About

Justin Deviller :: Executive Chef – Proprietor

Justin Devillier was raised in Dana Point California, a small beach town in south Orange County. Growing up, Justin enjoyed the laid back lifestyle of living on the beach. Summers were spent fishing for Yellowtail and Albacore tuna, and in the fall and winter he would free-dive for Lobsters just steps from the front door. This bounty of local seafood inspired Justin’s will to cook professionally and after cooking for a few years right out of high school, he decided it was time to focus on becoming a chef.

In 2003 he moved to New Orleans and worked in the kitchens of Bacco, Stella, and Peristyle. While working at Peristyle, Justin worked with Chef Anne Kearny-Sands and learned the ins and outs of French cuisine and was responsible for preparing daily charcuterie specials.

In June 2004, Devillier joined the restaurant staff at La Petite Grocery. He became sous chef in October 2005. After Hurricane Katrina, Justin helped re-establish La Petite Grocery, managing daily specials and training new line cooks. In February 2007, he became the Executive Chef. Justin was named a 2008 Chef to Watch by Louisiana Cookin’ magazine in August 2008, as well as a Chef to Watch by The Times-Picayune in 2008. In 2009, he was named one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ Culinary Connoisseurs for Best Executive Chef and Best Neighborhood Restaurant. Devillier “cooks in a manner so appropriate to New Orleans spirit: French bistro with a Southern twist.” Also, according to Zagat, Chef Justin Devillier makes “clever use of local ingredients in his expertly crafted Contemporary Louisiana-French dinners.”

Chef Devillier was nominated in 2012 as a finalist by The James Beard Foundation for Best Chef – South award.

Justin works hard to support local farmers and fisherman and really enjoys grass fed beef, Berkshire hogs and really hoppy Ales. He credits his hard working staff for any accolades the restaurant might receive. When Justin gets free time, you can still find him fishing and hanging out on the beach.

Mia Freiberger-Devillier :: General Manager-Proprietor

Originally from Charleston, S.C., Mia has called New Orleans home for nearly 17 years. Growing up on the beaches and boating the waterways of Charleston provided a great appreciation for the sense of place that we all call home. Moving here to attend Loyola University, she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management and Marketing. She would go on to be a Manager with Martin Wine Cellar for nearly three years before returning to academics in which she received a Masters degree in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. A brief hiatus from the service industry led Mia to a position with Deloitte & Touche as a Tax Accountant for three years. Mia has held various positions within the service industry spanning 18 years most notably with the House of Blues in the Marketing Department and on the floor in notable restaurants such as Lilette, Juan’s Flying Burrito (Mid City) and the early days of Marigny Brasserie. Mia came on as the General Manager of La Petite Grocery in 2009. She and her husband, Chef Justin Devillier, took over ownership of the Uptown restaurant in 2010. She attributes her passion for food and wine to her late Father, Harley, and knack for Southern Hospitality to her late Grams. She continues her lifelong pursuit of providing memorable dining experiences in their honor.
FFI1

About

Learn more about Chef Justin and Manager Mia Devillier.

FFI2

Videos

Chef Justin Devillier takes you behind the scenes with a look into the kitchen!

FFI3

Gallery

Browse our gallery featuring dishes and photos from our restaurant.