A true Omaha dining destination since it opened in 2001, Le Voltaire is getting a whole new look this spring just in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Cedric and Desarae Fichepain launched the bistro-style restaurant named for the famous French writer-philosopher in Pepperwood Village back in 2001 to bring a little taste of France to West Omaha. Chef Wilson Calixte and his wife, Tonya, took over ownership of the restaurant in August 2021 after he’d worked in the kitchen for more than 10 years.
During his time with Le Voltaire, Calixte has established a solid reputation for skillfully infusing elements of his own Haitian culture and New York City culinary experience into the restaurant’s menus of classical French cuisine.
“Haiti was colonized by the French, so technically our food has West African and French influences,” he said. “It’s really a fusion. We’ve attracted new customers over the years, although our older clientele is still coming in as well. I just try to appeal to everyone who likes good, well-seasoned food.”
To put a fresh new face on the restaurant, Calixte will be closing Le Voltaire for two weeks between March 16 and March 31 for an interior remodel that will replace the carpet with new flooring, update light fixtures, modernize the bathroom vanity and add new chairs.
“We’re going to put a lighter paint color on the walls and paint the bar,” he said. “Overall, we want the space to feel cozy and inviting, but also contemporary.”
Le Voltaire serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Calixte is quick to mention that the original owner’s recipes for signature dishes customers have come to know and love aren’t going anywhere.
“Boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin made with white wine, steak frites and bouillabaisse — those are really our staples,” he said. “I change the menu twice a year and we also do a special every week.”
Other dinner choices include escargot, foie gras, French onion soup and cassoulet, while brunch selections include omelets, sweet and savory crepes and croque monsieur. Two tasting menu options are also available (with or without wine pairings), and a sommelier is on hand to offer savvy wine recommendations.
Although Calixte considers the restaurant a local landmark for fine dining, he insists the food and atmosphere at Le Voltaire are approachable without a hint of pretension.
“I think sometimes there’s a misperception about what fine dining really is,” he said. “We are not snooty-tooty at all. In fact, we go out of our way to make every customer feel comfortable and welcome.”
Le Voltaire’s grand reopening on April 1 coincides with the restaurant’s 25th anniversary, an occasion that merits a double celebration.
“We’re planning on doing two special dinner seatings that night,” Calixte said. “Succeeding for more than 20 years in the same location feels like quite an accomplishment. I just want to keep putting out good food that people enjoy at a good price point, and continue getting to know the Omaha community.”
For reservations or more information about Le Voltaire, call 402.934.9374 or visit levoltaireomaha.com.
