New Orleans is the most European of cities in America. The lacy iron work of the French Quarter Balconies, the influence of the French and the Spanish on the architecture, and the way the city hugs the banks of the Mississippi River makes New Orleans a romantic city just to walk around in. Here are some of the most romantic places in New Orleans Here's how to plan a romantic getaway in New Orleans. While you're here, you'll want to dine in one of New Orleans' most romantic restaurants. Here's a list of the top 10 romantic restaurants in New Orleans.
1. Broussard's
Broussard's is quintessential New Orleans. Broussard's offers great ambiance as well as great classic Creole Cuisine. The best thing about Broussard's is the elegant, secret, lush courtyard. Dining in Broussard's courtyard is about as romantic as it gets. Not surprisingly this courtyard is the venue for many New Orleans weddings.
2. Muriel's on Jackson Square
Muriel's on Jackson Square is right in the heart of the French Quarter. Muriel's is the epitome of the decadence, opulence, and mystery surrounding the French Quarter. Portions of the building date back to around 1762, when it was built as a private home. After use as commercial property, Muriel's was elegantly restored in 2000-2001. It's is reported to be haunted with at least two resident ghosts. But, the wonderful Creole food and the elegant surroundings will make you forget about that. Located on Jackson Square, Muriel's is wonderfully romantic. Seated at a window table, you can watch much of the colorful French Quarter go by, or just hold hands and let them watch you.
3. Commander's Palace
In the heart of the Garden District above many trees rises a grand Victorian turret, in a building that is home to the legendary Commander's Palace. This has been the Grand Dame of Garden District restaurants since it's opening in the 1880s. It's a huge mansion with two floors of elegant rooms, each unique in design. My favorite is the Garden room on the second floor. There are walls of glass overlooking a lush courtyard boasting beautifully lit huge live oaks. The service is impeccable, making you feel like royalty. As with most great New Orleans restaurants, the food is incredible.
4. Bayona
Bayona is in a beautiful 200-year-old Creole cottage in the French Quarter. But the food is decidedly international. Chef Susan Spicer refuses to be classified as creating meals in one genre. This restaurant is only unpredictable in the type of cuisine. The meals are always wonderful. Even the address of Bayona is romantic, it's located at 430 Rue Dauphine.
5. Antoine's
Antoine's was established in 1840 and is one of the most elegant restaurants in the country. With 15 dining rooms all decorated differently, it serves as great place for hosting parties as well as having a quite meal. Antoine's is as much about history as it is about food.6. Arnaud's
Arnaud's is another historic New Orleans French Quarter Restaurant. Shrimp Remoulade was invented here. In 1918 Arnaud Cazenave, a French Wine salesman opened Arnaud's. But, it was his daughter, Germaine Cazenave Wells., who made it famous. Germaine was a woman who loved the finest things in life, including food and wine, and who celebrated life. It shows in her restaurant. Still run by family members, Arnaud's is one of the grandest restaurants in New Orleans.7. Restaurant August
Restaurant August is Chef John Besh's flagship restaurant. It's one of the best restaurants in the city and is decidedly French in cuisine. August is located in an historic four-story -Creole building dating from the 1800s, in New Orleans’ Central Business District. The interior is rich with original architectural details. The bar is intimate and beautifully decorated.8. Le Foret
Le Foret is a contemporary New Orleans restaurant offering a menu featuring strong French technique and seasonal flavors. This restaurant is a venue for Grand Dining. It's elegance is evident in the decor, the presentation of the food, and the service. Le Foret is a great place to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, engagement, or any other special event. It's one of the most romantic restaurants in New Orleans.9. The Rib Room
If you're a meat lover, the Rib Room is for you. It's in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel on the corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets in the French Quarter. The Rib Room serves prime rib, beef specialties, fowl and seafood prepared on giant French rotisseries and mesquite grills. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the large windows look out over Royal Street. After dinner, go up on the roof for a beautiful view of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River.
10. Ralph's on the Park
Ralph's is off the beaten track, across the street from City Park in a building originally built in 1859. The building's graceful galleries offer a breathtaking view of the centuries-old oak trees that fill City Park. Ralph's is operated by a member of the Brennan family, the premier restaurant family in New Orleans. Ralph's is special anytime, but it's wonderful at Christmas when the lights are twinkling from Celebration in the Oaks.