Wine Spectator Names New Orleans Restaurants for 2026 Awards
Wine Spectator's Restaurants Awards has recognized numerous New Orleans restaurants this year.
These awards recognize restaurants whose wine list offers interesting selections that are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of customers.
For a restaurant to qualify for an award, their wine list must present complete, accurate information from vintages and appellations for every selection. They must also submit a complete producer name with correct spellings, where the overall presentation of the list is considered. Then, lists that meet these requirements will be judged for one of their three awards: Award of Excellence, Best Award of Excellence, and Grand Award.
2026 NOLA Award Winners
The Award of Excellence selected 2,010 winners this year. The wine lists should offer at least 75 selections and feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers. These lists must deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.
The Best Award of Excellence selected 1,704 winners this year. This wine list must display excellent breadth across multiple wine growing regions and/ore significant vertical depth of top producers and have superior presentation. These lists typically must offer 350 or more sections and these restaurants are destinations for wine lovers.
The Grand Award selected 99 winners this year. This is Wine Spectator's highest award given to restaurants that show a passion and devotion to the quality of their wine programs. These wine lists typically feature 1,000 or more selections and deliver some of the top producers, mature vintages, a large selection of bottles, and excellent harmony with the menu.
EMERIL'S
800 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 528-9393
Since opening in 1990, Emeril's has become one of New Orleans' most celebrated fine dining restaurants. Chef Emeril Lagasse first envisioned the restaurant in 1989, choosing to open in an industrial neighborhood that was then filled with abandoned buildings and lacked streetlights. Shortly after opening, Emeril's gained national recognition following a standout review in The Times-Picayune. In 2021, Emeril's son, Chef E.J. Lagasse, returned to New Orleans after honing his culinary skills in renowned kitchens in New York, London, and Stockholm, joining the restaurant as chef and co-owner. In recent years, Emeril's has earned the AAA Five Diamond designation, joined the prestigious international organizations Les Grandes Tables du Monde and Relais & Châteaux, and received two Michelin stars.
STATISTICS FROM WINE SPECTATOR
The Basics
- Known for: Great View, Date Night, Historic Location, Special Occasions, Bar Scene
Wine
- Strengths: California, France (Burgundy, Rhône, Bordeaux), Italy
- Pricing: $$$
- Corkage Fee: $100
- Selections: 3,300
- Inventory: 22,000
Cuisine
- Types: Creole/French
- Pricing: $$$
- Meals: Dinner
People
- Wine Director: Aaron Benjamin
- Chef: E.J. Lagasse
- General Manager: Brandon Groh
- Owner: Emeril Lagasse, E.J. Lagasse
RESTAURANT AUGUST
301 Tchoupitoulas St. (504) 299-9777
Housed in a historic building dating back to the 1830s, Restaurant August has evolved from a riverfront warehouse used to store tobacco and coffee into one of New Orleans' most celebrated dining destinations. Founded in 2001 by local restaurateur Ralph Brennan and Chef John Besh, the restaurant pays homage to Louisiana's Creole heritage while preserving its mid-19th century craftsmanship. Restaurant August's cuisine, wine program, and service blend Southern hospitality with refined French influences, creating an elegant and distinctly New Orleans dining experience.
STATISTICS FROM WINE SPECTATOR
The Basics
- Known for: Wine Tastings/Events, Date Night, Chef's Table Experience, Historic Location, Special Occasions
Wine
- Strengths: California, France, Italy
- Pricing: $$$
- Corkage Fee: $35
- Selections: 365
- Inventory: 4,000
Cuisine
- Types: Creole/French
- Pricing: $$$
- Meals: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
People
- Wine Director: Nick Stackeni
- Sommelier: Tyler Cox
- Chef: Corey Thomas
- General Manager: Emmaline Duhon
- Owner: John Besh, Octavio Mantilla
RESTAURANT R'EVOLUTION
777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277
Restaurant R'evolution is a favorite among both locals and visitors, offering a unique dining experience with globally inspired ingredients in an elegant atmosphere. Located inside the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, the restaurant explores Louisiana's rich culinary history through the influences of the seven primary nations that have shaped the state's cuisine. By combining authentic ingredients from those countries with Louisiana's fresh local products, Restaurant R'evolution builds upon the traditions that define New Orleans' food culture. The restaurant is co-owned by Chef John Folse, a St. James Parish native, who learned at an early age that the secrets of Cajun cooking lie in the unique ingredients found in Louisiana's swamps.
STATISTICS FROM WINE SPECTATOR
The Basics
- Known for: Wine Tastings/Events, Private Event Space, Large Parties, Historic Location, Special Occasions
Wine
- Strengths: California France, (Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône), Italy (Piedmont, Tuscany)
- Pricing: $$$
- Corkage Fee: $50
- Selections: 1,920
- Inventory: 6,980
Cuisine
- Types: Creole
- Pricing: $$$
- Meals: Dinner
People
- Wine Director: Clayton Fox
- Chef: Christopher Anderson
- General Manager: Ashley Daniels
BRIQUETTE
701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496
Dating back to the 1800s, Briquette, located in New Orleans' Warehouse District, features a contemporary yet casual interior centered around its signature open kitchen. Housed in the former Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, the restaurant combines historic charm with modern dining. Briquette is known for its impressive 18-foot seafood display featuring fresh, whole fish that is prepared over red-hot briquettes using flavored oils. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and beautifully crafted cocktails.
STATISTICS FROM WINE SPECTATOR
The Basics
- Known for: Wine Tastings/Events, Private Event Space, Large Parties, Historic Location, Special Occasions
Wine
- Strengths: California
- Pricing: $$
- Corkage Fee: $35
- Selections: 145
- Inventory: 1,000
Cuisine
- Types: Seafood/Creole
- Pricing: $$
- Meals: Dinner
People
- Wine Director: Anna Tusa
- Chef: Peter Isaac
- Owner: Anna Tusa
MERIL
424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745
Located at 424 Girod St. in New Orleans, Meril strives to blend the flavors of the Big Easy with a fresh take on contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant offers unforgettable meals, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable dining experiences. The restaurant is Chef Emeril Lagasse's take on contemporary American cuisine, which has been influenced by his travels.
STATISTICS FROM WINE SPECTATOR
Wine
- Strengths: California, France
- Pricing: $$
- Corkage Fee: $25
- Selections: 95
- Inventory: 935
Cuisine
- Types: Regional/Small plates
- Pricing: $ i
- Meals: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
People
- Sommelier: Lauren Briley
- Chef: Emeril Lagasse
- General Manager: Margo Robert
- Owner: Emeril Lagasse
Puclinella!
1300 St. Bernard Ave., (504) 221-1560
Derived from his Sicilian heritage, Executive Chef Matty Hayes created Pucinella!, an Italian restaurant where family recipes are blended with the modern influences of Italian American culture in New Orleans. Located in the city's 7th Ward, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes designed to satisfy every palate.
STATISTICS FROM WINE SPECTATOR
The Basics
- Known for: Wine Tastings/Events, Date Night, Cozy & Intimate, Bar Scene
Wine
- Strengths: Italy
- Pricing: $$
- Corkage Fee: $25
- Selections: 135
- Inventory: 800
Cuisine
- Types: Italian
- Pricing: $
- Meals: Brunch, Dinner
People
- Wine Director: Andrew Principe
- Chef: Matty Hayes
- General Manager: Bella Blue
- Owner: Andrew Principe, Bella Blue, JD Solomon
