New Orleans has always been a city of indulging in excess.
We revel in the streets, we dance until dawn, and we eat decadent foods on a
regular basis. Our culinary is scene is world-famous. Many tourists claim that
they decided to come to New Orleans because they want to try some of the exotic food.
You just can't get it anywhere else.
When it's time to go all out for dinner, you've got to go to
the really high-end places. These are the restaurants that helped make New
Orleans a world-class destination for real food lovers. And they are why people love
coming back to the city year after year. You can't deny the incredible cultural
contributions of these culinary institutions.
10 Upscale New Orleans Restaurants To Check Out
1. Antoine's Restaurant
713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
antoines.com
Antoine's is at the top of our fancy restaurant list. It's not just old—it's the oldest family-run restaurant in the whole country! Imagine dining in a place that's been serving up amazing food since 1840.
But it's not just about age. With 14 themed dining rooms, it's part museum, part restaurant. And let's not forget they invented Oysters Rockefeller! Plus, their wine cellar? It's massive! So if you want to feel like royalty while munching on some incredible Creole cuisine, Antoine's is definitely the place to be.
2. Restaurant August
301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777
restaurantaugust.com
For those seeking a refined dining experience away from the French Quarter's bustle, Restaurant August stands as our number two pick. Located just over Canal Street, this elegant establishment offers a tranquil retreat while remaining conveniently close to the action. The restaurant's ambiance evokes a sense of timeless sophistication, with business casual attire recommended to match the refined atmosphere.
Under the culinary leadership of Chef Corey Thomas, Restaurant August presents a concise yet impressive menu. Diners can indulge in exquisite dishes such as Duck Three Ways, Red Snapper Pontchartrain, and Grilled Strip Steak. For an truly extraordinary experience, discerning patrons often opt for the Chef's Tasting Menu, showcasing the kitchen's finest creations and culinary expertise.
3. Emeril's
800 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 528-9393
emerilsrestaurant.com
Next on our list is the iconic Emeril's Restaurant, a culinary gem that has been delighting diners since 1990. Founded by the renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, this establishment has become synonymous with New Orleans' vibrant food scene.
Located in the Warehouse District, Emeril's showcases the chef's signature "New New Orleans" cuisine, blending local flavors with innovative techniques. The restaurant's warm, inviting atmosphere and open kitchen design offer guests a front-row seat to culinary artistry in action.
4. Commander's Palace
1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221
commanderspalace.com
Commander's Palace, a culinary icon nestled in New Orleans' Garden District since 1893, offers a dining experience that epitomizes the city's rich gastronomic heritage. This historic restaurant, helmed by the renowned Brennan family, has been a breeding ground for culinary talent, with notable chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme having graced its kitchens.
While dinner at Commander's is always a grand affair, their lunch service holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The restaurant's famous 25-cent martini lunch is a beloved tradition that adds a touch of midday indulgence to the Commander's experience. Diners can savor classic Creole dishes like the signature Turtle Soup au Sherry or opt for more contemporary offerings such as the Wild Louisiana Shrimp and Grits. For those looking to splurge, the 48-Hour Tasso-Brined Double Cut Pork Chop is a showstopper. And of course, no meal at Commander's is complete without their legendary Bananas Foster for dessert.
5. Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard
819 Conti St., (504) 581-3866
broussards.com
Just north of the throng of Bourbon Street, Broussard's offers a warm, welcoming respite beyond the partying. Broussard's serves fantastic French-Creole fare for dinner service and brunch. They're also known to occasionally do dinners that are a part of a conceptual series, but that may be difficult to reserve due to their popularity.
The classic dishes consist of Creole Turtle
Soup, Bronzed Redfish with Louisiana blue crab, and Pompano Pontchartrain with
Gulf shrimp and satsuma-whipped Feta Cheese. Please save room for some Bananas
Foster for dessert!
6. Arnaud's Restaurant
813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433
arnaudsrestaurant.com
Make a trip to Arnaud's for a wonderful dinner in historic settings or for a high-energy jazz brunch. The Oysters Arnaud are always a popular menu item, and the Filet Mignon au Poivre is heavily drizzled with a French brandy cream sauce that you can't find anywhere else. You can also order some fiery Cafe Brulot to cap off the meal. It's truly a multi-sensory experience!
Adjacent to the dining room is the French
75 Bar, where you can enjoy bar seating and a great small plates menu for a
quick snack. You can get an expertly-made classic cocktail like the Sazerac or
a Champs Elysees with a side of Gougeres: Gruyere cheese puffs stuffed with
prosciutto.
7. Lilette
3637 Magazine St., (504) 895-1636
liletterestaurant.com
Lilette Restaurant, while not as historic as some of New Orleans' culinary institutions, has earned its place among the city's top dining destinations. Located in the charming Uptown neighborhood, Lilette offers a refined yet approachable dining experience that blends French and Italian influences with local Louisiana flavors. Chef John Harris has crafted a menu that serves as a love letter to New Orleans' diverse culinary heritage.
Diners should start their culinary journey with the restaurant's famous Muscade Crusted Scallops or the Goat Cheese Tart. For main courses, the Grilled Hanger Steak and Pan Roasted Gulf Fish are standout options that showcase Chef Harris's commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Lilette's carefully curated wine list, featuring selections that perfectly complement the menu's sophisticated flavors.
8. Bayona
430 Dauphine St., (504) 525-4455
bayona.com
Bayona, nestled in a charming 200-year-old Creole cottage in the French Quarter, has been a culinary landmark in New Orleans since 1990. Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Susan Spicer, Bayona offers a unique dining experience that blends global influences with local Louisiana flavors. The restaurant's intimate setting, complete with a lush courtyard, provides a perfect backdrop for both romantic dinners and special celebrations.
Chef Spicer's innovative menu changes seasonally, showcasing her commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. Diners can start their culinary journey with signature appetizers like the Goat Cheese Crouton with Mushrooms or the Grilled Shrimp with Black Bean Cake. For main courses, the Peppered Lamb Loin and the Veal Sweetbreads are standout options that highlight Chef Spicer's creative approach to classic dishes.
9. Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant
701 St. Charles Ave. (504) 524-4114
herbsaint.com
You can take a streetcar out to Herbsaint to get the full New Orleans experience! Chef Donald Link and Chef de Cuisine Tyler Spreen source many of their ingredients close to home so that their French, Italian, and Southern American dishes really shine. This restaurant is also an award winner due to their innovative dishes that are second to none.
The main courses often involve freshly-caught
seafood. You may be enticed to try the Louisiana Jumbo Shrimp with coconut
curry broth and basmati rice. Don't overlook the Grilled Wagyu Bavette with chimichurri,
fries, and pimento aioli.
10. Galatoire's
209 Bourbon St., (504) 525-2021
galatoires.com
Galatoire's Restaurant, a culinary icon in the French Quarter since 1905, epitomizes the enduring charm of New Orleans' dining scene. This Bourbon Street landmark is renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional Creole cuisine and its unique no-reservations policy for the first-floor dining room.
Galatoire's has preserved its classic menu and elegant ambiance for over a century, earning it a James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Patrons can indulge in timeless dishes like Shrimp Remoulade, Oysters Rockefeller, and Trout Meunière Amandine, all served with impeccable attention to detail in a lively, historic setting that captures the essence of New Orleans' culinary heritage.
Luxurious New Orleans Restaurants
Get a reservation, put on your fancy clothes, and call the
babysitter before you go to these gorgeous upscale restaurants. These places
are meant to be enjoyed as part of a special night on the town for you and your
loved ones or a place to celebrate something big. You may need to plan very far
ahead if you're going to have a large party or if you want to have a night cap at an upscale bar post dinner.
Have we listed your favorite upscale restaurant in the city?
Let us know what we missed.
