Caractère Chef’s Choice Menu with Wine Pairings

At Caractère, the Chef’s Choice tasting menu is a personal expression of Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari’s shared culinary language, a fluid dialogue between French finesse and Italian soul, delivered with warmth, precision, and unmistakable personality. This experience allows the kitchen to compose a complete narrative, guiding diners through the full spectrum of Caractère’s character in a single, seamless progression.

The journey opens gently, with a refined, seasonal introduction that showcases the kitchen’s respect for produce and classical restraint. A delicate opening bite, perhaps a crudo or vegetable-led composition — highlights purity and balance, paired with a vibrant, mineral-driven white from a small French or Italian producer. The wine sets the tone: expressive, sustainable, and quietly distinctive, mirroring the ethos of the restaurant itself.

As the menu deepens, the next courses build complexity and warmth. A signature dish, rooted in Diego’s Italian heritage and elevated by French technique, arrives enriched with layered umami and precise seasoning. Marco Nardi’s pairing leans into texture here, introducing a softly oxidative white or a light-bodied red, chosen to echo the dish’s depth without overpowering its elegance.

The heart of the menu moves confidently into more robust territory, with impeccably sourced meat or fish prepared nose-to-tail, reflecting Caractère’s commitment to zero waste and ethical sourcing. 

Before dessert, a transitional course offers contrast and freshness, resetting the palate with acidity, bitterness, or gentle spice. The experience concludes in Emily Roux’s domain, where pastry becomes an expression of indulgence without excess. Desserts balance precision and pleasure with seasonal fruit, restrained sweetness, and classical technique, paired with a thoughtfully chosen sweet or fortified wine that complements rather than overwhelms. A final bite, playful and comforting, brings the evening to a close with a sense of generosity and ease.