Tucked into a crevice of the financial district, away from the Central Artery, Les Zygomates does not go unnoticed.

The surprisingly flavorful French food, extensive five-page wine list and live jazz are enough to give patrons’ zygomates – French for the muscles that make smiles happen – a lot of exercise.

The entry of Les Zygomates is quiet. The black and white tile, raised tables, white walls and lack of music are a far cry from the expected jazz club atmosphere.

But after walking through the “Bistro Side” of the restaurant, the tiles melt into seductive wood floors and the bland white walls give way to deep red ones adorned with French posters and large mirrors.

Dim lamps and candles illuminate the room, and the bistro suddenly comes to life as waiters scurry about.

The rich sounds of jazz and blues waft over the welcoming red cushioned booths. Though expansive and unrelenting, the music never detracts from conversations at the intimately spaced tables.

The band platform is tucked away in a corner for the nightly live jazz entertainment, which was The Ronnie Ron Trio on Feb. 6.

The local trio alternated between up-tempo catchy tunes, full of quick, pulsating bass beats and slower introspective piano tunes. The band was dynamic enough to hold listeners’ attention, yet subtle enough to simply provide classy background noise.

Les Zygomates offers a strong selection of tempting desserts, such as butterscotch pudding with puff-pastry cookies, warm chocolate cake with Mexican chocolate ice cream, crme brle, an assorted cheese plate and an excellent fondue for two.

The hot pot of chocolate comes with a plate full of banana, pineapple, strawberries, pound cake cubes, marshmallows and tiny bone-shaped sugar cookies.

Les Zygomates’ post-dinner drink list takes up three-quarters of the dessert menu with everything from bourbons to sweet wines.

Though a tad pricey for the average college student, Les Zygomates will satisfy and make diners’ zygomates work overtime.