Toutant is a southern style restaurant located on Ellicott Street in downtown Buffalo. The restaurant, which opened May 14th, is named after owner/operator Chef James Roberts’ great grandfathers’ trapping and fishing camp on the family plot in the south Louisiana marshland which operated at the turn of the century.

 

 

 

Upon entering Toutant, one immediately notices the exposed brick, wood, and industrial feel which compliments the southern vibe. The first floor bar is a whiskey lover’s dream as the bartenders need a ladder to reach the extensive collection which includes hand selected bourbon, rye, and moonshine. The bar also has a daiquiri machine which holds seasonal fruit blends; a cider collection, a craft beer selection which features local brews, and a cocktail menu featuring many southern classics such as the Mint Julip and Sazerac. 

 

There is a dining room on the second floor and a private dining area on the third floor. The restaurant is also equipped with two kitchens to expedite service. Almost everything on the menu is made in house including sausage, bacon, bbq and country ham, pickles, hot sauce, ranch, and all of the bread, rolls, and biscuits. The restaurant also uses fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients in all of its cuisine. I would recommend trying the deep fried hush puppies, which are often filled with different types of fish and spices, to start. My favorite menu item hands down is the buttermilk fried chicken with collard greens. It’s moist, tender, and delicious. There is also a selection of other New Orleans style cuisine including, jambalaya, pork chops, New Orleans Style “BBQ” shrimp, muffaletta, biscuits and gravy, fried shrimp po'boy, smoked sausage, pork rind cracklins, cast iron cornbread, country ham, crab cakes, and a bbq of the week.   

 

 

The dessert menu offers beignets, which are fresh, fried donuts covered with powdered sugar, and the equally tasty brown butter ice cream. For the health conscious, the restaurant is capable of meeting most reasonable requests for dietary restrictions including vegan and vegetarian. They were also able to accommodate my lactose difficulties. For filling the void of Southern fare in the Buffalo area, its eye appealing décor, and fulfilling high expectations with excellent food...

 

I give Toutant 5/5 Vibes.