Le Petit Maison (LPM) is a fancy-pants, white tablecloth, scrape the crumbs off the tablecloth type of place. But unlike some interactions of American diners in Gay Paree, everyone we encountered at a recent dinner- from the hostess to the efficient servers- were warm and welcoming. The dining room seems like someone’s elegant living room, filled with chatty guests seated on pale lemon, leather banquettes, amid walls lined with colorful art and white washed shutters.

If you thought you were in for a stuffy experience, that idea is dispelled when you sit down and find two ripe tomatoes, a lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper and a sharp serrated knife on the table. Our server explained to us: “These are here so you can make your own tomato salad.” Which we promptly did. What a fun, delicious and interactive way to start your meal. Even my tomato-averse husband made his own healthy salad.

We ordered a bottle of lovely French rose (assisted by the sommelier) which was kept chilled in a nearby ice bucket. As sipped our wine and munched some warm, whole grain baguette slices, we looked over the Miami Spice menu. The waiter explained that Le Petit Maison serves everything family style, in the middle of the table, so everyone can share. Which I appreciate, because sometimes my companion can be a little territorial about his dining selections.

The food, inspired by the French Riviera, is prepared “a la minute”, or as it is ordered. For an appetizer we tried the Fried Squid (Calamari Frits), which was light and crunchy, sprinkled with paprika and garnished with jalapeño slices. It looked like Pork Rinds and was equally addictive. We also got the Corn Salad (Salad de Mais et Pomme Grenade) which came with grilled corn, pomegranate seeds and scallions in a vinaigrette dressing. The sweet corn contrasted perfectly with the tart pop of the pomegranate seeds. My husband loved this summery and refreshing dish.

For an entree, we ordered the Salt Baked Sea Bass with Artichokes and cherry Tomatoes. It came out beautifully presented, with a twirl of zucchini noodles on top, and cherry tomatoes in a puddle of sauce on the plate below: it was finished with chopped chives, garlic chips and a pinch of crunchy salt. It was very delicate, delicious and a reasonable serving size. I got the Spicy Rigatoni (Arrabiata), which came with fat, al dente noodles, bathed in a creamy red sauce, with fresh basil leaves and jalapeño slices. It was very good. There was also a Chicken Dish option.

We went on a Wednesday night at 6:30 and, when we entered, the bar scene was hopping, but the dining room hadn’t filled up yet. The tables on the back wall are set close together, so we were sitting right near an Influencer and her boyfriend, who the servers fawned over, recommending dishes and sending out food to try. To the right was a definite Date Night situation and business people were also present, charging up the company card. Service, tag-teamed by different friendly servers, was excellent. Crumbs were promptly flicked off the white tablecloths and water and wine glasses kept refilled.

While sorbet (3 kinds!) sounded tempting, I ordered the Vanilla Cheesecake with Berry Compote (Gateaus au Fromage Frais), as our waiter said Le Petit Maison is known for it. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t “wow” me. My husband got the French Toast with Spiced Ice Cream (Pain Perdu), which was fabulous. It was crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, with a smear of caramel on the plate and crunchy honeycomb candy chunks, gilding the spiced ice cream quenelle.

As we left, the dining room was quite full and buzzing, as local celebrities Gloria and Emilio Estefan entered. Seemed like a party! It was quite a nice way to spend a Hump Day’s Night. LPM is a good idea anytime you’re looking for a break from reality, but especially recommended during Miami Spice.

Valet parking is available.

LPM Restaurant & Bar

1300 Brickell Bay Drive

Miami, Florida 33131

Atmosphere: Buzzy but not too loud Service: Excellent Food: Very Good, Fresh French Riviera-inspired Recommended Dishes: Fried Squid, Salt Baked Sea Bass, French Toast with Spiced Ice Cream

Miami Spice is offered for Dinner at $60 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.