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A view through an open door of a couple dining on the same side of a table, with a neon pink-lit hallway in the background. — Dining inside Lengua Madre.

New Orleans’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Low lighting, sexy drinks, and some of the best shareable plates the city has to offer

by Clair Lorell and Beth D'Addono Updated Jan 26, 2023, 2:07pm CST

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Dining inside Lengua Madre.

| Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

by Clair Lorell and Beth D'Addono Updated Jan 26, 2023, 2:07pm CST

New Orleans oozes romance in the best of times; a veritable playground for lovebirds. Get dressed up for date night at one of the many romantic restaurants around town, and get ready to share first-rate drinks, small plates, and a cozy booth. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots that offer more than just a pretty dining room — although we took that into account, too — whether you’re seeking an intimate corner restaurant for sipping natural wine or a tasting menu splurge. For a map devoted to the most romantic spots to dine outdoors, see here.

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Cafe Degas

Cafe Degas offers a dramatic dining room for date night, more like an open-air patio, with a pecan tree growing in the middle of it and twinkling lights aplenty. Stroll along tree-draped Esplanade Avenue to reach your candlelit meal, a classic menu of French specialties with an occasional Creole and New Orleans flare — think escargot, steak frites au poivre, and mussels.

3127 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

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Zasu

Quaint and cozy, Zasu is a great place to experience a memorable meal with a loved one —

James Beard Award-winning Zemanick and chef de cuisine Jeff McLennan wow every time. A mellow green interior and intimate booths are complemented by excellent, informed service. While the menu changes, a few dishes have stayed consistent since it opened in 2019: grilled baby octopus with baby potatoes, olives, capers, and red peppers; and gruyere and potato pierogies are among them.

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127 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

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N7

N7 is a tucked-away gem on Montegut Street, a nonchalantly chic French-meets-Japanese eatery in Bywater with a gorgeous, candlelit patio, a soundtrack of cool French pop music, and bistro fare like steak au poivre and duck l’orange.

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1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117

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The Franklin

For a low-key neighborhood restaurant, the Franklin is also quite sexy — nice and dark except for the glowing bar and candlelit tables, with cool, sultry art, and antique furniture and finishes. Top-notch old-school martinis add to the vibe, to be enjoyed with shareable plates of mussels, shrimp risotto, and arancini.

2600 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

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Bywater American Bistro

Nina Compton’s follow-up to her nationally acclaimed Compere Lapin is its quieter, more intimate sister, a neighborhood bistro that doubles as a weeknight and special occasion destination. Compton takes seemingly simple items, like spaghetti Pomodoro and butternut squash soup, and turns them into dishes like you’ve never tried. BABs has sidewalk seating as well, another romantic option.

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2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

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Bennachin

The most romantic setting isn’t necessarily the most extravagant, but often the most intimate and comfortable. That’s what you’ll find at Bennachin, the French Quarter’s cool destination for Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly. Brick walls are lined with unique art, antique light fixtures hang from the ceiling, and funky, eclectic furniture sits by the window. A great spot for a double date.

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1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

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Cafe Sbisa

When it comes to romantic settings, the second-floor and Decatur Street balconies at Cafe Sbisa cannot be beaten. Originally opened in 1899, this classic French-Creole restaurant led by talented chef Alfred Singleton is an atmospheric stunner, with original wood, intimate balcony and patio dining, and a staircase that harks back to a golden age.

1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

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Jewel of the South

On the quieter outskirts of the Quarter sits an enchanting 19th-century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar, in the vintage-style dining room, or in the pretty courtyard and sip some of the best cocktails in town. While the drinks may have top billing due to the cocktail-expert founders, the food is equally elegant and romantic, with shareable dishes featuring caviar, burrata, and foie gras.

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1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

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Vincent's Italian Cuisine

Sometimes the most charming dining experience is had at the most familiar restaurants, where you’re treated like family and the hospitality is genuine. Vincent’s offers that atmosphere for its Southern Italian comfort food, served in a dimly-lit, cozy dining room that isn’t trying to be romantic, but is. The tiramisu is a must.

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7839 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

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Lengua Madre

It doesn’t really get more romantic than Lengua Madre — if you can get a reservation, that is. The dark, mysterious dining room at the corner of Thalia and Constance Streets is usually occupied by couples enjoying an intricate five-course tasting menu from Ana Castro, Mexican cuisine that is simultaneously modern and traditional. It’s an incredibly special, intimate dining experience, best shared with a loved one or partner.

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1245 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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The dining room at Lengua Madre.

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Gautreau's Restaurant

This secluded French-American gem is housed in a former pharmacy in the middle of a residential neighborhood, making a first visit feel like a brilliant discovery. Inside, Gautreau’s sets the bar for New Orleans service and hospitality with delicately composed dishes, excellent wine, and a lovely ambiance.

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1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Coquette

Two stories of dark wood, exposed brick, and antique chandeliers and a frequently-changing menu make Coquette a charming retreat from its commercial block of Magazine Street. Go upstairs for the most romantic seating and beautiful dishes that most frequently utilize regional vegetables and seafood. Desserts, like a a black tea semifreddo, coconut cake with tamarind, cashew, and sesame, are always phenomenal.

2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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La Crepe Nanou

For sheer ambiance and intimate charm, it’s hard to beat longtime favorite La Crepe Nanou. Nestled on an Uptown side street like a Parisian beacon, the dining room is unlike any other in town, quirky and cozy while still being elegant. Then there’s the food, a menu of shareable French bistro classics like mussels, escargot, fondue, and an excellent Nicoise. Casual enough for a weekday date night but special enough for a celebratory weekend evening, be sure to make reservations.

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1410 Robert St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Where to Eat and Drink Along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line

Lilette

From the tasteful tile work and snuggle-friendly booths to the by turns delicate and swaggering French (and sometimes Italian and/or Asian) cooking, this Uptown stalwart has date night written all over it. One of the city’s most consistent restaurants is also one of its loveliest.

3637 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Also featured in:

Bouligny Tavern

One of Magazine Street’s chicest locations is Bouligny Tavern, an easily-missed small plates and cocktail destination. Food and drinks are served until refreshingly late, making it great for an intimate late night stop for drinks and bistro bites like duck confit with greens and charcuterie. The narrow courtyard is an extra special setting.

3641 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Also featured in:

Saffron

Saffron might just be the sexiest restaurant in the whole city — think soft lighting, copper chainlink drapes to separate spaces, dark wood booths, red paneling, and touches of velvet in deep grey and burgundy throughout. The incredible Indian food from the Vilkhu family, the small plates especially, shine as much as the cocktails, with names like Raw Silk and and Queen of the Hills.

Open in Google Maps

4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Inside Saffron.

Also featured in:

Patois

This beloved fine-dining restaurant has been drawing romance-seekers to its corner cottage for years, the epitome of a romantic neighborhood restaurant. The French-Louisiana menu is refreshingly large, and really, everything is good, but seafood dishes are at the top — the restaurant’s founding chef was named King Of Louisiana Seafood years back, after all.

6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Luvi

Housed in a small Uptown cottage on Tchoupitoulas Street, everything about Luvi feels intimate. Colorful and buzzing with excitement, this might be particularly good for a charming, low-pressure first date. Even the food encourages romance — crudo in the shape of a rose, for instance, and other similar high-touch, gorgeous details in every dish. Go for the Feed Me option, a selection of dishes by chef Hao for just $50, and to really impress, opt for the sake pairing.

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5236 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Raw bar dishes from Luvi.

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Cafe Degas

3127 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Cafe Degas offers a dramatic dining room for date night, more like an open-air patio, with a pecan tree growing in the middle of it and twinkling lights aplenty. Stroll along tree-draped Esplanade Avenue to reach your candlelit meal, a classic menu of French specialties with an occasional Creole and New Orleans flare — think escargot, steak frites au poivre, and mussels.

3127 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

Zasu

127 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Quaint and cozy, Zasu is a great place to experience a memorable meal with a loved one —

James Beard Award-winning Zemanick and chef de cuisine Jeff McLennan wow every time. A mellow green interior and intimate booths are complemented by excellent, informed service. While the menu changes, a few dishes have stayed consistent since it opened in 2019: grilled baby octopus with baby potatoes, olives, capers, and red peppers; and gruyere and potato pierogies are among them.

Open in Google Maps

127 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

N7

1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117

N7 is a tucked-away gem on Montegut Street, a nonchalantly chic French-meets-Japanese eatery in Bywater with a gorgeous, candlelit patio, a soundtrack of cool French pop music, and bistro fare like steak au poivre and duck l’orange.

Open in Google Maps

1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

The Franklin

2600 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

For a low-key neighborhood restaurant, the Franklin is also quite sexy — nice and dark except for the glowing bar and candlelit tables, with cool, sultry art, and antique furniture and finishes. Top-notch old-school martinis add to the vibe, to be enjoyed with shareable plates of mussels, shrimp risotto, and arancini.

2600 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

Bywater American Bistro

2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Nina Compton’s follow-up to her nationally acclaimed Compere Lapin is its quieter, more intimate sister, a neighborhood bistro that doubles as a weeknight and special occasion destination. Compton takes seemingly simple items, like spaghetti Pomodoro and butternut squash soup, and turns them into dishes like you’ve never tried. BABs has sidewalk seating as well, another romantic option.

Open in Google Maps

2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

Bennachin

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

The most romantic setting isn’t necessarily the most extravagant, but often the most intimate and comfortable. That’s what you’ll find at Bennachin, the French Quarter’s cool destination for Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly. Brick walls are lined with unique art, antique light fixtures hang from the ceiling, and funky, eclectic furniture sits by the window. A great spot for a double date.

Open in Google Maps

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Cafe Sbisa

1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

When it comes to romantic settings, the second-floor and Decatur Street balconies at Cafe Sbisa cannot be beaten. Originally opened in 1899, this classic French-Creole restaurant led by talented chef Alfred Singleton is an atmospheric stunner, with original wood, intimate balcony and patio dining, and a staircase that harks back to a golden age.

1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Jewel of the South

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

On the quieter outskirts of the Quarter sits an enchanting 19th-century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar, in the vintage-style dining room, or in the pretty courtyard and sip some of the best cocktails in town. While the drinks may have top billing due to the cocktail-expert founders, the food is equally elegant and romantic, with shareable dishes featuring caviar, burrata, and foie gras.

Open in Google Maps

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jewel of the South (@jewelnola)

Vincent's Italian Cuisine

7839 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

Sometimes the most charming dining experience is had at the most familiar restaurants, where you’re treated like family and the hospitality is genuine. Vincent’s offers that atmosphere for its Southern Italian comfort food, served in a dimly-lit, cozy dining room that isn’t trying to be romantic, but is. The tiramisu is a must.

Open in Google Maps

7839 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Lengua Madre

1245 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130

It doesn’t really get more romantic than Lengua Madre — if you can get a reservation, that is. The dark, mysterious dining room at the corner of Thalia and Constance Streets is usually occupied by couples enjoying an intricate five-course tasting menu from Ana Castro, Mexican cuisine that is simultaneously modern and traditional. It’s an incredibly special, intimate dining experience, best shared with a loved one or partner.

Open in Google Maps

1245 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

The dining room at Lengua Madre.

Gautreau's Restaurant

1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

This secluded French-American gem is housed in a former pharmacy in the middle of a residential neighborhood, making a first visit feel like a brilliant discovery. Inside, Gautreau’s sets the bar for New Orleans service and hospitality with delicately composed dishes, excellent wine, and a lovely ambiance.

Open in Google Maps

1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Coquette

2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Two stories of dark wood, exposed brick, and antique chandeliers and a frequently-changing menu make Coquette a charming retreat from its commercial block of Magazine Street. Go upstairs for the most romantic seating and beautiful dishes that most frequently utilize regional vegetables and seafood. Desserts, like a a black tea semifreddo, coconut cake with tamarind, cashew, and sesame, are always phenomenal.

2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

La Crepe Nanou

1410 Robert St, New Orleans, LA 70115

For sheer ambiance and intimate charm, it’s hard to beat longtime favorite La Crepe Nanou. Nestled on an Uptown side street like a Parisian beacon, the dining room is unlike any other in town, quirky and cozy while still being elegant. Then there’s the food, a menu of shareable French bistro classics like mussels, escargot, fondue, and an excellent Nicoise. Casual enough for a weekday date night but special enough for a celebratory weekend evening, be sure to make reservations.

Open in Google Maps

1410 Robert St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Lilette

3637 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

From the tasteful tile work and snuggle-friendly booths to the by turns delicate and swaggering French (and sometimes Italian and/or Asian) cooking, this Uptown stalwart has date night written all over it. One of the city’s most consistent restaurants is also one of its loveliest.

3637 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Bouligny Tavern

3641 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

One of Magazine Street’s chicest locations is Bouligny Tavern, an easily-missed small plates and cocktail destination. Food and drinks are served until refreshingly late, making it great for an intimate late night stop for drinks and bistro bites like duck confit with greens and charcuterie. The narrow courtyard is an extra special setting.

3641 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Related Maps

Saffron

4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Saffron might just be the sexiest restaurant in the whole city — think soft lighting, copper chainlink drapes to separate spaces, dark wood booths, red paneling, and touches of velvet in deep grey and burgundy throughout. The incredible Indian food from the Vilkhu family, the small plates especially, shine as much as the cocktails, with names like Raw Silk and and Queen of the Hills.

Open in Google Maps

4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Inside Saffron.

Patois

6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118

This beloved fine-dining restaurant has been drawing romance-seekers to its corner cottage for years, the epitome of a romantic neighborhood restaurant. The French-Louisiana menu is refreshingly large, and really, everything is good, but seafood dishes are at the top — the restaurant’s founding chef was named King Of Louisiana Seafood years back, after all.

6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Luvi

5236 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Housed in a small Uptown cottage on Tchoupitoulas Street, everything about Luvi feels intimate. Colorful and buzzing with excitement, this might be particularly good for a charming, low-pressure first date. Even the food encourages romance — crudo in the shape of a rose, for instance, and other similar high-touch, gorgeous details in every dish. Go for the Feed Me option, a selection of dishes by chef Hao for just $50, and to really impress, opt for the sake pairing.

Open in Google Maps

5236 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Raw bar dishes from Luvi.

Related Maps