Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans You’ll Fall in Love With

In a city like New Orleans, it’s easy to find fun and interesting selections 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. Here are some romantic restaurants in New Orleans that will leave you even more in love.

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1. Lilette

Sophisticated French restaurant inside the heart of the Magazine Street shopping district

3637 Magazine St | New Orleans | liletterestaurant.com

While a flight to Paris to eat a meal sounds fun- it’s not practical, but 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. With a romantic atmosphere and delicious food, this restaurant is the perfect fit for any couple.

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. There’s also a vegan entree you can ask your server about! A full dessert and drink menu are also available for you to enjoy along with your main dish.

“Charming French bistro in the garden district. No trouble parking nearby. The escargot portion is delish and generous. The hanger steak was very tender. No place to wait, so reserve and come on time.” -Yelp Review

2. Coquette

Trendy New American restaurant known for its inventive cocktails and fresh cuisine!

2800 Magazine St | New Orleans | 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 Smoked Beef Short Rib 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.

“May have been the best meal we've ever had! Did the blind tasting. Each course was amazing, fresh, and beautifully presented. Would highly recommend Coquette if you are visiting New Orleans. Service was incredibly friendly. Great date place.” -Yelp Review

3. Café Amelie

Romantic spot in the French Quarter that features a large courtyard with a fountain!

Buy A Café Amelie Gift Card

900 Royal St | New Orleans | 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. 

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 Smoked Salmon Tartar and Chicken and Waffles. For dinner, people enjoy the Roasted Half Chicken and Roman Gnocchi. Cafe Amelie is also known for its sandwiches, which are all served with tossed mixed greens.

“We were able to be seated right away with no reservation. It took the server quite a while to come around to take our order. The ordered plates that were shared between two. Shrimp and grits, chicken gumbo, and the watermelon feta salad. All great selections.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Café Amelie here!

4. Avo

Popular Italian restaurant that offers a rustic and intimate atmosphere for guests!

5908 Magazine St | New Orleans | restaurantavo.com 

If you want to go somewhere a little more rustic and low-key, try Avo. This popular Italian restaurant is perfect for couples who want a fun and laidback evening. Avo is open for dining Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm to 9pm.

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. Burrata Caprese, Rigatoni alla Vodka, and other delicious Italian meals are offered at this popular date night restaurant.

“The homemade pasta was delicious. Our server was great and very helpful. Perfect date night or girls night out atmosphere! Will definitely be back and order that squid ink pasta again. The tuna crudo app was also super delicious.” -Yelp Review

5. La Crepe Nanou

French bistro and creperie located in Uptown New Orleans

You know immediately when you step in, this romantic restaurant in New Orleans will be one to go back to! Image courtesy of the La Crepe Nanou Yelp Photo page by user Shannon S.

1410 Robert St | New Orleans | 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 more. 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.

“Every time we come to Nola for a visit, this is our happy place. Every dish I have ever ordered is divine we especially love the neighborhood location and the intimate interior space. Service was attentive and perfect in all ways.”  -Yelp Review

6. Clancy’s Restaurant

Bustling restaurant serving delicious Creole dishes inside a cozy space

Well cooked meat literally dripping with sauce as you take a bite is where it’s at! Image courtesy of the official Clancy’s Restaurant website.

6100 Annunciation St | New Orleans | hclancysneworleans.com

Located in West Riverside, Clancy’s Restaurant 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.

“Good lamb-chops, even better scalloped potatoes & soups too. Perfect spot just off the bar up the steps if you want more intimate conversation otherwise it's a great scene. Enjoy!” -Yelp Review

7. Brennan’s

A famed eccentric spot with colorful decor and Creole specialties!

417 Royal St | New Orleans | brennansneworleans.com

Since 1946, Brennan’s Restaurant has been serving the locals of New Orleans with their amazing Creole meals that take some influence from both French and Spanish history. They offer a modern twist on different classics and have seasonal options on the menu so you know your food is always fresh.

Brennan’s has a lot of options to choose from as they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus they have two three course meals available if you want to leave feeling extra full. Enjoy plates like their Banana Biscoff Blintz, Shrimp Creole, and Seafood Gumbo. With wine and dessert as well you’ll be in for a great meal.

“An absolutely awesome dining experience! Our service proved friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced. The bananas foster preparation that occurred tableside was unforgettable. The appetizer and main dish were perfectly prepared.” -Yelp Review

8. Chemin à la Mer

Located in the Four Seasons hotel, this sophisticated fine dining restaurant has riverfront views!

2 Canal St | New Orleans | cheminalamer.com

Chef Donald Link, the mind behind Chemin à la Mer, is a Louisiana native and he is known for elevating cuisine to new flavorful heights and his award-winning restaurants are a testament to that. He blends together classic Louisiana fare and French techniques in order to make each dish something special. They even have an oyster bar!

At Chemin à la Mer they serve:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes like the Smoked Salmon Plate, French Goat Cheese Omelettes with Fine Herbs, a Full Seafood Tower, and much more. 
• They also have a dessert and beverage menu which is what makes the best romantic restaurant in New Orleans.

“This has become one of my favorite spots to visit. I love the location + the view. I love to order the quail and the blue crab and creole tomatoes.. omgee, SO GOOD! I wanted to love the gumbo-- however, it was very .. touristy. Still highly recommended this place.” -Yelp Review

9. Brigtsen's Restaurant

With a Victorian-Cottage setting, their food is modern and fresh- perfect for a night out!

723 Dante St | New Orleans | brigtsens.com 

Chef Frank Brigtsen and his wife Marna own Brigtsen’s Restaurant which is in Uptown New Orleans and it’s a great award-winning spot that specializes modern-Creole dishes in an intimate Victorian-cottage setting. Dig into plates like their Broiled Gulf Fish with Crab Crust & Lemon Crab Sauce, Fried Des Allemands Catfish, and soups, salads, and appetizers. They also have a few cake options for dessert that’ll be the sweet to your savory.

“The epitome of comfortable elegance in food, ambience, and service. Frank and his Krewe are the apex of New Orleans cuisine. Always memorable. Always delicious. Always a fine experience.” -Yelp Review

10. MaMou

A modern French brasserie with delicious dishes makes for the date night of your dreams!

942 N Rampart St | New Orleans | mamounola.com

MaMou got their start only two years ago in 2022 and have been a hit ever since they opened up their doors. This unique modern French brasserie has a really cool interior that would make for a great date night. Executive Chef Tom Branighan and Sommelier Molly Wismeier make the perfect menu blend of food and drinks. You can get small plated and big plates like Summer Asparagus, Louisiana Heirloom Tomato, Pork Blade Loin, and Risotto. And make sure to enjoy a cocktail handcrafted to perfection with your meal.

“Absolutely incredible- deserving of all the accolades! Every dish is elegant and delicious. Service is flawless- some sort of manager touched every table at least once. The most charming dining room in Nola, hands down. Next time I am leaving room for dessert!” -Yelp Review

11. The Italian Barrel

This romantic restaurant in New Orleans makes for a great spot for a special occasion!

1240 Decatur St | New Orleans | theitalianbarrel.com

Award winning chef Samantha Castagnetti is the mastermind behind The Italian Barrel which is a restaurant built for reservations and romantic getaways. Their menu consists of flavors from Northern Italy and have been hailed as authentic by many patrons. You can get Bruschetta, Ahi Tuna Salad, Porcini & Truffle Ravioli, and a whole Imported Italian Cheese Platter with crackers and honey.

“This is my boyfriends favorite Italian spot in New Orleans! It's a cute little restaurant perfect for a date night. The Chicken Parm was probably one of the best I've ever had! Our waitress was so helpful and kind as well during our dinner. Will definitely be visiting again!” -Yelp Review

These romantic restaurants in New Orleans are the perfect blend of classy and cozy. You’ll be able to celebrate lots of anniversaries at these places and they will definitely be your new go-to spots.