NeoPatrick

I've been to New Orleans a couple times. I've eaten an many simply fantastic restaurants, including some of the most highly rated currently, even eating at chef's tables. But most of them have been the very new "trendy" variety. I'm looking for NO's most "romantic" or "intimate" restaurants -- the sort of place where two people can have a wonderful and atmospheric meal and still quietly talk rather than yell to be heard over the din. Are any of the really old places like Antoine's or Galatoire's like that? Those are two I've missed. I was even thinking Commader's Palace, but the upstairs room we ate in last time was so loud I couldn't hear myself think, yet alone talk.

This will be in April, if that makes a difference -- like a garden opportunity if it's more quiet?

martym

NeoPatrick, we're going to New Orleans week after next for a small (14 attendees) business meeting. We will be going out to dinner for six evenings and we usually go to some really good restaurants (this is an annual meeting in different cities each year). I will check out all of them for the romantic vs trendy factor and report back. (I'm with you--I don't care how good the food is-I want to be able to talk to my dining companions).

spirobulldog

First thing I thought of was CP. But, it was very noisy when we were there last time and we were down stairs during brunch. I think the jazz band that walks around playing stirs up the noise level. The meal itself was very good, and the souffle for dessert is very hard to beat. What about Mr. B's? Do they have an atmosphere like you want? It has been at least 10 years since I ate there, but seems like we were in an area with just a few people.

NeoPatrick

It's been years since I was at Mr.B's -- funny, but I don't remember how loud it was.

The one place I thought of for brunch was actually Brennan's, which last time was very subdued.

Lookin_Glass

The most romantic restaurant we ever ate at in Nola was our hotel room at The Windsorcourt Hotel. After our first night we downgraded from our city side full suite to a river side Jr. Suite. Included in our package was a full dinner at The Grille - I think it was called at the time.

With bathrobes on and champagne, the chef accomadated our request for a leisurely meal in our room rather then getting gussied up for a dining room experience. Each course was delivered about 45 minutes apart. I recall asking for an addition as I wanted to try the turtle soup, which the chef comped. After the 4th room service knock on the door with coffee and desserts - well overlooking the grand mississippi in bathrobes didn't suck.

POlson

We went earlier this year. Loved Galatoire's but my recollection is that part of the atmosphere was that the room was enjoying itself in a boisterous manner. It is one big room so the good times carry throughout the room. Again, this was a friday later afternoon so perhaps different at other times.

Also loved brunch at Brennan's. Of the three (CP, Mr. B's and Brennan's) we enjoyed, it was the quietest. To be fair the other two were "Jazz Brunches" and there was music and champagne all round. At Brennan's, we were in a glass alley looking out on the central courtyard. Next to us was a smaller dining room, I think yellow with chandaliers that looked quite lovely and only a few tables, not all of which were filled.

Bayona was lovely and quiet. Easily our most romantic meal of the trip. We were in a lovely small room with a countryside mural and were well cared for by our servers. The Chef was also in the restaurant that night and signed our menu. Oh, and not to forget the food, the meal was terrific.

Muriel's also seemed like it had lots of rooms so perhaps one of them would work. We enjoyed our lunch. My notes say "calm and relaxing" when describing the restaurant.

EmilyPost

Galatoire's is a big noisy place downstairs in that beautifully lit and mirrored room.

jamie99

My late husband and I enjoyed Galatoire's very much last time we were in New Orleans, it was not loud the night we went which was a weeknight.

Another place we ate was Pascuale's Manale for their BBQ shrimp, it is (or was, not sure if it is still there) over near Tulane. A business associate took us there. But definitely not quiet or romantic.

starrs

Another recommendation for Bayona - http://www.bayona.com/

(and also the Hermann House courtyard rooms at the Dauphine Orleans on the other side of the wall) VERY romantic

You can ask for a quieter table at Antoine's. Some people like "buzz" but there are quieter options - the dining rooms = http://www.antoines.com/gallery.html

Consider their Hermes bar as well. A great place to stop by during the day for a drink and/or some of the wonderful food without the formal dining experience.

CP is just loud. Good food, but it's always been loud no matter where we've been seated.

Pascal's Manale is the best place for the wonderful BBQ shrimp dish. I've tried other restaurants where I've been assured the BBQ shrimp would be as good. Not. I will never go to NOLA again without going there. It's not "romantic" per se, but it's still my favorite.

Changing the subject a bit, DO go to Sucre on Magazine Street - and stroll the shops around it for a bit. I adore Sucre - http://www.shopsucre.com/store-locations

For gelato, go to Davina's - http://www.ladivinagelateria.com/
I like their panini's better than muffalettas too
I know... <gasp>

I also recommend the tasting tour. Really enjoyed the tour, the tastings and discovered Davina's thanks to them. http://noculinarytours.com/

Rich

Irenes is quite and cozy . .

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/57/62093...ne-New-Orleans

LoveMyLab

The most romantic dinner we ever had was at Bayona, sitting in the Courtyard with the sound of the fountain and candle glow. The food was really lovely as well.

november_moon

We had a nice, romantic dinner at Muriels a few months ago. We asked for a quiet table with a nice view of the dining room. We got a table next to the window at the edge of the main dining room. It was perfect.

sanibella

Brennan's. Most definitely.

Bayona also nice.

mclaurie

Have you been to Brigsten's? http://www.brigtsens.com/index.html

Rhea58

Neo: I did a trip report here:

http://www.thethreetomatoes.com/tomatotravel.html

which has a lot of info on plantations if you are intrested.
And really enjoyed the atmosphere in Muriels do add my vote.

spirobulldog

I read your report Rhea. You missed Nottoway Plantation? We enjoyed the plantation homes there so much last year that we have a planned trip this year to Natchez for more of the same.

NeoPatrick

Bayona! How did I forget that? We ate there just after it opened in 1990 and was truly lovely. But I had forgotten all about it. Sounds like a definite for one night!

Katie2

We were in New Orleans for Thanksgiving this year. Ate at Galatoire's one night and the food was delicious. Service was excellent. We ate on the first floor and it was loud but we knew that before going. We ate upstairs at Commander's Palace in the room which overlooks the garden area. It was quite loud and although the service was excellent, we thought the food was just ok. Our last night we ate at the original Emeril's and the service and food was outstanding. We don't remember it being loud.

On our next trip, we plan to check out Bayona.

sf7307

We ate at the original Emeril's and it was deafeningly loud. I give it a pass because the food and service were both fantastic, better than either Bayone or CP, but that noise....

Continental_Drifter

Perfect! Bayona!