Calgary's celebrated Marda Loop neighbourhood has welcomed a new taste of France with the opening of Brioche by Avitus, a full-service bistro that marks a significant culinary expansion for the team behind the popular Avitus wine bar.
A Wine Enthusiast's Culinary Ambition
The driving force behind both establishments is Yann de la Chanonie, a French native whose passion for wine led him to open Avitus in 2023. Known for his signature moustache and vibrant personality, de la Chanonie established Avitus as a welcoming hub for quality wines, paired with cheese and charcuterie. However, his vision always extended beyond just a wine bar.
"I'm still surprised by how few French restaurants there are here, for a city of 1.5 million people," de la Chanonie remarked. "French cooking is the king of gastronomy." This belief inspired the next step: creating a dedicated restaurant to complement the wine experience.
Collaboration Brings Authentic French Flair
The key to this expansion was the arrival of de la Chanonie's close friend from France, Tristan Chaboche, just over a year ago. Recognizing Chaboche's culinary expertise, the Avitus team saw an opportunity for a collaborative project. The result is Brioche, which quietly opened in late December 2025.
This partnership allows Chaboche to helm the kitchen with a genuinely French menu, while de la Chanonie and partners, including Alex Ille and Josh VanDerLeest, provide the framework for the Avitus brand to grow. The 30-seat bistro, located in Marda Loop, embodies a casual, homey vibe with a warm colour palette, wine-themed art, and staff in classic striped T-shirts.
Menu Focused on Bistro Classics
Staying true to its name, Brioche's menu highlights sandwiches on the iconic French bread, alongside classic small plates and mains. The chalkboard menu allows for flexibility and daily changes. Offerings include a shrimp roll ($24), a lobster roll ($36), and a croque monsieur ($24). For heartier appetites, dishes like boeuf Bourguignon ($43) or starters such as salmon rillettes ($18) and roasted carrots with burrata ($21) are available.
The restaurant also features a daily spread for $14 and premium add-ons like Siberian caviar. The focus is on high-quality ingredients presented in an unpretentious, bistro-style setting.
A Curated French Wine Experience
Naturally, de la Chanonie's expertise shines through the beverage program. Brioche's by-the-glass wine list is exclusively French, featuring a selection of fun and interesting bottles. In a move to encourage exploration, de la Chanonie intentionally keeps the mark-up on wines lower than typical restaurant prices.
The new restaurant represents a natural evolution for the Avitus team, blending a passion for accessible, quality wine with the robust, comforting traditions of French bistro cuisine. It offers Calgarians a new destination to experience authentic French dining in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
