Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in New Orleans

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

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!

Desi Vega's Steakhouse - Mandeville

4.7

4.7 (15)

$50 and over

Steak

Covington

About the restaurant

Desi Vega's Steakhouse Mandeville has proudly joined our Northshore family! Our attention to detail and commitment to excellence makes for a truly memorable dining experience. Desi Vega’s Steaks are carefully selected and aged for tenderness then seared to perfection at 1800º in our Montague broiler. Our steaks are seasoned with a little salt and pepper because a steak like this needs nothing else. Topped with melted butter and served on a sizzling plate. The only 100% USDA Prime Steakhouse in all of Northshore!

Top review

Tim

Dined 1 day ago

Sadie was an excellent waiter. We had a great evening.

MeMe's Bar & Grille

4.8

4.8 (223)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chalmette

About the restaurant

Casual American spot with sandwiches & salads for lunch & heartier fare for dinner, plus a full bar.

Top review

Rosanna

Dined 6 days ago

Great wine, great food, great atmosphere. Will be back.

Jacmel Inn

4.9

4.9 (1108)

$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

Julie

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

The Deviled Eggs were amazing! Also recommend the Rigatoni Au Gratin and the Poached Halibut. However, I didn't care for the ceviche - it was very bitter. And I found the Bouillabaisse to have a strong fishy flavor.

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Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Steak Tips

Irene's

4.9

4.9 (4188)

$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

Walt

Dined 2 days ago

Intimate atmosphere. Fantastic food. Excellent service. Will be back

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4.9

4.9 (1045)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Themed Tea Dates: Mardi Gras Tea- January 27 & 28, The Windsor Court's Birthday Celebration Tea- February 17, *Irish Tea- March 17 (Adults Only- Price $80pp), Easter Tea-March 30 &31, Mothers Day Tea-May 11&12, Princess Tea-June 22 & 23 (Price-Adult $80pp & Kids $55pp) *Prohibition Tea-July 20 (Adults Only-Price $80pp), *LGBTEA August 31, (Adults Only-Price $80pp), Swift-Tea- October 12 & 13(Adults $80pp & Kids $55pp), *Halloween Tea-October 26 & 27 (Price-Adults $80pp & Kids $55pp) *Holiday Tea-November 29-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

Elainevip

Dined 3 days ago

Molly did an awesome job as our waitress! We had some delicious cocktails to start - poinsettias, milk punch and mulled wine. We had some yummy sandwiches with our teas - vanilla and holiday flavors! Finishing off with some wonderful gingerbread scones and black currant scones. This is our holiday tradition, and although it is pricey, it is worth the price. The harpist was a nice touch as was the school choir who performed for a short while. Such a festive way to start the holiday season!

The Country Club

4.8

4.8 (1168)

$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

Zdravkavip

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing, loved everything and the queens were awesome!

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Popular dish

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES & EGGS

4.8

4.8 (1557)

$50 and over

Unspecified

Central Business District

About the restaurant

The Grill Room at Windsor Court is recognized as a local leader in Modern American cuisine with a distinct New Orleans flair. Join our highly-acclaimed Executive Chef Alex Kuzin 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

Cathy

Dined 7 days ago

The food and service were great. The ambiance was outstanding! For a five-star restaurant I found the prices very reasonable. We had a wonderful brunch!

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Experience

Complimentary Valet Parking

Dakota Restaurant - Covington

4.9

4.9 (1214)

$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

Marion

Dined 1 day ago

The Dakota is a fine dining experience extraordinaire - all the way around: ambience and service and our meals were sublime. The noise level, later in our dining time, interfered with our conversation but it was the holidays!

Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot

4.8

4.8 (760)

$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

Angie

Dined 6 days ago

Love love love the ambiance! The French toast is incredible.

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Atchafalaya Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (6445)

$31 to $50

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Garden District

About the restaurant

Atchafalaya is a true New Orleans neighborhood eatery where the eclectic yet elegant atmosphere is only outshone by the attentive service and delicious local fare. Nestled under the oaks on the edges of the Irish Channel, Magazine Street, and historic Garden districts, this hidden gem is one the best contemporary Creole dining experiences that one can find in the city. Neighbors, locals, and out of towners alike will become regulars after experiencing the brand of hospitality offered by New Orleans’ only five “A” restaurant. If having standards such as a gumbo du jour, blue crab raviolo, or shrimp & grits, a nightly seafood special, or a filet paired with a selection from the world class wine program you will not be disappointed. The introductions of brunch, live music, cocktails, and now an extensive happy hour continue the newest culinary chapter for a storied local haunt, embracing New Orleans’ culinary culture while placing contemporary spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine.

Top review

Tyler

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic dinner. It it always great no matter the occasion. Winter/holiday cocktail menu was outstanding as well.

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Popular dish

Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits

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