Award-Winning NOLA Restaurants
On June 23, the 2025 Annual Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards bestowed top honors upon two local restaurants: Brennan's and Ralph's on the Park.
Brennan's Restaurant received the Grand Award for its fifth consecutive year, while Ralph's on the Park earned its second annual Award of Excellence. The Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group operates both restaurants, whose cellars share a liquid history rooted in the New Orleans food scene.
2025 Wine Spectator Awards
Since 1981, Wine Spectator magazine has honored nearly 4,000 restaurants that raise the bar of wine excellence. The organization of wine-tasting connoisseurs divides the list into three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and Grand Award.
2,010 restaurants have achieved an Award of Excellence, which brings recognition to restaurants, such as Ralph's on the Park, that have at least 90 wine offerings.
Only 97 restaurants worldwide have received the Grand Award, which denotes the highest level of wine service. To qualify, a restaurant must contain a cellar of 1,000 or more wine selections from esteemed wineries and vineyards. Brennan's is one of three New Orleans establishments to have ever appeared on the Grand Award list.
Ralph's on the Park
Located near the entrance of City Park, Ralph's on the Park offers guests a chance to take in the panoramic views while savoring a glass of award-winning wine. Its wine menu primarily includes offerings from within the U.S., although imports from Europe, South America, and Australia are available.
Beverage Director Braithe Gill coordinated the wine selection of Ralph's on the Park to enhance the restaurant's modern Louisiana cuisine. Currently, the restaurant offers promotions such as $5 Wine by the Glass for lunch and adult happy meals for dinner. For more information about the restaurant's extensive menu, please visit the Ralph's on the Park's website.
Brennan's Restaurant
French Quarter restaurant Brennan's boasts a wine cellar of over 14,000 bottles, specializing in dry Burgundies and bubbly Champagnes. The restaurant's cellar dedicates its second floor to housing Brennan's collection of Burgundies. The self-proclaimed "Champagne House of the South" stores 100 types of Champagne.
Brennan's million-dollar wine collection complements the restaurant's Creole menu. "Bubbles at Brennan's" provides guests with a taste of the restaurant's cuisine with a discounted bottle of bubbly. For more information about limited-time promotions, please visit the Brennan's Restaurant website.
Cool Down with a Wine Glass
Visit Brennan's and Ralph's on the Park to understand why both earned a spot on the 2025 Wine Spectator Awards list. Preferring a pinot noir, rosé, or Champagne, you can find the perfect glass at either restaurant.
