In a city like New Orleans, it’s easy to find a fun and interesting selection of restaurants to try out with your partner. Whether you want to sip wine in the French Quarter or brunch out by the river, New Orleans provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic date. That said, it can be challenging to find one restaurant that suits your mood and cravings for that day. So we’ll take the stress out of looking up new restaurants by showing you some of our top picks for date night with your favorite person. Check them out now!
Do you know someone who could enjoy a nice night out on the town? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of restaurants around New Orleans, including the ones we featured below. Whether your loved one is craving a fresh slice of pizza or some fresh gumbo, they can enjoy all of this and more with their new GiftYa card.
3637 Magazine St. | Touro | liletterestaurant.com
While flights to Paris might be temporarily paused, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a taste of the most romantic city in the world right in New Orleans. Located on Magazine Street, Lilette is a sophisticated French restaurant perfect for enjoying a special night with your partner. Right now, Lilette is open for indoor dining, so you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere and delicious food the restaurant is widely known for. That said, seating is limited and you are required to wear a mask at your table.
On the menu, you’ll find classic French cuisine like Escargots, Braised Lamb Shoulder, and Grilled Hanger Steak. If you want something a little lighter, you can try one of the restaurant’s many creative salads like the Fresh Hawaiin Hearts of Palm or Duck Confit Landaise. A full dessert and drink menu are also available for you to enjoy along with your main dish.
“Absolutely beautiful and romantic restaurant tucked on a charming corner of Magazine Street. We opted to dine al fresco on the patio off the street, (a little quieter and dimmer than the dining room, plus the weather was perfect). Food was divine and refreshingly simple, with a focus on perfecting the French-Italian staples without nostalgia. Stood in contrast to restaurants attempting "new age" fads and twists on classic dishes that simply should not be reinvented.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Lilette.
2800 Magazine St. | Irish Channel | coquettenola.com
If French cuisine isn’t really your thing, try Coquette. This vibrant New American restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes suitable for any taste bud. Since 2008, couples have made reservations at Coquette to enjoy its spacious dining room and contemporary Southern cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Speaking of the food, you can find delicious meals like Gulf Seafood Stew and Pork Shoulder on the menu. Coquette offers a Prix Fixe menu featuring a small plate, large plate, and dessert. A five-course menu with an optional wine pairing is also available.
“The servings spanned the spectrum of tastes and ingredients. The meal was 5 courses - plus an extra taste thrown in. Everything from crab long grain rice with jalapeno powdered popcorn to braised short rib. We got the wine pairing to go with the meal and that was a highlight! The food really was transformed by the paired wine. Great pours.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Coquette.
912 Royal St. | French Quarter | cafeamelie.com
Want to enjoy some fresh air while dining on delicious food? Visit Cafe Amelie. This romantic restaurant in the French Quarter features a spacious courtyard that is perfect for your next date night. Since its opening in 2005, couples have flocked to Cafe Amelie for its romantic atmosphere and savory dishes.
Right now, the courtyard is open for both sit-in meals and drinks during brunch and dinner. Before going, make sure you call to reserve a table. Their most popular brunch dishes include the Jerk Pork Loin and Amelie Egg Plate. For dinner, people enjoy the Braised Beef Short Ribs and Seared Salmon. Cafe Amelie is also known for its sandwiches, which are all served with tossed mixed greens.
“Looking for a magical little slice of New Orleans? Searching for that French cafe look and feel? Check this place out! Cafe Amelie was an adorable experience! Every single one of us in our group enjoyed delicious and unique plates and drinks. From shrimp and grits to sloppy joe's and pork sandwiches. Their menu is seasonal so check it out before you show up.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Café Amelie.
5908 Magazine St. | West Riverside | restaurantavo.com
If you want to go somewhere a little more rustic and casual, try Avo. This popular Italian restaurant is perfect for couples who want a fun and laidback evening. Avo is open for dining. However, you will need to wear a face covering when entering and leaving.
Built by New Orleans-born chef, Nick Lama, Avo serves a wide selection of dishes sourced from his family’s recipes. And while much of the menu is Italian-focused, many of the dishes use ingredients sourced from local Southern-grown ingredients. Fried Calamari, Chicken Parmesan, and other delicious Italian meals are offered at this popular date night restaurant.
“Avo is my all time favorite restaurant in New Orleans. My favorite thing is the charred octopus and Brussels sprouts. I have had nearly everything on the menu since opening back up and everything is fantastic. I recommend Avo to anyone and everyone that will listen!! It is 10/10 the best Italian in NOLA.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Avo.
1410 Robert St. | Uptown | lacrepenanou.com
Since its humble start in 1983, La Crepe Nanou has turned into the premier destination for sweet and savory crepes in New Orleans. In fact, the restaurant is so popular that New Orleans Magazine voted La Crepe Nanou Best French Bistro in the city.
Aside from their award-winning crepes, La Crepe Nanou is also known for its PEI Moules Frites, Escargot, and Grilled Lamb Chops. La Crepe Nanou is open for both brunch and dinner, making it perfect for stopping by to celebrate any occasion, whether that is an anniversary or you just want to get out of your house for a little.
“I love everything about Nanou so much- the atmosphere where you can imagine you're dining in an adorable French bistro, with French music playing and local art decorating the walls; the solid menu, which has remained virtually unchanged; the French fries, which are easily in the top 5 in town; the mussels, with a rich broth unmatched by anywhere else.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for La Crepe Nanou.
6100 Annunciation St. | West Riverside, Audubon | clancysneworleans.com
Located in West Riverside, Clancy’s is a popular date night spot for couples in New Orleans. This casual, understated restaurant will surprise you with its fine cuisine and impeccable service. Couples can stop by for either lunch or dinner. Both menus are Prix Fixe and come with an appetizer, salad, and main course. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the Pan Roast Chicken Breast and Grilled Hanger Steak with Foie Gras Vinaigrette. Wine and spirits are also available for your enjoyment.
“Clancy's restaurant is a wonderful eatery in a city known for wonderful food. The menu is always changing and is always interesting. The service is wonderful and the wine selection is outstanding. You cannot go wrong with Clancy's. If you want fish, meat or vegetarian, you will find something to your liking. Be adventurous. You won't regret it.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Clancy’s Restaurant.
New Orleans is home to a wide selection of romantic and upscale restaurants you can take your partner to. What restaurant do you plan on visiting next? Let us know!
