Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in New Orleans

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in New Orleans? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Le Salon

4.9

4.9 (1066)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Themed Tea Dates: Galentine's Tea- February 14, Mardi Gras Tea- February 15 & 16, *Irish Tea- March 16 (Adults Only- Price $95pp), Strawberry Tea- April 5, Easter -April 19 & 20, Mothers Day-May 10&11, Princess Tea-June 21 & 22 (Price-Adult $80pp & Kids $55pp) *Prohibition Tea-July 19 (Adults Only-Price $95pp), *LGBTEA August 30, (Adults Only-Price $95pp), Tarot-Tea- October 11 & 12, *Halloween Tea-October 25 & 26 (Price-Adults $80pp & Kids $55pp) *Holiday Tea-November 28-Dec 31st (Adults $80pp & Kids 12 & under $55pp) (limited seating) - Please call for availability.

Experience the delightful tradition of afternoon tea at Le Salon. Sip from a selection of 30 of the finest loose-leaf variety brews while your ears enjoy soft melodies from a harpist or pianist from the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy an assortment of delicious tea sandwiches, scones and sweets as you engage in one of New Orleans locals most beloved and fashionable pastimes.

Top review

MaryVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We come regularly and have never been disappointed.

Irene's

4.9

4.9 (4244)

$31 to $50

Italian

French Quarter

About the restaurant

*Please note that if your desired reservation time is not available online, or your party is larger than those accepted through this service, please call the restaurant. We are happy and excited to make great effort in accommodating you. *

RESERVATION POLICY: Reservations requiring a credit card are subject to a $10/person fee as a result of no call-no show, or if not cancelled before 4:00pm central time on the reservation date.

Our cuisine is country French and Italian with a New Orleans influence. Although a majority of our seating is available for walk-in guests we do take reservations. While you wait we have a piano player and serve cocktails. We look forward to serving you.
"Love and Cuisine, Sempre con Passione"

Top review

TastebudVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our waiter AJ was awesome. He explained everything very professionally and the surface was quick. We sat in the little dining room off to the left arm of the host check in area. The ambience was very romantic. We were a small group, and enjoyed very much The appetizer of the sausage with the eggplant. Two of us had the cioppino, which I can highly recommend. One guest had the lasagna which he said was absolutely excellent I have been waiting for three trips to New Orleans to finally get a reservation to get in Irene’s, and now I see what all the fuss is about. Don’t miss it.

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Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot

4.8

4.8 (783)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

Effortlessly blending the eccentric personality of New Orleans’ bar culture with the old-world charm and sophistication of a classic social club, Peacock Room delivers a bright and vibrant feel during the day and a sexy, moody atmosphere come sundown, perfect for an afternoon aperitif, social dinner or an end-of-evening nightcap. The bar is stocked with everything from the classics to hard-to-find spirits, with an impressive collection of rum and madeira and an emphasis on drinks that are light and floral. The sipping is complemented by an elevated selection of small plates from Chef Samuel Peery that feature refined shareable interpretations of regional and international classics.

Top review

ValeriaVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Our server, Hector, was great! He was very attentive and delightful.

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4.8

4.8 (1582)

$50 and over

Unspecified

Central Business District

About the restaurant

The Grill Room at The Windsor Court is recognized as a local leader in Modern American cuisine with a distinct New Orleans flair. Join us for a truly remarkable breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the finest restaurants in the world - and one of only three, four-star/four-diamond restaurants in all of Louisiana.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 3 days ago

The food and service was Outstanding. An experience well worth the price. True fine dining. Our waiter was the epitome of a Professional working Hospitality!

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Experience

Complimentary Valet Parking

Jacmel Inn

4.7

4.7 (1110)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Hammond

About the restaurant

Jacmel Inn began service in June 1977 after six months renovation to the former residence that was built in 1888. This historic 2-story property sits on 2.2 acres and 9 blocks for the center of historic downtown Hammond.

The lush landscaping, new patio, and the ample parking help make Jacmel Inn a culinary oasis worthy of a 60 miles drive from New Orleans.

New Ownership 2022
The time has come to pass the tiller to another generation, with Rick and Paul selling the business and property to Alfonso Flores, The current manager of 5 years. He was hired as a server and worked his way up to General Manager. Anxious and ready to be an entrepreneur and continue providing a peaceful, sophisticated dining option for Hammond and the greater NorthShore.

Our executive Chef Brandon Martinez creates our menu, which evolves seasonally. While always using fresh Louisiana Seafood, Prime steaks, Lamb, Pastas and Great Desserts, cooking techniques and dishes derived from traditional Louisiana culture.

Top review

JanelleVIP

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

It was a rainy Saturday night my family and I had the best service with our waiter,Cameron. He made excellent suggestions for the appetizers. The bread board was wonderful,and the deviled eggs were the best ! My steak was perfect,and my daughter’s seafood gnocchi was excellent . Will definitely be back !

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Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Steak Tips

Bistro Daisy

5.0

5 (1335)

$30 and under

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

A quaint eatery nestled in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, Bistro Daisy -named for the daughter of owners Anton & Diane Schulte-opened in the summer of 2007. The Restaurant features fresh, seasonal and often local ingredients prepared in the American bistro style. Daisy's award-winning dishes and charming atmosphere have established this Uptown bistro as one of the city's premier dining experiences.

Top review

Ron

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

The mark of an outstanding restaurant is consistency in what is being offered. In the case of Bistro Daisy, that consistency is and has always been multifaceted from the quaint ambience, professional service, and exceptional quality of food and drink offered at a value to diners. But THE main factor is the front of house (the welcoming reception and awesome bar tender) gracious wife and her talented husband directing back of house (the kitchen) operations. Thank you for years of outstanding and memorable meals that my wife and I have enjoyed at one of your tables.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Happy New Year!

Dakota Restaurant - Covington

4.8

4.8 (1232)

$50 and over

American

Covington

About the restaurant

Open since October of 1990, The Dakota has been a pioneer in the culinary industry on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. Their cuisine is influenced by the flavorful Creole cuisine, with Contemporary Louisiana. Other influences include the Southwest, California, and Asia using fresh local and seasonal ingredients.
The carefully selected wines pay tribute to the well crafted wines of North America while offering many of the traditional Old World styles of Europe.
In October of 2023, The Dakota moved to its new location in Historic Downtown Covington...just a block from the iconic Southern Hotel.
The Dakota continues to set the mark for what people look for when they dine – well crafted food, detail-oriented service, plush surroundings, and genuine hospitality.

Top review

Anita

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful atmosphere and delish food and drinks! Will definitely go back.

Wild South

4.9

4.9 (18)

$50 and over

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Lower Garden District

About the restaurant

Take the right turn off of Magazine Street
in the Lower Garden District and you’ll
stumble upon Wild South.

Through the yellow doors lies a restaurant
that showcases local ingredients we
hold dear in new, innovative ways while celebrating
the signature elements that make up this Southern cuisine.

Whether you’re popping in for snacks at
the bar or want the full tasting experience,
Chef Michael Stoltzfus and his team invite you
to partake in the unique taste of the Wild South.
Wild South is now offering a la carte at both the bar
and dining room.

Top review

Owen

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

excellent meal, wonderful service, and lovely atmosphere. sorry to see it was the last ever dinner service at Wild South! Glad we got to experience a wonderful restaurant on its last night!

Jack Rose - New Orleans

4.7

4.7 (2390)

$30 and under

Creole

Lower Garden District

About the restaurant

Jack Rose embodies the spirit of New Orleans, celebrating its rich culinary and cultural heritage through every dish and drink served. Nestled in the historic Garden District, the restaurant offers an eclectic and engaging dining experience, where guests can savor classic Creole and New Orleans-style dishes reimagined with a modern twist. At Jack Rose, the vibrant joie de vivre of New Orleans is not just an atmosphere, but an immersive experience enhanced by skillfully executed cuisine and an array of vibrant cocktails. This dynamic setting is designed to dazzle and delight, blending the familiar with the extraordinary, ensuring that every visit is a captivating encounter.

Top review

Mirjana

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic food, wonderful stuff and great cocktails.

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4.8

4.8 (1183)

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Bywater

About the restaurant

Hidden away in the Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club offers an elegant escape from everyday living. Our beautiful restaurant and bar deliver exquisite food and drink in sophisticated surroundings. We offer chef-driven cuisine inspired by Italian-French and Creole-Southern heritages. Our incredible menus by Chef Chris Barbato, formerly of Commander’s Palace, has all the foodies talking. Our award-winning wine program features more than 140 bottles from 13 countries and its very own private label wines. You MUST be 21 or over to dine with us. Some outdoor seating is available. If you would like to request outdoor seating, please do so when you arrive. We book up for Drag Brunch six months out, HOWEVER, as people cancel reservations they immediately become available online, so be sure to check back often. For Parties over 20 people please contact us directly.

Top review

Angel

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful experience! Many in my group had never been before, and they all loved it. Food was excellent, service was friendly and efficient, and the performance was amazing. Another successful Country Club outing.

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Popular dish

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES & EGGS

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