6 Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans
I love a romantic restaurant - whether I’m on a date with my partner, a solo date, or a girls night! For me, a romantic restaurant has the following criteria:
soft, moody lighting
sexy ambience
great service
delicious, well-crafted food
well-balanced cocktails
So keeping this in mind, these are my favorite romantic restaurants in New Orleans that I go back to when I need some romance!
n7
n7 is possibly tied as my favorite, most romantic restaurant on this list. Only recently comparable to Saint Claire. You have an option of sitting inside, in the garden, or on the patio. It is tucked away so it feels like you’re transported to some peaceful location. I’ve always sat on the patio, but my next table will be in the garden for sure!
The food is a Japanese x French fusion and the flavors are all so harmonious and unique. My favorite dish on the menu is the soy sauce creme brulee - quite possibly a Top 3 Dish for me of all time.
It’s in the Bywater neighborhood, so you’ll need a ride if you’re staying in the French Quarter, CBD, or otherwise.
Saint Claire
Saint Claire is a new restaurant to me, and while it is a journey to get to it, it is absolutely worth it. It is currently my favorite restaurant of 2025, and while I went solo, it is perfect for a date night. Essentially a love letter to Southern dining, Saint Claire is situated in a beautiful, old home - utilizing the existing structure and rooms as the kitchen, bar, and dining rooms. The land is surrounded by giant oak trees and I had a beautiful view of one on the patio during my meal.
I ordered the lump crab gnocchi and while it was simple, it was a perfect dish.
La Petite Grocery
My sister used to laugh at me because every trip to New Orleans would include a quick stop into Justine. Justine has since closed, but La Petite Grocery, its sister, is still open and even received a Michelin Recommendation in 2025! Every guide mentioning La Petite Grocery will recommend the Blue Crab Beignets, and they are all correct. They are a must-eat. I consider myself a cheeseburger connoisseur and their burger, with gruyere, is one of the best.
Sylvain
Consistently my favorite courtyard in the French Quarter, you’d never guess you were steps away from Jackson Square when you walk down the pathway to the courtyard. Lit by candles and hanging bistro lights, surrounded by plants and garden tables and chairs, you are set for a perfect romantic spot. Their French 75 is one of my favorites, along with their cornbread (absolutely vulgar and sinful in the best way), and their bolognese.
Jewel of the South
A Top 50 bar in the world based in New Orleans with a caviar happy hour? Yeah, I’m there. It’s almost worth it to visit New Orleans on a Wednesday specifically to get 50% off caviar at Jewel of the South. We did not eat dinner here, but ordered cocktails and caviar and were perfectly content with this decision. Their courtyard is also a great option, but I do love being inside here as it is also like a beautiful home.
Mona Lisa
One of my long time favorites in New Orleans is Mona Lisa. Patrons are encouraged to color, draw, paint their own versions of this classic painting and the walls are covered in varying renditions. While picking out your favorite interpretation of this masterpiece, you get endless options of delicious Italian classics. What’s not to love?