Jolie is where chef Scott Crawford’s farm-to-table cuisine takes a trip to France, all served in an intimate bistro-like interior and romantic rooftop terrace. Escargot, gnocchi Parisienne, and a classic roast chicken are some of the menu items on offer — all to be enjoyed with a superbly edited wine list and Jolie’s craft cocktails. Finish up with a chocolate tart or go true Parisian with a cheese plate.

“I never thought it was possible that Michelin would even come to the Southeast,” said Raleigh restaurateur Chef Scott Crawford. “I sort of gave up the dream for Michelin stars by staying in the South.”

When Crawford started cooking in the region more than 25 years ago, he says he focused on building up the Capital City’s culinary scene.

Now, three of his places are listed as Recommended Michelin restaurants: Crawford and Son, Jolie and Brodeto.

“It’s the most meaningful recognition that I’ve received in my career,” said Crawford. “We’re incredibly humbled and it is a surreal moment in time for me.”

Crawford himself is credited with having a heavy hand in developing Raleigh’s restaurants. He was the executive chef at Herons when the restaurant received a Forbes Five Star designation in 2008, one of only seventy-nine in the country, before opening Crawford & Son in 2016.

“Honest ingredients delivered simply and consistently with caring hospitality.” – Giorgios Bakatsias, founder/owner, Giorgios Hospitality Group / “These restaurants, and, more importantly, these chefs, are some of the standard bearers in our area” – Sunny Gerhart, chef/owner, St. Roch / “Scott Crawford’s take on Parisian food is done really well to represent classic Parisian bistro-style cooking.” – Saif Rahman, chef/co-owner, Peregrine

Chef Scott Crawford’s French bistro Jolie is located next to its sibling restaurant, Crawford and Son, but it has a completely different look, feel, and menu. The food selection is small but tasteful and features items like steak tartare, duck cassoulet, and rabbit rillettes. The beverage list has the same limited yet impactful structure, and guests are also able to order from a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re still feeling peckish toward the end of the meal, or just craving something sweet, try the pear tarte or the dark chocolate terrine.

Jolie, a French bistro located in Historic Oakwood, has a rooftop bar that’s a crowd favorite for special occasions and just-because dinners alike.

And this is what Jolie accomplishes, with style and grace: the sense of wonder and joy behind the drilled application of technique and the resulting caloric onslaught that is French cooking.

“Jolie – A few weeks ago it was super cold and was craving something warm so perched up at the bar and ordered Savoy style fondue, cassoulet and hot chocolate — and didn’t have to share any of it. I left feeling super content and warm inside. It’s such a special place, the food and the people.” – Jenn Rice, Eater Charleston contributor

The French bistro spirit at Jolie shows why Scott Crawford is a culinary star. I’m happy to report that, from every angle, Jolie is as charming as its name — which, in addition to being French for “pretty,” was chosen in honor of the chef’s young daughter, Jolie. – Rating: 4 1/2 stars

We’re both big fans of Scott’s, and also of French food, and had seen enough teaser photos of the interiors (and that roof!) that we were excited to give it a try. Despite working together, we went on two different nights for the true dining experience.