15 Romantic New Orleans Restaurants Perfect for a First Date
Planning your first date in New Orleans can feel overwhelming with so many amazing restaurants to choose from. The city’s unique blend of cultures creates dining experiences that are both intimate and exciting, making every meal feel special.
Whether you prefer cozy courtyards, elegant dining rooms, or trendy spots with creative cocktails, New Orleans has the perfect romantic setting for that important first impression. These carefully selected restaurants offer the ideal combination of delicious food, charming atmosphere, and conversation-friendly environments to help your evening sparkle.
1. Seaworthy
Fresh oysters and creative seafood dishes make this upscale restaurant a standout choice for couples who love ocean flavors. Located in the trendy Uptown area, the sleek interior features warm lighting and comfortable seating that encourages intimate conversation.
Chef Kerry Heffernan brings his expertise from top New York restaurants to create dishes that impress without being too fancy. The raw bar offers an interactive dining experience where you can share different oyster varieties and discover new tastes together.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings when the romantic atmosphere draws many couples seeking a memorable dining experience.
2. Bacchanal Wine
Hidden away in the Bywater neighborhood, this magical wine bar feels like discovering a secret garden together. The outdoor courtyard twinkles with string lights while live jazz music creates the perfect soundtrack for romance.
You’ll choose wines from their extensive selection inside the cozy shop, then find a spot in the enchanted backyard. The simple but delicious food menu features cheese plates, small bites, and seasonal dishes that pair beautifully with their carefully curated wines.
Arrive early to secure a good table, and don’t worry about dressing up too much since the vibe is relaxed and bohemian rather than formal.
3. Cafe Amelie
Stepping into this French Quarter gem feels like entering a fairy tale, with its stunning courtyard surrounded by historic brick walls and tropical plants. The intimate setting makes every table feel private and special.
Their menu blends Creole and contemporary American cuisine, offering dishes that are both familiar and exciting. The shrimp and grits consistently wins over visitors, while the duck confit provides a more adventurous option for couples wanting to share something unique.
Weekend brunch here is equally romantic, but dinner service offers the most magical atmosphere when the courtyard glows with soft lighting and candles flicker on every table.
4. Jewel of the South
Classic New Orleans elegance meets modern sophistication at this stunning restaurant located in a beautifully restored historic building. The grand dining room features high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and plush seating that creates an impressive yet comfortable atmosphere.
Executive Chef prepares elevated Creole cuisine using traditional techniques with contemporary presentations. Their famous turtle soup and perfectly prepared seafood dishes showcase the best of Louisiana’s culinary heritage while feeling fresh and exciting.
The extensive cocktail menu features both classic New Orleans drinks and creative new combinations, making it easy to find the perfect drink to toast your evening together.
5. Cane & Table
Transport yourselves to the Caribbean without leaving the French Quarter at this vibrant restaurant specializing in island-inspired cuisine. The tropical decor and rum-focused cocktail menu create an exotic atmosphere that feels both adventurous and romantic.
Small plates are perfect for sharing, allowing you to try multiple flavors together while maintaining easy conversation. The jerk chicken and fresh ceviche offer authentic tastes that might be new to both of you, creating natural talking points throughout your meal.
Their impressive rum selection includes rare varieties from across the Caribbean, and the knowledgeable bartenders love explaining the different options and creating custom cocktails based on your preferences.
6. Pêche Seafood Grill
Wood-fired cooking creates incredible flavors that will impress any seafood lover, while the open kitchen adds excitement and energy to your dining experience. The industrial-chic design feels modern and sophisticated without being stuffy or intimidating.
Chef Ryan Prewitt’s menu changes based on the freshest catches available, so you’ll always find something new and seasonal. The whole fish preparations are perfect for adventurous couples who want to share something memorable, while individual dishes satisfy those who prefer their own plates.
Located in the Warehouse District, you can easily walk to other attractions before or after dinner, making it simple to plan a complete evening together.
7. Coquette
Intimate doesn’t begin to describe this tiny Magazine Street bistro where every table feels like your own private dining room. The French-inspired menu changes frequently, ensuring that each visit offers something new and exciting to discover together.
Chef Kristen Essig creates dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable, using local ingredients in unexpected ways. The wine list focuses on natural and organic selections that pair beautifully with the seasonal menu offerings.
With only a handful of tables, reservations are absolutely essential, but the personal attention you’ll receive makes the planning worthwhile. The cozy atmosphere encourages lingering over dessert and enjoying each other’s company without feeling rushed.
8. Sylvain
Housed in a former apothecary shop, this French Quarter restaurant maintains its historic charm while serving innovative American cuisine. The exposed brick walls and vintage fixtures create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both historic and contemporary.
Their famous fried chicken is a must-try dish that’s perfect for sharing, while the seasonal vegetable sides showcase local produce in creative ways. The cocktail program emphasizes classic preparations with high-quality ingredients and creative twists.
The dimly lit dining room naturally encourages intimate conversation, and the knowledgeable servers are happy to explain the history of both the building and the dishes, giving you plenty to talk about throughout your meal.
9. Herbsaint
Chef Donald Link’s flagship restaurant brings the flavors of France and Italy to New Orleans in a sophisticated yet welcoming environment. The warm color scheme and comfortable seating create an atmosphere that’s perfect for getting to know each other better.
The menu changes seasonally but always features perfectly executed classics alongside creative seasonal specials. Their housemade pasta dishes are particularly impressive, and the wine list offers excellent selections at various price points to suit any budget.
Located in the Central Business District, Herbsaint offers a more refined dining experience while maintaining the warmth and hospitality that New Orleans is famous for, making it ideal for couples who appreciate excellent food and service.
10. Paladar 511
Central American flavors come alive in this vibrant Marigny restaurant where sharing plates and bold spices create an interactive dining experience. The colorful decor and lively atmosphere make it perfect for couples who want their date to feel fun and energetic.
Chef Melissa Araujo’s menu draws inspiration from her Nicaraguan heritage, offering dishes that might be completely new to both of you. The small plates format encourages trying multiple items together, while the creative cocktails incorporate tropical fruits and unique spirits.
The casual but stylish environment means you can dress comfortably while still feeling special, and the reasonable prices allow you to try more dishes without worrying about the bill at the end of the evening.
11. Commander’s Palace
No list of romantic New Orleans restaurants would be complete without this legendary Garden District institution, where generations of couples have celebrated special occasions. The Victorian mansion setting and impeccable service create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Their famous turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé are must-try dishes that represent the best of Creole cuisine. The dress code requires jackets for men, which adds to the special occasion feeling and shows you’ve put thought into planning this date.
Weekend jazz brunch is equally romantic and slightly more casual, while dinner service offers the full elegant experience with multiple courses and an extensive wine list to complement your meal perfectly.
12. Rosedale
Brooklyn meets New Orleans at this hip Bywater spot where the relaxed atmosphere and creative menu make for an effortlessly cool date night. The industrial decor with warm touches creates a comfortable environment where you can be yourselves.
The menu focuses on seasonal American cuisine with Southern influences, and everything is designed to be shared and enjoyed together. Their famous fried green tomatoes and creative vegetable dishes show that romantic dining doesn’t always have to center around meat and seafood.
The natural wine selection and craft cocktails appeal to adventurous drinkers, while the reasonable prices mean you can try multiple courses without breaking the bank on your first date together.
13. Lilette
French bistro charm fills every corner of this Magazine Street favorite, where the intimate dining room and exceptional wine list create the perfect setting for romance. The classic bistro menu features dishes that are both familiar and expertly prepared.
Chef John Harris brings authentic French techniques to local ingredients, creating dishes like duck confit and bouillabaisse that transport you to Paris while celebrating Louisiana’s abundant seafood and produce.
The knowledgeable sommelier can recommend perfect wine pairings for your meal, and the cozy atmosphere encourages lingering over multiple courses while getting to know each other better in this charming neighborhood setting.
14. Bar Marilou
Mediterranean flavors and natural wines create a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience in this stylish Uptown restaurant. The modern decor with warm wood accents provides an elegant backdrop for intimate conversation.
The menu emphasizes fresh vegetables, quality olive oils, and simple preparations that let ingredients shine, perfect for health-conscious couples who still want indulgent flavors. The mezze plates are ideal for sharing while the larger dishes satisfy heartier appetites.
Their impressive natural wine selection offers unique options you won’t find elsewhere in the city, and the knowledgeable staff loves helping diners discover new favorites that pair perfectly with the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
15. Tableau
Overlooking Jackson Square from its prime French Quarter location, this elegant restaurant offers stunning views along with exceptional Creole cuisine. The grand dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a sense of occasion that’s perfect for memorable first dates.
Chef’s contemporary approach to classic New Orleans dishes results in familiar flavors presented in exciting new ways. The raw bar features fresh Gulf oysters, while the dinner menu showcases local seafood and traditional Creole preparations with modern techniques.
The extensive cocktail menu includes both classic New Orleans drinks and creative seasonal offerings, and the knowledgeable servers can guide you through the menu while sharing stories about the restaurant’s history and the historic square visible from your table.
