FortWorth

I am making dining reservation for a December visit. Trying to decide between Antoine's & Arnaud's. Any recommendations?

susan

Arnaud's gets FAR superior comments than Antoine's, which is apparently past its prime.

John

I concur. Stick with Arnaud's. Antoine's is an old classic restaurant that just isn't keeping with the times. The food is decent but it's very expensive and the waitstaff can range from adequate to pompous asses.

Tom

I concur with the previous posting. I eat (unfortunately) at Antoine's somewhat often (for Business) and it's not very good and the waiters treat you like hell at best. I am in my early 30's and they treat me like I have no right to be there.

Pete

Antoine's is a wonderful old restaurant in New Orleans. It is one of the three old main stays in the Quarter along with Arnauds as you mentioned. My family has gone for years without any problems. I did notice that the 2 people who made negative cooments here seem to appear in many posts about New Orleans and make negative comments except for establishments they apparently represent.

John

Pete, I'm so glad you enjoyed Antoine's and continue to do so. Many people who've been going there for years continue to rave about the place.

My experiences have not been so pleasant. Granted, I've only been twice so perhaps another visit is due. However, I distinctly get the feeling that if the wait staff doesn't know you as a "regular," then the service can be standoffish. Luckily, I've never tried to pronounce some of the French words on the menu. My French is pretty bad and was unsure of what the waiter would say!

I've always had good meals at Arnaud's even though I do recall one time when the server forgot us!

Actually, I'd choose other restaurants over those two but those were the options presented by the original poster.

Have a good day.

susan

Just for the heck of it, I checked Fodor's Rants and Raves section for additional information about Antoine's and Arnaud's. Arnaud's was given the highest rating and Antoine's was not listed at all among 84 restaurants in New Orleans. Although I've been visiting NO for nearly 40 years, I don't live there and don't represent anyone other than myself.

wendy

I too would pick Arnauds. Although I did not try Antoines. Arnauds was fabulous!

Meg

I can't make a recommendation as to Antoine's or Arnaud''s, but I do have a comment. I'm sure Pete's family has enjoyed wonderful service for years at Antoine's - that's the key to New Orleans. Regulars generally do get great service - whether it be Antoine's, Arnaud's, Galatoire's - wherever. Tourists (and non-regular locals) get seated in the front rooms or upstairs - and may or may not receive decent service. There are many other great places in New Orleans that don't have the reputation, hype, attitude or price tag attached.

I must defend John. He has taken a bashing on this board recently - and I am offended for him. Every post I've ever read of his is straight up. The only thing I've ever seen him do is to steer people away from unlicensed B&B's, which is a GOOD thing. Tourists should be steered away from such establishments - because when they come back here whining that they were ripped off - there is no recourse.

Tina

We were in the Big Easy a few weeks ago and enjoyed G.W. Fin's, across from Arnaud's. It's the same people who own Ruth Chris steakhouses and the seafood was wonderful!!!

Randy

Neither one. There are too many newer places with better food. Try looking up a new place at www.insideneworleans.com, here is what they say about Antoines:

http://www.insideneworleans.com/restaurants/food/reviews/antoines.html

I think there are a few people who always post here and they only represent a small part of New Orleans. I would take what they say with a grain of salt and do more research at local discussion groups. Not intended to offend this "John" so there is no need to jump in and tell me what a wonderful person he is.

susan

Randy - Though neither Arnaud's nor Antoine's interest me, many swear by Arnaud's. I checked out the website you suggested and after reading the review of Antoine's, looked over the "100 Best Restaurants in New Orleans." In the reviewer's opinion - which is admittedly only one person - Arnaud's ranked 26th, while Antoine's wasn't in the top 100. It'd be pretty hard to recommend a restaurant that doesn't qualify in the top 100.

Randy

That is exactly why I said neither. I prefer the newer restaurants over any of the older ones even Commanders. The purpose of the link back to the www.insideneworleans page is so people can read for themselves reviews of over 100 restaurants by Tom Fitzmorris a well known radio and print food critic who lives in New Orleans. Also there are restaurant reviews on several other New Orleans web pages maintained by a local newspaper and TV Station, those too give better information than the opinion of the 3 people who always post here. Try www.theneworleanschannel.com, or the other pages for more info. I am happy you visit often please vist more but your opinion is just one of many and may not reflect what the majority of us who live and eat in New Orleans believe.

Carol

I just returned from New Orleans - try a restaurant called Jacques Imos - it's about a 15 minute cab ride from downtown but well worth the trip. They don't take reservations so arrive early (6:00p) (It's small, homey, casual and local place) Jacques used to cook with Paul Prudomme. Most incredible food (I consider myself a food snob) I have ever eaten and prices were reasonable (1/2 the cost of Arnaud's) . Came highly recommended by chefs when I took a cooking class while I was there - it's where they eat. Acme's is fabulous for poor boys. Another restaurant recommened by chefs was Ugelichs - only open for lunch on Monday through Friday! Brennans was horrible. Mr. B's Bistro was good.

mass

A friend recently ate at Cobalt and enjoyed the food. Anybody else eat there? (It's Susan Spicer's new place.)

Tom

I'm not sure if Pete meant me or not. I eat there from time to time and those are my experiences. Reading the others, they doesn't seem so out of line.
That said, there are restaurants that I go to where I am treated exceptionally because I go there often and know the staff.
Maybe the treatment at Antoine's isn't so bad. Maybe I'm just sensitive...

John

Cobalt is quite good. It's more "American" than Bayona, which is probably my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. (And no, I have zero ties to Susan Spicer or her enterprises!) Cobalt is very hip designwise (fits in well with Hotel Monaco next door) and has live entertainment during dinner. Good martinis, too.

I am looking forward to trying Maison Bleu and Rene'. I'd love to hear any first-hand experiences about these places.