by Allison Davis
New Orleans may be the most romantic city in the U.S. People fall in love in New Orleans, and they come from all over the world to get married in New Orleans. The city has a sultry and seductive feel to it, even in the middle of the winter. So what better place to take your love on Valentine’s Day than to the Crescent City, where you can dine out at a fabulous romantic restaurant at a fraction of the cost of cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
These days, foodies demand more than just great food. They want an experience when they dine out. Below are some of the best places in the city to enjoy a very special evening.
Justine
225 Chartres Street
Bold, sophisticated, and playful- this Parisian-style restaurant will have you feeling like you took a European getaway! The French Quarter gem is the sister restaurant to La Petite Grocery on Magazine Street Uptown. While LPG is just as romantic, Justine is the perfect place for that intimate dinner with private seating and a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Hors d’œuvres, fromage, dessert- ooh lala!
*Reservations Available!*
Emeril’s
800 Tchoupitoulas Street
Emeril Lagasse has been wowing diners for over 30 years at his eponymous restaurant in the Warehouse District. Mouthwatering dishes, gorgeous craft cocktails, and a seductive ambiance- Emeril’s is a New Orleans tradition for romantic dining. Since Emeril’s reopened after Ida, they revamped the menu and included a signature chef’s tasting, which consists of five culinary masterpieces with an intermezzo and dessert that can only be elevated with their select wine pairing.
*Closed on Monday, but Open Reservations the Following Tuesday*
Doris Metropolitan
620 Chartres Street
Arguably the best steaks in New Orleans with a huge selection of dry-aged meat hanging in the refrigerated window. But what makes Doris Metropolitan different is the Middle Eastern influence on the menu from their Israeli owners. Start your meal with a delicious artichoke flower salad or baladhi eggplant appetizer before moving onto the 34oz. Porterhouse Steak for 2. What can be more romantic than a big hunk of meat. The dim lighting and dark wood interior make this a perfect spot for dinner with outstanding food and service.
*Closed Monday and Tuesday, but Taking Reservations the Previous Sunday or Following Wednesday.*
Baru Bistro & Tapas
3700 Magazine Street
Using local ingredients, Chef Edgar Caro infuses his Latin heritage with Caribbean flavors. Share tapas like gulf fish ceviche, arepas, or chuzos de carne before moving on to the whole fried snapper over coconut rice, patacones, and mango slaw. Playful, exotic, and vibrant- this place is perfect for a romantic dinner with bae! It’s also tiny so make your reservations now. Enjoy a three-course meal including (but not limited to) tapas, entornos, and postres!
*Taking Reservations After 5pm. Call in Advance.*
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Avenue
Since 1893, this local landmark has been the grand-dame of all New Orleans restaurants. Sit in the main dining room and enjoy the festive atmosphere with others or ask for a table in the more romantic Garden Room. Either way, you will be treated to classic New Orleans dishes with a creative flair and impeccable service from the attentive waitstaff. The restaurant caters to your every need so feel free to ask them to dress up your table for any special occasion.
*Reservations are Currently Booked.*
Bayona
430 Dauphine Street
Chef Susan Spicer’s original restaurant, opened in 1990, is housed in a French Quarter cottage with lush courtyard dining. Chef Spicer’s cooking brings a refined approach to southern classics in one of the most romantic settings in the city. If the weather is nice, dining al fresco is a must. If not, the dining room brings plenty of romance and delicious food to the table.
*Closed Monday and Tuesday, but Taking Reservations the Following Wednesday.*
Saba
5757 Magazine Street
With a Valentine’s Date Menu stemmed from Middle Eastern and North African influences, this place is perfect for a V-Day date night. Chef Alon Shaya does an amazing job when it comes to collaborating food and culture as part of his heritage. Every dish appeals to all the senses with vibrant colors, savory spices, and powerful aromas. Dine at one of the tables with couches near the window for that special ambiance overlooking Magazine Street.
*Closed Monday and Tuesday, but Taking Reservations the Following Wednesday.*
Tchefuncte
407 St Tammany St.
Want to enjoy a delicious Valentine’s dinner with gorgeous craft cocktails and an amazing view by the water? This place has it all! Nothing goes better with Valentine’s Day than a romantic steak dinner paired with an impressive wine selection and a seductive ambiance.
*Limited Reservations Still Available*
Vyoone’s
412 Girod Street
www.vyoone.com
Owner and founder, Vyoone Segue Lewis, opened this lovely restaurant with the vision to express her Afro Creole and French heritage through the fusion of flavors in all her mouthwatering dishes. Vyoone’s has the ambiance and vibes of a cute little French getaway right in the heart of the Warehouse District.
*Closed Monday-Wednesday, but Taking Reservations Sunday and Thursday.
GW Fins
808 Bienville Street
GW Fins is known for their variety of fish, caught daily, and presented as some of the most sophisticated dishes in seafood cuisine. They also take pride in their impressive wine collection. Show bae your love is as deep as the sea and book your Valentine’s Day reservation today!
*Currently Booked for Valentine’s Day.*
Very inviting!!! Beautiful pics! Can’t wait to eat at these delights! Foodie vacation here we come!
Thanks for the message. Gonna be hard to get reservations for Valentine’s Day so make yours asap.