"Le Chat Noir firmly established itself in New Orleans’s dining scene upon debuting in January — so much so that it’s well on its way to achieving essential status. Stepping into the dimly lit, dramatic space downtown is a grand experience; in no time, servers swoop in to offer warm greetings and help you navigate the wide-ranging menu thoughtfully. The first draw is the oysters, without a doubt one of the city’s finest selections of varieties from the Mid-Atlantic, West Coast, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and more. From there, chef Seth Temple stuns with his upscale, technique-driven preparations of beautiful products: Creole tomatoes with a rich basil dressing that somehow surprises despite sounding straightforward, sunchokes with walnut and preserved mint, a tiny risotto-stuffed quail with melty collards, and spiny lobster with crab, ricotta, and jalapeno relish. Overall, the atmosphere of the restaurant allows its diners a moment of indulgence and relaxation, facilitated by exceptionally well-crafted cocktails and an extensive global wine list." - Clair Lorell