Pro tip: Skip the dining room, and insist on the Jazz Music room. Same menu, strolling jazz trio moving from table to table. They make sure they play every table at least one tune; they were playing all kinds of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and similar jazz pop music...until they made it to our table and I requested Lee Morgan's beautiful Ceora. This led to a long conversation with the fellas about Tom Harrell's Sail Away, where and who I play with in San Francisco, and ends up they knew some of the folks I play with here. Food and service was top notch, and the characteristic old tile floor brings you back to classic French Quarter vibe before it got really crazy. An elegant room in an elegant venue, perfect New Orleans cuisine selection, excellently presented. Another go-to! read more

TLDR: Vibe was weird and racist, food was subpar, expect to wait an hour for food. This restaurant was so weird. It felt like a time travel into the past where only people of color served wealthy whites. Every server but one was a person of color and every person dining was white. As soon as my group walked in we noticed the outdated feel of the atmosphere. White elites portraits on the walls. Black servers, probably ordered, to pour our water for us after every time we took a sip. It was like they were only there to service us and if you wanted it anyway but how they were told they were uncomfortable. I really hope they are paid a significant wage. One of my party noticed that they were taking customers of color to rooms other than the one we were seated in (for context, our party is all white). Not to mention, the food. The brussel sprout and diced potato appetizers were extremely flavorless, which I imagine the ancient, wealthy, white people enjoy very much. But being in New Orleans I expect a lot more flavor and spice. The gumbo was quite tasty but the portion was the size of an appetizer. It was a very uncomfortable vibe and atmosphere and I would like to never be there again. The food also took ages to come out and we were wary to order any more food even though we were left quite hungry after our small portion sizes. I'm sure the elites love this restaurant, but as a white person, I was extremely uncomfortable by their weird traditions. read more

LIVE JAZZ TRIO: 5 star OVERRATED FOOD: 3 star UNFRIENDLY SERVICE: 1 star - We had heard such great things, about Arnaud's restaurant being a must visit in New Orleans... that we just had to try it. But, as we now read so many reviewers before us said, it did not live up to the hype. - The live jazz trio was, by far, the highlight of the night. When they stopped playing, the room felt lifeless and empty, except you could hear the conversations of the tightly spaced tables. Another reviewer captioned it as a "high school cafeteria" feel. There are two dining room rooms... Always choose the one with the music! - As for the food and drink drinks, every single item they served us was sadly sub par. - Our 1st cup of coffee was clearly weak And watered down, but the second one tasted normal. The so-called salad was 90% lettuce, literally swimming in heavy cream house dressing... so much. It wilted the lettuce and made me sick to my stomach. Don't bother! - The grilled fish was actually well seasoned, and the only thing I could recommend. How do you mess up grilling fish anyway? Their signature, famous dish, the Crab Karen, relief on hype and Photo-opps, rather than full flavors. It was heavily buttered Filo dough, sitting in a pool of heavy cream sauce, stuffed with salty crab... And seemingly more butter or cream. This restaurants chefs seem to rely very heavily on butter and cream rather than seasoning. - For dessert, we had the baked Alaska. The flaming presentation was excellent. Yet, the dessert itself was flavorless... So much so they had to pour chocolate sauce and alcohol over it. The chocolate sauce tasted like bottled Bosco, and they did not warn me about the alcohol. - The STAFF were lukewarm, at best, all the way across the board. The hostess could not afford to smile. The wine server could not hide their disappointment that we did not order any and gave us an obvious negative look. The waiter seemed annoyed that I added a salad to my order after my partner added a salad to his. My water glass set empty for far too much of the night. At these prices, I expect better service, and staff that at least act like they want to be there. - Even the dining room manager didn't seem to care. He came up to ask how everything was, twice, but ignored our lukewarm answer of, "OK," and just rushed off without asking why or if there was anything he could do. NOTE TO HIM: when you see plates of half eaten food left on the table, you should ask why. Having worked in restaurants for 15 years, I do not send food back because I have seen what the cooks do to it. - THE DEAL: New Orleans is full of fabulous food. Be sure to read the reviews and choose wisely! read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - The live jazz trio gives this restaurant an energy and warmth that is palpably missing when they take a break! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Food and service were both phenomenal. Strict dress code so be mindful! We also got the potato soufflé which was bland but very airy and crispy! read more

See all

Arnaud's New Orleans is the type of restaurant that feels connected to the history and character of the city rather than just being a place to eat. Located in the French Quarter, we walked into a space with a classic New Orleans atmosphere, elegant dining rooms, historic details, and a sense of occasion from the moment we stepped through the door. The room feels old-world and refined, with chandeliers, ornate moldings, and a layout that encourages lingering, while still capturing the lively spirit that makes New Orleans dining unique. The energy in the dining room is warm and celebratory, the kind of place where the meal feels like an event. The menu focuses on traditional Creole and French-inspired dishes, and we enjoyed getting to try some of the classics. The turtle soup and gumbo stood out as dishes that really represented the flavors of the region, with rich, layered seasoning and a comforting depth that came through clearly. The seafood dishes also fit naturally with the style of the restaurant, and the overall meal felt like a proper introduction to New Orleans cuisine. Each course arrived with attention to presentation, and the pacing of the meal allowed us to settle into the experience without feeling rushed. The flavors were bold without being overwhelming, and the balance of the dishes reflected the kitchen's confidence in the classics. One of the highlights of the experience was the atmosphere. The live jazz added a lot to the meal, especially during the evening when the restaurant felt more like an experience than just dinner. The music, historic setting, and slower pace made it feel like a place where you are meant to sit and enjoy the night rather than rush through a meal. The jazz was integrated naturally into the room, providing a backdrop that enhanced the energy without overwhelming conversation. The combination of the music, the historic surroundings, and the attentive service created a sense of place that extended beyond the plate. Service was attentive and polished, matching the more formal style of the restaurant. The staff moved with a practiced ease, and they were knowledgeable about the menu, offering guidance on the classic dishes and wine pairings without being pushy. Since it is a historic and well-known spot, reservations are worth planning ahead for, especially during busy dining hours. The dressier atmosphere also makes it feel more suited for a special occasion or a memorable night out, and the room itself supports that sense of occasion. Arnaud's is a restaurant we would visit for the full experience of New Orleans dining. The combination of classic Creole dishes, live jazz, historic surroundings, and traditional service makes it feel like a place that represents the city's food culture rather than just another restaurant. It offers a meal that feels rooted in tradition, with a sense of place that extends from the food to the music to the setting itself. read more

See all

Finally was able to secure reservations and check Arnaud's from the bucket list. What a restaurant with a rich history and lineage, opening in 1918! Walking into the elegant dining room you quickly realize this isn't your typical dining experience. Live jazz musicians that make their way around from table to table playing your favorite jazz requests. Servers are plentiful and there is an army of staff attentive to your needs. Drinks are delicious and paced quickly. The server captain will offer recommendations and highlight the specialty dishes that Arnaud's is known for. There is a separate server that only handles the beverages & cocktails - John was amazing & quick to engage with great stories of his favorite local places. We started with the Oysters Arnaud, sampling (5) of their oyster offerings. Added the seafood gumbo that was delicious. Crab cakes were perfect - crispy outside, flaky crab within all sitting atop their whole grain creole mustard sauce. And we shared the Fish Pontchartrain which was a sautéed redfish, topped with lump crabmeat and Béarnaise sauce - a must try! Lovely restaurant that has withstood the test of time and still operates like old school New Orleans restaurants do. Enjoy! read more

See all

Had a great experience at Arnaud's for our Girls' Holiday Dinner. They let us decorate our table and it set the mood for the night. We opted for the 4-course Revéillon menu. We started with an appetizer, followed by the Creole onion soup, and then the main course, the beef tenderloin. Overall, I'd give the food a 7.5/10. It was good, but several dishes could have used a bit more seasoning. We also ordered the Bananas Foster (not included in the Revéillon menu), and it was absolutely worth the extra charge, rich, delicious, and perfectly prepared. The cocktails were great as well. What really made the evening stand out was the exceptional service. We never had to ask for anything and our servers were attentive, friendly, and on top of every detail. The holiday décor was beautiful, and the overall ambiance was perfect for a festive night out. I'd definitely return, but next time I'd likely stick to the regular menu. Overall, a lovely night with great vibes and memorable moments. read more

See all

Talk about fancy. The staff is so impeccably dressed, and so professional and astute. This is definitely an elevated dining experience. Our group ordered a wide variety of food and everything was plated beautifully and tasted amazing. We came in a large group for a birthday party and they did a wonderful job hosting us read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Baked Alaska - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

See all

Arnaud's is what I think of quintessential NOLA. The jazz brunch is beautiful with crepes and bananas foster being flamed tableside and lively music filling the dining room. The service is impeccable with rounds of bread and drinks never lacking. The menu has favorites like eggs sardou and Benedict along with the favorite crepes. Any day in this dining room is a good day. read more

See all

50th Anniversary Vacation Part 4D: Arnaud's Restaurant: NOLA, French Quarter! Arnauds = ELEGANCE. This French 75 Bar is gorgeous, dark, cozy, elegant. We arrived earlier, before our reservation so we could sat in the Bar to have a cocktail. When in the French 75 Bar, of course I HAD to have a French 75 cocktail! A French 75 is my favorite. Usually they are made with champagne, this one was made with cognac. Oh my, it was delicious! We sat near a window in a corner was able to people watch and chat with each other. Our dinner reservation was at 6:00. We were led to a lovely table in a gorgeous large room, with decorative glass lead windows across the front. Stunning chandeliers covered the ceiling, beautiful lighting, white table cloths, this room was unbelievably beautiful. Pure elegance. We were told there were 12 dining rooms upstairs. We were also told that a group of 88 people just arrived and they were taken to one of the rooms upstairs. 88 in that group, another group of 37 also arrived. There were over 200 people in different groups who went upstairs while we were there. We were also told that last night was a QUIET night. I started off with their Sweetbreads Sins with Capers and Meunière Sauce. I haven't had sweetbreads in years so I was excited to see them on the menu. Crispy on the outside, rich, slightly creamy and very tender. So elegant and decadent. Terry started with their Classic salad. He was saying how much he loved their dressing. We both ordered Breast of Duck Ellen. It was plated beautifully and the duck was perfectly seared to medium-rare. The Blueberry Port Wine Sauce and Blueberries didn't overcome the duck. It accentuated it. For sides, we shared Sautéed Mushrooms with Parmsean Breadcrumbs and Cauliflower au Gratin. They were aware we were celebrating our pre-anniversary. We were presented with a creamy cheese cake dessert that 0 was wrapped like a pretty present. I had to have a cappuccino, decaf. Fabulous! Arnaud's as I said is pure elegance. There was a lot of staff standing on hand, each person had his or her purpose. Doug, Eric, Terrell and the hostesses....they all saw to your every need and they made it so very special for you. This was one of the most memorable dinners I ever had, and I had many. But Arnaud's stood out more than the others. We will love to go back again. We were in complete awe of everything. The ambience was breathtaking. The food, cocktails, wine, staff and service was impeccable. They made it very special. THEY are very special. We can't thank them enough for everything. This was an evening to remember. read more

See all

It's all about the sauce! Another NOLA icon. It's pretty reminiscent of other older restaurants in the quarter. Big, loud, and straight outta of time. I mean if you like old southern flair wrapped in a waiter serving you a dish from the 70's in a tuxedo then you're in luck. Good for me, I dig that scene. My wife commented several times about how she liked the pace of dinner. We are strange I guess, and like to take our time when we are eating, and they spread it out nicely. We never felt rushed or like they needed to turn the table over. How refreshing in our fast paced world. When you go, whatever you do, try to get something with the remoulade. We got the shrimp Arnaud and say what you will about the shrimp, my wife thought they were a bit overcooked, the remoulade sauce was fantastic. It was a touch tomato, a little sweet, and had an awesome horseradish kick. We also got sweetbreads, which we love. Don't look up what they are just eat them. You can't go wrong with brown butter and capers. The amandine fish my wife got was really good, but I think she still prefers Antoine's version a bit better. I got the chicken Hefner and it came with a bernaise that was out of this world. I think you put it on anything, use your imagination, and it would be good. Our service was ok. Nothing bad, just nothing spectacular. Everything came in good time and everyone was pleasant enough. All in all I think we would come here again. Probably not a once a week kinda place but every few months treat yo' self. read more

See all

This restaurant was wonderful! We were underdressed so we couldn't sit in the main dining room but were able to sit at the bar which was GREAT! The bartender Erick took REALLY good care of us! Drinks were fabulous and so was the service. We were checked on multiple times by someone else when Erick was busy. There was a mishap with one of the items ordered and they took care of it right away with no issues and were extremely apologetic. I would ABSOLUTELY return the next time I'm in NOLA!! I want to try the live jazz brunch on Sundays! read more

See all

During a recent vacation to New Orleans to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary with my DH, we decided to attend the Jazz Brunch at Arnaud's on a Sunday morning. It was our very first time at Arnaud's, but it definitely will not be our last! From the minute we walked in the doors until the minute we walked out, this experience was an absolute *dream!* Let's start with the ambience: dining on a Sunday morning meant that the Jazz Brunch was going on. The venue was bustling but not crowded and the Jazz Trio was making their way from table to table. Once at the table, you are then allowed to make a request for a song. So needless to say the music was lively and truly enhanced our entire experience. For us, the Trio chose for us (at our request) and played the most lovely rendition of Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You," complete with vocals. Our serving team of Ashok and Myra (Captain) were exceptional! Incredibly attentive to our needs and the serving time was perfectly paced so that each course was enjoyed but the meal also moved along smoothly. For our various courses, my DH and I chose the following: Appetizers: Seafood Gumbo (DH) and Belgian Waffles. Both were excellent, but the Lemon Creme Fraiche and the Blueberry Compote were *next level* Entrees: Grillades & Grits (DH) and Eggs Sardou. Not only was the veal delicious but the cheese grits were out of this world! The hollandaise on the Eggs Sardou was creamy and perfectly balanced out the flavors of the dish. Desserts: Strawberries Arnaud and Winter Pavlova with Cafe Brulot prepared table-side. The seasonal Pavlova was delicious and who doesn't love that first crunch of a pavlova? The tartness of the strawberries with the punch of port and the creamy, cool vanilla ice cream - truly an unforgettable dessert experience! Paired with the Cafe Brulot and you have got the perfect finale to our exceptional meal. And yet, this is not where the meal ended as one of our serving team, Ashok, came over with a complimentary mini Baked Alaska with chocolate sauce featuring peppermint ice cream as a surprise and to mark our anniversary. Such a l delightful surprise and both my DH and I were so appreciative of the gesture. All in all, a *phenomenal* dining experience and one that we are looking forward to repeating in the future! Arnaud's, we cannot recommend you highly enough! KUDOS!! read more

See all

We have heard about Arnauld's and while in town, we were only here for one night and decided to come here for dinner, but made reservations prior to arriving. We were happy to score a spot at the time we wanted and when we arrived, though I was wearing a collared shirt, I quickly learned that wearing shorts wasn't acceptable. This is fine, I respect cultures and definitely fine dining establishments, but this didn't appear to me like one of those types of places. The way this played out - We walked in, the hostess took us to the dining room where she said we had a reservation and a maître d' of that dining room immediately confront me, as if I was trying to circumvent their policies. I told him I wasn't ware of their dress code but would gladly go to the dining room he advised I was able to dine in while wearing shorts. Then as I was walking to that dining room with the hostess, we walked past the original hostess stand where the phone was ringing and the original lady who greeted us when we walked in answer it and I overheard her getting dressed down by this guy asking why she let me come through - This was overdoing it and very unnecessary. He needs to chill and realize that some people (like me) clearly overlook a dress code when making reservations and come in... Leave it alone - This alone docks them a star. We ended up sitting on the "Jazz" side, which was fine, but they charge $6 per person cover to sit over there, even though we were only there for the food, not the music. They have a pretty nice wine list, also featuring the typical cocktails. Their menu is loaded with many options, the majority looking pretty appetizing! We started with their crab claw appetizer and it was decent, but the buttery sauce was lacking depth of flavor. Their table bread and butter was amazing! Their salad was really tasty, made with fresh ingredients and had a very nice dressing. Our entrées consisted of Pompano Duarte and Crabmeat Karen. The Crabmeat Karen's puff pastry was so very tasty, so was the crabmeat inside it - Definitely a great dish! The Pompano Duarte was slightly on the bland side... a little like the crab claw appetizer, missing depth of flavor. The worst part of the main dish was the side... I was so looking forward to their Soufflé Potatoes because I heard good things about them... when they arrived, they looked great, but were cool, hardly warm, definitely not hot. The flavor was OK, but it's a dish that needs to be served hot. The best part of the menu was the dessert... Their Strawberries Arnaud was crazy-good!! Every bite was flavorful and a textural dream! Overall, I was a little disappointed in this dinner... I expected more and I'm sure they normally do better, but I rarely get to NOLA, so I needed this visit to be as great as other places I visit in town. read more

See all

Another one of my favorite spots in New Orleans! This place is upscale so pack your dress shirt and jacket and be sure to get a reservation ahead of time. The dining room is small so I'm stressing the reservation part. Strongly recommend the jazz brunch. Typically the jazz brunch is on the weekends and it's a great introduction to New Orleans for those looking to experience the music and culture of the city. I'd rate the food a B+ but the service and live music during the Jazz brunch make this one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in New Orleans. The gumbo is by far the best dish on the menu and some of the best I've had in the city so start there. Definitely stop by next time you're in town! read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Interior - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

See all

I was invited to a Holiday Girls Dinner here and it did not disappoint. We had the Re'vellion Dinner. I have not been here in over 20 years. From the entrance, the bar and the restaurant itself just has a classic French Quarter charm. Not to mention the lovely Christmas decor. Our host was very friendly and attentive. As all the staff were that we came across. The appetizer was the AMUSE BOUCHE which is Daube Glacé (Jellied stew beef). It was delicious and the presentation was great. For my 1st course I had the Pan Seared Scallops with Sauce Persillade and Matchstick potatoes. It was delicious I just wish it was 3 instead of 2 scallops. The scallops were flavorful and cooked perfectly. My main course was Potato Encrusted Fish Pan seared fillet on a bed of sauteed fennel and Herbsaint. This was not as flavorful, wish it was seasoned more. I added some salt and it was better but not the flavor I wanted. I probably should've gotten the beef tenderloin. For dessert I had the crème brûlée it was delicious. Prior to dinner we had a few drinks at the bar and they all were great . I will definitely be returning. This maybe an annual Holiday season spot. read more

See all

We were in New Orleans and wanted to experience one of the "big 3" French Quarter classic restaurants. Our guidebooks said other have better decor but that Arnaud's had the best food. After drinks at the French 75 Bar, my wife and I wandered over and were seated. Service is impeccable, with multiple servers in a group effort to serve and bus. As for the food, we went with some classics: oysters Bienville, turtle soup (never had that before), shrimp bisque, pompano Duarte, crab cakes, famous souffle potatoes, and individual baked Alaska for dessert (complete with flambe). It was definitely an experience but I have to say the food was very good but not knock-your-socks off great. Our reservations were at their opening time but the space gradually filled up and got loud. There was everything from a solo diner to business groups to families with kids. Tip: visit their free museum space upstairs that has old Mardi Gras costumes. Yes, some exhibits are old and falling apart, but still interesting nevertheless. read more

See all

Didn't eat here but had drinks at the Richelieu bar and it was so nice. The bartenders were so great and we all liked the drinks too! read more

See all

We were celebrating our anniversary and visiting from out of town so I made an online reservation a month in advance for their jazz lunch on a Friday. They confirmed a week in advance and I asked if they would be having music. Said yes. I should have asked if they were having jazz music. It turned out to be a DJ playing super loud popular music. Also being the week before Mardi Gras the place was packed with young women having a grand time drinking, singing, dancing and chatting around with other tables. Like a huge sorority reunion. It was fun to see them all dressed up in Mardi Gras dresses but it sure wasn't the quiet lunch we expected. We were the only couple there and we could not talk because it was so loud. But the food was good and the service attentive. Just wish they would have told us it was a Mardi Gras party. read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Mardi Gras party inside Arnaud's. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Our final dinner of our recent visit to New Orleans found us dining at Arnaud's on Bienville in the French Quarter. We had some amazingly tantalizing cuisine such as the Shrimp Arnaud, sweetbreads, Veal Tournedos, and Baked Alaska. The cocktails were grand. The establishment is a really lovely place to dine and enjoy great cuisine and cocktails. Entering through the gorgeous red and white stripped front hallway, we took our reserved table in the brightly lit main dining room with its vibrant turn-of-the-century tile with portraits of the family members who have owned the establishment hung on the walls. Arnaud's radiates a true creole fine dining experience from the moment you take your seats at the white table-clothed table. The Asta and Merchant Sour were exquisite contacts that helped set the stages for starters and entrees we ordered. You can't go wrong with the Shrimp Arnaud (gluten free) to start that is one of the restaurant's signature dishes; marinated in tangy, house-made creole remoulade sauce that is divine. The sweetbread sins were a treat as I usually don't see them on the menu at most restaurants. They were delightful and went well with the Meunière Sauce it was served. The Veal Tournedos Chantal (gluten free) was absolutely sensational, sautéed and served in a Wild Mushroom Sauce with risotto that was savory and delicious to the last bite. The Smothered Okra (gluten free) was a nice side to order that was stewed with tomatoes, ham, and creole seasonings. The crescendo of dessert was the server preparing the chocolate liqueur sauce for the Baked Alaska dessert I had and Café Brûlot that my wife and I shared. Watching the glow of the flames as he combined the brandy with the coffee, lemon, orange rinds, cloves, cinnamon sticks and Orange Curaçao was magical and tasted just as much. I hadn't enjoyed a coffee drink like that before, which made the whole experience sweeter for us on our last night in New Orleans. Having been in business since 1918, the creole cuisine served here is delicious. The main dining room continues to radiate the charm of fine dining with creole magic that has passed through four generations of family ownership per the dishes you order originated by the man who opened the restaurant over a 100 years ago. read more

See all

*Delayed post from Dec '24. What an exquisite experience at this Jazz Bistro! From the start, you can tell this restaurant prides itself on high quality service. Our server was attentive and the full restaurant staff constantly refilled out waters and cleared out plates immediately. As I was there during the holidays, the windows had decorative wreaths hanging and poinsettias in different areas. The Jazz band trio that floated around to the tables were wonderful to converse with and took many different requests. Food-wise, I really enjoyed the escargot (so buttery!), Cornish game hen (moist with a delicious veronique sauce), crab cakes (big enough to split), and cauliflower au vin (beautifully prepared vegetables - soft, yet grilled). The chicken and andouille gumbo had good flavor, but the chicken was dry, leaving a weird texture in my mouth. The brussel sprouts were okay, but a bit greasy for my taste. The bananas foster was well prepared in front of us with a flaming show and had all the right flavors, but I wish it had something to go with it like cake or shortbread cookie in order to give the dish more texture. It was too goopy. *Quick note about attire: men must be wearing a collared shirt or suit jacket! If not, they will provide one, but it's likely not to fit properly. read more

See all

A continuation of my time traveling in New Orleans. After the exquisite cocktail I had at their historic bar, we made our way to our table. You could imagine the hundreds of thousands of people eating their meals over the past century. The service was perfect but if you only get one thing, get the soufflé potatoes- perfection and calories don't count on vacation! I really felt like I had gone back to a different time and place. Afterwards we were given a tour of their Mardi Gras museum. The previous owner had so many beautiful costumes from over the years - worth a visit! read more

See all

The food quality is excellent. The ambiance is loud, but romantic. The servers are prompt and attentive. read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

See all

A New Orleans classic! We recently went on a trip to NOLA. The service is top-notch, with multiple people waiting on us and caring for our every need. My favorite was the Shrimp Arnaud app. This feels like first-class the minute you walk in. read more

See all

It is so hard to be able to get reservations for a huge group, but fortunately, we were able to make reservations for 13 girls here. They sat us at a round table as well, which was nice, so we were able to stay engaged in conversation the whole time with one another. They had a pre-fixed menu here for jazz brunch which made it pretty easy for us to order what we wanted. I got the crab cakes, which were good. Full of crab meat for sure. My friend got the omelette which she also loved. I would probably opt out of the bananas foster there as it fell flat for me. The jazz band performers were amazing. By the time they made it to our table, they knew we were here to celebrate a bride to be, so they picked just the perfect song for us -- Going to the Chapel. It was so fun and us girlies were all able to sing a long with them. They also have a museum upstairs with very cool clothes from Mardi Gras past and more. read more

See all

We took our friends from out of town. We wanted them to eat at a true Old School New Orleans restaurant while they were visiting. We went for brunch and it was delightful. From the service, to the live band, to the dramatic prep of our Bananas Foster at the table, the experience is everything it needs to be! We really loved our Bellinis, gumbo and, of course, dessert! Our entrees were classic, but, typical. My omelette was good, but, nothing notable. Everyone did clean their plates! I would highly recommend Arnaud's for a FUN dining experience. The atmosphere is as charming as one could possibly want, but, I do wish they didn't have all the chandeliers turned up so bright. With the tile, wood and drama all around, it would have been far more nuanced, with the lighting dimmed, just a bit. But, by any means, go! It's worth every cent and is, actually, a good deal for the French Quarter. read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Preparing our Bananas Foster at the table... - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Arnaud's in the French Quarter was an awesome spot for our team dinner. The atmosphere was lively and full of classic New Orleans charm. Tony, our server, was fantastic and made the evening even better. The gumbo is a must-try, and the menu offers plenty of great seafood options -- I had the red snapper, which was excellent. We finished with a few desserts, and they were absolutely worth it. Highly recommend! read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Ice Cream - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

We went here for dinner one night and walked in to a pretty empty restaurant. The host asked us if we had a reservation in a very condescending snobby tone. We didn't. They acted like there wasn't anywhere for us to eat and we looked around seeing empty tables and were perplexed. They said "we can see if there's room in the bar", then left and came back, said there was and led us in there... the bar was EMPTY. Once we got in there it was better bc our server was MUCH nicer. Well our food came out cold and undercooked and then the bill came... $$$$$!!!! We were very pissed about the whole situation. We live in NOLA and know this is supposed to be very famous and a staple of NOLA cuisine. Gurl this place is TRASH!!! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!!! There are WAY better places to eat here than this. DONT EAT HERE!!! Try sylvain, or Antoine's, or some other place but not here. read more

If you're looking for something in the French Quarter, that is both historical classic and delicious; This should be your first stop. I highly recommend getting a reservation. This place is timeless and I return every year for my birthday or for celebrations. You will be treated with the best service and have some of the best food and drinks. I recommend checking the wine list. It is rather extensive. I also really enjoy all of their appetizers. Try the baked oysters. They are delicious. And if you are feeling adventurous, go upstairs and see the Mardi Gras museum. read more

See all

Occasion: bachlorette trip brunch Service: 5/5, flow of the dishes brought out was good, server answered all of our questions well! Ambiance: the live music didn't make their way over to us until after we finished our dessert. We asked a server if they could come over earlier in the meal and they told us we would be the next table. We ended up being 5-6 tables after that. Food: Some menu items were fantastic, others were just okay. The artichoke eggs Benedict will leave your plate sopping wet. Happened with all the 3 members of our party that ordered it. Crème brulee was very stiff, not custardy, and cold. We all agreed it tasted like it was premade in the morning or day before and stuck in the fridge for awhile. This is still a good place to come just for the environment and live music, that happens to have food. read more

See all

The food, service and ambiance are fantastic. A New Orleans original offering excellent bar and restaurant service read more

See all

Can I just say from the very beginning - this was a fantastic dining experience from beginning to end! Warmly greeted as we entered, promptly seated for our reservation, and swiftly welcomed and introduced to our servers - Jeffri and Joseph. The room was full and elegantly laid out, with linen table cloths, fine cutlery, and attractively decorated as you might expect for a 108 year old New Orleans restaurant. The jazz trio made its way around the room - guitar, soprano sax, and string bass - with well chosen jazz standards - and were delightfully present without being over-powering. Our meal began with a Creole Cream Cheese Evangeline appetizer - which set the tone for what we could expect. Light and refreshing. For mains we had Gruyère Omelettes with Sweet Potato Hash - the omelette in particular stood out and was very flavorful without being complex or even loaded with ingredients - definitely leaving you wanting more! For dessert we had flaming Bananas Foster - Prepared right at our table - perfectly prepared and delicious. A wonderful brunch that will be remembered for a long time! read more

See all

Arnaud's is an institution, an icon of New Orleans, truly, and definitely worth a visit. I came with a group of coworkers and sat in the Jazz Bistro for dinner. The space in the Jazz Bistro is just gorgeous, with their vibrant tile pattern floors, unique chandeliers, wood detailing, and mirrors everywhere making the whole place just sparkle and gleam. The jazz trio moves around from table to table taking requests, and the music is wonderful. Just know that you probably won't be able to hear a lot of what your companions say unless you are seated right next to them. We'd actually meant to sit in the quieter dining room, but some issue happened with our reservation and they weren't able to seat us there. Definitely a service slip up, but they were apologetic and I personally loved the music. It's definitely something to keep in mind though if you are really invested in having a conversation or if you have any hearing impairments that make it difficult to hear voices over background sounds. We each had a cocktail, and half of us had French 75s, because why not, when you're in the place that invented the French 75? They were, predictably, perfect. We shared an Oysters Arnaud sampler, and then I had the seafood gumbo and the pompano duarte. The gulf oysters were huge and juicy and their toppings were very tasty. I generally prefer raw oysters as I love the texture and flavor, but these were definitely worth trying. The seafood gumbo was delicious and packed with fresh seafood. I do wish they'd provided some tools with which to eat the crab claw that was floating around in there. The pompano duarte, which is a grilled pompano fish filet topped with shrimp and a lemony garlicky sauce with chilis, was awesome. The fish is flaky and tender on the inside but nice and crispy on the outside. The shrimp were juicy and fresh, and the sauce was a lovely accompaniment. I was wiping up every last drop. We all had dessert, sharing the creme brulee and the tres leches cake, and they were all hits. The creme brulee could've been warmer, but the custard itself was perfectly rich and smooth and the bruleed top gave the perfect shatter and crunch. Service during the meal was impeccable, and that is what Arnaud's is truly known for. This is a great place to visit if you want to dress up a little and splash out, and just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and service. It's an experience! read more

This place is always great! Nice old school style service with wait staff dressed up and very formal presentation! We enjoy the bar for drinks and dessert! They always deliver! read more

My husband and I went on a date and brought our toddler along with us, even though this is definitely more of a quiet nicer dining type establishment. We went to the jazz area of the restaurant since we knew we wanted to enjoy some live music and that would also keep our son calmer throughout dinner. The trio was awesome. Wait staff was very accommodating and friendly. Service was prompt. We ordered the shrimp arnaud, which was delicious, and one of the best fish I've ever had, which I'm not going to attempt to spell here for fear of butchering the French language (see photo where I copy pasted it from the menu). I will say it is on the bottom right side of the menu and it was buttery in the best way possible, with the most succulent crabmeat in that sauce. Could have eaten the entire thing by myself but we always order multiple items to share so we can try everything. Meunière was honestly not my favorite. Wish I had picked something else for the second entree, but overall it was a wonderful meal and we will most definitely be back if we're ever in town. read more

See all

If you are into the iconic dining scene in NOLA, you will finally end up at Arnaud's. I made reservations for dinner and instead of the main dining room, opted for the Jazz Bistro (a reasonable up charge of $6). When one walks in, you feel the vibes of old New Orleans, with a classy dining space spread, that is large. Black tie waiters are attending to the numerous packed tables of diners, longing for the famous French Creole Cuisine. In general, I am not a popular diner with the wait staff, because I don't order booze, not a favorite of big portions and generally skip dessert. Here, I had room for dessert and two classics (both appetizers. First the Shrimp Arnaud (gulf shrimp marinated in the famous tangy creole remoulade) and second, the Crabmeat Prentiss (succulent Louisiana crabmeat, baked in a delicate Cheese Sauce). Both dishes were excellent, although the Prentiss could have done with more crab meat. I had room for dessert this time and ordered their strawberry option, that contained ice cream. It came in a citrus sauce that was so acidic that I had to separate all the ingredients from it. I was seated very close to the three jazz performers, but they kept going around and playing for table requests. Service was prompt, attentive and on the money. Definitely, a night to remember. read more

See all

We normally love brunch here but it was a little off. The Turtle Soup with Sherry was excellent and the Waffle was very good. But you couldn't find the fish in the Eggs Fateux it was so small. The Crab Cakes were good but very small. The desserts were off too. The Strawberries Arnaud was too heavy with alcohol and you couldn't taste the strawberries. The Creme Brulee was almost runny and was lumpy. Service was excellent and we enjoyed the jazz trio. read more

See all

We had the oysters and the mushroom caps. Delicious! I had the red fish and it was amazing. My wife had the pompano Duarte, and it was out of this world! So good. We had such a good time. But best of all was the service. Gina made the whole evening an exceptional experience. Her suggestions were spot on and she was so friendly. Get in her section if you can. Great experience! We WILL be back because of her and the food she suggestioned. read more

This is probably a 3 1/2 star review but rounding up because it's a classic New Orleans institution. I'll start with the good: The food was excellent. We enjoyed everything we ordered. We started off with the Oysters Arnaud for each of us. Not sure what each of them was because they just dropped the dish off without describing it. There was one that had mushroom and crèam that was both of our favorites. Next we had turtle soup and chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. Both were good but we particularly liked the gumbo. For entrees we got the chicken Hefner and the Quail. They were both super flavorful and excellent. We finished with the bananas foster. The okay to sometimes bad: The service just wasn't good here. I wonder too if it's just a training thing because they have plenty of staff standing around. My problem is there was no one around when we needed something, we'd have to ask for things multiple times and everything always took a little longer than they should have. Our waiters and servers weren't particularly warm or friendly with us and didn't offer any suggestions or recommendations for anything. I just thought for the type of restaurant this is, service could just be so much better. read more

Arnaud's Restaurant - Outside - Cajun/Creole Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

See all

The food was just ok. The waiter disappeared a lot and you had to ask several times for items but the guy filling our waters was fantastic. I had a steak which had great flavor. I was not a fan of the sauce on it but the steak itself was very good. We decided to sit in the jazz bar. We had no clue we would be charged $6 a person to be seated in that room. All five of us had a different dish and no one was overly impressed. I don't think any of us would return. read more

See all