Why You Should Make N7 Your Next Date Night
I met up with a group of friends recently and we went around the table sharing our favorite restaurant experience of 2024. For me, two experiences came to mind … both at the same spot.
N7 is the most beautiful secret garden in the Bywater. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you would walk right passed it. The first time we were dropped off by an Uber, we were sure they’d missed the address. But behind a large wooden garden gate with an almost unnoticeable “N7” sign, you step into the most beautifully whimsical courtyard lit by market lights surrounded by dark brown picnic tables, and herbs and vegetable planters. It is well-equipped with fans and heaters alike, making it comfortable in most of our local weather. While the outdoor dining is beautiful, the interior dining room is equally impressive and decorated in such a detailed way that my interest was torn examining the thoughtful touches throughout our entire meal.
Founded by filmmaker Aaron Walker and chef Yuki Yamaguchi, N7 specializes in French cuisine, often infused with a Japanese touch.While the menu is constantly changing, I have been lucky enough to dine with friends on both of my visits, meaning we got to share and sample most of the menu. And on both occasions, our table was serenaded by our sporadic chorus of “Mmm’s” and “Ooooh’s.” The avocado salad, a dish I would typically never look at twice, is a surprising blend of fresh and exciting flavors that are surprising and so unexpected. Other standouts for us include the salmon confit, beef carpaccio, escargot and raclette. We followed up with a few entrees, of which the Bourguignon knocked our socks off.
As a proud and devoted Bluey fan, I made sure to let my dining companions on both occasions know that I would be ordering the Pavlova. No, I didn’t know what it was. No, I didn’t care if it was good. But guess what … unbelievable. The lightest, most delightful sweet ending to our night that didn’t leave me feeling weighed down. Finished with a lovely cocktail from their changing list, my group continued to talk about our perfect experience for weeks following our meal.
So, as you make your way down your “to visits” in 2025, I highly recommend this 18+ spot make it to the top of your date night list.