Le French opened its doors to its second location at 846 Albion Street in Denver’s 9+CO development, four years after becoming a fixture in the Denver Tech Center’s Belleview Station neighborhood. Le French is a gourmet, casual-chic French bistro specializing in modern Parisian cuisine with global influences lead by chef and co-owner Aminata Dia.
Embracing the storied history of France and Senegal’s centuries-old relationship, Le French has become a culinary destination known for its French dishes and culinary celebrations of Senegalese tradition in an intimate, sophisticated environment. French classics on the menu include Beef Bourguignon, escargot, beef tartare, niçoise salad and steak frites. Many dishes also embrace Dia’s Senegalese heritage, including Les Pastels (Senegalese fried pastries with tuna, chili, parsley and a caramelized tomato-onion sauce), Poulet Yassa (chicken braised in a lemony-caramelized onion sauce, served with pickled vegetables, rice and sweet peas) and Le Mafé (beef stewed in a tomato-peanut sauce, bell pepper and okra, served over steamed rice).
“I am proud to continue to provide Denver with the opportunity to enjoy the culinary traditions I grew up with,” says Dia, acknowledging her Senegalese heritage in a statement. “Le French offers much more than traditional Parisian cuisine. We are very proud of our French favorites, of course, but I love encouraging our guests to explore tastes of Africa as well. I’m thrilled to continue this culinary fusion in our new 9+CO location – an exciting milestone for us – and we look forward to continuing to grow and serve our communities.”
Dia was born in Senegal and grew up just outside of Paris where she found a passion for food at a very young age. She is proud to bring French cuisine with a global twist to Denver’s burgeoning food scene and the restaurant’s second location highlights the city’s appetite for creative fare. Dia moved to the United States from France more than 20 years ago and has been in Denver since 2002. After starting her own catering business, AmiCuisine, Dia opened the original Le French location in Belleview Station in April 2019 with her sister, Chef Rougui Dia.
The 9+CO restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.; and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A brunch menu is available Friday through Sunday. The space, designed by Studio Atlantis, features the familiar modern design elements of the Belleview Station location, including clean white tiles and wood and metallic gold accents. A full wine wall serves both design and function, accommodating a much-expanded wine list, as well as a private dining room that seats up to 55 guests. The patio and bar area allow for a casual and inviting dining experience.
