Meet Forough Vakili | Founder & Executive Chef at Le Bon Nosh

We had the good fortune of connecting with Forough Vakili and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Forough, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Le Bon Nosh was born from a desire to bridge the gap between how people live and how they eat. I’ve always been passionate about food’s ability to nourish not just our bodies but also our connections with others. After working in chemical engineering and then spending time honing my culinary skills in France, I realized I wanted to create a space that celebrates simple, fresh and seasonal ingredients while fostering a sense of community. Le Bon Nosh is the culmination of my journey – from my upbringing in Iran, learning to cook from the women in my family and my time in Paris training at Le Cordon Bleu to honing my skills at a two-Michelin star restaurant in Brittany and lifelong appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients. I wanted to create a place where food is not only delicious but also thoughtfully prepared, connecting people to the source and the seasons.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Le Bon Nosh, we focus on farm-to-table cuisine with French influences, offering a seasonally driven menu that reflects my commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients. From our counter-service breakfasts and lunches to our intimate full-service dinners, we strive to provide a culinary experience that nourishes both the body and the spirit. I am particularly passionate about supporting local farmers and purveyors, and every dish we serve tells the story of these partnerships. Our wine and cocktail programs are equally thoughtfully curated, featuring French wines and high-quality, carefully crafted beverages. We just launched a new, greatly expanded wine list with over 500 wines sourced exclusively from France. Ultimately, our goal is for people to feel at home and connected, both to each other and to the food they enjoy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is such a vibrant city with a great mix of food, culture and nature. I love starting the day at our local farmers’ markets – Morningside or Peachtree Road Market – for fresh produce and local products. For art and culture, the High Museum of Art is always a must-visit. For a bit of green space, I’d take them to Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden, both are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. And of course, for dining, besides Le Bon Nosh, there are so many fantastic spots, like Spring, Umi and Delbar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to the amazing local farmers and purveyors we partner with, who make everything we do at Le Bon Nosh possible. Their dedication to providing the community with sustainable, high-quality ingredients is truly inspiring and a crucial part of our mission. I’m also deeply inspired by the community of women who have been a part of my journey – both those who raised me and the women who continue to support and collaborate with me today.

Website: https://www.lebonnosh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebonnosh/?hl=en

Other: Reservation can be made at: https://www.opentable.com/r/le-bon-nosh-atlanta

Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of Le Bon Nosh