Commander's Palace
American · Seafood · New Orleans, LA
About
This restaurant is best suited for travelers who want a formal, old-school New Orleans dining experience with a side of culinary history. Commander's Palace has earned 7 James Beard Foundation Awards and is where chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme once defined Haute Creole cuisine. The dress code requires a jacket, and the vibe is elegant but not unwelcoming. Reviews from gay diners note that groups are treated warmly. The menu leans into Cajun-Creole and seafood, with Sunday brunch being a draw.
Make reservations: they're required here. The restaurant splits its hours across lunch and dinner on most days, so plan accordingly. You'll find it on a tree-lined street in the Garden District. Consider a trolley ride beforehand, or grab a po-boy at Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a more casual New Orleans bite. Best nights per Yelp: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.
Commander's Palace sits on tree-lined Coliseum Street in the Garden District, Uptown. The neighborhood is known for its historic mansions and oak-lined avenues.
Features
- ✓Jacket required for men, dressy attire expected
- ✓Reservations recommended, call ahead
- ✓Sunday brunch and Sazerac cocktails are classics
- ✓Tour the Garden District via trolley before dinner
- ✓Full bar with happy hour specials
Cuisine
Practical
Best nights: Tue, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 6,287 reviews. 14 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
A classic New Orleans spot, but it feels a bit routine after all these years. Don't go here if you're counting calories, but the desserts and cocktails can be overly sweet. Good for brunch, nice atmosphere, reservations needed, suitable for groups.
A visitor · Over a year ago
This is a New Orleans institution. Does it live up to the hype? Probably not. But it's worth trying at least once. They have an awesome wine list, friendly staff, and it's great for brunch or a date. The ambiance is nice, but reservations are a must.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Never got why people rave about this place.”
I lived in New Orleans for over six years, worked in the French Quarter, and often hosted food enthusiasts at my hotel. Honestly, the food and service at Commander's Palace are excellent. But let's be real: you can get very similar food at many casual local spots. Yes, it's very formal, and requiring a dress code is absurd, especially in a city with over 90% humidity for more than eight months of the year. New Orleans clings to its old-fashioned elegance, but the heart of Creole and Cajun cuisine is that it's made by everyday people, not haute cuisine. Commander's Palace is over the top, too expensive, too pretentious, too formal, too dressy, and far too self-important.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Truly a delight”
This is old-fashioned southern hospitality at its finest. I was initially worried it might be too formal (you need a jacket), but I felt at ease even on my first visit. The food is incredible and rich, and the service is wonderful. On our second visit, we were a group of about 10 gay men, and the staff had a blast with us, even the flirty (but clearly straight) busboy. The food was again amazing. An added bonus is its location in the beautiful Garden District. Take the streetcar early and plan to stroll around before or after dinner.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Often rated No. 1”
Top restaurant in New Orleans. It's the flagship of the family that owns it. You can get a table in the main dining room on ordinary days. Just ask.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation at Commander's Palace? +
Yes, reservations are recommended.
What is the dress code? +
Shorts are never allowed. Jacket required for men; dressy attire expected for all guests.
Is Commander's Palace LGBTQ+ friendly? +
Yes, reviews from gay diners mention feeling comfortable, and groups of gay men have been welcomed warmly by staff.
What type of cuisine is served? +
Haute Creole cuisine with American, seafood, and Cajun-Creole influences. Known for Sunday brunch.
More Restaurants in New Orleans
Mother's
3.5
Restaurants · $$ · 1.7 mi
Cochon Restaurant
4.2
Restaurants · $$$ · 1.4 mi
Cafe du Monde
4.2
Restaurants · $ · 2.4 mi
N7
Restaurants · 3.6 mi