Not sure I can adequately express how wonderfully we were greeted at Sylvain for a recent pre-wedding party for my son in New Orleans! The event coordinator, Fiona, led us by the hand thru the entire planning process. That culminated in a fabulous evening, which impressed virtually everyone! We had young and old people alike, and everyone commented how organized and detail-oriented the restaurant and staff were! The food, service, location, setting, lighting, and spirit of genuine friendliness, was extraordinary! We loved this place, and will return again, to be sure! Thank you for everything, Sylvain!! read more

Dimly lit and flavorfully striking, Sylvain is an intimate adventure into the French Quarter's bold flavors and traditions. Entering through the tunnel you get the sense that you're stepping into a place you shouldn't really be and Sylvain seems to accentuate that with this secretive environment that feels almost like a cocktail lounge. The service was fantastic with the hostess seating us for our reservation right away and the waiter being incredibly patient and helpful during our dinner. We had someone in our party love the playlist here so much they asked the bartender for it as well. The menu is bold and complex but they were happy to strip it back to basics if needed. It was extremely cold in the restaurant though, so make sure to dress warm, especially in the colder months. We ordered their cast iron cornbread, chicken sandwich (no pickles or hot sauce), and their special of the night which was a pork-veal mix sausage on a milk bread bun and topped with sauerkraut. The cornbread was dry but the flavor was good. The butter they gave with it had cajun spices infused and gave it a nice zip although it was a bit too salty. Their fried chicken sandwich was delicious, light and crispy with salty shoestring fries that hit the mark. Lastly, their house special of the sausage was great. The sausage itself was well seasoned and the bun was soft and sweet. It was a bit salty with the added sauerkraut but the mix of flavors was still delicious. We also ordered a drink, just erotic not kinky, which was delicious. It's a bourbon with blackberry and lemon juice that was strong and refreshing at the same time. Sylvain is a culinary delight surrounded by an area that demands it. The food could be a tick better but it is still very, very good with fantastic service to bolster it. Whether you want a casual dinner or to drink cocktails in the French Quarter, this is a spot that is worth a look and your money, especially if you're with a big party. read more

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Gastropub menu* Fried chicken was tasty and Fries were also good *this menu could be from anywhere in the USA. Not a knock- just not a unique experience. Beautiful space. This should be a 3.75 star rating read more

Tucked around the corner from the heart of the quarter, Sylvain is a small but mighty bar/restaurant. With a gorgeous outdoor space tucked away from the bustle of the quarter, the ambiance does not disappoint. I had the gumbo with the cauliflower ceasar, which was unique and delicious. My family member had the seasonal fish which they thoroughly enjoyed. We also had drinks which were tasty and strong. Occasionally, it would get a little loud in the restaurant near the bar, but nothing that should deter you from trying this place out. Service was good as well! Definitely a fun and delicious experience near the quarter. Would recommend! read more

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This restaurant was recommended by a friend and we got lucky enough to get a reservation in a table outside. The patio is very serene. Our dinner was the burgers, mushrooms with grits and the fish of the day. All delicious and good portions of fries. Our server was attentive . read more

Sylvain - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I had a burger which was fine except the bun did not support the burger and the bread was flattened and soggy. It would have been nice if the bun was more substantial but whatever. We had an order of cornbread that was boring and dry. Our server was great but the food was just ok. read more

Sylvain was the perfect way to end our last night in New Orleans! The ambiance of this place was surreal, like you walked into a hidden oasis in a jungle. The patio was tucked away and the perfect place to put a party of 7 with no reservation! They were so nice and accommodating it was refreshing after a long and busy weekend. Probably the best service we experienced throughout the entire 5 days in New Orleans. The food was good - nothing overly outstanding but solid quality food! Definitely recommend this spot if you are looking for a nice (and romantic) dinner spot with great service. read more

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We came without a reservation, and all the tables were taken. Luckily, we were seated soon at the bar. They have a nice outdoor area. However, it was closed due to the rain. The atmosphere was great! The bartenders were welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered Blackened King Trumpet Mushroom (mine) and Pappardelle Bolognese. Both were delicious! My favorite part of my dish was the mushrooms - they were well-seasoned and tender. read more

Sylvain - Blackened King Trumpet Mushroom (left) and Pappardelle Bolognese (right) - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Very good, Reasonably priced, cool vibe, not super touristy restaurant in French quarter. Good burgers, fried chicken sandwich, etc. but the best part is.... Basket of shoestring fries and Bucket of ice with 6 miller high life bottles for $30!!! read more

First meal in New Orleans was a hit! We sat outside which was quieter and there was a little breeze. Service was great from several servers and the hostess. We ordered the cast iron skillet cornbread with cane sugar/Cajun spiced butter as an appetizer. Yum. Both entrees were delicious--short rib with Brussels sprouts, pearl onions and butternut squash/pasta with spicy pork and beef in a light creamy tomato sauce. Then topped it off with a piece of Nutella chocolate pie (butter cookie crust and a hint of orange). Looking forward to several more days here. read more

This should have been a -1star. 1 is too much. We came in for some bar food and drinks on a Friday around 3:00pm. The place was pretty empty with space at the bar and courtyard. We asked to be seated at the bar but since we were a large group they denied us. So they took us to the back and Sat us under the blazing sun. We try to move our table a few (and I mean a few) feet into the shade. That is when it got interesting. The waiter was incredibly rude and called the manager, who very rudely asked us to move. But only option was to be moved back into the sun. We asked if we could go to the bar instead and were told only to take drinks to go. We were not rude, rowdy or nasty. We were just a couple of girls wanting a drink and a place to talk. So we decided to leave! Since they didn't even offered us a glass of water. To bad for you we ended spending $150/person at next place and there were 7 of us. So your rudeness cost you over $1000 billion. Hope you are happy to miss out on it. Terrible service to say the least on an empty restaurant (No wonder why). I will never, ever go back to this place and will encourage friends family and visitors to go somewhere else. read more

The food was absolutely disgusting. I will not recommend this place to no one. I love New Orleans for its food and culture but this is one restaurant that needs to leave New Orleans immediately. The service was great. However, you know the food is hot garbage when your server couldn't recommend anything on the menu! $200 WASTED!!! read more

12/10 experience! Everything was delicious! Will be returning next trip and recommend to anyone looking for a good spot.

The best espresso martinis!! We stopped by Sylvain after dinner because our waitress recommended their espresso martinis and she was correct! Sylvain is a very charming restaurant with a beautiful courtyard. The bartenders were super friendly. Highly recommend! read more

Sylvain - Espresso Martini - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Service = exceptional. Drinks = fantastic. Food = delicious. Best fried chicken I've ever had. Cocktails were unique and well balanced. Tim + the crew held it down with ease and excellence. Everything you hope for when you pull up to dine solo at the bar. This place knocks hospitality and upscale casual dining out of the park. This will certainly be my top recommendation to anyone visiting NOLA. read more

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Delicious food! The cornbread was a great starter. My cousin who is a local New Orleanian said it was kind of dry. She has high standards for corn bread. I liked it and didn't notice it was dry. I ordered the short rib for my main dish and it melted in my mouth. I loved the pureed sweet potato that came with it. The ambiance is laid back yet high end. I wore a tee shirt and shorts and I fit right in. You could also get dressed up and have a nice date night as well. There's a garden but it seems to get booked quickly so maybe call ahead. See you around, LightBeings. read more

Sylvain - Outdoor eating area - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I got the Pappardelle Bolognese and I thought it was bland. Prices were high for the quality, in my opinion.

The cocktails here are spectacular! The spicy crab dumplings were (we also ordered the cauliflower which was just okay but I was trying to be more intentional about eating slightly healthier this trip lol) The two cocktails I had were so good! I wanted to try a third but the service was a bit slow so didn't have time. The vibe was nice but fun though, and I liked the "too dark too loud" shirts read more

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Horrible management of booking and expectations. We called to book for a party of 6. The offer us 1st an option of times (we chose 7:15pm) then they offered us an option of indoor vs outdoor seating. We chose outdoors. At 7:05pm, they called to say they will not honor our reservation because outdoor seating is weather dependent. Understood, however THAT WAS NOT EXPLAINED, not discussed and they then LIED about having offered us an indoor alternative for later. When confronted with the fact that no alternative or no notice of weather dependency was explained, again they lied about discussing those options with us. They claimed a "he" (host) spoke with us, the only person we spoke with sounded like a "she", either way is fine, not against pronouns (be who you want to be), but against liars and poor customer service. read more

The food was absolutely amazing!!! We had the Market Place salad, the cornbread, fried zucchini, and the cauliflower cesar as starters. They were all delicious but the cauliflower cesar was a dream! You have to try that. Never ever in my life I could have imagined cauliflower be so tasty! The bass was super crispy and delightful. Service was so friendly and welcoming. We sat outside which I found nicer than inside. It was not too hot and there were fans. Love it and will be back! read more

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I recommend making a reservation. THe restaurant is charming. Though not very large. Food was fabulous. Service was lovely. Everything tasted fantastic. A block away from Jackson Squate. Great location. read more

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I still think about the chicken I had here in 2018. Going back to New Orleans in a few weeks, this restaurant will be on our list to visit. I can't wait to take my husband here! Our server was amazing, funny and helpful. The patio dining was beautiful- even in the heat of July! See you soon!! read more

One of the most coveted reservations in town! The location in the heart of the French Quarter offers a full dining experience - we browsed some nearby gift shops before dinner and walked down Bourbon Street after. Their food puts a modern twist on Southern classics, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. The cornbread appetizer was a standout, living up to its reputation. I ordered the Green Cabbage Salad with delicious fried chicken for my main course. The Pasta Bolognese was flavorful, though the portion was on the smaller side. The bar at Sylvain was noteworthy too, with many cocktails to choose from. I enjoyed a classic Bee's Knees. We dined in the charming back patio, an ideal setting for a nice date night. The heaters were essential since it was a cool December evening. Sylvain's excellent food, drinks, and ambiance make it a stand out restaurant while in New Orleans. Definitely will be coming back! read more

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The food was delicious. Best Egg Florentine Benedict I ever had and my husband's Fluffy omelet was awesome! The staff is very warm and friendly- Will definitely return. A local gem read more

We left our hotel for a late-ish dinner on Saturday night. My boss suggested Justine's, but they are now permanently closed (bummer, it was a good place). Anyway, we walked a few blocks and stumbled upon Sylvain. Sylvain's bar area looks out on Chartres, but the entrance is down a candlelit alleyway. It gave the vibe of 1800s era New Orleans. The host stand is at the end of the semi-covered alleyway. You wither make a left into the dark wooded bar area, or can take a seat and wait for a table. The restaurant has two areas: a back area up a step or two and is surrounded by greenery and bathed in led string lights, and the walkway to that area has a few tables. We were seated in the walkway. Our server came by and immediately asked for drinks and suggested a few they are known for. We got water and drinks and poured over the menu. It's not a large menu and had several offerings that were uniquely New Orleans and several that were not. The appetizers seemed that they were geared more towards traditional NOLA French Quarter cuisine and so we ordered shrimp remoulade on tomatoes and corn bread with an interesting butter/remoulade mix that was slightly understated but complimented the corn bread. Both were very good. I even ate a bit of the tomatoes (don't tell my wife as she'll try to get me to eat them more often). However, they were smothered in the remoulade and I couldn't taste them anyway. For the main course, I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich, sans tomato and onion, and kept the lettuce, pickles, and their "hot sauce. I think it was Frank's Hot Sauce, and has a little kick, but isn't super spicy. It was a good sandwich. The chicken was juicy and plump. It came with a side of fries typically referred to as "frites" when ordering a steak. They were the shoestring fries and they were lightly seasoned. Also good. My other compatriots ordered the same sandwich as I and the local Gulf fish entree which he said was very good. Not being a fish guy, I wasn't interested, but he liked it. The server, for the most part, left us alone to eat and talk in peace. It was a nice night and there was no need to rush us out of there. My only issue are the chairs. They are metal patio chairs that are uncomfortable after a while (and I guess that's the point), but since it wasn't busy, and they weren't rushing us out, and drinks were constantly ordered, it made sitting there a bit unbearable after a while. A cushion might be a nice add. read more

Stopped in for dinner and this is probably one of the best spots in the French Quarter. It feels like most places are exactly the same; they have the same menu, same website, same ambience... but Sylvain feels like it's independent (it may not be?) and was the best dining experience that we had for our entire trip! The interior is a bit cramped; they pack em in for dinner! But it's not uncomfortable. A really cool brick line building with old wood floors... love it! The service was awesome despite being full for dinner service. My wife had the Bolognaise and I had their Fried Chicken Sandwich. Both entrees were very good, but I wish I had the Bolognaise as well... The sandwich was good, but that pasta was off the charts! They have a really nice drink menu; the Sazerac and Fernet and Cola were both outstanding. Check it out, but I recommend a reservation as it fills up quickly! read more

Sylvain was fabulous. We were sat outside immediately and the vibe was so charming, with the strung lights and all the plants. We started with the cornbread and friend green tomatoes and both were delicious. Everyone loved their entrees. Service was nice but kind of hard to reach at times, as we were sat in the back corner of the patio. Overall would come back! read more

Sylvain - CAST IRON CORNBREAD - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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It's an interesting place in the quarter for a late night meal or a drink. There are two parts and inside and an outside kinda space. the menu is pretty limited but the salads were great and the burger serviceable. Good service but the joke about the inside bar space "too dark/too loud" is pretty much right on, if your here to get into a conversation with your companion, I strongly recommend the outside space. the place has a nice vibe to it. read more

The fried green tomatos and shrimp was soooo good, we had to order it twice. Great cocktails and French 75! Good service and very good moody bar! 10/10 will be back again next year! read more

Once upon a time I had Sylvain at the top of my New Orlean recommendations... but I can't say the same anymore My wife and I began dining here back in 2015.... recalling those early visits, I remember the first visit and being impressed with the unique food offerings, like Crispy Black Eyed Pea Cake, Cornmeal Dumplings with Gulf Shrimp, Chicharron Scramble and Shaved Brussel Sprouts. And year after year, we visited Sylvain and all the experiences we exceptional. Located right by one of the ultra-touristy portions of the French Quarter; a few steps from Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral. The facade is classic New Orleans and walking in is a long skinny hallway with deteriorated walls that steps into their red brick and landscaped "courtyard" that offers a nice outdoor dining option. The inside, classic country style tables, faded/washed out painted walls and excellent paintings... the inside was definitely my preference. Even with a rather small menu (which I appreciate) and offering all those dishes I mentioned, I usually went with classics... one of my favorites was "CHICK SYL-VAIN" Sandwich (super thick piece of buttermilk fried chicken with pickles). Their Burger is rather amazing too. For a long time, even without reservations, they were friendly and offered options at the bar or tables if available but more importantly they were always welcoming and respectful. But in the past couple years, we've been turned away three times without a reservation (WHICH IS OKAY); the problem wasn't being turned away but the attitude.... the first time, I excused it was the hostess and not the restaurant but we tried again and again and it was like deja vu each time... you'd think they'd be trained to either recommend trying to make a reservation or at least apologize they couldn't accommodate Decor and food are cozy and delicious but I get turned off by a lack of professionalism; perhaps we'll try again after some time off... read more

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We walked all the way to the French Quarter to a recommended spot. There was a line around the block ... so we walked a couple blocks further and walked into Sylvain ... no reservations, have a seat at the bar ... we did and it was the highlight of our trip so far. The bartender Ben made his drink recommendations - Coffee and Cigarettes ... and No Fun. I ordered both ... my wife got the margarita of the day ... don't remember the name but it was fresh, cold and tasty. They make many of their own ingredients and make fantastic cocktails. My wife got the homemade pasta and bolognese ... I got the striped bass. Small portion but best food I've tasted since we arrived. The place is dark ... but vibe is so great. Energy abounds from the fabulous staff ... tasty drinks ... fantastic food and ambiance. read more

If you want an intimate setting, this is your spot. VERY dark but cozy. They have a cute courtyard that my group skipped due to impending rain. Their drink menu is fantastic. I tried the Army Navy which is a delightful cocktail with very complex flavors. The food menu isn't super heavy on options but they have some decent choices. I also loved that they have a champagne and fries menu which is pretty unique. I tried the pappardelle bolognese - very filling and tasty. The service was spectacular- everyone was kind from the hostess to our lovely wait staff. It was a nice time overall. I took one photo of the champagne menu and stopped there because it is INSANELY dark inside and I needed the flash which was too obnoxious for additional photography. read more

Sylvain - Champagne and fries menu - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Dinner at Sylvain was magical between its dark ambiance in the dining area and bar, an alleyway entrance, and a courtyard in the back for patio seating. Under red lighting, the food and drink were transcendent, and the table seating felt taken from 19th-century NOLA. My wife's recommendation was a wonderful find. As you stroll down Chartres Street, a straight-shot, 10-minute walk from the New Orleans Marriott on the corner of Canal Street, you'll stumble upon Sylvain. Its sign hanging from the outdoor ceiling is a beacon of culinary adventure. The journey down the alleyway, leading you into the heart of the restaurant, is an experience that feels like stepping into a scene from Interview with a Vampire. The gothic, the darkness, the creole, the hidden cool of a spot that takes a little effort to locate, Sylvain had the promise of a lovely dining experience that delivered. With colonial artwork hanging from the dirty gray-painted walls stripped in places to reveal the aged brick foundation, Sylvain is home to the best short rib I have ever tasted. Slow-cooked and savory to the last bite, this short rib is by far worth the travel to New Orleans within the French Quarter. Our server at Sylvain was not just affable but also had a vibrant personality that added to our evening. His engaging manner made us feel truly welcomed. The intriguing drink names like "I Like to Score" and "Soul Inheritance" added a playful twist to the experience. The Heirloom beets were a fine complementary dish on the menu as an appetizer we ordered with our short rib main course. For dessert and a nightcap, we enjoyed Grasshoppers, which complimented the Nutella pie quite well. read more

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Great offerings, fantastic service; our server was "Mack", and she was attentive without rushing us. She made helpful recommendations and descriptions of menu items. The restaurant was a bit noisy but the food and service were great. read more

Nestled just off Chartres Street, Sylvain is one of my go-to spots when wandering the Quarter. The menu serves up elevated American fare that never misses, and the drinks? Always flowing, always on point. The bartender--whose name escapes me-- is genuinely the sweetest, and the service from alleyway to host is consistently top-tier. The patio is a dream: cozy, inviting, and perfect for lingering over a meal. If you're strolling by, give this place a try. Sylvain is a quiet classic. read more

Sylvain - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Super nice service here. Great staff and very kind. We ordered a bunch of food and enjoyed it for the most part. There were a few dishes we thought missed the mark, but nonetheless, great atmosphere, vibe, and cocktails. read more

"Hot salty fries + cold Champagne." Do I have your attention? Their words, not mine. Magical words, at that. I'm sold. We were looking for dinner, so champers and fries are mentally bookmarked for next time I want an aperitivo. Or a girl dinner (sometimes that's all you really want, am I right?) Dark, sultry atmosphere inside an old French Quarter building, beautiful courtyard and open late. They've got me. Healthy vegan salad (shredded cabbage and peanuts), but not that satisfying if you're hungry. I appreciate the plant-based option. Girl dinner all the way. read more

Delicious food, inviting atmosphere, solid drinks. What is not to love? I came here with friends who had been before, and we were able to sit in the small back courtyard (although the inside looked wonderful too, very European). It was a perfect night to dine al fresco, and the garden was a perfect place to be. We all ordered something different, but everyone was thrilled with their meals. I did an appetizer as a meal, which was gnocchi-like dumplings in a spicy crab sauce. It was lick-the-bowl good (but this place is classy, so I did not!). My friends had a burger and the short rib. Both ate every bite with absolute delight. I wish I'd had more of an appetite for dessert, but next time. Everything was on point - food, service, ambiance. A truly winning combination! Also, they have a special on the menu for champagne and fries. I'd go back just for that! read more

This place is absolutely a hidden gem of NOLA. We found this place on our last trip to NOLA after coming from a different crappy restaurant. Thank god we did, best chicken sandwich I ever had. The bartenders are great & the atmosphere is nice and quaint. We will never not stop here. We came for a long weekend in NOLA & have already been here twice. read more

Sylvain - Southern Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Amazing spot! We went here for a friend's birthday and were blown away. The ambiance is wonderful, loved the lighting and they have outdoor seating as well. The whole experience felt very intimate. Next the food was amazing, the champagne and fries were a hit. The cornbread was something dreams are made out of. And the service was decent despite it thing packed, would come again. read more

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