Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in New Orleans / Louisiana

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in New Orleans / Louisiana? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Desi Vega's Steakhouse - Mandeville

4.8

4.8 (18)

$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

AngelaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The best of the best all the way round. Fine dining at its best.

Cristiano Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (671)

$31 to $50

Italian

Houma

About the restaurant

We allow online reservations only for parties up to 4 people. If you have a party of 5 or more, please call the restaurant to make your reservation, otherwise we may not be able to seat your party. We are allowing 2 hours dining time per table, so we cannot hold tables for parties that are late. There will be a 15 minute grace period allowed and then the table will be released. Please keep in mind that lounge and patio seating is also by reservation only.

Top review

Sally

Dined 1 day ago

Always delicious. Celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary and it was perfect.

MeMe's Bar & Grille

4.7

4.7 (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 on 8 Dec 2024

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

Jacmel Inn

4.8

4.8 (1111)

$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

Jody

Dined on 14 Dec 2024

My wife and I have been coming to this restaurant over the last few years. We have enjoyed ourselves, the food and the ambience. Tonight was different…We are not sure what the expectation is. Is the theme Tapas or regular dishes? My lamb shank was excellent, and the Eggplant appetizer however, my wife’s dish the drum was very, very small and not very tasty with bloodline. please offer bread to the table without the charge… we will come back, just trying to offer feedback

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Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Steak Tips

Irene's

4.9

4.9 (4207)

$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

DARWIN

Dined 5 days ago

Irene’s is consistently 1 of the best restaurants in N.O.for BOTH delicious Italian food & outstanding service - my favorite . It’s also so beautiful during the Christmas holidays & has a wonderful pianist in the bar area to bring more holiday cheer. Thanks for the special attention by superb wait staff member Claudia for making my birthday diner so special!!

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4.9

4.9 (1057)

$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

Suzanne

Dined 1 day ago

Beautiful setting. Chelsea was excellent. Uncomfortable to wait on the side while people who came after us were seated. One woman tipped the hostess and was seated immediately. Optics not favourable. Tea service and food excellent. Would go again.

The Country Club

4.8

4.8 (1170)

$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

Brenda

Dined 7 days ago

Had a wonderful time with some dear friends. The entertainment was excellent.

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Popular dish

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES & EGGS

4.8

4.8 (1565)

$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

LisaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Was such a nice lunch. Service was a bit slow but friendly. Everything we ate was a perfect 10 except my husbands oyster po-boy’s crispy oysters were soggy and my cheeseburger bun was hard on top.. but nothing that would deter us from dining here again and again. Thank you Windsor Court for such a lovely experience. The Windsor Court salad was perfection BTW!

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Experience

Complimentary Valet Parking

Tchefuncte's

4.7

4.7 (1505)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Madisonville

About the restaurant

Step through our doors and transport to another world, where anticipation challenges every course, and riverfront views create memories from everything. The chefs at Tchefuncte’s uncover nuanced flavor within Louisiana’s storied history, exploring each culinary chapter with dishes such as Redfish Meuniere or the coveted A5 Wagyu Striploin, bookended by our whimsical and elegant desserts.

Indulge in the finest food, drink, and entertainment on the Northshore.

Our events calendar caters to all tastes and preferences, with exclusive wine tastings and bespoke culinary experiences crafted by our renowned chefs and expert mixologists. We’re committed to providing an unforgettable dining experience that captivates our guests, constantly evolving and adding new events to ensure the utmost refinement and sophistication. Come experience the exceptional elegance that makes us a premier destination for fine dining.

Top review

Carly

Dined 3 days ago

A wonderful environment for a staff Christmas party! Thank you

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Popular dish

Prime Beef Carpaccio & Crispy Oysters

Popular dish

Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake

Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Dakota Restaurant - Covington

4.9

4.9 (1219)

$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

James

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding as always! Service and food were over the top! Might be the only restaurant in Covington that even when crowded, does not seem so. You can actually care on a conversation at your table without raising your voice! Always a treat to be there!

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