The Timeless New Orleans Restaurant Everyone Needs To Visit At Least Once
By Catherine Armstrong|Published March 13, 2017
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
New Orleans is just brimming with history, and its restaurants are no exception. Here’s a fine dining establishment that’s been a New Orleans icon since it opened in 1918. If you’re looking for somewhere to dine for a special occasion, and you love elegance, decadence and live jazz music, this is the perfect place for you.
Arnaud's Restaurant opened in 1918, and has been an icon of New Orleans ever since.
The restaurant had quite the reputation during Prohibition (when liquor flowed freely from coffee cup, inside private rooms). Arnaud's enjoyed wild fame during the 1930s and 1940s, when its many buildings connected by tunnels occupied an entire block.
Arnaud's is still the epitome of New Orleans decadence and style.
When renovations were completed in the late 1970s, many of the original fixtures were kept; others were replicated. The small Italian tile is original, as are the chandeliers, ceiling fans and cypress paneling.
The Main Dining Room is formal; collared shirts are required for men (though jackets are preferred). This is an elegant, romantic setting; the perfect place for a special occasion dinner.
The Jazz Bistro is the home of the Gumbo Trio, which plays every night from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The Bistro is a more relaxed setting, perfect for a fun meal with friends. Dress is business casual.
Make sure to say hello to the maitre d', Charles Abbyad. He's been at Arnaud's for 33 years!
Arnaud’s Restaurant is located at 813 Rue Bienville in New Orleans. Dine for dinner seven evening per week, starting at 6:00 pm. Sunday brunch is served from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations are recommended. Call 504-523-5433, or visit the restaurant’s website.