Emeril'S

As a long-time New Orleans resident and food scientist by training, I've heard about and known of Emeril's incredible reputation. We enjoyed 34 and were sad it closed. After Michelin awarded his signature restaurant 2 stars, I knew we had to go. Finally we arrived! I did not look at the website nor menu prior to my partner's booking. Upon opening the front door, everything about the staff, decor, ambience, music selection and seating was fabulous. The kitchen tour and explanation of our meal and pairings, then exquisite food and service were absolutely 100% top notch. I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsay and cooking tv shows, and virtually every offering, all night, from surprise appetizers to the 6-courses and special deserts would have likely won all competitions. Simply, this was one of the best restaurants I have ever experienced, alongside some French and Belgian establishments. Attention to visual details (color combinations, microgreens, fresh herbs, delicate edible micro-flowers, and pairings between acidity and sweetness; soft creamy and caramelized crispy) were phenomenal. And then, the stunning flavor bouquets were one topping the next, throughout the dining experience. Of course, this took over three hours, but it was worth every second.

Some how they managed to make a very posh dining experience feel very relaxed and unpretentious. Very New Orleans. The food was very thoughtful and delicious. And unlike other prefix dinners I've had, you leave satiated. Service was great, loved our waiter. It's not for the wallet weary, but worth every dollar.

Wow, what an unbelievable experience. E.J. and the staff earned 2 Michelin stars and it most certainly shows. I absolutely LOVED the fact that it showcased a lot of NOLA cuisine. We got to sit right in front of the kitchen and it was like experiencing a dinner and a show. You can immediately see the passion in the restaurant. Everyone seems to be working in a dedicated but also fun environment. For 2 stars, never once did I feel like it was a stuffy experience. I’m so glad we made sure to dine here because it was worth every penny.

Dinner at Emeril’s was, on balance, a very good experience and an exciting evolution of New Orleans fine dining. The dining room is beautiful and I am glad to see classic New Orleans flavors presented with this level of precision. Several of the small bites were especially good. Tiny versions of local dishes like barbecued shrimp and gumbo managed were playful and delicious. The trout amandine, a nod to the original Emeril’s, was excellent, and a quail dish with seasonal vegetables was one of the strongest plates. The snowball interlude was another fun highlight. That said, for a restaurant operating at the two Michelin star level and charging nearly $1,000 for dinner and drinks for two, the service did not feel polished enough to match the food. The disconnect started upon arrival, when we were motioned toward the bar to wait despite there being no available seating. We stood awkwardly for several minutes and were never offered drinks. Later, when the cheese cart arrived, there was a fruit fly walking across one of the cheeses. The server waved it away, but otherwise proceeded as though nothing happened. We were also told accompaniments for the cheese course would be arriving, but they never did. To the restaurant’s credit, the cheese course was comped. The final misstep came when our check was delivered before we had finished dessert. I left impressed by the food and excited by what Emeril’s is trying to do. The kitchen feels world class. The service did not.