For nearly two decades, Chat Noir was a beloved staple of Rockville Centre’s dining scene, offering classic French cuisine in an intimate, bistro-style atmosphere. Located at the corner of Merrick Road and North Village Avenue, the restaurant was known for its warm ambiance, attentive service, and a menu filled with timeless French dishes.
But now, after years of serving locals and visitors alike, Chat Noir has closed its doors. The restaurant, which opened in 2009, has been shuttered since at least the beginning of November.
On Nov. 20, a visit to the site by The Herald revealed a somber scene, with no sign on the door indicating whether the closure is permanent. The usually lively dining area was dark, with only dim light from outside filtering through the windows.
Inside, remnants of the once-bustling eatery remained: tables and chairs still positioned in the dining rooms—one table had two cardboard boxes perched on it—and an assortment of liquor bottles remained visible on the bar.
The restaurant’s website has been shut down, and its phone number is disconnected.
Chat Noir had long been known for its signature dishes, such as duck confit, escargots, and steak frites, as well as its carefully curated wine list. Patrons often spoke highly of the restaurant’s ambiance, which was designed to evoke the spirit of Paris, with chic decor and intimate seating.
Although the reason for its closure remains unclear, the restaurant’s abrupt end has left many in the community saddened by the loss of a beloved spot.
“Very sad that it closed,” Facebook user Christie Gallego said in response to a post about the closing. “Cutest place, and I’ve gone to a few private parties there. They were fantastic.”
Numerous posts in that same thread suggested the eatery began to decline after an ownership change.
“It was extremely poorly run after the original owner sold it,” posted user Michelle James Wettstein.
