Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

You walk in and the room smells faintly of butter, browned shallots, and the citrus of a well-kept terrace. The plating is French without fuss: gougères au Comté, pillowy and warm; a Loup de Méditerranée crowned with crispy potato "scales" that snap under the fork; confit duck that still yields to a gentle press. Servers move with the easy confidence of people who have seen weddings, anniversaries, and the occasional diner who will not be placated. There is art deco light, local couples at corner tables, and the clink of glasses at the bar where regulars linger over a cool Julienas. Not everything is flawless; at times a dish arrives merely warm, or an almond crust leans oily. Still, for deliberate French technique and a wine list that will make indecision delicious, this is the place you bring someone for an occasion. Mention an anniversary and they might slip out a surprise dessert with a candle.