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No matter what style of fine dining you prefer—from that of the molecular– gastronomy whiz, to the latest Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef who re-invents the local scene, to the tried and true haunts that have earned the moniker “classic”—you will fine in these shortlists the pitch-perfect restaurant for a singular night on the town.
Best Fine Dining in....
Best Fine Dining
New Orleans
Herbsaint 701 St. Charles Ave., Business District, 504-524-4114 herbsaint.com
The Draw: Today, chef Donald Link gets more press for Cochon, but he first gained national attention for his cooking at this little bistro. His menu, studded with creative dishes, is grounded in the essentials of French and Louisiana recipes, such as his housemade charcuterie. The Scene: Windows along two walls of this 19th-century office building let passing traffic see exactly how popular the ground-floor spot is. Lunch attracts a business crowd, but at night the place hops with boisterous young diners starting an evening on the town. Mon–Fri 11:30am–10pm, Sat 5:30–10pm. $$ Hot Tip: The bartenders mix some of the best classic cocktails in the city.
Restaurant August 301 Tchoupitoulas St., Business District, 504-299-9777 restaurantaugust.com
The Draw: Rising culinary star John Besh, who has six restaurants in the area, is a local son well trained in the ways of French haute cuisine. Since Katrina, his carefully executed food has become less complicated, borrowing more from Louisiana comfort classics. The Scene: Besh is an ex-Marine. He bested Mario Batali on Iron Chef America without breaking a sweat, and he marched into New Orleans and fed relief workers in the days after Katrina. His flagship restaurant, however, is serene and graceful. Under the sparkle of enormous chandeliers, the crisp staff serves Besh’s creations with elegance. Sat–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri 11am–2pm and 5:30–10pm. $$ Hot Tip: Enjoy a gourmet meal without the formality of the main room at the bar.
The Draw: Scott Boswell, an audacious chef with a history of culinary daring, has assembled some of New Orleans’ top kitchen talent at Stella and announced his plans to make it the best restaurant in the city. The Scene: On one of the quietest corners of the French Quarter, Stella attracts a serious following of local foodies always eager to sample the master’s next creation. Boswell’s active imagination draws as heavily on Asia as it does on his native Louisiana. Daily 5:30–10:30pm. $$$ Hot Tip: Boswell worked closely with some of the original Japanese Iron Chefs, and his menu has touches of Japanese luxury dining.
