Our experience was excellent. We got the caviar service with our meal and it was delicious. The interior is beautifully decorated. I would recommend the banana fosters and creme Brule for desserts. I look forward to going back!
Umberto Veltri
In one word, magical. From the moment we arrived to sitting in the patio for a cocktail before being seated in the garden room to the tableside jazz ensemble to the champagne selection to brunch and desert to meeting Lally Brennan... wow....so outatanding!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bread Pudding Souffle, Turtle Soup Du Jour, Cochon De Lait Eggs Benedict
Andrew Marsh
For the name and reputation it has, we were underwhelmed. Service staff were inexperienced. A glass of wine was spilt into my lap. Appetizers were just okay. Entrees were extremely good. Rest, including wine recommendations were mediocre at best. I just expected more.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
金兰吕
It is hard to get reservations here, otherwise we would like to come here couple more times on our trip to Nola. The food here is really good, especially the shrimp starter and the collard green (side, picture 4). unlike other very popular place online, often turn out to be a tourist trap, this place is a real gem. The only complaint I have is that the fish I got, is only half of size of that of my neighbor table get, what I got is more like a lunch size, and the neighbor table seems got a dinner size.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Rachel Deutsch
Last night, I dined at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans—a restaurant often praised as an iconic culinary institution. However, my experience left no doubt: they’ve lost their touch. The quail was improperly cooked, the pecan fish was utterly flavorless, and the turtle soup, lacking both turtle and depth, was disappointing.
Adding to the letdown was the neighboring table’s bananas foster presentation, which is typically a highlight. Instead of a polished tableside preparation, the staff member carelessly splashed liquor onto the open flame, causing an unnecessarily large and somewhat alarming fire. The startled diners even asked if he’d done it before.
Service was another glaring issue. Despite having an abundance of staff, there was a lack of attentiveness. Crumbs and dirty plates lingered far too long, and orders took an eternity to arrive—our appetizers took nearly 45 minutes. The standing around and lack of efficiency gave the impression of chaos rather than the polished service one expects from a restaurant of this reputation.
Once a standout, Commander’s Palace now feels more like a tourist trap. While it markets itself as a bastion of elevated dining, the reality is that it struggles to meet even basic expectations.
For visitors seeking excellent food in New Orleans, I’d suggest skipping Commander’s Palace in favor of places like Cane & Table, Bearcat, Coop’s, or Paladar 511. This city is home to incredible cuisine—just not here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jeffrey Rothschild
It’s our favorite spot to celebrate our anniversary. Definitely get a reservation ahead of time during the week and enjoy the lunch menu and 25 cent martinis.
Historic digs, great service, and great food. This seems to be a reservations needed establishment. Dress code was described and most in the dining room were abiding so it's a great spot for a nice meal. Service throughout was prompt and courteous. The turtle soup was my favorite plate of the night. The quail was great, though maybe a bit sweet as a main for me so I'd likely try something else or would have preferred to split it to have something to balance it out. Cocktails were well prepared too.
An excellent old school dining experience. The turtle soup was outstanding: 19 ingredients + 3 days cooking = wow. Quail was excellent as was the bread pudding soufflé. Felt weird drinking a Kentucky Mule out of a glass, but it was good anyway.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Laurie Haber
Commander's Palace was one of the best restaurants ever, and the service is impeccable!! ❤️
When visiting New Orleans, Commander's Palace is a must-experience destination for anyone seeking top-tier Southern fine dining. Located in the picturesque Garden District, this iconic restaurant has long been a cornerstone of the city's culinary scene, renowned not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its history of nurturing some of the most celebrated chefs in the world.
Given its reputation, Commander's Palace is often booked months in advance, so if you plan on dining here—especially for a weekend meal—be sure to make reservations well ahead of time. The restaurant is housed in two buildings: the original, historic dining room and a newer space across the courtyard. During our visit, we were fortunate to tour the recently renovated areas, and it was clear that the restaurant had maintained its classic charm while embracing a more modern aesthetic. From new wallpaper to updated seating, the renovations enhance the overall dining experience, bringing a fresh, contemporary feel without losing the elegance. One particularly striking update was the new walk-in wine cellar, which commands attention. We were fortunate enough to meet Whitney, the restaurant's Director of Hospitality, who gave us a tour of the renovations. She explained how a hurricane in 2023 forced them to remove the iconic trees that once grew inside the second dining room, but made way for the stunning changes. One of these, which was my personal favorite touch, were the faux birthday balloons that adorned the ceiling of the second dining room's entranceway. These are a fun nod to the Commander Palace's tradition of placing birthday balloons on stakes at the tables of groups celebrating birthdays.
The Sunday dinner service at Commander's Palace did not disappoint. We started with the Hokkaido Scallop appetizer, where perfectly sliced tender Japanese scallops were served on toasted brioche, complemented by mulled cider membrillo, green apple mash, shaved watermelon radish, and whipped chicken liver mousse. This dish was an intricate blend of flavors and textures that set the tone for the evening.
Next, we dove into the infamous Turtle Soup, a rich, flavorful concoction of veal fond, egg, and crushed lemon, finished tableside with a splash of aged sherry. This is a true New Orleans classic, and Commander's Palace does it justice, offering a bowl brimming with layers of complex, savory depth.
For our mains, we chose the Wild White Shrimp & Grits, a decadent dish that featured garlic-herb marinated Gulf shrimp seared in cast iron over Creole cream cheese stone ground grits. Accompanied by pickled sweet peppers, braised collard greens, and house-made chorizo court bouillon, the dish was a perfect marriage of Southern comfort and culinary sophistication. The Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish was another standout, with jumbo lump crab poached in Prosecco, resting atop a spiced pecan crusted fish. The dish was completed with roasted corn, asparagus, grilled kale, melted leeks, and a whiskey-spiked crushed corn cream—an artful presentation of flavors that left us in awe.
While the food was flawless, there was a minor hiccup with the wine service. We asked our server, who was studying for his Advanced Sommelier certification, for a white wine recommendation to pair with our meal. Unfortunately, we were left without much insight, as he simply pointed to the white wine section of the menu, stating that "you can't go wrong with any of these." Thankfully, our table is well-versed in wine pairings, so we managed fine, but we had hoped for a more knowledgeable suggestion from the staff.
That small misstep aside, the overall experience at Commander's Palace was exceptional. From the impeccable food to the stunning renovations, it was clear that this legendary institution continues to uphold its reputation for excellence. This was our second visit to Commander's Palace, and it certainly won�
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Shrimp & Tasso Henican
Christopher Guinn
From Iconic to Irrelevant: Commander's Palace Misses the Mark
Commander's Palace, once a celebrated gem in the New Orleans culinary crown, has sadly descended into the realm of tourist traps. Our recent visit was a litany of disappointments, proving that even storied establishments can lose their sparkle.
Upon arriving 15 minutes early, we were directed to the "bar." Unfortunately, there was no real bar to speak of—just a row of bar stools pushed against the wall, under harsh lighting and amidst uninspired 70s décor that felt more like a waiting room than an upscale lounge. While the staff were uniformly warm and welcoming—a highlight of the experience—the real letdown came from the food.
The turtle soup, a signature dish, was lukewarm and devoid of flavor, reminiscent of something you'd expect from a cafeteria catering to an older clientele. My main course, a pecan-crusted Gulf Fish, was underwhelming in every sense: pale, undercooked, and entirely tasteless. My colleagues reported similar disappointments, confirming that this was not a one-off fluke.
For the commanding prices Commander's Palace demands, diners should expect culinary mastery, not mediocrity. If you’re seeking an authentic New Orleans dining experience, consider venturing off the beaten path to a local gem that still values its craft. Commander's Palace, it seems, is no longer in command of its legacy.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Rachel Shaller
10/10 for service, food and experience. Would deff go back. Jaylen and Tyler were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fernanda Uribe
Brought a group of 10 to celebrate 3 birthdays and it was above and beyond our expectations. Gorgeous place to celebrate, have fun and try delicious New Orleans food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aja Lewis
Visiting New Orleans for the first time. Food was absolutely amazing and Service was outstanding! We called in for a reservation and was able to get one for that evening. Be mindful, that this restaurant does have a dress code. Business attire. I dined with two others, and we all ordered the Filet. We all were blown away! Delicious! For desert, we ordered the Creole Cream Cheesecake, a pecan pie, and crème brûlée. All mouth watering! My experience here at Commanders Palace was flawless!
Our experience was excellent. We got the caviar service with our meal and it was delicious. The interior is beautifully decorated. I would recommend the banana fosters and creme Brule for desserts. I look forward to going back!
In one word, magical. From the moment we arrived to sitting in the patio for a cocktail before being seated in the garden room to the tableside jazz ensemble to the champagne selection to brunch and desert to meeting Lally Brennan... wow....so outatanding!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bread Pudding Souffle, Turtle Soup Du Jour, Cochon De Lait Eggs Benedict
For the name and reputation it has, we were underwhelmed. Service staff were inexperienced. A glass of wine was spilt into my lap. Appetizers were just okay. Entrees were extremely good. Rest, including wine recommendations were mediocre at best. I just expected more.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
It is hard to get reservations here, otherwise we would like to come here couple more times on our trip to Nola. The food here is really good, especially the shrimp starter and the collard green (side, picture 4). unlike other very popular place online, often turn out to be a tourist trap, this place is a real gem. The only complaint I have is that the fish I got, is only half of size of that of my neighbor table get, what I got is more like a lunch size, and the neighbor table seems got a dinner size.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Last night, I dined at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans—a restaurant often praised as an iconic culinary institution. However, my experience left no doubt: they’ve lost their touch.
The quail was improperly cooked, the pecan fish was utterly flavorless, and the turtle soup, lacking both turtle and depth, was disappointing.
Adding to the letdown was the neighboring table’s bananas foster presentation, which is typically a highlight. Instead of a polished tableside preparation, the staff member carelessly splashed liquor onto the open flame, causing an unnecessarily large and somewhat alarming fire. The startled diners even asked if he’d done it before.
Service was another glaring issue. Despite having an abundance of staff, there was a lack of attentiveness. Crumbs and dirty plates lingered far too long, and orders took an eternity to arrive—our appetizers took nearly 45 minutes. The standing around and lack of efficiency gave the impression of chaos rather than the polished service one expects from a restaurant of this reputation.
Once a standout, Commander’s Palace now feels more like a tourist trap. While it markets itself as a bastion of elevated dining, the reality is that it struggles to meet even basic expectations.
For visitors seeking excellent food in New Orleans, I’d suggest skipping Commander’s Palace in favor of places like Cane & Table, Bearcat, Coop’s, or Paladar 511. This city is home to incredible cuisine—just not here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
It’s our favorite spot to celebrate our anniversary. Definitely get a reservation ahead of time during the week and enjoy the lunch menu and 25 cent martinis.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bread Pudding Souffle, Garlic Bread, Creole Bread, Duck Confit
Historic digs, great service, and great food. This seems to be a reservations needed establishment. Dress code was described and most in the dining room were abiding so it's a great spot for a nice meal. Service throughout was prompt and courteous. The turtle soup was my favorite plate of the night. The quail was great, though maybe a bit sweet as a main for me so I'd likely try something else or would have preferred to split it to have something to balance it out. Cocktails were well prepared too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bread Pudding Souffle, Turtle Soup Du Jour, Stuffed Quail
It’s a classic for a reason.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé, Soup
An excellent old school dining experience. The turtle soup was outstanding: 19 ingredients + 3 days cooking = wow. Quail was excellent as was the bread pudding soufflé. Felt weird drinking a Kentucky Mule out of a glass, but it was good anyway.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Commander's Palace was one of the best restaurants ever, and the service is impeccable!! ❤️
Restaurantji Recommends
When visiting New Orleans, Commander's Palace is a must-experience destination for anyone seeking top-tier Southern fine dining. Located in the picturesque Garden District, this iconic restaurant has long been a cornerstone of the city's culinary scene, renowned not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its history of nurturing some of the most celebrated chefs in the world.
Given its reputation, Commander's Palace is often booked months in advance, so if you plan on dining here—especially for a weekend meal—be sure to make reservations well ahead of time. The restaurant is housed in two buildings: the original, historic dining room and a newer space across the courtyard. During our visit, we were fortunate to tour the recently renovated areas, and it was clear that the restaurant had maintained its classic charm while embracing a more modern aesthetic. From new wallpaper to updated seating, the renovations enhance the overall dining experience, bringing a fresh, contemporary feel without losing the elegance. One particularly striking update was the new walk-in wine cellar, which commands attention. We were fortunate enough to meet Whitney, the restaurant's Director of Hospitality, who gave us a tour of the renovations. She explained how a hurricane in 2023 forced them to remove the iconic trees that once grew inside the second dining room, but made way for the stunning changes. One of these, which was my personal favorite touch, were the faux birthday balloons that adorned the ceiling of the second dining room's entranceway. These are a fun nod to the Commander Palace's tradition of placing birthday balloons on stakes at the tables of groups celebrating birthdays.
The Sunday dinner service at Commander's Palace did not disappoint. We started with the Hokkaido Scallop appetizer, where perfectly sliced tender Japanese scallops were served on toasted brioche, complemented by mulled cider membrillo, green apple mash, shaved watermelon radish, and whipped chicken liver mousse. This dish was an intricate blend of flavors and textures that set the tone for the evening.
Next, we dove into the infamous Turtle Soup, a rich, flavorful concoction of veal fond, egg, and crushed lemon, finished tableside with a splash of aged sherry. This is a true New Orleans classic, and Commander's Palace does it justice, offering a bowl brimming with layers of complex, savory depth.
For our mains, we chose the Wild White Shrimp & Grits, a decadent dish that featured garlic-herb marinated Gulf shrimp seared in cast iron over Creole cream cheese stone ground grits. Accompanied by pickled sweet peppers, braised collard greens, and house-made chorizo court bouillon, the dish was a perfect marriage of Southern comfort and culinary sophistication. The Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish was another standout, with jumbo lump crab poached in Prosecco, resting atop a spiced pecan crusted fish. The dish was completed with roasted corn, asparagus, grilled kale, melted leeks, and a whiskey-spiked crushed corn cream—an artful presentation of flavors that left us in awe.
While the food was flawless, there was a minor hiccup with the wine service. We asked our server, who was studying for his Advanced Sommelier certification, for a white wine recommendation to pair with our meal. Unfortunately, we were left without much insight, as he simply pointed to the white wine section of the menu, stating that "you can't go wrong with any of these." Thankfully, our table is well-versed in wine pairings, so we managed fine, but we had hoped for a more knowledgeable suggestion from the staff.
That small misstep aside, the overall experience at Commander's Palace was exceptional. From the impeccable food to the stunning renovations, it was clear that this legendary institution continues to uphold its reputation for excellence. This was our second visit to Commander's Palace, and it certainly won�
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Shrimp & Tasso Henican
From Iconic to Irrelevant: Commander's Palace Misses the Mark
Commander's Palace, once a celebrated gem in the New Orleans culinary crown, has sadly descended into the realm of tourist traps. Our recent visit was a litany of disappointments, proving that even storied establishments can lose their sparkle.
Upon arriving 15 minutes early, we were directed to the "bar." Unfortunately, there was no real bar to speak of—just a row of bar stools pushed against the wall, under harsh lighting and amidst uninspired 70s décor that felt more like a waiting room than an upscale lounge. While the staff were uniformly warm and welcoming—a highlight of the experience—the real letdown came from the food.
The turtle soup, a signature dish, was lukewarm and devoid of flavor, reminiscent of something you'd expect from a cafeteria catering to an older clientele. My main course, a pecan-crusted Gulf Fish, was underwhelming in every sense: pale, undercooked, and entirely tasteless. My colleagues reported similar disappointments, confirming that this was not a one-off fluke.
For the commanding prices Commander's Palace demands, diners should expect culinary mastery, not mediocrity. If you’re seeking an authentic New Orleans dining experience, consider venturing off the beaten path to a local gem that still values its craft. Commander's Palace, it seems, is no longer in command of its legacy.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
10/10 for service, food and experience. Would deff go back. Jaylen and Tyler were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brought a group of 10 to celebrate 3 birthdays and it was above and beyond our expectations. Gorgeous place to celebrate, have fun and try delicious New Orleans food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visiting New Orleans for the first time. Food was absolutely amazing and Service was outstanding! We called in for a reservation and was able to get one for that evening. Be mindful, that this restaurant does have a dress code. Business attire. I dined with two others, and we all ordered the Filet. We all were blown away! Delicious! For desert, we ordered the Creole Cream Cheesecake, a pecan pie, and crème brûlée. All mouth watering! My experience here at Commanders Palace was flawless!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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