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A new French-style tapas café, Le Petit Atelier, is opening in Atlantic Beach.The restaurant will feature a rotating seasonal menu of French small plates and a global wine list.Le Petit Atelier will also operate as a French marketplace selling imported goods like chocolates, jams, and pantry staples.It is designed as a pre-dinner spot for small bites and drinks, open from 2 to 9 p.m.
A little bit Parisian, a little bit Atlantic Beach, and completely one of a kind — Le Petit Atelier is getting ready to open its doors on Feb. 12. Believed to be the first French-style tapas café of its kind in Northeast Florida, this cozy new spot blends small bites, wine culture and creative energy into an experience that’s more about lingering than rushing.
Located at 363 Atlantic Blvd. — just seven doors down from its sister restaurant, Le Petit Paris — Le Petit Atelier is founder Alex Chezaud’s fifth restaurant, with a sixth on the way. Think of it as the place you go to unwind, nibble, sip and socialize the way the French do.
Here are the top five reasons Le Petit Atelier stands out from other French restaurants in the area and why it’s worth a visit.
1. A French ‘atelier’ experience rooted in art, culture, and community
Why is it called Le Petit Atelier? In France, an atelier is a creative workshop where artists gather to collaborate and share ideas. According to Chezaud, Le Petit Atelier lives up to its name, channeling that same creative spirit into food by celebrating the artistry, passion and techniques of French cuisine, all meant to be shared with family, friends and neighbors.
2. It’s the perfect pre-dinner spot, serving French-style tapas and evening bites
Open from 2 to 9 p.m., Le Petit Atelier fills a sweet spot in Atlantic Beach: an evening destination that isn’t a full dinner restaurant.
“We still want to stay with what we’re good at. So we want to do small plates. It will be a place you come to for a bite before going out to dinner,” Chezaud said.
With about 50 seats, an open kitchen, dining counter, home-style tables, iconic French artwork and a large outdoor terrace, the space feels relaxed, intimate and effortlessly social — exactly how Chezaud envisioned it.
3. A French marketplace where you can take the experience home
Part café, part boutique, Le Petit Atelier doubles as a French marketplace stocked with authentic goods you won’t easily find elsewhere in Northeast Florida.
The French market store offers:
French chocolates and specialty candiesJams, jellies and Dijon mustardPantry staples and gourmet treatsFrench bath, body and lifestyle products4. A rotating seasonal menu of scratch-made French small plates
One of Le Petit Atelier’s biggest draws is its ever-changing tapas menu. “We’re going to be offering eight different tapas that we’re going to change, probably monthly. And it’s going to change with some of our wine selection,” Chezaud said.
Early signature bites include:
Lollipop Bacon with vanilla bourbon lacquer and brûléed peachesConch Fritters with passionfruit aioliFrench Onion Soup Boules with crème fraîche and caviarBacon-Wrapped Dates with goat cheese and strawberry fig jamSmoked Duck Wings in black BBQ sauce with kimchi picklesTerre et Mer Mini Beignets (lobster, tuna, or chicken salad)Boursin Cheese Bites baked in flaky pastry with onion jamEverything Bagel Flatbread with smoked salmon and crispy capers
A nice way to keep expanding your international food palette.
5. A global wine list and beer selection
Wine lovers will feel right at home. Alongside French vintages, Le Petit Atelier’s wine selection spans the globe, featuring bottles from South Africa, Argentina, Portugal, Spain and more.
Beer drinkers aren’t left out either, with four imported beers and two local brews on tap, making it easy for everyone to find their perfect pour.
Bonus: A French café vibe for coffee dates or petite rendezvous
Not in the mood for wine? No problem. The café also serves:
Fresh-roasted coffee and espresso drinksLattes and teasFrench sodasFruit juices and other refreshing beverages
Whether you’re stopping in for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, catching up with a friend or craving a relaxed evening bite, Le Petit Atelier aims to make it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
When is Le Petit Atelier’s grand opening?
Le Petit Atelier is getting ready to open its doors on Feb. 12. The restaurant plans to open from 2 to 9 p.m.
Where is Le Petit Atelier located?
Located at 363 Atlantic Blvd., just seven doors down from its sister restaurant, Le Petit Paris.
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Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
Contributing: Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
Dining and Cooking