The Most Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans

New Orleans is easily one of the most romantic cities in the United States. No other American city has a neighborhood like the French Quarter, where couples can wander cobblestone streets under the light of gas lamps. The wonderfully eclectic restaurant scene that draws inspiration from France, Italy, and local cultures. It has such a strong reputation for its culinary delights that mediocre restaurants cannot survive. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We've pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Check out these romantic restaurants for your next date night in NOLA.

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated December 02, 2019

Restaurants:	The Pelican Club, GW Fins, Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Creole / Cajun / Southern, Seafood, Steakhouse…
Neighborhoods:	French Quarter, Central Business District…

The Pelican Club

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.6

3888 reviews

The Pelican Club’s location in the French Quarter automatically gives it a romantic charm. Inside, couples get to enjoy beautiful floors and columns made from Italian marble. The interior also benefits from wood highlights, hand-painted ceramic tiles, and cypress paneling. The Pelican Club serves dinners as a prix fixe menu, although guests can order a la carte items. Expect the menu to include complex dishes like Trio of Duckling, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Spaghetti Fino, and Louisiana Cioppino — in its own pot. The chef can also accommodate vegetarians and vegans upon request.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

GW Fins

$$$$

Seafood

French Quarter

4.9

17362 reviews

New Orleans' location on Lake Pontchartrain and near the Gulf of Mexico means that restaurants have access to fresh seafood. AT GW Fins, Chef Tenney Flynn uses fresh ingredients to make entrees like Blackened Swordfish, Scalibut, and Crispy Soft Shell Crab. The excellent food at GW Fins makes it one of the best romantic restaurants in New Orleans. The ample interior, comfortable seating, and trustworthy staff help make the experience even more enjoyable.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans

$$$$

Steakhouse

Central Business District

4.2

2831 reviews

In many cities, Ruth’s Chris dominates local steak houses with unforgettable steaks, seafood, and sides. At the location in New Orleans, Executive Chef Vernell Gibson has elevated steak and seafood to a new level that attracts locals and tourists alike. Located inside Harrah’s Hotel, Ruth’s Chris Steak House puts guests along the banks of the Mississippi River, where they can enjoy a post-prandial stroll. We like to arrive a little before our reservation time to play a few games at Harrah's.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Muriel's Jackson Square

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

9007 reviews

New Orleans has a wealth of historic landmarks. Few play a more important role in the city’s cultural development than Jackson Square, where artists and musicians have worked for over a century. Muriel’s Jackson Square makes the list of the best romantic restaurants in New Orleans because it has an interior that mimics the beauty of Jackson Square. The restaurant even has a pre-theater menu that couples can enjoy before seeing a performance at Saenger Theatre.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Mr. B's Bistro

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.7

4998 reviews

Mr. B’s Bistro has been serving favorites like Wagyu Beef Short Ribs and Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp & Grits since 1979. Although it’s a neighborhood eatery, it maintains a romantic ambiance with cozy seating and an upscale casual dress code. For a romantic brunch on Sunday, head to Mr. B’s Bistro for the Jazz Brunch. It doesn't get more New Orleans than a late-morning meal in the French Quarter while listening to jazz. We try to go to brunch at Mr. B's Bistro as often as we can. It's always a delight.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Restaurant R'evolution

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

6401 reviews

At R’evolution, Chef Folse and Chef Tramonto have found adventurous ways to elevate Creole cooking to a level that would look at home in the kitchen of a top Parisian restaurant. Entrees like Red Fish Orleans and Shrimp & Grits prove that Creole cooking has a romantic aspect to it. If couples want to try something unique, they should order the Sheep Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster or Crab & Burrata Raviolini. Really, though, guests can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at R’evolution. Everything we've eaten at R'evolution has been impressive.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Meril

$$$$

Contemporary American

Warehouse District

4.7

5505 reviews

Meril is owned by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Emeril may have grown up in New England, but he’s become famous for his command of Creole and Cajun cuisines. At Meril, couples find a gorgeous dining room with intricate artwork and modern designs. The menu features signature items like Saffron Pappardelle, Meril’s Linguine & Clams, and Kielbasa Sausage from the robata grill.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mr. John's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Garden District

4.7

2733 reviews

Couples that love steak need to reserve two spots at Mr. John’s Steakhouse on Charles Ave. In addition to some of the best steaks in town, Mr. John’s Steakhouse serves Turtle Soup, Who Dat Shrimp, Shimp & Lobster Pasta, and Pan-Seared Half-Roasted Chicken. The wonderful food makes Mr. John’s Steakhouse one of the best romantic restaurants in New Orleans. The extensive wine list and comfortable ambiance only add to the experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ye Olde College Inn

$$$$

Creole

Carrollton

4.8

1492 reviews

A lot of restaurants claim that they support the farm-to-table movement. After a little research, though, guests learn that they only buy a percentage of their ingredients from local farms. At Ye Olde College Inn, the ingredients come directly to the kitchen from a farm located by the restaurant. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. Since Ye Olde College Inn gets so many of their ingredients from the farm, they serve a seasonal menu that changes throughout the year. Couples will never make a bad decision when they choose the daily special. Depending on the day and time of year, feel free to visit the farm that supplies Ye Olde College Inn Restaurant & Bar. They don’t mind visitors who have taken an interest in their food. We're glad we took time to see it.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Superior Seafood

$$$$

Seafood

Uptown

4.6

4122 reviews

Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar sits at the intersection of Napoleon and Charles avenues. Grab a window seat to watch all of the neighborhood locals and tourists as they move down the street, cups in hand. While enjoying the entertainment, order fresh seafood like the Blackened Fish Napoleon, Pan-Seared Scallops, and Redfish Dryades. For an even more romantic evening, start with an order of Oysters Superior.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Warehouse District

4.8

2332 reviews

Desi Vega developed the concept and recipes for this steakhouse by teaming up with Chef Merlin Beals, a New Orleans native who had been working in Vega family restaurants since he was 18. Together, they have created one of the best romantic restaurants in New Orleans. The menu offers something for everyone. Couples that want a big meal to celebrate anniversaries should try entrees like the Gulf Fish of the Day and Pasta Aglio e Olio. Those who want a lighter meal for a first date can order one of the many salads or sandwiches on the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Apolline

$$$$

Contemporary American

Uptown

4.5

1553 reviews

Apolline has a small kitchen garden full of herbs that the staff uses to make meals taste as fresh as possible. The dinner menu includes favorites like Cold Smoked Beelers Pork Chop, Seared Diver Scallops, and Louisiana Cioppino. Save room to linger over dessert and cocktails in Apolline’s candle-lit dining room. The Creole Cream Soda and Fashionable Old Fashion always hit the spot.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bistro Daisy

$$$$

American

Uptown

4.9

1084 reviews

Bistro Daisy serves American food in the Uptown neighborhood. The charming atmosphere and reliable food make this one of the best romantic restaurants in New Orleans and Louisiana. Bistro Daisy’s menu changes with the seasons. Some popular items that couples may find on the latest menu include Pan-Roasted & Porcini-Dusted Chicken Breast, Saute of Gulf Shrimp, and Braised Lamb Shank. The scrumptious dessert menu keeps guests at their tables for half an hour or longer while they chat with their dates.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Romantic Restaurants