, Le Petit Village is set to become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stopping by for a comforting Bœuf Bourguignon, savoring a signature cocktail, or discovering the hidden speakeasy upstairs, this is a place where every meal feels like a journey—and every guest is part of the story.

Days & Hours of Operation: 

Sunday-Wednesday- 5pm - 11pm

Thursday-Saturday - 5pm - Midnight 

with lunch and brunch coming soon

Images courtesy of Daniel Kwak