Antoine's Restaurant

Antoine's Restaurant at 713 St. Louis Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, opened in 1840 and is among the oldest family-run restaurants in the United States, operated for generations by descendants of founder Antoine Alciatore. The cuisine is classic Creole French. In 1899 Jules Alciatore created oysters Rockefeller here, naming the rich green-sauced baked oyster dish for the richness of its sauce, and the original recipe has been guarded ever since. Other signature dishes include pompano Pontchartrain topped with lump crabmeat, souffle potatoes puffed in hot oil, turtle soup, and baked Alaska, which arrives flamed at the table. The restaurant is a maze of about a dozen dining rooms, each with its own character. The Japanese Room, the Rex Room with Mardi Gras memorabilia, and the Hermes Room reflect the city's Carnival heritage, while the Mystery Room recalls Prohibition, when diners were reportedly served liquor in coffee cups. Waiters in formal attire work long careers here, and service is ceremonial, unhurried and traditional. The wine list is large and strongest in French labels, and cocktails and after-dinner coffee drinks follow classic recipes. Dress is smart: jackets are encouraged for gentlemen at dinner, and shorts and casual athletic wear are not appropriate. Weekday lunch is the most affordable way in, with fixed-price specials that cost noticeably less than a dinner of several courses, which can run about US$70-120 per person. Reservations are recommended, and for Friday and Saturday evenings, Carnival, and holidays, booking a week or more ahead is prudent. Visitors who want a specific room should request it when booking. The restaurant is within walking distance of Jackson Square and Bourbon Street. The restaurant also runs a wine cellar of historic scale, and the staff will describe the history of each room on request, which adds context to the meal for first-time visitors to New Orleans.