Galatoire's

French restaurant · French Quarter

Galatoire's

French restaurant · French Quarter
209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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Galatoire's by null
Galatoire's by null
Galatoire's by null
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Galatoire's by null
Galatoire's by null
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Galatoire's by null
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Highlights

Classic French-Creole fare in an upscale, lively atmosphere  

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209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

galatoires.com

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

+1 504 525 2021
galatoires.com
galatoires
𝕏
@Galatoires_NO

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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Charity Jones-Perkins

Google
Amazing food, cocktails and service. The ambiance is nice too. The front dining room is a little bit stuffy and you are required to have a jacket if you're a man. This is like old school fine dining. The back dining room is perfect for families or us heathens that didn't bring fancy clothes. All the food is well cooked, presented beautifully and beyond tasty. The drinks are well mixed and balanced. I definitely recommend making a trip here.

Crypto Beadles

Google
I love Creole food, love, love, love. However, I don’t love Galatoire’s. The food, looks the part, but doesn’t taste it. To start, you make reservations by credit card, so if you don’t show, they charge you. That’s fair, I guess. But we arrived, were promptly seated, and waited over 10 minutes before we even got our menus. It’s important to note that GW Fins is right around the corner, and we would have just left and gone there, which I wish we had. They finally brought us bread and water, so it was too late to politely leave. The bread was simply not good; it was soft but lacked flavor. Willing to give the restaurant a fair shake, I ordered quite a bit from the menu. I got an appetizer sampler of shrimp, crawfish, fried bacon oysters, and crab, all nasty. I ordered Oysters Rockefeller; they looked really gross and tasted even worse. I tried the seafood gumbo and the duck gumbo, both tasting off, with the gumbo filé overpowering in a burnt flavor and a hint of tomato, which was really odd. You can see the pics, we didn’t eat much. I ordered shrimp étouffée; at least the shrimp were cooked properly, but the sauce was just gross. I ordered the filet mignon, requested medium, but it came rare, it was at least edible. Ordered cheesy potatoes au gratin to accompany it; they were not great. For drinks, I ordered a vodka soda water, but they used ginger ale instead of soda water. To top it all off, I got the black pecan cake with vanilla ice cream. The ice cream was two tiny dabs that looked like a garnish on the cake, but the cake itself was actually quite nice, though a bit overpowering. The highlight of the night was our waitress, Britney. She was incredible. Believe it or not, I didn’t complain once about any dish, paid for everything, smiled, and said all was fine. She questioned why we didn’t eat much, but I didn’t have the heart to make her feel bad, it wasn’t her fault, and she did a great job. The food, however, isn’t worth trying. I swear, the dishes were so bad they must’ve been cooked by the ghosts of New Orleans’ worst chefs haunting the kitchen! It gets a lot of good reviews, which either tells me I came on a bad night or people have no idea what good Creole is. I assure you, Galatoire’s isn’t it. There are many great spots in New Orleans. I recommend trying others before coming here.

Maui World Travelers

Google
I did not want to eat here as they have a dress code, but my spouse wanted to. It's NOLA. It's muggy. It's outrageously muggy. Jackets are required at dinner but lunch was more casual requiring just long pants and a collared shirt, so that's what we did. For the record, loaner jackets are available. ATMOSPHERE: The dining room is very plain, not warm or elegant especially with the tacky wall mirror that encircles the entire room. For a place that has a dress code, I was expecting more. It was fairly empty at lunch sans for a large party that made as much noise as if the restaurant was fully packed. MENU: Higher end apps, soup, salads, omelettes, poultry, shellfish, fish, meats, desserts. FOOD: Garlic Bread In addition to melted butter, fresh garlic was visible on each slice. I didn't have any due to its offensiveness and didn't want to get full on a filler. Oysters en Brochette This appetizer was my favorite selection of the entire lunch. The oysters were delicately fried with an airy batter and drizzled with a butter sauce and bacon bits. Simply delish. Soufflé Potatoes How in the world did they make these?! They're like large steak fries that are hollowed out, leaving just the exterior skin and batter. As you cut them they deflate like a jumping castle being taken down, lol. A decadent béarnaise sauce accompanied. Turtle Soup au Sherry This is one dish I had to try while in NOLA and I was happy they offered it. It was tomato-based like a minestrone and tasted like it too, with minced turtle meat that was similar in texture to abalone. You wouldn't even know you're eating turtle. Shrimp Marguery I had a hard time deciding which shellfish dish to order and chose this, unfortunately, by reading others' reviews. I imagined plump, seared shrimp bathed in smooth, creamy sauces. What I received were six shrimp drowning in a pool of hollandaise and béchamel sauces in a small baking dish that was broiled. The result was an Exxon-like oil spill, with the sauces separating from their binders that left a clumpy mess. To add insult to injury, the shrimp weren't seared at all, pretty much just boiled in the oils. Filet Mignon My spouse's visually unappealing dish. For an additional cost came a ramekin of hollandaise sauce. That's all that was on the plate - the steak sprinkled with parsley and the cup of hollandaise. While less is usually more, it looked like it was plated by a child. Looks aside, the filet's temperature was served pretty raw and not even close to rare. Sad. Potatoes au Gratin Besides fingerling potatoes, au gratin is my second least favorite preparation style, but I really like it here due to its moisture and cheesiness. SERVICE: Female server took great care of us. She was very friendly, pleasant and professional. Thank you! OVERALL: Some people love this type of dining but not me. Enjoyable apps, great service. Not a return for us due to the lackluster entrees.

Preamsss

Google
Galatoire’s Restaurant is one of New Orleans’ most historic and beloved fine dining establishments, offering a traditional Creole dining experience with deep-rooted customs. It is particularly known for its lively atmosphere, devoted clientele, and a strict adherence to its formal dining traditions. While many diners praise its impeccable service and classic dishes, others have reported disappointing experiences that fell short of the restaurant’s esteemed reputation. Ambiance & Atmosphere: Galatoire’s embodies the spirit of New Orleans with its old-world charm and a dining room that is always buzzing with energy. However, its lack of soundproofing makes it incredibly loud, which can be overwhelming for guests looking for an intimate dining experience. If you prefer a quieter setting, requesting a private dining room or a seat in the back might be a better option. The restaurant enforces a strict dress code, requiring gentlemen to wear jackets after 5 PM, reinforcing its traditional fine-dining ethos. Service: The service at Galatoire’s is largely dependent on the individual waiter assigned to your table. Many guests praise the attentiveness and professionalism of the waitstaff, noting that they are willing to accommodate special requests, even if they are off-menu. However, some visitors have had unpleasant experiences, ranging from inattentiveness to outright rudeness. There have also been reports of long wait times despite reservations, and some guests found their servers overly focused on personal anecdotes rather than delivering quality service. On the bright side, complimentary items like drinks or desserts are sometimes provided to guests as gestures of goodwill. Food Quality: Galatoire’s menu features a variety of classic Creole dishes, including Oysters Rockefeller, Duck Crepes, Crab au Gratin, and Filet Mignon. While many visitors have raved about the flavors and presentation of their meals, others have found the food underwhelming. Hits: The Banana Bread Pudding is often cited as a must-try dessert. Some guests enjoyed the Pecan Pie, describing it as a rich and satisfying end to the meal. The Asparagus and Hearts of Palm Salad and the Maple Leaf Duck were also praised by diners. Misses: The Oysters Rockefeller were reportedly undercooked. The Pecan Pie Crust was overbaked, making it difficult to cut through. The Crab Mushroom Main lacked balance, with an excessive amount of mushrooms overpowering the dish. The Potato Starter was described as nothing more than deep-fried pockets of air. The Filet Mignon was inconsistent—some found it overcooked and chewy, while others found it under-seasoned. Temperature issues have also been noted, with several diners reporting that their food arrived lukewarm or cold, raising concerns about kitchen efficiency and food safety. Cleanliness & Hygiene Concerns: One of the biggest complaints about Galatoire’s is its questionable cleanliness. Some patrons noticed crumbs on menus due to the restaurant’s tradition of not providing bread plates. Others found hairs in their dishes—an issue that should not be overlooked in a fine dining establishment. In at least one case, a diner became ill after consuming their meal, which suggests potential lapses in food safety protocols. Overall Experience: Galatoire’s remains a legendary institution in New Orleans, and many loyal patrons continue to visit for its tradition, vibrant atmosphere, and attentive service. However, for first-time visitors, the experience can be hit or miss. The restaurant’s strict formalities, occasional service missteps, and inconsistent food quality make it a polarizing choice. Pros: ✅ Iconic New Orleans fine dining experience ✅ Classic Creole dishes with a rich history ✅ Elegant ambiance with a lively crowd ✅ Some dishes, like the banana bread pudding, are exceptional ✅ Strong commitment to traditional service Final Verdict: If you appreciate tradition and a vibrant dining experience, Galatoire’s is worth a visit—but temper your expectations. For those seeking a more modern fine dining experience.

Tahshara

Google
I was not impressed to say the least. The restaurant closes at 9 and they accepted our reservation at 9 but the hostess never told the kitchen so we were kind of rushed to order our food. We were placed in a corner as a group of 7. Our server tried her best to give us a good experience but everything else from everyone else felt very rushed. Very disappointed in the food. Specifically the “rockerfeller oysters”. I have never is my life seen black rockerfeller oysters. They were very hard to get out the shell and whatever the topping was , was very mushy. I tried to eat what I could but it just wasn’t it. My cousin’s pork chop was not even edible. Very over done. The gumbo was lukewarm and saltiness. I understand they were closing but don’t rush and half ass do things at the expense of your customers when you’re the one who accepted the reservation.

Mimi

Google
the clientele in this place is astounding. makes you feel like margaret mead. most are grandmother age, some sorority looking gals (from 25 years ago). all of the guests are white and most of the waiters are white, with some black people cleaning up the dishes or boxing your food, so i guess people want to dine here to pretend it’s 100 years ago. one man literally had a stroke in the restaurant—i hope he is ok, but shows you about the age of the diners. the food was alright, the waiter was very pushy for you to order something other than what you asked for. the chicken lunch was huge and the peas were canned. i don’t know — the atmosphere of the restaurant i don’t believe is the type of place that most people would find comfortable. if they don’t update the feel of this restaurant into the post jim crow era, i think the restaurant will die out along with the number of grandmothers who dine here.

Mrs Whitley

Google
The most fun you can have! Lovely staff, wonderful people, great cocktails and food. Don’t miss a chance to have a blast, people watch and enjoy.

Starasia Starr

Google
Such great food and a lively crowd. Very noisy so be prepared. Add a star to atmosphere if you’re looking for a party. Everything was delicious and perfectly cooked, especially the crab Yvonne, foie gras, and the bread pudding. Service was excellent. The steaks also looked amazing. It was a fun time.
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Jessica B.

Yelp
This was our 2nd year here and we 1000% will be coming back. The food is amazing and so is the service. I got the duck again and wish I could take it home with me daily. The oysters Rockefeller were also amazing they are cooked to perfection. For men you will have to keep your jacket on the full time. If you don't have one they will provide one.
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Sabrina P.

Yelp
Wow. So disappointed. Appetizers were tasty, so we were excited. Forie Gras was outstanding. Our service was slow and inattentive (we were asked 3 time if we wanted bread {once by another attendant, once by our server & once by our attendant} .... We never received it. That was forgivable ... no biggie Our entrées and side dish we lack luster at best. The host/maître D did not know what our side dish was. It was unrecognizable to him. The stuffed eggplant was reminiscent of cafeteria food ... could not find a single shrimp. Bouillabaisse was flat at best, the smear on the toast tasted like raw flour and butter. Do yourself a favor, order the wine (the list is wonderful). Get the appetizers and call it a day
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Scott H.

Yelp
For a professional conference I was in NOLA for a 4 night stay and loved this place so much I ended up going twice. The staff was exceptional in their service and customer care and was only outdone but the quality of the food. They have 2 primary seating options with one being the "old school" version where men must be wearing a sports coat and the other more casual. I ate on each side and actually preferred the more casual side as that was the side that had a really cool bar and it was actually more quiet so casual conversations were not only possible but really easy to function even across a table of 8 people. The more foram side which is much larger was very noisy with tables almost uncomfortable too close to each other. I suppose it's part of the ambiance. Honestly, when I return to the city I have every intention of going again. Jarrell was our server the second night and Avo was the first night's waiter. Both were, once again fantastic with just the right amount of attention without being intrusive. GREAT PLACE and really good Old Fashions.
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Dennis T.

Yelp
Galatoire's is a strong candidate for my favorite restaurant in the United States, among the several hundreds I have sampled. And for good reason! Upon arriving for dinner at our reservation time, we were immediately ushered to a table for two on the first floor. It took awhile to receive menus, but then the fun began. We had to ponder numerous delectable-sounding offerings, and listed prices were surprisingly low based on California and Nevada menu prices for comparable listed items. Appetizers included Souffle Potatoes, Shrimp Remoulade, Crawfish Maison, Fried Oysters with Bacon and Meuniere Butter, Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters Rockefeller, Escargot, and Foie Gras. We selected Souffle Potatoes and Shrimp Remoulade. The Souffle Potatoes were like large and light golden potatoes draped over pockets of air, and the shrimp dish featured huge Shrimps covered in a mild Remoulade. As another preliminary, I ordered a Bowl of Duck and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, which turned out to be the best non-seafood gumbo I have ever eaten. It was silky and delicious, augmented by some Steamed White Rice. For entrees we had even more intriguing choices, including Chicken Clemenceau with Brabant Potatoes, Chicken Creole, Crab Ravigote with Bechamel and Hollandaise Sauces, Shrimp Au Vin, Crab Au Gratin, Bouillabaise, Crawfish Etouffe, Fried Shrimp, seasonal fresh fish with Meuniere Sauce, Meuniere Amandine, or Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc, Filet Mignon, Prime Ribeye, New York Strip, Veal Chop, and Lamb Chops. For our mains at this purveyor of top-grade Creole cuisine, we selected Chicken Clemenceau and Crab Au Gratin, which contained Bechamel Sauce and Cheddar Cheese. Diane very much liked her choice of entree augmented by a large side of Hash Browns, and I loved my Roasted Half Chicken with Mushrooms, Brabant Potatoes, Peas, and Clemenceau Sauce and a large side of Steamed Cauliflower. This time we both passed on dessert, and without a time crunch, elected to walk back to our hotel. Our fellow diners leaned toward coats & ties, with women in fashionable dresses. Service was very attentive once we received our menus. And the historic building with a mirrored wall leant an elegant ambiance to the place.
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Dennis C.

Yelp
Open, bright room busting with happy diners! We enjoyed the excellent food and wine! Service was impeccable! Looking forward to returning!
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Susan R.

Yelp
Had a glorious meal on my first visit to NOLA. Even got to meet the current Mr. Galatoire! The interior is special without being stuffy. The kind of place where you might see a celebrity secreted at corner table or your next door neighbor. Immediately upon being seated, ice water and French bread & butter service is delivered. I had one of the most delicious cocktails (The 209) in all of The French Quarter. It was Pimm's No. 1, cucumber vodka, sour mix, ginger ale, served up with a cucumber slice, and it went down too easily! Our server, Patrick, was a delight and did a great job answering questions about Gulf fish species unfamiliar to us. I wished I'd gotten the back waiter's name--he was awesome too. I started with the sherried turtle soup. My friend had the Wedge salad. I ordered the red fish with meunière preparation while my friend had the speckled trout Almondine. We shared a side of cauliflower au gratin and Brabant potatoes. The cauliflower was very delicious and we consumed the entire dish. The Brabants were crispy and well-seasoned and the portion was large enough for three. Our fish entrees were perfect and the portions were generous. Although I was stuffed, I had to get the house made key lime tart--chef's kiss for the delicate shortbread topped with lip-smacking key lime custard with just enough Chantilly cream. While its Bourbon Street location doesn't jive with Galatoire's obvious elegance (I could seriously avoid Bourbon Street altogether) you've got to experience a meal here. I'm a huge fan!
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Cynthia W.

Yelp
We had just gotten off a plane and checked into our hotel, and desperately needed food, as we had subsisted on overly processed junk all day. Since we were near Bourbon street, we decided to see if we can find some grub there. Galatoire's hit the spot. When we walked in, though, we weren't even offered the dining room, and were just told to sit anywhere in the bar area. Not sure if it was because we were underdressed or if they were shutting down the dining area (but there were still people in there by the end of our meal). It was fine. The chairs in the bar area (not at the actual bar) are pretty high up, or the table is low....making me feel exaggeratedly tall. Service was great! Despite it being kind of quite and winding down, our server checked on us repeatedly, and also offered suggestions for food. We got the poached eggs atop artichoke hearts, and the shrimp etouffee. The latter had a kick, the shrimp was super fresh and popped when you bit into it. Both were delicious. The meal also comes with bread service - a fresh loaf of French bread with ample butter. Also got a hot toddy, which was REALLY good.
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Nikki B.

Yelp
Established in 1905, Galatoire's is one of the city's oldest restaurants, run by fourth generation descendants of Jean Galatoire. This fine dining establishment has received many accolades and awards for its delectable French Creole cuisine. On my recent visit I had the pleasure of sitting in the main dining room, which is a little livelier & casual compared to the second-floor dining rooms, which are more sophisticated and refined. Our server was Sonny, and he was FANTASTIC! He provided impeccable service from beginning to end. I asked Sonny if they had blue cheese stuffed olives for my martini, and he said he could make that happen. Imagine my surprise when he brought me a perfect martini with three beautiful had stuffed blue cheese olives. I was impressed, and they were delicious! I've never had Oysters Rockefeller and heard they make them extra special here, so we started with that. A lot of thought was put into the presentation, and they were fresh from the broiler. If you like oysters and creamed spinach, then I recommend this dish. The addition of Herbsaint adds a little finesse. Mom & I also shared the Crab Maison and Stuffed Eggplant. The Crab Maison was superb. A mound of fresh, tender jumbo lump crabmeat mixed with a creole mustard aioli on top of a sliced Heirloom tomato. The Stuffed Eggplant was delicious. Grilled Italian eggplant topped with a generous serving of crab & shrimp stuffing with a bechamel sauce. For dessert we had the Black Bottom Pecan Pie with Whiskey Caramel sauce. It was by far one of the best Pecan Pie I've had. Even though we were both stuffed we couldn't stop eating it. If you haven't been to this iconic establishment, I highly recommend treating yourself. Reservations are required and regardless of where you sit, proper attire is required. (They have spare suit jackets for men if necessary.)
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Holly W.

Yelp
Always a classic and lives up to the hype. So beautiful and civilized. Slow eating, enjoying each course with no rush, and friendly conversation with wait staff. Impeccable service and atmosphere. (It IS loud when full) Excellent people watching. And so weird to walk out onto the vulgarity of Bourbon Street. Oh well. Fish is always perfect. Salads well composed and dressed. Soups yummy. Fresh warm bread constantly refreshed.
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Kat Z.

Yelp
We got a reservation for 11:30a on Friday for lunch! Within the first 20min, the atmosphere was lovely; so many celebrations happening and so much laughter My table ordered the oyster Rockefeller, shrimp remoulade, turtle soup, soufflé potato and got a free garlic bread from a staff who was practicing his recipes. Our favorite was the soufflé potato! No idea how they puffed up the potato so beautifully. The oyster Rockefeller unfortunately for us was the biggest flop. The spinach on the oyster had an interesting taste, so we didn't finish the entire dish. The shrimp remoulade had a hint of horseradish. The crab au gratin was good but a bit disappointing a how little crab meat there was. It was yummy though! The turtle soup was also a bit confusing, as I'm not sure which was the turtle. I'm glad I came here to try this iconic spot though! The service was great though and it was a fun bucket list item for my NOLA visit.
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Christy C.

Yelp
We had reservations for lunch on a Saturday in the main dinning room and it was wonderful. We started with a Sazerac (my new favorite) and Oysters Rockefeller. For our entrees we had the Crab Yvonne and Shrimp Etouffée. Both were very good, each having their own unique flavor. We paired the entrees with a white burgundy. For dessert I had the Black Bottom Pecan Pie (get it!) and my husband had the Bread Pudding with Banana Praline Sauce (get this, too!). The service was very professional, food was served in a reasonable time, and the atmosphere was upscale and cozy. If you travel to the French Quarter, give Galaroire's a visit! It's definitely worth it.
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Anna M.

Yelp
This place is super fancy! There's a dress code and guys need to wear suits. I came with my friends and loved the ambiance. It was so cute on the inside, and our waiter was so nice. We got a lot of food- from appetizers to entrees. My favorite was our medium rare steak. Also, I LOVED our dessert. The banana pudding was so delicious (I'm not usually a fan of banana pudding but this banana pudding was delicious) Would recommend if you want a great and fun experience :)
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Sa'Rah H.

Yelp
Every time I visit Galatoire's for their quarterly fried chicken and champagne brunch I feel like absolute royalty! The dining room is decked out in green and gleaming chandeliers and the energy is always high. On my most recent visit we celebrated my friend Kourtni's birthday and had an awesome time. The service is always top notch and the food is always delicious. The fried chicken was immediately served hot and fresh along with piping hot fried Mac n cheese, perfectly seasoned collard greens, corn bread, creamed corn, Cole slaw and cornbread. There were no complaints! It's such a fun experience and it can't wait to come back again.
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Mike Z.

Yelp
Made a reservation for Friday lunch but was not able to sit in the main dining room due to not requesting it specifically before hand; we felt a bit of relief after actually walking through the main room as it was quite rowdy. Overall the food was decent throughout the meal, with the potatoes souffle worth calling out. We also had some red fish almoundine that was pretty good, but not the best I had in NOLA on my trip. I think the restaurant is worth a visit for classic French dishes and the $3 cocktails, but not a must go.
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Josh B.

Yelp
In the legendary/intimidating genre, my only direct comparison is Commander's Palace, and I'm glad I got to check out this iconic spot but I wouldn't call it a must-visit. I was able to get in without a reservation at 11:40. (figured the popularity of the Friday lunch could ease things up on a Thursday). Redfish wasn't available. I was initially disappointed but it's good they aren't stashing a monthlong supply in the freezer. I got black drum with crabmeat Yvonne. I don't have any complaints about the fish but I also wouldn't rave about it. The topping was more intriguing, though, with plenty of crab and fine supporting work by artichokes, mushrooms and better. It's not every day that I get to visit a restaurant founded in 1905 where women wear hats with feathers.
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Mancow M.

Yelp
Past its prime? Long past but needn't be. I like the dress code. The main dining room is a knockout. Really like stepping into a more civilized gilded age. Problem? Uh oh. Our waiter was so rude. Just ruined it. "Whats the star of the menu?" I asked. "I hate that question. It's all good," he answered dismissively. "Ok, What are you famous for?"I inquire politely. "Everything," he mumbles looking away. ("Well, F," think to myself.) "Uh, ok thanks for nothing," I don't actually say but want to. I like waiters to be honest but this cat was just one rude daddy. You wanna be upscale then treat your customers better! There are many other better resturants in New Orleans. You aren't the shiny new hip place. Be nice! The food? Turtle Soup was wretched and tasted more like black pepper w/ gristle soup. Really just one note awful. Worst I have ever had. (The best version is at Commander's.) The rest was instantly forgettable. Wait... I remember- I had the redfish w/ shrimp on top. Very nice. Service ruined it. Guy had a real chip on his shoulder. Management can look up my ticket: Mancow Muller and figure out who served me. (Nov 13 , 2024) (I was sent there by "The Walton and Johnson Radio Show.")
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Clark C.

Yelp
I was very skeptical that a famous Friday lunch at Galatoire's would live up to its reputation (so many classic restaurants fall into mediocrity or worse when they coast on their reputations)... but I'm very happy to report that it did. The service started slow but improved over the course of the meal. All of the apps and entrees for our 7 person table were delicious. The drinks were well crafted. The noise level was high but festive and manageable. We even got seated in the back room (not the famous front room) but that worked out okay. An excellent experience that was a a major highlight of our 10th trip to NOLA.
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Agnes Y.

Yelp
This restaurant probably has the strictest dress code among all the high end restaurants in New Orleans. Gentlemen without a jacket cannot dine in their main dining room and have to be escorted to the 33 Dining Room next door. They do have a bunch of jackets hanging by the door for customers to borrow if needed. Tennis shoes and sneakers are not allowed for both ladies and gentlemen even at lunch time. We dined in the 33 Dining Room which is less classy and it got pretty noisy. Service was excellent, really attentive and the staff checked on us frequently. The three of us shared their Duck and Andouille Gumbo, Soufflé Potato, Oyster Rockefeller, Chicken Creole, Bouillabaisse, and USDA Prime Ribeye. We asked for the steak to be prepared blackened and they did a really nice job of it. Most other restaurants we went to in New Orleans wouldn't do blacken. The food was good in general but not exceptional. They did have the best gumbo among all the restaurants we tried this trip (Antoine, Brennan's, Commander's Palace, Oceana Grill, etc.).
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Justin K.

Yelp
A friend recommended this place and I was glad I came. Overall the ambiance was very vibrant, loud and perfect for celebrations. We came on a Friday and got to see the band come in and serenade the crowd with live music! They told us that the band likes to come in about 2-3x on a Friday so we were lucky to catch them. There many toasts and speeches commemorating birthdays and graduations that the waiters announced to all in the room. There were a majority Caucasians that were dining there and we were the only minorities dining - not saying it's a bad thing but just pointing it out since I feel like it represented the New Orleans clientele for this restaurant. Our waiter (Sonny) was very polite and attentive to our requests and needs. 5/5 for ambiance. The food was mixed and couldn't quite live up to the ambiance of the place. Soufflé potatoes- good crisp on outside and nice paper like thin. 5/5 Oyster Rockefeller - good. Tastes like red sauce with herbs. 4/5 Ribeye - we requested for a medium cut but the steak was a bit dry. 3/5 Creole chicken - chicken was dry but the sauce tastes like a sambal tomato based sauce. 3.5/5 Bouillabaisse - earthy flavors with the fish as a protein but it was not my favorite. 3/5 Creamed spinach - good creamy side that goes well with the entrees. 4/5 Shrimp remoulade - strong horseradish flavor so you'd like it if you like that. I unfortunately am not a fan of horseradish/wasabi. 2.5/5 Seafood gumbo - has texture in gumbo with crispy okra and other veggies to go along with the seafood. It was a bit cold when served so I think it would be better served warm. 3.5/5 I would give the ambiance a 5/5 but the food a 3/5 for an overall score of 4/5. I would definitely recommend coming here if you are celebrating something special and want to have a loud and extra celebration.
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Jennifer F.

Yelp
We decided to do one super fancy high end meal this trip and we were trying to decide between Galatoire's and Antoine's. I chose Galatoire's because I love seafood. The website says men need to wear a jacket. We learned this wasn't exactly true as non-jacketed men were seated in a side room. I actually liked this side room better than the main dining room (my husband had a jacket, we just happened to get seated on the side). The side is warm decor with deep woods and greens, the lighting is less harsh, and it seemed like there was more room between tables. Anyway, service was impeccable. One thing that can annoy me about fancy restaurants is that the server comes by every 5 minutes to check in. At Galatoire's they had a real sense of when to stop by and when to let you eat. I started with the turtle soup (I feel guilty for eating it, but damn it's good) that had a sherry float. We also had oysters rockefeller which were divine. I had the sauteed Pompano and I'm still thinking about how delicious that was. It was topped with jumbo lump crab--so sweet and succulent. My husband had friend Sheepshead smothered in shrimp etouffee. We also had creamed spinach and Lyonnaise Potatoes. Honestly, we didn't need the sides, we had more than enough food. Still, not deterred we had the key lime tart and the pecan pie. Everything was beyond delicious.
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Xiangzhen W.

Yelp
Everything is excellent. Everything we ordered is tasty. The environment is splendid. The service is superb. Yet the price is very reasonable for the quality of food and services. I love the oysters and foie gras. I would love to go there again.
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Dana P.

Yelp
I had a firm committee holiday lunch here on Wednesday, 12/06/2023. Even though I have lived here for many years, I have never actually eaten here. It was quite a scene! They are well known in the City and reservations are a must, especially during the busy holiday season where many are having their group party events. It was already completely packed by the time we arrived just before noon. We were seated in a back corner, which was good, but they later still seated 2 small tables behind us which was not so good. Be aware that the noise level is VERY loud. The dining area is small and they pack everyone in tight. With all of those people in there talking and servers moving about, it's sort of a circus. It was really hard to hold any kind of conversation. We had a group of 8 for lunch. We all wanted the soufflé potatoes, but their machine was not working that day, so we opted for the Onion Rings and Fried Eggplant. The Onion Rings were good, but I didn't care much for their Eggplant. Some in our group got the Filet Mignon, a couple people got the Lambchops and 3 of us got fish. Everyone was satisfied with their meals. I would not order the same Red fish if I went back. After just having the fish from another group party at Arnaud's last week, I'd have to say Arnaud's fish was better. It's quite an experience for sure, but I have a hard time with packed rooms and super loud noise levels.
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
not sure why this place has so many good reviews and was sooo hyped up. overall the food was meh and the ambiance was weird. the servers were really attentive with refilling water, getting more bread and checking in on us but i feel like overall the food was lacking. - crawfish etouffee: 4/10. overall didn't really taste like anything and was watery. this was my first time having etouffee but it just didn't really have any taste. originally i wanted to order the shrimp etouffee but the server mentioned it was nearing the end of crawfish season and recommended to try it. the crawfish were sooo tiny i couldnt even taste it - brussel sprouts: 6/10. cooked in a tabasco honey sauce that was different from anything ive had before but im not sure i liked the flavor as it was a bit sweet - portabello mushrooms: 10/10, honestly the highlight of my meal lol i had a few bites of my friends dishes and i think the eggplant might have been the best. it does have alot of cheese tho so something to consider.
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Sarah S.

Yelp
Our friends love this place so they got us a reservation for lunch the day of our cruise out of New Orleans. They didn't realize there is a dress code for lunch as well until we arrived. Although we didn't think we were quite within the requirements of the dress code, they let us in anyway and didn't mention it. Later on, some people were seated who were even further outside the dress code than we were. Our server, Ralph, was extremely professional and informative with a good knowledge of the menu. The restaurant was out of a couple of things - the fresh mint had not come in for the day and they were also not able to make the soufflé potatoes - and Ralph was very apologetic. The vegetarian options here are limited, but we still had plenty to eat and enjoyed our dinner. I had the Bistro Romaine Salad and my wife had the Eggs Sardou. We also shared the Cauliflower Au Gratin and the Brabant Potatoes. The food came out quickly and was fresh and delicious. We greatly enjoyed our experience and will certainly be back--next time, more conscious of the dress code!
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Jerry C.

Yelp
Three of us came to New Orleans to celebrate our friend's 50th birthday. Galatoire's was one of the restaurants she read about and picked for dinner. Galatoire's is one of the French Quarter old school spots. The dress code requires men to wear sports coats or suit jackets. There are old used coats hanging in the entrance if you need to borrow one. Ambiance is fairly formal with white linen tablecloths. Our waiter probably has been there for years and knew the extensive menu inside and out. We were disappointed that the food didn't reach the standards expected considering the dress code and formalities. We did enjoy the Foie Gras appetizer, but the Escargot was overcooked and not very flavorful. The Iceberg Wedge was not worth $9. The pan-seared Maple Leaf Duck was tough and chewy. The fish was surprisingly very overcooked. My friend celebrating her birthday didn't even finish half the fish. The tablespoon size of her white rice was laughable. On the plus side, the wine list is extensive. For 100 years Galatoire's was probably one of the prime FQ restaurants. May be the chef had an off night. We should have known better than to pick a place right on Bourbon Street.
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Rifkah S.

Yelp
Lucky enough to be seated in the downstairs dinning room. The atmosphere is bright & full of energy. Service was attentive, friendly & paced dishes accordingly which is sadly not done in many establishments anymore. The food was all prepared well full of authentic New Orleans flavor & is a must do dinning destination when in town!
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Mike B.

Yelp
Hadn't been here in years but so glad we came for lunch. Service was impeccable and not intrusive. Was our best meal on this trip. Started by sharing a cup of delicious gumbo. Spicy with a rich roux. Wife had redfish meunière with asparagus and I had softshell crab with onion rings. Served two large crabs; one would have been enough. The onion rings were thin and crispy and delicious. Shared a key lime tart for dessert. If you come to the Big Easy, you have to make it to Galatoire's.
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John B.

Yelp
Very happy with the experience and the food. Waiter Steven was attentive and friendly. Shrimp remoulade and crab maison apps were very tasty and perfectly portioned. My ribeye was cooked just right medium-rare, flavorful, and not too salty. My wife's "stuffed eggplant" dish was tasty as well, although "stuffed" isn't the best label for the dish. More like grilled eggplant with well-seasoned crab and shrimp breadcrumb stuffing on top of it. Nevertheless very tasty dish and she truly enjoyed it. All in all, excellent food and service. Highly recommend coming to this classic establishment for dinner.
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Boon C.

Yelp
Restaurant located in Bourbon Street. Very popular. The restaurant full of people. We were trying our luck if there is any tables. Fortunately we got one immediately. During the lunch hour, is peak time to dine. I got the crawfish poboy for lunch. It come with jambalaya. The jambalaya is good. The crawfish is bit to much of coating. The bread is tough to bite. Overall is ok. Service is good. Food come out in ok time not much of wait.
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Ewa M.

Yelp
Don't fall into this tourist trap. The food is absolutely disgusting. Potatoes tasted like oil and nothing else. The famous "eggs sardou" were soggy, unseasoned and overall just disgusting. The staff is very nice and the place is cute and they make everybody dress a certain way to make it look fancy, but believe me it's not. They're not just below NOLA standard, they're below any standard.
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Gorman M.

Yelp
Thrilled to leave a 5-star review for Galatoire's Restaurant in New Orleans! A bucket list experience indeed, especially for a Friday afternoon lunch, which feels more like a mini Mardi Gras than your typical lunch date. Making reservations for the 1st floor action is a must, and planning ahead pays off--we did ours five months out. The food is nothing short of delicious, with the turtle soup standing out as a highlight. Any of the crab dishes with your choice of sauce bases are a must-try, and the Oyster Rockefeller are amazing as well. Combining the exceptional food, lively ambience, and overall experience, Galatoire's creates a truly memorable moment. A perfect spot to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday.
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Mary W.

Yelp
This was our dinner stop tonight and what an experience it was! The restaurant itself is delightful and the staff is even better! Our server was incredible & made the evening so wonderful. I started with the iceberg wedge & my daughter got the shrimp cocktail. My mom and I split the red fish and my daughter got the pork chop. We split the onion rings and the cauliflower. Everything was DIVINE!!
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Thomas T.

Yelp
This restaurant has such a classy and cool vibe. Men have to wear a sports jacket the whole time. The service is extremely good, the staff are on top of serving us. I wish I got the soft crab but the redfish with lump of crab was very good. Along with the complementary bread, this place is hard to beat.
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Vince D.

Yelp
Back to the good old days, the food and service all good. People watching great. Relax but guys sport coat is a must in main dining area. The more relaxed dresser there is a back room for you, A New Orleans staple and it only gets better. Put on your glad rags and enjoy your time.
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Scott W.

Yelp
We enjoyed a perfect evening in July. The food was spectacular...and our server, Richard Faust made it a special evening. It was our first visit to Galatoire's, but won't be our last.
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Greg M.

Yelp
For a special occasion or just because I highly recommend Galatoire's. Started with the Godchaux Salad. This is the best salad I have ever had. I had the reddish in a Buerre blanc sauce. Billy leivided rip quality service, and I found outbhe has been there 36 years. The old world feel and atmosphere let's you know toy are going to be well taken care of.
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Joanne D.

Yelp
One of the most beautiful romantic restaurants Seemed like locals and tourists were enjoying it Delicious bread Delicious snails Delicious drinks and great service Can't wait to go back for a proper French meal
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Christy W.

Yelp
This was my first time here and I've been living in the city since 2007. I thought it might've been a tourist trap since it's on Bourbon, but it was the complete opposite. Dined here for my birthday on a Wednesday for lunch. We were greeted and immediately seated. We made sure that we were dressed for the dress code as it's very strict. The staff was excellent and they always made sure I had a cocktail. The food was great and large servings. I definitely felt special celebrating my birthday here and will be back soon.
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Michael F.

Yelp
So disappointed!! Looked forward to coming here for months. First, you don't need a jacket. There was someone there in a camo vest and someone else in a T-shirt. Most others were dressed up. We did dress up as we were prepared for a 5 star, old school, high end dinner. WE DID NOT GET THAT. Had two servers come to the table to take our drinks and introduce themselves. Both rolled their eyes once they Back and found out they were fighting for our table. The server we ended up with rushed our whole experience!!! All food came out either spilled or a mess. No plate presentation at all. We had to wipe our own plates and arrange them for pictures. Oyster Rockefeller- 2 oysters were spilled over out of the shell. I took a bite of one and had a mouth full of rock salt in which they were all sitting in. This ruined my whole meal as I wanted to puke and had the salt taste all night. Potato soufflé- very good. Escargot- very good. Turtle soup - when it was served, 1/4 of the soup was in the plate holding the cup of soup. It spilled everywhere and the server didn't care. The rue was so dark and had an intense taste. I had one bite. The server was rude when I didn't want to eat it. Some people may like it. Just wasn't my cup of tea. Petite filet- cooked perfect and was good. Maple farms duck - excellent, highly recommend. Crab Yvonne - drowned in butter!! No spice or flavor. All butter. Not good. Drinks were good, just wish we had time to have more. Again server rushed and rushed. Wanted dessert, but we all decided to get out of there.
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Jody W.

Yelp
You will not eat a bad meal here. It's always a stop for me every time I'm in Nola. The best gumbo in the city, hands down! The redfish with lump crab is great as well!
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Austin J.

Yelp
While visiting New Orleans for a festival, I had the best dining experience of my trip at Galatoires! This place has everything you want in a New Orleans fine dining experience. The food, ambiance, decor, and service were all impeccable. The service especially is well known at this restaurant and I can see why. I can't say enough good things about our waitress Candace. She was extremely attentive and personable without being annoying. I definitely recommend a reservation here for lunch in the main dining area on a Friday. The people watching was next level. Definitely a spot to dress up for so please check the dress code before coming. For appetizers we got the escargot and the oyster Rockefeller. I would highly recommend both. The oysters were cooked perfectly and delicious with the spinach inclusion. The escargot was also amazing. We felt like the champagne we got paired well with the dishes. We both got soups next as I had never tried turtle soup. My partner got the gumbo. Both great and a unique experience! I slightly preferred the turtle soup as the gumbo was a bit heavier. For the mains my partner got the steak and I got the fish with crab meat. The steak was cooked perfect and the fish was also great. I think I'd choose the steak between the two. Finally, you have to get the bread pudding here. Visually the pictures do not do it justice. The taste is off the charts. All in all, if you want a classic New Orleans fine dining experience that delivers on flavor and service , have a couple hours to spare, and love to people watch, this is the place for you ! I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the city.
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Melanie J.

Yelp
Best restaurant hands down in New Orleans. Brian our waiter was the absolute best!! Ordered filet and it was cooked perfectly Service and atmosphere is second to none!!

Rodney S.

Yelp
Inattentive, rude, mediocre.food Fish was basic, could find better at fast food Terrible service coffe not available, what kind of restaurants refuses coffee
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Dimitri R.

Yelp
One of the best culinary experiences I've had. All the food was superior whether that be the escargot, oysters Rockefeller or the 10oz fillet with the potato au gratin. Everything was amazing. The service was A1. We were well taken care of by a very courteous staff. Attentive to our needs. Next time I'm in New Orleans. I will definitely be back.
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Eric T.

Yelp
A very elegant restaurant where we spent my wife's Birthday during our trip to New Orleans. Located right on bourbon street, Galatoire is New Orleans French elegance mixed with interesting creole twist.
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Maggie J.

Yelp
We came here in mid December to celebrate a friend's birthday and boy did it not disappoint. We were able to finagle a table in the main dining room for Friday lunch and it was a SCENE. Most of the tables were decked out by the diners and we took the liberty of decorating our table with mushrooms and gnomes. Our lunch lasted at least 4 hours and we had many many leisurely courses. Our server was spectacular and very attentive throughout our entire meal. Stand out food items were the duck crepe and the duck & sausage gumbo. We ended with the tableside cafe brulot which was such a fun way to cap off our meal.
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Derek L.

Yelp
Overall a stark contrast to the experience we had at Arnaud's. We do have our wonderful server Mr. Steven Gray to thank for this. Mr. Gray warmly welcomed us and remembered we were celebrating a birthday. He was impeccable with his timing from taking drink orders, food orders, checking in on us, and making sure we had a good dining experience. For starters we ordered the hurricane mocktail as recommended by him as the most popular mocktail option. They don't have an official list but waiters can make suggestions as what bartenders can mix up. The concoction of several juices was the right sweetness. For food we started with the famed Oysters Rockefeller named for the American tycoon due to its very green (aka money) appearance of the spinach. The oysters were fresh and a good size. Although not as bright green as they appear on food magazines, their taste was as good as it gets. For entrees I wanted the Crab Yvonne - artichoke hearts and crab with Meunière sauce and it delivered with plenty of fresh crab at a wonderful price of $29. We also got the redfish in sautéed preparation as recommended by our server and it was also tasty. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. If you get a chance to visit Nola, make reservations ahead of time and ask for Steven. You won't be disappointed.
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Cindy B.

Yelp
There's a reason this restaurant stays at the top of the lists. They just do it right. Such a classy place. So nice to go out all dressed up and be surrounded by people also all dressed up. Waitstaff in black tie. All the elegant touches of past times like crumb scrapers. And of course the food was perfectly on pointe. I exercised a bit of restraint after eating heavy food the last few days and did not get one of the delicious sounding crab dishes but was perfectly happy with my poached salmon with hollandaise on the side. Fish was cooked perfectly and so buttery tasting. Sauce very lemony. Creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin as side dishes were delicious as well. And dessert. This was by far the best key lime tart I have ever had and it is one of my frequently chosen desserts. I offered my non-dessert eating husband a bite and lost almost half of my dessert! I would go back just for this! All in all a treat to have a night out reliving the dinners I remember from years ago before everything became so casual.
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Madison M.

Yelp
I came here for a fancy date night and was thoroughly impressed from start to finish. To begin, we arrived early and had cocktails in the bar beforehand. Once finished, we walked to the restaurant side and ordered the following: - half bottle of red wine: full bodied and perfect for a rich meal - escargot: so buttery and garlicky! It was my first time and I would order this again - oysters rockafeller: i hardly ever eat cooked oysters and I think that this is my new favorite way to enjoy them. - shrimp etouffe: ok here me out. While this was absolutely fantastic, I probably would not get it again. I only say this because I've had a toupee at other restaurants in Louisiana, and I understand it to be one of the easier dishes to prepare. I would like to be more adventurous, and get some thing that isn't as attainable to make yourself. - fillet, mignon, potatoes, au gratin, and creamed spinach: I am obsessed with this combination, and I wish I ordered it for myself, because I found myself poking my finger to the other side of the table to get a bite! This is a longing restaurant in the heart of Bourbon Street, and I would recommend this every single time because of how wonderful the experience and service was, and how great the food was. Our server was very attentive, and checked in on us regularly throughout our dining experience.