Emily Reynolds
Google
At Evviva, nothing is ordinary, except the guarantee you’ll come back!
In a world of tradition and age-old expectations, Evviva dares to deliver the deliciously unexpected. Tonight wasn’t my first visit to this fairly new and unassuming Bywater eatery, but you can bet your bottom dollar it won’t be my last (perhaps not even this month).
My two visits to Evviva have been exquisite expeditions into extraordinary flavor, fresh and relevant ingredients, and unparalleled service. If you’re just here for a general recommendation, feel free to stop reading and book that reservation. I promise, it’s worth it.
For those who crave more detail, allow me to explain.
When you walk into this street-corner restaurant, you’re greeted by at least one warm and welcoming staff member, and a modern, elevated-casual interior that strikes the perfect balance between inviting and sophisticated. You might even encounter a fellow diner eagerly trying to convince you how incredible the food is. In my experience, it’s satisfying to smile and reply, “Oh, I’m aware.”
From the very start, the service stands out. Our main server was attentive and perfectly timed, always present without ever hovering. Other team members floated in with drinks, food, or warm conversation. Even the owner checked in with genuine care. The staff works with such cohesion that it feels less like dining out and more like being hosted by people who love what they do.
Once seated, you’ll receive a menu that feels almost precious because it won’t be around long. Evviva does not believe in stasis. Like us, the menu evolves, challenges, and invites you to experience something new every time.
You might start with the Juliet and Romeo cocktail, and yes, Juliet gets top billing, as she should. It’s gently sweet, tangy, and strong. If that’s not your style, you’ll be just as happy with a brilliantly made martini, gin or vodka, dirty of course.
Every appetizer sounds tempting, but a few may stand out. Perhaps something like the Pickled Gulf Fish Crostini and Velma Gene’s Anchovy Bread. After all, fish and bread make a perfect theme for the table’s first course. The crostini delivers creamy, tangy richness on a buttery crunch. The anchovy focaccia sings with salty, acidic depth. Both leave you wanting more, wishing you could spend the night cycling through cocktails and starters alone.
But then your eyes and your stomach wander to the entrées. Perhaps you choose the Grilled Wagyu Bavette Steak and the Grilled Mississippi Rabbit. The steak arrives atop fresh tomato slices and is crowned with crumbled blue cheese. The acidity of the tomato cuts beautifully through the meat’s richness, while the cheese adds unexpected depth. Each bite is a study in simple complexity. You’ll use half the provided bread loaf to savor every remaining drop.
And then, the rabbit. This dish is nothing short of a revelation. The meat is succulent, crisp on the outside, and perfectly tender within. It is easily the most memorable dish you’ve had in over a decade of dining in New Orleans. Thanks to the gracious staff (and the owner herself), you enjoy it paired with not one but two thoughtful wines. Your partner favors the Lamoresca Frappato Nerocapitano, which brings out the dish’s earthy richness. You prefer the chilled red by the glass, an unfiltered Vino Rosso from Angelo Negro, imported from Italy which coaxes out the sweet, sultry notes of the meat. This is a dish you’ll remember for years.
Dessert? Always a difficult choice. The Chocolate Budino does indeed stand out, however. What arrives is silk in chocolate form, topped with whipped cream and toasted hazelnuts.
You’ll reluctantly leave Evviva feeling indulged and gratified. You may long for those duck wings you had on your first visit (truly, the best gosh dang thing you’ve ever tasted) or wish you had seen your favorite dish on the somewhat limited menu. But you will return, without a doubt, and knowing each visit promises something vibrant, thoughtful, and worth remembering.
