Very good restaurant. Creative and well prepared vegetarian options. Seafood and small game options also good. Cozy atmosphere, and attentive service. This is our go-to place for an upscale place we can usually walk into without a reservation. Tucked into a corner across the Mississippi River Levee in the Riverbend Carrolton area. Short neighborhood walk from streetcar line. complete wine collection that suits the menu. This place is on the outside of tourist radar, and a good bet for times when there are large festivals in New Orleans. Unusually easy parking for a uptown restaurant across the street.
(4)
Melissa E.
Incredible! Very wonderful burrito! Excellent quality food. Great Saturday brunch. Our waiter was nice.
(5)
Michael H.
Dante's is an easy five stars. NOLA is full of restaurants that claim to be the most authentic such-and-such southern food, and Dante's has plenty of items on the menu that would fit into any Southern restaurant ... but they also take some real culinary chances, and their chef is clearly talented enough to pull it off. Duck is never an easy dish to do well, but this was one of the three best duck dishes I've ever had in my life (and that's including all of the excellent Peking duck I've had in New York and Toronto). I even got brave and tried a Sazerac here. Fun! There's no doubt in my mind that we'll be back at Dante's.
(5)
Steven R.
Pizza is good, it's quick, and they have a solid bathroom. Perfect place to stop at while walking around.
(4)
Liz M.
This is one of my most favorite brunch spots uptown. During satsuma season, the satsuma-mosas are the best I've ever had. Actually, any of their cocktails are quite perfect at any time of the year. The grits are slow cooked overnight in whole milk are are incredibly hearty and creamy. Get any dish with the grits. Get the grits by itself. Get the grits with a side of grits. My favorite brunch item is the eggs benedict with the debris gravy. Anyone that doesn't know what debris gravy is, it's roast beef gravy with bits of the roast beef in it, and it's divine. Best to go with a group of people so that you can sample everyone else's dish, because the brunch menu is a no-fail.
(4)
Erin D.
Dante's Kitchen is SOOOOO amazing. Not your typical menu - you are supposed to go for 3-4 courses (they are smaller) but the food is out of this world. It's rich, home-style goodness. The only downside is it is a little pricey, but definitely worth it.
(5)
Jackie A.
Been back several time since and have had excellent service. Food is as good as ever.
(5)
Adam W.
Cute little place in the quiet side of town that was prefect for brunch! It was recommended to us - just a couple blocks from the green trolley line. A little out of the way if you're staying downtown, but if you're in the area, it's worth a try.
(5)
Emerson A.
Great Food, great flavors, I will go back. Is not a 5 Because of the amount of time it takes to get your food( Maybe should be that way when is fresh). Emerson.
(4)
Daniel G.
I was down for Jazz Fest last year. I wanted southern food and this Boston boy got his dose of southern comfort food done right. Maybe one of my favorite brunch places all time. Pretty bold huh, go try it for yourself.
(5)
Andrea D.
Wow. What a disappointing experience! We were so excited based on all the reviews, but had a pretty bad experience just in terms of wait time. We had 6 pm reservations so got there and ordered while the restaurant was almost empty, so really no excuse that we waited one and a half hour for our food! They apologized before we complained 1 hour into the wait, which was reassuring, but just when we were going to leave 30 minutes later, they brought our food. It was very good food (saved it from getting a single star), but at that point, it was hard to tell if that is just because we were so hungry. They manager comped our "first course" which was a single appetizer and I thought after that wait, he could have done more or at least brought us a free round of drinks while we were waiting! For this class of restaurant with this type of good reputation, the meal was unacceptable. I hope our experience was a fluke!!
(2)
Tara S.
I was pleasantly surprised... well not totally surprised, given all the great comments and feedback from my fellow yelpers! But seriously Dante's Kitchen was very nice, from the atmosphere to the food and of course the service, all were great! I will definitely be going back! Also we went for Valentine's Day and they gave me a rose... long stem my FAV!
(4)
Chuuk T.
Yet another 5 star review for Dante's kitchen....We visited with friends from Chicago and one of our party was vegetarian. The vegetable selection was delicious. Everyone loved their meal one visitor declared it, "the best food in New Orleans." The reviews inspired us to try the chicken under a brick and the tuna. The tuna may have been, "a bit over -seared," but the over all experience prevents us from knocking off any stars. The service was wonderful and unpretentious and the recommendations for further culinary adventures proved wonderful. We sampled four delicious desserts our favorite being the "coconut blueberry flan."
(5)
Pauline N.
I was a fan of the food, not a fan of the ambiance. The actual building itself is so cute, sweet, and intimate, but the staff and diners really give the restaurant a pretentious and stuffy vibe. Our server was on the less friendly side. Now to the food. The complimentary bread (honey molasses served with butter, I believe) was so good! I got the chicken roasted under a brick, and wow it was the best chicken I have ever had in my LIFE! The sweet sauce is really what made the dish. I had a bite of my boyfriend's trois mignons, and honestly you can get better steak at a steakhouse. I would definitely order the chicken if you go here.
(4)
David N.
The brunch is amazing. Get there early if you want to beat the crowd and make sure to order the homemade biscuits and jelly. Personally I haven't had or tasted a meal here that I didn't love and that includes 5+ brunches and a few dinners. Check it out I promise you won't be disappointed....
(5)
Julia B.
Consistently one of the best and most charming restaurants in New Orleans. I love that Dante's isn't overly touristy and really keeps its locals charm! Nothing beats the molasses spoon bread!
(5)
Catie K.
The brick chicken is fantastic. Seriously, you MUST try it.
(5)
Lucy M.
Everyone goes on about the dinners, but there's more to this menu of 100% foodly perfection. Before I left New Orleans, my last delicious New Orleans dish was breakfast at Dante's. The brekkie menu is not for indecisive people! After a full 10 minutes of playing a difficult game of elimination, I had narrowed it down to either the Coho Salmon Gravlax w/ Eggs or the French Toast. I wasn't leaving town without getting my last dose of decently made grits, but didn't know what to do! Eenie meenie mynee moe wasn't going to cut the deck here. So we called the waiter over for some advice. And it's true. The service here really is top notch. His guy knew all the business with both dishes and set me straight with the french toast and the side of stone ground grits with added sauteed mushrooms while my friend got the cheese grits and mahi mahi brunch special. Heaven. He waiter's description of it all seemed so mysterious and exciting, like we had been given some stamp of approval in taste. I felt like we had found the best meal combo and for that we should eat grand and drink tea with our pinkies pointing high in the air. Yes, I felt fancy! Of course the food was phenomenal, but I've got a descriptive curve ball to throw. The French Toast is not toast. It's bread pudding dipped in egg with strawberry jammy syrup running down the sides with lightly sprinkled with snow flake sugar...........GOOD GOD it was magnificent. I mean that thing REALLY changes the game. Everyone, try this french toast. It'll knock your socks off! Dante's Kitchen does have a wait list, but it's not usually a long list and it's worth the patience. I'm so glad to have had such a beautiful bon voyage meal!
(5)
David M.
One of my all-time favorites in New Orleans. This is an easy-to-miss restaurant (in a coverted house) near Audubon park and the Mississippi River. The food and service are really fabulous, from my point of view. Ingredients are typically local, and they make a lot of their own drinks, sauces, and even sausages/salamis, etc. A friend described it as 'artisanal'. The food is really great. I've been there 5-6 times and never had anything I didn't like. They have a very nice outdoor courtyard area that is pleasant when the weather is not too hot. In my opinion it's comparable to some of the more famous places in the French Quarter, but easily accessible and they do take reservations (which are not hard to get). Great ambience. I will continue to keep going back.
(5)
Marc C.
Good food and service. There were some very interesting looking fruit infused home made cocktails but I was with family and it was not the best time time to try them. I had the chicken on a brick and my dad had the beef medallions and both were good.
(4)
Mike R.
Another outstanding meal at our favorite New Orleans gem. The plate of homemade charcuterie was as good as anything I've had in la belle France and the Trois Mignon was fantastic - three very different mini-steaks, one pulled-beef, the other steak and stilton, and the third pure filet over caramelized onions. And then there was the fruit dump (cobbler) to finish. Last evening in Nola, sitting out in Dante's garden surrounded by flowing trees and a full moon ...can't be bad.
(5)
Erica H.
This restaurant was amazing. I ended up here after being turned away from Commander's Palace because my silly brother decided to wear shorts. Quickly, I looked in my Frommer's guide and found this place. What a stroke of luck! Throughout the rest of the day, my brother kept mentioning how great it was that he refused to wear long pants and got us kicked out of Commander's Palace. First, I will say that my initial visit to this place was on a weekend, for brunch. Oh, damn it was good! First, we got some homemade breads--mocha, pecan praline, zucchini--that just about blew our minds. Next, our meals--I got something that was so good and so crazy decadent as to defy belief. Listen to this: Buttermilk biscuits with pulled pork and two poached eggs, all smothered in hollandaise sauce. Yeah, it doesn't get a lot better than that. The other meals ordered by my companions were just as great. This place is very cute, with a small dining room and a nice, romantic patio. It is at the end of the St. Charles streetcar line--an easy and scenic trip out of the quarter if you are a tourist there (I was). Anyway, the initial experience was so wonderful we all decided to come back again for dinner a couple days later. This was great as well. I got trois mignons, which were three little filets, each with a different topping (pulled pork, stilton cheese sauce, and a reduced red wine sauce). One of us ordered duck with sweet potato cakes, and the other, scallops. It was all very good. This place definitely gave me a great experience. The service was friendly and personal--I ordered a mojito, which was bad, but the bartender, host, and server all did backwards flips to make up for it--giving up complimentary fresh-baked cornbread and me a free shot of tequila. It was very obvious that they cared immensely about our experience and about their little restaurant. This place is highly recommended. PS. They gots great grits!
(5)
Jazmin M.
Let me start out by saying that the ambiance and service at this place was simply amazing. I wasn't expecting what I walked into but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. I took my best friend here for her birthday and we had a lovely time. She ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Chicken Under A Brick both of which were pretty good. I also ordered the shrimp and grits based on the reviews and I was terribly disappointed. It tasted very burnt. I attributed it to the char of the shrimp. It was practically inedible. On the up side though, if you can get past the icky sauce, gravy, whatever, the grits underneath are perfectly seasoned and creamy. Don't forget the spoon bread. The first one is complimentary but the second one (which you will be ordering because it is AH-MAZING) is an extra $2.00. Not a big deal for such a nice treat. Overall I enjoyed my experience and would probably go back but I wouldn't give the shrimp and grits a second thought.
(4)
cathie v.
In A Word: Excellent! We went for brunch! Best poached eggs I ever had! Service was outstanding! Highly recommend!
(5)
Seth B.
Went to Dante's this past weekend on a trip to NOLA, and had a wonderful dinner. As other reviewers have mentioned, the ambiance is warm and not stuffy, the wait staff are very friendly and knowledgable, and the food is in general very tasty! Recommendations: the Shrimp & Grits is amazing, as was a lobster "roll" (korean style in a cabbage leaf with asian spices and a bacon-onion marmelade). Also, the pea shoot salad and pickle plate. I'd stay away from the Bread & Butter (local butter) as the gratis cornbread is the best of all, also the market vegetable plate entree had great veggies, but nothing special about it - perhaps some sort of cajun aioli or similar accompaniment would have helped. Drinks, as well, have great potential but couldn't taste the ginger in the ginger-infused vodka so could use some work. All in all, worth a trip - a wonderful dinner experience and ambiance with some real highlights on the menu, but at the same time some dishes could use a little more refinement.
(4)
Scotty S.
This places is badass unless you go there with 3 people who order exactly the same thing and when their food comes out you're jealous that you didn't get it, but still really happy you got yours. Seriously, the rabbit leg was really awesome and I'm very glad I got it...but everyone else got the Trois Mignons, and I was jealous. The first time I went there my g/f got that and I wanted it. Fool me twice, well im just retarded. Anyway, if you love beef, like me, get the beef. Secondly, I love whiskey, but I've never had anything better than Crown reserve. In proportion to their menu of drinks, they have a wide variety bourbon (stuff i've never heard of). I ordered the one that was the least expensive in proportion to it's age: something like $8 for 10 years. So worth it, best whiskey I ever had... tasted barely out of the 1990s.
(4)
Chris W.
My brunch experiences here have been insanely positive, but dinner has been quite a bust the last two times. I've had bloody chicken, lost entrees, cold dishes, disappearing waiters, all of which are frustrating to say the least. There are some spots that I frequent in New Orleans and we become great friends (Herbsaint, Crescent Pie & Sausage, Cochon, Tan Dinh). Dante's Kitchen isn't one of them. I'm going to admit here that bloody chicken is a major no-no for me. So that's what's going to deliver a 3-star review... What I wish for is consistency and I can't find it here. Too bad, because the building and it's aesthetic are both lovely, and as I mentioned, brunch was killer.
(3)
Clavius L.
WOW - one of top 5 meals i've ever had. anywhere.
(5)
Nate P.
As previous reviews have said, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Dante's. Both brunch and dinner are fantastic. This is the first place that I take anyone who comes to visit in New Orleans. The inside is cozy and the outdoor patio is perfect for a warm New Orleans day...add a few of their fantastic cocktails and you're in heaven! I've been here so many times that I honestly can't list any favorite menu items...every single one is a winner. Just go. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Joanna B.
I had the chicken under a brick and it was extremely delicious. The cornbread pudding esque stuff they give you to start is amazing. Also, they had some pretty unique and tasty cocktails! Thumbs up.
(5)
Sarah H.
Delicious and cozy. Diverse menu that is always changing. Very creative and thoughtful in every aspect, even the cocktails. Recommend as great uptown place!
(4)
Scott T.
Everything about Dante's is fresh & local - the food, the drinks, the staff and even the restaurant itself. So fresh & local we ate there twice - once for dinner & then for brunch on Sunday. The board at the front doesn't show the specials - just a long list of "What's Local". Repeatedly, the staff were overheard describing with pride where or how or why something was on the menu. They have a passion for what they do, and it shows. The menu changes every two weeks or so based on what's available, and creativity is everywhere on it. While the obligatory shrimp & grits were good, the lump crab salad with cucumber and cantaloupe on field greens exemplified this. The combination was so unusual I had to try it, and it more than just "worked". The lightly dressed & salty greens melded the other ingredients into something more that the sum of it's parts. Simple, creative, and delicious. My redfish on the half shell was cooked perfectly, topped with a crab & fresh chopped herb mixture. The topping complimented the fish, but was a little to leafy for me. Lots of crab & less herb would have still done the trick, but again it was simple and creative and tasty. My wife's eggplant napoleon was excellent, and frankly would also make a fantastic side dish. From what they told us, the chef is also doing double duty as pastry chef, which can be a real workload. He's pulling it off, because the fresh blueberry pie was the best I've ever had. If it's available, get it without hesitation. Yummy. Brunch was yummy, too. The place was full, with a short wait around noon, but they get the food out fast. My Debris & Eggs Benedict was another combination I'd never thought I'd try, and they were great. Blueberry pancakes didn't need syrup they were so tasty. Portions are small so don't hesitate to double up and try a few other items. Like the spoon bread. All in all, we really enjoyed Dante's. Right across from the stodgy Brigstens, they are vibrant, fun, and passionate about their focus on fresh & local food. Worth the trip uptown, we'll be back again. It seems like the kind of place that doesn't get old.
(5)
Cork C.
I just love the food here. It is rich but not overwhelming. The drinks are to die for. The atmosphere is charming and not at all stuffy. All around I think this is my favorite restaurant in NOLA.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Nice little place, good food, but I think the prices are too high for the casual ambience. Outdoor seating available, especially considering all of the other dining options in the River bend area.
(4)
Sigmund B.
Brunch is outstanding - I had a fluffy omelette with delicious melty cheddar, potatoes, and andouille, wife had a shrimp and chorizo salad with a chile lime vinaigrette that really tied the room together, and we got the bread pudding french toast for "dessert" - all 3 were perfect, but the french toast was truly singular. Bloodys were good and spicy and the patio created the perfect relaxing setting. Good music (Bob Marley) and great service topped off an ideal Saturday morning. Just a few blocks past the end of the St Charles streetcar line, it's great way to start a weekend day and then head over to the Aubudon park and zoo or the garden district. Can't wait to try dinner on our next visit to the big easy.
(5)
J.K. F.
Great cocktails (many mixed with housemade liqueurs... that you can also taste as a "flight" of 4), amazing food, intimate atmosphere, and who can resist a meal that starts off with a hot skillet of molasses spoonbread topped with honey butter?! What we ordered: I don't remember the names of my cocktails, but all were very good. We also had a flight of their liqueurs: we chose chai rye whiskey, bacon bourbon, apple brandy, and cucumber gin. Server also made a good suggestion of Noah's Mill bourbon later in the evening. - Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad w/ housemade pork belly lardons, Meyer lemon and orange vinaigrette - Smothered Collard Greens with housemade bacon, onions, cane vinegar (perhaps my favorite dish of the meal) - Barq's Root Beer Candied Sweet Potatoes - Field Peas with chili and pickled pork (so flavorful) - Grilled pork steak atop corn tortilla & oregano pupusa, cilantro, ensalada de repollo, cilantro creme fraiche, toasted red pepper sauce (actually more like a super tasty mole... and I'm not even a mole fan) For dessert, we were too full for any of the menu items but they were obliging enough to serve me a trio of the three gelatos normally served as accompaniment to several of their desserts. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Jen J.
So after having eaten at 3 more restaurants in NOLA with good reviews, I just wanted to update because my husband and I agreed that this is the best place we ate at our whole 5 day trip (in a tie with the different category of place with Liuzza's by the Track). Great food and atmosphere and not overly hyped compared to the other places we went to.
I love this place because the food is great, service is exceptional, and the drinks are strong. Well worth the price.
(4)
maria w.
A special meal with excellent service and fresh innovative food. We had appetizer shrimp with creamy grits (Cajun shrimp w/heads), fresh & light pepper salad, brick chicken, and sides of eggplant and squash. Splitting the chicken entree was smart because it allowed us to try a greater variety of the small plates and the portion of chicken is almost too large for one person. We also loved the Cuban cocktail & spoon bread. It was $100 for 2 with tip - well worth the money for a special occasion.
(4)
E A.
I have to tell you I would give them a 4.5 if I could. I'm very stingy with my stars, but this place comes close to a 5 with me. First I never expected a restaurant on a residential street. At least I thought it was residential as I'm not from around the area, and we arrived via a street full of houses and pulled up in front of what I thought was just another house. I look out and there is not one, but two restaurants to choose from. We looked at both menus and chose Dante's Kitchen and my goodness am I glad we did. We were greeted by the owner and seated in a room we had all to ourselves that night. The 6 of us. It could not have made for a nicer experience. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was super fresh, delicious and priced very reasonably. I had chicken under a brick and split it with my friend. There was no way that I could have eaten that whole thing myself. It was simply devine. As others' have reviewed it I will not go into detail. The grits with shrimp should be another classic. The scallops were a great hit. The only thing that was just so, so was the pate platter. two of the pates were top notch and one was bland. So I would recommend trying one of the other appetizers before I recommend this one. They give you the fantastic cornbread YEAH!!!! Oh Geez I can't remember what we had for dessert? I'm coming back when I return to New Orleans. I promise. Thank You.
(4)
Ryan S.
Incredible food with really great fresh local ingredients.
(5)
Jeremy W.
Off the beaten path as we were brought here by a friend of a friend who is a local. The food, service and wine list were pretty solid - the only reason this isn't 5-star is because I think it's a little pricey. Very similar to some places in Austin with farm fresh food and seasonal menus, we each tried one another's meal and they were all very tasty.
(4)
Ro'ee E.
One of the best places I have been to. Great food and service!
(5)
Olga K.
Superb. Impeccably cooked seafood, interesting dishes, delicious drinks, and nice bourbon selection. We made a meal of the "small dishes" (which are actually not at all small) and the pie. Delicious.
(5)
Robi P.
We had a great meal here with a great group of friends. The foundation of the meals greatness had more to do with the service, company and ambiance than food however. It was our last meal in town and by this time my vegetarian diet was completely in ruins. I ate the collard greens (with sausage). I had better w/o sausage at the Fest. I tried a bite of the "medium rare" pork loin- it was dry- a pity. My fish (almondine) was OK. Others liked their different fish dishes. The molten cake with port ice cream was fabulous. The beer selection sad. It was refreshing to be served by bright eyed college types in a nice garden atmosphere.
(4)
mojie o.
We go to Dante's regularly, probably twice a month and it was always great food with great service until the last couple of meals. The food remains great, but the service is out of control in a very bad way. I held off writing another review (the first was a five star review) because I thought maybe they were just having a turnover in staff or something, but last night was the last straw. Last night we had an 8:30 reservation and had to wait 25 minutes for our table. I don't mind that, it's inevitable if another table is hanging out. The part that was ridiculous was that we went to stand at the bar and the bartender was such a jerk. He tried to ignore us at first, but when it was clear we weren't leaving he finally paid us some attention. One person in my party asked if they had St. Germaine or any elderflower liquor, his response was that of course they did because it's completely pedestrian. Wow, really? Then another person asked what a cachera was, apparently she pronounced it incorrectly and he rolled his eyes and said it correctly before telling her what it was. She then asked what a liquor was that was in the drink and he again rolled his eyes and said: that is german for apple, so obviously it's an apple liquor. We just decided he was busy and since there isn't really a place to wait that he was probably just irritated that we were standing in front of the bar. When we got to the table I ordered a non-alcoholic drink and asked to put a shot of vodka in it. The waitress went to order it and came back to the table and said the bartender wouldn't do that. Um, what? WTF? She said the bartender said it wouldn't taste good together, so he wouldn't do it. I told her I'd like the drink anyway with a shot of grey goose on the side so I could mix it myself. I did so and it was delicious, so delicious I ended up having two of them. The idea that you can't order a drink that you want seems ridiculous to me. Someone in my party asked to have the shrimp heads chopped off in the kitchen for her shrimp and grits and the waitress said no, they wouldn't do that. There was also a dish that had a kale and bean salad accompaniment that someone in our party asked if she could have a side of. Nope can't have that either. The food is ALWAYS outstanding at Dante's, but the service has fallen off so far in the last two months that we just won't be back there. If you are looking for a similar place, Maurepas Foods in the bywater is very similar (owned by the former sous chef of Dante's), less expensive and the service is always top notch. We love it there and are just going to double up on Maurepas and cut Dante's out of the rotation.
(1)
ryan k.
This was my second favorite restaurant in New Orleans (commanders was first). The outdoor area and porch are great to sit on, since the restaurant sits at the end of a quiet street separated from the mississippi by the train. The appetizers (escargot especially) are great. The inside of the restaurant is very cool, think hip colorful house with unbelievable food. The wine list and beer list are top notch, and overall you cannot go wrong, especially on a beautiful evening.
(5)
Jessica L.
Wow. That's all you need to read. Go on to the next review.... Okay, if you want justification for the "wow," here goes. First of all, this place is adorable. It's a cute little house and each room is decorated so nicely, but with a little flair. They even excused our very casual outfits (in comparison to other patrons), since we had just come from JazzFest. It is clear that there is a big focus on local fruits, veggies, meats, and fish. I mean, they cure their own bacon, and it's incredible! But, let's start from the beginning...drinks. Good wine options, and a yummy strawberry mojito. Plus, Abita Strawberry, what more could you want? I ordered the shrimp and grits, escargot, and rootbeer sweet potatoes. My mom had the scallops and dad had the short ribs with pork belly confit. They both raved about it and one bite of the pork belly made me want to cry with happiness. But, my shrimp and grits were incredible and the best thing I ate on my trip to NOLA. The shrimp were incredibly flavorful and still had their heads, leaving me the deliciousness inside their heads. They were also HUGE. The red eye gravy was absolutely unbelievable--spicy and rich. I seriously licked the bowl. The escargot was very good and the goat cheese in the broth added a softness and richness that was excellent. Again, the house-made bacon was perfect. The escargot was already shelled and that took away the fun of digging them out! Oh well... Unfortunately, the sweet potatoes never arrived, but I was so full, I didn't even complain (although now I wish I tasted them....) Dessert, however, was a bit mixed. The pot de creme were fabulous. I was super excited for Red Velvet Cake, but was so disappointed. It was dry and thick tasting and the lack of cream cheese frosting made me sad. This is top of my list when I'm back in NOLA.
(4)
Raquel M.
Order the vegetable plate. I know you think I am nuts but its one of the best things in the city. The food here is fresh and delicious. Their cured meats are divine. Their salads are spectacular. Molasses corn bread? Yes, please. Great wine and cocktails. Nice environment.
(5)
Richard H.
An great destination restaurant for tourists who want to escape the French Quarter for an excellent meal. We had no trouble getting to the restaurant by taking the St. Charles Streetcar line. I had the roasted duck breast and my wife had the chicken roasted under a brick, both of which were outstanding. We were also very pleased with the service.
(5)
Melinda C.
Very disappointed by this place. After seeing the great yelp reviews on this restaurant, decided to try it on our New Orleans trip. First of all, it is OUT there. We stayed in the French Quarter and it was at least a 45 minute street car ride away. I suppose we could have taken a cab and done more research, but I just had no idea it was this far away from the French Quarter. That said, I was prepared to let the distance slide if the food was good. It was OK, not bad, but certainly not great. We started with the pork belly and it was quite literally a big cube of fat. Of course, pork belly is a a fatty cut, but wow, chewing pure fat is not tasty. That said, my gulf fish was pretty good. My boyfriend got the duck, and it was mediocre at best. A real disappointment. Restaurant is cute enough inside and service was fine. My main complaint was about the food.
(2)
Robert V.
We have been to Dante's twice for dinner in the last month, and the word that sums up the overall experience is inconsistent. The first experience was two of us on a weeknight. The server seemed new. We waited about 15 to 20 minutes for our drinks to come and then she mixed up our order, she took it to a table across from us, where someone had ordered one of same dishes as we did and then took the other order back to the kitchen and left one of the people at that table with no food , and we waited another 20 minutes for ours. When she brought the food out, she said there was a mix-up in the kitchen. We had the brick chicken and the 3 filets. The brick chicken was outstanding- very tender and perfect maple glaze. The 3 filets were good- not exceptional- but good. So, we decided to give it another chance. The second experience was 4 of us on a Saturday. One of our party does not like heat (spicy) and asked if any of the dishes could be toned down. The waiter said they do not do "any substitutions or modifications". Really? They told us the wait for the main dishes was going to be 50 minutes, so I am guessing that at least some of the food is prepared to order but maybe I am wrong. Appetizers were all pretty good. 3 of us ordered the brick chicken based on our previous experience, and it tasted like a completely different dish. The chicken was not flattened and tender but rather was a half a chicken. The glaze had almost no hint of maple but was much more spicy. We actually asked the waiter whether they had changed the sauce on the chicken, and he said different line cooks make it differently. So, based on two experiences, the food is inconsistent, they do not accommodate any guest requests and the service leaves a lot to be desired. With Brigtsen's across the street, decide for yourself.
(2)
Scott T.
I became and still am obsessed with this place!.. This super colorful and hidden away restaurant is well worth anyone's time. It is not over priced, anything on the menu is brilliant and if you love iced totti's and bloody mary's with brunch you are set. Experience this place and we all can start of club of loyal worshipers.
(5)
Barbara V.
I have to say that even though we were staying downtown and had to take a 15 minute taxi ride to Dante's, this place was well worth it. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and not to mention great food was one of the most enjoyable dinners we had during our stay in NOLA.
(4)
Shalina P.
visited dante's during jazz fest 2011. it's my favorite of all the restaurants i tried during my trip. it's rustic gourmet cajun/creole food. the dishes are packed with lots of flavor. i barely even used SALT, which is huge for me ;) it's located in the garden district, about 6 miles from downtown NOLA in an old house turned restaruant. FAV DISHES: Spoon Bread, Shrimp & Grits, Red Fish on the Half Shell. full review: bit.ly/m7TdaS
(5)
Shanna D.
I had dinner here last weekend. We made reservation for 8:30, but didn't get seated until 9:30. It was definitely worth the wait! Next, time I'll do brunch!
(4)
Chef X.
Dante's Kitchen, A small restaurant off Carrollton Aveune where the river bends. There's nothing flashy about this place.. none of that overthetop service, the food isn't disgustingly fluffed up, and the dining room isn't all too fancy. It's place with good comfortable service, great food executed solidly, and a very quaint cozy home-like setting. For appetizer.. we ordered one of the specials they were running, the Louisiana Blue Crab Trio, which is composed of a mini grilled crabcake with pickled watermelon tartar sauce, herb marinated crab fingers, and jumbo lump crabmeat over avocado with Key Lime vinaigrette. It wasn't spectacular but enjoyable.. Well done and very simple. The spoonbread on the otherhand had me salivating for more. If you've never had spoonbread before, go here just to try it! It's like extra moist and buttery cornbread. Very much worth it! For the entrees? Seared Diver Scallop and Caramelized Wahoo. The Seared Diver Scallops were served with cauliflower and brie sauce over sunflower shoots, arugula, shaved red onion, and Bucharon anchovies, and toasted pinenuts. (this is what it said on the menu, but I think a few elements were changed) Well you can't really go wrong with Seared Scallops.. perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked.. the salad was a nice compliment. The Caramelized Wahoo with mirliton slaw and soy butter sauce was quite refreshing. The fish was very fresh and seasoned to my liking (the picture doesn't do it justice) This item was also off their specials menu. I'm definitely a fan of this restaurant!
(4)
P. T. B.
Had an excellent meal here. Service was spot-on. Do not miss the "chicken under a brick" dish!
(5)
Armand A.
It was six of us for brunch, and we all loved our food. I had the veggie omelette, which was light and delicious. The hash browns were also very tasty. My husband had the alligator sliders with jalapeño jelly, which was surprisingly very spicy and not just sweet. The food is reasonably priced but they will get you with the drinks, which are overpriced. Great atmosphere, though, and our server was knowledgeable and efficient. Will definitely come back and sample their dinner menu.
(4)
Lisa B.
AMAZING!! I went here for sunday brunch and was quite pleased with the delicious food! I decided to get the special...boudin cakes with poached eggs with a side of grits. It was oh so yummy!!! The grits are some of the best I have ever tasted!! Also, the biscuits are some of the best around. I will def. be back soon!!
(5)
Leigh S.
I love love love this restaurant! Went to Dante's New Year's Day with a date that was in from out of town. His first 2 picks were closed so I suggested Dante's. Neal, the manager, was awesome! We didn't have reservations, but he worked things out for us anyway. Bless him for it! Cozy table in the first room, watched the bartender artiste, & listened to quiet classic rock. Date was already thrilled....and then we saw the menu! Holy cow! I love that it changes, the "No cell phones & diets" request is perfect! We went nuts: shrimp & grits (almost too gorgeous to eat, but we gave in!), pork steak w/ collard greens (no need for a knife-heaven!) & trois mignons (delicious, savory, perfect!)! Mexican chocolate cup for desert...nectar of the gods! So not only was the meal A-mazing! It was the best first date ever, nothing like fantastic food & ambiance to get the ball rolling. So...Dante's...do you do wedding receptions?!?
(5)
Zachary A.
While i note comments from other reviewers about small portions, this has never been my experience. Even dining as a gluttonous, obese, out of control mouth-cramming flavor savorer my portions while never causing me to beg fro a doggie bag have never left me asking for more either. Sounds like some people have fallen prey to nights of bad management with a kitchen spread too thin. Various local artists hang on the walls of Dante's, for better or worse depending on taste, accompanying a menu that is never better-or-worse, and never fails at filling my hankerings, even if before receiving the menu that hanker is a mysterious vacuum-shaped question-mark. Grits with duckfat. Oyster stew thick as pudding. Friends stabbing each other over the last bite of spoonbread. Obviously it's diet food. sidenote: there is a private room available for parties.
(4)
T B.
I'm not sure what the rave is all about with this chicken under the brick thing... but I did not like it. It was loaded with salt; and it was pretty much a half of a whole chicken--way too big; and I like my portions big. I really liked my friend's red fish. It was delish and perfectly cooked; did not taste like fish at all. Service was good, but I took a hit with going with what everyone else was raving about here on Yelp... not doing the chicken brick thang when I go back.
(3)
Jennifer M.
I live around the corner and eat here all the time. I have never been disappointed for brunch or dinner. The restaurant is quaint and comfortable. You can dress up or go in jeans and well the food is always amazing.
(5)
Ben L.
They were close here. We first went to Dooky Chase's. Closed. Then all the way over the Jacques-Imo's. Not quite what I had hoped -- that is, self-consciously cajun. And the wait was an hour and a half (Friday night). So, we drove down the street to third option, Dante's Kitchen. We got a table right away. Granted, it was right next to the door, but given the circumstances... I love converted houses as restaurants. Part of the add-on here didn't quite fit with the remainder of the structure, though. And maybe that's a summary of the whole experience -- it was just not quite there. Good, but not great. Redfish was good. Poached fish, eh. Barbecued shrimp, good. Sauce for dipping bread in, better. Potatoes au gratin, good. Vanilla bean pudding with creole cream cheese, weirdly okay. The alpha male of foods were the grits. I've always chalked up the champions of grits as sentimentalists, partaking in a pre-modern southern custom as much as eating food. But these grits, oh these were good grits. Kissable grits. They put grits on my radar. If a place elevates a food type, it deserves four stars, certainly.
(4)
Leigh J.
If you need to get out of the fried New Orleans row if the French Quarter, go here! It is in a cute little converted home and I would recommend everything on the menu. Delish!!
(4)
Katie B.
My favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Perfect brunch spot! I also love that they use local produce.
(5)
Bktwn A.
Seriously, without a doubt the BEST shrimp & grits I've had in NOLA. By a MILE! Oh and the Mexican pots de creme was unctuous. Go now, quickly...
(4)
Sun Y.
I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. I went a couple of weeks ago with my niece who lives in New Orleans. It was a Sunday night after the Mardi Gras Half Marathon and it was hard to find restaurant reservations. I am glad Dante's had an opening! We went based on the Yelp reviews which created really high expectations. Dante's met and exceeded these. We are foodies and have eaten all over the world and I consider this to be one of my top ten meals. We started out with a goji-berry infused vodka cocktail mixed with rasberry and yerba (a south american herb that has a smoky flavor). Delicious. For appetizers we had the bbq shrimp w grits, a side of mac and cheese and a plate of homemade pickles. All were outstanding. For the main courses we tried the rabbit cassoulet with homemade bacon and sausage, the roasted quail with boudin blanc (also homemade) and a side of barq's root beer candied sweet potatoes. We topped it off with a bourbon tasting of four bourbons in these great little half shot glasses. The molasses spoon bread was good like the other reviews. It was a very special meal - was as good as Bouley in NYC (recent meal last Dec for a friend's 40th bday). DIfferent of course because its more casual but the quality of food and drink and friendly service was truly outstanding. I will go back every time I can get to New Orleans. Not typical to find for visitors since it is in the Tulane area and people tend to herd around the French Quarter.
(5)
Miriam H.
We came for brunch yesterday and it was wonderful! I had the steak and eggs and I thought it was very tasty! I wish the dish had been a little warmer, but the taste was great. Everyone else with us enjoyed their meals as well.
(5)
mom k.
Food was fabulous!!! I wonder if they have a garden in the back to grow their own vegetables. Innovative preparation. one issue, we were given a menu of dried meats, asked questions, ordered, and then told they were not available. Not acceptable from the management, or service perspectives. Manager never even came over to explain, just a lame excuse from the waitress. Tainted an otherwise great meal.
(4)
Alex L.
Unbelievable service. I went for dinner for two and had one of the best dinners of my life. The menu is seasonal, so I am not sure if they will have this when you go, but the Braised Oxtail was to die for.
(5)
Chris B.
I love New Orleans ands I have eaten all over the town, but my last visit at Jazz Fest I went here with 10 people on the boogie bus...bus was fun driver was not..we were an hour late at the busiest time of the year at one of the best places in town...well long and short of is the Manager Neil made room for us on the porch and a half dozen bottles of champagne and a bottle of Patron later = GOOD TIMES, and the best Shrimp and Grits Ever(sorry Crooks Corner, Chapel Hill)...Mr. B's used to be a favorite (it's not as good anymore, go for Lunch). Anyway you will love it it's out of the quarter about 20 minutes and you get to see a part of town most don't see. It's full of little bars and great music. Can't wait to go back to Date's next year.
(5)
Melvin P.
My girl and I have been dealing with being in a long distance relationship by making sure that when we are together we eat at the nicest places possible (it's sort of a pavlovian conditioning trick). Sometimes, we find a well reviewed place is nothing but hype. My hypothesis is that there is a selection problem between who has good taste versus who is willing and has time to yelp. Yes, I am probably calling myself out and I am coming off like a dick but I have a point. That point is this: not every four star average place is really a four star restaurant. Case in point, ealier in the day, the lady and I dined at Cafe Amelie based on the strength of its yelp reviews. We had a terrible time. Dante Kitchen gets comparable ratings and is an amazing, amazing experience. The staff is AWESOME. The bartender is a true chemist. The crowd is a foodie crowd. The menu is amazingly crafted. We ordered so much: salads, escargot, squab, cake. The wine list is great. And the pricing is exactly right for the quality and crearivity. Coming full circle, this place is a true four or five star joint because to get here, you have made a journey. There is a positive self-selection. It is worth the trek. Ignore the quarter, eat here. Protip: if you like scotch cold, but hate the ice melting, order a scotch on the rocks here. They have some great single malts and they serve them with these massive ice bricks that don't melt because they are so icebergian.
(5)
Uriia H.
I visited this place over the Thanksgiving holiday with a few friends, and it was phenomenal! The decor makes you feel as if you are in an actual kitchen....down to the dishrags as napkins. The atmosphere was very inviting and cozy. We began with the prosciutto appetizer, and of course it was delicious. I had the maple glazed chicken...came with a bacon and potato cake covered with a perfectly cooked egg. The yolk broke over the potato cake like a smooth flowing sauce. If you want a great dining experience, definitely try Dante's. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Recommendations are highly suggested.
(5)
L L.
This meal was amazing, hands down my favorite meal of recent months. I loved almost everything I ordered. Cocktails were fabulous. "Absinthe" (we weren't convinced it was actual absinthe, it just tasted like pastis to all of us including the one of us who believes he's had actual absinthe before) was fun. I had the chicken roasted under a brick, but my favorite was probably the bone marrow plated with escargot we had as appetizer. I only wish I had written a review right after I ate here so I'd have a clearer memory of what I got and what it was like.
(5)
Nicole W.
We ended up here for brunch because I wanted to get out of the French Quarter. As we walked up I knew I'd made the right decision. There was already a line outside15 minutes before the doors opened. I ended up with the brioche french toast with peaches and my husband had the debris with poached eggs (biscuits topped with pulled pork, eggs and hollandaise). Both were divine. I can only imagine what dinner is like.
(4)
Annie G.
OH.MY.GOD. Can I just say, you'd think reading all these extremely positive reviews would give me too high of expectations for this place. But no - it's good to read the reviews, to find out the star dishes of this place. First of all, I loved that this place was casual and set inside a house. The different rooms had a lot of character, and it was a nice break from the other stuffy "fine dining" establishments that get the good reviews in New Orleans. I'm sorry, but I just don't like having to dress up to have a good meal, because I was here on vacation and didn't have any of my nice clothes with me. Now usually I dislike rating a restaurant based on a few good dishes, if they serve a lot of mediocre ones. But I can't help but give Dante's a 5 star rating anyway - maybe I did my homework and only ordered their best dishes, but all I can say is, this was probably one of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life. Let me preface this by saying I am extremely impatient and dislike when a restaurant messes things up for me. And this definitely happened at Dante's... we sat in a room with about 4 tables - we were the first ones who ordered in the room, yet everyone else got their bread before us (meaning, our bread got delivered to the wrong table THREE TIMES) Apparently some of the kitchen staff really can't figure out table numbers. If it wasn't for our super friendly, awesome waiter "Tiny" (his real name is Larry but they write "Tiny" on the bill as a joke) I would probably have been extremely upset throughout the entire meal. Luckily we had a great waiter, so I let the kitchen staff errors slide. The spoon bread, when we finally received ours, was so delicious, it was worth the wait. I wanted one for myself, but am glad I didn't ask for it, because it would have made me too full to enjoy the rest of the meal. We got sweet potato mash, the chicken under a brick, and the three mignons. I also ordered a bourbon sampler kuz, why not? The sweet potato mash was very good - sweet but not overly sweet. I couldn't really taste the root beer in it, unfortunately. The chicken under a brick was the star of the night. Seriously, if you come here, you HAVE to try this dish. The maple glaze sauce was simply divine. I could not get enough of it! And at first I thought the hash that came on the side was just okay - it's a pile of smokey potatoes with a runny egg laying on top. But once I broke the egg and the yolk ran down the smoky potatoes, it turned the hash into a creamy delight. The three mignons were also delicious, but were upstaged by the chicken. I liked the different flavors of the different beef medallions. Our super waiter felt so bad for the bread mix-up that he comped 2 desserts for us, which was also unnecessary but so nice of him. We tried the tomato gelato which was surprisingly good and refreshing (tho it tasted like it could have been tomato-watermelon). We also got the olive oil cake, which was also delicious. I had a hard time stuffing it all in after the delicious entrees, so I didn't have much of the cake. If I ever come back to Nawlins, even if only for a night, I am definitely coming back to Dante's. It's very rare that a restaurant makes this great an impression on me.
(5)
Amanda V.
We made a reservation for dinner, and was seated within 5 minutes. Service is super slow. Maybe Yelp hyped up the chicken roasted under a brick but I didn't really think it was that good. Nothing special about it really. The bread they served was also just okay. Boyfriend got the beef heart and cheeks. He didn't think it was anything spectacular as well. Overall, our general consensus was that we will probably not come back, but it might be a good place to try for others.
(2)
Eric F.
My buddies have been talking this place up since their first meal as 1L's, so when I came down to visit, it was a must try. We foolishly tried to walk in on Wednesday at 7:45 (always get a reservation!) and there were no seats. We were humbled, crushed, shocked and distraught. Oh Fortuna, you capricious sprite! (plus ten to anyone who gets that reference). "Just give him our number in case their are any cancellations" opined my dejected friend. We returned to provide our emergency contact number and were greeted in a most glorious fashion! "Hey, weren't you guys just here? We just got a cancellation if you can sit right now." Disaster averted, Fortuna evidently was smiling upon my being when I endeavored to undertake the consumption of this gastronomic masterpiece: Spoonbread Pimm's Cup Shrimp & Grits Chicken Under a Brick Nice bottle of Pinot Noir Is there a better way to spend your last night in New Orleans? You can have your French Quarter madness. I'll take Dante's.
(5)
William S.
The train ride off St. Charles was scenic even at night and a great way to get here. Its a few blocks walk and friends were already joyful; we all had a cocktail and we're ready to have a good dinner. We had 8PM reservations and the wait was not too long, check. We were met with a smiling waitperson and we found out the vegetables for the evening and a little description about the restaurant and the food. This already piqued my yummytummy meter, LOL. No Reveillon but I was very much into the menu. I loved the difference, deliciously sounding dishes and a vegetable plate. I had a simple corn and crab soup, something simple yet luscious with generous lump crab meat that you can only get in NOLA. I had the wild mussels after was an amazing dish. I had the trois mignons for my entree. For the trois mignons, I wanted to try Dant'es debris sauce which turned out to be out-of-this-world. I almost wish I had my favorite crusty french bread so sop up the flavorful goodness, the cheese the really incredible accompaniments. I had my favorite zin with this entree which sent me to heaven and back! My two other friends were just awestruck about this find and their dishes as one said was, "Unforgettable". We loved the food here. This is going to be a more than one visit restaurant next time I come back. We were very much impressed by the wine list at Dantes. To have my favorite Zinfandel by the glass was very much appreciated also. For the most part wines were reasonably priced and well selected. This restaurant supports local farmers which reminds me of one of my favorites in Seattle, Lark. After this experience, I must say I love this restaurant and its formula--a definitely must-visit for me next time I am in Nawlins. We took a cab back to the French Quarter loving life, LOL. It's funny what incredible food, amazing wine and good friends do to one's disposition. It will take me some time to forget this restaurant and I think will want to come back to NOLA as soon as I can so that I can experience the cooking here again.
(4)
Jen L.
Up until now I had never had a disappointment at Dante's; it has always been one of my favorites. I don't know if it was the early spring menu or that I went on a Monday night...or that the Monday night was the day after the Saints won the Superbowl (WhoDat!) but my meal was weak. First problem was that two of the items I wanted to order had hidden pork in them that was either not specified on the menu or couldn't be altered for it to be removed. (Really pork sausage in a fish stew? Is that really necessary?) I had the scallops with grapefruit and radish sprouts and they were delicious. As all the other small plates weren't of interest to me, I went ahead and ordered the seared fish (which seems to be halibut at the moment but was a gulf fish when I was there - as a side HALIBUT? in New Orleans, also disappointing). I thought the dish was only OK and ended up giving my leftovers to my brother a few nights later. I will definitely wait for the menu to change before going back and I hope that Dante redeems itself.
(4)
Lori N.
Close to Tulane, this is a great brunch restaurant with the family. A little more expensive though.
(5)
Alicia J.
We came here for brunch and cocktails. My god, it was the best meal of our entire New Orleans trip. We began with the bacon praline sticky buns, mimosas and bloody marys. For the main dishes, eggs benedict, pork steak and a daily-special fish dish were had. Everything was delicious. First, the bacon praline bun is amazing. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sticky bun goes perfectly together. It came out hot and delicious. Cocktails in the morning? During Mardi Gras, why not? I am even willing to believe that this place has one of the best bloody marys, at least the best I have sampled. Before I describe each breakfast item in detail, I should mention that they are all breakfast-y. Hot, filling, and usually with a somewhat liquid component beneath the meat and veggies -- it is a really good way to start the day and soaks up some alcohol from those cocktails. The eggs benedict came with a superb pork loin. The pork steak was actually my favorite. I am a lover of tender meat, and this was the _most tender_ of meats, and also perfectly crispy on the outside. The special fish dish was a white fish of sorts, and while it may not help the reader, it was well-cooked and laid over a bed of grits that accented the flaky fish very well. The atmosphere of Dante's was perfect for an informal brunch with friends -- there are preserved vegetables in mason jars on shelves around the joint, and the windows allow in plenty of relaxing morning light. We loved it here.
(5)
Nancy D.
The restaurant is in a home which makes it cozy and inviting. The food was fantastic! I had the shrimp and grits and of course the famous chicken under a brick-soo delicious! Just a note, if your are not a local and are staying in the French Quarter it will be an $18.50/+ tip taxi each way. It is totally worth it!
(4)
Jo H.
After some debate and scrolling around on the Yelp app on our phones we found ourselves at Dante's Kitchen. It was a Sunday night, we took a chance without a reservation. We were seated in this cute little dining room in the back. Drinks: we ordered a round of the house sangria. After days of gorging on NOLA sized portions we decided to share some apps and entree's. Here's what we had: Grilled shrimp with andouille red eye gravy over grits Duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes with bacon and onions Tuna two ways Redfish on the halfshell Stuffed eggplant Slow cooked duck breast w/ smoked peaches, parsnip puree and crispy parsnips Two hot cast iron skillets with spoon bread came out first. Each was topped with a dollop of butter. We thought it was a cute way to serve a bread and butter course. The stand outs for me from the meal: All of the proteins we ordered were actually really well prepared. The grilled shrimp with grits was my favorite. The shrimp were juicy with a beautiful char from the grill. The red eye gravy wasn't over powering, it added a bit of spice and kicked the creamy grits into another gear. I enjoyed the redfish on the halfshell. The cool crab over the sizzling hot fish was great. The dish was drizzled in a oil infused with the accompanying crisped sprig of rosemary. The marinated half of the tuna prepared two ways was also very enjoyable. It has the feel and flavor of a Hawaiian style poke. I wished there was more of. The seared tuna didn't really jump out at me it was good but there was nothing unexpected about it. Honorable mentions: The stuffed eggplant was pretty good. The slices were paper thin causing the filling to be the star of the show. The stuffing was very nutty and had an almost Mediterranean feel. Mashed sweet potatoes candied with root beer. Sweet and sweeter. Beyond sweet potato pie and the occasional basket of sweet potato fries I'm not a big sweet potato person. I didn't really pick up much of the root beer flavor. The potatoes were smooth but very sweet. It was one of the few things left unfinished. That pretty much says it all. For most people the mere mention of duck fat roasted anything WITH bacon automatically inspires drooling. Sadly the duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes missed the mark a bit. I felt the potatoes were a little underdone. They need to be softer to really soak up the fatty goodness from the duck fat and bacon. Dinner at Dante's Kitchen was a nice way to wind down from a crazy weekend in NOLA. The service was great. We had a lot of fun bantering back and forth with our server. I really liked the mix of laid back traditional down home style food with international ingredients and flavor profiles. Brunch here comes highly recommended. If I'm ever back in the city I'll try to check it out.
(4)
M S.
Love Love Love this restaurant. When visiting new orleans, we wanted to go somewhere "off bourbon street". Due to reviews, we made reservations at Dante's kitchen. The server was knowledgeable and made fantastic reccomendations. For an appetizer we had the cheese and nuts. I was not the biggest fan, but did not take away from the rating, because I loved the ingenuity of it. For entrees, I had the duck and my friend had the filet trois. Both were amazing. We also had a bottle of Orin Swift Saldo for $40, which is only $10 more than retail price. What a value. The highlight of this restaurant is the food, but the servers whom were passionate and knowledgable helped to drive that. There are also cans of fresh ingredients all over the restaurant, for food and for their fantastic hand made cocktails. I will visit here on any trip to New orleans.
(5)
Liana L.
4.5 stars - here's the breakdown! Ambiance - 5 stars. Dante's kitchen is ADORABLE. I love the little steps and different wall colors that make each "room" really feel like a different room; each "room" is decorated wonderfully and simply with soothing colors and abstract artwork. The seating is comfortable and fairly spacious, and there are only a few other tables in your "room," creating a cozy space. Although the whole restaurant can seat quite a lot of people, the dining experience is that of a very small, beloved favorite restaurant. Food: 4 stars The eggs benedict was amazing. The pork was juicy and well-flavored, the eggs were wonderfully poached and runny, and the hollandaise sauce was great. :D 5 stars. The alligator sausage (3 pieces) was also really great; I couldn't tell if it was alligator or just seasoning that I tasted, though. It's supposed to be a mix of pork and alligator. Either way, I would totally get it again. 5 stars as well. (: The bacon praline cinnamon bun (another appetizer) is fairly large, and quite sweet. I loved the bacon pieces on it (you have to scrounge around on the plate because they fall off), though some people didn't like the mix of sweet bacon. Oh well. 5 stars for me. We also got the banana pudding French toast (4 large slices), which was just way too sweet. The cane syrup is amazing (no need to get real maple syrup when this is definitely more than sufficient), but we were not able to finish this at all. I was sharing this with two other people, too ... :/ 2 stars? :( Though if you like very sweet things, it'd be very good. Oh! The orange juice was amazing. You can SMELL the freshness. Wow. Service: 4 stars We had to wait 40 minutes for brunch, sigh. Service was definitely good, and one of the servers was very helpful with food affirmation as we were waiting, but it would've been nice to have chairs or something. I don't know, I just felt like the waiting around experience was a little lacking. Overall, though, I'd definitely come here again. Since there are no reservations for brunch, get here early! And I'd love to come for dinner. (:
(4)
Buddhi G.
Memories are a bit hazy but I remember really enjoying the seafood dishes. Nicely spiced without being over the top. You can taste how fresh the catch is. I wish I could do my normal extensively detailed review but unfortunately I didn't write down any notes and we were there almost 2 years ago. If the quality has remained the same, definitely a place you want to check out when in NOLA.
(4)
Fernando N.
Hands down my favorite brunch in New Orleans. I have been there about ten times and I still love it ever single time. The shrimp and grits are my favorite in all of new orleans. The debris and poached egg is another favorite. One of my least favorite parts about moving away from new orleans is leaving this place behind. Alas, I will only be able to return on my trips back.
(5)
Brian C.
Nothing too fancy, just very high quality food and drinks in a nice environment. Know that there's not much healthy on the menu but if you're willing to consume the calories you won't go wrong at Dante's Kitchen. The wine list by the glass could use some work but the cocktails are good and the wine list by the bottle is solid so you can also get some nice libations with your meal. I certainly don't think the ambience or food justified 5 stars so I'm not certain I would send tourists from the Quarter all the way out to Dante's Kitchen but it's certainly a good restaurant that's worth an occasional visit.
(4)
Dee M.
Yes Yes Yes!!! This was hands down the BEST meal I had during my recent visit to New Orleans. Everything about this place is absolutely phenomenal. Mitch M. said it best. "Wow this was really good. Really good". The Ambiance - Upon my arrival, the hostess inquired as to whether I preferred to dine inside or out on the patio. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect, so I opted for the patio. Excellent choice. I was seated on the most adorable porch facing the quaint little neighborhood street - Dante St. As I sat outside, I could not help but feel like a true Southern Bell, being catered to hand and foot with true Southern hospitality. This is a cozy yet romantic New Orleans gem. The food - Everything I ordered from beginning to end was absolutely magnificent and mouthwatering. As many of the reviewers have indicated, they start you out with the molasses spoon bread that is to die for! It is topped with a warm sweet butter that truly tickles your taste buds. My server encouraged me to order the barbecue shrimp - said I could sop up the sauce with warm bread. I couldn't resist. The barbecue shrimp came out in the most beautiful presentation. It was truly divine. I could not stop myself from eating those plump shrimp and sopping up the sauce with that oven hot bread. Super delicious. Next, I was presented with the most delectable looking chicken covered in what appeared to be the maple sauce, and accompanied by a potato hash slightly covered with an egg - sunny side up. I was not to keen on the idea of my potato being covered by an egg, especially since I had never eaten an egg sunny side up. However, I was quite pleased with the taste - the flavors blended together ever so beautifully. Please do not be put off my this unique combination. The chicken under a brick is to die for! You must try this. The service - Dante's Kitchen truly understands the essence of customer service. They wait on you hand and food. What is also very comforting, is that the servers all seem genuinely kind and courteous. They are constantly filling your glass with water, bringing you more bread, etc. You will be taken care of at all times. Dante's exceeded my expectations. This restaurant is definitely one of my top favorites. I will definitely make this one of my stops next time I am in New Orleans. The FQ is great, but why not drive down St. Charles (or take the St. Car) for a scenic view of the beautiful Tulane and Loyola Universities before having a great meal at Dante's Kitchen? Do not miss out on this special treat.
(5)
Sharon S.
Quaint, cozy, and delicious. I had the brick chicken, or something like that, and it mysteriously disappeared from my plate, despite my best intentions. I ordered the cocktail of the day but found it too sweet, will stick with my faves next time. Wait staff friendly. Parking no problem. Will return... Oh yeah, they allegedly have a fireplace, in this year's cold weather - thats a good thing!
(4)
Jyll F.
Amazing!!!!! The apps, the food, the drinks and all that "foodies" live for...this is the place!!!!
(5)
Angelica W.
They had us at their spoon bread, so delicious and what a cute presentation, simultaneously rustic and modern, with vamped up tradition the foodie way. I already was expecting nice things to come when we were seated in the light and casual dining room of the renovated cottage, right under a vintage Dante sign and a shelf of home canned fruits in glass jars. I preferred the view to the outside terrace dining over the other slightly darker rooms, with their cozy antique feel. I like to dine right in the kitchen, and usually love the "concept libre" of a seemingly spontaneous compilation of ordinary objects and the "found furniture" look. Their design is not "libre" but stylish hom-y. "After 1900, home canning of all types of food, mainly in glass jars, became popular as a means of utilizing home garden products, providing better diets, and reducing the cost of living." Dante, also using fresh local produce, follows this great tradition but is not just doing that, they also infuse their own alcohol and barrel-age New Orleans classic cocktails. I was smitten by their new creation, Corpse Reviver, oh dizzying delight for the cocktail enthusiast. On culinary trips like this one from Chicago to New Orleans, I give up on my regular vegetarian life style, and venture out with a stop at red meat and not biting into cute little baby pigs, as already the name, sucklings, seems to forbid that. Everybody has their limits and some might argue that shrimps have cute eyes... Those we had though: the Grilled Shrimp on Stone Ground Grits with andouille red eye gravy was a down to earth amaze. The Redfish on the Half Shell topped wtih crab meat and soft herbs, the Caramelized Onion Smashed Potatoes and their famous Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg were a taste bud's joy, and the dessert, ah, I should have left more room, Blueberry Brown Butter Upside Down Cake with creole cream cheese gelato is just heaven. Thanks to chef Eman Loubier, the mixologists and the savvy staff we got the intro to southern cooking, which makes us ask for more.
(5)
Emily R.
Dante's Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. I ordered the arugula salad, caramelized onion mashed potatoes, and cauliflower, which I tried to replicate in our kitchen the next day because it was so good. It was covered in roasted garlic and is now my favorite cauliflower on earth. My three dining companions loved all their choices as well. I hear the scallops are to die for.
(5)
Melinda H.
Best bone marrow I've ever had! It comes with the escargot, but it's amazing also! A must have! They also flavor their own liquors and they have some really, really creative combinations, very fun and tasty!
(4)
Laila B.
Beautiful outdoor seating area, friendly but not overbearing service. My absolute favorite thing was the escargot served in a sauce of basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I would go back again and again for that dish. We also got the Heads and Tails, very cute name and very tasty dish (hogshead cheese and braised oxtails). Beets and greens we ordered as sides were wonderful, simple but somehow unique. Braised pork belly not as great as I had anticipated but the pork steak confit was even better. Redfish served with soft herbs and crabmeat was delicate and lovely. At first I thought the very pretty profusion of herbs would be over the top flavor-wise but it wasn't. Too full for dessert although nothing really jumped out at me either. One of my more memorable meals this year.
(4)
Jarrod M.
Comfort food done right. This is what a lot of places in Houston wish they could be. Seriously Dante's Kitchen, you knocked it out of the park. So, what made it so good? Cool location? Check. Good service? Check. Reasonable prices? Check. Food, drinks, everything!? Check. This place is one giant check, as in it checked every freaking box in the book. I think I'm in love. So, how about that food? I wasn't feeling in a mixed drink mood (sad for me) so I stuck to beer. Beer selection is kinda meh, which is really the only downside to this place. The food on the other hand, is out of control great. You start out with some molasses corn bread in a skillet. I've never had dessert for bread service, but it was like eating french toast, cornbread style. 5/5 Next up? Boudin Rouge, or blood sausage: bourbon black pepper mustard, roasted sweet peppers, preserved peaches. The texture was outstanding. Tasting it, I felt a bit like Goldilocks tasting the bear's porridge. Not too firm, not too crumbly, but just right. The flavor, too, was exquisite. You didn't get too mineral-y of a flavor, and the spices made you want to roll your eyes into the back of your head. 5/5 Now, to the main attraction. Chicken Under a Brick. Yelpers, do yourself a favor and listen to everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did, and I reached food Nirvana. It was the kind of food that is so good, it just makes you smile. Simple food that is well done. The skin on the chicken was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the meat itself was about as moist as you can get with a perfect, not too soft and not too chewy texture. 5/5 And the ribbon on this gift of a meal: peach cobbler. I ate this like there was no tomorrow. Perfect, flaky pastry crust, fresh tasting peaches (these bad boys weren't canned), and ice cream that didn't steal the show but instead complimented. This, friends, is how you make a peach cobbler. Dante's Kitchen, it may be awhile before I see you again, but rest assured, I will never forget you.
(5)
Jeepers C.
Whenever we go it is a different menu generated around what's in season. Very unique and well-executed. At first I thought it was a little pricey, but worth every penny. To order something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. It is a completely unique experience.The food is delicious!
(5)
Kyle W.
So I had brunch here last Sunday. We started off with the home made biscuits with home made jelly and butter this was awesome almost ordered another. I then had the Dante's omelet which was very good as well. along with a side of has browns and beacon. The atmosphere was very nice. staff was friendly nice relaxing place to eat. A bit crowded on Sunday which is a testament to how well liked this place is.
(4)
Jill L.
Quaint setting, challenging parking, good service, clean. Now, the food. Best shrimp and grits I've ever had bar none. The gravy is unbelievable. Salad was crisp and fresh and the dressing was good but I prefer less dressing and the greens were swimming in it. Complementary spoon bread was a molasses corn bread - heaven. Wine list is not vast but offers just enough choice that everyone can find a pleasing option.
(4)
Michael H.
The wife and I drove here straight from the airport for brunch. We got there just as they opened, we were seated, and within a fifteen minute period the place was packed, with people waiting outside. I would like to start by saying the staff there was incredibly friendly, efficient, knowledgeable of the menu, and made us felt welcomed there. Our server was Stephen, and he was a very personable. We started our meal with the biscuits which came with house made jams and preserves, blueberry and peach. They lasted no time on the plate. I ordered the grilled shrimp and grits and the wife got debris and poached eggs. We literally had to slow ourselves down from inhaling our meals. Yeah, the food is just that great! Of course we each tried the others meal. I'm not a big hollandaise fan, but the demi-glace hollandaise was fantastic. I could see it in the wife's eyes, she wanted my grits. And how could she not, they are so good. The food is superb, the atmosphere is charming, you can dress casual, and the prices very reasonable. We enjoyed our meal so much, we came back a couple of days later for dinner! The wife had the house tea of the day(cocktail) and it was superb and refreshing. I had an Abita. support your local brewers! We started with the house made Salumi. Tasty! We each got the roasted sweet pepper salad. And made short work of them. I had the trois mignon for my entree, rare of course, melt in your mouth delicious. The wife got shrimp and grits as her entree, and she was very happy with it. And we split a dessert, If Napoleon was Italian. Very tasty. Our server that evening was Tierney and she was an absolute doll. Kudos to whomever is hiring the front of the house staff. It's really impressive that they use so many local ingredients, make so much in-house product (look around you there are jarred products on every available shelf) and infuse their own liquors. If I lived in New Orleans, I would eat here all the time.
(5)
Lonnie L.
I have been eating there for years. Even though it is a simple dish the redfish on e halfshell is what keeps me coming back. I have also thrown three parties for our office there and they have always worked to accommodate 20 or so of us and make sure we have a good time The outdoor seating is probably some of the best in New Orleans. If you want to eat out there in good weather make sure you reserve or get there early
(4)
Jon M.
Dante's is perfectly pitched. Decor, setting, attitude, bar and food/drink all merge into a wonderful experience. Had the pleasure of sitting outside on the porch, a rustic dining experience on a fine evening. Everything we consumed was fantastic. BBQ shrimp and grits to start, a multitude of sides (the broccoli side was among the best preperations of this veggie I have come across) pork with mole sauce, red fish, mac n cheese, etc etc. Hungry now writing this review. Well appropriated wine list with plenty of options, including some extremely good value CA zins and cabs. We put down several bottles of Turley at $40 per, a good deal. This is the meal that will be remembered and talked about in the future. And it's on the stregnth of the food and ambiance because honestly the service was a little un-attentive for the price, in my opinion.
(5)
Erin P.
Dante's is by FAR the top fine dining spot for my husband and I, which is saying a lot because he's a chef and is picky as all get out! We've been several times by ourselves as well as other times with friends and family and so far, Dante's has yet to disappoint! The food is excellent. Dante's is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients which just makes everything more amazing, though it may also mean your favorite menu item from last time around may not be there on your next visit! I think it's a nice change though - the specials change often and that gives us a chance to change things up rather than ordering the same old thing every time we go. If you're unsure what to get, ask the servers for recommendations - they are always happy to help and can usually point you in the right direction. The drinks at Dante's are also excellent though also STRONG so heads up! Their drink specialis are also seasonal but you can always find something refreshing, unique, or classic on the menu. The wine selection is decent as well. Dessert is amazing as well, often with one or two savory options for those who don't have quite as big a sweet tooth as I do. On our last visit, I had chocolate angel food cake and I've been dreaming of it ever since! Service is usually top-notch though sometimes servers can get bogged down on really busy nights. The atmosphere is cozy, eclectic, and surprisingly casual given the quality of the food, a welcome change from the typical, stuffy fine dining establishment. I will confess, I have yet to have their brunch, something I intend to remedy as soon as possible! Overall, Dante's is amazing and our go-to destination for good, fresh, fine dining without all the fuss.
(5)
Kevin L.
What I was expecting: 5 stars. What I wish I could have given it: 4 stars What I truthfully will rate it: 3 stars Edit: After having it for brunch: 4 stars. Between the ambience and recommendations, I could not wait for my meal at Dante's. My family came to visit me at school here, and I opted to take them here. Between 5 people, 3 people got the filet, I got the chicken and 1 got the redfish. Everyone liked their meal but no one went crazy for it. The filet people seemed to say it was just average, my brother loved the redfish, and my chicken was extremely tender and delcious, but toward the end of the meal the maple sauce began to overpower the chicken and dominate the meal. Also, the potato and bacon hash with a fried egg was disappointing; I was expecting life altering and got nothing near. Come to think of it, I do not remember if we got dessert or not, so I suppose it wasn't that fantastic if we did. On a side note, the service was fantastic and this is the first time I have ever written on Yelp that I have enjoyed my waiter. It was a very nice dining experience, but I would not make it a priority to return to Dante's. ----- Edit: Went for brunch on easter and had the egg's benedict with biscuits and pork. Wow, what a killer meal. I definitely will be thinking about that meal for a few weeks. Bumps it up to 4 stars.
(4)
KC C.
A TEN EVERY TIME! This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in the city. What I love? The all round attention to atmosphere, food and customer service. I have been here for dates, girls night, when my parents are in town and just because. Dante's is delicious and quaint. Go here!!!
(5)
Ellen Y.
Doesn't get better than Dante's Kitchen. The ambiance of this place (it's an old house) sets it over the top and the service was outstanding! Here's the run down of our experience: - Cab-syrah wine was awesome. I asked for a pomegranate martini, but they didn't have pom juice, so the bartender whipped something up and it was sooo good!! - Molasses cornbread. the BEST! Honey butter on the most amazing cornbread I've ever had...you can't beat this! - Shrimp & grits. These grist were OUTSTANDING!! This is a must! - Trois mignon. DELICIOUS! They put pulled pork on top of the mashed potatoes and then three small filets on that. It was delicious!! - Brick chicken....AH-MAZING! I actually don't ever get chicken at a restaurant because it's usually dry or just doesn't have a lot of taste, but this was outstanding!! I would suggest asking for a substitute on the pork/bacon cake because I didn't care for it. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were soooo good and would be a better pair with the chicken! We had no room for desert!! As I said, the service was really great. Our server was even nice to this ass hole sitting at the table next to ours. There was a babbling baby in the front dining room (the baby was relatively quiet the whole meal) and that doesn't typically bother me...this is a family restaurant so that's bound to happen. Then this jerk shows up and in the middle of the server pouring his glass of wine, he gets up, walks to the front dining room and is apparently going to confront the family with the baby. It's a FREAKING BABY!!! The family of this prick were asking him to please not go and told the server that noisy babies in a restaurant are just "his thing" and he "always goes and confront families with babies." When he came back, his daughters were like, "dad, why do you do that?" and he literally responds, "because! you don't hear that baby anymore, do you?" What'd you do, guy, go and smack the baby so it will shut up?? I'm so sure. He also said to the server, in disgust, "can we get some bread or something. We're just sitting here." They had been there ten minutes...just long enough for him to be pissed off about a baby...again, in a family restaurant. What a dick. I commend Justin for putting up with him!!!
(5)
Spenser K.
Holy OMG this place is amazing. I've eaten here two or three times, and I'd go back again, again, and again. The food is completely top notch, the drinks are great, the service is excellent, and the decor is to die for. I can't over-emphasize how awesome this place is. Tucked inside a neighborhood, it's this great little place to go for a fancy, yet relaxed dinner. I'm just going to type some words that sound like how I feel when I eat here. Heavenly. Splurge. Blazaaam. Gah! Oooooo yeah. TTThank gooodnessssss.
(5)
Colleen D.
If you have a bad meal in New Orleans, it's your own damn fault. For a killer brunch, this is a great choice. Showed up at 1 PM on a Sunday and got right in. Split the Pot Likka (grits, beef drippings, pickled tomato and poached eggs) and the Debris & Eggs. Damn! Two Southern dishes I have never tried, check and check.
(4)
Karen S.
Went to this place on Mother's Day and it was awesome... they offer so many unique choices- combinations I would have never thought of but were delicious... the alcohol drink offerings were to die for.... Can't wait to go back.
Fantastic location - just take the street car and stroll a couple of blocks to find it. Amazing food - locally grown focus and well thought out innovative dishes but also strong classic dishes that make your mouth water Original drinks - try one of their own concoctions to tantalize your tastebuds Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Roger W.
THE BEST RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS !! you must try the chicken roasted under a brick and the duck breast... omg super good..
(5)
Hayley M.
Hands down, the Trois Mignons has to be the best dish anywhere for a carnivore. Three filet mignons. One with stilton cheese, one with worcestershire, and one with pork debris (I asked them to hold the pork, but it was still fantastic). They sit on a bed of caramelized onion mashed potatoes. If only yelp would let me use italics on the words "caramelized onion," because they really need to be stressed. Fantastic service, mouthwatering steak. The end.
(5)
Annie L.
This the most amazing place that I been to, to date in New Orleans for brunch... Out of this world. Firstly the server was the sweetest gal and so attentive. The atmosphere was chilled with some old jazz playing. I got the alligator sausage sliders in home baked biscuit with cilantro through it... Heaven, utter heaven. All my mates adored their dishes, the grits (which I am not always the biggest fan of) was so rich with just the right texture and flavour. You can get it with cheese or mushrooms and the portions are huge. Please promise me to go to this place for brunch if you ever come to this wonderful city. P.S Apparently they do the best Bloody Mary, I abstained but next time I'll let y'all know.
(5)
Stephen K.
Saturday evening, 6:00 out on the patio. Dinner for two Patio is nice, cozy. There were a couple of folks fighting with those little bugs that like wine. It can be a little noisy because you are right on Leake Ave. When the 6:30 local rolled through, you will be aware how close you are sitting to the railroad tracks. Service is the best. Quiet, efficient, professional, totally on top of things. Your wish is their command. Food is spectacular. You will see the raves in the other reviews. I would add imaginative and not in the "43 ways to make you think tofu is edible" way. The menu is not enormous and will make you think. No 72 oz steaks, no surf and turf, no deep fried hamburgers choices to fall back on. Also, no "heart healthy" meals - don't come here to kick off your latest diet. I think they did have some mac and cheese and dirty rice sides if you are really stuck. I didn't try them, but I'm betting even they were a little different than what Kraft is selling. You could easily fill up on the spoon bread and been pretty happy with the meal. I did have the scallops, the roast duck and my companion had the Trois Mignons. Ditto the other reviews. Two minor issues - Is there anyone in the whole world who enjoys sitting on those cheap plastic chairs? I get it, they are cheap, you can clean them with a fire hose, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing them. They work at tailgate parties and the Bulldog, they detract from the experience at a high end restaurant. The second is more an observation than a complaint - we didn't know how to pronounce "Trois Mignons" but we did a way better job than the waiter. Kind of funny.... I'm guessing no one ever asked him how to pronounce it. The bill was $110 (drinks, dessert, tip inc) and even though I had to pay (really poor planning on my part), it seemed like a fair trade. So, if someone drops you off on Leake Ave at the foot of Dante St, do you turn right and go to Brigstens or turn left and go to Dante's?
(5)
Kate R.
My friend brought me here on my visit to NOLA - my favorite thing to eat for breakfast is a simplified Eggs Benedict... So I ordered a side of poached eggs & the biscuits, which came with homemade butter and homemade fig jam... I just about died happy. Fantastic. & like others have said, the place is adorable, in a little converted house.
(5)
Tracey H.
Oh man...I LOVE this place! I'd been there about 5 years ago and with all the places in NOLA to visit, I just hadn't gone back. Mistake! 2 colleagues and I visited pretty early on a Monday night and were able to get a seat immediately. The vibe is exactly what I was seeking for the evening: casual but not pub-ish; stylized but not (eww) trendy; emphasis on local produce but not self-righteously healthful; interesting menu with lots of choices but not too many OR too few. So...7 minutes in and I was in love. 2 of us shared shrimp and grits opener. The gfits were insanely creamy with beautiful smidge of andouille. I had an heirloom tomato salad which, because the tomatoes are in season and locally grown, was eyes-roll-up-in-head delicious. Plus the very thinly-sliced chorizo topper (or...?) was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Small plates for 2 of us: short rib with kim chi and bahn mi veg, and for me, beef debris with grilled bread and this fig mustard that I can't say enough about. FIG. MUSTARD! Trois Mignons for our 3rd friend, which she RAVED about...and this is not a rave kinda person. Dessert was a shared trio of house-made sorbets, which on this night was plum, honeydew, and peach. The plum and honeydew was sublime - a fruit PUNCH yet light and refreshing. The perfect ending to an absolutely right-on meal. Our server was new to the restaurant (1 week I think) and perhaps less confident about the menu as he will be soon, but extremely pleasant and struck the right chattiness chord. The portions were perfect, especially for an early-ish meal on a warm evening. Plating was not overly fussy but clearly created with care. There is nothing on this menu I wouldn't be excited to sample! The only potential downside is that because DK is in an old (charming) house, the low-output AC made for a moderately clammy temp, but not so much that we were uncomfortable,. And it's Louisiana, okay? Run, do not walk, to this delightful place. And if it's during the 3 weeks in a year that the weather is temperate in our lovely state, I imagine that the outdoor seating is an extra treat. Thanks, Dante's Kitchen!
(5)
Greg G.
Wildly popular with locals, Dante's Kitchen makes a very favorable impression -- their chicken with a brick was as good as you've read (and much bigger than I thought it would be), Shrimp and grits were very good. We also splurged for the charcuterie plate, which was decent. Drinks were nice and strong. Only the Chocolate Cloud dessert disappointed --too sickly sweet for my taste. I've heard many good things about their brunch, particularly their Eggs Benedict. Perhaps we'll return on a subsequent N'awlins visit. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get in without a lengthy wait.
(4)
Chris F.
This is a great little restaurant, the atmosphere reminds me a lot of places in Austin. The food was great, a lot of creative different types of dishes. They even had some really good vegetarian options which my wife likes. A really good date place, that is still casual. Also, I haven't had it but my wife says that the brunch is great.
(4)
Blake P.
BAUCE. I've only been for brunch and had the banana nut panclocks (movie reference) and bacon cinnamon roll, because I'm a poor medical student who can't afford dinner, but I vow to one day have the brick chicken thing. And yeah, I said bacon cinnamon roll. Service was great, area is really cool and neat and quaint. Reminder -- bacon. cinnamon. roll.
(5)
Alyssa B.
My group went to Dante's Kitchen when we were in town for Mardi Gras and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We walked in and immediately felt at home in the sleek, yet cozy atmosphere. The waiter was extremely attentive, with plenty of drink suggestions. Hint: their house cocktails are seductive, with just the right balance of spirits and freshly squeezed fruits. The menu contained innovative dishes with nuances of down-home, comfort food. When our dishes arrived, everything tasted like it was plucked straight from the vine, caught in the ocean and conjured up for your delight the same day. Oh, their head chef really poured his heart and soul into these dishes. Just Scrumptious. You will be stuffed once you're done with your plate and picking off other's, but for heaven's sake, Do Not Miss Out on Dessert!
(5)
Mairead R.
Hell yeah, this place is classy and the food is stunning. Tinkling creole piano tunes. Sunny outdoor patio. Frosted glass jugs for lights and crisp colors to brighten up the establishment. There is an outdoor garden and some intimate indoor seating. Even though brunch was winding now, the place was filled with locals sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade and orange juice. Their brunch menu was delightful. I went with the pork belly BLT with a side of gator sausage. Wish I had room for biscuits or banana pancakes.
(4)
Jonathan D.
My parents took me here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. The Riverbend location is charming and an easy drive from my house in Uptown. We had early reservations but the dining room was already packed. We sat in a small room with only four tables, and framed photos of what looked like local indie/punk shows. Our waiter was an extremely effusive, friendly man with a heavy accent that I could not quite place, but he was very attentive. My mother had a cocktail called the Dante 79, which was an awesome champagne-based drink that was eminently drinkable. I had the Plantation, which was a refreshingly indefinable combination of cucumber infused gin, orange liqueur, basil, grapefruit, lime and soda water. Great cocktails, great start. I had the corn and crab bisque with rosemary olive oil, which was the most delicious, fresh-tasting soup I've ever had. I followed it up with the vegetable plate, with fresh locally-grown bok choy, shitake mushrooms, a goat cheese and onion croquette, radishes and pea shoots. It was also very fresh and delicious, but my mom had the redfish "on the halfshell," which was the best version of the New Orleans classic I've tasted yet. Pan-seared with the skin on and finished in the oven, coated with a thin layer of blackening spices, and topped with a generous mound of jumbo lump crab mixed with fresh herbs and something citrus-y. My dad had a pork dish that also looked pretty awesome, but I'm not a big pork fan. Everything was absolutely amazing. My only complaint was the noise level, which became quite high once our little dining room was filled with people who kept trying to drown out the conversations of the table next to them. However, that is a small complaint. The food was a revelation, the service was stellar, the location is great. Dante's Kitchen is doing it right in Uptown.
(5)
Sharon L.
In about as many weeks, I had but two disappointing meals in NOLA. Sadly, Dante's was one of them. I really wanted to like this place, and we even took our one-day rented car to get there on a Friday night for a change of scenery from the quarter. I almost gave Dante's three stars, because for the most part, it seems to be a decent local slow-food joint, but they served me an entree for which there was NO excuse, which should never have left the line, and which I can only assume escaped from the kitchen on a night when no senior kitchen staff were on. Because no one who cares about this restaurant, and its reputation, its fresh-and-local image, could have served the eggplant napoleon I received, a dish so bad I shudder to think of it, and I just know I won't be able to order eggplant again for a long time. I totally didn't trek here to order eggplant, though -- I came for chicken-fried flank steak. CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK! It was on Dante's online menu, posted right alongside the date we went. When we arrived, however, the menu was a good deal different than the one I had seen. That's lame -- why post a daily menu if it's not accurate? I got teased with chicken-fried steak. There was instead a flank steak piri piri, and to the credit of the server, she tried to steer me that way ... but I really wasn't in the mood for just any steak, but for CHICKEN-FRIED steak. And after eating two weeks of creole cooking, by the time we ordered dinner at nearly 9 this night, I was just not hungry enough to settle for just steak. So I thought the egglant napoleon -- with smoked tomato sauce, heirloom tomatoes, fresh local basil, local mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano would be a fresh, simple, layered dish with just a bit of creole kick. What arrived should have been immediately returned, but I did order it over the server's clear steering away, so I suffered in silence. First, this was no napoleon. The dish was not layered at all, but was instead a large blob of eggplant chunks, grey, lukewarm, and incredibly seedy. So seedy, every bite was crunchy. The smoked tomato sauce wasn't integrated, and the heirloom tomatoes were half-heartedly sauteed, bitter, and set among some flavorless, stiff onions. There were no more than two tablespoons of cheese -- about one of each type -- and these were just sort of embedded in the eggplant. There was zero presentation here, on a dish that everyone knows -- by its very nature -- is supposed to be layered. There was also no basil at all in the dish, as claimed on the menu. Fresh basil should have been featured prominently, considering the menu took the time to note its local origin, and to simply omit it insulted my intelligence. There were instead some fresh snipped chives -- hey, they're green, too! -- which had no business hanging around smoked tomato sauce. Had I made this dish at home, I would have discreetly slid it in the compost bin before anyone could notice my ineptitude. The molasses spoon bread -- a buttery, sweet corn bread -- was really nice, and my guy's chicken cooked under a brick was wonderful (although I thought the sauce was maybe a little too maple syrupy, he dug it despite having a generally French aversion to too much sweet with savory), and our appetizer of shrimp and grits was well-executed, with creamy, stone ground grits and four sweetly charred whole shrimp. As a former trade bartender (and current hobbyist bartender) I was interested in checking out Dante's homemade infusions, but the peach-infused old-fashioned was watery and unsweet, and the cucumber gin and juice lacked any sharpness to its citrus component to balance the cucumber. We had water with our entrees and got the hell out of Dante's Kitchen.
(2)
Cathy G.
4.5 stars!! Yummy food & comfortable environment. Next time I'm back in NO, I will for sure come back here
(4)
Newt L.
New Orleans is unique in that restaurants that would be stellar in most cities come off as being okay here. Dante's is one of these restaurants. The menu offers a small, solid sampling of creole-style dishes, many of the ingredients are local, and the setting is comfortable. I had the shrimp and grits with andouille gravy . This is one of my "last meal" dishes, so I'm insanely particular about it. The flavors were great, the grits were creamy, and the shrimp...were overcooked. My lady-friend ordered the eggs benedict which came served over honey drizzled buttermilk biscuits and a thick cut of ham. Again, the flavors were dynamic and exciting, but the ham was dry and overcooked. The service was congenial but slow and confused. The prices were moderate. We came out of it feeling like Dante's could be great if they would pay more attention to the details and less attention to the image.
(3)
Jamie C.
Dante's Kitchen became a brunch staple for my friends and I this year. It is close to our uptown homes and usually the wait is a perfect length for all of our hungover friends to slowly make it there. The menu is terrible for my indecisive tendencies; there are too many descriptions that make my mouth water. The Eggs Benedict with biscuit, honey drizzle and pork is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. A northerner who fear grits, I usually order the hash browns, which are perfectly seasoned and tasty. One special, the Alligator Sausage Sliders, spooked my Californian who thought they were like buffalo wings (not actually made of Alligator) but they were a great size and interesting addition to breakfast. And, despite my resistance, the cheesy grits are heaven. Try the mixed bread or brioche french toast appetizer to get a mix of all the amazing flavors they have to offer.
(5)
Joanna C.
I LOVE this place. I have a friend with a house Uptown, and thanks to him I have gotten to know the restaurants and bars along Carrollton and the surrounding neighborhood. Dante's Kitchen has consistently been a great meal. My mother even requested - nay, DEMANDED that we come back here on her second visit to Louisiana. And that was after Katrina - I was so happy to see their doors open. (I know Katrina probably sunk a lot of restaurants in more ways than one). Love the molasses spoon bread, the shrimp and grits kick ass, and pick any of the entrees - you won't get a bad meal here. The service is also great and always willing to chat and give recommendations. I hope this place continues to feed New Orleans.
(5)
Alisha R.
I've been here several times and this place is just consistently good. I usually switch back and forth between the redfish and the filets. Both are good, but I think I prefer the filet. It has a nice patio area to sit out on and I've alway gotten great service. There are a million great restaurants in New Orleans, but Dante's is definitely one my favorites.
(5)
Andrew L.
Great service. Amazing food especially the chicken and rabbit stew. Nice quaint atmosphere in a neighborhood block near the river.
(4)
Aviv G.
Neat little place with attentive, if not slightly hurried service. Reasonably priced wine list. Three of us started with roasted stuffed squid, pork belly, and shrimp n grits followed by drum (yum), duck breast, and trois mignon. Worth a visit.
(4)
Joyce S.
We lucked into this restaurant after discovering that the music we'd come for at the Maple Leaf wouldn't be starting for three hours. The bartender at the ML described Dante's Kitchen as a restaurant for people who care where their food comes from. Every morsel was outstanding. We started with the punch of the day--a concoction of gin, ginger liqueur, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice and a dash of ginger beer. Complex and delicious. We followed that with a salad of local greens topped with shaved apples and the tuna two ways, char rare over mustard greens and chopped and marinated atop cabbage and carrot shreds. They also gave us some pumpkiny spoon bread that was a perfect complement to both the salad and the tuna. Everything had subtleties of flavor and multiple layers of taste so that each bite was a slightly new experience. The service was great, the ambience homey. We would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Gene P.
We decided to stay away from the over priced and dressy French Quarter restaurants and head in the opposite direction, and boy, am I glad we did.The reviews for Dante's kitchen were spot on. I had the BBQ shrimp over grits which was just heavenly. The chicken cooked under a brick with egg was excellent. The chicken was very moist and the sauce was a combination of sweet ( honey ? ) and some spice that gave it a slight kick. ( which I could not figure out ). The maple honey cornbread was a treat in itself. My wife had the" tres mignons" with a silton sauce and debries ( like a pulled pork ) which she raved about. Our waiter was attentive and service was excellent. I agree with others that this was our best meal in NOLA. Do make a reservation as it is an old converted home and not very large.
(5)
Stephanie W.
Just plain amazing. Food tasted great, was interesting and well executed. The restuarant has indoor and outdoor seating - both really great places to sit and have a very nice atomsphere to if for a nice intimate dinner. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. The portions were good and the service was outstanding.
(5)
Justin S.
I went a long long time ago for a fantastic brunch, so when I needed to find a place for a late Valentine's dinner they had openings and a killer looking menu. My girlfriend and I had 4 small plates which were excellent and one which was OK. We also had a few cocktails which were very nice. The problem with everything was the service. Our food came out pretty much on time, but was delivered by everybody but our server. My girlfriend had a prefect view of the bar and our drinks which sat around for a while, once long enough to be re-shaken. We would have ordered another glass of wine with dessert, but considering my dessert cocktail came when we were nearly finished with the apple pie, I'm glad we didn't. Overall, the food was really good, as were the drinks, but it seemed as if it was just our waiter who was off. I may try this place again as I am pretty forgiving of service (as a waiter myself), but it's not high on my priority list at the moment.
(2)
Chad C.
We had a great dining experience at Dante's Kitchen. Its a very small place with a nice (other than some road noise) patio to dine on. The food portions were small but the quality was amazing. Lots of incorporation of local produce and fresh ingredients. Nice wait staff and great food. The only reason they're getting 4 stars is because of the small portions.
(4)
R T.
I didn't care for this place. My mahi mahi was topped with bbq'd brisket, which wasn't stated on the menu. My fiance's vegetable plate had too many overpowering flavors. The service was good, but the food was pretty bad. Everything was either too salty or too rich and the flavors did not compliment each other.
(1)
Renee M.
The Molasses Honey Spoonbread was DIVINE!!! I ordered the chicken cooked under a brick it was delicious. Neil the owner was very cordial and hospitable I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant
(5)
Rachel G.
Dante's Kitchen was the surprise food star of this trip. After all the hype around its neighbor, Brigtsen's (see my earlier review), I was expecting a good meal, but nothing over the top. Boy, was I wrong. This place is fantastic! First of all, love the vibe inside - they have an adorable outside patio for warmer weather, and the interior where we dined is in a cute house with a contemporary feeling. Because all of the choices looked so good, we went for a bunch of small plates for dinner. The thing I especially appreciated was how the chef took inspiration from New Orleans cuisine but put his own twist on it. The dish I'm still obsessing over is the kale and lentils - admittedly not a very Southern dish - but he made it so by doing the old trick of putting small pieces of meat in to season the veggies. (Sorry vegetarians.) The cocktails were also excellent - a good selection of specialty drinks from the bar. Dante's Kitchen has easily become a family favorite.
(4)
Amy S.
I was just in New Orleans for a conference and someone in our group suggested we go here after she heard about it from a friend. I was so happy that we took a pleasant and senic cab ride through the Garden District (I think) and saw all of the historical homes, Loyola University-New Orleans, etc. Apparently the Dante's is a 1800's home. It was very cute and quaint. The staff was very accomodating to our group of 11--explaining the menu, letting us know their favorites and offered excellent service refilling water glasses. While the menu is small--though I'm not sure if that's because it was a weeknight, it offers traditional Louisiana dishes. The molasses spoon bread that they brought out was delicious and melted in my mouth. I had a pork chop dish that had lyonaise potatoes and some baked apples. It was very tender and juicy. For desert I had the key lime pie that was also good. I did not try them, but one of the women who I was with from Oklahoma had the collared greens and she said they were the best she ever had. The waitress was so nice and was patient while we all figured out our bills and even called us cabs so we could get back to our hotel safely. On our way out, the owner walked us out and was very friendly and gracious. Thank you for your hospitality!
(5)
Allison R.
Seriuosly, the absolute best meal I've had in the city, if not my life! The chicken under a brick and macaroni & cheese is masterful. I am so becoming a regular here. Oh, check your diet at the door and indulge.
(5)
Nic S.
Hands down, the best restaurant inNew Orleans. We live to eat, and this city surely provides, but nothing compares to Dante's. The staff is amazing, friendly and knowledgable. They have a great cocktail menu and wine list, and if you get a bloody mary at brunch expect it to be full of their house pickled vegetables. If you are visiting, or a local, DON'T pass this place up, you can't be disaapointed.
(5)
Sara H.
Fantastic. I'm a newbie when it comes to New Orleans cuisine but my local friends agreed best meal in the city. Our helpful waiter guided us to the best on the food and drinks menu and we ended up with the boar, chicken, and local veggie plate. As he suggested, for drinks try the Argentinian merlot and the pimms cup. It will be hard to find a finer meal. Only advice is it's not purely a Cajun or Creole restaurant so skip this meal if you're dead set on jambalaya. Rather it has heavy Southern influences with a fresh, local agenda.
(5)
Dr. D.
I'm not sure if their food is "Cajun/Creole", but my boyfriend and I had a great dinner. Their molasses cornbread is amazing!!!
(5)
T e x M o m.
Great food with local ingredients done up in unique ways. I would have given it 5 stars had it not been for the leaky a/c vent over our table and lack of bathroom space (only ONE bathroom). Parking can also be a challenge if you're not familiar with the area.
(4)
David C.
I'd actually give it a 4.5 if I could. A smaller restaurant with a great ambiance. Seems to attract a lot of locals due to it's location, but I would definitely recommend trying to this place out (especially if you're a fan of Jacques-Imo's). The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable making the place an overall great experience. The menu is relatively small (BUT delicious), but they change it often so it never really seems to get boring. This is a place I would definitely try again.
(4)
Polly C.
i'll tell you exactly what i told the staff at dante's: my bf and i are new yorkers who travel and eat out A LOT and this was THE BEST meal we've had in months. yes, months. everything was perfect, delicious, seasoned well, really just incredible. this restaurant could make me want to live in new orleans.
(5)
Sam P.
Superb, superb, superb. Local ingredients. Seasonal. I.e. what you get today may not be there tomorrow. Owner is great and fun to chat with. No tourists in sight, except us... Great neighborhood. Would definetly go back!!!! Easy to get to on the St. Charles line.
(5)
D C.
This is one of my favorite breakfast joints in New Orleans. The debris, i think, is the best in New Orleans. I think it's better than Ralph's on the Park. Their cheese grits are also really good...I love adding corn to it! Perfect casual Sunday brunch place. Nice patio to kick back and sip your bloody marys. The biggest downside to this place is the LONG line and if you get there too late...they actually run out of items!!! Very frustrating when you've been waiting just to sit down and they say they are out of your favorite dish. So go early!
(4)
Lauren C.
I had an outstanding dinner at Dante's Kitchen to celebrate my graduation. The food was excellent. The service was professional. The patio is small, but private and very nice. This is truly a hidden gem!
(5)
Megan C.
The abmiance is nearly as good as the food. The art and colorful walls of this very clean cottage make you ready for a perfect meal. They play perfect dinner music - Modest Mouse was rotated in. All glasses of wine are only $5 and the list compliments the food very well. The mixed drinks are top notch too! Like all NOLA eateries, this one serves up generous portions. I had a terrible time deciding what to get but am very pleased with the scallops. I noticed most other tables in the restaurant ordered the BBQ shrimp so I am going to go back for mine! Oh yeah, most of the ingredients are FRESH AND LOCAL. It's been my favorite meal so far this trip....
(5)
K S.
Went for brunch and my meal was so good. I had the corned beef hash which was great, but would have loved some more of that horseradish cream sauce. What can you say about a meal served in an iron skillet - heaven! It went down well with the bubbly satsumosas and the staff was attentive.
(5)
Nancy H.
Dante's Kitchen was a wonderful experience! It is further out if you are staying in the french quarter, but still very accessible via the st. charles street car (last stop) or a $15 cab ride. I highly recommend the brick-cooked chicken. It was one of the juiciest and most tender chicken I've had in my life here. Not only is the chicken juicy and sweet, it comes with an egg sunny side up on top! I'm not a fan of the duck pot pie, as it tasted like frozen duck sprinkled with chunky flour crumbles and baked lukewarm. For dessert, the banana parfait was absolutely delicious!! Overall, food here is very well-prepared. The restaurant is cozy, service is attentive and courteous. It's worth the trip out- even if you don't get a table at Dante's Kitchen, the neighborhood has many other cute homey restaurants that seem worth trying!
(4)
Greg N.
We had high expectations of New Orleanean cuisine, and Dante's Kitchen exceeded them beyond our imagination. From the spoonbread to the brick roasted chicken we walked out wishing we weren't going home to San Francisco. One of the best meals we've had in North America.
(5)
Tim M.
Went there last week for dinner. Very interesting and creative menu - I guess you would call it Nouveau Cajun. Food was tasty and good selection of beers and cocktails - always nice to have a Pimm's Cup. Kind of far from the FQ but I would recommend it for a good New Orleans meal.
(4)
tara j.
Exceptional food . Chicken served with a poached egg was really moist and flavorful. The trio of petite tenderloin with root beer mashed potatoes was tasty.Excellent drink special. Would visit again.
(5)
Theo S.
best meal in years - go there. now!
(5)
Josh N.
Amazing food. We started with some drinks at the bar which entails on the freshest ingredients and craftsmanship you can find, the drinks are amazing. Once we sat down we ordered some appetizers which were all very tasty and included fresh boiled crawfish and the escargot and house made bacon. There were 4 of us and that was a good start to the meal. We had the trois mignons, red fish, and duck as the main entree. As the sides we ordered the mac and cheese and broccoli. The mignon was absolutely to die for, it the sauce was thick and zesty and the caramelized potatoes were amazing. The redfish was very good with a nice sauteed crust on it. The only item that was not over par was the duck, having grown up hunting and eatin many wild game this was not a great item. The meat was way to gamey and a little too under cooked. Having said that I was the one that ordered and still think this restaurant is 4.5 stars. If I had ordered anything else I believe the would have received that 5th star. The ambiance is amazing. Very romantic and welcoming from the point that you enter the front gate! A definite must have while in new orleans!
(4)
Jane L.
Very cute, semi secret location, mostly locals. Very good- but this is Nawlin's ya'll, if it aint slap your momma good, it only gets four stars!
(4)
francesca b.
The most amazing meal we have ever had!! Service was fantastic. Started with the grits (off the hook) and a spicy tomato soup that was the best I have ever had. Chicken under brick is an obligation.-the sauce and spices are continuous and wonderful. Don't fill up on the bread, or you will miss the desserts. Peach and blueberry pie was complemented by cream cheese sorbet. Wine selection was good and very well priced . We had three drinks, two apps. Two vegetable sides, two entrees and two desserts for $127. Should have been easily $200 anywhere else. We will be going back for brunch!!
(5)
Lauren P.
Great food and great, fresh drinks.
(5)
C N.
We were redirected at Dick and Jenny's, as they had an hour wait...so, we had no idea how fabulous dinner would be. From the house made infused spirits that were used in the evening punch (changes nightly), to the ridiculously luscious complimentary molasses spoon bread, to our spectacular meals (duck and gulf fish). There was not one detail that I can take issue with. The service is gracious and the vibe is relaxed. The Pot Likka was outstanding...rich, lusciousness to spread in bread. Mac and cheese with rabbit hotdogs was indulgent and homey. I look forward to eating there again!
(5)
Nicole F.
This place was amazing! It's off the beaten path if you're staying in the french quarter BUT you can take the trolly which was fun. I had the cornbeef and potatoes and my boyfriend had the shrimp grits (which he was making fun of me for raving about until he had them). AND WOW! The shrimp grits was so freaking good I think I cried...because as wonderful as the cornbeef was and as perfectly beautiful as my eggs were poached, his dish was truly divine. Lucky for me, we love to share food so I got my fill of both. Oh...and the spicy bloodys were good too!
(5)
michael b.
My first New Orleans meal and after four years a foodie in NOLA I still hold Dante's in a high place. The menu is simple as our the dishes, but you will leave satisfied. ASK for two spoon breads and they will give you the recipe. This place destroys so many spots just by having a small well executed menu.
(5)
Allison J.
Prior to Katrina, this was *the* place I'd go to for Sunday brunch. They have a HEAVENLY HASH dish that's awesome and the EGGS BENEDICT was fantastic. I don't know if they're open now but if they are, you've got to go. They have a fantastic sunny patio with all kinds of plants so you feel like you're in someone's backyard. The service is friendly and attentive but you may have to wait a little while if you come primetime for brunch. Ahhhh.... to be in that patio with a mimosa right now!
(5)
Patricia C.
Yum! What a cozy, lovely little spot, far off the beaten path of NOLA. A 15+/- cab ride outside of the French Quarter, barely making the Uptown area, brings you to Dantes Kitchen. Warm staff, cute, tiny interior, fresh, locally sourced meat & produce, prepared with care. Fresh, delicious. The spoon bread starter is a killer. We loved the pickle plate too! I went vegetarian that night & had the Cushaw pumpkin soup (lentils were a yummy surprise in the bottom of the bowl) as well as the local fresh farm vegetable platter was delicous! My husband shared the above with me & for a dinner, had several small plates: The Charcuterie (which was good, he said, but the pate was not to die for); the field peas, which he said were really fresh & tasty. Our server was an extremely sweet woman whom we chatted with at length. As we were leaving, one of the owners stood & waited for our cab with us and had a nice long conversation with him as well. A really nice place, super sweet people & great food.
(5)
Jelly B.
I do agree with the other reviews that the Molasses Spoon Bread is very good. The shrimp & grits and barbequed shrimp appetizers are both excellent. The entrees are all good, but small. One friend had the redfish on the half shell and it was a small portion and came with no sides. The crabmeat that accompanied it must have been 2 bites worth. A total disappointment. I had the tangerine glazed pork loin with goat cheese grits and collard greens. I really enjoyed my meal and the collard greens were delicious. Others we dined with had the gulf fish amandine and citrus rubbed gulf fish. I think they enjoyed thier meals, but the overall impression was the portions were a little small for the prices they charged. As for the desserts, one guest commented, "Are they dollhouse sized?" They charged around $6+ for teeny, tiny desserts. The molten lava chocolate cake was literally 2 bites of cake with some ice cream on the side. We were shocked because the waitress warned us it would take a little while to prepare since it's served warm, so we expected a nice hearty dessert. Don't bother with dessert at this place and go somewhere else. We're not this giant, obese eaters, but I really felt they overcharged by $5-6 per plate for the portion sizes. I would probably recommend Dick & Jenny's over this place.
(4)
Debbie Y.
LOVED THIS PLACE! It's very cute and cozy, candle lit spaces. The food was wonderful. The restaurant is all up local, fresh everything. Their vegetable selection is very seasonal and so so good! To start, I had the mussels in green curry, which were amazing. I'm a huge fan of mussels and these hit the spot. I like spicy and the curry added a nice kick. My date had the escargot which was served in a yummy cream sauce with garlic bread. We were given a complimentary sweet, "spoon" bread (?) I believe is what it was called. I had the duck two ways and a side of English Peas. THE PEAS WERE DELICIOUS! So fresh, so flavorful, and perfectly prepared. I have to say that was probably the highlight of my meal, not to undermine the duck, because it was great too. But the peas.. I guess I don't really eat peas that often, and these were just perfect. My date had the pork steak, i stole a bite and it was good. I liked my duck better though :) Of course we couldn't leave without dessert. I had the carrot cake and my date had pumpkin pie. Both are made in-house. Good stuff. Wish the pumpkin pie had a little more spice though. Again, very fresh and "homemade" tasting. This is such a great neighborhood restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon! And am excited to see what new "seasonal" items will come out. The only thing I could complain about was that service was kind of slow.. Although our waitress was very helpful and good, when she came around.
(4)
Dwayne H.
Stumbled on this place after finding out that Brigsten's was closed. Soooo glad we did as it was an awesome dinner. Our server John took great care of us and his recommendations were spot on. I always appreciate someone who tells us that it'd be cheaper to buy the bottle of champagne than get it by the glass. We did an array of three appetizers: Escargot ($8), Padron peppers ($7), and pickle plate ($7). The escargot were tasty and tender. LOVED the Padron peppers--they had this light terriyaki glaze and were oh so tasty. Even the pickle plate was great...selection of bread and butter pickles, zucchini, green beans, etc. The tuna entree was perfectly done rare ($23). The chicken under a brick was very tasty and extremely moist ($24). Redfish on the half shell was great ($24). Get a side green beans ($7). Great experience and definitely worth the trip--take the St Charles street trolley and get off at Stop 44.
(4)
Rachel H.
This place is amazing! The best meal I've had in ages. Do not miss the shrimp grits with red eye gravy - to die for. I also had the flounder, which was spectacular. The only thing sub par was the peach mojito which was not sweet enough, but that was not enough to mar a 5 star rating. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Pots de Creme was the perfect end to a fabulous meal. Eat here if you want the best in fresh, creative, nola cuisine.
(5)
Michelle D.
I've had several wonderful meals at Dantes. The local ingredient board on arrival sets the stage for a great meal of the freshest ingredients. The mussels are to die for. In the summer, their cucumber infused gin makes an incredible gin and tonic. I plan to visit Dantes every time I go to NOLA.
(5)
Stan F.
Superb food; the shrimp & grit appetizer is amazingly tasty anf huge; four big prawns and great grits. Had the vegetarian entree that was very creative and lovely presentation. The ribs appetizer was OK, not as tender as some I've had, but excellent flavor and quality. The molasses spoon bread that is a freebie is terrific. A great Manhattan and excellent Gruet sparkling rounded out the dinner. Service was fun and knowledgeable, owner pleasant and talkative. At the end of St Charles street carline, but we did the taxi thing from CBD (it was cold and windy) and that was $20, but worth it.
(5)
Jason L.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time, SF places included. Our food was phenomenal, just unbelievably good. More details soon...
(5)
Melissa M.
Wonderful, wonderful meal. Just spent three days in New Orleans and, by far, this was the best meal I had in the city. Granted, I have a very mild palate, so a lot of the spicy food did not appeal to me in general, but this was a top notch meal. I had the chicken roasted under a brick and it was amazing. It came on the bone, which I normally despise. However, it was cut in such a way that it was easy to just eat meat while fiddling with the bone. I don't know exactly how they cook it under a brick (I asked to have the brick, but they said it cost extra ;) ), but it turned out beautifully. I anticipated the egg and hash to give it a breakfasty feel...but it didn't. It was ideal for dinner. The only thing I did not like was the corn and peas with bacon side dish that I got. It was a bit dense and smoky for my taste. That notwithstanding, I highly recommend this restaurant if you're headed to New Orleans and looking for original cuisine.
(5)
Amy D.
My friend and I drove down to New Orleans from Atlanta. We were rescuing a dog and cat the following day so we were only staying one night. It was a long drive and a bit stressful anticipating getting the pets, but I wanted to make sure that we had a nice dinner. I always read the reviews on Yelp and the comments for Dante's Kitchen convinced me this would be the perfect place for a lovely dinner. And it was! We ate outside on the patio, had a wonderful waiter and a delicious meal. My friend ordered the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad to start and it was a winner! I had a a yummy salad with tomatoes and onions (I can't remember what else was in it) and it was also delicious. For my entree, I had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. And for dessert we shared a Ricotta Cheesecake. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere was relaxing and the service was outstanding. It's off the beaten path which was perfect. We enjoyed every bit of our evening at Dante's and I'd go back in a minute.
(5)
Rick W.
Great food. Yes the Bar-b-que shrimp hands down wip Pascal Manales. Sorry they did not have it for an entre, only appetizer. The skitp steak was great as well.
(5)
Janelle L.
Dante's is one of may favorite places in the city. I love how they use local produce with a seasonal menu. The coctails are truly unique. The peach mojito and the cucumber gin are a must! The service is outstanding and timely. The ambience is cozy and romantic. I've eaten here numerous times for dinner and brunch, and would highly recommend either or both. It's hard to find a place that is outstanding in all 3 areas of appetizer, entree and dessert; dante's kitchen definitely hits the mark!
(5)
Betsy M.
while the food was good enough, the service was seriously lacking. we were really looking forward to this dinner for our first night in New Orleans and it turned out to be the worst by far. our server was totally detached, socializing with a friend at another table almost the whole time we were there and just seemed uncomfortable in general. I had the red fish, which was excellent, but it came with a salad of mint and dill that was not a match at all. my boyfriend had the duck, which was also excellent but again, the service just took the whole experience way down for us. we had the butterscotch pudding with salted whipped cream for dessert and it was not good. actually tasted like caramel, not even remotely butterscotch, and eaten alone, the whipped cream was completely over whipped to the point of tasting like butter. of all the great options in New Orleans, this isn't worth the money at all. we ate at commanders palace and arnaud's for less and the service was impeccable! the atmosphere is also confused. trying to be traditional/hipster/country garden all at the same time. it just doesn't work.
(2)
Carolyn C.
If this place really does serve breakfast I'm going to be in heaven. I went there for a small group dinner and the atmosphere really can't be beat - the restaurant is in an old house so tables are set up in various rooms. The menu is full of yummy looking options, but beware, this is not a cheap dining experience, but if you are craving some quality seafood that isn't your typical fish baked blah - you should stop in.
(5)
Jeanette R.
My husband and I dined at Dante's one Friday night in November for the first time in a year. My husband moved here in 2010 and described Dante's as his favorite restaurant at one time. It may be our last visit for dinner, though we will go back often for brunch. My husband had the only dish he ever orders...chicken under the brick. There was so much sauce, he hardly recognized the dish. I order the featured whole fish and while good, it could have been great, but here again the fish was sopping in broth. While I often order whole fish when out for dinner and do not mind the work involved, this version was downright sloppy and difficult to eat. The skin and bones of the fish were lost in the "soup" and I frequently had to worry that I was taking in a bone. It would have been much more appealing had it been served on broth and not in broth. By the time you order two sides, the chicken under the brick becomes a $33 meal and that is outrageous for chicken. The eggplant dish was flavorful with the goat cheese, but the chef should know better to skin the eggplant as I was not even able to cut it with a knife. They were out of mussels and the music was blaring so loud (yes, we are fans of rock) that we only could laugh at the end of the dinner as the experience had turned bizarre.
(2)
Suzanne G.
We ate here on a bachelorette party weekend in New Orleans over the summer. It was delicious and they were very accommodating for our large group. The only downside was that we had a little trouble finding the restaurant, but once found, all was golden. I had the tuna two ways - I'd highly recommend that dish, along with any of the appetizers. I also had a Dante 79, a play on the French 75. It fulfilled my dreams of something the opposite of beer, which we had enough of that weekend.
(4)
Dean H.
Simply outstanding meal and great service. Started with a couple of orange peel infused vodka and tonics that were wonderful. The molassis cornbread that was served before diners was mouth watering good. Had some of the best duck EVER!!! Not sure what they rubbed on the duck skin but it was incredible!! Final touch was a dessert called the Swamp -awesome, hot, chocolate brownie with strawberries. Unreal! Finally, the wine list was superb and the must cost-conscious I have ever seen. We had a bottle of Justin Isoceles, which was outstanding. Cost was approx $70. Same bottle two nights later was $125 at NOLA. ABSOLUTELY OUR BEST MEAL IN NEW ORLEANS!!!!
Disappointing, The quality and the quantity of the food are not in sync with the prices.
(2)
Charlie H.
Dante's was recommended by a local friend and it was not disappointing! For a drink I tried the Up Doc, a delicious carrot gin based cocktail that was sweet and inventive. Very tasty. Next I tried to LA citrus salad which was nothing to write home about. Slightly overdressed and the crunchy things on top did not mesh well with the tangerine slices. The chicken under a brick however was phenomenal. Rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked, not dry the way many restaurants do their chicken dishes. I usually avoid ordering chicken at restaurants because it is such a basic dish but this was done very well. All in all a great experience, good atmosphere with fitting music and a kind waitstaff
(4)
Rich W.
This place was about a 15 minute drive outside of the touristy French Quarters area. Fortunately we had a car rental but for those without a car, it's worth the cab fare! My significant other ordered the Debris with Scrambled Eggs (on the menu as Poached Eggs) and I ordered the Eggs Benedict. Both dishes were spectacular and was perfect to the tee. (Warning: It's somewhat on the heavier side, so brace yourselves!). The establishment definitely gave this city slicker a good insight to how good and comforting southern food can be! Also, not to take away from some of the establishments within and around the French Quarters, but dining here just gave off a way more authentic feel since it was tucked away in a predominately residential area.
(4)
Dan V.
Everything about this meal was perfect, from the pre-meal Sazarac (Modern, not Classic as the Classic refers to the invention of the Sazerac during Prohibition when NOLA didn't really "follow" the law banning alcohol and used cognac instead of rye... um, yeah +1 knowledgeable bartender!) to the Blueberry Olive Oil Cake (with sweet ricotta and lemon honey syrup, drool). It was a work-related dinner so we were able to sample far more appetizers, charcuterie, and small plates than I normally would and that only amplified the experience. There's a disclaimer on the front door that if you're looking for light health food, this isn't the place and while correct, all of the ingredients are handmade in house or locally-sourced... they just happen to have a healthy dose of butter and/or protein. We were with a vegetarian and she still managed (and had a glowing review as well). The atmosphere is casual but still fresh. There's not an overly stylized, modern or plastic-feeling to the restaurant and it really captured the laid-back vibe of New Orleans without a "hand-grenade" or "hurricane" in sight. The food is comfort food but not your standard 'fried chicken' fare. Speaking of chicken, the unappetizing 'Chicken Roasted Under a Brick' was the most tender, moist, flavorful chicken I've had in recent memory. Our waitress broke-down the prep process and I'm going to have to try the recipe at home (anything with maple-butter sauce is a win). You'll just have to go for yourself to find out more, but the 5-star review (my first) should say it all. Items we tried: Heirloom Tomato Salad, Escargot & House Made Bacon, Seared Diver Scallops, Braised & Roasted Pork Belly, Homemade/cured Salumi, Local Farm Vegetable Plate, Chicken Roasted Under a Brick (!!!!!!!!!!!), and of course, Blueberry Olive Oil Cake. Their 'punch' (aka "daily concoction of awesomeness") is also worth a try.
(5)
Ryan L.
Overall, a pretty solid hit and I would definitely return to Dante's Kitchen on a future trip to New Orleans. Great looking patio dining space, though we dined inside with the a/c. Food was spot on delicious. I opted for a couple small plates: scallops and boudin ... both of which were fantastic I'm not sure where the scallops were sourced, but they were sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked. The boudin, too, was scrumptious. My dining parter had the charcuterie plate and the mac and cheese and seemed overall less impressed than I was with my choices, but it I don't want to base this review on that person's dining experience. A miss was the El Vice Presidente rum drink. At $9, it was mostly very large ice cubes and the drink filled to about the 3/4 fill line of a rocks glass. I felt cheated. It was good, but just not properly served, in my opinion. Service was friendly, but a bit slow. They were training a new waitress at our table that night. She was okay, but already seemed like her heart wasn't in it. The guys who work here are easy on the eyes, for sure. ;)
(4)
Blair B.
From the cozy atmosphere to the accomodating staff, our evening here rocked. I liked the variety of plate sizes (apps, small plates, large plates) and really enjoyed all the food and beverage! We ordered a smorgasboard and shared it all - no one was super hungry. Our bill came out to $200ish for 5 people with 2 beverages each. A bargain ! Escargot - some of the better escargot I've had! My husband and sister aren't big fans of escargot, but they were even able to eat this. Not chewy at all and a nice subtle feta taste from the broth it was cooked in. Duck 2 ways - this was meh for us, but it seems others enjoy it. The breast was good, but the confit was nothing special and none of us could tolerate the heat level on the kimchee. Shrimp and grits - Our grit loving fam was eating this up! The shirmp were great, but the grits were spectacular. Perfect consistency. Chicken under a brick - moist and delish Filet trio (I forget exactly what this dish is named) - this was by far the table favorite. Each filet has a different preparation, but our favorite was the one with debris. Now putting low quality beef all over a nice filet sounds ridiculous, but it actually worked! The debris was fabulous - and I've eaten quite a bit of debris in my day. The mashed potatoes combined with the debris and the filet made for the perfect bite. Overall one of my favorite new (new to me that is!) places in NOLA. I even liked it better than Jacques Imo (but honestly you can't go wrong with either one).
(5)
Joshua Z.
I cannot comment on the food because the reception we received was so cold and off putting, we didn't stay on Sunday, March 31. We arrived early for our reservation and before the restaurant was opened. You would have thought we had the plague. It was about to thunderstorm and we were turned out into the neighborhood to find a bar to kill time. While my wife used the restroom, I tried to engage the bartender in talk about some curious looking liquors they had on display. Disdain is the kindest description for his interaction with me.
(1)
Cindy C.
My friends and I came out here for brunch and we were seated outside in the horrible humidity! I ordered a Dante's Omelette and it was amazing! The Crab Omelette had PLENTY of crabmeat in it so if you're feeling crabby, definitely order this entree! I typically don't like biscuits because they leave you a dry feel in your mouth but Dante's biscuits are out of this world!! It's moist and fluffy and it came with three different sauces in nice white plates: some type of berry jam, butter, and lemon jam. What I loved most about Dante's kitchen is the atmosphere and the whole setup. It reminded me of someone's backyard, nicely decorated with tables and chairs of course. It would be a great location (if it wasn't so humid) for a lovely breakfast/brunch! P.S. Parking can be found on the streets or in the parking lot across the restaurant.
(4)
Elijah C.
Dang..! This place is good. The pork was some of the best I've ever had. Everyone's dish at my table was great from start to finish. The service was good and so were the drinks. It has a nice homey atmosphere, but classy. Would recommend!
(5)
Cheryl R.
DANG!!! NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!! ohhh soooo good!!! took my honey out here for his birthday & LOVED IT!!! The Molasses Spoon Bread was freakin' awesome! We also ordered the Shrimp & Grits & OH SO YUMMY!!! (like one poster stated - get grits w/ a side of grits, so good!!) the seasoning/sauce (andoille red eye gravy) wasn't too heavy - it was flavorful & suited it perfectly!! My honey got the chicken under a brick & it was just ridiculously good - who would've thought??? SOOOO GOOD!!! I got the Lamb Mixed Grill - came w/ 2 succulent lamb thingies (that I swear the mint jelly was infused into & not at all overpowering!! AWESOME!!!) sausage ?andoille?? over pickled cucs I think it was - again nothing overpowering - very complimentary!!! amazing!! He also had the cauliflower which I didn't like so much - I got the broccoli which I liked!!! & then for desert key lime pie w/ the BEST whipped cream I have ever had!! SOOO GOOOODDD!!!! (I was just a bit heartbroken when all morning I kept looking forward to my leftovers - everything was there but my lamb, heartbroken I say!!) Oh yes we'll be back!! FUNNIEST thing... the menu gently states "no cell phones & diets" so very true!! While everything was just the best & I put calorie counting OUT OF MY HEAD - I never felt like the food was covered w/ gobs of goop - just incredibly flavorful masterfully put together seasoning & foods - very awesome!
(5)
Sarah M.
Excellent. Way off the beaten path...you'll need a car or a taxi to get there if you're staying in downtown New Orleans/French Quarter...but it's worth it. I had the red fish on the half shell (thanks to Yelpers recommendations) and it was terrific. My vegetarian friend had the seasonal veggie plate with a yummy onion & goat cheese croquette. It lives up to the hype.
(4)
Charlie F.
Friendly faces, wonderful food. We had brunch, I had the debris on the biscuit with the poached eggs. It's hard for me to even look at the words that food was so good. My wife had the fish sandwich, it's big and delicious. They have been around for 11 years, have done no advertising. All word of mouth. I will scream from the treetops. Eat at Dante's!
(5)
Terence N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday. The place is small and located in the middle of nowhere...it's out of the main tourist area, so it's all locals. I was lucky enough to have a friend who took me around the neighborhood and introduce me to the local foods. This place is excellent for brunch and I would recommend it to anyone in the area! Started off with Bloody Mary's, which were made excellent! The complimentary bread was also good, there were 4 different flavors, and all tasted fresh, healthy, and delicious. I decided to order the alligator sausage biscuits...one word...AMAZING! I was a little skeptical reading the description of the alligator sausage biscuits, it just didn't seem appealing...but it was by far the best biscuit I have ever had! The alligator sausage was excellent, it really doesn't taste all that much different from a regular sausage patty, except its leaner and less fatty. The biscuits were excellent! Baked perfectly! The scrambled eggs with peppers went well with the sausage...I would have like a little more mozzarella in my biscuits (because I love cheese), but it was a subtle touch. The glaze inside the biscuit was just enough to give a little flavor without overdoing things, it was slightly sweet. Overall, it may seem like only 2 biscuits...but they are very hearty and satisfying! I was impressed with my brunch item and would come back if I am ever in the area! My friends ordered the corned beef hash and the shrimp and grits; I didn't try them, but they said everything was cooked perfectly and delicious! The best thing I like about dante's kitchen is the food quality and presentation. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious! The presentations are simple and elegant. The prices for brunch are very good, ranges anywhere from $10-$15. The portions are big and fulfilling. I cannot find any complaints about this place other than the fact that they only have one restroom for both genders...literally 1 restroom for the whole restaurant...so if you got to go, be prepared to wait in line! Excellent food, excellent prices, excellent atmosphere!
(5)
Justin R.
Dante's is another one of those fresh neighborhood restaurants. I love the concept of Dante's and the like. Because of the location and the way they are set up inside, makes you feel right at home. I have been to Dante's on multiple occasions and try and get something different every time I go. For starters try the Shrimp & Grits, the Escargot or the Scallops. Either of these are great ways to start the meal off. As for dinner, get the Chicken Roasted under a Brick. It has so much flavor! And the chicken is cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes and Mac'n'Cheese are both excellent sides to accompany your dinner. The service is great and overall perfect experience every night.. I have yet to go for brunch, but here its amazing!
(5)
Ivana J.
We came here for an amazing breakfast late on a Saturday morning. We enjoyed a short wait sitting on their porch and were seated quickly. I got the brandy milk punch, which was a fun drink reminiscent of egg nog (it's the nutmeg) and the bread pudding french toast. Such a creative idea! It was well-executed, and the portion size was great! I was full, but not overly so.
(5)
Courtney S.
My most recent trip to Dante's was to have brunch with a bunch of Yelpers. It was an incredible experience. The menu is extensive (leading to much indecision on my part). We started with the house-made breads, which were so good. I tried the chocolate version, but I hear the cranberry was quite good, too When it came to an entree, I had trouble deciding between the Debris and Poached Eggs, Grilled Shrimp and Grits, Roasted Banana Pancakes and the Dante's Eggs Benedict. I went with the latter and had no regrets (other than wishing my stomach had more room!) Every bite was wonderful, and I will definitely go back to try that, as well as some of the dishes I wasn't able to try. The wait staff and manager were very attentive to our large group (I think we had 14 or 15 people). We were even treated to some of the famous, tasty Satsumosas... a mimosa made with satsumas and champagne. I highly recommend this as a not-to-be-missed brunch spot, no matter if your group is large or small. I will caution that Dante's has a no-reservation policy, so get there early, and be willing to wait for a seat--it's worth it. (You can enjoy Satsumosas and/or Bloody Mary's while you wait on their cute patio area!)
(5)
Elsa S.
Loved it for dinner - scallops were great and so was dessert! Brunch made me a little less happy - the salmon was too salty, but I would go back earlier since they were out of the dish I wanted to order.
(4)
Amit K.
I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. We were searching for a nice place to eat on this trip to NOLA with my parents. It was a special dinner for my birthday and this place was recommended to me by a friend. The outside is a converted house with a quaint patio with lots of seating and the inside has a few rooms with small cozy dining areas. We started off with some drinks, an Abita for my dad and I had a Pimms Cup. Both were quite refreshing. I had the chicken under the brick and my parents had two different types of fish. The fresh bread they served was simply amazing. The food, presentation and charm of the venue were all delightful. I was so sad that I was too stuffed for dessert. This meal is not cheap, but this meal is better than good, its great. like I said above, I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. This is probably the best restaurant I have ever been to in my short life and I plan on frequenting it more when I move to New Orleans this summer. Hopefully my bank account will allow me.
(5)
Pelle B.
Outstanding food. While New Orleans has lots of great traditional restaurants, there is also a new bread of small innovative restaurants that innovate while still being true to their New Orleans background. Everyone talks about the Shrimp and Grits. I had to try it and they were amazing. The BBQ shrimps were also very good. The sauce had a definite shrimp stock flavor to it. We had the filet au trois and the short rib. Both were excellent. I can really recommend them and their great friendly service. Try something different next time you're in NOLA.
(5)
Uyen V.
Ordered red fish and it was OK. Maybe I expected too much from all the high ravings or maybe I just didn't order the right meal. The waiter was patient and accommodated us well. My party was late and we literally placed our order in 15 minutes before closing.
(4)
Emily S.
YUM! I'd read reviews on yelp and decided this place needed to be added to the itinerary...and I'm so glad that I did. I was craving scallops so I loved that they offered them on their "small plates" menu so we had them as an appetizer. They hit the spot. They were seasoned wonderfully with this sweet salsa of some sort that balanced the flavors nicely. We also enjoyed the hyped up molasses spoon bread which was perfectly sweet and buttery with nice whole grain texture - def. met expectations. Although, I wish I would have asked for extra butter! I have a hard time ordering chicken at nice restaurants because I always go for fish or steak but luckily the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick caught my boyfriend's eye (I was dying to taste this based on the reviews I had read). The chicken was so perfectly moist and saturated in maple flavor that I couldn't believe that I was simply eating chicken! It was wonderful...get it if you are intrigued and craving chicken! I had the Baked Stuffed Flounder with crawfish and andouille stuffing. This was the perfect balance of just darn good baked fish and creole/New Orleans flair! My boyfriend grew up in North Carolina and he's always looking for good grits so we also shared the stone ground grits - WOW! Dishes like this define southern comfort food. It was so creamy with the right amount of peppery flavor. The restaurant itself was very charming and quaint. It's an old house with nice outdoor seating. It was nice to get away from the French Quarter for a change. The only complaint was that I didn't like the wine recommendation...but that can happen ANYWHERE...so all in all this place met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for great food in a charming venue.
(4)
George S.
So I haven't written in quite a long time but coming to Dante's Kitchen has inspired me to tell the world just how truly AMAZING it is. My friends and I went to NOLA for Jazz fest and we decided to try several of the top spots to eat (as we were all foodies) including some of the most famous and luxurious spots NOLA has to offer. I can honestly say our meal at Dante's Kitchen was hands down the most memorable. To me that's how I know when a restaurant is special: When it perfectly sears a culinary memory into my head. Dante's Kitchen did just that... So the 5 of us came here for Brunch. As someone who has enjoyed some fantastic brunches in my life, I can't tell you how remarkable it is when I say it's in the top 3 brunches of my life. One quick piece of advice: It opens up for Brunch at 10:30 a.m. Make sure to get there no later than 10:10 because there was already a line down the street waiting for the doors to open when we arrived at 10:15. Oh and they only serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Now onto the brunch... We all started out with freshly squeezed OJ which was delicious as well as some of their house coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but was told by my brunch mate it was fantastic. Next we decided to start out with some of their famous biscuits and a mixed breakfast bread basket. The mixed bread basket was great but Ooooooohhhhh the biscuits... Seriously... if they make biscuits in heaven, they use this recipe. They were warm and flaky, buttery and delicious just as it. They were hearty but light at the same time if that makes any sense. Not only were they great on their own but they even served them with some fresh house made jams and hand churned butter. The strawberry jam and butter together in one bite of biscuit was like tasting happiness. So GET THE BISCUITS when you go. Now onto the meal... Eggs Benedict is hands down my favorite breakfast meal and I use it to gauge most restaurants I go to. And Dante's Did not disappoint. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked and runny when cutting into them mixing the delicious yoke with the hollandaise (which kicked some serious brunch ass). Underneath the eggs was a rosemary rubbed pork loin, juicy and tender served on top of a biscuit with honey (that's right the same ones from before). I can tell you that the combination of the hollandaise, pork, honey, and biscuit hit every sense and taste bud with a symphony of savory, and a hint of sweet with the perfect layer of textures. Seriously, this eggs benny was awesome. My partners in dine also had the "Debris and Poached Eggs" (poached eggs on biscuits with hollandaise on a bed of pulled pork), bread pudding french toast (with a seasonal fruit sauce and powered sugar) all of which were fantastic. But the true star of the brunch was "The Special". This was a their seasonal eggs benny. Poached eggs on top of their ridiculously good biscuits but this time served on top of a perfectly cooked, flaky blackened flounder on a bed of blue cheese and bacon grits all covered by a crawfish hollandaise. I would never have considered that much seafood for brunch but I can tell you this: we each had a bite at the table, and each one of us took turns, slowly closing our eyes, savoring the delicious mouthful, and getting our brains seared with that beautiful life altering memory of a bite that none of us will ever forget. The only sad part is that the special will probably not be there again. But paraphrasing a quote from Red from the movie Shawshank Redemption: "Sometimes it makes me sad, though... *The Special* being gone. I have to remind myself that some Specials aren't meant to be put on a menu. Their flavors are just too good. And when they go away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to keep them around DOES rejoice. But still, the meals you eat are that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss that special..." If you go to NOLA. Do yourself a favor. Grab some brunch at Dante's Kitchen. And before you enter their doors close your eyes and tell yourselves this: "Time to make a memory".
(5)
Jennifer F.
All I can say is WOW!! From the time I got to Dante's Kitchen to the end, it was fantastic! I had no idea what to get when looking at the menu so I had the waitress (who was great) do a lot of the choosing for me. She started me off with her favorite drink called the Plantation. Yum! While I was waiting for the appetizer they gave me their spoon bread slathered in honey butter. I wish it was a bigger portion because it was delicious, but then I wouldn't eat the rest of my food. As for appetizers, I got the grilled shrimp and stone ground grits. This was amazing! The flavors coming through were just fantastic! Then I moved on to the dinner. I got the chicken under a brick. I have to say I have never in my life tasted such a moist chicken. Absolutely delicious with amazing flavors. By the time I finished dinner though, there just wasn't anymore room for dessert. Everything about this place was wonderful. The waitress was very informative and was even helping with things that I had to do and other types of food I had to try while down in NOLA. Loved it!
(5)
faine g.
Dante's Kitchen is a laid-back little place in New Orlean's river-bend, tucked back at a safe distance from the always rocking Daiquiri Cafe, facing the train tracks. Situated in an old house, Dante's has developed a reputation in town for serving high-end New Orleans and Southern specialities at unusually reasonable prices (with an emphasis on local ingredients,) and it seems like mostly locals occupy the tables inside and the garden eating area outside. So how's the food? Every table is started off with a cast iron pot of spoonbread with honey butter, that intoxicating Southern speciality that resembles a warm and gooey corn souffle. This stuff was downright delicious - like a semi-liquid corn cake (and I very much like my corn cakes.) It was snarfed down with unusual speed, which may explain why I have no photo. We sampled the shrimp and grits with andouille red eye gravy ($9.00), a house speciality and a truly fine specimen of a classic Southern dish. Nice, char-grilled (or so it seemed) shrimp topped a healthy portion of slightly cheesy and pleasantly buttery grits, topped off with a fine gravy. A must order. The cauliflower salad was less successful: an apparent riff on New Orleans's classic olive salad, this had a decent vinegary, peppery flavor but became overwhelming and entirely too oily as a starter-size salad. This pickled cauliflower concoction would work much better as a condiment. I had the roasted seabass with preserved meyer lemon, roasted squashes, slow roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, red kale, wild mushroom jus ($23.00.) Let's start with the good: the seabass was delicious, with a crispy, savory skin and a buttery and fork-tender interior. The other components of the dish weren't as successful: the combination of all those strongly flavored ingredients made for a vinegary and rather powerful combination, which served to overpower the subtly flavored fish. The combo of kale, wild mushroom, tomato and olive (and whatever other stuff) would suit a muscular slab of beef or another full-flavored red meat a whole lot better. Charlotte, one of my dining companions, had Bell & Evan's chicken roasted under a brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg, ($22.00). Huge portion and it looked pretty darn delicious: apparently she orders this all the time. I also got to take a look at the Daily Preparation of Local Farm Vegetables, served with a goat cheese and caramelized onion croquette ($20.00). The verdict from my dining companion? Decent flavors, but the presentation - note the vivid pink and green on that there plate (and no, you don't need to adjust your monitor) was nothing if not lurid. She also noted that this dish too suffered from the addition of strongly flavored greens: it overpowered the roasted beets and caramelized onions that made up the rest of the dish. The goat cheese croquette was pronounced tasty. We also sampled these beet greens, the day's seasonal vegetable. I rather enjoyed these and their pungent and earthy flavor, although they were, once again, not much more then vinegary green vegetables. I am a fanatic collard green fan, a kale aficionado, an ardent supporter of mustard greens and broccoli rabe, but Dante's Kitchen, I implore you, does every single food item on the planet have to involve greens with vinegar? Admittedly this could be due to our ordering choices, but I am not entirely convinced. (Were there greens in the spoonbread? Are there greens in dessert...?) Dessert did not involve greens (to the relief of all) and was nicely presented and tasty: freshly made sorbet came out in a beautiful custom-made compartment dish, and mega-rich chocolate spice cake had a crackly and tasty crust, accompanied by a flavorful scoop of gelato. I didn't sample the strawberry shortcake, but it was both bigger then my head and tasty looking and that sure counts for something. Verdict: Dante's Kitchen serves interesting, tasty, and reasonably priced riffs on Southern and Louisiana cuisine, but could use a less profligate hand with vinegar, oil, and greens in the kitchen. It's definitely a fine addition to New Orlean's bistro restaurant scene, and I'll be returning for another visit - I'll just have to ensure that I don't inadvertently order the Greens with Greens and Green Sauce speciality platter. Shouldn't be difficult. food photos here: teenagechowhound.blogspo…
(4)
Justin J.
Man, I really hate to give this place a bad review. It showed so much promise based on the raving yelp reviews. Dante's Kitchen looked like a can't miss spot for us to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. First, the service and everyone who works at the restaurant was great. Our server was fantastic. We told him we wanted to try some of the beers on the menu that were unfamiliar to us. We gave him a brief history of the beers we normally prefer and he made a great recommendation. We started out with the escargot, which were delicious. They weren't totally drowning in butter, which at first I thought might be a problem since I love my escargot to swimming in buttery goodness. Then they brought out the Spoon Bread, which left me speechless.... If we had stopped the meal at this point and gone back to the hotel room, I would be writing a 5 star review, have an extra $100 in my wallet, and a big smile on my face. But we didn't, and the Redfish I got was bland, and the potatoes fried in duck fat were way overcooked and therefore bland. But probably the most disappointing was that the Mac N Cheese was so bland and unsatisfying that I will need to start a new paragraph to express my disappointment. Really!?! Dude. Come on. How do you f*#k up Mac N Cheese?? It was like Chef Blandy Blanderson buttered some noodles and threw (1) Kraft Singles into the pot. They need to fly Chef Blandy to Austin, have him talk to the people over at Perla's and then report back to Dante's. Problem solved. If they can somehow get the food up to the same level as the service and ambiance, this place would be perfect. I paid $135 for a dinner for 2. I felt like I got robbed and our Anniversary dinner was a big dud...
(2)
Johnathan C.
One of the best of New Orleans. Their stone ground shrimp and grits are about the only grits I like in the city (unless hung over, but the morning after pallet is a funky one indeed) and they have the best egg benedicts EVER! Their take on egg benedicts is truly their own and vastly superior to any other classic translation. Environment is really pleasurable, the bread they start you with is a meal unto itself, the trios mignon is absurd in how good it is. It has been awhile since I was in, so I will leave it at that, for now, but I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to one of the absolute best brunch places on Earth. If you are visiting, this is one place you absolutely must eat at, reservation a must last time I was by for dinner.
(5)
Brandie D.
I took my family here for mother's day and we thoroughly enjoyed our first Dante's experience! The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a brunch along the Mississippi....it's like being in someone's house and the patio is beautiful! The entrees were reasonably priced for the selections and the quality. I had no idea what I wanted until I took a closer look at the eggs benedict....it was anything but your usual EB. Carmelized onion biscuit topped with rosemary pork loin, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise and honey! All of these things would have been terrific on their own, but were the flavors went so well together that each bite was perfection. After hearing about the grits, I had to order a side of the highly recommended southern side to see for myself. Don't tell my grandma, but they're better than her's....and all of these years I thought she had the best! They were creamy, not one bit grainy, and I could've eaten the entire bowl as my entree! Best.....grits.....ever.....the end.
(5)
Peggy C.
We'd loved our dinner at Dante's. We were visiting New Orleans from out of town and visited this restaurant and one other outside the French Quarter and were mistaken as locals in both cases. ;) The hardest part was choosing what to eat. We had 1 appetizer, 1 small plate, shared a large entree with 3 sides and shared a dessert. We had Escargot & House Made Bacon - YUM!! We had the Charcuterie Plate (cheese, meat, mustard, housemade pickles) - YUM!! We had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, mac and cheese, fried rice, and local vegetables - ALL also YUM!! The best part is that most of the meal is sourced LOCALLY, which supports the local economy, reduces pollution, and much more! Our service was fantastic. Reservations recommended.
(5)
John M.
I think I split the difference with a lot of the reviewers. It appears there's a lot of distaste for the "oversauciness" of the entrees, and with that I'd definitely agree. I had the duck and I tended to take each bite like so: "Hmm. Mmmmm. Er? Huh. Mmm. Yeah! Well...Wha? Hm." I'm no chef, but that seems like too much going on. But what can you do? This place had the best shrimp and grits I've ever had (I've had shrimp and grits twice). They were so off-the-hook, I gobbled them all up, shrimp with heads and all. This sauce was perfect, one distinct taste, all good. Everyone was very nice, including the owner who went out of his way to make me feel at home, totally cozy atmosphere, so perhaps someone can yelp through and find an entree that works better for most to have with them thar shrimp.
(3)
Toe H.
This food is practically crack! I wouldn't be surprised to find someone blowing the chef for the Slow Cooked Rabbit Leg & Dumplings out back of this place. I'm in from out of town and went with a couple locals, we all shared each others' food bistro style (recommend) in order to try more dishes. If you get the Molasses Cornbread, you will not be sorry. Grits were the bomb. My entree was "Trois Mignons," it was good and prepared well, but I would recommend trying out other entrees. As I hinted at the rabbit was off the chain. Also we had the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad, which was crisp and well balanced. Service was great. You SHOULD NOT leave this restaurant without getting at least one of the mixed drinks. They infuse their own liquors here. I can't remember the name of the drink, but I tried one with Cucumber infused Gin and it was the most baller gin drink I have ever had. It was very refreshing and the simple idea of infusing cucumber with gin is pure genius. Pimms cup was also good.
(5)
Tom R.
Good food. Delivered at a snails pace. Literally unreal. 45 minute wait between starters and main course. When we ordered dessert I asked if we could make it a bit more speedy. So it showed up after 35 minutes. Sad. Will not be back.
(1)
Kent W.
Unlike many restaurants, Dante's is consistently excellent. I've never had an "off" meal there. The grits may be the best in the city. Cocktails are great as well.
(5)
Lily S.
The food is somewhat very salty to my taste but it was still good. The servers were friendly and the restaurant was so cozy and comfortable. I would definitely come back.
(4)
Chris C.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Visiting New Orleans and looking for good food (i.e. not in the French Quarter), we stumbled upon the Yelp reviews for Dante's Kitchen.... Yelpers - again you have steered me in the right direction. The shrimp and grits were to die for!! I had the redfish and my friend had the tuna. The food was excellently prepared, perfectly plated, and served with a smile. The ambiance is low key and homey, with beautiful New Orleans decor. The menu changes frequently, and they try to get the majority of their food locally sourced. You can see on the blackboard which ingredients are local. Coming from DC, I thought the food was reasonable priced ($20-25 per plate) and delicious. If you are in town visiting and want some good food - rent a car, take a taxi, walk if you have to - but get yourself to Dante's. There is no good food in the French District. I repeat... THERE IS NO GOOD FOOD IN THE FRENCH DISTRICT. All overpriced and underwhelming. You are welcome!
(5)
Helen N.
I've eaten here a few times already but its been more than a year since my last vist. Its one of my favorites NOLA restaurants and I especially love their molasses spoon bread! I could of ate the whole thing except I had to share with the two other friends I went with :) Escargot & House Made Bacon: Delicious! It comes with a piece of toasted and butter french bread which is great for dipped. Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops: This dish comes with 2 decent sized scallops but the field peas thats they laid on were buttery, soft and cooked perfectly. Baked Mac & Cheese with Gruyere, Fontina: good but not my favorite. I just wanted to try a different side , so we ordered it. It has a punch to it. Trois Mignons: cooked medium and perfectly! the mashed potatoes were an excellent accompaniment. Stuffed Flounder: Good fish dish also... Hole in the wall, street parking, but great food!! FYI: make reservations!!
(5)
John V.
We're never disappointed in Dante's. It's one of our regular stops when we're in New Orleans.
(5)
Feldman A.
I cannot remember when I ate better than on New Year's Eve at Dante's Kitchen in the Black Pearl along the Riverbend in the lovely underbelly of swanky Uptown New Orleans. The dishes were as creative as they were exquisite. The place had personality as well as making magic in our mouths. And even on a night as busy as New Years, the atmosphere was intimate and the service attentive. The Shrimp and Grits with homemade panbread and the yummy signature drinks that we had there were out-of-control good and are likely to be branded on our parietal lobes for some time to come.
(5)
Derek R.
Terrific little neighborhood gem! I love this place!! I've probably been there 20 times or more. Try the pumpkin soup if you like your soup on the spicy side - like I do! The complimentary spoonbread is always a winner! Definitely check out the small plates. The braised ribs are deliciouso! For entrees I recommend the chicken under a brick, trois mignons, or the redfish with crabmeat. All very yummy and quite tasty! For dessert I like either their carrot cake or spiced chocolate cake!! And finally, try tapas night the last WED of the month. $5 for a small glass of wine and a tapas. Enjoy!
(5)
Irene H.
We went on Sunday for brunch and I took the advice of another reviewer and made sure we got there a little after 10:30. All the seats were taken, but we were first on the list and the mimosa's we enjoyed while waiting were good. I had the Dante's Omelet which was full of andouille sausage and had a spicy flavor, but wasn't overly seasoned to the point I could not enjoy it. A dish I would get again. My family had the shrimp and grits and the crab brie omelet which were also delicious. We split a plate of alligator sausage and I didn't think I would like it and it didn't taste like anything I had had before, but it was good. The atmosphere and staff were really nice and I would definitely go back. Would like to try dinner next time.
(4)
Scott D.
One of my favorite places to eat in NOLA. This place is located in an old house that lets you know you are eating in NOLA. It's a great place for a date. It's romantic and quaint. The food and ambiance are both great. The prices are not the best, but you get what you pay for and this place is worth every penny. It's small, so be sure to make reservations. Fellas if you want to impress your lady, mistress or FWB, hit this place up.
(4)
Jill S.
After taking the streetcar ALL the way uptown to Jacques-Imos, only to find it CLOSED for a two week break, I pulled out my trusty Yelp app to find a suitable analog in walking distance. Brigtsens looked a little too schmancy for our casual attire. But what's that across the street? That looks cool... The inside is done in springy oranges and greens coloring each segmented seating area, giving it an intimate feel no matter where you sit. The courtyard looked great if it had been a little cooler / dryer out. Their menu fits on one sheet, which is something I appreciate. Lots of salads, sides, and small plates, most below $10, as well as a handful of entrees that were in the $20+ range. We each got a salad and a side dish. The watermelon salad was one of the most exciting combinations of flavors I've had in a while, and the vegetable side was like a noodle-less lasagna, definitely filling. Several options for a vegetarian! Their drink list was the hidden star of the night. I got a gin cocktail with "house-made" watermelon something or other, named after an antidepressant (Prozac?)--it was a bizarre shade of pink and very refreshing. We split the mojito, which was VERY heavy on the booze.
(4)
Sunflower G.
Food is DiVine! Melts in your mouth it's so good. We had the Chicken under Brick and Trois Melange (steak/filet mignon) and it was beyond terrific. I love it when good food tastes so heavenly. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Katherine M.
Love this place! We always try new restaurants in New Orleans and leave wishing we were at Dante's. At this point, I think we have tried everything on the dinner menu, and it is always fantastic. The creative cocktails, vegetable plate, chicken under a brick and trois mignons are all highlights. Plan ahead because you definitely need reservations for dinner.
(5)
Steve S.
Really let down on the Bloody Mary. Ordered a "spicy" & a "hottie" both were okay at best. Lovely patio though. Might have to try again, but we'll have the bloodies somewhere else.
(2)
Alicia T.
It's seems so rare that I am surprised by restaurants in New Orleans anymore. So imagine my delight when we stumbled into Dante's Kitchen on a Saturday night sans reservation and were promptly sat to enjoy what became one of the best meals I've had in a while. We got there at 6:30pm and I was a little worried by the lack of seated tables in the place. I had only been there for brunch many moons ago and the only think I could remember was that it was very rich (as in butter and cream). I was relieved to see the menu was comprised of an abundance of local vegetables, fresh seafood and other lighter fare in addition to the richer items like short ribs and savory duck. I had a specialty cocktail called the Tokyo Rose and it was a perfect aperitif; effervescent, gingery, slightly bitter. Upon getting my drink we were delivered hot spoon bread with a honey butter. It's about the best thing on the planet. I had one helping and my friend single-handedly finished the entire thing off. I had the mussels with green curry as an appetizer and my friend got the arugula salad. My mussels were awesome; spicy, flavorful and fresh. The salad, well, it was ok but nothing special. For my entree I got the vegetable platter which it all the right notes. It was comprised of freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes, wilted dandelion greens, roasted turnips and a goat cheese potato croquette thing. It was savory, filling and light all at the same time. My partner got the crabcake with the poached egg which he declared as amazing and the short rib, which he continued to eat even though he was already stuffed ( a good sign). The service was spot-on...informative but not overbearing. Attentive but not annoying. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. The music was a little weird but as the night wore on, it became more suiting. I will be back very soon!
(5)
Elyse B.
Came with a big group on Sunday (14 of us) and arrived before 10:30 for brunch (since they don't take reservations). AMAZING brunch food, everything was absolutely delicious. I had the shrimp and grits and a Bloody Mary, both which I highly recommend. To put it lightly, I give 5 stars to any place that makes me seriously crave their food and this place deserves it, hands down.
(5)
Shawna B.
Yum. This place is awesome! We started with the escargot with basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I wished I had a straw to slurp up the delicious juice. I had the trois mignons and they were melt-in-your-mouth yummy. Husband had the grilled pork steak with a bacon and rosemary white gravy and it was incredibly tender. Also shared a side of duck-fat roasted potatoes which are as good as they sound. And we split the chocolate spice cake and became over-the-top full. Our waitress was fabulous and very helpful and the rest of the staff was courteous. Would definitely come back on our next trip- it was a great meal and reasonably priced.
(5)
Bernardo A.
What happens when you slow-braise a pork butt steak for five hours? Exactly. The food in this neighborhood restaurant is out of this world. The portions are perfect, the service is impeccable, the atmosphere is homey. The place is not cheap; a three course meal with a glass of wine or a beer can set you back about $55 pp. However, the quality of the food makes this place a bargain. Recommended are the shrimp with grits in avred eye gravy, the cauliflower soup, the braised and then blackened pork steak served over braised greens and a reduced apple butter. For dessert, one chocolate pot de creme is enough for two...the hot chili finish on that is so good.
(5)
Mike H.
I would move to New Orleans in a heartbeat if I could find an income that could support me living expenses and my addiction to the food down there. I went to Dante's on a Saturday morning after a long, long night of drinking for brunch. Now, I'm from Boston, and in the Northeast, Brunch is a huge thing. Everyone does it, so brunch to me is a safe haven of food. I feel comfortable. Like, under the comforter on a cold day comfortable. Dante's blew that out of the water. I went to NOLA with the intent of having grits, and nothing would stop me from achieving that. I had their Dante's Eggs Benedict with a side of Cheese Grits and a side of Hash Browns. First of all, the portions were HUGE. I'm used to the small-okay sized portions of brunch in Boston, but Dante's was subconsciously telling me that I was Mary Kate Olsen and needed to add about 50lbs to be healthy again. The flavor was amazing, cooked perfectly, and made my mouth water. The grits were everything I ever wanted. The consistency was spot on, (not that I had anything to compare it to,) and it tasted great. I had the regular stone-ground grits too since my friend got them. Either one will blow your mind. The decor was so nice and homely. Laid out so you're not on top of the table next to you, but small enough to maintain intimacy. I'm going back ASAP. Thank god plane tickets are so cheap there and back. :)
(5)
Zach R.
This was my first taste of New Orleans food on my first trip to the city. I chose this place based on the reviews, and it did not disappoint. Again, based on the reviews, I started with the shrimp and grits. This is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I've tried them all over, including Savannah and Charleston. The shrimp and grits at Dante's are flat-out the best I've ever had. The grits are unbelievably creamy and they come topped with three huge shrimp (with the heads still on). The seasoning on the shrimp was out of this world and the andouille gravy in the grits was delicious. Get them. I also ordered the "redfish on the half shell." I was half a redfish filet topped with a crab and mint (?) mixture. The fish was cooked perfectly, but lacked the Cajun punch I was hoping for. The crab was cold, which was also a little disappointing. Lastly, the server brought out a complimentary pan of molasses spooncake. I'd read about it in the reviews and was looking forward to it. It was absolutely delicious. It's like a sweet, moist cornbread (minus the corn) topped with honey butter. It comes out piping hot, brought to you in the little cast iron skillet it was cooked in. A very unique and unforgettable side/dessert. Go there for the shrimp and grits and the spooncake. They're phenomenal. The redfish left a little to be desired and it was pricey (spent $50 for myself only), but I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Christine H.
I visited Dante's based upon the great yelp reviews that I read prior to my trip to New Orleans. The atmosphere and service are five stars, however I can only give the food 3. Maybe it was what I ordered. I didn't like the potatoes in duck fat, and I didn't enjoy the main course of duck cassolet (maybe I spelled it wrong). The dish was served lukewarm and the duck was tough and there was a small bone left in which was not a pleasant discovery once it was inside my mouth! I would probably try Dante's again based upon the numerous other people who loved it and since the service was so great. I just wouldn't order the duck next time.
(3)
K M.
After I discovered this place on Yelp!, we thought it would be fun to try something new for our anniversary dinner. I was super excited when we got there, but left a little disappointed. First off, our server, Luis, was superb, and I do not think that where our dinner was lacking had anything to do with the attentiveness of the server. The spoon bread came out piping hot, and delicious! Was better with a little salt, though. On to the appetizers: Husband got the shrimp and grits, which were piping hot and delicious! The shrimp were seasoned perfectly and the grits were delightfully creamy. Needed a little salt, though. Unfortunately, I got the corn and crab soup, which was nothing more than yellow tinged chicken stock with a little crab meat thrown in. It was thin and virtually flavorless, slightly warmer than room temperature, and the corn must have taken the day off because I didn't see any in there. I didn't even finish it; it wasn't worth whatever calories were in it. Even a little salt couldn't save it. Entrees: Husband got the pork confit, which he enjoyed, and I also thought had a great flavor, even though I'm not a big meat eater. I had the bacon wrapped scallops small plate, along with the Barq's candied sweet potatoes, thinking that after the bowl of soup, I probably wouldn't be too hungry. The scallop/bacon combo was smoky and delicious, but the sweet potatoes weren't anything special. The biggest issue was that none of the entree foods were particularly hot. I like my food to seem as if it was just prepared, not "resting" for 15 minutes somewhere. I felt rushed to eat so I wouldn't have to eat cold food. I was so excited about this place after reading all of the Yelp! reviews, and really hoped my experience would make me want to go back for brunch. I left undecided.
(3)
Whitney J.
I love Dante's. I've been here for both brunch and dinner many times and have never been disappointed by either the food or the service. Only once was I sad there, and that was because they'd run out of house-made pickles for the bloody mary. The shirmp and grits are perfect. The pate plate for an appetizer at dinner is lovely with its house made mustards and pickles. I took my parents here and they loved the redfish with crab and the trois mignons. Worth the money. and Oh My God the Spoonbread. Eat all the spoonbread. And the cheddar-jalepeno grits. Eat it all.
(4)
Claire S.
The best place I have visited during my stay. We went to many restaurants during our stay including Emeril's restaurants and others, but nothing came close to Dantes. I think a house was converted into a restaurant and I could feel the cozy ambiance as soon as I walked in. I found a very unique stuff at the bar. The bartender had created many different flavored liquors and kept them in pretty bottles, apple brandy, pomegranate whiskey and many others. He clearly knew his stuff. He made a glass of Sazerac with his apple brandy. Oh... that was heavenly. I cannot remember what we ordered cause 10 of us ordered almost everything on the menu and shared them. But it does not matter what the dish was since literally everything was spectacular. I will go back to Dantes whenever I get a chance.
(5)
Heather S.
One of my favorites. Shrimp n' grits are amazing, as well as the spoon bread. In general I like everything they do, but occasionally when they change the menu the new main courses are not so good. Also, the desserts are not very good. I do love that they make their own jam, do the pickling themselves, and try to incorporate local items.
(5)
Steven M.
Dante's kitchen is simply awesome! I had one of the best meals in a LONG time there. What a great combination of menu, decor, service and ambiance. We had the shrimp and grits, escargots, duck, and Trois Mignons. Each was better than the next, full of flavor creativity and visual elegance. The shrimp and grits was particularly good, I grew up in the South and those were by far the best grits I've ever had! I honestly think Dante's Kitchen would hold it's own against any restaurant in Chicago save Alinea. And in terms of price, it's simply no comparison, we got out of there for under $150 for two people wine included and felt like we had a five star meal. Highly, highly recommended!!
(5)
Nadrian M.
GRITS! If you like them this is definitely the place to get them. Great, friendly staff and wonderful menu selection......oooooh and uh rum ah did I say GRITS!
(5)
Kelly H.
One of the best New Orleans restaurants! It's located in the uptown area - not in the touristy part. It's more or less an upscale neighborhood restaurant - nothing wrong with that at all! The space itself is basically a converted house - it actually has sort of a tropical feel without going overboard. In other words - great atmosphere! But you come here for the food - classic New Orleans cuisine with a few "nuvo" twists. The stuffed flounder was loaded with andouille and crawfish tails with just enough spice to give it a little bite. The "Redfish on the Half Shell" is a signature item that consists of a nice, pan fried piece of red fish topped with sauteed lump crab meat. Excellent! Also, a side of green beans sauteed with pancetta was surprisingly delicious! Desserts include the basic Key Lime Pie but a nightly special of Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot de Creme (OK, I probably spelled that wrong) was out of this world - a warm chocolate custard topped with toasted marshmallows - yummmm... The blueberry pie appeared to be a bit heavy in the crust but I am told that it was excellent. The wine list was a bit light, but there were some interesting by the glass choices. A good California Pinot Nior was a perfect pairing with slightly spicy flounder. Also note that this place can get pretty busy. I would recommend reservations. All in all, this a great New Orleans restaurant! It's a bit off the beaten path but well worth it!
(4)
Jonathan C.
I was in New Orleans for a conference and needed a reservation on short notice to take clients to dinner. I wanted authentic Southern cooking at a place the locals love but that tourists may not know about. A friend's son (a foodie who is a junior at Tulane) recommended Dante's Kitchen. Total hit! The scallops appetizer is to die for, the venison chili pot pie is truly memorable, and the sides (we had collard greens, grits, and roasted beets) are plentiful and yummy. Price are very fair. Service was just a tick off (that's why only 4 stars). It's a a cab ride from the Central Business District/French Quarter, but well worth it. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)
Ashleigh B.
I visited this place after getting a mani/pedi at Cindy's. I was in pajamas and they still treated me with respect and kindness. I tried the escargot, carb and corn soup, and the ratatouille. The atmosphere was calm, the food was amazing, the drinks had a kick, and the service was warm. I made sure to show appreciation with my tip to my waiter. I'll definitely revisit to try all the other bites on the menu.
(5)
Christine H.
Nominated pastry chef-menu disappoints. As other reviews found, the Shrimp and Grits was gorgeous-the shrimp are head/shell on and colossal. The grits are so creamy they almost resemble thin mashed potatoes. The Dante's special spoon bread that's served as a free appetizer is TO DIE FOR. I am still thinking about the succulent, perfectly charred caramelized maple on the Chicken under a Brick. Unfortunately the potato and bacon hash cake that is served with the brick chicken was a failure. A mound of dry, chalky potatoes and unrecognizable bacon. It's failure took the egg down with it as there was no harmony between the chicken and the egg alone. The biggest disappointment was the dessert offerings. We had read that the pastry chef was nominated to receive "Food & Wine's The People's Best New Pastry Chef 2012 Award and even asked to see the menu before dinner had arrived. What an anti-climax. The 2 desserts that even looked interesting were "unavailable". The Strawberry Fennel Pie because "we couldn't get strawberries" and they had sold out of the Chocolate Meringue Clouds. Even those two dishes only rated a 3 of 5 on my dessert radar. The others were a 0. The only reason i mention it as a negative is that Dante's is touting the nomination. Once you do that, you need to live up to the expectation that it brings. If I had seen the spoon bread on the menu as a warm dessert with a caramel drizzle and praline ice cream I would have ordered it in a heart beat.. Here is a copy of the dessert menu from Dante's Kitchen. You can decide for yourself what you think it as an award deserving offering.. Desserts Trio of Sorbet 7 selections change daily Strawberry Fennel Pie 7 creme fraiche gelato Lemon Poppy Seed Cake 7 mascarpone icing Butterscotch Pudding 7 with saltedwhipped cream Chocolate Meringue Clouds 7 orange blossom diplomat cream, sweet strawberries Composed Cheese Plate 7 artisanal cheeses, red wine biscuit, bitter chocolate kisses, strawberry citrus marmalade
(4)
Alexa X.
I went there for lunch and had shrimp and grits and a milk punch. Overall, nothing impressive--simply nothing bad and nothing good. I heard their dinner is better than their lunch.
(3)
Ryan S.
I wish I'd written a review shortly after visiting here, because the details are a little fuzzy. We loved this place. The atmosphere was great, the food was outstanding, and the staff was super friendly. It wasn't cheap, but certainly for the quality of the experience it wasn't expensive. Both my wife and I were thrilled with our entrees. I do recall I had the 3 petite filet mignon's. Each came with a different topping. It was to die for. Also, our cocktails were fabulous. They had a large variety of small batch bourbons that I'd never had before, and I asked for the waitress to bring me the bartender's recommendation served neat. I was thrilled that they didn't just take the opportunity to serve me the most expensive bourbon on their shelves, but rather surprised me with Buffalo Trace, which I'd never had, and is very nice and on the low end of the price scale for a glass of bourbon. I'd like to say I'd definitely come here again, and maybe I will... but New Orleans is known for its food, and I've only been once in my life. Dante's lived up to the New Orleans cuisine hype!
(5)
Jordi G.
This really was the dinner that never ended. I have to say that the food would probably be three stars, but the service absolutely detracted a star from this place. After our appetizers came pretty promptly, the entrees took about 90 minutes with our idiot server repeatedly coming by and saying that our food would be out in less than 5 minutes. This happened four or five times--I don't understand why you would say that so many times if it isn't true whatsoever. After it finally came, the excuse, "you got behind a table of 12" What is this a school for ants? Seriously how small is their kitchen that that takes 90 minutes? We tried to be nice the whole time but they really tested our patience. The food probably deserved three stars. The pickled plate was my favorite thing on the menu and was technically best dish they had. Bland pumpkin soup with too much creme fraiche. The layered farm vegetable and gruyere mac and cheese sides were both really missing any bite. They literally had nothing to them. I tried three entrees: roasted chicken under a brick, trois mignons, and redfish on half shell. Roasted chicken was good and moist but not that flavorful, trois mignons had plenty of flavor and way too much salt (they really seem to not know which ingredients to trust that can stand alone) and the redfish was very good--flaky, light, flavorful. Good dish. Overall, though, poor service and 3 star at best food.
(2)
Mary B.
Dante's has one of the best brunches in town, and is also one of the best ways to gain weight NOLA stylie. They are not afraid of butter! We are all going to die happy! In an old house by the Riverbend, Dante's uses a lot of local ingredients and makes killer cheese grits. Seriously, eating these grits will make you Southern if you aren't already. I have also had the crab omelette, which was great, and the brioche pan perdu which was a little dry. The brandy milk punch may seem like a strange morning drink, but I liked it, and I am not a big sweet drinker. The service was professional, A+. The only caveat I have to add is, if you are sensitive to butter or salt or culinary indulgence, Dante's may not be for you.
(4)
Carolyn K.
lived it up here! Amazing food, great staff, definitely not cheap, but it's locally sourced ingredients were absolutely to die for
(5)
Anna T.
oh so goood. I started off with a strawberry mojito -- heaven. Apps were better than the entrees in my opinion. We had shrimp and grits (yuuuum) and escargot (garlic-goodness) and of course the maple spoon bread dripping in sweet butter. For entrees, we had the filet and the chicken, both good, but in both cases, the sauces overpowered some of the ingredients. Good sauce though, just got too be a little much toward the end. Both chicken and filet were cooked to tender perfection. Wish I would have had room for dessert. Ambience is original and intimate. I really wanted to eat outside, but all full-up with reservations, so we had a table in the back blue room that was actually right next to the kitchen. Was afraid it would be a bumpy meal because of our table location, but was quite cozy. Can't wait to go back and try more of the apps and small plates!
(4)
Scott H.
I have mixed feelings about dinner here tonight. There's good and bad, and I'm disappointed that it wasn't the usual stellar experience. First, our waitress was attentive at the beginning of the meal, lackadaisical toward the end, and very bitchy and cold throughout. The four of us dine regularly together and we're not a high maintenance group, so I don't know why she was so bitter. She was rude on several occasions. For instance, I asked about a dish that used to be on the menu- it was a delicious puffed pastry Shepherd's pie- and before I could finish describing it, she interrupted me and said, exasperatedly, "Yes, we still have the spoonbread. I'll get it out to you as soon as I can." We politely let her know that the spoonbread wasn't what I was inquiring about, and proceeded to explain. Later, my friend Rich asked "Would it be possible for us to get any more spoonbread?" She replied, very curtly, "Ok, but it's going to be two dollars and it will take 15 minutes." Ooookay.... I don't need to have my ass kissed, but don't be rude- this isn't exactly Clover Grill and neither are the prices. It's not excusable, especially in a restaurant like this. Appetizers: I had the Dante's Pot Likka which is described as "slow braised beef pan drippings, Ryal's goat cheese curd, grilled bread, fig mustard." This was awesome- bits of very flavorful beef with the goat cheese on top- the grilled bread and fig mustard was on the side. The rest at the table had sea scallops, shrimp and grits, and a charcuterie plate. I'm not sure how to rate those, since I didn't try them. They all said their apps were good. Entrees: Three of us ordered the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The chicken was savory, tender, and nicely glazed. The egg was beautiful and was draped over the potatoes, but was completely lacking in seasoning. That was disappointing. James had the Redfish on the Half Shell topped with crabmeat and soft herbs. The presentation was sad, and the fish seemed to be a little overdone. I tasted it- neither of us was impressed. Desserts: One was some sort of a Chocolate cream pie, which was the best of the three. Then there was a peach pie with Creole cream cheese gelato. The gelato was gross. Rich said "it tastes like air freshener." Then there was some super dense ginger cake which was way too sweet. I passed on the coffee, and I'm glad. Tara's coffee came out with... skim milk. Gah! The biggest insult one can hand to a good cup of coffee. We had a good time because we enjoy each others' company and it is a pleasant environment. However, Miss Sunshine, our waitress, let us sit there too long. After we all started to get skin breakdown on our rear ends due to prolonged sitting, we moved the bill to an extreme corner of the table with the cards sticking out to let her know we were ready for her to pick it up. I've had too many good meals here to write Dante's off. Maybe it was bad night. If it happens again, it's over. Miss Personality's attitude didn't help. Nonetheless, she still got her 20%. She certainly didn't deserve it.
(3)
Gary R.
What a great brunch place! The service was some of the absolute BEST -- and we ALL know how bad New Orleans service can be!! The debris dish was A-MAZING as were the other 3 dishes at the table. It is a bit of a drive/taxi ride/trolley ride from the French Quarter which is the only reason it got just 4 stars.
(4)
Kris S.
If you are looking to get out of the overly touristy areas of NOLA and see where some of the locals hang out, head to Uptown where St. Charles meets South Carrollton - you can take the street car there for $1.25 or a cab for $15. In this particular area, you will find several great restaurants, but for brunch the best one is Dante's Kitchen. Had a friend not recommended it to us and met us there, we would never have discovered this quaint restaurant tucked away in a primarily residential area just north of where the street car drops off. If you desire a bit of Cajun flair, I would encourage anyone to be daring and try something you might not have had before, I had the alligator sausage and eggs Benedict biscuits with a side of cheese grits and they were phenomenal! I had never had alligator sausage but was quite pleased with the taste and texture. The grits were hands down the BEST grits ever and my Momma is from the south, so i know my grits. I also chose to wash it down with a Bloody Mary and was quite pleased to find it was one of the best I have ever had. AJ had the Dante Special, which was an omelette laden with andouille sausage. this was the first time AJ had eaten andouille sausage and he definitely liked it. It actually was something he looked for on the menus at other restaurants ate in NOLA. For his brunch beverage he chose the ever-so-classy mimosa and reported that it was better than most he has had. Again, for getting out of the Quarter and downtown area, Dante's Kitchen is a MUST. With all of the local ingredients this restaurant uses, you will get a true taste of NOLA. This is one restaurant that will have you begging for more after you finish your meal.
(5)
Colleen K.
I've had two amazing brunches here and would happily return. The first time, we arrived just before brunch began during Jazz Fest and were seated anyway. Great selection on the brunch menu with Southern Louisiana flair. I thought their grits with cheddar were the best I'd ever had-- until I tried their spicy grits that came with a blackened catfish special. Uh-mazing. I didn't even know I cared much for grits--Now I do. Their yummy bloody Marys feature homemade pickles (which I didn't realize meant pickled okra, which was surprisingly good). Locavore-minded diners will appreciate the chalkboard display listing the dozens of current menu ingredients sourced locally. Prices are good for what you get. Bring a wrap in case you sit n the atrium area--the AC gets chilly.
(5)
Sean K.
Incredible service, food, bar. Best meal in years. Does not get better.
(5)
P W.
This is exactly the kind of place I wanted to go while in town this year. Insanely creative, energetic, youthful menu, exploring all-new twists on traditional New Orleans fare, with obsessive precision. We came searching for an alternative to the (haughty, gimmicky) Jacques Imo's, and Yelp, as usual, came to the rescue. I remember this place vaguely from before I moved to L.A., but had never made it in. EXCELLENT. This takes our #1 spot (tied with Luke) among the many amazing restaurants we explored. Even my vegetarian gf found stuff to love. Take it from an incorrigible, impossible-to-please New Orleans-raised food SNOB. Insanely creative menu; every bite to die for.
(5)
Cindy V.
my husband and i ate here when we were in town (my first visit to NOLA) because of all of the great reviews we read here. we were both very glad we did! the spoon bread was ok - if not for the maple syrup/butter combo, it would've been a little bland. the chicken cooked under a brick was out of this world, seriously. we've never had anything like it - savory, sweet, tender, juicy...perfect. our waiter suggested we try the grits so we did. we live in the south, we've had our fair share of grits. the grits at dante's were, hands down, the best we've ever had. EVER. cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection, super creamy, flat out delicious. don't miss this. i can't even remember what i had for dessert - something with meyer lemons - it was good, i remember that much - but i was so blown away by the chicken and the grits that everything else was a blur.
(4)
C s.
So... Being an native of the Houston I am on the hunt for a bottomless mimosa to rival that of Farago for Sunday mornings. Searching online if found Dante's. The mimosa were strong for Sunday brunch. Which was great news since there is ALWAYS over a 30minute wait for a table. The wait is WELL worth it. Even in the hot humid days of the summer in NOLA. I wish someone would tell the owner to start the bottomless mimosa and I would go EVERY Sunday! The bloody mary was just ok and the milk punch was odd The specials are mouth watering! The last special I had was an egg over pork. It was amazing to say the least. The eggs Benedict was wonderful as well. The banana pancakes were tastery with large pieces of fruit and nuts. The biscuts are fluffy and I enjoy that then tend to be the base of some of the most flavorful plates. I would suggest yall to pass on the sausage it was bland and over cooked. The service takes a long while so it is best to go with someone who is a joy to visit with. I was impressed with the overall maintenance of the establishment. The sanitization standards seems to be good however the kitchen is tucked away and I have been unable to investigate further. I have yet to visit to dinner but I plan to soon.
(5)
Gloria T.
A bit overrated and over priced. Chicken under a brick was delicious but everything else was mediocre. The potato hash was cold and hubby had the blackened redfish on a half shell, it still has the skin with the scales still on it...but tasty. With a couple of drinks it was well over $100. Although the service was really good, still I was underwhelmed.
(3)
Shivani S.
I wish I could give this place more stars! Delicious food. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. I don't think we've had chicken this flavorful since visiting France. The rest of the food was equally delicious. Definitely worth the trip!
(5)
Joanna G.
Yelp, you did not lead us astray! We found this place a bit off the beaten-tourist track during a recent trip to NOLA. Yelp reviewers were right on with this place's delicious fare, and OpenTable let us make a reservation through my Yelp app. Heracles strengths: Chicken under a brick = life-changing. Truly the most memorable piece of chicken I have ever tasted, my mouth seriously waters just thinking about it. The spoonbread they serve is a delightful Southern treat (and this is coming from someone based in GA). I was expecting something a bit different from the Dante's Pot Likka (again, I'm based in GA), but it was still a nice savory treat. I had the trois mignons while my date was distracted by his chicken under a brick. I have to say, I think it's the first time he's won the dinner wars and hasn't tried to take my food. I told my server I'd never heard of debris before, she explained it was the meaty delicious bits from carving (at least, this is what I remember from a very alcohol-sodden brain). I pray each night that God will somehow bring the deliciousness that is debris back into my life! The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were sweet without being overwhelmingly onion-y; I need to learn how to make these so I can have them in my life FOREVER. We passed on dessert, sadly, having sufficiently engorged ourselves at that point. Achilles heel: For tourists, it's a bit of a cab-ride out from the French Quarter. I'm sure that this is regarded as a strength and not a weakness by the locals Aphrodite factor: Definitely a good date-night spot. We saw local businessmen dining there, 4 tops of couples, and others on dates like ourselves. Hermes factor: Decent pacing to the meal. The service was very good. Libations: It's New Orleans, jerk, of course they have delicious cocktails! Offering: Expensive, but not over-priced for the quality of the meal. Bottom line: An awesome Yelp find, and a place I am sure to recommend to friends traveling to NOLA!
(5)
Ryan D.
Simply put, one of the best meals I've ever had. Too bad my date and I could only get one of the drink specials, they all looked great!
(5)
Eddie T.
I go for the sunday brunch! It is soooo good and very fresh. The service is a little spotty but the food is great and the only reason I go. I have been about 5 times and only had 1 bad experience but was quickly corrected on a under seasoned dish. You have to experience this place!
(5)
Paul K.
Excellent brunch! House made biscuits and preserves are better than my grandma's, nearly impossible I thought but so true here. Can't go wrong with the Steak and Eggs, The Debris abd Eggs or the Alligator Sausage and Eggs. Pancakes were just fine as well. Get some cocktails while enjoying your meal, some good mixology going on!
(5)
Dedric P.
I came there because of the reviews and The chicken under a brick. OMG some of the best chicken I have ever tasted. Rich, extremely flavorful, and a little spicy, perfect combination. The wait staff was a bit standoffish. I had the mussels as an appetizer and they were delicious as well, loved the spicy seafood broth as well. Had a glass of reisling off the menu as well, is was just okay. Overall if you like chocked its worth coming to this place just for the Chicken Under a Brick.
(4)
Robert B.
Came here with a group of six while in town for New Years. Warning, as Philadelphians we are definitely food snobs. So here it is- Dante's was overall amazing. Literally, everyone enjoyed everything they ordered. 6 different main courses, 3 different vegetable dishes and a couple appetizers and there is nothing we did not love. After reading the reviews on the chicken, I couldn't help but get it for myself. While it was probably the best chicken I've ever had, it was still chicken. I have to say, my girlfriend ordered the better dish, being the duck. And I would recommend the chai infused whiskey. All in all, the reviews for this place are legit. I don't think you can go wrong at Dante's.
I haven't eaten here for dinner, though I really really wanna. The Fam and I typically go for Sunday brunch and we love it. The slices of ham steak are à la Fred Flintstone- brontosaurus like, which pleases my carnivorous husband endlessly. The bloody Mary's are off the chain, and I've never been crazy about them until I tastedof rom Dante's, which as I understand is made with house made tomato juice, pickled okra, etc. After finishing a glorious cup of ice coffee and my meal, I really wanna rub my belly, grab a few of the jars with pickled condiments that they have on the shelves everywhere and dash for the car. Seriously.
One of the best meals we ever ate. We had their shrimp and grits, pumpkin soup, pot likka and the gulf fish with grape oxtail sauce. Everything was amazing, but especially the pot likka. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting and everyone who worked their was nice and helpful. Wish we could bring Dante's back to Chicago with us! A must try!!!!
(5)
Mr X.
This place didn't answer the phone at 4:30 PM on a Saturday when we called to make reservations, even though their phone message stated that they would answer after 4 PM for that purpose. Decided to stop by anyway just before opening to see about reservations, and inside we encountered an angry, very rude bearded individual cutting lemons. Even through the lemon smell, the stench of his B.O. was overpowering, and we decided to go to Cafe Granada nearby instead, where the food was superb and the staff was nice (and didn't reek of B.O....gross).
(1)
Laura R.
We trekked here from Frenchmen for NYE dinner, and are very glad we made the trip. The restaurant itself is unique and charming, the service was outstanding, and the food was just amazing. We started with the charcuterie, which came with a yummy pepper jelly sauce. They brought over complimentary spoon bread for the table. The appetizers were very good, but the main course was just phenomenal. I had the gulf fish on the half shell with lump crabmeat and softened herbs which was cooked just perfectly - crusted with spices on the outside and juicy on the inside. I also got to tried the chicken under a brick which had the most amazing flavor. My husband could not get over his trois mignons, they had a wonderful color and the sauces were to die for. My favorite was probably the duck, which melted in your mouth. We also had brussel sprouts with pancetta and shaved parmesan, which is exactly how they should always be served if you ask me! This place is well worth the cab ride from the FQ, and it was refreshing to be around more locals.
(5)
Emily J.
My birthday brunch at Dante's Kitchen was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip to New Orleans. We slept in so my party got there about 30 minutes before closing and we were told we were the last table of the morning and the gate was closed behind us (just fyi for those trying to slide in at the last minute!) We had to wait about 25 minutes to be seated but we had some mimosas on the patio and thought nothing of it. The restaurant is an incredibly charming home that has been converted into a cozy restaurant that makes you feel like you have found a gem tucked in this equally adorable neighborhood! The walls are brightly splashed with paint and all the servers are cute, urban kids with tattoos. There are two large chalkboards when you walk in, one with all the local places they get their goods and another with their drink menu- get their bloody mary, it's only amazing. I had the crabmeat and brie omelet, which is making my mouth water as I type it. We also tried the brioche french toast, the grilled shimp and grits (oh my god good), debris and poached eggs, and the daily special of alligator sliders. Everything was served with a side of fresh fruit and it was the perfect brunch. Then out of nowhere our server told us they took our drinks off our tab due to the wait-- which hadn't even bothered us! Now that is some pretty awesome service. Loved it, will undoubtedly be back every time I am in New Orleans!
(5)
Mary W.
Atmosphere was very nice. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed it very much. Food was OK; not great. They try to serve unique food that somewhat misses the mark by being too light on flavor. Would probably try another restaurant next time we are in the area.
(2)
Peter M.
The place is downright cool and in a part of New Orleans that most tourists would not otherwise venture near. The outside seating is perfect. The food is high end, but the decor is eclectic and casual. The mixed drinks are worth a sample or three. While the main courses are fine, I recommend gorging yourself on several small plates. These are the most interesting and flavorful, and really represent the local southern cuisine. If there are grits in any of the dishes, definitely go for that one. But, in general, you really cannot miss.
(4)
Jeremy G.
If you don't already live there: 1) Go to New Orleans - It is a truly magical city and the people truly appreciate your tourist dollars. 2) Get out of the French Quarter and explore! 3) Take the St. Charles street car all the way through the Garden District to see some of the most romantic looking homes you've ever seen. 4) Get off at the end of the end of the line and have a meal at Dante's Kitchen. There is a ton of tasty food in New Orleans, especially if you like heavy fried foods; however, there are a smaller number of newer restaurants that tap in to New Orleans' culinary heritage while offering the palate something slightly different. Dante's Kitchen is one of those places. Located in what feels like a house in the River-bend area of town, Dante's Kitchen is warm and inviting. Eat inside and you feel like you are in someones living room. Eat outside and feel like you are their garden party guest. The menu changes regularly but a few items tend to remain that are worth recommending heartily: 1) The shrimp and grits appetizer. A must try. I didn't like grits until I had this dish. 2) The chicken cooked under a brick. I NEVER have had chicken this tender. It is served in some kind of maple sauce that is sweet and complements the chicken superbly. Service was generally fantastic as were the cocktails (they infuse much of their own alcohol on-site). Frankly, if our waiter hadn't dropped my camera in my wife's Cosmo I wouldn't hesitate to give Dante's five stars.
(4)
Robert F.
I went to Dante's Kitchen with an open mind. I don't tend to try venison, turtle, escargo and bone marrow, and such dishes often but I really wanted to try this place. I got the much talked about chicken and brick as an entree and mussels and a citrus salad to start. These dishes had a great taste and was a perfect sized portion. The chef sent out a complimentary corn bread that had no taste and was covered in butter. The mussels had an amazing flavor and was coated with a braised beer broth. The drinks were "exotic" with regards to the mixture and ingredients and were unimpressive. The bartender thought he was a mixologist god, and yet the drinks were average at best. I would highly recommend Dantes Kitchen for someone who is exploratory with their choices of food and would also highly recommend the dishes I ordered. Please also take note the restaurant is located at the end of the st Charles streetcar line and easily accessible if you didn't want to take a car.
(4)
Lyle D.
the food was ehhhhh... for the money its so not worth it. i ate here about 3 days ago and the food vs all the good reviews this place got was just a disappointment. the night before we went to jaques-imo and the food there was phenominal!! i guess we might of been spoiled!! but i dunno i would check out jawues-imo before this place,. i think it's over-rated! actually the chicken was reeeally good. the other dishes were ok. there was 4 of us and we ordered the red fish, pork somthing and the chicken!! and a bunch of appetizers!! bleh.. bleh.. bleh.. except the chicken!!
(2)
Andy M.
The Wife and I went here for an early Valentine's day celebration. Located close to where St. Charles and Carrolton meet just off the River Road. A really good Restaurant with some unusual items on the menu. We started off with the Boudin Rouge or Blood Sausage and white beans. Seasoned well and goes good with the beans. Intense flavors that carried well in to the next morning. Next were the entree's - Chicken Under a Brick was outstanding and hands down the best chicken dish I have ever had. If you order this they tell you up front it takes about 35 minutes to prepare. I wouldn't have cared if it took 1 hour and 45 minutes . . . . well worth the wait. The wife got the Trois Mignons which was just ok judging by her eating a good portion of my dish. As a side we split the stone ground grits and we both agreed that this was Grits at an entirely different level - best grits I have ever eaten. My wife has not eaten grits in about 7 years but ate the majority of what we ordered. Dessert we got the Walnut Apple Pie with Chai Gelato which was good. The Bar - Sazerac . . . . The drink looks, smells and tastes like something you would put in an F1 Ferrari on the Grand Prix Circuit. First sip is intense but it grows on you and as I was the designated driver for the night I was limited to a couple of sips. Drinks are steep and strong, but good and the service was excellent.
(4)
Amanda C.
Dante's was probably my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. The shrimp and grits are insanely delicious (NO ONE has even come close)... in general, breakfast/brunch is wonderful and dinner is equally fantastic if not greater. They give you this spoon bread at dinner that comes in mini cast iron pans and it is exactly as all gratis-beginning-of-the-meal-carbs should be: hot, freshly made, delicious, and so good you want more. Everything I've ever had here is delicious, so recommendations are moot. Just come here.... the restaurant is so beautiful (located in an old house) and on a sunny day, the patio cannot be beat.
(5)
Abigail M.
As I mentioned earlier when reviewing Clancy's - I love a restaurant where I can find parking! You won't know that you have arrived at Dante's until you are right up on it, because it is set in a quiet, quaint neighborhood. I had a nice, low key brunch here the day I left New Orleans. (sniff sniff) The service was great, the dress was casual, and the place was not your typical "touristy" NOLA restaurant. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs and horseradish cream sauce - YUM. If you love corned beef and horseradish the way I do, you can't go wrong with this dish. Corned beef isn't your thing? They have many different breakfast and lunch options. As far as drinks go (because it's not brunch without a drink) they have your typical mimosa's, bloody mary's, etc. But I was in the mood to try something new (to me, anyway) so I ordered the brandy milk punch. It was really good, and reminded me of eggnog without the thickness. All in all, I had a really great experience here, and will return.
(3)
Sharine d.
most of the Food was wonderful! Tasty..high end menu, but overall experience was a 3 . Cheese plate appetizer...Cheese was nice..also had some homemade cracker, cookie and Apple pastry. The bread for table was excellent. Steak dish was excellent. Duck dish would have been perfect, but duck was undercooked....sad. Side dishes of cabbage and the mashed potatoes.....were both excellent!! Service was very attentive to locals...a bit hot and miss for our table. Not sure if our waiter was just overwhelmed?.? Overall team appears to work together to help out, but it could have been better. Real rating would be 3.5...I'll take the duck home and microwave, so I can chew. The rest of the dish was a hit. Cute house restaurant....in nice neighborhood.
(3)
Christian D.
A friendly staff, home-like atmosphere, and sizable portions give this place popularity. I had the duck with a glass of Cabernet - both were very good. Unfortunately, they were out of the appetizers we wanted, but no biggie. We tried the bruschetta and the shrimp and grits. Yes to the bruschetta, no to the latter. Our French waiter, Luis, was quite comical and very attentive. The red velvet cake for dessert was some of the best I ever had. Overall: 4.0 / A-
(4)
Andrea N.
Delicious! Fresh baked everything. The biscuits were perfectly moist, just the right amount of dense, and I think they even make the jam. I have the Benedict which came with two this pork chops. I mean?! Come on?! Can't beat that. My friends got the following: crab and Brie omelet, dante's omelet complete with meat and cheese and potatoes (oh my!), and shrimp and grits. No one left a single bite. Iced coffee was yummy, too. Full bar on site, Corey spot, brunch line was about a 25 minute wait on a Sunday at high noon. Staff and service was good.
(5)
Robert B.
I have been to Dante's a few times for brunch and years ago for lunch. This review is of the brunch only. It's definitely a winner. I went most recently on a beautiful Sunday morning after Mass. We were first in line and chose the patio of course. NOLA had just been through a wet cold spell, and the idea of patio dining was exciting. We both ordered a Bloody Mary to start. It is one of the best Bloodies in the city. The difference is a nice hint of horseradish in the mix. Very tasty. For food, I ordered the pork steak confit and my lovely dining companion the salmon and eggs. The pork confit was one of the best dishes I have eaten, truly a first class dish. It was perfectly tender and served over hash browns with chutney and 2 fried eggs on top. My first eggs were way overcooked, but the waitress was totally cool and brought me 2 more that were correctly cooked. The DC's salmon was good too though it's not my thing. It was nowhere near the caliber of the pork. As always I checked out the other dishes being brought to neighboring tables. The cinnamon rolls looked awesome and were as big as a hubcap. We decided to try one next time, and there will be a next time.
(4)
Edward S.
Another restaurant keeping New Orleans on the map for great food. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. The service is great. It is cramped inside, but so are most places here. Someone here really cares about this place. If you really want to impress a date, take her here.
(5)
Felicia H.
Dined here last night and WOW. Just WOW. To think we were originally going to go to Jacques Imos (which I love, but hate the 2h wait) and fortuitously found ourselves here instead. Started with the spoon bread and honey butter. I would take this in lieu of bread any damn day. It smelled as good as it looked and it looked as good as it tasted. Food fit for the gods. Appetizers: escargot and mussels. Absolutely saporous! Highly recommend. Main course: portions were shockingly generous. You will not leave hungry. Shrimp and grits - grits were the star of this show Chicken roasted under a brick - best out everything we ordered Trois mignons - zero complaints Braisted lamb - largest plate; homemade pasta = delectable! Boudain rouge - a little dry and salty for my palate but the sauerkraut saved it Redfish on the half shell - my least favorite of everything we ordered; wayyy too salty and just didn't feel as special as the other dishes. Dessert: red velvet cake - no one complained. No crumbs leftover. I left completely stuffed, satiated and satisfied. The whole dining experience was wonderful and I would come back in a heartbeat. My favorite part of their menu - the disclaimer: "no cell phones, low calorie diets or separate checks"- preeaacchhh Dante preaaachhhh. Don't come to New Orleans if you're on a diet, what's the point?
(5)
Karman C.
Brunch is amazing!!! Price is very reasonable too. I have only gone there for dinner one time a long time ago, so I don't remember the experience. However, I will definitely go back for dinner just to try it out again. Service is average. We went there for brunch right around when they are open so the wait was not bad, but I can see that it will be quite a long wait if going there a little later. I will definitely go back again!
(4)
Jenny S.
Absolutely stellar food! We tried the fried green tomatoes, spicy eggplant, chicken under a brick, and the trois mignons - everything was prepared perfectly. The prices are very high, but you're definitely paying for the quality of ingredients (plus, Dante's sources locally whenever possible) and preparation.
(5)
Chris C.
FRESH FRESH FRESH and CREATIVE!! I had to have the waiter "translate" some of the Gourmet dishes and tried the punch of the day which was also wonderful.
(5)
Lauren S.
One of my New Orleans favorites. Brunch or dinner. Progressive takes on southern cuisine. Low key they have an amazing bar program-get the punch!!
(4)
Brian R.
I have to say I came back here after four years with high hopes. The menu does not read as the chef had altered the menu items. The addition of manchego cheese there was a welcome plus. They added enough heat to the chicken under brick that it should be named "fire in the hole" with the best of jerk chicken. Put the spicy on the menu rather than the misleading maple glaze. The double pork chop was beautifully cooked but drowned in too much sweet. The kale was sweet with bacon nuggets that couldn't balance it out. It cried out for some savory counterbalance. It took a long time to put in our order.
(3)
Don J.
If you need a break from the madness of the French Quarter, Dante's Kitchen is the perfect antidote. It's also a good excuse to take a slow ride on the St. Charles streetcar line - pay your $1.25 and hop on one of the vintage streetcars just south of the French Quarter. You'll catch the sights and work up a good appetite as the streetcar lumbers along at maybe 10 MPH. Jump off at the S. Carrolton / Maple St. stop, then walk northwest on Maple a couple short blocks. When you get to Dante St., the restaurant will be a short jog left, on the far side of the street in what is surely an old house. The restaurant is as cozy as can be - dimly lit and a nice choice for a couple's night out. We were seated in what looked like an old sunroom across from the bar. The server arrived quickly to take our drink order. There were some nice craft beers on tap, including Mikkeler Evil Twin, as well as some refreshing iced tea. As we waited, we marveled at what looked like jars of homemade canned vegetables, lined up in a shelf over our heads. The meal starts out with a complimentary serving of what they call spoonbread - a luxurious take on the humble cornbread, served in a mini skillet. Very tasty. I ordered the charcuterie, which I customized by ordering the kinds of meat I wanted. Everything was homemade and very good. I then went for one of the small plates, a Vietnamese inspired dish called Thit Kho with braised pork belly. I was stoked about the fresh, vibrant flavor, and the portion size was more than fair for a "small plate". I'm glad I went small, because my companion ordered the double cut pork chop, which was very generously sized and more than the average person could finish, in my opinion. The large cut worked out to my benefit as I happily gobbled down the excess. I also sampled my companion's brussels sprouts, which I generally loathe, but these were actually pretty good. Unless you have a huge appetite, I think a good strategy for Dante's is to order one main course to share and a couple small plates or sides. I saw other diners boxing up their leftovers to take home, which is another good option. I doubt you'll leave Dante's hungry. If you found the streetcar ride intolerably slow, a taxi will get you back to the French Quarter much faster for around $15. Ask the restaurant to call one for you.
(5)
Enrique O.
Consistently excellent food and service. We have mostly eaten breakfast here, but recently had dinner. I ordered some "small plates", every bite of which was pure heaven. Crab and corn soup, a salad wedge (half a head of butter leaf lettuce with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing), and grits with shrimp. We shared an order of scallops between 3 people and had to take some of it home. Our experience here over the last ten years has been nothing but great.
Firstly, our waiter Larry was refreshingly attentive and knowledgeable. Secondly, everything we ate was so delectable I'm just going to go ahead and list them so that I can relive those tasty moments and encourage any prospective diners to order the same. Apps Crab and Corn Soup Steamed Mussels Entrees Double-Cut Pork Chop Redfish on the Half Shell Chicken Roasted Under a Brick *Roasted Duck Breast Sides Melanzane Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts *The only dish that didn't shine as brightly as the others was the duck.
(4)
Jessica L.
This place is like Louisiana style meets New American, in a cozy cute little restaurant away from all the hustle and bustle, and a sprinkle of hipster. Freshly baked molasses corn bread- hot, fluffy, sweet, crispy, delicious. And it's free! Shrimp and Grits- skip it. Not amazing. You can get a bomb shrimp and grits elsewhere. Chicken under the brick- yes yes yes. You should NOT skip this one! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and it's one of their most popular dishes on the menu. Who can say no to a fried egg? Steamed mussels- has its own New Orleans style to it. Red fish- this was dry. I think red fish is just dry in general :( Seasonal veggies- this was by FAR the show stopper. HELLO!!! Farm fresh brussel sprouts, beans, sauteed mushrooms, watermelon radish, and bacon. This was a side veggie, but was the most memorable part of my meal.. and I even tried to make it at home which did not turn out as tasty. But be sure to try their side veggies, they will surprise you!!! Overall, a solid 4 stars.
(4)
Monica L.
We enjoyed a tasty meal at Dante's Kitchen but it's not worth a cab ride out of the French Quarter if you're weighing your options. The apple-and-prosciutto salad was good, the corn-and-crab soup interesting and the skirt steak special perfectly prepared but the menu wasn't vast and the wines by the glass were a little inside-baseball; I had never heard of the grape in my white wine (and wasn't impressed enough to remember it). We also ordered the cheese plate and really liked two of the three cheeses and the persimmon jam; the homemade pickles reminded me of grandma's (and that's not a good thing) and the third cheese had a distinct flavor of barnyard, but I suppose that's the point of a cheese sampler -- to try new things. The atmosphere was intimate -- individual rooms inside a converted residence -- but a little divey. As mentioned elsewhere, the complementary spoon bread was delicious. The service was good.
(4)
Bonnie M.
I love this place because every dish is so unique, and you can tell they're all hand-made. The red velvet cake is to die for (with sliced toasted almonds on top) and the shrimp and grits are so creamy and delicious. I also really love that they get a lot of their produce and meat from local farms! I'm normally very frugal but I didn't mind trying a little of everything at this place because the food was so good. The server that I had there was also very helpful and had good recommendations. I have to say that my favorite thing that they had was the complimentary pan-bread! It was so good (with butter melting on top) that I just wanted to order more of it. Wonderful cornbread recipe!
(5)
Aaron P.
Consistently great. Charming old house, simple but delicious menu, accommodating of Celiac diet. We make it a point to stop here at least once each time we're in town.
(5)
Eli C.
Always good. The brandy milk punch is one of my favorite drinks in New Orleans, and a great addition to any brunch. We got there as they were opening at 10:30, and a long line was already forming. Despite this, our party of four was seated promptly, and well fed and out the door within an hour.
(5)
Randy M.
Dante's is tucked away in an overgrown building that resembles a home. We actually walked by it once. It was worth the confusion. The interior is sprinkled with local art and has a hipster vibe found in riverbend. We took the St. Charles street car up from downtown and enjoyed the ride through a very posh uptown. The interior is nice and comfy and the outside seating area is good as well. We enjoyed light bites including the crabmeat deviled eggs, a corn and crab soup and shrimp and grits. The food was delicious. There was a nice spice on the shrimp and a great gravy over the grits. The crab and corn soup was light and both ingredients blended well. The deviled eggs were a surprise hit and served on a bed of fresh field greens. Dante's is an excellent choice for an off the beaten path dining experience. They have a full bar with a variety of special drinks and a large wine menu. I would call ahead for reservations or plan on walking in right when they open.
(4)
James O.
Dante's Kitchen would rank around a 3-4 star for yelp if it wasn't for bad service and bad management. I honestly feel that a two star rating is more generous than it deserves. Food was actually pretty average, and the desserts were disappointing for New Orleans. However what really irked me, was the brunch. We arrived 10 minutes before opening, only to then wait an additional hour and a half to be seated. Yes they were busy, except that when we were inside there were 6 empty tables (and still a line outside). Food was fine, nothing to write home about. Waiter service was also off as ours and many other tables water glasses remained empty. Clearly this restaurant would do better with a management team that knows what they are doing.
(2)
Paul J.
This was my favorite meal during a 4-day stay in New Orleans. It's a bit of a trip - about a 15-20 minute taxi ride away from downtown / French Quarter, but it's well worth it. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. We ordered a bunch of things and shared. Everything was great, but my favorites were the shrimp and grits and the pork belly with coconut rice. Green bean kim chi was a great twist. Mayhaw jelly on the charcuterie was another pleasant surprise. Service was friendly and efficient. Reservations were essential. Great wine selection, and the cocktails were well crafted.
(5)
Jim M.
UPDATE Took my mother the Dante's Kitchen after raving about it so much. She ordered the shrimp and grits and the boudin appetizers while I decided to switch it up and get the trois mignons. Additionally, we shared some of their in house made meats on a platter. Everything she ordered was wonderful as was the meat platter, but I had to update my review because the trois mignons was a huge let down. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were almost room temperature, as if they had been sitting out for a while, the three fillets were all unevenly cooked; I ordered them rare and they each ranged from rare to what I consider medium well and were all room temperature on the outside. Finally, they could have added a little more of the stilton blue cheese sauce, but that's not really where my complaint stems from. After my first visit where everything was absolutely amazing, and my mother's dishes which were also amazing, I was pretty surprised at the trois mignons. Hopefully it was just an anomaly. I will go back because everyone is so friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful but will avoid the trois mignons.
(3)
El R.
Dante's was great as always! We were seated a little late (which was a bigger deal for my mom than for me) but their GM was very courteous and more than made up for it by comping our first round. It was jazz fest weekend... We started with the salumi and the cheese plate which both were well-balanced and delicious. My selection was the braised fish. It was delicious! Great balance between the light, well cooked fish with the rich sauce (with a few baby octopi hiding inside). Definitely excited for another trip back!
(5)
Elsa M.
You had me at "Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns!" Mmmmm.... Dante's Kitchen is pretty small, with a cute, private little patio, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in expansive menu options! My husband and I met some friends for brunch here and started out with the famous Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns to split amongst the group. Two orders for the five of us were plenty and we each dove right in, ripped them apart with the gusto that the presence of bacon often elicits. Soooo good! The majority of us happened to order the same thing: a veggie omelette with a side of aligator sausage. Now, I am not one who really knows a lot about alligator, but I am more times than not willing to try something new, so I went for it. Honestly - it really didn't do anything for me. I needed a lot of hot sauce to give it more flavor and with each bite, I just kept wishing I had either gotten regular sausage or bacon. Again, it wasn't bad... just sort of boring. The omelette was another story - very well-made and super satisfying. No complaints there. I am eager to come back by and try lunch or dinner here as the menu looks great: packed with a lot of healthier options and special takes on steaks and scallops. Can you say "Mmmmmmm" Part II? ;)
(4)
Kenneth D.
So, in case you haven't heard, Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a thing, and they live at Dante's. What better way to start off a meal at one of the best brunch spots in New Orleans? Well, add a Brandy Milk Punch and we're really talking. The Cinnamon Rolls are really perfection though, super soft layers, sweet glaze and every once in while you get surprised with a nice salty bite of smoked bacon. While the entire thing was good, once you hit that inner portion...dirty thoughts. The Bread Pudding French Toast was literally the best of both worlds. Nicely browned on the outside, but super soft and tender on the inside, just like a great bread pudding should be. They only use seasonal fruit for the topping, so the options will vary, but this helps to ensure the quality and that's something I can appreciate. The topping of the day was Apricot, not normally my first choice in fruits, but it worked, the slight tartness of the fruit paired well with the sweetness of the French Toast. Really great dish over all. The Breakfast Burrito, while not what I ordered, was next level. The look of shock when they placed a burrito down in front of her, that was bigger than her forearm, was worth the trip alone. With the quantity also came quality. I didn't get a chance to eat much of it, but the meat inside was very tender and the green chili sauce they put on the outside was the perfect compliment. I'm not sure where the tortilla came from, but it definitely wasn't average. We had a great experience here; food, service and atmosphere, all on point. This place deserves the high praises, and then some. Next time I come back home, we will be back, and every other visit after. I'd love to get in for dinner sometime, but I don't think those Cinnamon Rolls will ever get old, so it'll be the go to Brunch spot for the foreseeable future.
(5)
Vickie D.
Very inovative menu and delicious food. They have a pretty good wine list too! One of my favorite places to dine in Nola...
(5)
K M.
A vegetarian dish that doesn't taste like a menu after thought?!?! The bubbly and beer was on par and the triple cream on the cheese board stole my heart. M said the pork confit was heaven and T was all about the boudin rouge. Wouldn't recommend the apple pie but lawd this restaurant was AMAZING.
(5)
Ben G.
Delicious, simple food. My friend and I both really enjoyed our meal, and Dante's got raves from other friends who suggested it. Nice atmosphere, not very loud, and attentive service. Can't find a reason why I wouldn't go back. Note: they only have drip coffee. No espresso drinks.
(5)
Harry T.
Returned to this restaurant from a long absence that had memories of a good time in the past. The restaurant is different and it is acceptable in many ways. One major draw back is that the server informed us that we must give our entire order at one time. When you are new to a place and not familiar with how much food you want or even the size of the portions that makes it a bit difficult to enjoy the evening. Our server, Rosie Jean, was really great and did all she could to make the evening a positive event. We order three dishes and hoped it would be tasty and enough food. Once again not knowing the size of the portions it was a guessing game to order all at once. The Mussels, Scallops, and Carrot plates were all very good. Tasty and flavorful and very fresh made the dinner enjoyable. We also enjoyed two glasses of Chardonnay that was good and expensive. There are specialty drinks that are prepared with imagination and were also worth the effort to visit this restaurant. Service and the quality and taste of the food rates a four star. Having to order everything at once will cause a delay in returning for a night out on the town in the future.
(4)
Marit B.
Wow. We found this place for Sunday brunch, got a table right away, and we were very pleased. Great food, service and atmosphere. We'll be back to try the house made bitters.
(4)
Ellen J.
What a cute place this is! Lots of brightly colored walls (the color made me a bit nostalgic--if you check out the pictures I've posted of Dante's Kitchen, you'll see the same shade of yellow my dad--RIP--painted my teenage bedroom when I asked for "pale" yellow) Lots of happy shiny people (probably happy because they snagged a seat at this first-come, first serve brunch). Our server was equally bright and peppy. I love it when you order food and they reply with "good choice" or "that's one of my favorites" (I'm easy). I ordered the BLT&E, a sort of upgraded BLT made with crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg, which was runny enough to create a sauce of sorts. I ordered it without the mayo. I think they may have been out of arugula, because the L tasted more like spinach, but no matter, it was delish! I really loved the foccacia bread it was served on--so soft and buttery. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the slightly spicy bloody mary I enjoyed (how could I forget that?), which was full of those pickled things I like so much.
(5)
Sharon L.
Four words: chicken under a brick. Favorite restaurant in New Orleans hands down. Southern food done right with a delicious twist to each dish. Everyone there is always so nice and helpful. They do a great job if working with my food allergies. And the food? Omg..so good. Love love love.
(5)
Vivian H.
We tried to eat the whole city, and Dante was one of our stops. We ordered some shrimp & grits for pickup en route to the bayou. Although it was a little cold when we finally got to it, it was still DELICIOUS. I really wish we had time to have a proper meal here. The place is super cute, the staff very accommodating, and there were so many things on the menu I wanted to try! If the shrimp & grits were any indication, you can't go wrong with the other choices.
(4)
Ravi P.
I mean they just do it right. Their mussels broth should not be missed. Order it, and swear you will literally drink it. Also love the home made bread. Redfish wasnt the best i have had but chicken under the brick is a must try
(5)
Mallory E.
I've been here for brunch 3 or 4 times. Let me tell you one thing - get there early (there are no reservations at brunch) and order the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. You will not be disappointed. For this past Easter/my birthday we were seated around 11:30 - it opens at 10:30 - and promptly ordered three Sticky Buns. One hour after opening they only had one left. ONE HOUR. Other items I've tried: Steak and Eggs ($12.50) grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns BLT&E ($10.5) crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes ($9) with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup The first time I got the BLT&E the pork belly was more like bacon/ham. The second time it was a big slap of belly. The Steak and Eggs are to die for. I suggest each member of your party eating a Sticky Bun then splitting a main dish. Or you can just bring the sticky bun home and eat if after your food induced coma.
(5)
Phill C.
Wow! One of the best bites of chicken I've ever put in my face! The Chicken Roasted under a Brick was just so damn good. They take half of a free range chicken, maple glaze it, and cook it in a skillet with a hot brick pressing down on it. The special bricks are actually from the building's foundation. Anyways, you end up with some super juicy and delicious chicken. Plus you get a bacon hash cake topped with a fried farm egg. An awesome awesome dish and I can't wait to get back to NOLA for some more. This cozy little restaurant has some great food and super friendly service. Dinner always starts off with some delicious and complimentary molasses corn bread, served in a mini skillet and topped off with some honey butter. I also tried the Trois Mignon... the steaks were cooked perfectly and the debris was tasty. If you're visiting the FQ area, I'd definitely recommend making the trip over to Dante's. Plus you get to really see the city on the drive over.
(5)
Fabian N.
Best brunch in town. Dinner is delicious too, but you need a reservation.
(5)
Valery C.
** 4.5 stars ** Across the street from wonderful Brigsten's in uptown NOLA, Dante's Kitchen is yet another small restaurant located in a residential home on quiet Dante Street, although there's no missing the line snaking out the door before they opened for Sunday brunch. No surprise; while reservations can be made for dinner, brunch is first come, first serve. At opening time, the restaurant did not fill up from folks waiting before they opened, but probably did within an hour. There is something charming about dining in a setting that was once a home. The space is naturally cozier and more intimate. A lovely backyard garden offers outside dining. Inside, Dante's Kitchen's available seating is divided into multiple small rooms. Each area is painted in its own bold color; we spotted sunny yellow, lime green, warm red, and deep blue. Decor is simple, home-like, with quirky touches like a medley of lighting fixtures, and seating is casual. Our group sat comfortably across the bar, in the yellow section. Service was friendly and laid-back. The food is sourced locally. The menu is American, with a liberal Cajun/Creole influence, and their brunch menu has the usual suspects. The meal started strong with skillfully made cocktails, a deliciously balanced Bloody Mary with house pickles, and a creamy, spiced Brandy milk punch. The menu is disproportionately heavy on entree-sized items, but these also serve well for family-style dining with a group. Supplement with starters and sides, which are generally portioned small, making for a bite or two each person in a group. Four entrees, two starters, one side, and not a single disappointment; virtually all were impressively satisfying. The remarkable bacon praline cinnamon sticky buns are stunning; it sounds like overkill but on that crispy shell and fluffy light bread are the listed trio of flavors, somehow delicate, the sweetness restrained. Such elegance, an adjective I'd never think to apply to a sticky bun. Their lovely buttermilk biscuits are similar in crisp and lightness; one of the best buttermilk biscuits I've ever had, of the very few I could say I like. Fantastic grits, creamy with a subtle cheese flavor, perfectly paired with strongly spiced, jumbo grilled head-on shrimp and andouille gravy. Chunky corned beef and potatoes in a skillet, tasty and tender, great comfort food. Interesting pork confit; it only goes through a short confit prep so its more like a few days seasoning and slow-cooking 12 hours. Either way, tender and good with bright chutney and hash potatoes. Actually I enjoyed the fantastic eggs Benedict more; the roasted rosemary-scented pork loin is delicious on their perfect buttermilk biscuit, creamy hollandaise touched with honey. Alligator sausage are flat patties, visually unimpressive but tasty enough, although I think we all had in mind the juicy gator sausage on a stick encountered earlier on the trip. To an extent, I expected Dante's Kitchen to be good from prior research, although I don't always find brunch to be the best meal to judge a restaurant. This restaurant exceeded expectations, a consummate experience that was the best overall meal of this NOLA trip. Dinner is a must on my next trip. A highly recommended dining experience.
(5)
Brian O.
This was supposed to be Dante's Kitchen, but was instead a popup called sasafras. Everyone has to start someplace. The dishes are (small) tapas size but were very tasty. A green tomato salad and a sausage of some sort - if they were full portions I would have enjoyed them more. Service? Well, there was none. There were people who brought things. A bar tender who measured - never seen then before in NOLA! But, it is a start-up.
(2)
Jessica A.
5 for Service 3 1/2 for food. Our waiter Tiny made it an unforgettable experience for us even though he couldnt help that we had some issues with our food , he wanted to make sure we were truly satisified with our experience. If we would have had any other waiter i probably wouldnt even go back to this restaurant but i will only go back to him. My husband loved the chicken on the brick and the boudin rouge was amazing, oh and dont even get me started on the spoon bread with molasses...yummm!!! Even the desserts were amazing. I held out to make sure i had room for my entree and the plating was amazing! When the food came out everything looked amazing and my husband was very pleased with his chicken on a brick. I got the redfish on the half shell and it was beautiful when it came out. I unfortunately started to eat it and it was so spicy my stomach hurt. The waiter noticed i wasnt eating and i hated to send back such a beautiful dish but he(Tiny) insisted that i would be happy with my food. When i got the new dish it was so salty it was unedible. The waiter felt horrible and tried to make it right with dessert which definetely helped. Needless to say i was still hungry filling up only on appetizers, bread and dessert after holding out for an entree i couldnt eat im very skeptical about going there again. If i do go back i would definetely get the chicken on a brick and make sure you ask for Tiny!!
(3)
Roco M.
Cute little place, very friendly staff and the food's fantastic. Had the grits with cheese and mushroom on the waiter's recommendation -truly great. Also had the scrambled eggs with alligator sausage and red pepper jam over a biscuit, which was equally great. Highly recommended.
(5)
Veronica C.
Worth the wait. Very popular Sunday brunch, the best Bloody Mary (I had regular, extra spicy is an option). The "Debris & eggs" is delicious pulled pork with perfectly poached egg over a honey biscuit covered in a Demi-glaze hollandaise (a lighter rendition). My husband ordered shrimp and grits covered in a light gravy. Don't let the simplicity of these dishes fool you, each ingredient is seasoned and compliments the others. The flavor of the gravy was exceptional, the consistency of the grits enhanced the flavor and texture, the shrimp were individually seasoned, fresh, and delicious on their own. Exceptional food quality and flavor. Go patient (wait 30 min for 2, food to arrive 30 min), arrival time 11:30am on Sunday. Drinks are served quickly, attractive patio/porch waiting area. Umbrella-covered outdoor seating area.
(5)
Abby N.
Updated: We've now had brunch at Dante's several times. It's still my favorite brunch in town. To date, the only menu item we've found disappointing was the French toast. I just can't get on the bread pudding bandwagon, and working its way into one of my favorite breakfast dishes didn't redeem it. Most recently, I had major food envy when my husband got the eggs benedict.
(5)
Aaron S.
One of my favorite uptown restaurants. It is located in a small house with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The setting is quite casual, but the food delivers time after time. At my last meal at Dante's I ordered the escargot with bone marrow (amazing combination) and the duck breast entree. The food here is simply fantastic, the atmosphere is nice (but casual), the service is always consistently good... I would recommend to anyone with the caveat that it is not a formal, fancy place. Just great food in a casual uptown setting...
(5)
Nina T.
Absolutely love this place. I came for dinner and had the chicken under a brick and my mom had the trois mignons. Both were delicious. for an appetizer we had the boudin rouge with homemade sauerkraut. LOVED IT. I had to knock a star off for the noise. my mother and I sat on the patio for dinner and unfortunately could hear the road perfectly from where we sat. Also the patio could use more lighting, maybe strings of lights? But these small things wont keep me from coming back, the food was absolutely amazing. And i've heard amazing things about the brunch which i have yet to try. Soon.
(4)
Jillian W.
Great food, good service, cool ambiance. Our server was very friendly, professional, and attentive. The complimentary molasses spoon bread is seriously delicious. Wide selection of drinks and fancy cocktails. Don't discount the punch! In my mind punch is synonymous to jungle juice from the college days, but this was way more sophisticated. They make a different concoction daily - ask about it! Steamed mussels were decent. Shrimp and grits were super creamy and rich. Not sure how it compares to others in the area, but it was pretty satisfying in my opinion. Fish on the half shell tasted fresh and clean and prepared well. We greatly enjoyed the warm, cozy feel of this restaurant with the low lighting and separate rooms. It must have been a residence in its former life. It was a little too cold to sit outside, but the courtyard/patio seating looks very inviting as well. Definitely recommend for a nice, romantic date or even a group.
(4)
Michael H.
This place definitely lives up to the hype. On a recent trip to New Orleans, we wanted to get out of the central business district and try something different. Dante's Kitchen really hit the spot. It is in a cute old house with lots of character. The food was remarkable. If you are trying to decide between the chicken under a brick and something else, go with the chicken. It is one of the best meals I've ever had! It tastes like a flattened, boneless rotisserie chicken that is pan fried in maple syrup and cajun spices. The wine menu is well edited and reasonably priced. You can take the St. Charles streetcar from the central business district and enjoy the views of the garden district on your way. There are also a couple of fun bars within walking distance if you arrive before your reservation. We stopped in to Cooter Brown's and had a delicious local beer.
(5)
Tamia G.
Ok, seriously. How can the food be so so so fabulous EVERY time I return? My buddies and I drank tasty mimosas, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, and another drink named, "Purebred." I have absolutely no idea what's in it. But... What I do know is that Tyler put his foot in it! Purebred was fresh & feisty all mixed together. Tyler, how do you feel about cougars?! ;-) Our main courses: Veggie omelet, country breakfast (sausages, bacon, ham, eggs & grits); fluffy pancakes, Pork-steak & grits. Quite the expansive meal for only 3 folks, but Dante's food makes you wanna hurt yourself. It's THAT good! Don't miss it! This place is in my top 3 of all New Orleans tasty spots!
(5)
Peter N.
This place is awesome! Located in a, what use to be house, with friendly staff! There are some local art on walls of this restaurant that is available for purchase. This place somewhat gives a punk rock-like vibe, however the food is awesome. We only tried this place for brunch so this review is strictly on brunch, we ordered the following items: - Steak & Eggs, which is a grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns, this was very flavorful, and delicious, however on all of our dishes, the eggs were slighty overcooked, which was very disappointing (hence the 1 start taken away) - Dante's Eggs Benedict, which is a roasted rosemary rubbed pork loin, sliced, and served over a buttermilk biscuit with honey, poached eggs, and hollandaise, the pork loin was delicious, however, one of my biscuits were burnt, and not being a complaining person, I did not bring it up, and the eggs on this dish was also overcooked, and was not given enough hollandaise.. - Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup, was very delicious, I can eat this all day! - Cheese Grits, which consists of a variety of cheeses, was very good and cheesy, my companion isn't a big grit fan, but after this, she changed her mind! Overall, if every dish was cooked to perfection, it would of been fabulous, and because I know that those things can be easily fix, this place have a good potential of my return.
(4)
Jessica J.
It's a little far out from the French Quarter, if you're there visiting, but totally worth the trek. My friends and I took a cab there and then the trolley back. There is definitely a wait and I was warned about that. However, the staff will let you order coffee and drinks to start while waiting on their patio. Their iced coffee was incredible! The bacon cinnamon roll... every table should at least have one. It's very rich so a perfect starter to share with your group. Their Bloody Mary was delicious and I had the debris benedict and I loved it. So good. The other food all looked really good as well.
(5)
Scott S.
( The following review is a script for the animated short video that can be found at youtu.be/tUMABFensKE ) Scott S. Damn it. What kind of review is this? Why do I look like Larry King's 8th's wife's 2nd husband? Lucy M. You? What about me? I look like I'm functionally retarded. I feel like I should be in a stars and stripes bikini shooting something with my boomstick. This is supposed to be a Yelp review, Scott! Scott S. It is. It is. I promise. But this review is extra special because it's an update for Dante's Kitchen, my most favorite restaurant in all of New Orleans. So it's movie time, bitches. Kakow, snip snap! Lucy M. I heard about your Pinkberry review. Are you sure you want to do this? This could be considered porn if you're not careful. Can you refrain from being lewd? Scott S. Lewd? Me? Do I look like a dirty old man or something? Lucy M. ... Scott S. Well whatever. Let's do this. Get into character, Lucy. Recreation of first brunch at Dante's Kitchen ever. Take 1. And action. Lucy M. Thank you for coming to brunch with me, Scott! I've really wanted to try this place out. Scott S. Oh hell yeah, there was no way I was letting you move back to Los Angeles without experiencing the foodie Nirvana that is Dante's Kitchen. Lucy M. Wow! Everything looks so good on the menu! Alligator Sausage Breakfast Sliders? Debris and Poached Eggs? Corned Beef Hash in a horseradish cream sauce? OMFG. Scott S. I know! Right? And look at the Dante's Eggs Benedict with rosemary rubbed pork loin, and the Bread Pudding French Toast! Lucy M. Bread Pudding French Toast? Are you fucking kidding me? With blueberry sauce even? Oh, it's on. And I need some stone ground grits up in here too. You in? Scott S. Let's do it. And I think I'm going for the special today. Lucy M. What's the special? Scott S. It's Grilled Mahi Mahi with poached eggs over goat cheese grits in a red pepper hollandaise... Lucy M. Holy moose shit! Really? Goat cheese grits? Scott S. I think I may need to pop a Cialis to eat here. Viagra won't cut it. I need a few days alone with this menu. Lucy M. It's like all local ingredients too. Amazing. Why am I moving back to Los Angeles again? Scott S. I don't know. Is there a Dante's Kitchen there? Lucy M. No. Scott S. Then you straight up crazy as a jojomba. Lucy M. Thanks Scott. What does that even mean? Scott S. I don't know. Let's eat, faithful jojomba! And may we bask in the glory of Dante's together again someday. Yelp NOLA will miss you. Lucy M. And... scene. Cut! It's a wrap. Scott S. (pauses) Nice tits. Lucy M. God damn it, Scott.
(5)
Bret B.
Very welcoming staff. The host recommended a fantastic 2000 Valipocella to enjoy while we waited for our table -15 minutes. Food was awesome! Whole speckled trout, beans with beats and bacon, with cornbread. Great salad for first course. Damn that food good! Good for date or business dinner with right client (not for your Morton's guy). Also think this space is more conducive to smaller groups 2- 6. I was impressed our waitress knows her way around the wine list and recommended a nice 2nd bottle from Spain that really complimented our dinner. I will be back!
(5)
Food Baby G.
This is my absolute favorite brunch place in the world !!! Was introduced to the place in 2009 and have been obsessed with it ever since! Never had a bad experience here, EVER. The staff is always friendly and the service/food is consistently excellent- if not better each time I go. Its cute, its tasty, and its my favorite!!! Love ya Dante's! see you soon!!!!!! P.S. Bring back the seafood cakes please!! kay thanks!
(5)
Jeremy C.
Fantastic food. I had the Trois Mignon, which was simply phenomenal. The service was slow all around. I am, admittedly, a New Yorker, so I'm used to a faster pace. We made a reservation for 8:45 and weren't seated until nearly 9:30, which is simply unacceptable. The waiter was very friendly, but extremely slow. I'd give them 3 stars for the relatively bad service, but the food is just too good. Overall, decent service and excellent food.
(4)
Stephanie A.
This is about to happen.
(4)
Chris K.
Fantastic seafood, and solid bar (with house -made liquor). Highly recommended.
(4)
Jeff O.
You'll like it. Everyone does. I was surprised that they've been open for 10 years because it seems quite contemporary and unaffected by good reviews. The food is very honest, so is the staff. Pricing formats are fun as a mix of spiced gluttony and clean bites in small plates, large, and apps. I'd come here any day of the week, especially if I doubled my salary. There's seems to be a lot more in this progressive and timeless realm on new Orleans. I have a lot more to do here.
(5)
C W.
Disappointed. It was not that great. We had the pork and redfish. Redfish was dry and for the cost, totally not worth it. Pork was also dry and pairing it up with a pancake was weird. Other small plates are just okay-- nothing special and def not 4.5/5 stars.
(3)
Tony C.
Food was good, not great. Atmosphere was fantastic (we ate on the patio). Service was great, but a little slow.
(4)
Kathryn L.
The enjoyment triangle--factors that surround the enjoyment of good food--include 1) Service 2) Atmosphere and 3) Price Expectations. Usually, as long as you have 2 of the 3, you'll have the conditions to savor the meal. Dante's Kitchen fulfilled all three for me. The food is well crafted--they take their time, but the will let you know in advance that certain dishes, like the chicken, will take a bit longer--and you can taste that they are using fresh and quality ingredients. So here's my experience: 1) Service - We were immediately attended to when we entered and seated immediately (we had reservations, but even so, I've been to pretentious restaurants in Chicago that make you wait to be seated even when you do have reservations, which is kinda weird). Our waiter was attentive, but not overbearing and let us know that the "Chicken under the brick" would take close to 40 minutes before taking our order. When we asked about the wine, he immediately sent out a wine specialist to help us choose a bottle to go with our entrees. Overall, service was timely, friendly and not pretentious, and full of smiles. 2) Atmosphere - We were seated outside on the quaint patio (there were only about 5-6 other tables) and the lights came on as the sky dimmed. We watched the geckos bout as we enjoyed our wine and cheese plate. The inside, which we passed through, was not over the top but had an air of sophistication. Overall, a very humble atmosphere perfect for focusing on the main attraction: the food. 3) Price - We had already selected this restaurant as one of the nicer dining experiences (we were planning on BBQ and po'boys for other meals) and the average entree was approximately ~$23 (the Chicken Roasted under a brick s $28). And twenty-some dollars for an entree is pretty average across your range of sit-down restaurants. I've paid $20+ for mediocre scallops or pastas that didn't use the finest ingredients or did not take much time or skill to create so my expectations were right in line for cost, even better than expected. And the wine list was reasonable, too. Food: I had the Chicken Roasted Under the Brick and it was amazing and tender and flavorful. It is served topped with an egg (omg), and maple glazed bacon hash. Heaven. Bonus: The cheese plate came with pickled green strawberries (!!), brown butter popcorn, and pickled beets. Amazing combos with the cheeses. I love the idea of popcorn with cheese and the green strawberries were a treat! We spent our time savoring this collection of flavors as we waited for our food. Good attitudes, good food. Well worth it.
(5)
James M.
Five Star all the way! We arrived after 8:00 P.M. on a Friday night, and were seated immediately. Our server, Jenna, did a great job, gracious and attentive. The food was delicious. We started with three appetizers, Bresaola, Charcuterie and Chorizo sampler, followed by spoonbread, the molasses cornbread other reviewers rightly rave about. Our entrees were Trois Mignons, Pork Steak and Chicken-Under-A-Brick. Everything was outstanding, we could not be happier.
(5)
Edward F.
One of my favorite places to go for brunch in New Orleans. The eggs benedict over corned beef hash was amazing.
(5)
Kelly M.
I sometimes get frustrated when traveling (especially to food meccas like NOLA) that there is no way I can know what eateries are REALLY worth seeking out if you only have a few days in a new place. Dante's, I am glad to say, is definitely one of those places. After a resounding 'you better go there or else' from family who had eaten there once before, it was on my list, and the place definitely lived up to the hype. Our waitress was super helpful and ran to grab the equally helpful and knowledgeable bar manager when we couldn't settle on a bottle of wine - the end result was perfect. First to arrive after ordering was the spoonbread - a total home run - that honey butter is the stuff dreams are made of, and a perfect compliment to the crunch of the bread. For food-food, we shared (and DEVOURED): - Scallops with pickled beets and cilantro oil - Mussels with blue cheese, beer and bacon - Braised beef cheeks with spaetzle and fried leeks (so winning. so good.) - Thit Kho - Vietnamese-inspired pork belly on a green onion pancake - Mustard greens with parsnips - Carmelized onion mashed potatoes Overall we had a great experience - wonderful people, interesting, diverse (but not overwhelmingly so), delicious dishes, and totally worth the trip out of downtown (that neighborhood Dante's is in is quite cute). Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Greg A.
I found Dante's kitchen mentioned on a blog, after searching for farm to table restaurants in New Orleans. It's a bit of a hike from downtown, but well worth the trip, especially if you take St. Charles past Tulane and all the gorgeous homes along that stretch. But I digress. Drinks: definitely try their house-distilled spirits. I had the peanut bourbon and she had the coconut. Both were outstanding. We also did the absynth drip after dinner, which was really fun and sent us on our way with a great buzz. And it definitely created either intrigue or drink envy from the people around us! Apps: seared scallops. I loved them, cooked rare with just a slight sear and delicious flavoring around them. So fresh and perfect they could i'm sure be eaten as sushi. My girlfriend wasn't wild about how rare they were on the inside, with a temperature somewhere between cold & lukewarm. So depending on your preferences there you could love them or not, or ask for a longer sear. Entrees: I had what seems to be their most popular dish (but they were quick to point out that it's not their signature dish) in the chicken under a brick. I read lots of great reviews on it, and it definitely lived up to the hype, with a gorgeous piece of chicken on the bone, covered in a rich maple sauce and a potato cake with a fried egg over it on the side. Absolutely delicious. My girlfriend got the seafood stew. She liked it, but didn't love it. I think the dirty style sauce kind of overwhelmed the flavor of the seafood. Dessert: chocolate pudding. One word, amazing. This was a really fun and intimate dining experience, and one of the best we had in New Orleans. Go there if you're looking for something different in NoLa.
(4)
Semira J.
This was great experience! The food was delicious. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Totally would recommend this place
(3)
C K.
I just adore Dante's Kitchen. It's the quintessential uptown restaurant, right by the river, so peaceful. I love eating out in the backyard with the trees and the lights. This is my idea of good food with a Cajun twist. The only thing you need to know: CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK... A staple at Dante's and undeniably one of the best dishes. I've never been disappointed with it. It is so savory and sweet at the same time -- nothing short of amazing. They start you with warm gooey spoon bread -- it tastes like corn bread with magic inside. It holds you over when the food takes a while to come out. The local farm vegetable plate is an unlikely home run! Get lucky if they have turnips in season ;)
(4)
Rahal K.
Delicious Bloody Mary. Although portions are smaller than other brunch places, the plates are delicious! I had the burritowhich was tasty to say the least. I do have a hankering for spicy food, and an affliction for hot sauce, so needless to say I was a tad disappointed when the waiter presented our table with Crystal. Others at the table ordered the Gravlax and Eggs Benedict, both of which were ready on the palate. The establishment touts their infused vodka selection and their ability to conjure up a tasty libation created especially for your palate. This was exemplified by a complex citrus pouring that my gf ordered.... it was okay. Overall a tasty location. Definitely a must if you haven't tried and a revisit if you already have!
(4)
Dr. B.
Cool atmosphere, the service was great. We ordered the Escargot, Redfish with Crab & Citrus Salad , & the Crispy Confit Pork Steak. One of the best pork steaks I've had in the city. The courtyard is nice, as well the small, but intimate interior dining area. No need to go on about it, this place is worth the trip.
(5)
Jean d.
5 stars with no hesitation ! Friendly staff, great warm ambience and absolutely delicious food !! Everything we tasted was unbelievable, with sweet and sour, really interesting associations of ingredients. A must taste in New Orleans !
(5)
Jason K.
I brought my wife here for her birthday and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to bring her somewhere that was as New Orleans (specifically Uptown) as it got and not be a tourist trap like most restaurants downtown. The scenery was very intimate as we sat outside in the patio area underneath a starlit sky. The only light was our candlelight and the lights that lit up the garden surrounding us. I'm all about ambiance and this place has it. Our server was very helpful from the moment we sat down to the moment I paid the check. She was eager to please and very knowledgeable about the menu. I'm big on that. If you know your menu like the back of your hand, you'll know how to upsell and, in turn, you'll know how to make your patrons happy. We started out with a bottle of nice riesling and their escargot appetizer. The marrow bones came with a bordelaise sauce that complimented it so well. I made sure to keep the leftover bones for my dogs which they absolutely loved. Next up for our entrees, I had their famous Chicken Under a Brick which consisted of a maple glazed chicken with a potato and bacon hash cake and topped with a fried farm egg. It was absolutely heavenly. My wife had the Roasted Duck Breast which comes in a panang red curry sauce and served with herbed fried rice and a mirliton-sesame slaw. We both couldn't keep our hands off the other's plates because both entrees were so wonderful. Everything about Dante's Kitchen was superb and it was definitely the right choice for the right occasion. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Marla J.
What a find. Nice and close to the St Charles street car. Great atmosphere in a NO converted home. The bartender was spinning some cool tunes that enhanced the unique cuisine. Very creative and original dishes. I love it when the wait staff knows the food they serve intimately and can recommend favorite dishes with wine pairing. We got there early for our reservation and we were promptly seated. The scene lends itself to conviviality and our neighboring table joined in their recommendations as well. That is a sign of a welcoming establishment when people are comfortable to converse with fellow diners. And the food????? Awesome. We started with the steamed mussels and Thit Kao, then proceeded with the Seafood Courtboullion and Trois Mignon. Both excellent dishes with delightful sauces and cooked to perfection. Ending with a trio of sorbets and the walnut pie with ginger ice cream. Arghhh heavenly. It is good we walked several miles everyday while in NO. Yes go to Dante's kitchen and feel the NO food love.
(5)
Faith A.
I usually don't bother writing reviews for places that already have over 300 reviews because what needs to be said that already hasn't been said? Well Dante cheers to your 330th review. I felt compelled to talk about my great experiences that I have had over the years at Dante's Kitchen. The reason for that is....I hate breakfast. My husband LOVES breakfast and because I love him i grin and bare through the most painful meal of the day until we went to brunch here. Now I am a believer. Dante's brunch has completely turned my life around. I totally understand how breakfast can be the most important meal of the day. If this is breakfast than I am proud to shout from the rooftop that I love breakfast.
(5)
Rachael H.
The wife says that this was in her top five meals of all time. I don't have a memory to speak of, so I can safely say it was my number one ever! Until the next best meal! The night was perfect. We arrived at 6:15 for our 7pm reservation, and the place was empty. We thought perhaps all the hype was for nothin'. Then Larry arrived. Good lord, that man is as handsome as the drinks were cold. (That has nothing to do with how the food tasted, but it did affect our experience positively.) Also, he was sweet as could be, consistently and non-irritatingly attentive. (The place had filled up by the end of the meal, not an empty table. And yes, the hype was well-justified.) Lala had the Trois Mignons, and said "MmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMmmmm" over EVERY SINGLE BITE. I'm not lying. Every single bite. I had the Chicken Under a Brick which is a strange name for something so delicious. I would eat it again right now and then have it again for dinner if I could. Drinks were great, ambience was perfect. We'd go again in a heartbeat if we could afford to fly to NOLA for dinner.
(5)
Yu Z.
Snails with bone marrow? Color me sold. It was deliciously decadent.
(4)
Patrick B.
I've eaten here a couple times now, and I enjoyed the food, but am not a fan of the music they play in here. They have good vegetarian options, and I really liked the pork shoulder lettuce wraps. The entree I ordered this last time was pretty good: homemade pasta, duck confit, peppers, delicious.
(5)
Kelsey G.
AND THE BRUNCH LIST JUST GOT LONGER! Whether you're looking for a fresh mimosa, a spicy vodka bloody mary, or a trip down memory lane with their sweet and spiced brandy milk punch (think: egg nog or chocolate milk with breakfast), their bartenders cater to your morning fixins' while you wait, and you'll likely enjoy a couple during your time. As far as food goes, I'm still dreaming of cheddar and mushroom stone ground grits that defined what breakfast was meant to be. I could have just had that, but luckily a friend and I shared a special skillet of potatoes, vegetables and fried eggs- the best kind of "I'm so full and I don't care" bites of brunch. I highly recommend Dante's as a go-to New Orleans brunch spot!
(5)
Anthony L.
This is one of the reasons I work out. So when I come back home I can put on about 10 lbs from eating at Dante's. No place like it on the planet! If cooking and good sex could have a baby, it would be named Dante.
(5)
Monique D.
Great atmosphere! Very cozy makes you feel like your in someone's kitchen. I ordered the Trois Mignon - three 2 oz medallions each prepared a different way. Amazing favors!!! A definite value at $26. I also sampled the shrimp and grits and the chicken under a break both were delicious. Our waitress was new so she wasn't very knowledgable of the menu. Complimentary spoon bread that tasted like Grandmaws cornbread. Be sure to ask for seconds as we had a party of six and was told that we could only have one complimentary order. Just ask for another on the house! I would luv to eat at this establishment again
(4)
Brittany F.
Jonesing for the best brunch you could ever have? This is the only place to go. There's always something new on the menu, and everything they do, they do with perfection. The biscuits are heaven, and everything is truly fairly priced.
(5)
John K.
Go here. Went with two friends for brunch and we loved it. Whatever you do, get the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. Heaven. I also had the debris and poached eggs which I could recommend and the alligator sausage was tasty as well. My buds had the shrimp & grits and thoroughly enjoyed it (the shrimp were huge...I guess that's a thing in new orleans?) with the brunch beer they offered from New Zealand. I will definitely be going back next time I'm in the city!
(5)
Joyce I.
This place ROCKED! Loved every dish we had! The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. The mixed drinks were a little 'out there' but I appreciate the creativeness. They make a bunch of extracts. Bone marrow with escargot, corn bread...mmmmmmmm! One of my fave N.O. Places!
(4)
Krista M.
Another place that is not near the hustle and bustle that most stick to while visiting NOLA, it is easily accessible by traveling all the way down on the St. Charles street car and then walking a few blocks. Tucked away on a quiet street, Dante's resides in a house. Each room has a distinct look, we sat in the blue room. A dark, cozy room that made you feel very relaxed. The bartender is a cocktail artisan taking his time to create the perfect cocktails and they were delicious. There is no standard bread basket at Dante's, but you are served a tiny skillet right out of the oven that is filled with a wonderful spoon bread topped with butter, it was sooo good. We started with some house-cured sopressata which had a hint of sweetness that was offset by the spices and black pepper, impressive. Yelpers seem to love the Chicken under a brick, so how could I pass it up? The chicken was so flavorful and juicy, it is a perfect example of what chicken is meant to be. Served with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The whole dish was amazing and succulent. The Trois Mignons with debris, house made Worcestershire, Stilton, caramelized onion mashed potatoes was excellent, the tiny fillet mignons were so tender; the sauces and 'debris' (which I think was kind of like a pulled pork) brought the flavors to another level. Great dish. Apple pie with a black pepper goat cheese ice cream, sounds strange, but my god it worked! The pie was fantastic. This was an incredible meal, you can't get much better than this.
(5)
Lance N.
Nothing more than exquisite. It's an old style home. There are some unusual things on the menu but give them a try. The cocktails were great the sauces were great The service was amazing Felt like home
(5)
Andrea Joy A.
WOW. When visiting my brother in New Orleans he took my husband and I here along with his girlfriend. The experience was absolutely top-notch. This is a funky uptown restaurant with charming, quirky (yet modern and fresh) decor in a converted residential home. There is a small bar where we hung out until our table was ready and enjoyed some of the bartender's original concoctions. (Shout out to the bar tender by the way, he was very personable and entertaining!) The tables were arranged far enough apart so that we were not forced to hear other diners' conversations, and our meals were absolutely outstanding. We started with the cheese platter which was "dainty" but very good, particularly the homemade fruit cake that accompanied it. While we were waiting for our entrees we were surprised with homemade cornbread on the house, served in the cast iron skillet in which it had been cooked. So good! I had the one vegetarian entree on the menu: local vegetables and charbroiled tofu. Delicious. My husband went for the notorious chicken under a brick and when he ordered the server (who was attentive and pleasant the whole time) told us it would be 35 minutes to prepare. I really appreciated his being upfront about this, and my husband decided to go for it anyway. He said it was the best chicken he ever tasted. My brother's girlfriend had the whole fish and said it was excellent. My brother said the same of his rabbit pasta. We also ordered a side of brussels sprouts (held the ham) and garlic mashed potatoes. Simply put: every single thing on the table was fantastic. We will definitely be back for our next visit...I want to try the brunch!
(5)
Nikki G.
The best thing going is the sticky bacon bun.
(3)
Kevin B.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. In an old house so the dining rooms are separate. Very cool and warm feeling. I took a date here for a nice meal and wine. I got the Chicken Under a Brink entree and it was hands-down the best chicken dish I've ever eaten. My date got the pork confit and it was also extraordinary. Service was great. We were there late and the waiter came to let us know that the kitchen was closing in 15 minutes. We went ahead and placed our order and the waiter informed me that my chicken dish would take 40 minutes to prepare. I didn't know this and didn't want to hold up the staff so I said I would order something else. He would not hear of it, said it was no problem at all. I asked him repeatedly if he was sure and he assured me it was fine. The chef even came out of the kitchen to tell me that it was perfectly ok and that my dish was being prepared. It was perfectly cooked and I cannot say enough about the above and beyond service we got. We will be back.
(5)
Dale W.
Sit back and have a drink with friends on the porch while you wait for a table for Sunday Brunch. The food never disappoints and the staff, in my experience, is very knowledgeable of the menu. If you have a group share the giant bacon cinnamon bun!
(4)
Kellie H.
We tried to go to Jaque Imo's but it was closed on Sunday. Walked over to Dante's Kitchen and never looked back! Incredible food ( shrimp and grits. Wow. Mussels. perfect. Salads also really well done and local greens - makes such a difference). Great service, too. To top it off, I forgot my credit card (in a daze after the incredible meal...?) and we were leaving to continue a road trip in the morning. I was a little panicked and emailed them begging to get the card before we left town. Although they don't open until 6PM on Mondays, Mario prompted responded and told us to swing by in the morning to get the card. He saved the day! Just when we thought we couldn't love this place ANY more.... :)
(5)
Natalie V.
Came last night for dinner with husband and two year old daughter. we made last second reservations and were accommodated quite easily as it was a Monday night and raining. We were Seated promptly and I enjoyed a fantastic although pricey libation called the thar she blows. A strong gin and rum based tiki drink served in a giant head, totally worth every penny. Husband had a glass of french white wine which he said was good and complemented his meal. While they don't offer a kids menu our server offered to make our daughter non spicy shrimp and grits although we opted to just share our plates with her. Meal started with their delicious spoon bread and then probably the best starter we have had in a long time escargot with bone marrow, WOW!!!!! This dish puts all other bone marrow dishes and escargot dishes to shame. You wouldn't think it would work but it does beautifully. We also shared a cup of corn and crab soup which was also very nice. For mains I had the always fantastic chicken under a brick, it is half a chicken rubbed with spicy creole spices and broiled under a hot brick then served with a fried egg which you break to mix with the spicy chicken, Awesome! Hubby had the grilled gulf fish which was Amber jack served with dirty rice and bell pepper sauce, significantly lighter but very nice. Service was attentive but not stuffy and clientele were all dressed casually upscale. We have brought our daughter here before and saw another couple with a child. Disclaimer, this is not a Cracker Barrel and there are no crayons and kids menu this is an upscale restaurant that will accommodate families with well behaved children. There were no screaming kids or anyone running around so please make sure your kids can sit down in their chair or high chair and behave well before bringing them.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Overpriced, small menu, great grits but terrible bread pudding. I did not bookmark them and won't be returning.
Well worth the wait! We went for brunch on Sunday and while the wait was 40 minutes we sat on the quaint porch area with mimosas that rival all mimosas. Dante's is quirky, eclectic, casual. I loved it. Each room has it's own flavor. We ordered the homemade bisquits, I ordered the shrimp and grits with a side of hashbrowns(breakfast potatoes) and there was a constant party in my mouth. The service left something to be desired, but i didn't care because the rest of the experience was so authentic new orleans.
(5)
Bug B.
I had been wanting to try this place for years and finally made it there. From start to finish, this was an excellent experience! There was a short wait when we walked in around 8:30pm, so my friend and I bellied up to the bar to enjoy a cocktail. The bartender was friendly and very knowledgeable. Once we were seated our server was prompt, courteous, and even had some time to chat with us a little. We started with the "Fruits, Nuts, and Cheese" plate--a perfect way to start a meal. My one complaint about the cheese plate is that, although the bourbon soaked fruit cake was delicious, I wished we had less fruit cake and more of that yummy cheese. Next was the escargot with bordelaise sauce and roasted marrow bone. WOW! Best escargot I've had in New Orleans so far. We paired this with the Seared Scallops with smoked peach puree and basil oil. The texture of the scallops were perfect, and the flavors of the dish were very balanced. If you like scallops, GET THIS DISH! For my entree I had the Trois Mignons. What an excellent idea for a steak dish. It was like getting three entrees in one. Each bite had a different flavor and I couldn't decided which one was more yummy. But the best part was the Apple Walnut Pie. This is the best apple pie I've tasted. Yes, it was even better than my grandmother's apple pie--and that's saying a lot. Their pastry chef is a genius! In sum, 5 stars! If you're on the fence about trying this place, i'm telling you right now to GO!! You will not regret it!
(5)
Jim C.
This was my biggest disappointment of the trip. It's a small restaurant in uptown that just too much has a feel of eating at your granola-friend's house who is overly proud of her health-oriented cuisine but nothing tastes great. Yes, they have numerous vegetarian options but I wouldn't say any dish stood out for me. I had the Trois Mignons with three different sauces and they were served with mashed potatoes but the flavor just didn't stand out. I had a wonderful and funny experience in the men's grill at the swanky English Turn Country Club watching the Saints mop up on the Bears and I should have listened to the men in the grill who told me to avoid Dante's Kitchen in favor of Clancys. Next time in NOLA, I'll give Clancys a try.
(2)
Ernie D.
A friend suggested this place for dinner and so we joined them there. I had the Chicken Under a Brick, which was absolutely fantastic. It was cooked just right and was juicy and delicious. I also tried some of the mashed potatoes, which were probably some of the best I can remember having. Our waitress was very kind and helpful and although it was a bit pricey for what it was I had a great time.
(4)
Dana M.
Great ambience and delightful food. Fun drinks-- pimms cup and something with mango infused tequila. We ordered edfish on half shell, scallops small plate, shrimp and grits, chicken on a brick. All of these were exceptional and we are picky foodies. So so was the corn bread. Salad with apples and cheese was fine as well. Will definitely be back. A new New Orleans favorite (along with Dick and Jennys, Commanders Palace and Mothers as must visit places!)
(4)
Cassandra Z.
Dante's Kitchen has an amazing menu. It is my favorite kind-of menu these days filled with farm-to-table heartiness. Venison pot-pie? Yes. Brussel Sprouts with pancetta and Gruyere? Bring-it. Boudain with white beans? Boom - put it in my mouth right now. However, the execution of these well-thought out dishes was lacking. The oddities of the ingredients just tasted odd coupled with the sloppiness in their preparation. My cauliflower tasted like sardines. Fish-flavor should never originate from anything other than fish. My venison was overpowered by the black beans. My gruyere was hardly melted over brussel stones...I mean sprouts. I give it two stars (not one) b/c the staff was really friendly and the Boudain was great (after they reheated it) I'm still compelled to return and give it another try. I really wanted to love this place. I should probably get that chicken-brick thing next time, but I'm scared it will taste like a brick.
(2)
Josh I.
I must have come on a bad day because I was very disappointed. I had heard about Dante's kitchen for a long time and have wanted to try it for a long time. Here's a list of disappointments: 1. My omelet had fresh crab...and lots of tiny pieces of shell. I was picking them out of my mouth constantly. 2. I asked for no onions on said omelet and got onions. 2.5 The omelet was cold. (No, I am not just being a b!tch, all these things really were wrong with the omelet!) 3. The blood orange mimosa (at $9, or $1 more than the regular orange juice mimosa) contained basically no blood orange juice. I was pondering why I paid that extra $1 for a teaspoon of juice. 4. A cinnamon bun mysteriously appeared on our table. We were wondering if it was the restaurant's version of a bread basket. As we contemplated whether to dig in, it was taken away since it was for another table. 5. My friend ordered hash browns and got grits. He had ordered the beef tenderloin (filet mignon) and the pieces were tiny, just a couple bites, though this was not totally unexpected at the price. 6. They have an unusual practice (for brunch) of pricing their entrees with no sides. Sides must be ordered separately, at ~$3 each (e.g. a muffin). Entree prices are around $10-$12 and with those $9 "blood orange" mimosas and a $3 side, it adds up. Just based on all the crab shell in my omelet, never again!
(1)
Song K.
Menu: Uninspired $$$ American (there were very few Creole/Cajun dishes) Some meat in some boring sauce with a side of veggies. But the question remains to this day:: how could the hype around such a simple dish so grossly contradict my own dining experience???? Chicken under the Brick, to me, was more like Chicken swimming in Teriyaki Sauce. The reduction might as well have been balsamic vinegar overloaded with sugar. Gross. The meat wasn't dry, but lacked luster since the sauce had not completely seeped into the meat. Without exaggeration, it wins the award for the most disappointing dish ever. The building that houses the restaurant is actually a renovated home on a residential block which affords an intimate and yet familial setting. My dining companions reported to have enjoyed their dishes. However, I don't plan on returning anytime soon...a contemporary American cuisine needs to create an innovative, themed menu in order to stand out. Dante's Kitchen, in my opinion, didn't.
(3)
JP E.
My dining partners and I had the cheese board, the escargot, amberjack, duck breast and trois mignons. The best of the lot was the trois mignons. The amberjack was paired with black eyed peas which is very strange to me and just does not work. The duck was rare (is this a thing now?) and was good, but nothing special. The fennel slaw it was served with wasn't very interesting and was not eaten. The escargot were quite good, but could have used more toast (only served with two small slices). The cheese board was uninteresting and is served with crackers rather than a baguette. It was overall on the sweet side, if that's something you like. Cocktails were very good. Service was good.
(2)
Michael E.
Overall not that impressed. The brick chicken was excellent. As we're the side of potatoes, but it was honey chicken and bacon potatoes, and I think this is a creole place. Everything else...apps and dessert...were sub par. Kinda a downer as I was expecting a lot better. Probably won't go back. I really wanted to like it. Maybe go once...
(3)
Say N.
Food 5/5 I absolutely love this place. Dinner was so good. Next time I am in New Orleans I want to go a few times and try their brunch menu. We ordered escargot (omg soo good, order it!), seared scallops, thit kho (didn't seem like pork belly), squeak breads For entrees we had chicken (gahh delicious), pork, whole roasted fish, trois mignons. Go hungry and eat everything! The reason I gave four stars is because we had dinner the week New Orleans had that cold spell. we weren't at the tables closest to the door but every time someone came in or went out the draft hit us (brrr). Also, they kicked us out of our table (it was valid/people were waiting). They were nice about it but still I didn't like it.
(4)
Tara P.
If you plan to eat out... Eat here!!!! This place is amazing. The cocktails are all unique and the most delicious small plates. We had the chicken under a brick. Almost made me cry it was so good!
(5)
Kristy M.
It's been 6 months since I returned from my trip to Nola and what sticks out most about my trip is Dante's Kitchen. (ok, perhaps the music and late nights riding a mechanical whale?! were also memorable...but food is always first on my mind) I have a great appreciation for the way a chef takes a standard dish and adds his own flare for an awwe inspiring, mouth watering, can't-wait-to-go-back type of meal. Every dish here is handcrafted with fine ingredients and it's apparent each dish is carefully inspected before it leaves the kitchen to make sure the texture, temperature, presentation and overall doneness (that's a word, right?!) is top notch. The seared scallops were firm with a slighty sweet crust on the outside. Local Farm Veggie plate was incredibly indulgent with the fresh goat cheese and carmalized oninion croquette - it's hard to justify why anyone would rave about a simple vegetable dish but the way the sweet juices combine with the onions and goat cheese and just melts in your mouth makes you question what's so great about meat anyway?! The star of the show was the escargot & house made bacon with basil, goat cheese and vermouth - I'd come back to NOLA for this dish alone. Slip in to a cozy seat, order a glass of wine and take in the delicious ambiance and exceptional dining experience.
(5)
Rosalind C.
What a great place. They handily accommodated our large group in a separate room, so we neither bothered the rest of the patrons, nor were we bothered by other patrons! The atmosphere is very cozy, since you are essentially in a renovated house. Service is very good. The food is the star. Several of us had drinks, which were all quite good, and we started with some fresh molasses cornbread, which we quickly devoured. I had the beef cheeks and the thit kho. The beef cheeks were fantastic, but I thought the thit kho was a bit on the salty side. We also ordered brussel sprouts and cauliflower for the table to share, which was great. The reason I am giving extra high marks is because they were incredibly accommodating of food allergies. This seems to be more of a thing now, so maybe I should just consider it the new "normal," but in my view, if someone can barely eat anything on the menu and you still serve them with a smile and they like their food... well, you're a winner in my book!
(5)
Natalie H.
We were vacationing in New Orleans for a few days and we were planning on going to Jacques-Imo's for dinner on Wednesday, 8/8/12, but they were closed for what looked like renovations. Someone walking by Jacques-Imo's saw our depressed faces and recommended we go to Dante's Kitchen. So we headed on down that way while my brother checked Yelp to see the reviews of Dante's. The reviews looked good so we took a chance and we were so glad we did. Dante's Kitchen is in an cute little house with intimate lighting and homey decor. It's kind of hidden, honestly if we drove by and weren't looking for it, we might not have noticed it. There were three of us and we shared: Appetizer- scallops and the duck crepe Main course- brick chicken and the 3 medallion filet mignons Dessert- blueberry rice waffle and buttermilk pie Every thing was absolutely delicious. Our favorites were the duck crepe and the buttermilk pie, but everything was so amazing. The meals are definitely big enough to share. I have already recommended this place to anyone that will listen. Next time I'm in New Orleans I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)
Shannon S.
Bad news: No lunch! Before Katrina I really enjoyed eating lunch here but after Katrina they have never brought lunch back and only do Brunch on the weekends now. There is a pop up BBQ restaurant that operates out of this space M-F for lunch and Tuesday nights for dinner. Good news: They have certainly stepped up the culinary level! They always seem to be featuring as many local and very fresh options as possible and the food is always excellent here. They have a nice courtyard and it is a very enjoyable place (especially at lunch so please bring lunch back!!!). The parking can be a bit challenging but other than that I've always had a great time here and the service has always been fantastic. I'm not a big breakfast person so I've yet to eat brunch here but the food is so good that it is probably just a matter of time before I get here (the next time someone forces me to awaken at some horribly early hour on the weekend).
(4)
Andy H.
Wonderful experience. Food was uniquely prepared. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Everyone loved the chicken under a brick.
(5)
Emily M.
This converted old house is home to a fantastic culinary experience. I came here for brunch with some girlfriends, and we were impressed. Dante's is committed to using fresh local ingredients, so their inventive menu is always changing. If you come here for brunch, make sure you try the grits and biscuits. Grits and biscuits are normally something I would skip right over on the menu, boring. However at Dante's, they import the grits from North Carolina and infuse them with some of the most delicious cheddar I have ever eaten. This experience has changed the way I look at grits. Normally, I don't really like biscuits, but eating a Dante's biscuit is like floating on a cloud.
(5)
Chris H.
I was sadly disappointed tonight. On previous trips, the meal was absolutely perfect. Tonight, we left with much to be desired. The service was decent, but the food was almost inedible. We had the Chicken Under a Brick. It was so spicy that we could not finish it. The egg was overcooked, and the potatoes were undercooked. I was embarrassed that I recommended this place to my friends. Such a disappointment. Hopefully, tonight was an off night.
(2)
Kate H.
I have eaten here many times and the most recent visit was a big expensive disappointment. Super slow service and over $100 for breakfast is way too much. My kids didn't even touch their pancakes because it didn't say that "bananas" were in the batter on the kids menu. Bummed out that an old favorite is going downhill.
(1)
Jane T.
I'm currently hating myself for not coming here first during my trip to NOLA. Cuz if I did, I would've had dinner here every night. This. Place. Is. Phenomenal. Initially, we'd tried to make reservations for the weekend but that's something to be done far in advance it seems. Well ok, that's fine, let's book it for our last evening in town, which was a Monday. Yea, I'm still kicking myself for that one, but onto the review. As amazing as the appetizers looked, we decided to skip it and go straight for the entree, since we'd had a late lunch prior. We ordered 2 vegetables - smashed potatoes and cauliflower; and 2 entrees - slow roasted duck breast and confit pork steak & pork ribs. The duck was buttery, tender, delicious and the pork didn't even need a knife to cut through it. The cauliflower was the best I'd ever had - whatever sauce they put on top was just the perfect complement. The best part of the smashed potatoes was the bacon. Really though, it was all heaven. As full as we were though, we still opted for a dessert. My theory was "If the entrees are this good, can you imagine the dessert?" So we ordered the apple pie with goat cheese ice cream and the butterscotch pudding. I had a bite of the pie which was delicious but I couldn't keep myself away from the butterscotch pudding. The pudding itself was amazing but they top it off with salted whipped cream which was just pure perfection. As full as I was, I powered through that sucker. My drink of choice for the evening was the Pimm's cup. I knew after my first sip that I was going to have seconds - it's that good. Next time I'm in NOLA, Dante's every day.
(5)
Beau B.
I am grateful that Jacques Imo's is so popular! If not for the 2 1/2 hour wait there and out stomachs running on E, I never would have stumbled into Dante's! Really great food, very friendly and prompt staff, cool atmosphere... Long story short, don't waste your life waiting for a table... Pop into Dante's! Definitely grab a glass of the punch!
(5)
Helen D.
Get the chicken under a brick. Seriously. Besides the fact that this place is a $25 cab ride away from the French Quarter (i.e. $50 round trip), it is definitely worth a visit (and all the rave reviews). Highly Recommend: - Chicken under a brick Recommend: - Apply Brandy - Chai Rye Whiskey Good, but not crazy about: - Bacon Vodka - Citrus-Infused Vodka - Escargot and Bacon Appetizer Fit for foodies!
(4)
Shamik T.
Very tasty. Barq's root beer sweet potatoes were surprising. I didn't think i'd like them, but very delicious. Beet salad was nice, but if I remember correctly, I thought the goat cheese was piled on a little too much. Colleague of mine swears by this place, and it was well worth the drive from my Canal St. hotel.
(4)
Eileen Z.
Some of the best shrimp and grits I have had in the city. A staple brunch option but get there either early (or late) on a Sunday because it gets crowded. They have highchairs which is nice because you can bring the little ones!
(4)
Charlie K.
Simply fantastic food, served in a casual atmosphere. Just go, and get ready for some seriously good food. A hidden gem, been around for a long time, and still going super-strong after all these years. Great service, too. Can't recommend highly enough!
(5)
jennifer c.
Tucked away on a quiet little street. If you're coming from downtown/ French quarter ask the cab driver to take the garden district route. Lovely restaurant with amazingly inventive and fresh takes on classics: escargot with red wine and bone marrow (my newly favorite way to enjoy snails!); dirty rice bread pudding with duck; local grape (mejia ?) sorbet. Interesting cocktails the table raved about (mostly scotch and bourbon based with homemade liqueurs). The service was impeccable, too. Definitely don't miss it!!!
(5)
Lee K.
My wife and I had dinner at Dante's Kitchen on 11/15/13. We were there to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and this restaurant did not disappoint! I had the chicken under a brick, which was delicious. I rarely order chicken when eating out, but I was glad that I did this time. My wife had the drum, which was wonderful also. If you are looking for a nice place that is a little bit away from the hustle of the French Quarter give Dante's a try.
(5)
Stephanie Y.
Holy Moly this place was amazing!!!!! Hands down the best dinner in NOLA. The Chicken Under the Brick was friggin delicious - the best chicken I have ever eaten - EVER and it wasn't even fried. The Shrimp and Grits were amazing along with the mussels. I loved loved loved this place. Romantic ambience, great food, southern hospitality = 5 stars!
(5)
Hilary A.
You really can't go wrong with anything you order at Dante's. It's perfect for out of town guests or a special night out. (Please note I've only been during dinner, never for brunch -- I'll get right on that, for you, because I'm so selfless. Ahem.) First of all, spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread doused in butter and served in a skillet, fresh from the...oven? Anyway, it's piping hot and SO delicious, I asked one for dessert (which they could not honor because they were out. Boo.). The only possible rival is the cornbread at Jacqueimo's. Am I a carb queen? Yes. Dishes I believe you should try: Trois Mignons with delish mashed potatoes underneath, sauteed broccoli (Surprisingly good! We gobbled this up!), and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot duCreme (This is perfection in a mug, I tell you -- super rich, so share with a lucky friend!). Also, the lemon drop martini (or something equally lemony.. I'm blanking on the name now) was great. I DIDN'T love the mac and cheese (but I'm very particular about my mac and cheese), nor something like Louisiana fried rice. Tip: The waitstaff is supremely knowledgeable about the menu, so go ahead and ask! They won't even look at you like you're dumb when you can't pronounce the French words. P.S. Please don't eat the rabbit. Cinnabun begs you. :(
(5)
Christine S.
Wow I think I died and went to heaven! I had the special, and that it was .... fellow foodies. It was brioche bread toasted with melted pimento cheese, shredded moist pork topped with eggs poached to perfection. I was in nirvana and it was the food experience I had come to Nola to have. We had a very nice and attentive waitress to boot. If I had room I would have ordered the applewood bacon on the side. If I were on death row that would certainly round out my last meal request! Ok add the bacon cinnamon roll too for good measure. Would not recommend the Bloody Mary, too much horseradish. Sadly our waitress said they may not ever have that special again, for goodness lip smakin' sake I hope she's wrong!!
(5)
Amelia R.
From the very first moment I laid eyes on this place I knew I could be in trouble. Friendly folks cooking up mad food in an old house =Heaven. Just one bite of Dante's buttermilk biscuit....I turned into a pastry crack ho. My text to my man was: "I just had mouth sex with a biscuit." His reply was nasty (that's why I love him) and had something to do with swallowing. Dream on deary. I know, how exciting can a biscuit be? Oh lord. Trust me. Very. So much so that.... I licked the plate. Don't miss out on a delish bloody mary....they are fab. Pickled rhubarb. Olive. Green bean. It makes having "hair of the dog" exciting and new. The shrimp and grits were unflippingbelievable. It's not a question of IF I will ever go back, more like WHEN. But....... I would not change a thing: A bloody. An order of biscuits. Shrimp and grits. An iced coffee for the road. It all equals perfection for this biscuit slut.
(5)
Jennifer B.
I forgot to review Dante's after our brunch last week.. oops! It was my first time there, and it was amazing. They have highchairs and a kids' menu, which is fantastic since I brought along the munchkin. She LOVED the french toast, which was covered in a strawberry sauce (wasn't too heavy). Ok, I loved it too. I had the Dante's Omlette, which was equally delicious. Oh, and of course, the Satsumosas! Awesome. Just awesome. The service was fantastic too, especially considering they had about 15 of us in a group to take care of .
(4)
Layla B.
This was a good meal. Our service was truly outstanding, and the food was really good. Ok, that out of the way, let me tell you more. Don't skip this place because it's not a 5 star review. The food was just really well thought out, paired well with sides, and lovingly presented. The chicken under a brick: just order it. Make sure SOMEONE you're with orders it. It's crazy juicy and tender. The smashed roasted potatoes with duck fat was also a winner at our table. The desserts weren't anything special, which was fine by me because I was already stuffed. The service was flawless. Not at all intrusive, very knowledgeable. She helped us pick our cocktails and flights of bourbon and white whiskey (didn't know there was such a thing!). It was very cool. My biggest complaint: When we made our reservation, we made it for my husband's 40th birthday. It was obviously a special occasion, yet they stuck us inside (the patio is definitely the best place to sit here, especially on a gorgeous balmy N.O. night). I asked if we could sit out there and was told no, despite making reservations almost a month in advance. Oh well. It wouldn't have been so bad except that the lighting in the room we were in was so terrible we had to use our iphones to read the menu. Actually, the server suggested we do so and said that so many people need to. Isn't that a hint? My husband was really put off by this, but loosened up as the night went on. All in all, it was a great meal.
(4)
Penny K.
Pretty good food, lovely and friendly hostess. Our server was the worst. He made the experience almost painful. Any questions about the dish or amount to order were answered with the fewest words possible. We asked to taste a wine by the glass before ordering and have never seen a smaller amount poured in a glass before. Unfortunately for whomever the owner is, we would never return to this restaurant due to the level of unfriendliness we experienced.
(2)
Jessica R.
It had been a year or more since I'd been to Dante's Kitchen when I first reviewed it on Yelp, and last week I had a chance to go back. It is, without a doubt, my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Things I forgot to mention: - Molasses Spoon Bread - Comes out as an appetizer, in the same way a bread basket is an appetizer. The difference is, spoon bread comes to the table in a tiny skillet, drenched in melted honey-butter, and is more magnificent than one might reasonably think. - Awesome Service - This is, without a doubt, a classy establishment. At one point during our meal, I said something about my irritation with something entirely unrelated to our meal, but (unsurprisingly) I was loud enough to be overheard. And the runner who brought us our entrees thought I was complaining about my meal--he stopped in mid-stride, did an about-face, and asked if I wanted him to "dress it up" (it being my plate). I had no idea what he was talking about, but once I understood he thought I was complaining about my food, I realized that Dante's Kitchen is the kind of place where every single employee is not only empowered but truly passionate about making customers happy. No matter what. That is all. The food is amazing, the venue itself is hidden/quaint/gorgeous, the service is top-notch, and I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Molly B.
Definitely in my top 5 favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I came here on a Saturday night around 8pm as a group of three. We were sat right away however to sit outside in the cute courtyard we needed reservations. The inside is really cute and cozy but with the weather so nice why not enjoy it? I had the roasted sweet pepper salad which was delicious! Very fresh and flavorful though for a red pepper salad it was sort of lacking in peppers. One of my friends had the stuffed eggplant. Very good and hearty though not as amazing as my vegetable plate - an eggplant and mushroom dish. The goat cheese and caramelized onion croquettes that come with the dish are phenomenal. They were able to make a vegetable dish as decadent as any other entree on the menu which proves their killer culinary skills. Their vegetable plate is based on the freshest vegetables they have so although the likelihood of them having this dish the next time I go is slim, I'm geeking out about what else they can do. I should mention my friends loved their slow roasted duck and redfish on a half shell. We were all members of the clean plate club.
I've only been here for the Sunday brunch, but let me tell you, it was the best brunch I've ever had. My wife had the shrimp and grits, and it was so good I ordered one to-go. Unfortunately me and my wife didn't discover this great restaurant until right before Hurricane Katrina, so we haven't had a chance to go back, but we will definitely be back next time we're in town.
(5)
Lynette L.
My dinner party group had a long, wonderful meal here in the back room. It was great for a private party. The service was excellent. To be fair and honest, one of members has been close friends with the owners for many years so that may have influenced our service, but I have no idea. The food was great. We did a lot of passing dishes around to taste and everything was good. I was 8 months pregnant, grumpy as hell, and really missing my wine, but the house made pickle plate and the duck two ways (a special, not on the regular menu) made up for it. I talked about that duck for days. Our waiter was terrific and deserved a medal for putting up with 9 well-pickled in alcohol ladies and 1bitchy pregnant woman. Not to mention that some of the boozier ladies may have been overly friendly. He was fun and gracious and never once threatened a lawsuit. Other great dishes are the chicken under a brick and the redfish on the half shell.
(4)
Regina C.
i love restaurants located in houses. like, if there's such thing as a fetish for that then put me on that list. i just think it's such a cute idea. and everybody loves home cooking right? so let's just pretend that we're getting home cooking. when i knew i was heading to New Orleans, i discovered Dante's Kitchen via Yelp and immediately bookmarked it as one of my must-go-to places. i took my friend for brunch and we had a grand ol' time! we got the biscuits with homemade jams. now lemme tell you, i am not typically a fan of biscuits because they generally come out doughy and paste-like or dry and brick-like. but these were moist and buttery. and the jams were great too! the flounder and bacon sandwich was a super pleasant surprise. it was incredibly flavorful and came on an herbed foccacia. love LOVED this dish! the pork belly and fried egg sandwich was really messy but also very good. i would highly recommend Dante's Kitchen if you're in the area. surprisingly there wasn't a wait for brunch on a sunday. i don't know if you could consider it a hidden gem, as it's got 300 reviews, but i definitely considered it a fantastic find.
(4)
E W.
We stumbled upon Dante's Kitchen on accident. We tried to eat at Jacques Imos, but they were closed for a two-week vacation. NOTE: apparently Jacques Imos closes for a bit every year, and this year it happened to be during our trip... Call them first. But Dante's was great. We only ate from their list of small plates, but if there are two people, you should definitely get at least four of them. We ate the blood sausage, duck crepe, scallops, and shrimp and grits. All were surer tasty and came out really quickly. The service was excellent too. I'd give it five stars, but it was a tad pricy. But definitely go there, and you can make reservations on OpenTable which was helpful too.
(4)
Olga S.
the service, ambience, and the food were EXCEPTIONAL at dante's kitchen!! The red fish with the herb and crabmeat salad on top was one of the most memorable dishes my husband and i have ever had. the drinks were complex and exciting but most importantly, they were delicious. we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary there and it was the perfect night thanks to the staff and the food and drinks at dante's kitchen! we will most definitely be back.
(5)
Alan V.
Came here excited because of the reviews. We picked Dante's Kitchen over Emeril's for the night. Unfortunately we wished we had gone with Emeril's We arrived and were seated immediately with our reservation. Ordered a bottle of wine that the server recommended which turned out to be pretty good. Started with the Venison Prosciutto. The prosciutto itself was ok but the sauce used was a bit overpowering and masking the natural flavor of the prosciutto. I had the whole herb rubbed whole red snapper. The fish was cooked great and I would suggest it to anyone eating there. My wife ordered the Trois Mignons. This was pretty disappointing all around. The meat wasn't all that tender and all three cuts tasted the same mostly due to sauce. Did dessert and I ordered the Almond Carrot Cake. I wouldn't order this again, it lacked flavor and depth. My wife ordered the Buttermilk Pie which was much better. I probably won't be coming here again when I'm in town again. I was hoping for a great meal but missed out.
(2)
Suzie H.
This is definitely an older-taste restaurant. Under the kids menu, it says "Pancakes" but they are Banana and Peach pancakes, which an a sort of unappealing. Everything else we ordered was great, such as the shrimp grits, etc.
Great restaurant off the beaten path with an emphasis on local, seasonal food and innovative cocktails. There are many menu items with New Orleans flare as well as a few outside of that cuisine. I had the vegi farmers plate with tofu and it was not only delicious but very refreshing after a vacation filled with deep fried oysters, soft shell crab and creamy everything. Our party of 4 sat outside and loved the ambiance. Cocktails were delicious.
(4)
B Z.
Holy Cow. Steak & Eggs. Biscuits & Gravy. Freshly Squeezed Juice. Mimosas. Great Service. Best Brunch I've Had in New Orleans. Like the rating says, It's really as good as it gets. You're Missing Out.
(5)
Harold B.
not feeling the hype..i would expect better reviews from my fellow n'awlinians... the comp bread is tasteless save for the butta... the shrimp n grits arent that flavorful..when shrimp are that big they lose that "gulf" shrimp flavor..and tho u saute them w alot of seasonin..it doesnt marry well...kind of reminds me of houston and boiled crawfish-just boil em n throw seasonin on the shell type deal... the red eye andouille gravy needs more of a kick its too watery even a good red eye has a hint of coffee depth to it... the chicken under a brick was done very well very juicy but still nada to run back for... but i still am curious about their b'fast i will try dante's again
(2)
Stephanie C.
Wow. Worth the wait-- though i wish there was more space to wait inside considering it was raining the day we went for Brunch. Although, as a consolation they bring you drinks outside. I had a nice freshly squeezed OJ while I waited. And for Brunch you should go - it's the best (though I hear that dinner is also great). A word of the wise when coming down to NOLA- things aren't open round the clock, so you need to research when things are open, when they're offering brunch etc- i.e. I think Dante's closed on a random day of the week - like Tuesday or Monday. To drink, you should have the Bloody Mary. Best fresh okra and great spicy flavor. A big hit. We thought this place would have portions SO huge but the portion were pretty medium. (Not that that's bad or maybe I'm just a lunatic when it comes eating with my eyes). I did have two sides with my main; the hashbrowns (yum)- and my sis had the side of grits with mushrooms and cheese. I had the shrimp and grits as my main which was AWESOME. There is really no other place to have grits other than the South- up here, it's too gritty. Down there, it's all cream and buttermilk. Sooky sooky! The shrimp was a good compliment, even though they were a bit overcooked. The seasoning on them was spot on. GET IT. My sister had the Alligator Sausage which came on buttery biscuits. They were very dense though-- the sausage tasted like sausage from any other animal; but I sensed that alligator meat is white and flaky. In the end, everything checked out to well enough, delicious food. Dante's brunch is the ultimate Southern brunch. Other aspects of our experience was fine, such as the service (though the waitress brought me an omelet out at first- which I didn't order); the decor is cute and quaint- with a list of fresh, native ingredients at the register. I found this educational and adorable. Think Paula Deen's kitchen- but less obnoxious. Anyway, all in all a pleasant experience. Best brunch in NOLA while I was down there. And fun fact: it's across the street from Brigsten's!
(5)
H Z.
appetizer I tried the escargots, which is inside a bone, with bone marrow., very delicious. I ordered the chicken which is the popular one, it is juicy and tender, a little sweet, very yummy! and they provide you with a cake instead of bread, which is very nice! I am going to come back to try other recommended dish.
(4)
Alvin G.
Great brunch. Love the alligator sausage. Shrimp and grits. Bread pudding French toast with bacon.
(5)
Briana J.
It's been over a year and I still can recall the delicious taste of their Brioche French Toast. Was it the Louisiana peaches, toasted almonds, or the whipped cream that made it so rememberable? Hard to say because each individual piece added so much gusto to make this plate complete. Put simply, if you are a french toast enthusiast like I am, don't miss Dante's Kitchen's Brioche French Toast! It sure is a wonderful, sweet brunch treat! P.S. Either it's been so long that they changed the syrup, or they change the syrup seasonally, but the menu now has Mississippi blueberry syrup and not Louisiana peaches.
(4)
Eve K.
One of the top 5 meals I've ever had and one of my new New Orleans favorites. (Realized I never posted this review I wrote) Eve awards: best NO style BBQ shrimp ever Return worthiness: YES! Highlights: - BBQ shrimp: generously sized wonderfully cooked succulent shrimp swimming in a pool of tangy buttery New Orleans style sauce. I love this dish and have had fantastic ones around this ultimate eating town, but these win the best prize. Note: full heads and all so not for the squeamish. Being half Chinese, I'm not easily scared. - Glazed Chicken: sounds a bit boring but this under the brick chicken was phenomenal with the star being the maple glaze. The whimsical addition of the fried egg on top of the hashed potatoes gave you the comfort of breakfast with the savory fillingness of a dinner. - Strawberry shortcake: perfect end to a perfect meal. Cake was actually a sweet biscuit that had just the right balance of fluffy and dense. Grand marnier soaked fresh strawberries were a heavenly addition. Gotta leave it to New Orleans to add a little fun juice to your average dessert. - Atmosphere: quaint Southern house but modern, comfortable, and casual inside vs feeling like your grandmother's house and needing to be on your best behavior. Loved the levels and rooms as well as the blackboard with all of the fresh local ingredients highlighted. - Waitress: personable, friendly, knowledgeable, attentive--she had it all Midlights: - Strawberry mojito: fresh strawberries were wonderful but the drink as a whole was too sweet for my taste Lowlights: - Cab ride outside of the French Quarter (but admin it--you need a break from the quarter craziness anyway) New Orleans is my favorite eating town and I'm accustomed to being more than satisfied, but this one was the perfect meal from start to finish. Highly recommend it and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Perry H.
Best brunch I've had in New Orleans...is it because its the only brunch I've had in New Orleans? Does it matter either way? Super good brunch in a great setting. Nestled in a lovely house there's a large outdoor seating area that's enclosed by lots of trees and shrubs so you feel like you're in someone's back yard along with a small little sun room area inside (for those that don't like the heat or spring pollen). I didn't venture into the main dining room but I kept seeing people scurried-off that way so it must be sizable. I was anticipating a wait but luckily we arrived for brunch around 11, maybe folks were at Jazz Fest, either way....no wait and excellent service. I had the shrimp and grits which were great but the start was the alligator sausage breakfast sliders. Sliders probably isn't the right term...more like biscuit...they were large and oh so satisfying. One cool thing I noticed while waiting to be seated was a board above the hostess stand listing all the locally sourced fresh ingredients - a very nice touch and what a sizable list it was... I've read about Dante's for the longest time and even ate across the street once at Brighton's (very good as well) so it would good to finally see the restaurant live up to its hype. I can't wait to return for brunch or try dinner...i'm sure you can't go wrong.
(5)
David E.
I was on a Bachelor party with 15 friends last year and for our BIG meal we left the Crystal Burger on Bourbon and headed to Dante's Kitchen. This was legitimately the best meal I have ever been served. You know that show on Food Network? This would be, without a doubt, my choice. With this large group we were seated in a private room right off the kitchen. It was PERFECT. We could almost see our meals being prepared. We started off with many, many drinks. The service was phenominal. Never a dry glass. We were then all served our meals at almost the exact same time. Again, perfection in service. I, myself, chose the special dish of the evening, the rabbit. This was, most certainly, the best taste I have ever endured. Indescribable moisture and flavor. Stated simply again, the best meal of my life. Everytime I hear someone even mention that they might be making a trip to NOLA I immediately, without hesitation, describe this venue to them and make them promise me they will enjoy a meal here. Don't even consider other restaurants, head directly to Dante's.
(5)
Ali G.
Super excellent tasty food enjoyed at a great table outside so just a bit of a shame about the somewhat too slow service; nearly worth the wait for the scrumptious food though!
(4)
Mange T.
Finally went to Dante's Kitchen after hearing lots of rave reviews. Upon arrival, the atmosphere was quaint and the space cozy. Warm molasses spoon bread arrived, which made me love the place immediately. Who doesn't love free bread? Our waitress arrived and asked if we were ready to order. We ordered our drinks and appetizers but said we needed more time to look over the entrees. "Oh...um, all orders need to be placed together," she stated matter-of-factly. Really, is that the restaurant policy? Whether it was or it wasn't, she did a poor job of masking her irritation for the remainder of the evening. I ordered the chicken roasted under a brick (CRUB for short) with a side of fingerling sweet potatoes, and my dining companion ordered the duck breast. We split the shrimp and grits appetizer and each ordered wine. The wine and shrimp/grits were fantastic. Unfortunately, the entrees seemed haphazardly thrown together; the most memorable part of the CRUB was the accompanying potato and bacon mash. The chicken wasn't maple-glazed so much as it was greasy and doused in a watery sauce of maple flavoring. Half of the sweet potatoes were visibly burnt, and its dipping sauce pairing ("buttermilk cheese fondue") bore a closer resemblance to tepid sour cream. The duck, while presented nicely on a bed of Israeli couscous, tasted rubbery and undercooked. Breakdown: -4.5 stars for ambience. Place was intimate and had a lot of character. -5 stars for the Onyx Shiraz. 2 stars for the barkeep's anemic pours. -Sad that this caliber of restaurant continues to employ waitstaff with attitude: Waitress: "Would you like dessert?" Us: "No thanks, we're full." Her (sarcastically): "Good for you." Good for her for making sure she had the last word. -2 stars for entrees. Sounded enticing on the menu but were poorly executed. Flavors lacked complexity or nuance; lots of butter (seemed to be the DK M.O.) may make any dish taste better than it might've otherwise but doesn't translate to great food. Maybe my expectations of this place were too high, but this visit was pretty disappointing overall. Better luck next time, DK.
(2)
Betty N.
3.5 stars. Yes, very cute neighborhood restaurant. Food-wise, solid, but not the best NOLA food I've had. Ordered the following: (1) Peach mojito ($9.50) Good, but word of advice to the bartender: don't leave huge peach chunks in the glass and expect someone to drink it through a tiny-ass straw. (2) Mac and Cheese as a side ($4) I often use fontina and cheddar cheese to make this traditional fave, not sure what type of cheese were used for theirs. Just didn't taste right. (3) Grilled Gulf Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with an andouille red eye gravy ($9) This was my favorite dish of the night. Beautiful flavors and the shrimp were fantastic. Heads and all. (4) Birkshire Pork Spare Ribs peach bbq sauce, red cabbage slaw ($11) Thought this would be good, but it came out almost cold- not warm enough. The red cabbage was almost too vinegary and the peach bbq sauce was not pronounced, almost bland. It is definitely a local's joint. You won't see many tourists here. Would be curious to come here for brunch, but it is out of the way if you are staying close to the French Quarter. Dinner was borderline so-so.
(4)
Seth R.
Loved the food. Unique and delicious. Service was great once we got a table, but had to wait almost an hour even with reservations, thus the lost star. A bit cramped inside, not not egregious.
(4)
Sei S.
Good food and fantastic service. Had a friend who got sick from cab ride and staff was so friendly about it! On top of that, the whole fish was amazing
(5)
Samer A.
One of our top meals in New Orleans. If you're thinking about Brigstens next door skip it and go to Dante's. Before getting to our order it should be said that these guys have a great cocktail list. Barrel aged drink that rotate, which was LI Tea when we were there. While I'm usually a just a beer/wine drinker at dinner, these drinks weren't the sugary garage most places serve that just ruin your appetite. We got a few items from the charcuterie menu. Good but not great. I wouldn't order this again. We got scallops as a starter and they served us a complimentary, what they called, spoon bread or molasses bread. Crazy stuff. Tastes like the best corn bread you can imagine. Scallops were awesome but it's a tiny portion. For dinner, the wife order the whole fish. I ordered a more Cajun dish with some grilled shrimp. While both dishes were good, I wanted to steal my wife's whole roasted fish. Just excellent. The couscous complemented it perfect as well. The cheese plate had some highs and lows but overall I was happy with it. Also a big thank you to our server Deanna who was excellent and went above and beyond.
(5)
John B.
Thank u yelp. This is a find. The place is in a resudential neighborhood an old house which gave it the charm and atmosphere we were looking for. I hate to say we are followers which we are not but we followed the reviews to order. We started with the BBQ shrimp and grits. Being from the north I'm not a grits lover buit were they good. My wife ordered the brick covered chicken, it was everything that the review said. Moist and juices and full of flavor. Be ware that they make it to order and takes a good 20 minutes to cook. I had the Red fish with Herb salad. Very good though I thought the fish was slightly bland. The meal came with a cornmeal bread which was more like dessert. Our server Amy was delightful and the overall service was A ++.
(5)
Damon S.
We had brunch here this past Sunday and it was incredible. We started off with the bacon sticky bun and it was so good! I enjoy savory and sweet together and this had it balanced perfectly. I had the trash and poached eggs. The eggs were perfectly poached and the trash had what I refer to as ninja heat - it sneaks up on you. I wasn't too spicy, just a nice subtle warmth on the back of my throat. My partner had the shrimp and grits. I didn't have any of the shrimp, but he said they were delicious. I did try the grits and they were thick and the most smooth texture I had ever felt in grits. We also ordered a side of biscuits. Wow! You have to try them, because words just are not sufficient to relay the experience of eating one! We are looking forward to our next trip to New Orleans and eating at Dante's Kitchen!
(5)
Mark B.
I turn to Dante's Kitchen whenever I need a great meal that will impress my friends. I brought a group of visitors there this week. We ordered scallops and shrimp and grits as apps. The shrimp are always cooked beautifully. I wish they would bring back the bbq shrimp appetizer. The duck entre was delicious, too. My only comment would be -- I wish the large room in the back for groups of 6-8 people had the same intimate ambiance as the rest of the place. I love Dante's Kitchen. (review from 21/11/11)
(5)
Sonia R.
I heard how great the brunch is at Dante's and I should specify that this review is for dinner not brunch. They have a very interesting menu and I think somewhat random? For example, their chicken under brick entree which is a popular option comes with a fried egg on top. The Molasses Spoon bread is the appetizer and you can't get anything like it anywhere else in the city. I recommend the three filet medallions each with something different topped on it.
(5)
Jennifer R.
One of my favorite brunches ever! So glad we found this spot. We lucked out and didn't have to wait for brunch, and this place couldn't have been cuter. I felt like I was in someone's really cool house. Our server was very nice, and all of our food was out fast. Get the sticky bun, debris and eggs and bread pudding French toast, as well as a side of the biscuits. If you're into bourbon, try one of the house made bourbons. Yay!
(5)
Shelley V.
Cute restaurant!! We happened onto this place after reading several positive reviews on Yelp... I ordered the Dante Omelette which came with potatoes, sausage, cheese and some other good stuff! Had a side of alligator sausage as well. Hehe, tasted like chicken! A very tasty meal indeed! I loved the decor and the staff were friendly and accomodating. The setting is a house and you could almost miss if you drive by too fast! Do yourself a favor, slow the HELL down and EAT here!!! And Dante's Kitchen, I will be back!!!
(5)
Jack G.
Wonderful experience. Great atmosphere and terrific food. Long time New Orleanian and know the restaurants well. Could not have enjoyed it more.
(4)
Alycia M.
Every year I spend the Independence Day holiday in New Orleans with a group of my girls, this year was no different. Though, when the excursions to New Orleans for this exciting weekend began in 2004, there was more partying and less relaxing and enjoying the local scene. The weekend always is centered around a great event that Essence Magazine hosts every year, the Essence Music Festival. Now that we have been there and done the crazy parties, this year we decided to change it up. Don't get me wrong we are up for a party if we feel the need. What I mean, is we finally got tired of doing the Essence Music Festival the same year every year. We would do the same things, eat the same things and hang out in the same areas. This year we decided, to skip the parties and focus on enjoying New Orleans. Rather than getting our beignets from Cafe Du Monde in a bag to go; we sat down and enjoyed them and enjoyed the music and the crowd. And the main change that we made was to dedicate an evening to leave the city center and enjoy a great dinner. After doing a little research on yelp.com . I stumbled upon this little restaurant in the Garden District called Dante's Kitchen. Dante's Kitchen is a quaint restaurant situated on what appears to be a neighborhood street, in the Garden District of New Orleans, not too far from Tulane University, 736 Dante St New Orleans, LA 70118. The night that we had reservations for, was completely booked, we were seated by the door and could hear the owner/host telling the walk ins that he couldn't accommodate them...great sign for us. So I started with a mojito, hey I'm in NOLA! But rather than a traditional mojito, I had a blueberry variation, that was delicious. Dante's service is great, our waiter made great suggestions for us. I started with the Grilled Shrimp and Stoneground Grits. I had had shrimp with the heads on, so that didn't turn me off at all, and the grits were perfect. So perfect I cooked my own version of a recipe I found on line when I returned home, check out my handy work. In the typical southern fashion, Dante's serves cornbread in a miniature cast iron skillet. But in not so typical fashion the cornbread is a molasses cornbread with honey butter on top. In a word...YUM!! In fact the couple next to us didn't eat theirs and we overheard the owner asking about it, and we said, if they don't want it we will take it. He thought we were joking. Next for the entree, we decided to get the Roasted Chicken Under a Brick, it was served with a potato hash, with a fried egg. This entree was delicious, the chicken had some sort of sweet seasoning, and when I broke the yoke on the egg, it mixed with the chicken jus and made a great sauce. The potatoes had a little bit of bacon, added to it. everything went together very well. I was apprehensive of the egg, but it worked. And as you can see the portions are not skimpy, but quality is not sacrificed for quantity. Dante's prides themselves on cooking local products, and so not only is the food down home elegance, so is their hospitality. The owner/host had the cab called and walked us to our cab at the end of the evening. What a great night. The weekend was about, music, family, friendships, food, and FUN, if you are up for it we will be in NOLA next year, same time same place, new restaurant visits. Taste big Dream Bigger Foodieengineer
(4)
Tracy B.
I know a restaurant is fabulous when I'm still thinking and talking about it a week after I dined there. I hosted a party for some clients at Dante's Kitchen on February 21 and oh my stars, it was the highlight of my trip. We dined at Brennan's, Herbsaint, Bon Ton and Dante's burned past the rest of them as far as food and service are concerned. Our waiter, Larry was outstanding and did a divine job in recommending our dishes. The shrimp and grits were full prawns served with a rich andouille sausage gravy and I swear I could have eaten 12 vats of the stuff. We also had rabbit meatballs and gnocchi which were served in a tangy tomato sauce that rocked my taste buds. For our entrees Larry suggested we try the roasted chicken under a brick and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD who would think someone could make a chicken taste like that?? They slather the bird under the skin with a combo of Steens Cane Syrup and butter then roast the bird under a hot 200 year old brick. Out comes a crispy skiined, sweet tasting chicken with meltingly tender meat. I was so enamored by the Steen's marinade that Larry kindly brought me a can to take home. I found some bricks in my yard, so guess what I'm making tonight for dinner??? The other stars of the evening were the beef tenderloin, mussels and a veggie plate that had deliciously cooked Brussel sprouts glazed with a soy marinade. One of our guests at first refused to try them as he claimed he loathed Brussels sprouts. After he tasted these, he went back for seconds. We also gleefully devoured the root beer sweet potatoes ( you can guarantee I'll be making those for Thanksgiving next year), feasted on more of the most perfectly creamy grits I've ever tasted and were totally swooned by the rich and creamy mac n' cheese. Did I mention the complimentary molasses spoon bread slathered with butter?? I could die a happy person after this scrumptious feast. We insisted the chef come out so we could give him a standing ovation. Dante's makes their own fruit infused vodkas and we enjoyed kicking back several of their magical concoctions. Goji berry vodka=yum. I'm so glad we took the extra journey to Dante's. And to top it off? Our cab seemed to forget to pick us up, so Larry offered to drive us back to the French Quarter!!!!! Talk about fabulous service.
(5)
Nicole F.
This was a great find. Like others, we were looking for a creole/cajun restaurant on a Sunday night that was open. Saw the yelp reviews of jacques-imo's that it was closed on Sunday and that this restaurant was just as good if not better. Absolutely dead on. It was great. The only thing that could have made it better is if the prices were toned down a bit. Having said that, appetizers and small plates were filling and gave you an opportunity to try more than one thing. Like they say, the spoonbread is good - but really more like a dessert. Loved the curried mussels but they definitely had kick with serrano chilies. Homemade boudin was delicious. Rabbit loin was tasty but didn't compare to the shrimp & grits. You think you've tried one shrimp & grits dish, you've tried 'em all. Not true. This had whole shrimp with the head on and all, in a new orleans barbeque sauce. The shrimp were then sitting in a creamy grits but with a brown gravy that was out of this world. I love to try new dishes, but if I went back to Dante's I would have to be handcuffed and restrained to not order that dish again!
(4)
Jennifer K.
Dante's Kitchen definitely worth my while to wake up early took public transit from our hotel downtown to beat the crowd! We arrived before the restaurant opened and able to get a table with no problem! Here I able to sample a few of New Orlean's classic that I hardly able to indulge when I am in Toronto... well seasoned Southern Comfort food! We shared: - Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns ($4) - Buttermilk Biscuits ($3) - Confit Pork Steak with hash browns, fried egg, seasonal chutney ($13) - Skillet Corned Beef Hash & fried eggs, horseradish cream ($13) - Grilled Shrimp and Grits served with an andouille red eye gravy ($13)(oh so delicious!) - Alligator Sausage ($3) tastes like pork :) And I found my favourite "breakfast" drink: Brandy Milk Punch ($6.50). I feel healthy and complete drinking this. I would have drink a lot more milk in this format and the freshly grounded nutmeg add so much texture make it feels like an energy drink!
(4)
Meg P.
5 stars for food, 2 stars for service. Had a reservation for this past Friday night with the bf. We were both very excited to finally try it for dinner as we have had great experiences a handful of times for brunch. We were seated promptly and our server informed of us of the specials. He came back later to take our drink order. We ordered the beet salad to split as an app. We waited for a considerable amount of time for the drinks and then our salad arrived. The salad was great with a nice balsamic reduction sauce. I had the chicken under a brick- a fantastic dish, so moist and slightly spicy. BF got the redfish which was also very tasty. Here is the issue: One of the reasons I was so excited to try here for dinner was the complimentary spoon bread. I was practically drooling after seeing the yelp pictures of it. So we had received our salad and finished our salad but still no spoon bread. After our salad was cleared out waiter came over and asked if we received the spoon bread, to which we replied no. He assured us it was coming. In the meantime we witnessed three surrounding tables, all who were seated after us receive the spoon bread. Then our entrees came, we asked that server about the spoon bread and he said he would check the kitchen. Our server returned and said that the spoon bread would be right out. In the meantime we were enjoying out entrees when I noticed one of the tables, who was sat after us, receive their second serving of spoon bread. We made another comment to the server and he said it was coming. It finally arrived after both of us finished our entrees and there was no apology for the delay. Both of us were full from eating the entrees but we tried it and it is as good as the other reviews say. I know it seems a lot to gripe about a complimentary item, but it is more the principal of the matter. I am not sure what caused this lack of communication and poor service but it felt that we were not given the same treatment as other tables. It really is shame considering the food is so wonderful. I even took my large family here for my graduation brunch. Now I am skeptical about going back.
(3)
Stefanie Y.
Sunday brunch here is absolutely amazing. When ordering, we were faced with the unique problem in that everything on the menu looked awesome and had been recommended heartily on Yelp. We settled on the bacon cinnamon rolls for starters and the bread pudding french toast, the banana pecan pancakes, the crab and brie omelette, and the eggs benedict for our mains. The bacon cinnamon roll was perfect - crusty and sweet pastry enclosed savory chunks of bacon, creating a well-balanced and unique blend of flavors. The bread pudding french toast portion was a little on the small side - I would have liked some fruits as garnish - but so so good. The inside was soft and pillowy like bread puddling, while the outside was caramelized and chewy, like french toast. The eggs benedict were well-executed - the rosemary rubbed pork loin really shone through. The omelette was good, though we did think it would have been better with a little more seasoning and if the brie cheese had been inside the omelette rather than melted on top. The drinks were a highlight - the mimosas were the best we had while in New Orleans and the brandy milk punch was spiced, creamy, and delicious. Our server was friendly, prompt, and funny, really adding to our dining experience. Also, one of the other tables randomly paid for our bacon cinnamon rolls - this place clearly attracts the best clientele and truly makes its customers happy. We left pleasantly full and perfectly satisfied.
(4)
Daniel T.
One of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I've gone there many times for brunch or dinner and have always been satisfied. Order anything you want, it's all good here, and make sure you get an order of the corn bred!
(5)
Momo B.
NICE BREAK FROM DOUBLE "C" This is definitely a destination restaurant to celebrate special occasions for many of the locals. It's also a little more expensive than the typical restaurant. The cuisine isn't Cajun nor Creole. It's eclectic American, bit Asian and who knows where fusion. We shared two entrees. Red fish steamed with a stalk of lemon grass, cilantro and ginger with a light sweet soy sauce. And the irresistible half" chicken under the brick" would be our other choice. It turns out that the two entrees were more than plenty of food. Yu-go chauffeur thought the entire stalk of lemon grass in the cavity of the whole Red fish was a bit over kill. The half chicken under the brick was baked to perfection with a sweet sticky molasses red sauce. Each entree was $26. Like it's menu, the furniture is very mixed and nothing relative to any theme nor complimenting the building's residential architecture. Space is tight and our seating less than comfortable especially during this cold evening. It is a casual dining facility with polite unsophisticated table service. A big turnoff to Yu-go chauffeur.
(4)
Scott W.
One of the best meals I've had this year. The Chicken Under a Brick and Double Cut Pork Chops were outstanding, and all of the desserts were delicious as well. We dined at Antoine's, Galatoire's, and K-Pauls earlier in the week, and Dante's was at least the equal of every one of these. One little gripe...the bar area was very small and the bartender somewhat grumpy, but it's a small price to pay for a great meal.
(5)
Heather G.
This is one of our neighborhood spots, how lucky are we! Dantes kitchen is in a cute little old house and the food is outrageous. The coffee was also wonderful, along with the cocktails. Easy 5 stars.
(5)
Evan R.
Crazy expensive BUT perfect in every way. First they have an excellent selection of whine and in pretty sure they make their own sausage and salamis which they offer as appetizers; we tried each meat and it was all terrific. They have an incredible soup called mulligatawny soup which I'd never tried before, I highly recommend it. Main entrees are delicious and beautifully presented. I got a trois mignon with CARAMELIZED ONION MASHED POTATOES, and my friend got Basque Style salmon. We were both extremely satisfied. Out waiter was very professional, well spoken, and friendly. I felt like a Saudi King at this place. If you're willing to splurge for a night and drop some cash, than Dante's Kitchen is the place to go!
(5)
Sabrina K.
Of all the places I ate at in New Orleans, Dante's Kitchen was my favorite! We came here for Sunday brunch before the Chargers/Saints game. It's a bit out of the way but def. worth the trip. This is an adorable converted home. It has small bar when you walk in and a nice patio outside where we were seated. We did have quite the wait, so we sipped on some Bloody Marys while we waited on a stoop across the street. After finally being seated we looked over the menu and I knew immediately what I was going to order: Eggs Benedict! They were the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had. They came on a homemade biscuit, not an English muffin. My cousin ordered the Crab & Brie omelette which was light and equally delicious. For sides, we got an order of the Alligator sausage patties-- amazing. We also got an order of grits with Cheddar cheese. They were very flavorful and on point. Every bite of food I had was delicious, our waiter was attentive, and the atmosphere was great. All the ingredients for a 5 star experience.
(5)
Hayden B.
A friend and I just had a nice meal at Dante's Kitchen over Mardi Gras. A small restaurant (I recommend having a reservation) in Uptown New Orleans, brings forth a warm welcoming feel with brightly painted walls and semi secluded sections of the restaurant. Very nice patio area although we ate inside because of the weather. Full Bar with top shelf liquor. The complementary "spoon" cornbread comes hot in a skillet and is delicious to the last bit. Appetizers are rather large, yet my entree (the Redfish with crabmeat) was on the smaller side. Service was very good, especially considering it was Mardi Gras. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Nina S.
Best New Orleans meal I've had. Authentic cuisine and great atmosphere. Was recommended by a local. Started the meal with unbelievably delicious spoon bread to die for. Shrimp and grits had fantastic flavor. My friends all raved about their meals too. Highly recommended!
(5)
Bobby B.
Extremely disappointing experience. Saturday Brunch. We'd always wanted to try this place and when we happened to be in the area, we decided to go for it. Pretty place. Interesting color scheme. Good hostess and friendly (albeit spotty) service. Girly got the breakfast burrito I got the steak and eggs (rare and poached). First, let me say that the steak nuggets were perfectly rare and the eggs were perfectly poached. Those are the only good things I can say about brunch. The Girly's burrito was super salty and the meat was dried out. The GIrly was able to eat it but really wished we had seen the waitress again until about the end of the meal. Never got a drink refill. As I said, the meat and eggs were cooked perfect. Some of the potatoes were burned and some were under-cooked with hard pieces in it and overly-burned onions. Someone had their heat up too high and didn't pay close enough attention. What really ruined the entire meal for me was the hollandaise sauce. Instead of being rich and buttery with a hint of lemon, it was salty and lemony with no hint of butter. It tasted like 2/3rds of a tequila shot. I've done a salt water and lemon juice cleanse before and this tasted both saltier and more lemony than that. Every bite hit the jaws like vinegar and since we never got a refill on our drinks, I couldn't even wash it down. For some reason known only to them, they put the sauce on the steak too, Someone also salted the steaks so heavily, that when I took a sliver from one side, I could feel the salt crystals still on the meat. Not having anything to wash it down with, I stopped after the first steak nugget (I say nugget because each one was about the size of a large scallop). So I didn't eat my eggs or potatoes and I ate one steak nugget. When the waitress finally came back around, I told her I couldn't eat it because it was too salty and lemony. She said she told the cook but we received no discount or anything past "shrug" sorry. I told them. We ended up leaving so I could get some food. A very expensive brunch for not having eaten much of anything. I don't know if we came at a bad time, or the cook just really screwed up our meals or what. But the waitress should have known that an uneaten meal was worth at least giving a discount. That seems like bad training on the business' part.
(2)
Catherine S.
Holy sweet molasses bread! A little bit of a trek from the CBD and French Quarter but on a nice day, take the Charles Street trolley out to the end of the line and enjoy a parade of lovely mansions. Dinner is served like a home-cooked meal at someone's residence. We sat outside in the fenced area (noise of the busy street takes some getting used to) because it was a nice day. The molasses bread comes out on a mini skillet and is served with honey butter. Honey butter is one of my favorite things so I knew this place would be a winner. Sadly if you want more than one mini skillet of this treat, it'll cost you $2 per serving (a table near us order an additional skillet per person!). We elected to save room for our entrees. These were a rabbit pasta and venison pot pie. Both were very tasty but I felt my pasta was a little overcooked (very limp). There is an extensive set of house-infused liquors. Worth tasting your way through these and their cocktails. I had a classic Sazerac. My husband had a few of their house-infused bourbons and found them to be excellent. Great weather, good food and drink, and fun setting make this a good dining experience.
(4)
Rachael F.
Fun. Delicious. Homey. Vegetarian friendly. Amazing punch. Nice waiter. Very satisfying. Best meal I had in NOLA.
(5)
Jasen F.
Went last night on a slow Monday night. The food was solid but the service was a bit uneven given the slow pace to start the night. I'll set the scene: Part right out front on a narrow neighborhood street. Walk in the restaurant and stand there for two minutes while the bartender, waiters, and the like buzz around. Finally, after ambling over to where I think the hostess stand is, somebody offers to help me. I get seated inside (choice of light or dark) and begin the waiting game. It's NOLA and it's a laid back town (I've lived in laid back locales like Hawaii & San Diego so I get it), but when folks get there spoon bread who were sat after I ordered, I have to speak up. My escargot cherry got squeezed here, dug into a trench of bone marrow and well done bread. The shrimp and grits was solid but not epic (no Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC). The brussel sprouts were a bit disappointing - the croutons seemed out of place and they were not well balanced with the rest of the ingredients in the dish. My server was a friendly, Seth Rogan doppelganger sort who seemed awfully friendly but I did not get many chances to converse with the fine gentleman. I'd come back but I think there are many other small bungalow style places equal to the charm of Dante's Kitchen in NOLA.
(4)
Dana C.
It pains me to write this update as Dante's was one of my favorites, but the negatives that irked me the last time I wrote a review now far outweigh the taste of the food. Once again, it took FOREVER to get our entrees. A good hour between apps and mains. No one adressed it, apologized, etc. Their famous spoonbread came out with our apps, but we saw another couple who didn't get it until right before the end of the meal and some people had theirs with their drinks. In addition, there is a man who works there who was just plain rude and grumpy. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what but he came by our table twice to refill water/drop food off and couldn't be bothered to say "you're welcome" when we said thank you or even pretend like he wouldn't rather be anywhere else. The almost $40 cab ride to/from the French Quarter isn't worth it (you can take the streetcar, but they were doing work on it when we were there). Also, stay away from the Charred Bread app. It comes with burnt bread and three TINY little sides of essentially two relishes and an anchovy fillet. They don't mention the anchovy and I'm allergic, so I couldn't even eat part of it. Such a disappointment. There are so many delicious restaurants in NoLa, don't waste your time here.
(1)
Rob W.
This was really great American food with thought put behind the recipe. The atmosphere lacks a lot and the service is seriously lacking. The drinks are a little over the top in hipster world.
(3)
Hoa N.
Dante's is a small and quaint restaurant that serves up southern fare with organic and fresh ingredients. My friend and I shared the mussels and shrimp and grits from the small plates menu and we were already stuffed from that. We had our entrees coming still! We asked the waiter if we could cancel one of our entree order because we felt that we over ordered. They were extremely nice about it and honored our request. We had the roasted duck with fennel salad, and it was delicious. The duck meat was juicy and tender and the fennel salad was light with a nice citrus dressing. I hear that breakfast is great here, will have to come back for brunch next time!
(5)
Ms D.
Service: Very attentive, friendly waiter. Food came relatively quickly and was served hot with great presentation. Prices: A little pricey but I would go again. Large portions as well. Environment: Tucked away at the edge of the Riverbend, this quaint little restaurant, With it's multiple rooms for dining, gives a cozy, comfy feel. Local art on the wall, soft lighting, the whole vibe is relaxing. The larger dining area the crowd was a little more #TurntUp but not loudly so. Parking: Neighborhood parking in a safe environment. You may have to walk a block or so for a spot. Food: Listen. I'm not an adventurous eater. Some of the food (like the dried meat appetizers ) were a bit too culinary for me but I don't regret the experience. The honey buttered, rustic spoon bread, was thoroughly enjoyed by very picky foodie cousin. She ordered lamb with a jalapeno spiced cornbread that was moist, flavorful and plain old delicious. I had THE MOST delicious, moist Chicken under a Brick ever. The BREAST of the chicken was so moist I dare you to distinguish it from dark meat. This dish alone is enough to make me a Dante's Regular. I skipped the bacon hash w/egg and opted for a larger portion of mashed potatoes with grilled onions,THIS WAS A TOTAL WIN. Delish! Desert selection was minimal. My cousin had a chocolate fudge desert of some kind and loved it. I liked Dante's Kitchen a lot. Would likely order the same thing. Thank you for reading. Ms. Dee.....
(4)
Anna T.
HOLY CANNOLI!!! Best meal. The food!!!!! The ambience!!!! The service!!! The music!!!!! It's a great experience. In a city known for it's food and liquor this place really impresses me every time I come. Recommend the shrimp and grits, brick pressed chicken (of course) and the MUSSELS. Yum.
(5)
Matt B.
Gosh. 5+ stars. I was on vacation when my girlfriend and I went here, and I would recommend it to my friends if they were traveling to Nola hands down. We started with the shrimp and grits which was a-maz-ing. Somewhat buttery grits with shrimp that were absolutely perfect. A wonderful start to a perfect meal. Secondly, the spoon bread which they give you is like a molasses tasting bread with corn bread consistency. It is on the house, and one of the best house-bread I have ever had. For the main course, I had the brick chicken, which was about the best baked chicken I have ever had. Nice citrusy fatty crunch to it which was great. My significant other had a red snapper with a type of very fun salad. Needless to say, if we are in the area again, we will be there!
(5)
Olivier B.
Really good restaurant located in NOLA! We had dinner outside, the service was good and the dishes really tasty
(5)
Jennifer C.
I LOVE this place for brunch. WE go often. But you must show up at like 10:50am on Sunday if you want a seat bc so does every one else in town. Their grits are hands down the best grits in town and come topped with cheese and corn and mushrooms. Any of their egg dishes are phenomenal as is their fish sandwich on focaccia with goat cheese. Had dinner here once and it was awesome. Recommend the brick chicken. I never order chicken at places but someone told me to order this who had been previously. Best f'in chicken I've ever had.
(5)
Jennifer L.
This place is in the same price and genre categories as Emeril's NOLA in the French Quarter, so I was honestly expecting more of our experience. The food is also not at all Creole/Cajun, as listed, but more like farm-to-table. The place is cute -- an easily-overlooked tiny house with different rooms as eating areas. I appreciated the fresh ingredients, but everything just fell a little short . The drinks were good... but took 15 minutes to arrive. The pork belly lettuce wraps were tasty... but were prepared on lettuce too tiny to not end up having to use a fork to eat it. The molasses cornbread was original and just about perfect -- the highlight of the meal. I got the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick for my meal, but the Maple glaze was too spicy and too sweet, although the fried farm egg was perfect on top of the potato hash (which would have been better warm than cold -- not sure how it was intended to be prepared). Based on other reviews, I hope it was just a very off night.
(2)
Geoff M.
It was my job to plan a great dining experience for my party of 6 while in New Orleans for a business meeting. Thanks to Dante's Kitchen I am now officially a Superstar as being able to choose the BEST restaurant experience! The restaurant is located in an old house with a lovely garden. The indoor dining tends to be in small, intimate rooms which was perfect for my rather boisterous friends. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered several small plates as starters, 6 entrees and almost every side available since they all sounded so good. Nothing was a disappointment. Although not usually dessert eaters, we decided to "go the distance" and we're delighted with our choices. This is really off the beaten path and sure to amaze your guests!!
(5)
Hannah C.
Great brunch, get there early! Don't miss the bacon sticky buns and the grits are AMAZING.
(4)
Kirsten B.
Fabulous cocktails. Excellent breakfast...from the biscuits to the bread pudding french toast (a MUST) to the bacon...all of it is delicious! Great atmosphere, reasonable prices.
(5)
Marisa X.
Had Sunday brunch here.. It was amazing! The place always stays packed. If possible, call ahead to make reservations. Their bloody marys are excellent. They actually pickle their own green beans and okras. One of the best bloody marys I've had. Ate a few things off the menu and everything was excellent.
(4)
Bill E.
Easily a five star review! Off the beaten path, worth the schlep to get there... sitting outside on a November night while it snows in the rest of the country makes it even better. The duck, have the duck. Also, I never order chicken. Have the chicken! Order as much as you can, even if you don't finish it. Delicious, across the board.
(5)
Melissa L.
Dante's Kitchen is worth the trip out to its location, approximately 10 to 15 minutes outside of the French Quarter. Dante's is located in a residential neighborhood and is situated inside a house. There is a bar in the front room and at least 4 dining rooms, which makes for a cozy dining experience. All meals also start off with a serving of their spoonbread ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It arrived piping hot with a nice crust and tender crumb. We started off with several appetizers - the steamed mussels, beef cheeks and the shrimp and grits. The mussels were plump and juicy ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The bread was definitely needed to sop up the broth. The braised beef cheeks came with celery root puree and an apple and celery salad ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It was good but nothing that stood out to me. The meet was tender and pair well with the strong flavors from the celery and celery root. The shrimp and grits ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ) were outstanding. Four plump shrimp on creamy grits with a red eye gravy. This was my favorite dish of the meal as the shrimp was perfectly cooked and the sauce was full of flavor. It's one of those dishes were I could have easily eaten another serving. For my main course I ordered the chicken under a brick, which came with a fried egg and a potato and bacon has cake ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The chicken was moist and juicy and heavily seasoned. I found the dish to be really good, but the combination provided to be a bit too rich/heavy for me with the sauce, bacon and egg all on one plate. For dessert we split a slice of the red velvet cake. Yum. yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… They take their cocktails seriously here. A mixologist is on hand and they have jars of home made mixers and syrups lined up on the shelves. It's worth trying our some of their cocktails. Service was a bit uneven as there were times where the wait was longer than expected. The restaurant was packed on the night of our visit (a Sunday night) and the servers were really busy. They were really nice in their multiple attempts to help us find a cab to pick us up after the team. I would describe Dante's Kitchen as a typical hipster joint but without the hipster attitude I find that is so common, at least where I'm from. They put a great deal of care into the quality of their food and cocktails and their pride over their product is quite evident (and well deserved).
(4)
G Z.
I really enjoyed Dante's. Our server was very sweet and obvious has a lot of love for food and the chef he works with. Just as I sat down, he swung by with dishes for another table so I could get a preview of the food. Nice touch! It certainly whet my appetite. The vibe of the restaurant is awesome. It's nice to eat in an old house and still have classy, local fare. The cuisine is modern Southern/Cajun. The drinks were great. Good wine list. If I lived in New Orleans, I would be here a lot.
(5)
Michael S.
Had a great brunch here a couple months ago. Really chill and casual but the food was outstanding! Can't wait to back for dinner sometime soon!
(4)
Tallman F.
I drove like hell to get there before 10:30 closing. I smiled as I walked in @ 955 only to be told they were closed for dinner, already. I was like, "huhhh????" I came back the next night determined to try the chicken under the brick. It was well-seasoned and moist.... not real tender but very very tasty. Cornbread in the skillet was decent and the grits were some of the best store bought I have eaten. Service is good... Make a reservation
(5)
Jackie D.
Why why why do I choose to overindulge on the spirits, get 5 hours of sleep, and then go to brunch and expect NOT to feel like death?! My lapse in judgement the night before aside, Dante's was a great decision even in my dilapidated state. The restaurant itself is ADORABLE in an old house off of Carrollton, but seating is very limited so get there early! We got there right after they opened, around 10:15, and had to sit right inside the door because it was the only table left. Luckily, I came with people who had been here before so they knew what to order because their brunch menu just looked delicious on the whole. I started with a Bloody Mary extra spicy and we got the Bacon Cinnamon Roll and an order of biscuits for the table. WOW. The Bacon Cinnamon Roll, was just. SO. LEGENDARY. Sweet and bacon. It was nearly enough to snap me into the land of the living. The bloody mary wasn't my favorite as it was very horseradishy. Next time, I'll go with the Milk Punch and mix it with my coffee as my fellow diners did rather intelligently and raved about. Their biscuits are homemade and awesome, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside - how the perfect biscuit should be. They're served with 2 homemade jams that change seasonally, and the apple and strawberry that we were given were really tasty. As if I didn't have enough biscuits, I decided to go with biscuits and gravy for my entree because like the great Ted Evelyn Mosby, I believe the greatest cure for a hangover is GRAVY. Hell, its the greatest cure for anything that ails you or even if you are having the best life ever, gravy will just make you infinitely happier. But enough about my shameless love for gravy. These biscuits and gravy were SO amazing. The crispy homemade biscuits were topped with a heaping pile of HOMEMADE gravy studded with big chunks of sausage and then topped again with 2 poached eggs. YUM! As if this wasn't enough, they serve this heaping pile of goodness with a salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Its so good that when I couldn't finish it due to the aforementioned ailment and heated it up in the privacy of my home that evening, it was STILL a delight. You may be wondering why I've raved ad nauseam (PUN INTENDED) about this place and only gave it 4 stars? Well, our waiter could have been a little more on his game. He seemed a little out of sorts and was absent for large chunks of time as the people in our party trickled in and it came time to order. Other than that, my experience at Dante's Kitchen couldn't have been more perfect and I would love to go back for brunch or maybe a date night.
(4)
Marco M.
Not cheap but at least the food was good. MY wife loved her crab and corn soup. I had a good salad and roasted broccoli. She had a seafood entree.
(4)
Sara M.
Must go if you are in New Orleans!! I have never had such good grits, the shrimp & grits for an appetizer is a must! For entrees, I would go with Chicken Under a Brick or the pork chop. Both were delicious. I don't often get chicken when we are out to dinner but this one was just delicious! Ask for Matthew, awesome server!
(5)
Joi B.
This is a review *only* for brunch and Dante's Kitchen does brunch right! There's something about eating brunch in a big ol' converted house that makes you vow to never spend late weekend mornings any other way. But don't think the ambiance is old timey country kitchenesque, rather it's far more modern & sophisticated (yet not at the risk of losing the homey vibe). We wanted to eat on the patio, as it was a really nice day, but it was closed by the time we arrived at 1pm. I was OK with that because inside is just so lovely. But next time, that patio has my name written on it. I appreciate that they don't accept reservations for brunch. Why, because I never ever decide until it's like noon on a Saturday or Sunday that brunch is all but necessary to function for the rest of the day. I can't plan brunch, I just have to feel it to want it. So thanks, Dante's Kitchen, for appealing to us impulsive folks. You need to know: it's a crime to NOT order a Bloody Mary here. Don't expect bells and whistles as far as garnish goes and that's fine with me because when the drink is this good, it doesn't need much embellishment. You get an olive, a house pickled green bean or two, a piece of celery and lemon and that's it. I ordered my Bloody in the extra spicy version so it was made with pepper vodka. My man ordered a regular Bloody Mary and that too is spicy, so take note if you're a wuss and need it weak. This is *Dante's* Kitchen, after all and didn't Dante love him some Hell? Easily one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. In fact, it's reason alone to come here for brunch. Oh, but yeah, the food is good, too. Phenomenal grits. I ordered them plain but "plain" is an understatement (you can order them with cheese too). They are incredibly rich and the texture just right. I had awful grits at a venerable NOLA institution last week that were lumpy and milky, so don't take good grits for granted! I also ordered a veggie omelette. Note that I don't like eggs and rarely if ever eat them. With that caveat, I'd say it was OK, but I gave half away and turned my full attention to the grits. I loved that it contains Gruyere and roasted tomatoes, but the shittake mushrooms had a rubbery texture (as they often do) that didn't work with the eggs. Again, I am not a fan of eggs, so take this as you will. There are sweet breakfasty things that look delish, but I'm more into savory stuff when it comes to breaking my fast. Next time, I'm going full starch ahead and ignore my inner qualms about not having protein first thing. I regret not ordering the biscuits as they look incredible. My ultimate plan, however, is to finally get here for dinner and try the Local Farm Vegetable Plate with tofu. It looks like the menu changes on the regular, a good thing, so I look forward to returning as soon as possible.
(4)
Kenn P.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The order consisted of Salumi- Salame di Calabria, Saucissson Noix, she had chicken under a brick, which I ate most of and it was delicious. I had Trois Mignons with each one melting in my mouth. Oh and then we had Gingerlime Cake and Chocolate cream pie. Overall we had a blast, we sat outside, place got busy as it got later and everyone was enjoying themselves. Cab ride from the French Quarter is about $25 each way with tip and the above meal runs about $100 with tip. So for $150 it was well worth.
(4)
Tamara F.
I have been meaning to write a review for this place, but I forgot and was instantly reminded last week when we went for Father's Day.. I had just gotten out of church and if I had known that I was going to have those sticky buns that they have for brunch with the bacon inside, I would have gone to church after to give the Lord thanks!!! I will just say it and admit it here.. I ordered two of them.. Yeah, I had some help from my family eating them, but I put a pretty good dent in them myself. Every single bite of the sweet cinnamon roll and tons of crumbled smoked bacon in it.. I have had dreams about those things since and they were damn good dreams.. Ok, so I would recommend this place just for that, BUT THERE IS MORE!! I got the steak and eggs and it was so good. The steak was cooked perfectly and the eggs were delicious. My man got the crab and brie omelet and it was awesome as well, but a little too rich for me to get it as my choice. Another family member got the eggs benedict and said that it was delicious. They are an awesome place for Sunday brunch, but they don't take reservations. When we got there, there was already a line outside and we were able to get in, but if you don't arrive right on time when they open and get the first seating, you might be waiting awhile... the host guy at the door was kind of rude to a few people and not so friendly, but after those sticky buns with bacon, he was an after thought.. oh yeah, they have some pretty cool drinks on the brunch menu and all their juice is fresh squeezed!!
(5)
Julia B.
Dante's is fabulous! I've been here three times and everything I ate was absolutely delicious. First, the cornbread with honey butter they bring to the table. SOO so good, it's dangerous. Next, the shrimp & grits, the chicken under a brick, the strawberry salad, the redfish... everything we ordered was great. The atmosphere is also quite nice. It's a quiet, small restaurant, and it's really cozy inside. I really think it's a great place to showcase New Orleansy food uptown.
(5)
David C.
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Uptown. My wife and I have come here a couple of times, most recently for Valentine's Day, and we are never disappointed. They serve an amazing spoon bread and I highly recommend the shrimp and grits. The bartenders are quite good as well, as the most recent visit had me try a gin cocktail that had this gin non-fan impressed.
(5)
Fawn R.
The restaurant is definitely a place to try. We ordered and shared some of the meals and the chicken was the best. The two salads we ordered also were fresh and fantastic. I wasn't a fan of the crab soup or or the pasta but they were so Interesting that it was still worth a go. Also the service was excellent.
(5)
Jules I.
We had to ask what some of the cheeses on the menu were. They were great. We had the beet salad (wonderful), shrimp & grits (good but spicy), vegetable plate (awesome), and double cut pork chop (to die for). We will return as soon as we can.
(5)
Ellie B.
Brunch menu was very heavy--no light options. I have heard good things, so we decided to try it on a Sunday morning. Very long wait (hour and a half) and food was not what we were looking for while sitting in the hot sun outside. Consequently, everyone seemed to feel sick afterwards.
(2)
Matt S.
I've eaten at this restaurant on nearly a half dozen occasions at this point. Consistently well above average to great cuisine. The ambiance is very solid. The staff are consistently good to great as well. Personal favorites have included chicken under a brick, Kale Greens, Trois Mignons Medallions, and the lovely "lagniappe" that is the cast iron cornbread that leads every experience. Having met "Eman" he's a personable fellow once you get him going. The restaurant has lost a little something since front of house master Neil McClure left to launch McClure's Barbecue over on Magazine, but the show here on Dante Street marches on. Dante's is definitely on my short list of places to drop by every visit to the Crescent City.
(4)
Denise L.
The best place I ate during my stay in New Orleans. Definitley make reservations since it's a small little place, but with a good amount of outdoor seating. We started off with a bottle of chardonnay, and appetizers included beets, shrimp and grits, and escargot with bacon. The shrimp and grits were to die for! One of the highlights of the meal!! They also give you maple honey cornbread, which comes in a little pan with butter that's melting in. Very yum. Not too sweet, and not too salty. I ordered the Trois Mignons, but made a mistake of ordering it medium well. My friend's that was medium rare, was much tastier I hear, although both of ours were overcooked. The one with the pulled pork was my favorite, but I mainly ate the pulled pork. Mashed potatoes were good too. My friend's chicken under a brick, AMAZING! Chicken was so juicy and tender. The fried sunny side up egg was a great touch too. But, the sauce, so delicious and added the extra SHEBANG flavor to the chicken. Wish I had ordered that. From the reviews, I ordered the grapefruit chocolate cake. It was a very rich chocolate cake, with grapefruit ice on the side. It was hard to eat the two, and if I was a big chocolate cake fan, I think I would've enjoyed it more. My friend's caramel pudding was good, and the blood orange sorbet was great! A great place for dinner, and it sounds like the breakfast is great too! Our server was also attentitve and service was great from her. Would definitley come back!
(5)
Steve L.
What a gem. By far the best meal we had while visiting New Orleans. It's located a short distance from the French Quarter, but it's worth the drive/ride to visit. We took the St. Charles Street trolley for just under $2 and arrived within 40 minutes or so. We made reservations through Open Table and upon arrival were immediately seated in one of the front areas, where we had a full view of the bar and surrounding areas. Our server was friendly and seemed very genuine. The cocktails were phenomenal. This whole mixology trend is a good thing - we tried the modern Old Fashioned (with rye), the Pimm's cup, the Fiona, and the Monocle. Each was excellent. We kicked things off with the beef heart, which was very interesting and quite good. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and was served with a wonderful "salad" of sorts. For our meal, we shared the oxtail, the seafood courtbouillon, and the brussels sprouts. Neither of us had ever tried oxtail before - wow. It reminded us of super tender roast beef; the mole sauce was among the best I've ever consumed; the polenta was divine. The cortbouillon was superb; a large fillet of tender fish covered in a tomato broth, and accompanied by shrimp and mussels (removed from their shells)... how can you go wrong? I should have inquired about what type of fish they used because it was quite wonderful. The broth was absolutely delicious and was a joy to mop-up with the herbed crostini that came with the plate. Brussels sprouts plain are fine by me, but Dante's covers theirs with bacon, smoked onions, and cheese... home run. Oh, so good. At the end of our night, our server called a cab for us, as we didn't feel like taking a bus or trolley. It was a very nice and welcomed touch. Dante's = WIN Solid 5 stars all around
(5)
Dennis D.
i ordered the seafood dish (mahi mahi was the fish selection that night), and i wanted to bathe in the sauce. Similarly, i'll also bathe in the Chicken under-a-brick's sauce. After eating all of it, of course. Our server was awesome and accommodating. They sent out two free plates of molasses cake which was a better version of cornbread. And believe me, i love me some cornbread.
(5)
Amanda K.
Food was great. I ordered the breakfast burrito. Meat inside was moist and lots of cheese!
(4)
Marcus A.
Dante's Kitchen offers gourmet food packaged up down-home style, literally. The flame fueled, hand painted sign outside leads you to the front door of a quaint house. It's cozy and intimate and nestled away in the garden district, providing a nice change of a pace from the French Quarter environment. I've heard their alcoholic beverages are superb, but as I do not drink I am going on the words of others. I was able to try a smattering of dishes and enjoyed them all. Table bread is a molasses spoon bread in a house honey butter; it is delicious, moist and dense. The mussels in green curry were a tasty treat and the sauce had just the right amount of hot, sour and sweet to make you sop up every ounce with the accompanying french bread. The grilled shrimp and stone ground grits with an andouille red eye gravy was my favorite dish of the evening. It was rich and had some nice heat that chased down every bite. As far as entrees are concerned, I ordered the trois mignons. The house made worcestshire filet mignon was to die for. The debris filet mignon mixed in with the caramelized onion mashed potatoes was practically perfect. The stilton filet mignon wasn't as stellar as the first two, as I felt the stilton didn't really bring anything to the table. I also had a bite of the chicken roasted on a brick and the duck 2 ways. The chicken was good, but nothing spectacular, especially next to my expectations after reading the reviews here. My sampling of the duck was great. We ordered the apple tart with blue cheese ice cream, yes I said blue cheese ice cream. The blue cheese definitely came through and I'm still not sure if this was a good thing. I'm not big on desserts and this was fairly average.
(4)
Chris H.
Extraordinary. I have made two trips to New Orleans from Biloxi just to eat dinner here. I am a big fan of their escargot. It makes a great, fresh, tasty appetizer. The second time I ate here, I got the shrimp n grits and the bacon wrapped scallops. I am convinced those were the best scallops I've ever had. Bacon happens to be my favorite food too. But the scallops! Tender, succulent, juicy with hints of lime and Creole seasoning. They melted in my mouth. They were monstrous in size as well so I was cutting them up like miniature steak filets to savor every bite. I am a big stickler about the size of my scallops, and these broke the scales. My coworker had the famous chicken under a brick. I didn't know chicken could be so moist and tender. For desert: peach cobbler with Creole cream. Not my favorite. The peaches were on the bitter side. Five stars just for the scallops though. This is a must~go place for visitors to the crescent city.
(5)
Lindsay W.
I had heard such great things about this place, but I was not impressed. Good food but not necessary better than other brunch spots in nola. I'd suggest some other great places before Dante's. Oh, and their bloody mary - yuck. It was fruity.
(3)
Bonni T.
I went for brunch and quite honestly I believe I enjoyed everything about my experience. The shrimp and grits...AMAZING. My boyfriend had the alligator sausage sliders and he actually enjoyed them. He is a simple man so I was surprised. They do a good job of adding a little bit of flair to traditional dishes.
(4)
David B.
Similar to Jacques Imo's in price and quality. Usually slightly less crowded and slightly less delicious, I think. Favorites are: Brunch
(4)
Daniel T.
One of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I've gone there many times for brunch or dinner and have always been satisfied. Order anything you want, it's all good here, and make sure you get an order of the corn bred!
(5)
Momo B.
NICE BREAK FROM DOUBLE "C" This is definitely a destination restaurant to celebrate special occasions for many of the locals. It's also a little more expensive than the typical restaurant. The cuisine isn't Cajun nor Creole. It's eclectic American, bit Asian and who knows where fusion. We shared two entrees. Red fish steamed with a stalk of lemon grass, cilantro and ginger with a light sweet soy sauce. And the irresistible half" chicken under the brick" would be our other choice. It turns out that the two entrees were more than plenty of food. Yu-go chauffeur thought the entire stalk of lemon grass in the cavity of the whole Red fish was a bit over kill. The half chicken under the brick was baked to perfection with a sweet sticky molasses red sauce. Each entree was $26. Like it's menu, the furniture is very mixed and nothing relative to any theme nor complimenting the building's residential architecture. Space is tight and our seating less than comfortable especially during this cold evening. It is a casual dining facility with polite unsophisticated table service. A big turnoff to Yu-go chauffeur.
(4)
Scott W.
One of the best meals I've had this year. The Chicken Under a Brick and Double Cut Pork Chops were outstanding, and all of the desserts were delicious as well. We dined at Antoine's, Galatoire's, and K-Pauls earlier in the week, and Dante's was at least the equal of every one of these. One little gripe...the bar area was very small and the bartender somewhat grumpy, but it's a small price to pay for a great meal.
(5)
Heather G.
This is one of our neighborhood spots, how lucky are we! Dantes kitchen is in a cute little old house and the food is outrageous. The coffee was also wonderful, along with the cocktails. Easy 5 stars.
(5)
Evan R.
Crazy expensive BUT perfect in every way. First they have an excellent selection of whine and in pretty sure they make their own sausage and salamis which they offer as appetizers; we tried each meat and it was all terrific. They have an incredible soup called mulligatawny soup which I'd never tried before, I highly recommend it. Main entrees are delicious and beautifully presented. I got a trois mignon with CARAMELIZED ONION MASHED POTATOES, and my friend got Basque Style salmon. We were both extremely satisfied. Out waiter was very professional, well spoken, and friendly. I felt like a Saudi King at this place. If you're willing to splurge for a night and drop some cash, than Dante's Kitchen is the place to go!
(5)
Sabrina K.
Of all the places I ate at in New Orleans, Dante's Kitchen was my favorite! We came here for Sunday brunch before the Chargers/Saints game. It's a bit out of the way but def. worth the trip. This is an adorable converted home. It has small bar when you walk in and a nice patio outside where we were seated. We did have quite the wait, so we sipped on some Bloody Marys while we waited on a stoop across the street. After finally being seated we looked over the menu and I knew immediately what I was going to order: Eggs Benedict! They were the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had. They came on a homemade biscuit, not an English muffin. My cousin ordered the Crab & Brie omelette which was light and equally delicious. For sides, we got an order of the Alligator sausage patties-- amazing. We also got an order of grits with Cheddar cheese. They were very flavorful and on point. Every bite of food I had was delicious, our waiter was attentive, and the atmosphere was great. All the ingredients for a 5 star experience.
(5)
Bobby B.
Extremely disappointing experience. Saturday Brunch. We'd always wanted to try this place and when we happened to be in the area, we decided to go for it. Pretty place. Interesting color scheme. Good hostess and friendly (albeit spotty) service. Girly got the breakfast burrito I got the steak and eggs (rare and poached). First, let me say that the steak nuggets were perfectly rare and the eggs were perfectly poached. Those are the only good things I can say about brunch. The Girly's burrito was super salty and the meat was dried out. The GIrly was able to eat it but really wished we had seen the waitress again until about the end of the meal. Never got a drink refill. As I said, the meat and eggs were cooked perfect. Some of the potatoes were burned and some were under-cooked with hard pieces in it and overly-burned onions. Someone had their heat up too high and didn't pay close enough attention. What really ruined the entire meal for me was the hollandaise sauce. Instead of being rich and buttery with a hint of lemon, it was salty and lemony with no hint of butter. It tasted like 2/3rds of a tequila shot. I've done a salt water and lemon juice cleanse before and this tasted both saltier and more lemony than that. Every bite hit the jaws like vinegar and since we never got a refill on our drinks, I couldn't even wash it down. For some reason known only to them, they put the sauce on the steak too, Someone also salted the steaks so heavily, that when I took a sliver from one side, I could feel the salt crystals still on the meat. Not having anything to wash it down with, I stopped after the first steak nugget (I say nugget because each one was about the size of a large scallop). So I didn't eat my eggs or potatoes and I ate one steak nugget. When the waitress finally came back around, I told her I couldn't eat it because it was too salty and lemony. She said she told the cook but we received no discount or anything past "shrug" sorry. I told them. We ended up leaving so I could get some food. A very expensive brunch for not having eaten much of anything. I don't know if we came at a bad time, or the cook just really screwed up our meals or what. But the waitress should have known that an uneaten meal was worth at least giving a discount. That seems like bad training on the business' part.
(2)
Catherine S.
Holy sweet molasses bread! A little bit of a trek from the CBD and French Quarter but on a nice day, take the Charles Street trolley out to the end of the line and enjoy a parade of lovely mansions. Dinner is served like a home-cooked meal at someone's residence. We sat outside in the fenced area (noise of the busy street takes some getting used to) because it was a nice day. The molasses bread comes out on a mini skillet and is served with honey butter. Honey butter is one of my favorite things so I knew this place would be a winner. Sadly if you want more than one mini skillet of this treat, it'll cost you $2 per serving (a table near us order an additional skillet per person!). We elected to save room for our entrees. These were a rabbit pasta and venison pot pie. Both were very tasty but I felt my pasta was a little overcooked (very limp). There is an extensive set of house-infused liquors. Worth tasting your way through these and their cocktails. I had a classic Sazerac. My husband had a few of their house-infused bourbons and found them to be excellent. Great weather, good food and drink, and fun setting make this a good dining experience.
(4)
Rachael F.
Fun. Delicious. Homey. Vegetarian friendly. Amazing punch. Nice waiter. Very satisfying. Best meal I had in NOLA.
(5)
Jasen F.
Went last night on a slow Monday night. The food was solid but the service was a bit uneven given the slow pace to start the night. I'll set the scene: Part right out front on a narrow neighborhood street. Walk in the restaurant and stand there for two minutes while the bartender, waiters, and the like buzz around. Finally, after ambling over to where I think the hostess stand is, somebody offers to help me. I get seated inside (choice of light or dark) and begin the waiting game. It's NOLA and it's a laid back town (I've lived in laid back locales like Hawaii & San Diego so I get it), but when folks get there spoon bread who were sat after I ordered, I have to speak up. My escargot cherry got squeezed here, dug into a trench of bone marrow and well done bread. The shrimp and grits was solid but not epic (no Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC). The brussel sprouts were a bit disappointing - the croutons seemed out of place and they were not well balanced with the rest of the ingredients in the dish. My server was a friendly, Seth Rogan doppelganger sort who seemed awfully friendly but I did not get many chances to converse with the fine gentleman. I'd come back but I think there are many other small bungalow style places equal to the charm of Dante's Kitchen in NOLA.
(4)
Vivian H.
We tried to eat the whole city, and Dante was one of our stops. We ordered some shrimp & grits for pickup en route to the bayou. Although it was a little cold when we finally got to it, it was still DELICIOUS. I really wish we had time to have a proper meal here. The place is super cute, the staff very accommodating, and there were so many things on the menu I wanted to try! If the shrimp & grits were any indication, you can't go wrong with the other choices.
(4)
Ravi P.
I mean they just do it right. Their mussels broth should not be missed. Order it, and swear you will literally drink it. Also love the home made bread. Redfish wasnt the best i have had but chicken under the brick is a must try
(5)
Dana C.
It pains me to write this update as Dante's was one of my favorites, but the negatives that irked me the last time I wrote a review now far outweigh the taste of the food. Once again, it took FOREVER to get our entrees. A good hour between apps and mains. No one adressed it, apologized, etc. Their famous spoonbread came out with our apps, but we saw another couple who didn't get it until right before the end of the meal and some people had theirs with their drinks. In addition, there is a man who works there who was just plain rude and grumpy. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what but he came by our table twice to refill water/drop food off and couldn't be bothered to say "you're welcome" when we said thank you or even pretend like he wouldn't rather be anywhere else. The almost $40 cab ride to/from the French Quarter isn't worth it (you can take the streetcar, but they were doing work on it when we were there). Also, stay away from the Charred Bread app. It comes with burnt bread and three TINY little sides of essentially two relishes and an anchovy fillet. They don't mention the anchovy and I'm allergic, so I couldn't even eat part of it. Such a disappointment. There are so many delicious restaurants in NoLa, don't waste your time here.
(1)
Rob W.
This was really great American food with thought put behind the recipe. The atmosphere lacks a lot and the service is seriously lacking. The drinks are a little over the top in hipster world.
(3)
Ms D.
Service: Very attentive, friendly waiter. Food came relatively quickly and was served hot with great presentation. Prices: A little pricey but I would go again. Large portions as well. Environment: Tucked away at the edge of the Riverbend, this quaint little restaurant, With it's multiple rooms for dining, gives a cozy, comfy feel. Local art on the wall, soft lighting, the whole vibe is relaxing. The larger dining area the crowd was a little more #TurntUp but not loudly so. Parking: Neighborhood parking in a safe environment. You may have to walk a block or so for a spot. Food: Listen. I'm not an adventurous eater. Some of the food (like the dried meat appetizers ) were a bit too culinary for me but I don't regret the experience. The honey buttered, rustic spoon bread, was thoroughly enjoyed by very picky foodie cousin. She ordered lamb with a jalapeno spiced cornbread that was moist, flavorful and plain old delicious. I had THE MOST delicious, moist Chicken under a Brick ever. The BREAST of the chicken was so moist I dare you to distinguish it from dark meat. This dish alone is enough to make me a Dante's Regular. I skipped the bacon hash w/egg and opted for a larger portion of mashed potatoes with grilled onions,THIS WAS A TOTAL WIN. Delish! Desert selection was minimal. My cousin had a chocolate fudge desert of some kind and loved it. I liked Dante's Kitchen a lot. Would likely order the same thing. Thank you for reading. Ms. Dee.....
(4)
Anna T.
HOLY CANNOLI!!! Best meal. The food!!!!! The ambience!!!! The service!!! The music!!!!! It's a great experience. In a city known for it's food and liquor this place really impresses me every time I come. Recommend the shrimp and grits, brick pressed chicken (of course) and the MUSSELS. Yum.
(5)
Matt B.
Gosh. 5+ stars. I was on vacation when my girlfriend and I went here, and I would recommend it to my friends if they were traveling to Nola hands down. We started with the shrimp and grits which was a-maz-ing. Somewhat buttery grits with shrimp that were absolutely perfect. A wonderful start to a perfect meal. Secondly, the spoon bread which they give you is like a molasses tasting bread with corn bread consistency. It is on the house, and one of the best house-bread I have ever had. For the main course, I had the brick chicken, which was about the best baked chicken I have ever had. Nice citrusy fatty crunch to it which was great. My significant other had a red snapper with a type of very fun salad. Needless to say, if we are in the area again, we will be there!
(5)
Olivier B.
Really good restaurant located in NOLA! We had dinner outside, the service was good and the dishes really tasty
(5)
Jennifer L.
This place is in the same price and genre categories as Emeril's NOLA in the French Quarter, so I was honestly expecting more of our experience. The food is also not at all Creole/Cajun, as listed, but more like farm-to-table. The place is cute -- an easily-overlooked tiny house with different rooms as eating areas. I appreciated the fresh ingredients, but everything just fell a little short . The drinks were good... but took 15 minutes to arrive. The pork belly lettuce wraps were tasty... but were prepared on lettuce too tiny to not end up having to use a fork to eat it. The molasses cornbread was original and just about perfect -- the highlight of the meal. I got the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick for my meal, but the Maple glaze was too spicy and too sweet, although the fried farm egg was perfect on top of the potato hash (which would have been better warm than cold -- not sure how it was intended to be prepared). Based on other reviews, I hope it was just a very off night.
(2)
Geoff M.
It was my job to plan a great dining experience for my party of 6 while in New Orleans for a business meeting. Thanks to Dante's Kitchen I am now officially a Superstar as being able to choose the BEST restaurant experience! The restaurant is located in an old house with a lovely garden. The indoor dining tends to be in small, intimate rooms which was perfect for my rather boisterous friends. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered several small plates as starters, 6 entrees and almost every side available since they all sounded so good. Nothing was a disappointment. Although not usually dessert eaters, we decided to "go the distance" and we're delighted with our choices. This is really off the beaten path and sure to amaze your guests!!
(5)
Hannah C.
Great brunch, get there early! Don't miss the bacon sticky buns and the grits are AMAZING.
(4)
Melissa L.
Dante's Kitchen is worth the trip out to its location, approximately 10 to 15 minutes outside of the French Quarter. Dante's is located in a residential neighborhood and is situated inside a house. There is a bar in the front room and at least 4 dining rooms, which makes for a cozy dining experience. All meals also start off with a serving of their spoonbread ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It arrived piping hot with a nice crust and tender crumb. We started off with several appetizers - the steamed mussels, beef cheeks and the shrimp and grits. The mussels were plump and juicy ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The bread was definitely needed to sop up the broth. The braised beef cheeks came with celery root puree and an apple and celery salad ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It was good but nothing that stood out to me. The meet was tender and pair well with the strong flavors from the celery and celery root. The shrimp and grits ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ) were outstanding. Four plump shrimp on creamy grits with a red eye gravy. This was my favorite dish of the meal as the shrimp was perfectly cooked and the sauce was full of flavor. It's one of those dishes were I could have easily eaten another serving. For my main course I ordered the chicken under a brick, which came with a fried egg and a potato and bacon has cake ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The chicken was moist and juicy and heavily seasoned. I found the dish to be really good, but the combination provided to be a bit too rich/heavy for me with the sauce, bacon and egg all on one plate. For dessert we split a slice of the red velvet cake. Yum. yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… They take their cocktails seriously here. A mixologist is on hand and they have jars of home made mixers and syrups lined up on the shelves. It's worth trying our some of their cocktails. Service was a bit uneven as there were times where the wait was longer than expected. The restaurant was packed on the night of our visit (a Sunday night) and the servers were really busy. They were really nice in their multiple attempts to help us find a cab to pick us up after the team. I would describe Dante's Kitchen as a typical hipster joint but without the hipster attitude I find that is so common, at least where I'm from. They put a great deal of care into the quality of their food and cocktails and their pride over their product is quite evident (and well deserved).
(4)
Nina T.
Absolutely love this place. I came for dinner and had the chicken under a brick and my mom had the trois mignons. Both were delicious. for an appetizer we had the boudin rouge with homemade sauerkraut. LOVED IT. I had to knock a star off for the noise. my mother and I sat on the patio for dinner and unfortunately could hear the road perfectly from where we sat. Also the patio could use more lighting, maybe strings of lights? But these small things wont keep me from coming back, the food was absolutely amazing. And i've heard amazing things about the brunch which i have yet to try. Soon.
(4)
Jackie D.
Why why why do I choose to overindulge on the spirits, get 5 hours of sleep, and then go to brunch and expect NOT to feel like death?! My lapse in judgement the night before aside, Dante's was a great decision even in my dilapidated state. The restaurant itself is ADORABLE in an old house off of Carrollton, but seating is very limited so get there early! We got there right after they opened, around 10:15, and had to sit right inside the door because it was the only table left. Luckily, I came with people who had been here before so they knew what to order because their brunch menu just looked delicious on the whole. I started with a Bloody Mary extra spicy and we got the Bacon Cinnamon Roll and an order of biscuits for the table. WOW. The Bacon Cinnamon Roll, was just. SO. LEGENDARY. Sweet and bacon. It was nearly enough to snap me into the land of the living. The bloody mary wasn't my favorite as it was very horseradishy. Next time, I'll go with the Milk Punch and mix it with my coffee as my fellow diners did rather intelligently and raved about. Their biscuits are homemade and awesome, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside - how the perfect biscuit should be. They're served with 2 homemade jams that change seasonally, and the apple and strawberry that we were given were really tasty. As if I didn't have enough biscuits, I decided to go with biscuits and gravy for my entree because like the great Ted Evelyn Mosby, I believe the greatest cure for a hangover is GRAVY. Hell, its the greatest cure for anything that ails you or even if you are having the best life ever, gravy will just make you infinitely happier. But enough about my shameless love for gravy. These biscuits and gravy were SO amazing. The crispy homemade biscuits were topped with a heaping pile of HOMEMADE gravy studded with big chunks of sausage and then topped again with 2 poached eggs. YUM! As if this wasn't enough, they serve this heaping pile of goodness with a salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Its so good that when I couldn't finish it due to the aforementioned ailment and heated it up in the privacy of my home that evening, it was STILL a delight. You may be wondering why I've raved ad nauseam (PUN INTENDED) about this place and only gave it 4 stars? Well, our waiter could have been a little more on his game. He seemed a little out of sorts and was absent for large chunks of time as the people in our party trickled in and it came time to order. Other than that, my experience at Dante's Kitchen couldn't have been more perfect and I would love to go back for brunch or maybe a date night.
(4)
Jennifer C.
I LOVE this place for brunch. WE go often. But you must show up at like 10:50am on Sunday if you want a seat bc so does every one else in town. Their grits are hands down the best grits in town and come topped with cheese and corn and mushrooms. Any of their egg dishes are phenomenal as is their fish sandwich on focaccia with goat cheese. Had dinner here once and it was awesome. Recommend the brick chicken. I never order chicken at places but someone told me to order this who had been previously. Best f'in chicken I've ever had.
(5)
Joi B.
This is a review *only* for brunch and Dante's Kitchen does brunch right! There's something about eating brunch in a big ol' converted house that makes you vow to never spend late weekend mornings any other way. But don't think the ambiance is old timey country kitchenesque, rather it's far more modern & sophisticated (yet not at the risk of losing the homey vibe). We wanted to eat on the patio, as it was a really nice day, but it was closed by the time we arrived at 1pm. I was OK with that because inside is just so lovely. But next time, that patio has my name written on it. I appreciate that they don't accept reservations for brunch. Why, because I never ever decide until it's like noon on a Saturday or Sunday that brunch is all but necessary to function for the rest of the day. I can't plan brunch, I just have to feel it to want it. So thanks, Dante's Kitchen, for appealing to us impulsive folks. You need to know: it's a crime to NOT order a Bloody Mary here. Don't expect bells and whistles as far as garnish goes and that's fine with me because when the drink is this good, it doesn't need much embellishment. You get an olive, a house pickled green bean or two, a piece of celery and lemon and that's it. I ordered my Bloody in the extra spicy version so it was made with pepper vodka. My man ordered a regular Bloody Mary and that too is spicy, so take note if you're a wuss and need it weak. This is *Dante's* Kitchen, after all and didn't Dante love him some Hell? Easily one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. In fact, it's reason alone to come here for brunch. Oh, but yeah, the food is good, too. Phenomenal grits. I ordered them plain but "plain" is an understatement (you can order them with cheese too). They are incredibly rich and the texture just right. I had awful grits at a venerable NOLA institution last week that were lumpy and milky, so don't take good grits for granted! I also ordered a veggie omelette. Note that I don't like eggs and rarely if ever eat them. With that caveat, I'd say it was OK, but I gave half away and turned my full attention to the grits. I loved that it contains Gruyere and roasted tomatoes, but the shittake mushrooms had a rubbery texture (as they often do) that didn't work with the eggs. Again, I am not a fan of eggs, so take this as you will. There are sweet breakfasty things that look delish, but I'm more into savory stuff when it comes to breaking my fast. Next time, I'm going full starch ahead and ignore my inner qualms about not having protein first thing. I regret not ordering the biscuits as they look incredible. My ultimate plan, however, is to finally get here for dinner and try the Local Farm Vegetable Plate with tofu. It looks like the menu changes on the regular, a good thing, so I look forward to returning as soon as possible.
(4)
C W.
Disappointed. It was not that great. We had the pork and redfish. Redfish was dry and for the cost, totally not worth it. Pork was also dry and pairing it up with a pancake was weird. Other small plates are just okay-- nothing special and def not 4.5/5 stars.
(3)
Tony C.
Food was good, not great. Atmosphere was fantastic (we ate on the patio). Service was great, but a little slow.
(4)
Tamara F.
I have been meaning to write a review for this place, but I forgot and was instantly reminded last week when we went for Father's Day.. I had just gotten out of church and if I had known that I was going to have those sticky buns that they have for brunch with the bacon inside, I would have gone to church after to give the Lord thanks!!! I will just say it and admit it here.. I ordered two of them.. Yeah, I had some help from my family eating them, but I put a pretty good dent in them myself. Every single bite of the sweet cinnamon roll and tons of crumbled smoked bacon in it.. I have had dreams about those things since and they were damn good dreams.. Ok, so I would recommend this place just for that, BUT THERE IS MORE!! I got the steak and eggs and it was so good. The steak was cooked perfectly and the eggs were delicious. My man got the crab and brie omelet and it was awesome as well, but a little too rich for me to get it as my choice. Another family member got the eggs benedict and said that it was delicious. They are an awesome place for Sunday brunch, but they don't take reservations. When we got there, there was already a line outside and we were able to get in, but if you don't arrive right on time when they open and get the first seating, you might be waiting awhile... the host guy at the door was kind of rude to a few people and not so friendly, but after those sticky buns with bacon, he was an after thought.. oh yeah, they have some pretty cool drinks on the brunch menu and all their juice is fresh squeezed!!
(5)
Julia B.
Dante's is fabulous! I've been here three times and everything I ate was absolutely delicious. First, the cornbread with honey butter they bring to the table. SOO so good, it's dangerous. Next, the shrimp & grits, the chicken under a brick, the strawberry salad, the redfish... everything we ordered was great. The atmosphere is also quite nice. It's a quiet, small restaurant, and it's really cozy inside. I really think it's a great place to showcase New Orleansy food uptown.
(5)
David C.
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Uptown. My wife and I have come here a couple of times, most recently for Valentine's Day, and we are never disappointed. They serve an amazing spoon bread and I highly recommend the shrimp and grits. The bartenders are quite good as well, as the most recent visit had me try a gin cocktail that had this gin non-fan impressed.
(5)
Fawn R.
The restaurant is definitely a place to try. We ordered and shared some of the meals and the chicken was the best. The two salads we ordered also were fresh and fantastic. I wasn't a fan of the crab soup or or the pasta but they were so Interesting that it was still worth a go. Also the service was excellent.
(5)
Hoa N.
Dante's is a small and quaint restaurant that serves up southern fare with organic and fresh ingredients. My friend and I shared the mussels and shrimp and grits from the small plates menu and we were already stuffed from that. We had our entrees coming still! We asked the waiter if we could cancel one of our entree order because we felt that we over ordered. They were extremely nice about it and honored our request. We had the roasted duck with fennel salad, and it was delicious. The duck meat was juicy and tender and the fennel salad was light with a nice citrus dressing. I hear that breakfast is great here, will have to come back for brunch next time!
(5)
Matt S.
I've eaten at this restaurant on nearly a half dozen occasions at this point. Consistently well above average to great cuisine. The ambiance is very solid. The staff are consistently good to great as well. Personal favorites have included chicken under a brick, Kale Greens, Trois Mignons Medallions, and the lovely "lagniappe" that is the cast iron cornbread that leads every experience. Having met "Eman" he's a personable fellow once you get him going. The restaurant has lost a little something since front of house master Neil McClure left to launch McClure's Barbecue over on Magazine, but the show here on Dante Street marches on. Dante's is definitely on my short list of places to drop by every visit to the Crescent City.
(4)
Denise L.
The best place I ate during my stay in New Orleans. Definitley make reservations since it's a small little place, but with a good amount of outdoor seating. We started off with a bottle of chardonnay, and appetizers included beets, shrimp and grits, and escargot with bacon. The shrimp and grits were to die for! One of the highlights of the meal!! They also give you maple honey cornbread, which comes in a little pan with butter that's melting in. Very yum. Not too sweet, and not too salty. I ordered the Trois Mignons, but made a mistake of ordering it medium well. My friend's that was medium rare, was much tastier I hear, although both of ours were overcooked. The one with the pulled pork was my favorite, but I mainly ate the pulled pork. Mashed potatoes were good too. My friend's chicken under a brick, AMAZING! Chicken was so juicy and tender. The fried sunny side up egg was a great touch too. But, the sauce, so delicious and added the extra SHEBANG flavor to the chicken. Wish I had ordered that. From the reviews, I ordered the grapefruit chocolate cake. It was a very rich chocolate cake, with grapefruit ice on the side. It was hard to eat the two, and if I was a big chocolate cake fan, I think I would've enjoyed it more. My friend's caramel pudding was good, and the blood orange sorbet was great! A great place for dinner, and it sounds like the breakfast is great too! Our server was also attentitve and service was great from her. Would definitley come back!
(5)
Marco M.
Not cheap but at least the food was good. MY wife loved her crab and corn soup. I had a good salad and roasted broccoli. She had a seafood entree.
(4)
Sara M.
Must go if you are in New Orleans!! I have never had such good grits, the shrimp & grits for an appetizer is a must! For entrees, I would go with Chicken Under a Brick or the pork chop. Both were delicious. I don't often get chicken when we are out to dinner but this one was just delicious! Ask for Matthew, awesome server!
(5)
El R.
Dante's was great as always! We were seated a little late (which was a bigger deal for my mom than for me) but their GM was very courteous and more than made up for it by comping our first round. It was jazz fest weekend... We started with the salumi and the cheese plate which both were well-balanced and delicious. My selection was the braised fish. It was delicious! Great balance between the light, well cooked fish with the rich sauce (with a few baby octopi hiding inside). Definitely excited for another trip back!
(5)
Steve L.
What a gem. By far the best meal we had while visiting New Orleans. It's located a short distance from the French Quarter, but it's worth the drive/ride to visit. We took the St. Charles Street trolley for just under $2 and arrived within 40 minutes or so. We made reservations through Open Table and upon arrival were immediately seated in one of the front areas, where we had a full view of the bar and surrounding areas. Our server was friendly and seemed very genuine. The cocktails were phenomenal. This whole mixology trend is a good thing - we tried the modern Old Fashioned (with rye), the Pimm's cup, the Fiona, and the Monocle. Each was excellent. We kicked things off with the beef heart, which was very interesting and quite good. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and was served with a wonderful "salad" of sorts. For our meal, we shared the oxtail, the seafood courtbouillon, and the brussels sprouts. Neither of us had ever tried oxtail before - wow. It reminded us of super tender roast beef; the mole sauce was among the best I've ever consumed; the polenta was divine. The cortbouillon was superb; a large fillet of tender fish covered in a tomato broth, and accompanied by shrimp and mussels (removed from their shells)... how can you go wrong? I should have inquired about what type of fish they used because it was quite wonderful. The broth was absolutely delicious and was a joy to mop-up with the herbed crostini that came with the plate. Brussels sprouts plain are fine by me, but Dante's covers theirs with bacon, smoked onions, and cheese... home run. Oh, so good. At the end of our night, our server called a cab for us, as we didn't feel like taking a bus or trolley. It was a very nice and welcomed touch. Dante's = WIN Solid 5 stars all around
(5)
Dennis D.
i ordered the seafood dish (mahi mahi was the fish selection that night), and i wanted to bathe in the sauce. Similarly, i'll also bathe in the Chicken under-a-brick's sauce. After eating all of it, of course. Our server was awesome and accommodating. They sent out two free plates of molasses cake which was a better version of cornbread. And believe me, i love me some cornbread.
(5)
Amanda K.
Food was great. I ordered the breakfast burrito. Meat inside was moist and lots of cheese!
(4)
K M.
A vegetarian dish that doesn't taste like a menu after thought?!?! The bubbly and beer was on par and the triple cream on the cheese board stole my heart. M said the pork confit was heaven and T was all about the boudin rouge. Wouldn't recommend the apple pie but lawd this restaurant was AMAZING.
(5)
Ben G.
Delicious, simple food. My friend and I both really enjoyed our meal, and Dante's got raves from other friends who suggested it. Nice atmosphere, not very loud, and attentive service. Can't find a reason why I wouldn't go back. Note: they only have drip coffee. No espresso drinks.
(5)
Harry T.
Returned to this restaurant from a long absence that had memories of a good time in the past. The restaurant is different and it is acceptable in many ways. One major draw back is that the server informed us that we must give our entire order at one time. When you are new to a place and not familiar with how much food you want or even the size of the portions that makes it a bit difficult to enjoy the evening. Our server, Rosie Jean, was really great and did all she could to make the evening a positive event. We order three dishes and hoped it would be tasty and enough food. Once again not knowing the size of the portions it was a guessing game to order all at once. The Mussels, Scallops, and Carrot plates were all very good. Tasty and flavorful and very fresh made the dinner enjoyable. We also enjoyed two glasses of Chardonnay that was good and expensive. There are specialty drinks that are prepared with imagination and were also worth the effort to visit this restaurant. Service and the quality and taste of the food rates a four star. Having to order everything at once will cause a delay in returning for a night out on the town in the future.
(4)
Marit B.
Wow. We found this place for Sunday brunch, got a table right away, and we were very pleased. Great food, service and atmosphere. We'll be back to try the house made bitters.
(4)
Ellen J.
What a cute place this is! Lots of brightly colored walls (the color made me a bit nostalgic--if you check out the pictures I've posted of Dante's Kitchen, you'll see the same shade of yellow my dad--RIP--painted my teenage bedroom when I asked for "pale" yellow) Lots of happy shiny people (probably happy because they snagged a seat at this first-come, first serve brunch). Our server was equally bright and peppy. I love it when you order food and they reply with "good choice" or "that's one of my favorites" (I'm easy). I ordered the BLT&E, a sort of upgraded BLT made with crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg, which was runny enough to create a sauce of sorts. I ordered it without the mayo. I think they may have been out of arugula, because the L tasted more like spinach, but no matter, it was delish! I really loved the foccacia bread it was served on--so soft and buttery. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the slightly spicy bloody mary I enjoyed (how could I forget that?), which was full of those pickled things I like so much.
(5)
Sharon L.
Four words: chicken under a brick. Favorite restaurant in New Orleans hands down. Southern food done right with a delicious twist to each dish. Everyone there is always so nice and helpful. They do a great job if working with my food allergies. And the food? Omg..so good. Love love love.
(5)
Dedric P.
I came there because of the reviews and The chicken under a brick. OMG some of the best chicken I have ever tasted. Rich, extremely flavorful, and a little spicy, perfect combination. The wait staff was a bit standoffish. I had the mussels as an appetizer and they were delicious as well, loved the spicy seafood broth as well. Had a glass of reisling off the menu as well, is was just okay. Overall if you like chocked its worth coming to this place just for the Chicken Under a Brick.
(4)
Randy M.
Dante's is tucked away in an overgrown building that resembles a home. We actually walked by it once. It was worth the confusion. The interior is sprinkled with local art and has a hipster vibe found in riverbend. We took the St. Charles street car up from downtown and enjoyed the ride through a very posh uptown. The interior is nice and comfy and the outside seating area is good as well. We enjoyed light bites including the crabmeat deviled eggs, a corn and crab soup and shrimp and grits. The food was delicious. There was a nice spice on the shrimp and a great gravy over the grits. The crab and corn soup was light and both ingredients blended well. The deviled eggs were a surprise hit and served on a bed of fresh field greens. Dante's is an excellent choice for an off the beaten path dining experience. They have a full bar with a variety of special drinks and a large wine menu. I would call ahead for reservations or plan on walking in right when they open.
(4)
James O.
Dante's Kitchen would rank around a 3-4 star for yelp if it wasn't for bad service and bad management. I honestly feel that a two star rating is more generous than it deserves. Food was actually pretty average, and the desserts were disappointing for New Orleans. However what really irked me, was the brunch. We arrived 10 minutes before opening, only to then wait an additional hour and a half to be seated. Yes they were busy, except that when we were inside there were 6 empty tables (and still a line outside). Food was fine, nothing to write home about. Waiter service was also off as ours and many other tables water glasses remained empty. Clearly this restaurant would do better with a management team that knows what they are doing.
(2)
Paul J.
This was my favorite meal during a 4-day stay in New Orleans. It's a bit of a trip - about a 15-20 minute taxi ride away from downtown / French Quarter, but it's well worth it. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. We ordered a bunch of things and shared. Everything was great, but my favorites were the shrimp and grits and the pork belly with coconut rice. Green bean kim chi was a great twist. Mayhaw jelly on the charcuterie was another pleasant surprise. Service was friendly and efficient. Reservations were essential. Great wine selection, and the cocktails were well crafted.
(5)
Jim M.
UPDATE Took my mother the Dante's Kitchen after raving about it so much. She ordered the shrimp and grits and the boudin appetizers while I decided to switch it up and get the trois mignons. Additionally, we shared some of their in house made meats on a platter. Everything she ordered was wonderful as was the meat platter, but I had to update my review because the trois mignons was a huge let down. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were almost room temperature, as if they had been sitting out for a while, the three fillets were all unevenly cooked; I ordered them rare and they each ranged from rare to what I consider medium well and were all room temperature on the outside. Finally, they could have added a little more of the stilton blue cheese sauce, but that's not really where my complaint stems from. After my first visit where everything was absolutely amazing, and my mother's dishes which were also amazing, I was pretty surprised at the trois mignons. Hopefully it was just an anomaly. I will go back because everyone is so friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful but will avoid the trois mignons.
(3)
Valery C.
** 4.5 stars ** Across the street from wonderful Brigsten's in uptown NOLA, Dante's Kitchen is yet another small restaurant located in a residential home on quiet Dante Street, although there's no missing the line snaking out the door before they opened for Sunday brunch. No surprise; while reservations can be made for dinner, brunch is first come, first serve. At opening time, the restaurant did not fill up from folks waiting before they opened, but probably did within an hour. There is something charming about dining in a setting that was once a home. The space is naturally cozier and more intimate. A lovely backyard garden offers outside dining. Inside, Dante's Kitchen's available seating is divided into multiple small rooms. Each area is painted in its own bold color; we spotted sunny yellow, lime green, warm red, and deep blue. Decor is simple, home-like, with quirky touches like a medley of lighting fixtures, and seating is casual. Our group sat comfortably across the bar, in the yellow section. Service was friendly and laid-back. The food is sourced locally. The menu is American, with a liberal Cajun/Creole influence, and their brunch menu has the usual suspects. The meal started strong with skillfully made cocktails, a deliciously balanced Bloody Mary with house pickles, and a creamy, spiced Brandy milk punch. The menu is disproportionately heavy on entree-sized items, but these also serve well for family-style dining with a group. Supplement with starters and sides, which are generally portioned small, making for a bite or two each person in a group. Four entrees, two starters, one side, and not a single disappointment; virtually all were impressively satisfying. The remarkable bacon praline cinnamon sticky buns are stunning; it sounds like overkill but on that crispy shell and fluffy light bread are the listed trio of flavors, somehow delicate, the sweetness restrained. Such elegance, an adjective I'd never think to apply to a sticky bun. Their lovely buttermilk biscuits are similar in crisp and lightness; one of the best buttermilk biscuits I've ever had, of the very few I could say I like. Fantastic grits, creamy with a subtle cheese flavor, perfectly paired with strongly spiced, jumbo grilled head-on shrimp and andouille gravy. Chunky corned beef and potatoes in a skillet, tasty and tender, great comfort food. Interesting pork confit; it only goes through a short confit prep so its more like a few days seasoning and slow-cooking 12 hours. Either way, tender and good with bright chutney and hash potatoes. Actually I enjoyed the fantastic eggs Benedict more; the roasted rosemary-scented pork loin is delicious on their perfect buttermilk biscuit, creamy hollandaise touched with honey. Alligator sausage are flat patties, visually unimpressive but tasty enough, although I think we all had in mind the juicy gator sausage on a stick encountered earlier on the trip. To an extent, I expected Dante's Kitchen to be good from prior research, although I don't always find brunch to be the best meal to judge a restaurant. This restaurant exceeded expectations, a consummate experience that was the best overall meal of this NOLA trip. Dinner is a must on my next trip. A highly recommended dining experience.
(5)
Mallory E.
I've been here for brunch 3 or 4 times. Let me tell you one thing - get there early (there are no reservations at brunch) and order the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. You will not be disappointed. For this past Easter/my birthday we were seated around 11:30 - it opens at 10:30 - and promptly ordered three Sticky Buns. One hour after opening they only had one left. ONE HOUR. Other items I've tried: Steak and Eggs ($12.50) grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns BLT&E ($10.5) crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes ($9) with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup The first time I got the BLT&E the pork belly was more like bacon/ham. The second time it was a big slap of belly. The Steak and Eggs are to die for. I suggest each member of your party eating a Sticky Bun then splitting a main dish. Or you can just bring the sticky bun home and eat if after your food induced coma.
(5)
Phill C.
Wow! One of the best bites of chicken I've ever put in my face! The Chicken Roasted under a Brick was just so damn good. They take half of a free range chicken, maple glaze it, and cook it in a skillet with a hot brick pressing down on it. The special bricks are actually from the building's foundation. Anyways, you end up with some super juicy and delicious chicken. Plus you get a bacon hash cake topped with a fried farm egg. An awesome awesome dish and I can't wait to get back to NOLA for some more. This cozy little restaurant has some great food and super friendly service. Dinner always starts off with some delicious and complimentary molasses corn bread, served in a mini skillet and topped off with some honey butter. I also tried the Trois Mignon... the steaks were cooked perfectly and the debris was tasty. If you're visiting the FQ area, I'd definitely recommend making the trip over to Dante's. Plus you get to really see the city on the drive over.
(5)
Fabian N.
Best brunch in town. Dinner is delicious too, but you need a reservation.
(5)
Brian O.
This was supposed to be Dante's Kitchen, but was instead a popup called sasafras. Everyone has to start someplace. The dishes are (small) tapas size but were very tasty. A green tomato salad and a sausage of some sort - if they were full portions I would have enjoyed them more. Service? Well, there was none. There were people who brought things. A bar tender who measured - never seen then before in NOLA! But, it is a start-up.
(2)
Aaron S.
One of my favorite uptown restaurants. It is located in a small house with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The setting is quite casual, but the food delivers time after time. At my last meal at Dante's I ordered the escargot with bone marrow (amazing combination) and the duck breast entree. The food here is simply fantastic, the atmosphere is nice (but casual), the service is always consistently good... I would recommend to anyone with the caveat that it is not a formal, fancy place. Just great food in a casual uptown setting...
(5)
Jessica A.
5 for Service 3 1/2 for food. Our waiter Tiny made it an unforgettable experience for us even though he couldnt help that we had some issues with our food , he wanted to make sure we were truly satisified with our experience. If we would have had any other waiter i probably wouldnt even go back to this restaurant but i will only go back to him. My husband loved the chicken on the brick and the boudin rouge was amazing, oh and dont even get me started on the spoon bread with molasses...yummm!!! Even the desserts were amazing. I held out to make sure i had room for my entree and the plating was amazing! When the food came out everything looked amazing and my husband was very pleased with his chicken on a brick. I got the redfish on the half shell and it was beautiful when it came out. I unfortunately started to eat it and it was so spicy my stomach hurt. The waiter noticed i wasnt eating and i hated to send back such a beautiful dish but he(Tiny) insisted that i would be happy with my food. When i got the new dish it was so salty it was unedible. The waiter felt horrible and tried to make it right with dessert which definetely helped. Needless to say i was still hungry filling up only on appetizers, bread and dessert after holding out for an entree i couldnt eat im very skeptical about going there again. If i do go back i would definetely get the chicken on a brick and make sure you ask for Tiny!!
(3)
Roco M.
Cute little place, very friendly staff and the food's fantastic. Had the grits with cheese and mushroom on the waiter's recommendation -truly great. Also had the scrambled eggs with alligator sausage and red pepper jam over a biscuit, which was equally great. Highly recommended.
(5)
Veronica C.
Worth the wait. Very popular Sunday brunch, the best Bloody Mary (I had regular, extra spicy is an option). The "Debris & eggs" is delicious pulled pork with perfectly poached egg over a honey biscuit covered in a Demi-glaze hollandaise (a lighter rendition). My husband ordered shrimp and grits covered in a light gravy. Don't let the simplicity of these dishes fool you, each ingredient is seasoned and compliments the others. The flavor of the gravy was exceptional, the consistency of the grits enhanced the flavor and texture, the shrimp were individually seasoned, fresh, and delicious on their own. Exceptional food quality and flavor. Go patient (wait 30 min for 2, food to arrive 30 min), arrival time 11:30am on Sunday. Drinks are served quickly, attractive patio/porch waiting area. Umbrella-covered outdoor seating area.
(5)
Abby N.
Updated: We've now had brunch at Dante's several times. It's still my favorite brunch in town. To date, the only menu item we've found disappointing was the French toast. I just can't get on the bread pudding bandwagon, and working its way into one of my favorite breakfast dishes didn't redeem it. Most recently, I had major food envy when my husband got the eggs benedict.
(5)
Jillian W.
Great food, good service, cool ambiance. Our server was very friendly, professional, and attentive. The complimentary molasses spoon bread is seriously delicious. Wide selection of drinks and fancy cocktails. Don't discount the punch! In my mind punch is synonymous to jungle juice from the college days, but this was way more sophisticated. They make a different concoction daily - ask about it! Steamed mussels were decent. Shrimp and grits were super creamy and rich. Not sure how it compares to others in the area, but it was pretty satisfying in my opinion. Fish on the half shell tasted fresh and clean and prepared well. We greatly enjoyed the warm, cozy feel of this restaurant with the low lighting and separate rooms. It must have been a residence in its former life. It was a little too cold to sit outside, but the courtyard/patio seating looks very inviting as well. Definitely recommend for a nice, romantic date or even a group.
(4)
Michael H.
This place definitely lives up to the hype. On a recent trip to New Orleans, we wanted to get out of the central business district and try something different. Dante's Kitchen really hit the spot. It is in a cute old house with lots of character. The food was remarkable. If you are trying to decide between the chicken under a brick and something else, go with the chicken. It is one of the best meals I've ever had! It tastes like a flattened, boneless rotisserie chicken that is pan fried in maple syrup and cajun spices. The wine menu is well edited and reasonably priced. You can take the St. Charles streetcar from the central business district and enjoy the views of the garden district on your way. There are also a couple of fun bars within walking distance if you arrive before your reservation. We stopped in to Cooter Brown's and had a delicious local beer.
(5)
Tamia G.
Ok, seriously. How can the food be so so so fabulous EVERY time I return? My buddies and I drank tasty mimosas, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, and another drink named, "Purebred." I have absolutely no idea what's in it. But... What I do know is that Tyler put his foot in it! Purebred was fresh & feisty all mixed together. Tyler, how do you feel about cougars?! ;-) Our main courses: Veggie omelet, country breakfast (sausages, bacon, ham, eggs & grits); fluffy pancakes, Pork-steak & grits. Quite the expansive meal for only 3 folks, but Dante's food makes you wanna hurt yourself. It's THAT good! Don't miss it! This place is in my top 3 of all New Orleans tasty spots!
(5)
Madi M.
Great restaurant off the beaten path with an emphasis on local, seasonal food and innovative cocktails. There are many menu items with New Orleans flare as well as a few outside of that cuisine. I had the vegi farmers plate with tofu and it was not only delicious but very refreshing after a vacation filled with deep fried oysters, soft shell crab and creamy everything. Our party of 4 sat outside and loved the ambiance. Cocktails were delicious.
(4)
B Z.
Holy Cow. Steak & Eggs. Biscuits & Gravy. Freshly Squeezed Juice. Mimosas. Great Service. Best Brunch I've Had in New Orleans. Like the rating says, It's really as good as it gets. You're Missing Out.
(5)
Peter N.
This place is awesome! Located in a, what use to be house, with friendly staff! There are some local art on walls of this restaurant that is available for purchase. This place somewhat gives a punk rock-like vibe, however the food is awesome. We only tried this place for brunch so this review is strictly on brunch, we ordered the following items: - Steak & Eggs, which is a grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns, this was very flavorful, and delicious, however on all of our dishes, the eggs were slighty overcooked, which was very disappointing (hence the 1 start taken away) - Dante's Eggs Benedict, which is a roasted rosemary rubbed pork loin, sliced, and served over a buttermilk biscuit with honey, poached eggs, and hollandaise, the pork loin was delicious, however, one of my biscuits were burnt, and not being a complaining person, I did not bring it up, and the eggs on this dish was also overcooked, and was not given enough hollandaise.. - Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup, was very delicious, I can eat this all day! - Cheese Grits, which consists of a variety of cheeses, was very good and cheesy, my companion isn't a big grit fan, but after this, she changed her mind! Overall, if every dish was cooked to perfection, it would of been fabulous, and because I know that those things can be easily fix, this place have a good potential of my return.
(4)
Jessica J.
It's a little far out from the French Quarter, if you're there visiting, but totally worth the trek. My friends and I took a cab there and then the trolley back. There is definitely a wait and I was warned about that. However, the staff will let you order coffee and drinks to start while waiting on their patio. Their iced coffee was incredible! The bacon cinnamon roll... every table should at least have one. It's very rich so a perfect starter to share with your group. Their Bloody Mary was delicious and I had the debris benedict and I loved it. So good. The other food all looked really good as well.
(5)
Jeremy C.
Fantastic food. I had the Trois Mignon, which was simply phenomenal. The service was slow all around. I am, admittedly, a New Yorker, so I'm used to a faster pace. We made a reservation for 8:45 and weren't seated until nearly 9:30, which is simply unacceptable. The waiter was very friendly, but extremely slow. I'd give them 3 stars for the relatively bad service, but the food is just too good. Overall, decent service and excellent food.
(4)
Stephanie A.
This is about to happen.
(4)
Chris K.
Fantastic seafood, and solid bar (with house -made liquor). Highly recommended.
(4)
Jeff O.
You'll like it. Everyone does. I was surprised that they've been open for 10 years because it seems quite contemporary and unaffected by good reviews. The food is very honest, so is the staff. Pricing formats are fun as a mix of spiced gluttony and clean bites in small plates, large, and apps. I'd come here any day of the week, especially if I doubled my salary. There's seems to be a lot more in this progressive and timeless realm on new Orleans. I have a lot more to do here.
(5)
Scott S.
( The following review is a script for the animated short video that can be found at youtu.be/tUMABFensKE ) Scott S. Damn it. What kind of review is this? Why do I look like Larry King's 8th's wife's 2nd husband? Lucy M. You? What about me? I look like I'm functionally retarded. I feel like I should be in a stars and stripes bikini shooting something with my boomstick. This is supposed to be a Yelp review, Scott! Scott S. It is. It is. I promise. But this review is extra special because it's an update for Dante's Kitchen, my most favorite restaurant in all of New Orleans. So it's movie time, bitches. Kakow, snip snap! Lucy M. I heard about your Pinkberry review. Are you sure you want to do this? This could be considered porn if you're not careful. Can you refrain from being lewd? Scott S. Lewd? Me? Do I look like a dirty old man or something? Lucy M. ... Scott S. Well whatever. Let's do this. Get into character, Lucy. Recreation of first brunch at Dante's Kitchen ever. Take 1. And action. Lucy M. Thank you for coming to brunch with me, Scott! I've really wanted to try this place out. Scott S. Oh hell yeah, there was no way I was letting you move back to Los Angeles without experiencing the foodie Nirvana that is Dante's Kitchen. Lucy M. Wow! Everything looks so good on the menu! Alligator Sausage Breakfast Sliders? Debris and Poached Eggs? Corned Beef Hash in a horseradish cream sauce? OMFG. Scott S. I know! Right? And look at the Dante's Eggs Benedict with rosemary rubbed pork loin, and the Bread Pudding French Toast! Lucy M. Bread Pudding French Toast? Are you fucking kidding me? With blueberry sauce even? Oh, it's on. And I need some stone ground grits up in here too. You in? Scott S. Let's do it. And I think I'm going for the special today. Lucy M. What's the special? Scott S. It's Grilled Mahi Mahi with poached eggs over goat cheese grits in a red pepper hollandaise... Lucy M. Holy moose shit! Really? Goat cheese grits? Scott S. I think I may need to pop a Cialis to eat here. Viagra won't cut it. I need a few days alone with this menu. Lucy M. It's like all local ingredients too. Amazing. Why am I moving back to Los Angeles again? Scott S. I don't know. Is there a Dante's Kitchen there? Lucy M. No. Scott S. Then you straight up crazy as a jojomba. Lucy M. Thanks Scott. What does that even mean? Scott S. I don't know. Let's eat, faithful jojomba! And may we bask in the glory of Dante's together again someday. Yelp NOLA will miss you. Lucy M. And... scene. Cut! It's a wrap. Scott S. (pauses) Nice tits. Lucy M. God damn it, Scott.
(5)
Bret B.
Very welcoming staff. The host recommended a fantastic 2000 Valipocella to enjoy while we waited for our table -15 minutes. Food was awesome! Whole speckled trout, beans with beats and bacon, with cornbread. Great salad for first course. Damn that food good! Good for date or business dinner with right client (not for your Morton's guy). Also think this space is more conducive to smaller groups 2- 6. I was impressed our waitress knows her way around the wine list and recommended a nice 2nd bottle from Spain that really complimented our dinner. I will be back!
(5)
Food Baby G.
This is my absolute favorite brunch place in the world !!! Was introduced to the place in 2009 and have been obsessed with it ever since! Never had a bad experience here, EVER. The staff is always friendly and the service/food is consistently excellent- if not better each time I go. Its cute, its tasty, and its my favorite!!! Love ya Dante's! see you soon!!!!!! P.S. Bring back the seafood cakes please!! kay thanks!
(5)
Kathryn L.
The enjoyment triangle--factors that surround the enjoyment of good food--include 1) Service 2) Atmosphere and 3) Price Expectations. Usually, as long as you have 2 of the 3, you'll have the conditions to savor the meal. Dante's Kitchen fulfilled all three for me. The food is well crafted--they take their time, but the will let you know in advance that certain dishes, like the chicken, will take a bit longer--and you can taste that they are using fresh and quality ingredients. So here's my experience: 1) Service - We were immediately attended to when we entered and seated immediately (we had reservations, but even so, I've been to pretentious restaurants in Chicago that make you wait to be seated even when you do have reservations, which is kinda weird). Our waiter was attentive, but not overbearing and let us know that the "Chicken under the brick" would take close to 40 minutes before taking our order. When we asked about the wine, he immediately sent out a wine specialist to help us choose a bottle to go with our entrees. Overall, service was timely, friendly and not pretentious, and full of smiles. 2) Atmosphere - We were seated outside on the quaint patio (there were only about 5-6 other tables) and the lights came on as the sky dimmed. We watched the geckos bout as we enjoyed our wine and cheese plate. The inside, which we passed through, was not over the top but had an air of sophistication. Overall, a very humble atmosphere perfect for focusing on the main attraction: the food. 3) Price - We had already selected this restaurant as one of the nicer dining experiences (we were planning on BBQ and po'boys for other meals) and the average entree was approximately ~$23 (the Chicken Roasted under a brick s $28). And twenty-some dollars for an entree is pretty average across your range of sit-down restaurants. I've paid $20+ for mediocre scallops or pastas that didn't use the finest ingredients or did not take much time or skill to create so my expectations were right in line for cost, even better than expected. And the wine list was reasonable, too. Food: I had the Chicken Roasted Under the Brick and it was amazing and tender and flavorful. It is served topped with an egg (omg), and maple glazed bacon hash. Heaven. Bonus: The cheese plate came with pickled green strawberries (!!), brown butter popcorn, and pickled beets. Amazing combos with the cheeses. I love the idea of popcorn with cheese and the green strawberries were a treat! We spent our time savoring this collection of flavors as we waited for our food. Good attitudes, good food. Well worth it.
(5)
James M.
Five Star all the way! We arrived after 8:00 P.M. on a Friday night, and were seated immediately. Our server, Jenna, did a great job, gracious and attentive. The food was delicious. We started with three appetizers, Bresaola, Charcuterie and Chorizo sampler, followed by spoonbread, the molasses cornbread other reviewers rightly rave about. Our entrees were Trois Mignons, Pork Steak and Chicken-Under-A-Brick. Everything was outstanding, we could not be happier.
(5)
Edward F.
One of my favorite places to go for brunch in New Orleans. The eggs benedict over corned beef hash was amazing.
(5)
Kelly M.
I sometimes get frustrated when traveling (especially to food meccas like NOLA) that there is no way I can know what eateries are REALLY worth seeking out if you only have a few days in a new place. Dante's, I am glad to say, is definitely one of those places. After a resounding 'you better go there or else' from family who had eaten there once before, it was on my list, and the place definitely lived up to the hype. Our waitress was super helpful and ran to grab the equally helpful and knowledgeable bar manager when we couldn't settle on a bottle of wine - the end result was perfect. First to arrive after ordering was the spoonbread - a total home run - that honey butter is the stuff dreams are made of, and a perfect compliment to the crunch of the bread. For food-food, we shared (and DEVOURED): - Scallops with pickled beets and cilantro oil - Mussels with blue cheese, beer and bacon - Braised beef cheeks with spaetzle and fried leeks (so winning. so good.) - Thit Kho - Vietnamese-inspired pork belly on a green onion pancake - Mustard greens with parsnips - Carmelized onion mashed potatoes Overall we had a great experience - wonderful people, interesting, diverse (but not overwhelmingly so), delicious dishes, and totally worth the trip out of downtown (that neighborhood Dante's is in is quite cute). Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Greg A.
I found Dante's kitchen mentioned on a blog, after searching for farm to table restaurants in New Orleans. It's a bit of a hike from downtown, but well worth the trip, especially if you take St. Charles past Tulane and all the gorgeous homes along that stretch. But I digress. Drinks: definitely try their house-distilled spirits. I had the peanut bourbon and she had the coconut. Both were outstanding. We also did the absynth drip after dinner, which was really fun and sent us on our way with a great buzz. And it definitely created either intrigue or drink envy from the people around us! Apps: seared scallops. I loved them, cooked rare with just a slight sear and delicious flavoring around them. So fresh and perfect they could i'm sure be eaten as sushi. My girlfriend wasn't wild about how rare they were on the inside, with a temperature somewhere between cold & lukewarm. So depending on your preferences there you could love them or not, or ask for a longer sear. Entrees: I had what seems to be their most popular dish (but they were quick to point out that it's not their signature dish) in the chicken under a brick. I read lots of great reviews on it, and it definitely lived up to the hype, with a gorgeous piece of chicken on the bone, covered in a rich maple sauce and a potato cake with a fried egg over it on the side. Absolutely delicious. My girlfriend got the seafood stew. She liked it, but didn't love it. I think the dirty style sauce kind of overwhelmed the flavor of the seafood. Dessert: chocolate pudding. One word, amazing. This was a really fun and intimate dining experience, and one of the best we had in New Orleans. Go there if you're looking for something different in NoLa.
(4)
Semira J.
This was great experience! The food was delicious. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Totally would recommend this place
(3)
C K.
I just adore Dante's Kitchen. It's the quintessential uptown restaurant, right by the river, so peaceful. I love eating out in the backyard with the trees and the lights. This is my idea of good food with a Cajun twist. The only thing you need to know: CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK... A staple at Dante's and undeniably one of the best dishes. I've never been disappointed with it. It is so savory and sweet at the same time -- nothing short of amazing. They start you with warm gooey spoon bread -- it tastes like corn bread with magic inside. It holds you over when the food takes a while to come out. The local farm vegetable plate is an unlikely home run! Get lucky if they have turnips in season ;)
(4)
Rahal K.
Delicious Bloody Mary. Although portions are smaller than other brunch places, the plates are delicious! I had the burritowhich was tasty to say the least. I do have a hankering for spicy food, and an affliction for hot sauce, so needless to say I was a tad disappointed when the waiter presented our table with Crystal. Others at the table ordered the Gravlax and Eggs Benedict, both of which were ready on the palate. The establishment touts their infused vodka selection and their ability to conjure up a tasty libation created especially for your palate. This was exemplified by a complex citrus pouring that my gf ordered.... it was okay. Overall a tasty location. Definitely a must if you haven't tried and a revisit if you already have!
(4)
Dr. B.
Cool atmosphere, the service was great. We ordered the Escargot, Redfish with Crab & Citrus Salad , & the Crispy Confit Pork Steak. One of the best pork steaks I've had in the city. The courtyard is nice, as well the small, but intimate interior dining area. No need to go on about it, this place is worth the trip.
(5)
Jean d.
5 stars with no hesitation ! Friendly staff, great warm ambience and absolutely delicious food !! Everything we tasted was unbelievable, with sweet and sour, really interesting associations of ingredients. A must taste in New Orleans !
(5)
Brittany F.
Jonesing for the best brunch you could ever have? This is the only place to go. There's always something new on the menu, and everything they do, they do with perfection. The biscuits are heaven, and everything is truly fairly priced.
(5)
John K.
Go here. Went with two friends for brunch and we loved it. Whatever you do, get the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. Heaven. I also had the debris and poached eggs which I could recommend and the alligator sausage was tasty as well. My buds had the shrimp & grits and thoroughly enjoyed it (the shrimp were huge...I guess that's a thing in new orleans?) with the brunch beer they offered from New Zealand. I will definitely be going back next time I'm in the city!
(5)
Joyce I.
This place ROCKED! Loved every dish we had! The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. The mixed drinks were a little 'out there' but I appreciate the creativeness. They make a bunch of extracts. Bone marrow with escargot, corn bread...mmmmmmmm! One of my fave N.O. Places!
(4)
Jason K.
I brought my wife here for her birthday and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to bring her somewhere that was as New Orleans (specifically Uptown) as it got and not be a tourist trap like most restaurants downtown. The scenery was very intimate as we sat outside in the patio area underneath a starlit sky. The only light was our candlelight and the lights that lit up the garden surrounding us. I'm all about ambiance and this place has it. Our server was very helpful from the moment we sat down to the moment I paid the check. She was eager to please and very knowledgeable about the menu. I'm big on that. If you know your menu like the back of your hand, you'll know how to upsell and, in turn, you'll know how to make your patrons happy. We started out with a bottle of nice riesling and their escargot appetizer. The marrow bones came with a bordelaise sauce that complimented it so well. I made sure to keep the leftover bones for my dogs which they absolutely loved. Next up for our entrees, I had their famous Chicken Under a Brick which consisted of a maple glazed chicken with a potato and bacon hash cake and topped with a fried farm egg. It was absolutely heavenly. My wife had the Roasted Duck Breast which comes in a panang red curry sauce and served with herbed fried rice and a mirliton-sesame slaw. We both couldn't keep our hands off the other's plates because both entrees were so wonderful. Everything about Dante's Kitchen was superb and it was definitely the right choice for the right occasion. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Marla J.
What a find. Nice and close to the St Charles street car. Great atmosphere in a NO converted home. The bartender was spinning some cool tunes that enhanced the unique cuisine. Very creative and original dishes. I love it when the wait staff knows the food they serve intimately and can recommend favorite dishes with wine pairing. We got there early for our reservation and we were promptly seated. The scene lends itself to conviviality and our neighboring table joined in their recommendations as well. That is a sign of a welcoming establishment when people are comfortable to converse with fellow diners. And the food????? Awesome. We started with the steamed mussels and Thit Kao, then proceeded with the Seafood Courtboullion and Trois Mignon. Both excellent dishes with delightful sauces and cooked to perfection. Ending with a trio of sorbets and the walnut pie with ginger ice cream. Arghhh heavenly. It is good we walked several miles everyday while in NO. Yes go to Dante's kitchen and feel the NO food love.
(5)
Faith A.
I usually don't bother writing reviews for places that already have over 300 reviews because what needs to be said that already hasn't been said? Well Dante cheers to your 330th review. I felt compelled to talk about my great experiences that I have had over the years at Dante's Kitchen. The reason for that is....I hate breakfast. My husband LOVES breakfast and because I love him i grin and bare through the most painful meal of the day until we went to brunch here. Now I am a believer. Dante's brunch has completely turned my life around. I totally understand how breakfast can be the most important meal of the day. If this is breakfast than I am proud to shout from the rooftop that I love breakfast.
(5)
Rachael H.
The wife says that this was in her top five meals of all time. I don't have a memory to speak of, so I can safely say it was my number one ever! Until the next best meal! The night was perfect. We arrived at 6:15 for our 7pm reservation, and the place was empty. We thought perhaps all the hype was for nothin'. Then Larry arrived. Good lord, that man is as handsome as the drinks were cold. (That has nothing to do with how the food tasted, but it did affect our experience positively.) Also, he was sweet as could be, consistently and non-irritatingly attentive. (The place had filled up by the end of the meal, not an empty table. And yes, the hype was well-justified.) Lala had the Trois Mignons, and said "MmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMmmmm" over EVERY SINGLE BITE. I'm not lying. Every single bite. I had the Chicken Under a Brick which is a strange name for something so delicious. I would eat it again right now and then have it again for dinner if I could. Drinks were great, ambience was perfect. We'd go again in a heartbeat if we could afford to fly to NOLA for dinner.
(5)
Yu Z.
Snails with bone marrow? Color me sold. It was deliciously decadent.
(4)
Patrick B.
I've eaten here a couple times now, and I enjoyed the food, but am not a fan of the music they play in here. They have good vegetarian options, and I really liked the pork shoulder lettuce wraps. The entree I ordered this last time was pretty good: homemade pasta, duck confit, peppers, delicious.
(5)
Kelsey G.
AND THE BRUNCH LIST JUST GOT LONGER! Whether you're looking for a fresh mimosa, a spicy vodka bloody mary, or a trip down memory lane with their sweet and spiced brandy milk punch (think: egg nog or chocolate milk with breakfast), their bartenders cater to your morning fixins' while you wait, and you'll likely enjoy a couple during your time. As far as food goes, I'm still dreaming of cheddar and mushroom stone ground grits that defined what breakfast was meant to be. I could have just had that, but luckily a friend and I shared a special skillet of potatoes, vegetables and fried eggs- the best kind of "I'm so full and I don't care" bites of brunch. I highly recommend Dante's as a go-to New Orleans brunch spot!
(5)
Anthony L.
This is one of the reasons I work out. So when I come back home I can put on about 10 lbs from eating at Dante's. No place like it on the planet! If cooking and good sex could have a baby, it would be named Dante.
(5)
Monique D.
Great atmosphere! Very cozy makes you feel like your in someone's kitchen. I ordered the Trois Mignon - three 2 oz medallions each prepared a different way. Amazing favors!!! A definite value at $26. I also sampled the shrimp and grits and the chicken under a break both were delicious. Our waitress was new so she wasn't very knowledgable of the menu. Complimentary spoon bread that tasted like Grandmaws cornbread. Be sure to ask for seconds as we had a party of six and was told that we could only have one complimentary order. Just ask for another on the house! I would luv to eat at this establishment again
(4)
Krista M.
Another place that is not near the hustle and bustle that most stick to while visiting NOLA, it is easily accessible by traveling all the way down on the St. Charles street car and then walking a few blocks. Tucked away on a quiet street, Dante's resides in a house. Each room has a distinct look, we sat in the blue room. A dark, cozy room that made you feel very relaxed. The bartender is a cocktail artisan taking his time to create the perfect cocktails and they were delicious. There is no standard bread basket at Dante's, but you are served a tiny skillet right out of the oven that is filled with a wonderful spoon bread topped with butter, it was sooo good. We started with some house-cured sopressata which had a hint of sweetness that was offset by the spices and black pepper, impressive. Yelpers seem to love the Chicken under a brick, so how could I pass it up? The chicken was so flavorful and juicy, it is a perfect example of what chicken is meant to be. Served with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The whole dish was amazing and succulent. The Trois Mignons with debris, house made Worcestershire, Stilton, caramelized onion mashed potatoes was excellent, the tiny fillet mignons were so tender; the sauces and 'debris' (which I think was kind of like a pulled pork) brought the flavors to another level. Great dish. Apple pie with a black pepper goat cheese ice cream, sounds strange, but my god it worked! The pie was fantastic. This was an incredible meal, you can't get much better than this.
(5)
Lance N.
Nothing more than exquisite. It's an old style home. There are some unusual things on the menu but give them a try. The cocktails were great the sauces were great The service was amazing Felt like home
(5)
Andrea Joy A.
WOW. When visiting my brother in New Orleans he took my husband and I here along with his girlfriend. The experience was absolutely top-notch. This is a funky uptown restaurant with charming, quirky (yet modern and fresh) decor in a converted residential home. There is a small bar where we hung out until our table was ready and enjoyed some of the bartender's original concoctions. (Shout out to the bar tender by the way, he was very personable and entertaining!) The tables were arranged far enough apart so that we were not forced to hear other diners' conversations, and our meals were absolutely outstanding. We started with the cheese platter which was "dainty" but very good, particularly the homemade fruit cake that accompanied it. While we were waiting for our entrees we were surprised with homemade cornbread on the house, served in the cast iron skillet in which it had been cooked. So good! I had the one vegetarian entree on the menu: local vegetables and charbroiled tofu. Delicious. My husband went for the notorious chicken under a brick and when he ordered the server (who was attentive and pleasant the whole time) told us it would be 35 minutes to prepare. I really appreciated his being upfront about this, and my husband decided to go for it anyway. He said it was the best chicken he ever tasted. My brother's girlfriend had the whole fish and said it was excellent. My brother said the same of his rabbit pasta. We also ordered a side of brussels sprouts (held the ham) and garlic mashed potatoes. Simply put: every single thing on the table was fantastic. We will definitely be back for our next visit...I want to try the brunch!
(5)
Nikki G.
The best thing going is the sticky bacon bun.
(3)
Kevin B.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. In an old house so the dining rooms are separate. Very cool and warm feeling. I took a date here for a nice meal and wine. I got the Chicken Under a Brink entree and it was hands-down the best chicken dish I've ever eaten. My date got the pork confit and it was also extraordinary. Service was great. We were there late and the waiter came to let us know that the kitchen was closing in 15 minutes. We went ahead and placed our order and the waiter informed me that my chicken dish would take 40 minutes to prepare. I didn't know this and didn't want to hold up the staff so I said I would order something else. He would not hear of it, said it was no problem at all. I asked him repeatedly if he was sure and he assured me it was fine. The chef even came out of the kitchen to tell me that it was perfectly ok and that my dish was being prepared. It was perfectly cooked and I cannot say enough about the above and beyond service we got. We will be back.
(5)
Dale W.
Sit back and have a drink with friends on the porch while you wait for a table for Sunday Brunch. The food never disappoints and the staff, in my experience, is very knowledgeable of the menu. If you have a group share the giant bacon cinnamon bun!
(4)
Kellie H.
We tried to go to Jaque Imo's but it was closed on Sunday. Walked over to Dante's Kitchen and never looked back! Incredible food ( shrimp and grits. Wow. Mussels. perfect. Salads also really well done and local greens - makes such a difference). Great service, too. To top it off, I forgot my credit card (in a daze after the incredible meal...?) and we were leaving to continue a road trip in the morning. I was a little panicked and emailed them begging to get the card before we left town. Although they don't open until 6PM on Mondays, Mario prompted responded and told us to swing by in the morning to get the card. He saved the day! Just when we thought we couldn't love this place ANY more.... :)
(5)
Dana M.
Great ambience and delightful food. Fun drinks-- pimms cup and something with mango infused tequila. We ordered edfish on half shell, scallops small plate, shrimp and grits, chicken on a brick. All of these were exceptional and we are picky foodies. So so was the corn bread. Salad with apples and cheese was fine as well. Will definitely be back. A new New Orleans favorite (along with Dick and Jennys, Commanders Palace and Mothers as must visit places!)
(4)
Rosalind C.
What a great place. They handily accommodated our large group in a separate room, so we neither bothered the rest of the patrons, nor were we bothered by other patrons! The atmosphere is very cozy, since you are essentially in a renovated house. Service is very good. The food is the star. Several of us had drinks, which were all quite good, and we started with some fresh molasses cornbread, which we quickly devoured. I had the beef cheeks and the thit kho. The beef cheeks were fantastic, but I thought the thit kho was a bit on the salty side. We also ordered brussel sprouts and cauliflower for the table to share, which was great. The reason I am giving extra high marks is because they were incredibly accommodating of food allergies. This seems to be more of a thing now, so maybe I should just consider it the new "normal," but in my view, if someone can barely eat anything on the menu and you still serve them with a smile and they like their food... well, you're a winner in my book!
(5)
Natalie V.
Came last night for dinner with husband and two year old daughter. we made last second reservations and were accommodated quite easily as it was a Monday night and raining. We were Seated promptly and I enjoyed a fantastic although pricey libation called the thar she blows. A strong gin and rum based tiki drink served in a giant head, totally worth every penny. Husband had a glass of french white wine which he said was good and complemented his meal. While they don't offer a kids menu our server offered to make our daughter non spicy shrimp and grits although we opted to just share our plates with her. Meal started with their delicious spoon bread and then probably the best starter we have had in a long time escargot with bone marrow, WOW!!!!! This dish puts all other bone marrow dishes and escargot dishes to shame. You wouldn't think it would work but it does beautifully. We also shared a cup of corn and crab soup which was also very nice. For mains I had the always fantastic chicken under a brick, it is half a chicken rubbed with spicy creole spices and broiled under a hot brick then served with a fried egg which you break to mix with the spicy chicken, Awesome! Hubby had the grilled gulf fish which was Amber jack served with dirty rice and bell pepper sauce, significantly lighter but very nice. Service was attentive but not stuffy and clientele were all dressed casually upscale. We have brought our daughter here before and saw another couple with a child. Disclaimer, this is not a Cracker Barrel and there are no crayons and kids menu this is an upscale restaurant that will accommodate families with well behaved children. There were no screaming kids or anyone running around so please make sure your kids can sit down in their chair or high chair and behave well before bringing them.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Overpriced, small menu, great grits but terrible bread pudding. I did not bookmark them and won't be returning.
Well worth the wait! We went for brunch on Sunday and while the wait was 40 minutes we sat on the quaint porch area with mimosas that rival all mimosas. Dante's is quirky, eclectic, casual. I loved it. Each room has it's own flavor. We ordered the homemade bisquits, I ordered the shrimp and grits with a side of hashbrowns(breakfast potatoes) and there was a constant party in my mouth. The service left something to be desired, but i didn't care because the rest of the experience was so authentic new orleans.
(5)
Kate H.
I have eaten here many times and the most recent visit was a big expensive disappointment. Super slow service and over $100 for breakfast is way too much. My kids didn't even touch their pancakes because it didn't say that "bananas" were in the batter on the kids menu. Bummed out that an old favorite is going downhill.
(1)
Bug B.
I had been wanting to try this place for years and finally made it there. From start to finish, this was an excellent experience! There was a short wait when we walked in around 8:30pm, so my friend and I bellied up to the bar to enjoy a cocktail. The bartender was friendly and very knowledgeable. Once we were seated our server was prompt, courteous, and even had some time to chat with us a little. We started with the "Fruits, Nuts, and Cheese" plate--a perfect way to start a meal. My one complaint about the cheese plate is that, although the bourbon soaked fruit cake was delicious, I wished we had less fruit cake and more of that yummy cheese. Next was the escargot with bordelaise sauce and roasted marrow bone. WOW! Best escargot I've had in New Orleans so far. We paired this with the Seared Scallops with smoked peach puree and basil oil. The texture of the scallops were perfect, and the flavors of the dish were very balanced. If you like scallops, GET THIS DISH! For my entree I had the Trois Mignons. What an excellent idea for a steak dish. It was like getting three entrees in one. Each bite had a different flavor and I couldn't decided which one was more yummy. But the best part was the Apple Walnut Pie. This is the best apple pie I've tasted. Yes, it was even better than my grandmother's apple pie--and that's saying a lot. Their pastry chef is a genius! In sum, 5 stars! If you're on the fence about trying this place, i'm telling you right now to GO!! You will not regret it!
(5)
Jim C.
This was my biggest disappointment of the trip. It's a small restaurant in uptown that just too much has a feel of eating at your granola-friend's house who is overly proud of her health-oriented cuisine but nothing tastes great. Yes, they have numerous vegetarian options but I wouldn't say any dish stood out for me. I had the Trois Mignons with three different sauces and they were served with mashed potatoes but the flavor just didn't stand out. I had a wonderful and funny experience in the men's grill at the swanky English Turn Country Club watching the Saints mop up on the Bears and I should have listened to the men in the grill who told me to avoid Dante's Kitchen in favor of Clancys. Next time in NOLA, I'll give Clancys a try.
(2)
Ernie D.
A friend suggested this place for dinner and so we joined them there. I had the Chicken Under a Brick, which was absolutely fantastic. It was cooked just right and was juicy and delicious. I also tried some of the mashed potatoes, which were probably some of the best I can remember having. Our waitress was very kind and helpful and although it was a bit pricey for what it was I had a great time.
(4)
jennifer c.
Tucked away on a quiet little street. If you're coming from downtown/ French quarter ask the cab driver to take the garden district route. Lovely restaurant with amazingly inventive and fresh takes on classics: escargot with red wine and bone marrow (my newly favorite way to enjoy snails!); dirty rice bread pudding with duck; local grape (mejia ?) sorbet. Interesting cocktails the table raved about (mostly scotch and bourbon based with homemade liqueurs). The service was impeccable, too. Definitely don't miss it!!!
(5)
Cassandra Z.
Dante's Kitchen has an amazing menu. It is my favorite kind-of menu these days filled with farm-to-table heartiness. Venison pot-pie? Yes. Brussel Sprouts with pancetta and Gruyere? Bring-it. Boudain with white beans? Boom - put it in my mouth right now. However, the execution of these well-thought out dishes was lacking. The oddities of the ingredients just tasted odd coupled with the sloppiness in their preparation. My cauliflower tasted like sardines. Fish-flavor should never originate from anything other than fish. My venison was overpowered by the black beans. My gruyere was hardly melted over brussel stones...I mean sprouts. I give it two stars (not one) b/c the staff was really friendly and the Boudain was great (after they reheated it) I'm still compelled to return and give it another try. I really wanted to love this place. I should probably get that chicken-brick thing next time, but I'm scared it will taste like a brick.
(2)
Josh I.
I must have come on a bad day because I was very disappointed. I had heard about Dante's kitchen for a long time and have wanted to try it for a long time. Here's a list of disappointments: 1. My omelet had fresh crab...and lots of tiny pieces of shell. I was picking them out of my mouth constantly. 2. I asked for no onions on said omelet and got onions. 2.5 The omelet was cold. (No, I am not just being a b!tch, all these things really were wrong with the omelet!) 3. The blood orange mimosa (at $9, or $1 more than the regular orange juice mimosa) contained basically no blood orange juice. I was pondering why I paid that extra $1 for a teaspoon of juice. 4. A cinnamon bun mysteriously appeared on our table. We were wondering if it was the restaurant's version of a bread basket. As we contemplated whether to dig in, it was taken away since it was for another table. 5. My friend ordered hash browns and got grits. He had ordered the beef tenderloin (filet mignon) and the pieces were tiny, just a couple bites, though this was not totally unexpected at the price. 6. They have an unusual practice (for brunch) of pricing their entrees with no sides. Sides must be ordered separately, at ~$3 each (e.g. a muffin). Entree prices are around $10-$12 and with those $9 "blood orange" mimosas and a $3 side, it adds up. Just based on all the crab shell in my omelet, never again!
(1)
Song K.
Menu: Uninspired $$$ American (there were very few Creole/Cajun dishes) Some meat in some boring sauce with a side of veggies. But the question remains to this day:: how could the hype around such a simple dish so grossly contradict my own dining experience???? Chicken under the Brick, to me, was more like Chicken swimming in Teriyaki Sauce. The reduction might as well have been balsamic vinegar overloaded with sugar. Gross. The meat wasn't dry, but lacked luster since the sauce had not completely seeped into the meat. Without exaggeration, it wins the award for the most disappointing dish ever. The building that houses the restaurant is actually a renovated home on a residential block which affords an intimate and yet familial setting. My dining companions reported to have enjoyed their dishes. However, I don't plan on returning anytime soon...a contemporary American cuisine needs to create an innovative, themed menu in order to stand out. Dante's Kitchen, in my opinion, didn't.
(3)
JP E.
My dining partners and I had the cheese board, the escargot, amberjack, duck breast and trois mignons. The best of the lot was the trois mignons. The amberjack was paired with black eyed peas which is very strange to me and just does not work. The duck was rare (is this a thing now?) and was good, but nothing special. The fennel slaw it was served with wasn't very interesting and was not eaten. The escargot were quite good, but could have used more toast (only served with two small slices). The cheese board was uninteresting and is served with crackers rather than a baguette. It was overall on the sweet side, if that's something you like. Cocktails were very good. Service was good.
(2)
Michael E.
Overall not that impressed. The brick chicken was excellent. As we're the side of potatoes, but it was honey chicken and bacon potatoes, and I think this is a creole place. Everything else...apps and dessert...were sub par. Kinda a downer as I was expecting a lot better. Probably won't go back. I really wanted to like it. Maybe go once...
(3)
Say N.
Food 5/5 I absolutely love this place. Dinner was so good. Next time I am in New Orleans I want to go a few times and try their brunch menu. We ordered escargot (omg soo good, order it!), seared scallops, thit kho (didn't seem like pork belly), squeak breads For entrees we had chicken (gahh delicious), pork, whole roasted fish, trois mignons. Go hungry and eat everything! The reason I gave four stars is because we had dinner the week New Orleans had that cold spell. we weren't at the tables closest to the door but every time someone came in or went out the draft hit us (brrr). Also, they kicked us out of our table (it was valid/people were waiting). They were nice about it but still I didn't like it.
(4)
Tara P.
If you plan to eat out... Eat here!!!! This place is amazing. The cocktails are all unique and the most delicious small plates. We had the chicken under a brick. Almost made me cry it was so good!
(5)
Kristy M.
It's been 6 months since I returned from my trip to Nola and what sticks out most about my trip is Dante's Kitchen. (ok, perhaps the music and late nights riding a mechanical whale?! were also memorable...but food is always first on my mind) I have a great appreciation for the way a chef takes a standard dish and adds his own flare for an awwe inspiring, mouth watering, can't-wait-to-go-back type of meal. Every dish here is handcrafted with fine ingredients and it's apparent each dish is carefully inspected before it leaves the kitchen to make sure the texture, temperature, presentation and overall doneness (that's a word, right?!) is top notch. The seared scallops were firm with a slighty sweet crust on the outside. Local Farm Veggie plate was incredibly indulgent with the fresh goat cheese and carmalized oninion croquette - it's hard to justify why anyone would rave about a simple vegetable dish but the way the sweet juices combine with the onions and goat cheese and just melts in your mouth makes you question what's so great about meat anyway?! The star of the show was the escargot & house made bacon with basil, goat cheese and vermouth - I'd come back to NOLA for this dish alone. Slip in to a cozy seat, order a glass of wine and take in the delicious ambiance and exceptional dining experience.
(5)
Natalie H.
We were vacationing in New Orleans for a few days and we were planning on going to Jacques-Imo's for dinner on Wednesday, 8/8/12, but they were closed for what looked like renovations. Someone walking by Jacques-Imo's saw our depressed faces and recommended we go to Dante's Kitchen. So we headed on down that way while my brother checked Yelp to see the reviews of Dante's. The reviews looked good so we took a chance and we were so glad we did. Dante's Kitchen is in an cute little house with intimate lighting and homey decor. It's kind of hidden, honestly if we drove by and weren't looking for it, we might not have noticed it. There were three of us and we shared: Appetizer- scallops and the duck crepe Main course- brick chicken and the 3 medallion filet mignons Dessert- blueberry rice waffle and buttermilk pie Every thing was absolutely delicious. Our favorites were the duck crepe and the buttermilk pie, but everything was so amazing. The meals are definitely big enough to share. I have already recommended this place to anyone that will listen. Next time I'm in New Orleans I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)
Shannon S.
Bad news: No lunch! Before Katrina I really enjoyed eating lunch here but after Katrina they have never brought lunch back and only do Brunch on the weekends now. There is a pop up BBQ restaurant that operates out of this space M-F for lunch and Tuesday nights for dinner. Good news: They have certainly stepped up the culinary level! They always seem to be featuring as many local and very fresh options as possible and the food is always excellent here. They have a nice courtyard and it is a very enjoyable place (especially at lunch so please bring lunch back!!!). The parking can be a bit challenging but other than that I've always had a great time here and the service has always been fantastic. I'm not a big breakfast person so I've yet to eat brunch here but the food is so good that it is probably just a matter of time before I get here (the next time someone forces me to awaken at some horribly early hour on the weekend).
(4)
Andy H.
Wonderful experience. Food was uniquely prepared. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Everyone loved the chicken under a brick.
(5)
Emily M.
This converted old house is home to a fantastic culinary experience. I came here for brunch with some girlfriends, and we were impressed. Dante's is committed to using fresh local ingredients, so their inventive menu is always changing. If you come here for brunch, make sure you try the grits and biscuits. Grits and biscuits are normally something I would skip right over on the menu, boring. However at Dante's, they import the grits from North Carolina and infuse them with some of the most delicious cheddar I have ever eaten. This experience has changed the way I look at grits. Normally, I don't really like biscuits, but eating a Dante's biscuit is like floating on a cloud.
(5)
Chris H.
I was sadly disappointed tonight. On previous trips, the meal was absolutely perfect. Tonight, we left with much to be desired. The service was decent, but the food was almost inedible. We had the Chicken Under a Brick. It was so spicy that we could not finish it. The egg was overcooked, and the potatoes were undercooked. I was embarrassed that I recommended this place to my friends. Such a disappointment. Hopefully, tonight was an off night.
(2)
Jane T.
I'm currently hating myself for not coming here first during my trip to NOLA. Cuz if I did, I would've had dinner here every night. This. Place. Is. Phenomenal. Initially, we'd tried to make reservations for the weekend but that's something to be done far in advance it seems. Well ok, that's fine, let's book it for our last evening in town, which was a Monday. Yea, I'm still kicking myself for that one, but onto the review. As amazing as the appetizers looked, we decided to skip it and go straight for the entree, since we'd had a late lunch prior. We ordered 2 vegetables - smashed potatoes and cauliflower; and 2 entrees - slow roasted duck breast and confit pork steak & pork ribs. The duck was buttery, tender, delicious and the pork didn't even need a knife to cut through it. The cauliflower was the best I'd ever had - whatever sauce they put on top was just the perfect complement. The best part of the smashed potatoes was the bacon. Really though, it was all heaven. As full as we were though, we still opted for a dessert. My theory was "If the entrees are this good, can you imagine the dessert?" So we ordered the apple pie with goat cheese ice cream and the butterscotch pudding. I had a bite of the pie which was delicious but I couldn't keep myself away from the butterscotch pudding. The pudding itself was amazing but they top it off with salted whipped cream which was just pure perfection. As full as I was, I powered through that sucker. My drink of choice for the evening was the Pimm's cup. I knew after my first sip that I was going to have seconds - it's that good. Next time I'm in NOLA, Dante's every day.
(5)
Beau B.
I am grateful that Jacques Imo's is so popular! If not for the 2 1/2 hour wait there and out stomachs running on E, I never would have stumbled into Dante's! Really great food, very friendly and prompt staff, cool atmosphere... Long story short, don't waste your life waiting for a table... Pop into Dante's! Definitely grab a glass of the punch!
(5)
Helen D.
Get the chicken under a brick. Seriously. Besides the fact that this place is a $25 cab ride away from the French Quarter (i.e. $50 round trip), it is definitely worth a visit (and all the rave reviews). Highly Recommend: - Chicken under a brick Recommend: - Apply Brandy - Chai Rye Whiskey Good, but not crazy about: - Bacon Vodka - Citrus-Infused Vodka - Escargot and Bacon Appetizer Fit for foodies!
(4)
Shamik T.
Very tasty. Barq's root beer sweet potatoes were surprising. I didn't think i'd like them, but very delicious. Beet salad was nice, but if I remember correctly, I thought the goat cheese was piled on a little too much. Colleague of mine swears by this place, and it was well worth the drive from my Canal St. hotel.
(4)
Eileen Z.
Some of the best shrimp and grits I have had in the city. A staple brunch option but get there either early (or late) on a Sunday because it gets crowded. They have highchairs which is nice because you can bring the little ones!
(4)
Charlie K.
Simply fantastic food, served in a casual atmosphere. Just go, and get ready for some seriously good food. A hidden gem, been around for a long time, and still going super-strong after all these years. Great service, too. Can't recommend highly enough!
(5)
Hilary A.
You really can't go wrong with anything you order at Dante's. It's perfect for out of town guests or a special night out. (Please note I've only been during dinner, never for brunch -- I'll get right on that, for you, because I'm so selfless. Ahem.) First of all, spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread doused in butter and served in a skillet, fresh from the...oven? Anyway, it's piping hot and SO delicious, I asked one for dessert (which they could not honor because they were out. Boo.). The only possible rival is the cornbread at Jacqueimo's. Am I a carb queen? Yes. Dishes I believe you should try: Trois Mignons with delish mashed potatoes underneath, sauteed broccoli (Surprisingly good! We gobbled this up!), and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot duCreme (This is perfection in a mug, I tell you -- super rich, so share with a lucky friend!). Also, the lemon drop martini (or something equally lemony.. I'm blanking on the name now) was great. I DIDN'T love the mac and cheese (but I'm very particular about my mac and cheese), nor something like Louisiana fried rice. Tip: The waitstaff is supremely knowledgeable about the menu, so go ahead and ask! They won't even look at you like you're dumb when you can't pronounce the French words. P.S. Please don't eat the rabbit. Cinnabun begs you. :(
(5)
Brandon A.
I've only been here for the Sunday brunch, but let me tell you, it was the best brunch I've ever had. My wife had the shrimp and grits, and it was so good I ordered one to-go. Unfortunately me and my wife didn't discover this great restaurant until right before Hurricane Katrina, so we haven't had a chance to go back, but we will definitely be back next time we're in town.
(5)
Lynette L.
My dinner party group had a long, wonderful meal here in the back room. It was great for a private party. The service was excellent. To be fair and honest, one of members has been close friends with the owners for many years so that may have influenced our service, but I have no idea. The food was great. We did a lot of passing dishes around to taste and everything was good. I was 8 months pregnant, grumpy as hell, and really missing my wine, but the house made pickle plate and the duck two ways (a special, not on the regular menu) made up for it. I talked about that duck for days. Our waiter was terrific and deserved a medal for putting up with 9 well-pickled in alcohol ladies and 1bitchy pregnant woman. Not to mention that some of the boozier ladies may have been overly friendly. He was fun and gracious and never once threatened a lawsuit. Other great dishes are the chicken under a brick and the redfish on the half shell.
i love restaurants located in houses. like, if there's such thing as a fetish for that then put me on that list. i just think it's such a cute idea. and everybody loves home cooking right? so let's just pretend that we're getting home cooking. when i knew i was heading to New Orleans, i discovered Dante's Kitchen via Yelp and immediately bookmarked it as one of my must-go-to places. i took my friend for brunch and we had a grand ol' time! we got the biscuits with homemade jams. now lemme tell you, i am not typically a fan of biscuits because they generally come out doughy and paste-like or dry and brick-like. but these were moist and buttery. and the jams were great too! the flounder and bacon sandwich was a super pleasant surprise. it was incredibly flavorful and came on an herbed foccacia. love LOVED this dish! the pork belly and fried egg sandwich was really messy but also very good. i would highly recommend Dante's Kitchen if you're in the area. surprisingly there wasn't a wait for brunch on a sunday. i don't know if you could consider it a hidden gem, as it's got 300 reviews, but i definitely considered it a fantastic find.
(4)
E W.
We stumbled upon Dante's Kitchen on accident. We tried to eat at Jacques Imos, but they were closed for a two-week vacation. NOTE: apparently Jacques Imos closes for a bit every year, and this year it happened to be during our trip... Call them first. But Dante's was great. We only ate from their list of small plates, but if there are two people, you should definitely get at least four of them. We ate the blood sausage, duck crepe, scallops, and shrimp and grits. All were surer tasty and came out really quickly. The service was excellent too. I'd give it five stars, but it was a tad pricy. But definitely go there, and you can make reservations on OpenTable which was helpful too.
(4)
Alan V.
Came here excited because of the reviews. We picked Dante's Kitchen over Emeril's for the night. Unfortunately we wished we had gone with Emeril's We arrived and were seated immediately with our reservation. Ordered a bottle of wine that the server recommended which turned out to be pretty good. Started with the Venison Prosciutto. The prosciutto itself was ok but the sauce used was a bit overpowering and masking the natural flavor of the prosciutto. I had the whole herb rubbed whole red snapper. The fish was cooked great and I would suggest it to anyone eating there. My wife ordered the Trois Mignons. This was pretty disappointing all around. The meat wasn't all that tender and all three cuts tasted the same mostly due to sauce. Did dessert and I ordered the Almond Carrot Cake. I wouldn't order this again, it lacked flavor and depth. My wife ordered the Buttermilk Pie which was much better. I probably won't be coming here again when I'm in town again. I was hoping for a great meal but missed out.
(2)
Suzie H.
This is definitely an older-taste restaurant. Under the kids menu, it says "Pancakes" but they are Banana and Peach pancakes, which an a sort of unappealing. Everything else we ordered was great, such as the shrimp grits, etc.
(4)
Stephanie C.
Wow. Worth the wait-- though i wish there was more space to wait inside considering it was raining the day we went for Brunch. Although, as a consolation they bring you drinks outside. I had a nice freshly squeezed OJ while I waited. And for Brunch you should go - it's the best (though I hear that dinner is also great). A word of the wise when coming down to NOLA- things aren't open round the clock, so you need to research when things are open, when they're offering brunch etc- i.e. I think Dante's closed on a random day of the week - like Tuesday or Monday. To drink, you should have the Bloody Mary. Best fresh okra and great spicy flavor. A big hit. We thought this place would have portions SO huge but the portion were pretty medium. (Not that that's bad or maybe I'm just a lunatic when it comes eating with my eyes). I did have two sides with my main; the hashbrowns (yum)- and my sis had the side of grits with mushrooms and cheese. I had the shrimp and grits as my main which was AWESOME. There is really no other place to have grits other than the South- up here, it's too gritty. Down there, it's all cream and buttermilk. Sooky sooky! The shrimp was a good compliment, even though they were a bit overcooked. The seasoning on them was spot on. GET IT. My sister had the Alligator Sausage which came on buttery biscuits. They were very dense though-- the sausage tasted like sausage from any other animal; but I sensed that alligator meat is white and flaky. In the end, everything checked out to well enough, delicious food. Dante's brunch is the ultimate Southern brunch. Other aspects of our experience was fine, such as the service (though the waitress brought me an omelet out at first- which I didn't order); the decor is cute and quaint- with a list of fresh, native ingredients at the register. I found this educational and adorable. Think Paula Deen's kitchen- but less obnoxious. Anyway, all in all a pleasant experience. Best brunch in NOLA while I was down there. And fun fact: it's across the street from Brigsten's!
(5)
H Z.
appetizer I tried the escargots, which is inside a bone, with bone marrow., very delicious. I ordered the chicken which is the popular one, it is juicy and tender, a little sweet, very yummy! and they provide you with a cake instead of bread, which is very nice! I am going to come back to try other recommended dish.
(4)
Alvin G.
Great brunch. Love the alligator sausage. Shrimp and grits. Bread pudding French toast with bacon.
(5)
Briana J.
It's been over a year and I still can recall the delicious taste of their Brioche French Toast. Was it the Louisiana peaches, toasted almonds, or the whipped cream that made it so rememberable? Hard to say because each individual piece added so much gusto to make this plate complete. Put simply, if you are a french toast enthusiast like I am, don't miss Dante's Kitchen's Brioche French Toast! It sure is a wonderful, sweet brunch treat! P.S. Either it's been so long that they changed the syrup, or they change the syrup seasonally, but the menu now has Mississippi blueberry syrup and not Louisiana peaches.
(4)
Eve K.
One of the top 5 meals I've ever had and one of my new New Orleans favorites. (Realized I never posted this review I wrote) Eve awards: best NO style BBQ shrimp ever Return worthiness: YES! Highlights: - BBQ shrimp: generously sized wonderfully cooked succulent shrimp swimming in a pool of tangy buttery New Orleans style sauce. I love this dish and have had fantastic ones around this ultimate eating town, but these win the best prize. Note: full heads and all so not for the squeamish. Being half Chinese, I'm not easily scared. - Glazed Chicken: sounds a bit boring but this under the brick chicken was phenomenal with the star being the maple glaze. The whimsical addition of the fried egg on top of the hashed potatoes gave you the comfort of breakfast with the savory fillingness of a dinner. - Strawberry shortcake: perfect end to a perfect meal. Cake was actually a sweet biscuit that had just the right balance of fluffy and dense. Grand marnier soaked fresh strawberries were a heavenly addition. Gotta leave it to New Orleans to add a little fun juice to your average dessert. - Atmosphere: quaint Southern house but modern, comfortable, and casual inside vs feeling like your grandmother's house and needing to be on your best behavior. Loved the levels and rooms as well as the blackboard with all of the fresh local ingredients highlighted. - Waitress: personable, friendly, knowledgeable, attentive--she had it all Midlights: - Strawberry mojito: fresh strawberries were wonderful but the drink as a whole was too sweet for my taste Lowlights: - Cab ride outside of the French Quarter (but admin it--you need a break from the quarter craziness anyway) New Orleans is my favorite eating town and I'm accustomed to being more than satisfied, but this one was the perfect meal from start to finish. Highly recommend it and can't wait to come back.
(5)
Perry H.
Best brunch I've had in New Orleans...is it because its the only brunch I've had in New Orleans? Does it matter either way? Super good brunch in a great setting. Nestled in a lovely house there's a large outdoor seating area that's enclosed by lots of trees and shrubs so you feel like you're in someone's back yard along with a small little sun room area inside (for those that don't like the heat or spring pollen). I didn't venture into the main dining room but I kept seeing people scurried-off that way so it must be sizable. I was anticipating a wait but luckily we arrived for brunch around 11, maybe folks were at Jazz Fest, either way....no wait and excellent service. I had the shrimp and grits which were great but the start was the alligator sausage breakfast sliders. Sliders probably isn't the right term...more like biscuit...they were large and oh so satisfying. One cool thing I noticed while waiting to be seated was a board above the hostess stand listing all the locally sourced fresh ingredients - a very nice touch and what a sizable list it was... I've read about Dante's for the longest time and even ate across the street once at Brighton's (very good as well) so it would good to finally see the restaurant live up to its hype. I can't wait to return for brunch or try dinner...i'm sure you can't go wrong.
(5)
David E.
I was on a Bachelor party with 15 friends last year and for our BIG meal we left the Crystal Burger on Bourbon and headed to Dante's Kitchen. This was legitimately the best meal I have ever been served. You know that show on Food Network? This would be, without a doubt, my choice. With this large group we were seated in a private room right off the kitchen. It was PERFECT. We could almost see our meals being prepared. We started off with many, many drinks. The service was phenominal. Never a dry glass. We were then all served our meals at almost the exact same time. Again, perfection in service. I, myself, chose the special dish of the evening, the rabbit. This was, most certainly, the best taste I have ever endured. Indescribable moisture and flavor. Stated simply again, the best meal of my life. Everytime I hear someone even mention that they might be making a trip to NOLA I immediately, without hesitation, describe this venue to them and make them promise me they will enjoy a meal here. Don't even consider other restaurants, head directly to Dante's.
(5)
Ali G.
Super excellent tasty food enjoyed at a great table outside so just a bit of a shame about the somewhat too slow service; nearly worth the wait for the scrumptious food though!
(4)
Mange T.
Finally went to Dante's Kitchen after hearing lots of rave reviews. Upon arrival, the atmosphere was quaint and the space cozy. Warm molasses spoon bread arrived, which made me love the place immediately. Who doesn't love free bread? Our waitress arrived and asked if we were ready to order. We ordered our drinks and appetizers but said we needed more time to look over the entrees. "Oh...um, all orders need to be placed together," she stated matter-of-factly. Really, is that the restaurant policy? Whether it was or it wasn't, she did a poor job of masking her irritation for the remainder of the evening. I ordered the chicken roasted under a brick (CRUB for short) with a side of fingerling sweet potatoes, and my dining companion ordered the duck breast. We split the shrimp and grits appetizer and each ordered wine. The wine and shrimp/grits were fantastic. Unfortunately, the entrees seemed haphazardly thrown together; the most memorable part of the CRUB was the accompanying potato and bacon mash. The chicken wasn't maple-glazed so much as it was greasy and doused in a watery sauce of maple flavoring. Half of the sweet potatoes were visibly burnt, and its dipping sauce pairing ("buttermilk cheese fondue") bore a closer resemblance to tepid sour cream. The duck, while presented nicely on a bed of Israeli couscous, tasted rubbery and undercooked. Breakdown: -4.5 stars for ambience. Place was intimate and had a lot of character. -5 stars for the Onyx Shiraz. 2 stars for the barkeep's anemic pours. -Sad that this caliber of restaurant continues to employ waitstaff with attitude: Waitress: "Would you like dessert?" Us: "No thanks, we're full." Her (sarcastically): "Good for you." Good for her for making sure she had the last word. -2 stars for entrees. Sounded enticing on the menu but were poorly executed. Flavors lacked complexity or nuance; lots of butter (seemed to be the DK M.O.) may make any dish taste better than it might've otherwise but doesn't translate to great food. Maybe my expectations of this place were too high, but this visit was pretty disappointing overall. Better luck next time, DK.
(2)
Olga S.
the service, ambience, and the food were EXCEPTIONAL at dante's kitchen!! The red fish with the herb and crabmeat salad on top was one of the most memorable dishes my husband and i have ever had. the drinks were complex and exciting but most importantly, they were delicious. we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary there and it was the perfect night thanks to the staff and the food and drinks at dante's kitchen! we will most definitely be back.
(5)
Betty N.
3.5 stars. Yes, very cute neighborhood restaurant. Food-wise, solid, but not the best NOLA food I've had. Ordered the following: (1) Peach mojito ($9.50) Good, but word of advice to the bartender: don't leave huge peach chunks in the glass and expect someone to drink it through a tiny-ass straw. (2) Mac and Cheese as a side ($4) I often use fontina and cheddar cheese to make this traditional fave, not sure what type of cheese were used for theirs. Just didn't taste right. (3) Grilled Gulf Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with an andouille red eye gravy ($9) This was my favorite dish of the night. Beautiful flavors and the shrimp were fantastic. Heads and all. (4) Birkshire Pork Spare Ribs peach bbq sauce, red cabbage slaw ($11) Thought this would be good, but it came out almost cold- not warm enough. The red cabbage was almost too vinegary and the peach bbq sauce was not pronounced, almost bland. It is definitely a local's joint. You won't see many tourists here. Would be curious to come here for brunch, but it is out of the way if you are staying close to the French Quarter. Dinner was borderline so-so.
(4)
Seth R.
Loved the food. Unique and delicious. Service was great once we got a table, but had to wait almost an hour even with reservations, thus the lost star. A bit cramped inside, not not egregious.
(4)
Sei S.
Good food and fantastic service. Had a friend who got sick from cab ride and staff was so friendly about it! On top of that, the whole fish was amazing
(5)
Samer A.
One of our top meals in New Orleans. If you're thinking about Brigstens next door skip it and go to Dante's. Before getting to our order it should be said that these guys have a great cocktail list. Barrel aged drink that rotate, which was LI Tea when we were there. While I'm usually a just a beer/wine drinker at dinner, these drinks weren't the sugary garage most places serve that just ruin your appetite. We got a few items from the charcuterie menu. Good but not great. I wouldn't order this again. We got scallops as a starter and they served us a complimentary, what they called, spoon bread or molasses bread. Crazy stuff. Tastes like the best corn bread you can imagine. Scallops were awesome but it's a tiny portion. For dinner, the wife order the whole fish. I ordered a more Cajun dish with some grilled shrimp. While both dishes were good, I wanted to steal my wife's whole roasted fish. Just excellent. The couscous complemented it perfect as well. The cheese plate had some highs and lows but overall I was happy with it. Also a big thank you to our server Deanna who was excellent and went above and beyond.
(5)
John B.
Thank u yelp. This is a find. The place is in a resudential neighborhood an old house which gave it the charm and atmosphere we were looking for. I hate to say we are followers which we are not but we followed the reviews to order. We started with the BBQ shrimp and grits. Being from the north I'm not a grits lover buit were they good. My wife ordered the brick covered chicken, it was everything that the review said. Moist and juices and full of flavor. Be ware that they make it to order and takes a good 20 minutes to cook. I had the Red fish with Herb salad. Very good though I thought the fish was slightly bland. The meal came with a cornmeal bread which was more like dessert. Our server Amy was delightful and the overall service was A ++.
(5)
Damon S.
We had brunch here this past Sunday and it was incredible. We started off with the bacon sticky bun and it was so good! I enjoy savory and sweet together and this had it balanced perfectly. I had the trash and poached eggs. The eggs were perfectly poached and the trash had what I refer to as ninja heat - it sneaks up on you. I wasn't too spicy, just a nice subtle warmth on the back of my throat. My partner had the shrimp and grits. I didn't have any of the shrimp, but he said they were delicious. I did try the grits and they were thick and the most smooth texture I had ever felt in grits. We also ordered a side of biscuits. Wow! You have to try them, because words just are not sufficient to relay the experience of eating one! We are looking forward to our next trip to New Orleans and eating at Dante's Kitchen!
(5)
Mark B.
I turn to Dante's Kitchen whenever I need a great meal that will impress my friends. I brought a group of visitors there this week. We ordered scallops and shrimp and grits as apps. The shrimp are always cooked beautifully. I wish they would bring back the bbq shrimp appetizer. The duck entre was delicious, too. My only comment would be -- I wish the large room in the back for groups of 6-8 people had the same intimate ambiance as the rest of the place. I love Dante's Kitchen. (review from 21/11/11)
(5)
Sonia R.
I heard how great the brunch is at Dante's and I should specify that this review is for dinner not brunch. They have a very interesting menu and I think somewhat random? For example, their chicken under brick entree which is a popular option comes with a fried egg on top. The Molasses Spoon bread is the appetizer and you can't get anything like it anywhere else in the city. I recommend the three filet medallions each with something different topped on it.
(5)
Jennifer R.
One of my favorite brunches ever! So glad we found this spot. We lucked out and didn't have to wait for brunch, and this place couldn't have been cuter. I felt like I was in someone's really cool house. Our server was very nice, and all of our food was out fast. Get the sticky bun, debris and eggs and bread pudding French toast, as well as a side of the biscuits. If you're into bourbon, try one of the house made bourbons. Yay!
(5)
Alycia M.
Every year I spend the Independence Day holiday in New Orleans with a group of my girls, this year was no different. Though, when the excursions to New Orleans for this exciting weekend began in 2004, there was more partying and less relaxing and enjoying the local scene. The weekend always is centered around a great event that Essence Magazine hosts every year, the Essence Music Festival. Now that we have been there and done the crazy parties, this year we decided to change it up. Don't get me wrong we are up for a party if we feel the need. What I mean, is we finally got tired of doing the Essence Music Festival the same year every year. We would do the same things, eat the same things and hang out in the same areas. This year we decided, to skip the parties and focus on enjoying New Orleans. Rather than getting our beignets from Cafe Du Monde in a bag to go; we sat down and enjoyed them and enjoyed the music and the crowd. And the main change that we made was to dedicate an evening to leave the city center and enjoy a great dinner. After doing a little research on yelp.com . I stumbled upon this little restaurant in the Garden District called Dante's Kitchen. Dante's Kitchen is a quaint restaurant situated on what appears to be a neighborhood street, in the Garden District of New Orleans, not too far from Tulane University, 736 Dante St New Orleans, LA 70118. The night that we had reservations for, was completely booked, we were seated by the door and could hear the owner/host telling the walk ins that he couldn't accommodate them...great sign for us. So I started with a mojito, hey I'm in NOLA! But rather than a traditional mojito, I had a blueberry variation, that was delicious. Dante's service is great, our waiter made great suggestions for us. I started with the Grilled Shrimp and Stoneground Grits. I had had shrimp with the heads on, so that didn't turn me off at all, and the grits were perfect. So perfect I cooked my own version of a recipe I found on line when I returned home, check out my handy work. In the typical southern fashion, Dante's serves cornbread in a miniature cast iron skillet. But in not so typical fashion the cornbread is a molasses cornbread with honey butter on top. In a word...YUM!! In fact the couple next to us didn't eat theirs and we overheard the owner asking about it, and we said, if they don't want it we will take it. He thought we were joking. Next for the entree, we decided to get the Roasted Chicken Under a Brick, it was served with a potato hash, with a fried egg. This entree was delicious, the chicken had some sort of sweet seasoning, and when I broke the yoke on the egg, it mixed with the chicken jus and made a great sauce. The potatoes had a little bit of bacon, added to it. everything went together very well. I was apprehensive of the egg, but it worked. And as you can see the portions are not skimpy, but quality is not sacrificed for quantity. Dante's prides themselves on cooking local products, and so not only is the food down home elegance, so is their hospitality. The owner/host had the cab called and walked us to our cab at the end of the evening. What a great night. The weekend was about, music, family, friendships, food, and FUN, if you are up for it we will be in NOLA next year, same time same place, new restaurant visits. Taste big Dream Bigger Foodieengineer
(4)
Tracy B.
I know a restaurant is fabulous when I'm still thinking and talking about it a week after I dined there. I hosted a party for some clients at Dante's Kitchen on February 21 and oh my stars, it was the highlight of my trip. We dined at Brennan's, Herbsaint, Bon Ton and Dante's burned past the rest of them as far as food and service are concerned. Our waiter, Larry was outstanding and did a divine job in recommending our dishes. The shrimp and grits were full prawns served with a rich andouille sausage gravy and I swear I could have eaten 12 vats of the stuff. We also had rabbit meatballs and gnocchi which were served in a tangy tomato sauce that rocked my taste buds. For our entrees Larry suggested we try the roasted chicken under a brick and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD who would think someone could make a chicken taste like that?? They slather the bird under the skin with a combo of Steens Cane Syrup and butter then roast the bird under a hot 200 year old brick. Out comes a crispy skiined, sweet tasting chicken with meltingly tender meat. I was so enamored by the Steen's marinade that Larry kindly brought me a can to take home. I found some bricks in my yard, so guess what I'm making tonight for dinner??? The other stars of the evening were the beef tenderloin, mussels and a veggie plate that had deliciously cooked Brussel sprouts glazed with a soy marinade. One of our guests at first refused to try them as he claimed he loathed Brussels sprouts. After he tasted these, he went back for seconds. We also gleefully devoured the root beer sweet potatoes ( you can guarantee I'll be making those for Thanksgiving next year), feasted on more of the most perfectly creamy grits I've ever tasted and were totally swooned by the rich and creamy mac n' cheese. Did I mention the complimentary molasses spoon bread slathered with butter?? I could die a happy person after this scrumptious feast. We insisted the chef come out so we could give him a standing ovation. Dante's makes their own fruit infused vodkas and we enjoyed kicking back several of their magical concoctions. Goji berry vodka=yum. I'm so glad we took the extra journey to Dante's. And to top it off? Our cab seemed to forget to pick us up, so Larry offered to drive us back to the French Quarter!!!!! Talk about fabulous service.
(5)
Nicole F.
This was a great find. Like others, we were looking for a creole/cajun restaurant on a Sunday night that was open. Saw the yelp reviews of jacques-imo's that it was closed on Sunday and that this restaurant was just as good if not better. Absolutely dead on. It was great. The only thing that could have made it better is if the prices were toned down a bit. Having said that, appetizers and small plates were filling and gave you an opportunity to try more than one thing. Like they say, the spoonbread is good - but really more like a dessert. Loved the curried mussels but they definitely had kick with serrano chilies. Homemade boudin was delicious. Rabbit loin was tasty but didn't compare to the shrimp & grits. You think you've tried one shrimp & grits dish, you've tried 'em all. Not true. This had whole shrimp with the head on and all, in a new orleans barbeque sauce. The shrimp were then sitting in a creamy grits but with a brown gravy that was out of this world. I love to try new dishes, but if I went back to Dante's I would have to be handcuffed and restrained to not order that dish again!
(4)
Shelley V.
Cute restaurant!! We happened onto this place after reading several positive reviews on Yelp... I ordered the Dante Omelette which came with potatoes, sausage, cheese and some other good stuff! Had a side of alligator sausage as well. Hehe, tasted like chicken! A very tasty meal indeed! I loved the decor and the staff were friendly and accomodating. The setting is a house and you could almost miss if you drive by too fast! Do yourself a favor, slow the HELL down and EAT here!!! And Dante's Kitchen, I will be back!!!
(5)
Jack G.
Wonderful experience. Great atmosphere and terrific food. Long time New Orleanian and know the restaurants well. Could not have enjoyed it more.
(4)
Melvin P.
My girl and I have been dealing with being in a long distance relationship by making sure that when we are together we eat at the nicest places possible (it's sort of a pavlovian conditioning trick). Sometimes, we find a well reviewed place is nothing but hype. My hypothesis is that there is a selection problem between who has good taste versus who is willing and has time to yelp. Yes, I am probably calling myself out and I am coming off like a dick but I have a point. That point is this: not every four star average place is really a four star restaurant. Case in point, ealier in the day, the lady and I dined at Cafe Amelie based on the strength of its yelp reviews. We had a terrible time. Dante Kitchen gets comparable ratings and is an amazing, amazing experience. The staff is AWESOME. The bartender is a true chemist. The crowd is a foodie crowd. The menu is amazingly crafted. We ordered so much: salads, escargot, squab, cake. The wine list is great. And the pricing is exactly right for the quality and crearivity. Coming full circle, this place is a true four or five star joint because to get here, you have made a journey. There is a positive self-selection. It is worth the trek. Ignore the quarter, eat here. Protip: if you like scotch cold, but hate the ice melting, order a scotch on the rocks here. They have some great single malts and they serve them with these massive ice bricks that don't melt because they are so icebergian.
(5)
Uriia H.
I visited this place over the Thanksgiving holiday with a few friends, and it was phenomenal! The decor makes you feel as if you are in an actual kitchen....down to the dishrags as napkins. The atmosphere was very inviting and cozy. We began with the prosciutto appetizer, and of course it was delicious. I had the maple glazed chicken...came with a bacon and potato cake covered with a perfectly cooked egg. The yolk broke over the potato cake like a smooth flowing sauce. If you want a great dining experience, definitely try Dante's. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Recommendations are highly suggested.
(5)
Annie G.
OH.MY.GOD. Can I just say, you'd think reading all these extremely positive reviews would give me too high of expectations for this place. But no - it's good to read the reviews, to find out the star dishes of this place. First of all, I loved that this place was casual and set inside a house. The different rooms had a lot of character, and it was a nice break from the other stuffy "fine dining" establishments that get the good reviews in New Orleans. I'm sorry, but I just don't like having to dress up to have a good meal, because I was here on vacation and didn't have any of my nice clothes with me. Now usually I dislike rating a restaurant based on a few good dishes, if they serve a lot of mediocre ones. But I can't help but give Dante's a 5 star rating anyway - maybe I did my homework and only ordered their best dishes, but all I can say is, this was probably one of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life. Let me preface this by saying I am extremely impatient and dislike when a restaurant messes things up for me. And this definitely happened at Dante's... we sat in a room with about 4 tables - we were the first ones who ordered in the room, yet everyone else got their bread before us (meaning, our bread got delivered to the wrong table THREE TIMES) Apparently some of the kitchen staff really can't figure out table numbers. If it wasn't for our super friendly, awesome waiter "Tiny" (his real name is Larry but they write "Tiny" on the bill as a joke) I would probably have been extremely upset throughout the entire meal. Luckily we had a great waiter, so I let the kitchen staff errors slide. The spoon bread, when we finally received ours, was so delicious, it was worth the wait. I wanted one for myself, but am glad I didn't ask for it, because it would have made me too full to enjoy the rest of the meal. We got sweet potato mash, the chicken under a brick, and the three mignons. I also ordered a bourbon sampler kuz, why not? The sweet potato mash was very good - sweet but not overly sweet. I couldn't really taste the root beer in it, unfortunately. The chicken under a brick was the star of the night. Seriously, if you come here, you HAVE to try this dish. The maple glaze sauce was simply divine. I could not get enough of it! And at first I thought the hash that came on the side was just okay - it's a pile of smokey potatoes with a runny egg laying on top. But once I broke the egg and the yolk ran down the smoky potatoes, it turned the hash into a creamy delight. The three mignons were also delicious, but were upstaged by the chicken. I liked the different flavors of the different beef medallions. Our super waiter felt so bad for the bread mix-up that he comped 2 desserts for us, which was also unnecessary but so nice of him. We tried the tomato gelato which was surprisingly good and refreshing (tho it tasted like it could have been tomato-watermelon). We also got the olive oil cake, which was also delicious. I had a hard time stuffing it all in after the delicious entrees, so I didn't have much of the cake. If I ever come back to Nawlins, even if only for a night, I am definitely coming back to Dante's. It's very rare that a restaurant makes this great an impression on me.
(5)
Amanda V.
We made a reservation for dinner, and was seated within 5 minutes. Service is super slow. Maybe Yelp hyped up the chicken roasted under a brick but I didn't really think it was that good. Nothing special about it really. The bread they served was also just okay. Boyfriend got the beef heart and cheeks. He didn't think it was anything spectacular as well. Overall, our general consensus was that we will probably not come back, but it might be a good place to try for others.
(2)
Eric F.
My buddies have been talking this place up since their first meal as 1L's, so when I came down to visit, it was a must try. We foolishly tried to walk in on Wednesday at 7:45 (always get a reservation!) and there were no seats. We were humbled, crushed, shocked and distraught. Oh Fortuna, you capricious sprite! (plus ten to anyone who gets that reference). "Just give him our number in case their are any cancellations" opined my dejected friend. We returned to provide our emergency contact number and were greeted in a most glorious fashion! "Hey, weren't you guys just here? We just got a cancellation if you can sit right now." Disaster averted, Fortuna evidently was smiling upon my being when I endeavored to undertake the consumption of this gastronomic masterpiece: Spoonbread Pimm's Cup Shrimp & Grits Chicken Under a Brick Nice bottle of Pinot Noir Is there a better way to spend your last night in New Orleans? You can have your French Quarter madness. I'll take Dante's.
(5)
William S.
The train ride off St. Charles was scenic even at night and a great way to get here. Its a few blocks walk and friends were already joyful; we all had a cocktail and we're ready to have a good dinner. We had 8PM reservations and the wait was not too long, check. We were met with a smiling waitperson and we found out the vegetables for the evening and a little description about the restaurant and the food. This already piqued my yummytummy meter, LOL. No Reveillon but I was very much into the menu. I loved the difference, deliciously sounding dishes and a vegetable plate. I had a simple corn and crab soup, something simple yet luscious with generous lump crab meat that you can only get in NOLA. I had the wild mussels after was an amazing dish. I had the trois mignons for my entree. For the trois mignons, I wanted to try Dant'es debris sauce which turned out to be out-of-this-world. I almost wish I had my favorite crusty french bread so sop up the flavorful goodness, the cheese the really incredible accompaniments. I had my favorite zin with this entree which sent me to heaven and back! My two other friends were just awestruck about this find and their dishes as one said was, "Unforgettable". We loved the food here. This is going to be a more than one visit restaurant next time I come back. We were very much impressed by the wine list at Dantes. To have my favorite Zinfandel by the glass was very much appreciated also. For the most part wines were reasonably priced and well selected. This restaurant supports local farmers which reminds me of one of my favorites in Seattle, Lark. After this experience, I must say I love this restaurant and its formula--a definitely must-visit for me next time I am in Nawlins. We took a cab back to the French Quarter loving life, LOL. It's funny what incredible food, amazing wine and good friends do to one's disposition. It will take me some time to forget this restaurant and I think will want to come back to NOLA as soon as I can so that I can experience the cooking here again.
(4)
Jen L.
Up until now I had never had a disappointment at Dante's; it has always been one of my favorites. I don't know if it was the early spring menu or that I went on a Monday night...or that the Monday night was the day after the Saints won the Superbowl (WhoDat!) but my meal was weak. First problem was that two of the items I wanted to order had hidden pork in them that was either not specified on the menu or couldn't be altered for it to be removed. (Really pork sausage in a fish stew? Is that really necessary?) I had the scallops with grapefruit and radish sprouts and they were delicious. As all the other small plates weren't of interest to me, I went ahead and ordered the seared fish (which seems to be halibut at the moment but was a gulf fish when I was there - as a side HALIBUT? in New Orleans, also disappointing). I thought the dish was only OK and ended up giving my leftovers to my brother a few nights later. I will definitely wait for the menu to change before going back and I hope that Dante redeems itself.
(4)
Lori N.
Close to Tulane, this is a great brunch restaurant with the family. A little more expensive though.
(5)
Jon M.
Dante's is perfectly pitched. Decor, setting, attitude, bar and food/drink all merge into a wonderful experience. Had the pleasure of sitting outside on the porch, a rustic dining experience on a fine evening. Everything we consumed was fantastic. BBQ shrimp and grits to start, a multitude of sides (the broccoli side was among the best preperations of this veggie I have come across) pork with mole sauce, red fish, mac n cheese, etc etc. Hungry now writing this review. Well appropriated wine list with plenty of options, including some extremely good value CA zins and cabs. We put down several bottles of Turley at $40 per, a good deal. This is the meal that will be remembered and talked about in the future. And it's on the stregnth of the food and ambiance because honestly the service was a little un-attentive for the price, in my opinion.
(5)
Spenser K.
Holy OMG this place is amazing. I've eaten here two or three times, and I'd go back again, again, and again. The food is completely top notch, the drinks are great, the service is excellent, and the decor is to die for. I can't over-emphasize how awesome this place is. Tucked inside a neighborhood, it's this great little place to go for a fancy, yet relaxed dinner. I'm just going to type some words that sound like how I feel when I eat here. Heavenly. Splurge. Blazaaam. Gah! Oooooo yeah. TTThank gooodnessssss.
(5)
Bill E.
Easily a five star review! Off the beaten path, worth the schlep to get there... sitting outside on a November night while it snows in the rest of the country makes it even better. The duck, have the duck. Also, I never order chicken. Have the chicken! Order as much as you can, even if you don't finish it. Delicious, across the board.
(5)
Jo H.
After some debate and scrolling around on the Yelp app on our phones we found ourselves at Dante's Kitchen. It was a Sunday night, we took a chance without a reservation. We were seated in this cute little dining room in the back. Drinks: we ordered a round of the house sangria. After days of gorging on NOLA sized portions we decided to share some apps and entree's. Here's what we had: Grilled shrimp with andouille red eye gravy over grits Duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes with bacon and onions Tuna two ways Redfish on the halfshell Stuffed eggplant Slow cooked duck breast w/ smoked peaches, parsnip puree and crispy parsnips Two hot cast iron skillets with spoon bread came out first. Each was topped with a dollop of butter. We thought it was a cute way to serve a bread and butter course. The stand outs for me from the meal: All of the proteins we ordered were actually really well prepared. The grilled shrimp with grits was my favorite. The shrimp were juicy with a beautiful char from the grill. The red eye gravy wasn't over powering, it added a bit of spice and kicked the creamy grits into another gear. I enjoyed the redfish on the halfshell. The cool crab over the sizzling hot fish was great. The dish was drizzled in a oil infused with the accompanying crisped sprig of rosemary. The marinated half of the tuna prepared two ways was also very enjoyable. It has the feel and flavor of a Hawaiian style poke. I wished there was more of. The seared tuna didn't really jump out at me it was good but there was nothing unexpected about it. Honorable mentions: The stuffed eggplant was pretty good. The slices were paper thin causing the filling to be the star of the show. The stuffing was very nutty and had an almost Mediterranean feel. Mashed sweet potatoes candied with root beer. Sweet and sweeter. Beyond sweet potato pie and the occasional basket of sweet potato fries I'm not a big sweet potato person. I didn't really pick up much of the root beer flavor. The potatoes were smooth but very sweet. It was one of the few things left unfinished. That pretty much says it all. For most people the mere mention of duck fat roasted anything WITH bacon automatically inspires drooling. Sadly the duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes missed the mark a bit. I felt the potatoes were a little underdone. They need to be softer to really soak up the fatty goodness from the duck fat and bacon. Dinner at Dante's Kitchen was a nice way to wind down from a crazy weekend in NOLA. The service was great. We had a lot of fun bantering back and forth with our server. I really liked the mix of laid back traditional down home style food with international ingredients and flavor profiles. Brunch here comes highly recommended. If I'm ever back in the city I'll try to check it out.
(4)
M S.
Love Love Love this restaurant. When visiting new orleans, we wanted to go somewhere "off bourbon street". Due to reviews, we made reservations at Dante's kitchen. The server was knowledgeable and made fantastic reccomendations. For an appetizer we had the cheese and nuts. I was not the biggest fan, but did not take away from the rating, because I loved the ingenuity of it. For entrees, I had the duck and my friend had the filet trois. Both were amazing. We also had a bottle of Orin Swift Saldo for $40, which is only $10 more than retail price. What a value. The highlight of this restaurant is the food, but the servers whom were passionate and knowledgable helped to drive that. There are also cans of fresh ingredients all over the restaurant, for food and for their fantastic hand made cocktails. I will visit here on any trip to New orleans.
(5)
Liana L.
4.5 stars - here's the breakdown! Ambiance - 5 stars. Dante's kitchen is ADORABLE. I love the little steps and different wall colors that make each "room" really feel like a different room; each "room" is decorated wonderfully and simply with soothing colors and abstract artwork. The seating is comfortable and fairly spacious, and there are only a few other tables in your "room," creating a cozy space. Although the whole restaurant can seat quite a lot of people, the dining experience is that of a very small, beloved favorite restaurant. Food: 4 stars The eggs benedict was amazing. The pork was juicy and well-flavored, the eggs were wonderfully poached and runny, and the hollandaise sauce was great. :D 5 stars. The alligator sausage (3 pieces) was also really great; I couldn't tell if it was alligator or just seasoning that I tasted, though. It's supposed to be a mix of pork and alligator. Either way, I would totally get it again. 5 stars as well. (: The bacon praline cinnamon bun (another appetizer) is fairly large, and quite sweet. I loved the bacon pieces on it (you have to scrounge around on the plate because they fall off), though some people didn't like the mix of sweet bacon. Oh well. 5 stars for me. We also got the banana pudding French toast (4 large slices), which was just way too sweet. The cane syrup is amazing (no need to get real maple syrup when this is definitely more than sufficient), but we were not able to finish this at all. I was sharing this with two other people, too ... :/ 2 stars? :( Though if you like very sweet things, it'd be very good. Oh! The orange juice was amazing. You can SMELL the freshness. Wow. Service: 4 stars We had to wait 40 minutes for brunch, sigh. Service was definitely good, and one of the servers was very helpful with food affirmation as we were waiting, but it would've been nice to have chairs or something. I don't know, I just felt like the waiting around experience was a little lacking. Overall, though, I'd definitely come here again. Since there are no reservations for brunch, get here early! And I'd love to come for dinner. (:
(4)
Buddhi G.
Memories are a bit hazy but I remember really enjoying the seafood dishes. Nicely spiced without being over the top. You can taste how fresh the catch is. I wish I could do my normal extensively detailed review but unfortunately I didn't write down any notes and we were there almost 2 years ago. If the quality has remained the same, definitely a place you want to check out when in NOLA.
(4)
Fernando N.
Hands down my favorite brunch in New Orleans. I have been there about ten times and I still love it ever single time. The shrimp and grits are my favorite in all of new orleans. The debris and poached egg is another favorite. One of my least favorite parts about moving away from new orleans is leaving this place behind. Alas, I will only be able to return on my trips back.
(5)
Brian C.
Nothing too fancy, just very high quality food and drinks in a nice environment. Know that there's not much healthy on the menu but if you're willing to consume the calories you won't go wrong at Dante's Kitchen. The wine list by the glass could use some work but the cocktails are good and the wine list by the bottle is solid so you can also get some nice libations with your meal. I certainly don't think the ambience or food justified 5 stars so I'm not certain I would send tourists from the Quarter all the way out to Dante's Kitchen but it's certainly a good restaurant that's worth an occasional visit.
(4)
Dee M.
Yes Yes Yes!!! This was hands down the BEST meal I had during my recent visit to New Orleans. Everything about this place is absolutely phenomenal. Mitch M. said it best. "Wow this was really good. Really good". The Ambiance - Upon my arrival, the hostess inquired as to whether I preferred to dine inside or out on the patio. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect, so I opted for the patio. Excellent choice. I was seated on the most adorable porch facing the quaint little neighborhood street - Dante St. As I sat outside, I could not help but feel like a true Southern Bell, being catered to hand and foot with true Southern hospitality. This is a cozy yet romantic New Orleans gem. The food - Everything I ordered from beginning to end was absolutely magnificent and mouthwatering. As many of the reviewers have indicated, they start you out with the molasses spoon bread that is to die for! It is topped with a warm sweet butter that truly tickles your taste buds. My server encouraged me to order the barbecue shrimp - said I could sop up the sauce with warm bread. I couldn't resist. The barbecue shrimp came out in the most beautiful presentation. It was truly divine. I could not stop myself from eating those plump shrimp and sopping up the sauce with that oven hot bread. Super delicious. Next, I was presented with the most delectable looking chicken covered in what appeared to be the maple sauce, and accompanied by a potato hash slightly covered with an egg - sunny side up. I was not to keen on the idea of my potato being covered by an egg, especially since I had never eaten an egg sunny side up. However, I was quite pleased with the taste - the flavors blended together ever so beautifully. Please do not be put off my this unique combination. The chicken under a brick is to die for! You must try this. The service - Dante's Kitchen truly understands the essence of customer service. They wait on you hand and food. What is also very comforting, is that the servers all seem genuinely kind and courteous. They are constantly filling your glass with water, bringing you more bread, etc. You will be taken care of at all times. Dante's exceeded my expectations. This restaurant is definitely one of my top favorites. I will definitely make this one of my stops next time I am in New Orleans. The FQ is great, but why not drive down St. Charles (or take the St. Car) for a scenic view of the beautiful Tulane and Loyola Universities before having a great meal at Dante's Kitchen? Do not miss out on this special treat.
(5)
Sharon S.
Quaint, cozy, and delicious. I had the brick chicken, or something like that, and it mysteriously disappeared from my plate, despite my best intentions. I ordered the cocktail of the day but found it too sweet, will stick with my faves next time. Wait staff friendly. Parking no problem. Will return... Oh yeah, they allegedly have a fireplace, in this year's cold weather - thats a good thing!
(4)
Jyll F.
Amazing!!!!! The apps, the food, the drinks and all that "foodies" live for...this is the place!!!!
(5)
Lonnie L.
I have been eating there for years. Even though it is a simple dish the redfish on e halfshell is what keeps me coming back. I have also thrown three parties for our office there and they have always worked to accommodate 20 or so of us and make sure we have a good time The outdoor seating is probably some of the best in New Orleans. If you want to eat out there in good weather make sure you reserve or get there early
(4)
Erin P.
Dante's is by FAR the top fine dining spot for my husband and I, which is saying a lot because he's a chef and is picky as all get out! We've been several times by ourselves as well as other times with friends and family and so far, Dante's has yet to disappoint! The food is excellent. Dante's is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients which just makes everything more amazing, though it may also mean your favorite menu item from last time around may not be there on your next visit! I think it's a nice change though - the specials change often and that gives us a chance to change things up rather than ordering the same old thing every time we go. If you're unsure what to get, ask the servers for recommendations - they are always happy to help and can usually point you in the right direction. The drinks at Dante's are also excellent though also STRONG so heads up! Their drink specialis are also seasonal but you can always find something refreshing, unique, or classic on the menu. The wine selection is decent as well. Dessert is amazing as well, often with one or two savory options for those who don't have quite as big a sweet tooth as I do. On our last visit, I had chocolate angel food cake and I've been dreaming of it ever since! Service is usually top-notch though sometimes servers can get bogged down on really busy nights. The atmosphere is cozy, eclectic, and surprisingly casual given the quality of the food, a welcome change from the typical, stuffy fine dining establishment. I will confess, I have yet to have their brunch, something I intend to remedy as soon as possible! Overall, Dante's is amazing and our go-to destination for good, fresh, fine dining without all the fuss.
(5)
Kevin L.
What I was expecting: 5 stars. What I wish I could have given it: 4 stars What I truthfully will rate it: 3 stars Edit: After having it for brunch: 4 stars. Between the ambience and recommendations, I could not wait for my meal at Dante's. My family came to visit me at school here, and I opted to take them here. Between 5 people, 3 people got the filet, I got the chicken and 1 got the redfish. Everyone liked their meal but no one went crazy for it. The filet people seemed to say it was just average, my brother loved the redfish, and my chicken was extremely tender and delcious, but toward the end of the meal the maple sauce began to overpower the chicken and dominate the meal. Also, the potato and bacon hash with a fried egg was disappointing; I was expecting life altering and got nothing near. Come to think of it, I do not remember if we got dessert or not, so I suppose it wasn't that fantastic if we did. On a side note, the service was fantastic and this is the first time I have ever written on Yelp that I have enjoyed my waiter. It was a very nice dining experience, but I would not make it a priority to return to Dante's. ----- Edit: Went for brunch on easter and had the egg's benedict with biscuits and pork. Wow, what a killer meal. I definitely will be thinking about that meal for a few weeks. Bumps it up to 4 stars.
(4)
KC C.
A TEN EVERY TIME! This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in the city. What I love? The all round attention to atmosphere, food and customer service. I have been here for dates, girls night, when my parents are in town and just because. Dante's is delicious and quaint. Go here!!!
(5)
Ellen Y.
Doesn't get better than Dante's Kitchen. The ambiance of this place (it's an old house) sets it over the top and the service was outstanding! Here's the run down of our experience: - Cab-syrah wine was awesome. I asked for a pomegranate martini, but they didn't have pom juice, so the bartender whipped something up and it was sooo good!! - Molasses cornbread. the BEST! Honey butter on the most amazing cornbread I've ever had...you can't beat this! - Shrimp & grits. These grist were OUTSTANDING!! This is a must! - Trois mignon. DELICIOUS! They put pulled pork on top of the mashed potatoes and then three small filets on that. It was delicious!! - Brick chicken....AH-MAZING! I actually don't ever get chicken at a restaurant because it's usually dry or just doesn't have a lot of taste, but this was outstanding!! I would suggest asking for a substitute on the pork/bacon cake because I didn't care for it. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were soooo good and would be a better pair with the chicken! We had no room for desert!! As I said, the service was really great. Our server was even nice to this ass hole sitting at the table next to ours. There was a babbling baby in the front dining room (the baby was relatively quiet the whole meal) and that doesn't typically bother me...this is a family restaurant so that's bound to happen. Then this jerk shows up and in the middle of the server pouring his glass of wine, he gets up, walks to the front dining room and is apparently going to confront the family with the baby. It's a FREAKING BABY!!! The family of this prick were asking him to please not go and told the server that noisy babies in a restaurant are just "his thing" and he "always goes and confront families with babies." When he came back, his daughters were like, "dad, why do you do that?" and he literally responds, "because! you don't hear that baby anymore, do you?" What'd you do, guy, go and smack the baby so it will shut up?? I'm so sure. He also said to the server, in disgust, "can we get some bread or something. We're just sitting here." They had been there ten minutes...just long enough for him to be pissed off about a baby...again, in a family restaurant. What a dick. I commend Justin for putting up with him!!!
(5)
Tallman F.
I drove like hell to get there before 10:30 closing. I smiled as I walked in @ 955 only to be told they were closed for dinner, already. I was like, "huhhh????" I came back the next night determined to try the chicken under the brick. It was well-seasoned and moist.... not real tender but very very tasty. Cornbread in the skillet was decent and the grits were some of the best store bought I have eaten. Service is good... Make a reservation
(5)
Jackie A.
Been back several time since and have had excellent service. Food is as good as ever.
(5)
Adam W.
Cute little place in the quiet side of town that was prefect for brunch! It was recommended to us - just a couple blocks from the green trolley line. A little out of the way if you're staying downtown, but if you're in the area, it's worth a try.
Fantastic location - just take the street car and stroll a couple of blocks to find it. Amazing food - locally grown focus and well thought out innovative dishes but also strong classic dishes that make your mouth water Original drinks - try one of their own concoctions to tantalize your tastebuds Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Roger W.
THE BEST RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS !! you must try the chicken roasted under a brick and the duck breast... omg super good..
(5)
Hayley M.
Hands down, the Trois Mignons has to be the best dish anywhere for a carnivore. Three filet mignons. One with stilton cheese, one with worcestershire, and one with pork debris (I asked them to hold the pork, but it was still fantastic). They sit on a bed of caramelized onion mashed potatoes. If only yelp would let me use italics on the words "caramelized onion," because they really need to be stressed. Fantastic service, mouthwatering steak. The end.
(5)
Annie L.
This the most amazing place that I been to, to date in New Orleans for brunch... Out of this world. Firstly the server was the sweetest gal and so attentive. The atmosphere was chilled with some old jazz playing. I got the alligator sausage sliders in home baked biscuit with cilantro through it... Heaven, utter heaven. All my mates adored their dishes, the grits (which I am not always the biggest fan of) was so rich with just the right texture and flavour. You can get it with cheese or mushrooms and the portions are huge. Please promise me to go to this place for brunch if you ever come to this wonderful city. P.S Apparently they do the best Bloody Mary, I abstained but next time I'll let y'all know.
(5)
Stephen K.
Saturday evening, 6:00 out on the patio. Dinner for two Patio is nice, cozy. There were a couple of folks fighting with those little bugs that like wine. It can be a little noisy because you are right on Leake Ave. When the 6:30 local rolled through, you will be aware how close you are sitting to the railroad tracks. Service is the best. Quiet, efficient, professional, totally on top of things. Your wish is their command. Food is spectacular. You will see the raves in the other reviews. I would add imaginative and not in the "43 ways to make you think tofu is edible" way. The menu is not enormous and will make you think. No 72 oz steaks, no surf and turf, no deep fried hamburgers choices to fall back on. Also, no "heart healthy" meals - don't come here to kick off your latest diet. I think they did have some mac and cheese and dirty rice sides if you are really stuck. I didn't try them, but I'm betting even they were a little different than what Kraft is selling. You could easily fill up on the spoon bread and been pretty happy with the meal. I did have the scallops, the roast duck and my companion had the Trois Mignons. Ditto the other reviews. Two minor issues - Is there anyone in the whole world who enjoys sitting on those cheap plastic chairs? I get it, they are cheap, you can clean them with a fire hose, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing them. They work at tailgate parties and the Bulldog, they detract from the experience at a high end restaurant. The second is more an observation than a complaint - we didn't know how to pronounce "Trois Mignons" but we did a way better job than the waiter. Kind of funny.... I'm guessing no one ever asked him how to pronounce it. The bill was $110 (drinks, dessert, tip inc) and even though I had to pay (really poor planning on my part), it seemed like a fair trade. So, if someone drops you off on Leake Ave at the foot of Dante St, do you turn right and go to Brigstens or turn left and go to Dante's?
(5)
Kate R.
My friend brought me here on my visit to NOLA - my favorite thing to eat for breakfast is a simplified Eggs Benedict... So I ordered a side of poached eggs & the biscuits, which came with homemade butter and homemade fig jam... I just about died happy. Fantastic. & like others have said, the place is adorable, in a little converted house.
(5)
Tracey H.
Oh man...I LOVE this place! I'd been there about 5 years ago and with all the places in NOLA to visit, I just hadn't gone back. Mistake! 2 colleagues and I visited pretty early on a Monday night and were able to get a seat immediately. The vibe is exactly what I was seeking for the evening: casual but not pub-ish; stylized but not (eww) trendy; emphasis on local produce but not self-righteously healthful; interesting menu with lots of choices but not too many OR too few. So...7 minutes in and I was in love. 2 of us shared shrimp and grits opener. The gfits were insanely creamy with beautiful smidge of andouille. I had an heirloom tomato salad which, because the tomatoes are in season and locally grown, was eyes-roll-up-in-head delicious. Plus the very thinly-sliced chorizo topper (or...?) was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Small plates for 2 of us: short rib with kim chi and bahn mi veg, and for me, beef debris with grilled bread and this fig mustard that I can't say enough about. FIG. MUSTARD! Trois Mignons for our 3rd friend, which she RAVED about...and this is not a rave kinda person. Dessert was a shared trio of house-made sorbets, which on this night was plum, honeydew, and peach. The plum and honeydew was sublime - a fruit PUNCH yet light and refreshing. The perfect ending to an absolutely right-on meal. Our server was new to the restaurant (1 week I think) and perhaps less confident about the menu as he will be soon, but extremely pleasant and struck the right chattiness chord. The portions were perfect, especially for an early-ish meal on a warm evening. Plating was not overly fussy but clearly created with care. There is nothing on this menu I wouldn't be excited to sample! The only potential downside is that because DK is in an old (charming) house, the low-output AC made for a moderately clammy temp, but not so much that we were uncomfortable,. And it's Louisiana, okay? Run, do not walk, to this delightful place. And if it's during the 3 weeks in a year that the weather is temperate in our lovely state, I imagine that the outdoor seating is an extra treat. Thanks, Dante's Kitchen!
(5)
Greg G.
Wildly popular with locals, Dante's Kitchen makes a very favorable impression -- their chicken with a brick was as good as you've read (and much bigger than I thought it would be), Shrimp and grits were very good. We also splurged for the charcuterie plate, which was decent. Drinks were nice and strong. Only the Chocolate Cloud dessert disappointed --too sickly sweet for my taste. I've heard many good things about their brunch, particularly their Eggs Benedict. Perhaps we'll return on a subsequent N'awlins visit. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get in without a lengthy wait.
(4)
Chris F.
This is a great little restaurant, the atmosphere reminds me a lot of places in Austin. The food was great, a lot of creative different types of dishes. They even had some really good vegetarian options which my wife likes. A really good date place, that is still casual. Also, I haven't had it but my wife says that the brunch is great.
(4)
Blake P.
BAUCE. I've only been for brunch and had the banana nut panclocks (movie reference) and bacon cinnamon roll, because I'm a poor medical student who can't afford dinner, but I vow to one day have the brick chicken thing. And yeah, I said bacon cinnamon roll. Service was great, area is really cool and neat and quaint. Reminder -- bacon. cinnamon. roll.
(5)
Alyssa B.
My group went to Dante's Kitchen when we were in town for Mardi Gras and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We walked in and immediately felt at home in the sleek, yet cozy atmosphere. The waiter was extremely attentive, with plenty of drink suggestions. Hint: their house cocktails are seductive, with just the right balance of spirits and freshly squeezed fruits. The menu contained innovative dishes with nuances of down-home, comfort food. When our dishes arrived, everything tasted like it was plucked straight from the vine, caught in the ocean and conjured up for your delight the same day. Oh, their head chef really poured his heart and soul into these dishes. Just Scrumptious. You will be stuffed once you're done with your plate and picking off other's, but for heaven's sake, Do Not Miss Out on Dessert!
(5)
Mairead R.
Hell yeah, this place is classy and the food is stunning. Tinkling creole piano tunes. Sunny outdoor patio. Frosted glass jugs for lights and crisp colors to brighten up the establishment. There is an outdoor garden and some intimate indoor seating. Even though brunch was winding now, the place was filled with locals sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade and orange juice. Their brunch menu was delightful. I went with the pork belly BLT with a side of gator sausage. Wish I had room for biscuits or banana pancakes.
(4)
Jonathan D.
My parents took me here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. The Riverbend location is charming and an easy drive from my house in Uptown. We had early reservations but the dining room was already packed. We sat in a small room with only four tables, and framed photos of what looked like local indie/punk shows. Our waiter was an extremely effusive, friendly man with a heavy accent that I could not quite place, but he was very attentive. My mother had a cocktail called the Dante 79, which was an awesome champagne-based drink that was eminently drinkable. I had the Plantation, which was a refreshingly indefinable combination of cucumber infused gin, orange liqueur, basil, grapefruit, lime and soda water. Great cocktails, great start. I had the corn and crab bisque with rosemary olive oil, which was the most delicious, fresh-tasting soup I've ever had. I followed it up with the vegetable plate, with fresh locally-grown bok choy, shitake mushrooms, a goat cheese and onion croquette, radishes and pea shoots. It was also very fresh and delicious, but my mom had the redfish "on the halfshell," which was the best version of the New Orleans classic I've tasted yet. Pan-seared with the skin on and finished in the oven, coated with a thin layer of blackening spices, and topped with a generous mound of jumbo lump crab mixed with fresh herbs and something citrus-y. My dad had a pork dish that also looked pretty awesome, but I'm not a big pork fan. Everything was absolutely amazing. My only complaint was the noise level, which became quite high once our little dining room was filled with people who kept trying to drown out the conversations of the table next to them. However, that is a small complaint. The food was a revelation, the service was stellar, the location is great. Dante's Kitchen is doing it right in Uptown.
(5)
Jeanette R.
My husband and I dined at Dante's one Friday night in November for the first time in a year. My husband moved here in 2010 and described Dante's as his favorite restaurant at one time. It may be our last visit for dinner, though we will go back often for brunch. My husband had the only dish he ever orders...chicken under the brick. There was so much sauce, he hardly recognized the dish. I order the featured whole fish and while good, it could have been great, but here again the fish was sopping in broth. While I often order whole fish when out for dinner and do not mind the work involved, this version was downright sloppy and difficult to eat. The skin and bones of the fish were lost in the "soup" and I frequently had to worry that I was taking in a bone. It would have been much more appealing had it been served on broth and not in broth. By the time you order two sides, the chicken under the brick becomes a $33 meal and that is outrageous for chicken. The eggplant dish was flavorful with the goat cheese, but the chef should know better to skin the eggplant as I was not even able to cut it with a knife. They were out of mussels and the music was blaring so loud (yes, we are fans of rock) that we only could laugh at the end of the dinner as the experience had turned bizarre.
(2)
Suzanne G.
We ate here on a bachelorette party weekend in New Orleans over the summer. It was delicious and they were very accommodating for our large group. The only downside was that we had a little trouble finding the restaurant, but once found, all was golden. I had the tuna two ways - I'd highly recommend that dish, along with any of the appetizers. I also had a Dante 79, a play on the French 75. It fulfilled my dreams of something the opposite of beer, which we had enough of that weekend.
(4)
Dean H.
Simply outstanding meal and great service. Started with a couple of orange peel infused vodka and tonics that were wonderful. The molassis cornbread that was served before diners was mouth watering good. Had some of the best duck EVER!!! Not sure what they rubbed on the duck skin but it was incredible!! Final touch was a dessert called the Swamp -awesome, hot, chocolate brownie with strawberries. Unreal! Finally, the wine list was superb and the must cost-conscious I have ever seen. We had a bottle of Justin Isoceles, which was outstanding. Cost was approx $70. Same bottle two nights later was $125 at NOLA. ABSOLUTELY OUR BEST MEAL IN NEW ORLEANS!!!!
Disappointing, The quality and the quantity of the food are not in sync with the prices.
(2)
Charlie H.
Dante's was recommended by a local friend and it was not disappointing! For a drink I tried the Up Doc, a delicious carrot gin based cocktail that was sweet and inventive. Very tasty. Next I tried to LA citrus salad which was nothing to write home about. Slightly overdressed and the crunchy things on top did not mesh well with the tangerine slices. The chicken under a brick however was phenomenal. Rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked, not dry the way many restaurants do their chicken dishes. I usually avoid ordering chicken at restaurants because it is such a basic dish but this was done very well. All in all a great experience, good atmosphere with fitting music and a kind waitstaff
(4)
Rich W.
This place was about a 15 minute drive outside of the touristy French Quarters area. Fortunately we had a car rental but for those without a car, it's worth the cab fare! My significant other ordered the Debris with Scrambled Eggs (on the menu as Poached Eggs) and I ordered the Eggs Benedict. Both dishes were spectacular and was perfect to the tee. (Warning: It's somewhat on the heavier side, so brace yourselves!). The establishment definitely gave this city slicker a good insight to how good and comforting southern food can be! Also, not to take away from some of the establishments within and around the French Quarters, but dining here just gave off a way more authentic feel since it was tucked away in a predominately residential area.
(4)
Dan V.
Everything about this meal was perfect, from the pre-meal Sazarac (Modern, not Classic as the Classic refers to the invention of the Sazerac during Prohibition when NOLA didn't really "follow" the law banning alcohol and used cognac instead of rye... um, yeah +1 knowledgeable bartender!) to the Blueberry Olive Oil Cake (with sweet ricotta and lemon honey syrup, drool). It was a work-related dinner so we were able to sample far more appetizers, charcuterie, and small plates than I normally would and that only amplified the experience. There's a disclaimer on the front door that if you're looking for light health food, this isn't the place and while correct, all of the ingredients are handmade in house or locally-sourced... they just happen to have a healthy dose of butter and/or protein. We were with a vegetarian and she still managed (and had a glowing review as well). The atmosphere is casual but still fresh. There's not an overly stylized, modern or plastic-feeling to the restaurant and it really captured the laid-back vibe of New Orleans without a "hand-grenade" or "hurricane" in sight. The food is comfort food but not your standard 'fried chicken' fare. Speaking of chicken, the unappetizing 'Chicken Roasted Under a Brick' was the most tender, moist, flavorful chicken I've had in recent memory. Our waitress broke-down the prep process and I'm going to have to try the recipe at home (anything with maple-butter sauce is a win). You'll just have to go for yourself to find out more, but the 5-star review (my first) should say it all. Items we tried: Heirloom Tomato Salad, Escargot & House Made Bacon, Seared Diver Scallops, Braised & Roasted Pork Belly, Homemade/cured Salumi, Local Farm Vegetable Plate, Chicken Roasted Under a Brick (!!!!!!!!!!!), and of course, Blueberry Olive Oil Cake. Their 'punch' (aka "daily concoction of awesomeness") is also worth a try.
(5)
Ryan L.
Overall, a pretty solid hit and I would definitely return to Dante's Kitchen on a future trip to New Orleans. Great looking patio dining space, though we dined inside with the a/c. Food was spot on delicious. I opted for a couple small plates: scallops and boudin ... both of which were fantastic I'm not sure where the scallops were sourced, but they were sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked. The boudin, too, was scrumptious. My dining parter had the charcuterie plate and the mac and cheese and seemed overall less impressed than I was with my choices, but it I don't want to base this review on that person's dining experience. A miss was the El Vice Presidente rum drink. At $9, it was mostly very large ice cubes and the drink filled to about the 3/4 fill line of a rocks glass. I felt cheated. It was good, but just not properly served, in my opinion. Service was friendly, but a bit slow. They were training a new waitress at our table that night. She was okay, but already seemed like her heart wasn't in it. The guys who work here are easy on the eyes, for sure. ;)
(4)
Blair B.
From the cozy atmosphere to the accomodating staff, our evening here rocked. I liked the variety of plate sizes (apps, small plates, large plates) and really enjoyed all the food and beverage! We ordered a smorgasboard and shared it all - no one was super hungry. Our bill came out to $200ish for 5 people with 2 beverages each. A bargain ! Escargot - some of the better escargot I've had! My husband and sister aren't big fans of escargot, but they were even able to eat this. Not chewy at all and a nice subtle feta taste from the broth it was cooked in. Duck 2 ways - this was meh for us, but it seems others enjoy it. The breast was good, but the confit was nothing special and none of us could tolerate the heat level on the kimchee. Shrimp and grits - Our grit loving fam was eating this up! The shirmp were great, but the grits were spectacular. Perfect consistency. Chicken under a brick - moist and delish Filet trio (I forget exactly what this dish is named) - this was by far the table favorite. Each filet has a different preparation, but our favorite was the one with debris. Now putting low quality beef all over a nice filet sounds ridiculous, but it actually worked! The debris was fabulous - and I've eaten quite a bit of debris in my day. The mashed potatoes combined with the debris and the filet made for the perfect bite. Overall one of my favorite new (new to me that is!) places in NOLA. I even liked it better than Jacques Imo (but honestly you can't go wrong with either one).
(5)
Joshua Z.
I cannot comment on the food because the reception we received was so cold and off putting, we didn't stay on Sunday, March 31. We arrived early for our reservation and before the restaurant was opened. You would have thought we had the plague. It was about to thunderstorm and we were turned out into the neighborhood to find a bar to kill time. While my wife used the restroom, I tried to engage the bartender in talk about some curious looking liquors they had on display. Disdain is the kindest description for his interaction with me.
(1)
Cindy C.
My friends and I came out here for brunch and we were seated outside in the horrible humidity! I ordered a Dante's Omelette and it was amazing! The Crab Omelette had PLENTY of crabmeat in it so if you're feeling crabby, definitely order this entree! I typically don't like biscuits because they leave you a dry feel in your mouth but Dante's biscuits are out of this world!! It's moist and fluffy and it came with three different sauces in nice white plates: some type of berry jam, butter, and lemon jam. What I loved most about Dante's kitchen is the atmosphere and the whole setup. It reminded me of someone's backyard, nicely decorated with tables and chairs of course. It would be a great location (if it wasn't so humid) for a lovely breakfast/brunch! P.S. Parking can be found on the streets or in the parking lot across the restaurant.
(4)
Elijah C.
Dang..! This place is good. The pork was some of the best I've ever had. Everyone's dish at my table was great from start to finish. The service was good and so were the drinks. It has a nice homey atmosphere, but classy. Would recommend!
(5)
Cheryl R.
DANG!!! NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!! ohhh soooo good!!! took my honey out here for his birthday & LOVED IT!!! The Molasses Spoon Bread was freakin' awesome! We also ordered the Shrimp & Grits & OH SO YUMMY!!! (like one poster stated - get grits w/ a side of grits, so good!!) the seasoning/sauce (andoille red eye gravy) wasn't too heavy - it was flavorful & suited it perfectly!! My honey got the chicken under a brick & it was just ridiculously good - who would've thought??? SOOOO GOOD!!! I got the Lamb Mixed Grill - came w/ 2 succulent lamb thingies (that I swear the mint jelly was infused into & not at all overpowering!! AWESOME!!!) sausage ?andoille?? over pickled cucs I think it was - again nothing overpowering - very complimentary!!! amazing!! He also had the cauliflower which I didn't like so much - I got the broccoli which I liked!!! & then for desert key lime pie w/ the BEST whipped cream I have ever had!! SOOO GOOOODDD!!!! (I was just a bit heartbroken when all morning I kept looking forward to my leftovers - everything was there but my lamb, heartbroken I say!!) Oh yes we'll be back!! FUNNIEST thing... the menu gently states "no cell phones & diets" so very true!! While everything was just the best & I put calorie counting OUT OF MY HEAD - I never felt like the food was covered w/ gobs of goop - just incredibly flavorful masterfully put together seasoning & foods - very awesome!
(5)
Kirsten B.
Fabulous cocktails. Excellent breakfast...from the biscuits to the bread pudding french toast (a MUST) to the bacon...all of it is delicious! Great atmosphere, reasonable prices.
(5)
Marisa X.
Had Sunday brunch here.. It was amazing! The place always stays packed. If possible, call ahead to make reservations. Their bloody marys are excellent. They actually pickle their own green beans and okras. One of the best bloody marys I've had. Ate a few things off the menu and everything was excellent.
(4)
Terence N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday. The place is small and located in the middle of nowhere...it's out of the main tourist area, so it's all locals. I was lucky enough to have a friend who took me around the neighborhood and introduce me to the local foods. This place is excellent for brunch and I would recommend it to anyone in the area! Started off with Bloody Mary's, which were made excellent! The complimentary bread was also good, there were 4 different flavors, and all tasted fresh, healthy, and delicious. I decided to order the alligator sausage biscuits...one word...AMAZING! I was a little skeptical reading the description of the alligator sausage biscuits, it just didn't seem appealing...but it was by far the best biscuit I have ever had! The alligator sausage was excellent, it really doesn't taste all that much different from a regular sausage patty, except its leaner and less fatty. The biscuits were excellent! Baked perfectly! The scrambled eggs with peppers went well with the sausage...I would have like a little more mozzarella in my biscuits (because I love cheese), but it was a subtle touch. The glaze inside the biscuit was just enough to give a little flavor without overdoing things, it was slightly sweet. Overall, it may seem like only 2 biscuits...but they are very hearty and satisfying! I was impressed with my brunch item and would come back if I am ever in the area! My friends ordered the corned beef hash and the shrimp and grits; I didn't try them, but they said everything was cooked perfectly and delicious! The best thing I like about dante's kitchen is the food quality and presentation. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious! The presentations are simple and elegant. The prices for brunch are very good, ranges anywhere from $10-$15. The portions are big and fulfilling. I cannot find any complaints about this place other than the fact that they only have one restroom for both genders...literally 1 restroom for the whole restaurant...so if you got to go, be prepared to wait in line! Excellent food, excellent prices, excellent atmosphere!
(5)
Justin R.
Dante's is another one of those fresh neighborhood restaurants. I love the concept of Dante's and the like. Because of the location and the way they are set up inside, makes you feel right at home. I have been to Dante's on multiple occasions and try and get something different every time I go. For starters try the Shrimp & Grits, the Escargot or the Scallops. Either of these are great ways to start the meal off. As for dinner, get the Chicken Roasted under a Brick. It has so much flavor! And the chicken is cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes and Mac'n'Cheese are both excellent sides to accompany your dinner. The service is great and overall perfect experience every night.. I have yet to go for brunch, but here its amazing!
(5)
Ivana J.
We came here for an amazing breakfast late on a Saturday morning. We enjoyed a short wait sitting on their porch and were seated quickly. I got the brandy milk punch, which was a fun drink reminiscent of egg nog (it's the nutmeg) and the bread pudding french toast. Such a creative idea! It was well-executed, and the portion size was great! I was full, but not overly so.
(5)
Courtney S.
My most recent trip to Dante's was to have brunch with a bunch of Yelpers. It was an incredible experience. The menu is extensive (leading to much indecision on my part). We started with the house-made breads, which were so good. I tried the chocolate version, but I hear the cranberry was quite good, too When it came to an entree, I had trouble deciding between the Debris and Poached Eggs, Grilled Shrimp and Grits, Roasted Banana Pancakes and the Dante's Eggs Benedict. I went with the latter and had no regrets (other than wishing my stomach had more room!) Every bite was wonderful, and I will definitely go back to try that, as well as some of the dishes I wasn't able to try. The wait staff and manager were very attentive to our large group (I think we had 14 or 15 people). We were even treated to some of the famous, tasty Satsumosas... a mimosa made with satsumas and champagne. I highly recommend this as a not-to-be-missed brunch spot, no matter if your group is large or small. I will caution that Dante's has a no-reservation policy, so get there early, and be willing to wait for a seat--it's worth it. (You can enjoy Satsumosas and/or Bloody Mary's while you wait on their cute patio area!)
(5)
Elsa S.
Loved it for dinner - scallops were great and so was dessert! Brunch made me a little less happy - the salmon was too salty, but I would go back earlier since they were out of the dish I wanted to order.
(4)
Amit K.
I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. We were searching for a nice place to eat on this trip to NOLA with my parents. It was a special dinner for my birthday and this place was recommended to me by a friend. The outside is a converted house with a quaint patio with lots of seating and the inside has a few rooms with small cozy dining areas. We started off with some drinks, an Abita for my dad and I had a Pimms Cup. Both were quite refreshing. I had the chicken under the brick and my parents had two different types of fish. The fresh bread they served was simply amazing. The food, presentation and charm of the venue were all delightful. I was so sad that I was too stuffed for dessert. This meal is not cheap, but this meal is better than good, its great. like I said above, I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. This is probably the best restaurant I have ever been to in my short life and I plan on frequenting it more when I move to New Orleans this summer. Hopefully my bank account will allow me.
(5)
Pelle B.
Outstanding food. While New Orleans has lots of great traditional restaurants, there is also a new bread of small innovative restaurants that innovate while still being true to their New Orleans background. Everyone talks about the Shrimp and Grits. I had to try it and they were amazing. The BBQ shrimps were also very good. The sauce had a definite shrimp stock flavor to it. We had the filet au trois and the short rib. Both were excellent. I can really recommend them and their great friendly service. Try something different next time you're in NOLA.
(5)
Uyen V.
Ordered red fish and it was OK. Maybe I expected too much from all the high ravings or maybe I just didn't order the right meal. The waiter was patient and accommodated us well. My party was late and we literally placed our order in 15 minutes before closing.
(4)
Angelica W.
They had us at their spoon bread, so delicious and what a cute presentation, simultaneously rustic and modern, with vamped up tradition the foodie way. I already was expecting nice things to come when we were seated in the light and casual dining room of the renovated cottage, right under a vintage Dante sign and a shelf of home canned fruits in glass jars. I preferred the view to the outside terrace dining over the other slightly darker rooms, with their cozy antique feel. I like to dine right in the kitchen, and usually love the "concept libre" of a seemingly spontaneous compilation of ordinary objects and the "found furniture" look. Their design is not "libre" but stylish hom-y. "After 1900, home canning of all types of food, mainly in glass jars, became popular as a means of utilizing home garden products, providing better diets, and reducing the cost of living." Dante, also using fresh local produce, follows this great tradition but is not just doing that, they also infuse their own alcohol and barrel-age New Orleans classic cocktails. I was smitten by their new creation, Corpse Reviver, oh dizzying delight for the cocktail enthusiast. On culinary trips like this one from Chicago to New Orleans, I give up on my regular vegetarian life style, and venture out with a stop at red meat and not biting into cute little baby pigs, as already the name, sucklings, seems to forbid that. Everybody has their limits and some might argue that shrimps have cute eyes... Those we had though: the Grilled Shrimp on Stone Ground Grits with andouille red eye gravy was a down to earth amaze. The Redfish on the Half Shell topped wtih crab meat and soft herbs, the Caramelized Onion Smashed Potatoes and their famous Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg were a taste bud's joy, and the dessert, ah, I should have left more room, Blueberry Brown Butter Upside Down Cake with creole cream cheese gelato is just heaven. Thanks to chef Eman Loubier, the mixologists and the savvy staff we got the intro to southern cooking, which makes us ask for more.
(5)
Emily R.
Dante's Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. I ordered the arugula salad, caramelized onion mashed potatoes, and cauliflower, which I tried to replicate in our kitchen the next day because it was so good. It was covered in roasted garlic and is now my favorite cauliflower on earth. My three dining companions loved all their choices as well. I hear the scallops are to die for.
(5)
Melinda H.
Best bone marrow I've ever had! It comes with the escargot, but it's amazing also! A must have! They also flavor their own liquors and they have some really, really creative combinations, very fun and tasty!
(4)
Laila B.
Beautiful outdoor seating area, friendly but not overbearing service. My absolute favorite thing was the escargot served in a sauce of basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I would go back again and again for that dish. We also got the Heads and Tails, very cute name and very tasty dish (hogshead cheese and braised oxtails). Beets and greens we ordered as sides were wonderful, simple but somehow unique. Braised pork belly not as great as I had anticipated but the pork steak confit was even better. Redfish served with soft herbs and crabmeat was delicate and lovely. At first I thought the very pretty profusion of herbs would be over the top flavor-wise but it wasn't. Too full for dessert although nothing really jumped out at me either. One of my more memorable meals this year.
(4)
Jarrod M.
Comfort food done right. This is what a lot of places in Houston wish they could be. Seriously Dante's Kitchen, you knocked it out of the park. So, what made it so good? Cool location? Check. Good service? Check. Reasonable prices? Check. Food, drinks, everything!? Check. This place is one giant check, as in it checked every freaking box in the book. I think I'm in love. So, how about that food? I wasn't feeling in a mixed drink mood (sad for me) so I stuck to beer. Beer selection is kinda meh, which is really the only downside to this place. The food on the other hand, is out of control great. You start out with some molasses corn bread in a skillet. I've never had dessert for bread service, but it was like eating french toast, cornbread style. 5/5 Next up? Boudin Rouge, or blood sausage: bourbon black pepper mustard, roasted sweet peppers, preserved peaches. The texture was outstanding. Tasting it, I felt a bit like Goldilocks tasting the bear's porridge. Not too firm, not too crumbly, but just right. The flavor, too, was exquisite. You didn't get too mineral-y of a flavor, and the spices made you want to roll your eyes into the back of your head. 5/5 Now, to the main attraction. Chicken Under a Brick. Yelpers, do yourself a favor and listen to everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did, and I reached food Nirvana. It was the kind of food that is so good, it just makes you smile. Simple food that is well done. The skin on the chicken was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the meat itself was about as moist as you can get with a perfect, not too soft and not too chewy texture. 5/5 And the ribbon on this gift of a meal: peach cobbler. I ate this like there was no tomorrow. Perfect, flaky pastry crust, fresh tasting peaches (these bad boys weren't canned), and ice cream that didn't steal the show but instead complimented. This, friends, is how you make a peach cobbler. Dante's Kitchen, it may be awhile before I see you again, but rest assured, I will never forget you.
(5)
Jeepers C.
Whenever we go it is a different menu generated around what's in season. Very unique and well-executed. At first I thought it was a little pricey, but worth every penny. To order something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. It is a completely unique experience.The food is delicious!
(5)
Kyle W.
So I had brunch here last Sunday. We started off with the home made biscuits with home made jelly and butter this was awesome almost ordered another. I then had the Dante's omelet which was very good as well. along with a side of has browns and beacon. The atmosphere was very nice. staff was friendly nice relaxing place to eat. A bit crowded on Sunday which is a testament to how well liked this place is.
(4)
Jill L.
Quaint setting, challenging parking, good service, clean. Now, the food. Best shrimp and grits I've ever had bar none. The gravy is unbelievable. Salad was crisp and fresh and the dressing was good but I prefer less dressing and the greens were swimming in it. Complementary spoon bread was a molasses corn bread - heaven. Wine list is not vast but offers just enough choice that everyone can find a pleasing option.
(4)
Alicia J.
We came here for brunch and cocktails. My god, it was the best meal of our entire New Orleans trip. We began with the bacon praline sticky buns, mimosas and bloody marys. For the main dishes, eggs benedict, pork steak and a daily-special fish dish were had. Everything was delicious. First, the bacon praline bun is amazing. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sticky bun goes perfectly together. It came out hot and delicious. Cocktails in the morning? During Mardi Gras, why not? I am even willing to believe that this place has one of the best bloody marys, at least the best I have sampled. Before I describe each breakfast item in detail, I should mention that they are all breakfast-y. Hot, filling, and usually with a somewhat liquid component beneath the meat and veggies -- it is a really good way to start the day and soaks up some alcohol from those cocktails. The eggs benedict came with a superb pork loin. The pork steak was actually my favorite. I am a lover of tender meat, and this was the _most tender_ of meats, and also perfectly crispy on the outside. The special fish dish was a white fish of sorts, and while it may not help the reader, it was well-cooked and laid over a bed of grits that accented the flaky fish very well. The atmosphere of Dante's was perfect for an informal brunch with friends -- there are preserved vegetables in mason jars on shelves around the joint, and the windows allow in plenty of relaxing morning light. We loved it here.
(5)
Michael H.
The wife and I drove here straight from the airport for brunch. We got there just as they opened, we were seated, and within a fifteen minute period the place was packed, with people waiting outside. I would like to start by saying the staff there was incredibly friendly, efficient, knowledgeable of the menu, and made us felt welcomed there. Our server was Stephen, and he was a very personable. We started our meal with the biscuits which came with house made jams and preserves, blueberry and peach. They lasted no time on the plate. I ordered the grilled shrimp and grits and the wife got debris and poached eggs. We literally had to slow ourselves down from inhaling our meals. Yeah, the food is just that great! Of course we each tried the others meal. I'm not a big hollandaise fan, but the demi-glace hollandaise was fantastic. I could see it in the wife's eyes, she wanted my grits. And how could she not, they are so good. The food is superb, the atmosphere is charming, you can dress casual, and the prices very reasonable. We enjoyed our meal so much, we came back a couple of days later for dinner! The wife had the house tea of the day(cocktail) and it was superb and refreshing. I had an Abita. support your local brewers! We started with the house made Salumi. Tasty! We each got the roasted sweet pepper salad. And made short work of them. I had the trois mignon for my entree, rare of course, melt in your mouth delicious. The wife got shrimp and grits as her entree, and she was very happy with it. And we split a dessert, If Napoleon was Italian. Very tasty. Our server that evening was Tierney and she was an absolute doll. Kudos to whomever is hiring the front of the house staff. It's really impressive that they use so many local ingredients, make so much in-house product (look around you there are jarred products on every available shelf) and infuse their own liquors. If I lived in New Orleans, I would eat here all the time.
(5)
Marcus A.
Dante's Kitchen offers gourmet food packaged up down-home style, literally. The flame fueled, hand painted sign outside leads you to the front door of a quaint house. It's cozy and intimate and nestled away in the garden district, providing a nice change of a pace from the French Quarter environment. I've heard their alcoholic beverages are superb, but as I do not drink I am going on the words of others. I was able to try a smattering of dishes and enjoyed them all. Table bread is a molasses spoon bread in a house honey butter; it is delicious, moist and dense. The mussels in green curry were a tasty treat and the sauce had just the right amount of hot, sour and sweet to make you sop up every ounce with the accompanying french bread. The grilled shrimp and stone ground grits with an andouille red eye gravy was my favorite dish of the evening. It was rich and had some nice heat that chased down every bite. As far as entrees are concerned, I ordered the trois mignons. The house made worcestshire filet mignon was to die for. The debris filet mignon mixed in with the caramelized onion mashed potatoes was practically perfect. The stilton filet mignon wasn't as stellar as the first two, as I felt the stilton didn't really bring anything to the table. I also had a bite of the chicken roasted on a brick and the duck 2 ways. The chicken was good, but nothing spectacular, especially next to my expectations after reading the reviews here. My sampling of the duck was great. We ordered the apple tart with blue cheese ice cream, yes I said blue cheese ice cream. The blue cheese definitely came through and I'm still not sure if this was a good thing. I'm not big on desserts and this was fairly average.
(4)
Chris H.
Extraordinary. I have made two trips to New Orleans from Biloxi just to eat dinner here. I am a big fan of their escargot. It makes a great, fresh, tasty appetizer. The second time I ate here, I got the shrimp n grits and the bacon wrapped scallops. I am convinced those were the best scallops I've ever had. Bacon happens to be my favorite food too. But the scallops! Tender, succulent, juicy with hints of lime and Creole seasoning. They melted in my mouth. They were monstrous in size as well so I was cutting them up like miniature steak filets to savor every bite. I am a big stickler about the size of my scallops, and these broke the scales. My coworker had the famous chicken under a brick. I didn't know chicken could be so moist and tender. For desert: peach cobbler with Creole cream. Not my favorite. The peaches were on the bitter side. Five stars just for the scallops though. This is a must~go place for visitors to the crescent city.
(5)
Lindsay W.
I had heard such great things about this place, but I was not impressed. Good food but not necessary better than other brunch spots in nola. I'd suggest some other great places before Dante's. Oh, and their bloody mary - yuck. It was fruity.
(3)
Bonni T.
I went for brunch and quite honestly I believe I enjoyed everything about my experience. The shrimp and grits...AMAZING. My boyfriend had the alligator sausage sliders and he actually enjoyed them. He is a simple man so I was surprised. They do a good job of adding a little bit of flair to traditional dishes.
(4)
David B.
Similar to Jacques Imo's in price and quality. Usually slightly less crowded and slightly less delicious, I think. Favorites are: Brunch
(4)
Peggy C.
We'd loved our dinner at Dante's. We were visiting New Orleans from out of town and visited this restaurant and one other outside the French Quarter and were mistaken as locals in both cases. ;) The hardest part was choosing what to eat. We had 1 appetizer, 1 small plate, shared a large entree with 3 sides and shared a dessert. We had Escargot & House Made Bacon - YUM!! We had the Charcuterie Plate (cheese, meat, mustard, housemade pickles) - YUM!! We had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, mac and cheese, fried rice, and local vegetables - ALL also YUM!! The best part is that most of the meal is sourced LOCALLY, which supports the local economy, reduces pollution, and much more! Our service was fantastic. Reservations recommended.
(5)
John M.
I think I split the difference with a lot of the reviewers. It appears there's a lot of distaste for the "oversauciness" of the entrees, and with that I'd definitely agree. I had the duck and I tended to take each bite like so: "Hmm. Mmmmm. Er? Huh. Mmm. Yeah! Well...Wha? Hm." I'm no chef, but that seems like too much going on. But what can you do? This place had the best shrimp and grits I've ever had (I've had shrimp and grits twice). They were so off-the-hook, I gobbled them all up, shrimp with heads and all. This sauce was perfect, one distinct taste, all good. Everyone was very nice, including the owner who went out of his way to make me feel at home, totally cozy atmosphere, so perhaps someone can yelp through and find an entree that works better for most to have with them thar shrimp.
(3)
Toe H.
This food is practically crack! I wouldn't be surprised to find someone blowing the chef for the Slow Cooked Rabbit Leg & Dumplings out back of this place. I'm in from out of town and went with a couple locals, we all shared each others' food bistro style (recommend) in order to try more dishes. If you get the Molasses Cornbread, you will not be sorry. Grits were the bomb. My entree was "Trois Mignons," it was good and prepared well, but I would recommend trying out other entrees. As I hinted at the rabbit was off the chain. Also we had the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad, which was crisp and well balanced. Service was great. You SHOULD NOT leave this restaurant without getting at least one of the mixed drinks. They infuse their own liquors here. I can't remember the name of the drink, but I tried one with Cucumber infused Gin and it was the most baller gin drink I have ever had. It was very refreshing and the simple idea of infusing cucumber with gin is pure genius. Pimms cup was also good.
(5)
Tom R.
Good food. Delivered at a snails pace. Literally unreal. 45 minute wait between starters and main course. When we ordered dessert I asked if we could make it a bit more speedy. So it showed up after 35 minutes. Sad. Will not be back.
(1)
Kent W.
Unlike many restaurants, Dante's is consistently excellent. I've never had an "off" meal there. The grits may be the best in the city. Cocktails are great as well.
(5)
Lily S.
The food is somewhat very salty to my taste but it was still good. The servers were friendly and the restaurant was so cozy and comfortable. I would definitely come back.
(4)
Chris C.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Visiting New Orleans and looking for good food (i.e. not in the French Quarter), we stumbled upon the Yelp reviews for Dante's Kitchen.... Yelpers - again you have steered me in the right direction. The shrimp and grits were to die for!! I had the redfish and my friend had the tuna. The food was excellently prepared, perfectly plated, and served with a smile. The ambiance is low key and homey, with beautiful New Orleans decor. The menu changes frequently, and they try to get the majority of their food locally sourced. You can see on the blackboard which ingredients are local. Coming from DC, I thought the food was reasonable priced ($20-25 per plate) and delicious. If you are in town visiting and want some good food - rent a car, take a taxi, walk if you have to - but get yourself to Dante's. There is no good food in the French District. I repeat... THERE IS NO GOOD FOOD IN THE FRENCH DISTRICT. All overpriced and underwhelming. You are welcome!
(5)
Helen N.
I've eaten here a few times already but its been more than a year since my last vist. Its one of my favorites NOLA restaurants and I especially love their molasses spoon bread! I could of ate the whole thing except I had to share with the two other friends I went with :) Escargot & House Made Bacon: Delicious! It comes with a piece of toasted and butter french bread which is great for dipped. Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops: This dish comes with 2 decent sized scallops but the field peas thats they laid on were buttery, soft and cooked perfectly. Baked Mac & Cheese with Gruyere, Fontina: good but not my favorite. I just wanted to try a different side , so we ordered it. It has a punch to it. Trois Mignons: cooked medium and perfectly! the mashed potatoes were an excellent accompaniment. Stuffed Flounder: Good fish dish also... Hole in the wall, street parking, but great food!! FYI: make reservations!!
(5)
John V.
We're never disappointed in Dante's. It's one of our regular stops when we're in New Orleans.
(5)
Feldman A.
I cannot remember when I ate better than on New Year's Eve at Dante's Kitchen in the Black Pearl along the Riverbend in the lovely underbelly of swanky Uptown New Orleans. The dishes were as creative as they were exquisite. The place had personality as well as making magic in our mouths. And even on a night as busy as New Years, the atmosphere was intimate and the service attentive. The Shrimp and Grits with homemade panbread and the yummy signature drinks that we had there were out-of-control good and are likely to be branded on our parietal lobes for some time to come.
(5)
Derek R.
Terrific little neighborhood gem! I love this place!! I've probably been there 20 times or more. Try the pumpkin soup if you like your soup on the spicy side - like I do! The complimentary spoonbread is always a winner! Definitely check out the small plates. The braised ribs are deliciouso! For entrees I recommend the chicken under a brick, trois mignons, or the redfish with crabmeat. All very yummy and quite tasty! For dessert I like either their carrot cake or spiced chocolate cake!! And finally, try tapas night the last WED of the month. $5 for a small glass of wine and a tapas. Enjoy!
(5)
Irene H.
We went on Sunday for brunch and I took the advice of another reviewer and made sure we got there a little after 10:30. All the seats were taken, but we were first on the list and the mimosa's we enjoyed while waiting were good. I had the Dante's Omelet which was full of andouille sausage and had a spicy flavor, but wasn't overly seasoned to the point I could not enjoy it. A dish I would get again. My family had the shrimp and grits and the crab brie omelet which were also delicious. We split a plate of alligator sausage and I didn't think I would like it and it didn't taste like anything I had had before, but it was good. The atmosphere and staff were really nice and I would definitely go back. Would like to try dinner next time.
(4)
Scott D.
One of my favorite places to eat in NOLA. This place is located in an old house that lets you know you are eating in NOLA. It's a great place for a date. It's romantic and quaint. The food and ambiance are both great. The prices are not the best, but you get what you pay for and this place is worth every penny. It's small, so be sure to make reservations. Fellas if you want to impress your lady, mistress or FWB, hit this place up.
(4)
Jill S.
After taking the streetcar ALL the way uptown to Jacques-Imos, only to find it CLOSED for a two week break, I pulled out my trusty Yelp app to find a suitable analog in walking distance. Brigtsens looked a little too schmancy for our casual attire. But what's that across the street? That looks cool... The inside is done in springy oranges and greens coloring each segmented seating area, giving it an intimate feel no matter where you sit. The courtyard looked great if it had been a little cooler / dryer out. Their menu fits on one sheet, which is something I appreciate. Lots of salads, sides, and small plates, most below $10, as well as a handful of entrees that were in the $20+ range. We each got a salad and a side dish. The watermelon salad was one of the most exciting combinations of flavors I've had in a while, and the vegetable side was like a noodle-less lasagna, definitely filling. Several options for a vegetarian! Their drink list was the hidden star of the night. I got a gin cocktail with "house-made" watermelon something or other, named after an antidepressant (Prozac?)--it was a bizarre shade of pink and very refreshing. We split the mojito, which was VERY heavy on the booze.
(4)
Sunflower G.
Food is DiVine! Melts in your mouth it's so good. We had the Chicken under Brick and Trois Melange (steak/filet mignon) and it was beyond terrific. I love it when good food tastes so heavenly. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Emerson A.
Great Food, great flavors, I will go back. Is not a 5 Because of the amount of time it takes to get your food( Maybe should be that way when is fresh). Emerson.
(4)
Daniel G.
I was down for Jazz Fest last year. I wanted southern food and this Boston boy got his dose of southern comfort food done right. Maybe one of my favorite brunch places all time. Pretty bold huh, go try it for yourself.
(5)
Alicia T.
It's seems so rare that I am surprised by restaurants in New Orleans anymore. So imagine my delight when we stumbled into Dante's Kitchen on a Saturday night sans reservation and were promptly sat to enjoy what became one of the best meals I've had in a while. We got there at 6:30pm and I was a little worried by the lack of seated tables in the place. I had only been there for brunch many moons ago and the only think I could remember was that it was very rich (as in butter and cream). I was relieved to see the menu was comprised of an abundance of local vegetables, fresh seafood and other lighter fare in addition to the richer items like short ribs and savory duck. I had a specialty cocktail called the Tokyo Rose and it was a perfect aperitif; effervescent, gingery, slightly bitter. Upon getting my drink we were delivered hot spoon bread with a honey butter. It's about the best thing on the planet. I had one helping and my friend single-handedly finished the entire thing off. I had the mussels with green curry as an appetizer and my friend got the arugula salad. My mussels were awesome; spicy, flavorful and fresh. The salad, well, it was ok but nothing special. For my entree I got the vegetable platter which it all the right notes. It was comprised of freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes, wilted dandelion greens, roasted turnips and a goat cheese potato croquette thing. It was savory, filling and light all at the same time. My partner got the crabcake with the poached egg which he declared as amazing and the short rib, which he continued to eat even though he was already stuffed ( a good sign). The service was spot-on...informative but not overbearing. Attentive but not annoying. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. The music was a little weird but as the night wore on, it became more suiting. I will be back very soon!
(5)
Elyse B.
Came with a big group on Sunday (14 of us) and arrived before 10:30 for brunch (since they don't take reservations). AMAZING brunch food, everything was absolutely delicious. I had the shrimp and grits and a Bloody Mary, both which I highly recommend. To put it lightly, I give 5 stars to any place that makes me seriously crave their food and this place deserves it, hands down.
(5)
Shawna B.
Yum. This place is awesome! We started with the escargot with basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I wished I had a straw to slurp up the delicious juice. I had the trois mignons and they were melt-in-your-mouth yummy. Husband had the grilled pork steak with a bacon and rosemary white gravy and it was incredibly tender. Also shared a side of duck-fat roasted potatoes which are as good as they sound. And we split the chocolate spice cake and became over-the-top full. Our waitress was fabulous and very helpful and the rest of the staff was courteous. Would definitely come back on our next trip- it was a great meal and reasonably priced.
(5)
Bernardo A.
What happens when you slow-braise a pork butt steak for five hours? Exactly. The food in this neighborhood restaurant is out of this world. The portions are perfect, the service is impeccable, the atmosphere is homey. The place is not cheap; a three course meal with a glass of wine or a beer can set you back about $55 pp. However, the quality of the food makes this place a bargain. Recommended are the shrimp with grits in avred eye gravy, the cauliflower soup, the braised and then blackened pork steak served over braised greens and a reduced apple butter. For dessert, one chocolate pot de creme is enough for two...the hot chili finish on that is so good.
(5)
Mike H.
I would move to New Orleans in a heartbeat if I could find an income that could support me living expenses and my addiction to the food down there. I went to Dante's on a Saturday morning after a long, long night of drinking for brunch. Now, I'm from Boston, and in the Northeast, Brunch is a huge thing. Everyone does it, so brunch to me is a safe haven of food. I feel comfortable. Like, under the comforter on a cold day comfortable. Dante's blew that out of the water. I went to NOLA with the intent of having grits, and nothing would stop me from achieving that. I had their Dante's Eggs Benedict with a side of Cheese Grits and a side of Hash Browns. First of all, the portions were HUGE. I'm used to the small-okay sized portions of brunch in Boston, but Dante's was subconsciously telling me that I was Mary Kate Olsen and needed to add about 50lbs to be healthy again. The flavor was amazing, cooked perfectly, and made my mouth water. The grits were everything I ever wanted. The consistency was spot on, (not that I had anything to compare it to,) and it tasted great. I had the regular stone-ground grits too since my friend got them. Either one will blow your mind. The decor was so nice and homely. Laid out so you're not on top of the table next to you, but small enough to maintain intimacy. I'm going back ASAP. Thank god plane tickets are so cheap there and back. :)
(5)
Zach R.
This was my first taste of New Orleans food on my first trip to the city. I chose this place based on the reviews, and it did not disappoint. Again, based on the reviews, I started with the shrimp and grits. This is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I've tried them all over, including Savannah and Charleston. The shrimp and grits at Dante's are flat-out the best I've ever had. The grits are unbelievably creamy and they come topped with three huge shrimp (with the heads still on). The seasoning on the shrimp was out of this world and the andouille gravy in the grits was delicious. Get them. I also ordered the "redfish on the half shell." I was half a redfish filet topped with a crab and mint (?) mixture. The fish was cooked perfectly, but lacked the Cajun punch I was hoping for. The crab was cold, which was also a little disappointing. Lastly, the server brought out a complimentary pan of molasses spooncake. I'd read about it in the reviews and was looking forward to it. It was absolutely delicious. It's like a sweet, moist cornbread (minus the corn) topped with honey butter. It comes out piping hot, brought to you in the little cast iron skillet it was cooked in. A very unique and unforgettable side/dessert. Go there for the shrimp and grits and the spooncake. They're phenomenal. The redfish left a little to be desired and it was pricey (spent $50 for myself only), but I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Christine H.
I visited Dante's based upon the great yelp reviews that I read prior to my trip to New Orleans. The atmosphere and service are five stars, however I can only give the food 3. Maybe it was what I ordered. I didn't like the potatoes in duck fat, and I didn't enjoy the main course of duck cassolet (maybe I spelled it wrong). The dish was served lukewarm and the duck was tough and there was a small bone left in which was not a pleasant discovery once it was inside my mouth! I would probably try Dante's again based upon the numerous other people who loved it and since the service was so great. I just wouldn't order the duck next time.
(3)
K M.
After I discovered this place on Yelp!, we thought it would be fun to try something new for our anniversary dinner. I was super excited when we got there, but left a little disappointed. First off, our server, Luis, was superb, and I do not think that where our dinner was lacking had anything to do with the attentiveness of the server. The spoon bread came out piping hot, and delicious! Was better with a little salt, though. On to the appetizers: Husband got the shrimp and grits, which were piping hot and delicious! The shrimp were seasoned perfectly and the grits were delightfully creamy. Needed a little salt, though. Unfortunately, I got the corn and crab soup, which was nothing more than yellow tinged chicken stock with a little crab meat thrown in. It was thin and virtually flavorless, slightly warmer than room temperature, and the corn must have taken the day off because I didn't see any in there. I didn't even finish it; it wasn't worth whatever calories were in it. Even a little salt couldn't save it. Entrees: Husband got the pork confit, which he enjoyed, and I also thought had a great flavor, even though I'm not a big meat eater. I had the bacon wrapped scallops small plate, along with the Barq's candied sweet potatoes, thinking that after the bowl of soup, I probably wouldn't be too hungry. The scallop/bacon combo was smoky and delicious, but the sweet potatoes weren't anything special. The biggest issue was that none of the entree foods were particularly hot. I like my food to seem as if it was just prepared, not "resting" for 15 minutes somewhere. I felt rushed to eat so I wouldn't have to eat cold food. I was so excited about this place after reading all of the Yelp! reviews, and really hoped my experience would make me want to go back for brunch. I left undecided.
(3)
Whitney J.
I love Dante's. I've been here for both brunch and dinner many times and have never been disappointed by either the food or the service. Only once was I sad there, and that was because they'd run out of house-made pickles for the bloody mary. The shirmp and grits are perfect. The pate plate for an appetizer at dinner is lovely with its house made mustards and pickles. I took my parents here and they loved the redfish with crab and the trois mignons. Worth the money. and Oh My God the Spoonbread. Eat all the spoonbread. And the cheddar-jalepeno grits. Eat it all.
(4)
Claire S.
The best place I have visited during my stay. We went to many restaurants during our stay including Emeril's restaurants and others, but nothing came close to Dantes. I think a house was converted into a restaurant and I could feel the cozy ambiance as soon as I walked in. I found a very unique stuff at the bar. The bartender had created many different flavored liquors and kept them in pretty bottles, apple brandy, pomegranate whiskey and many others. He clearly knew his stuff. He made a glass of Sazerac with his apple brandy. Oh... that was heavenly. I cannot remember what we ordered cause 10 of us ordered almost everything on the menu and shared them. But it does not matter what the dish was since literally everything was spectacular. I will go back to Dantes whenever I get a chance.
(5)
Heather S.
One of my favorites. Shrimp n' grits are amazing, as well as the spoon bread. In general I like everything they do, but occasionally when they change the menu the new main courses are not so good. Also, the desserts are not very good. I do love that they make their own jam, do the pickling themselves, and try to incorporate local items.
(5)
Steven M.
Dante's kitchen is simply awesome! I had one of the best meals in a LONG time there. What a great combination of menu, decor, service and ambiance. We had the shrimp and grits, escargots, duck, and Trois Mignons. Each was better than the next, full of flavor creativity and visual elegance. The shrimp and grits was particularly good, I grew up in the South and those were by far the best grits I've ever had! I honestly think Dante's Kitchen would hold it's own against any restaurant in Chicago save Alinea. And in terms of price, it's simply no comparison, we got out of there for under $150 for two people wine included and felt like we had a five star meal. Highly, highly recommended!!
(5)
Nadrian M.
GRITS! If you like them this is definitely the place to get them. Great, friendly staff and wonderful menu selection......oooooh and uh rum ah did I say GRITS!
(5)
Kelly H.
One of the best New Orleans restaurants! It's located in the uptown area - not in the touristy part. It's more or less an upscale neighborhood restaurant - nothing wrong with that at all! The space itself is basically a converted house - it actually has sort of a tropical feel without going overboard. In other words - great atmosphere! But you come here for the food - classic New Orleans cuisine with a few "nuvo" twists. The stuffed flounder was loaded with andouille and crawfish tails with just enough spice to give it a little bite. The "Redfish on the Half Shell" is a signature item that consists of a nice, pan fried piece of red fish topped with sauteed lump crab meat. Excellent! Also, a side of green beans sauteed with pancetta was surprisingly delicious! Desserts include the basic Key Lime Pie but a nightly special of Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot de Creme (OK, I probably spelled that wrong) was out of this world - a warm chocolate custard topped with toasted marshmallows - yummmm... The blueberry pie appeared to be a bit heavy in the crust but I am told that it was excellent. The wine list was a bit light, but there were some interesting by the glass choices. A good California Pinot Nior was a perfect pairing with slightly spicy flounder. Also note that this place can get pretty busy. I would recommend reservations. All in all, this a great New Orleans restaurant! It's a bit off the beaten path but well worth it!
(4)
Liz M.
This is one of my most favorite brunch spots uptown. During satsuma season, the satsuma-mosas are the best I've ever had. Actually, any of their cocktails are quite perfect at any time of the year. The grits are slow cooked overnight in whole milk are are incredibly hearty and creamy. Get any dish with the grits. Get the grits by itself. Get the grits with a side of grits. My favorite brunch item is the eggs benedict with the debris gravy. Anyone that doesn't know what debris gravy is, it's roast beef gravy with bits of the roast beef in it, and it's divine. Best to go with a group of people so that you can sample everyone else's dish, because the brunch menu is a no-fail.
(4)
Erin D.
Dante's Kitchen is SOOOOO amazing. Not your typical menu - you are supposed to go for 3-4 courses (they are smaller) but the food is out of this world. It's rich, home-style goodness. The only downside is it is a little pricey, but definitely worth it.
(5)
Christine H.
Nominated pastry chef-menu disappoints. As other reviews found, the Shrimp and Grits was gorgeous-the shrimp are head/shell on and colossal. The grits are so creamy they almost resemble thin mashed potatoes. The Dante's special spoon bread that's served as a free appetizer is TO DIE FOR. I am still thinking about the succulent, perfectly charred caramelized maple on the Chicken under a Brick. Unfortunately the potato and bacon hash cake that is served with the brick chicken was a failure. A mound of dry, chalky potatoes and unrecognizable bacon. It's failure took the egg down with it as there was no harmony between the chicken and the egg alone. The biggest disappointment was the dessert offerings. We had read that the pastry chef was nominated to receive "Food & Wine's The People's Best New Pastry Chef 2012 Award and even asked to see the menu before dinner had arrived. What an anti-climax. The 2 desserts that even looked interesting were "unavailable". The Strawberry Fennel Pie because "we couldn't get strawberries" and they had sold out of the Chocolate Meringue Clouds. Even those two dishes only rated a 3 of 5 on my dessert radar. The others were a 0. The only reason i mention it as a negative is that Dante's is touting the nomination. Once you do that, you need to live up to the expectation that it brings. If I had seen the spoon bread on the menu as a warm dessert with a caramel drizzle and praline ice cream I would have ordered it in a heart beat.. Here is a copy of the dessert menu from Dante's Kitchen. You can decide for yourself what you think it as an award deserving offering.. Desserts Trio of Sorbet 7 selections change daily Strawberry Fennel Pie 7 creme fraiche gelato Lemon Poppy Seed Cake 7 mascarpone icing Butterscotch Pudding 7 with saltedwhipped cream Chocolate Meringue Clouds 7 orange blossom diplomat cream, sweet strawberries Composed Cheese Plate 7 artisanal cheeses, red wine biscuit, bitter chocolate kisses, strawberry citrus marmalade
(4)
Alexa X.
I went there for lunch and had shrimp and grits and a milk punch. Overall, nothing impressive--simply nothing bad and nothing good. I heard their dinner is better than their lunch.
(3)
Ryan S.
I wish I'd written a review shortly after visiting here, because the details are a little fuzzy. We loved this place. The atmosphere was great, the food was outstanding, and the staff was super friendly. It wasn't cheap, but certainly for the quality of the experience it wasn't expensive. Both my wife and I were thrilled with our entrees. I do recall I had the 3 petite filet mignon's. Each came with a different topping. It was to die for. Also, our cocktails were fabulous. They had a large variety of small batch bourbons that I'd never had before, and I asked for the waitress to bring me the bartender's recommendation served neat. I was thrilled that they didn't just take the opportunity to serve me the most expensive bourbon on their shelves, but rather surprised me with Buffalo Trace, which I'd never had, and is very nice and on the low end of the price scale for a glass of bourbon. I'd like to say I'd definitely come here again, and maybe I will... but New Orleans is known for its food, and I've only been once in my life. Dante's lived up to the New Orleans cuisine hype!
(5)
Michael S.
Had a great brunch here a couple months ago. Really chill and casual but the food was outstanding! Can't wait to back for dinner sometime soon!
(4)
Jordi G.
This really was the dinner that never ended. I have to say that the food would probably be three stars, but the service absolutely detracted a star from this place. After our appetizers came pretty promptly, the entrees took about 90 minutes with our idiot server repeatedly coming by and saying that our food would be out in less than 5 minutes. This happened four or five times--I don't understand why you would say that so many times if it isn't true whatsoever. After it finally came, the excuse, "you got behind a table of 12" What is this a school for ants? Seriously how small is their kitchen that that takes 90 minutes? We tried to be nice the whole time but they really tested our patience. The food probably deserved three stars. The pickled plate was my favorite thing on the menu and was technically best dish they had. Bland pumpkin soup with too much creme fraiche. The layered farm vegetable and gruyere mac and cheese sides were both really missing any bite. They literally had nothing to them. I tried three entrees: roasted chicken under a brick, trois mignons, and redfish on half shell. Roasted chicken was good and moist but not that flavorful, trois mignons had plenty of flavor and way too much salt (they really seem to not know which ingredients to trust that can stand alone) and the redfish was very good--flaky, light, flavorful. Good dish. Overall, though, poor service and 3 star at best food.
(2)
Mary B.
Dante's has one of the best brunches in town, and is also one of the best ways to gain weight NOLA stylie. They are not afraid of butter! We are all going to die happy! In an old house by the Riverbend, Dante's uses a lot of local ingredients and makes killer cheese grits. Seriously, eating these grits will make you Southern if you aren't already. I have also had the crab omelette, which was great, and the brioche pan perdu which was a little dry. The brandy milk punch may seem like a strange morning drink, but I liked it, and I am not a big sweet drinker. The service was professional, A+. The only caveat I have to add is, if you are sensitive to butter or salt or culinary indulgence, Dante's may not be for you.
(4)
Shivani S.
I wish I could give this place more stars! Delicious food. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. I don't think we've had chicken this flavorful since visiting France. The rest of the food was equally delicious. Definitely worth the trip!
(5)
Ashleigh B.
I visited this place after getting a mani/pedi at Cindy's. I was in pajamas and they still treated me with respect and kindness. I tried the escargot, carb and corn soup, and the ratatouille. The atmosphere was calm, the food was amazing, the drinks had a kick, and the service was warm. I made sure to show appreciation with my tip to my waiter. I'll definitely revisit to try all the other bites on the menu.
(5)
Sharine d.
most of the Food was wonderful! Tasty..high end menu, but overall experience was a 3 . Cheese plate appetizer...Cheese was nice..also had some homemade cracker, cookie and Apple pastry. The bread for table was excellent. Steak dish was excellent. Duck dish would have been perfect, but duck was undercooked....sad. Side dishes of cabbage and the mashed potatoes.....were both excellent!! Service was very attentive to locals...a bit hot and miss for our table. Not sure if our waiter was just overwhelmed?.? Overall team appears to work together to help out, but it could have been better. Real rating would be 3.5...I'll take the duck home and microwave, so I can chew. The rest of the dish was a hit. Cute house restaurant....in nice neighborhood.
(3)
Christian D.
A friendly staff, home-like atmosphere, and sizable portions give this place popularity. I had the duck with a glass of Cabernet - both were very good. Unfortunately, they were out of the appetizers we wanted, but no biggie. We tried the bruschetta and the shrimp and grits. Yes to the bruschetta, no to the latter. Our French waiter, Luis, was quite comical and very attentive. The red velvet cake for dessert was some of the best I ever had. Overall: 4.0 / A-
(4)
Andrea N.
Delicious! Fresh baked everything. The biscuits were perfectly moist, just the right amount of dense, and I think they even make the jam. I have the Benedict which came with two this pork chops. I mean?! Come on?! Can't beat that. My friends got the following: crab and Brie omelet, dante's omelet complete with meat and cheese and potatoes (oh my!), and shrimp and grits. No one left a single bite. Iced coffee was yummy, too. Full bar on site, Corey spot, brunch line was about a 25 minute wait on a Sunday at high noon. Staff and service was good.
(5)
Robert B.
I have been to Dante's a few times for brunch and years ago for lunch. This review is of the brunch only. It's definitely a winner. I went most recently on a beautiful Sunday morning after Mass. We were first in line and chose the patio of course. NOLA had just been through a wet cold spell, and the idea of patio dining was exciting. We both ordered a Bloody Mary to start. It is one of the best Bloodies in the city. The difference is a nice hint of horseradish in the mix. Very tasty. For food, I ordered the pork steak confit and my lovely dining companion the salmon and eggs. The pork confit was one of the best dishes I have eaten, truly a first class dish. It was perfectly tender and served over hash browns with chutney and 2 fried eggs on top. My first eggs were way overcooked, but the waitress was totally cool and brought me 2 more that were correctly cooked. The DC's salmon was good too though it's not my thing. It was nowhere near the caliber of the pork. As always I checked out the other dishes being brought to neighboring tables. The cinnamon rolls looked awesome and were as big as a hubcap. We decided to try one next time, and there will be a next time.
(4)
Edward S.
Another restaurant keeping New Orleans on the map for great food. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. The service is great. It is cramped inside, but so are most places here. Someone here really cares about this place. If you really want to impress a date, take her here.
(5)
Steven R.
Pizza is good, it's quick, and they have a solid bathroom. Perfect place to stop at while walking around.
(4)
Felicia H.
Dined here last night and WOW. Just WOW. To think we were originally going to go to Jacques Imos (which I love, but hate the 2h wait) and fortuitously found ourselves here instead. Started with the spoon bread and honey butter. I would take this in lieu of bread any damn day. It smelled as good as it looked and it looked as good as it tasted. Food fit for the gods. Appetizers: escargot and mussels. Absolutely saporous! Highly recommend. Main course: portions were shockingly generous. You will not leave hungry. Shrimp and grits - grits were the star of this show Chicken roasted under a brick - best out everything we ordered Trois mignons - zero complaints Braisted lamb - largest plate; homemade pasta = delectable! Boudain rouge - a little dry and salty for my palate but the sauerkraut saved it Redfish on the half shell - my least favorite of everything we ordered; wayyy too salty and just didn't feel as special as the other dishes. Dessert: red velvet cake - no one complained. No crumbs leftover. I left completely stuffed, satiated and satisfied. The whole dining experience was wonderful and I would come back in a heartbeat. My favorite part of their menu - the disclaimer: "no cell phones, low calorie diets or separate checks"- preeaacchhh Dante preaaachhhh. Don't come to New Orleans if you're on a diet, what's the point?
(5)
Karman C.
Brunch is amazing!!! Price is very reasonable too. I have only gone there for dinner one time a long time ago, so I don't remember the experience. However, I will definitely go back for dinner just to try it out again. Service is average. We went there for brunch right around when they are open so the wait was not bad, but I can see that it will be quite a long wait if going there a little later. I will definitely go back again!
(4)
Jenny S.
Absolutely stellar food! We tried the fried green tomatoes, spicy eggplant, chicken under a brick, and the trois mignons - everything was prepared perfectly. The prices are very high, but you're definitely paying for the quality of ingredients (plus, Dante's sources locally whenever possible) and preparation.
(5)
Chris C.
FRESH FRESH FRESH and CREATIVE!! I had to have the waiter "translate" some of the Gourmet dishes and tried the punch of the day which was also wonderful.
(5)
Lauren S.
One of my New Orleans favorites. Brunch or dinner. Progressive takes on southern cuisine. Low key they have an amazing bar program-get the punch!!
(4)
Brian R.
I have to say I came back here after four years with high hopes. The menu does not read as the chef had altered the menu items. The addition of manchego cheese there was a welcome plus. They added enough heat to the chicken under brick that it should be named "fire in the hole" with the best of jerk chicken. Put the spicy on the menu rather than the misleading maple glaze. The double pork chop was beautifully cooked but drowned in too much sweet. The kale was sweet with bacon nuggets that couldn't balance it out. It cried out for some savory counterbalance. It took a long time to put in our order.
(3)
Michael H.
Dante's is an easy five stars. NOLA is full of restaurants that claim to be the most authentic such-and-such southern food, and Dante's has plenty of items on the menu that would fit into any Southern restaurant ... but they also take some real culinary chances, and their chef is clearly talented enough to pull it off. Duck is never an easy dish to do well, but this was one of the three best duck dishes I've ever had in my life (and that's including all of the excellent Peking duck I've had in New York and Toronto). I even got brave and tried a Sazerac here. Fun! There's no doubt in my mind that we'll be back at Dante's.
(5)
Don J.
If you need a break from the madness of the French Quarter, Dante's Kitchen is the perfect antidote. It's also a good excuse to take a slow ride on the St. Charles streetcar line - pay your $1.25 and hop on one of the vintage streetcars just south of the French Quarter. You'll catch the sights and work up a good appetite as the streetcar lumbers along at maybe 10 MPH. Jump off at the S. Carrolton / Maple St. stop, then walk northwest on Maple a couple short blocks. When you get to Dante St., the restaurant will be a short jog left, on the far side of the street in what is surely an old house. The restaurant is as cozy as can be - dimly lit and a nice choice for a couple's night out. We were seated in what looked like an old sunroom across from the bar. The server arrived quickly to take our drink order. There were some nice craft beers on tap, including Mikkeler Evil Twin, as well as some refreshing iced tea. As we waited, we marveled at what looked like jars of homemade canned vegetables, lined up in a shelf over our heads. The meal starts out with a complimentary serving of what they call spoonbread - a luxurious take on the humble cornbread, served in a mini skillet. Very tasty. I ordered the charcuterie, which I customized by ordering the kinds of meat I wanted. Everything was homemade and very good. I then went for one of the small plates, a Vietnamese inspired dish called Thit Kho with braised pork belly. I was stoked about the fresh, vibrant flavor, and the portion size was more than fair for a "small plate". I'm glad I went small, because my companion ordered the double cut pork chop, which was very generously sized and more than the average person could finish, in my opinion. The large cut worked out to my benefit as I happily gobbled down the excess. I also sampled my companion's brussels sprouts, which I generally loathe, but these were actually pretty good. Unless you have a huge appetite, I think a good strategy for Dante's is to order one main course to share and a couple small plates or sides. I saw other diners boxing up their leftovers to take home, which is another good option. I doubt you'll leave Dante's hungry. If you found the streetcar ride intolerably slow, a taxi will get you back to the French Quarter much faster for around $15. Ask the restaurant to call one for you.
(5)
Enrique O.
Consistently excellent food and service. We have mostly eaten breakfast here, but recently had dinner. I ordered some "small plates", every bite of which was pure heaven. Crab and corn soup, a salad wedge (half a head of butter leaf lettuce with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing), and grits with shrimp. We shared an order of scallops between 3 people and had to take some of it home. Our experience here over the last ten years has been nothing but great.
Firstly, our waiter Larry was refreshingly attentive and knowledgeable. Secondly, everything we ate was so delectable I'm just going to go ahead and list them so that I can relive those tasty moments and encourage any prospective diners to order the same. Apps Crab and Corn Soup Steamed Mussels Entrees Double-Cut Pork Chop Redfish on the Half Shell Chicken Roasted Under a Brick *Roasted Duck Breast Sides Melanzane Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts *The only dish that didn't shine as brightly as the others was the duck.
(4)
Jessica L.
This place is like Louisiana style meets New American, in a cozy cute little restaurant away from all the hustle and bustle, and a sprinkle of hipster. Freshly baked molasses corn bread- hot, fluffy, sweet, crispy, delicious. And it's free! Shrimp and Grits- skip it. Not amazing. You can get a bomb shrimp and grits elsewhere. Chicken under the brick- yes yes yes. You should NOT skip this one! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and it's one of their most popular dishes on the menu. Who can say no to a fried egg? Steamed mussels- has its own New Orleans style to it. Red fish- this was dry. I think red fish is just dry in general :( Seasonal veggies- this was by FAR the show stopper. HELLO!!! Farm fresh brussel sprouts, beans, sauteed mushrooms, watermelon radish, and bacon. This was a side veggie, but was the most memorable part of my meal.. and I even tried to make it at home which did not turn out as tasty. But be sure to try their side veggies, they will surprise you!!! Overall, a solid 4 stars.
(4)
Monica L.
We enjoyed a tasty meal at Dante's Kitchen but it's not worth a cab ride out of the French Quarter if you're weighing your options. The apple-and-prosciutto salad was good, the corn-and-crab soup interesting and the skirt steak special perfectly prepared but the menu wasn't vast and the wines by the glass were a little inside-baseball; I had never heard of the grape in my white wine (and wasn't impressed enough to remember it). We also ordered the cheese plate and really liked two of the three cheeses and the persimmon jam; the homemade pickles reminded me of grandma's (and that's not a good thing) and the third cheese had a distinct flavor of barnyard, but I suppose that's the point of a cheese sampler -- to try new things. The atmosphere was intimate -- individual rooms inside a converted residence -- but a little divey. As mentioned elsewhere, the complementary spoon bread was delicious. The service was good.
(4)
Bonnie M.
I love this place because every dish is so unique, and you can tell they're all hand-made. The red velvet cake is to die for (with sliced toasted almonds on top) and the shrimp and grits are so creamy and delicious. I also really love that they get a lot of their produce and meat from local farms! I'm normally very frugal but I didn't mind trying a little of everything at this place because the food was so good. The server that I had there was also very helpful and had good recommendations. I have to say that my favorite thing that they had was the complimentary pan-bread! It was so good (with butter melting on top) that I just wanted to order more of it. Wonderful cornbread recipe!
(5)
Aaron P.
Consistently great. Charming old house, simple but delicious menu, accommodating of Celiac diet. We make it a point to stop here at least once each time we're in town.
(5)
Eli C.
Always good. The brandy milk punch is one of my favorite drinks in New Orleans, and a great addition to any brunch. We got there as they were opening at 10:30, and a long line was already forming. Despite this, our party of four was seated promptly, and well fed and out the door within an hour.
(5)
Mark W.
Very good restaurant. Creative and well prepared vegetarian options. Seafood and small game options also good. Cozy atmosphere, and attentive service. This is our go-to place for an upscale place we can usually walk into without a reservation. Tucked into a corner across the Mississippi River Levee in the Riverbend Carrolton area. Short neighborhood walk from streetcar line. complete wine collection that suits the menu. This place is on the outside of tourist radar, and a good bet for times when there are large festivals in New Orleans. Unusually easy parking for a uptown restaurant across the street.
(4)
Melissa E.
Incredible! Very wonderful burrito! Excellent quality food. Great Saturday brunch. Our waiter was nice.
(5)
Jules I.
We had to ask what some of the cheeses on the menu were. They were great. We had the beet salad (wonderful), shrimp & grits (good but spicy), vegetable plate (awesome), and double cut pork chop (to die for). We will return as soon as we can.
(5)
Ellie B.
Brunch menu was very heavy--no light options. I have heard good things, so we decided to try it on a Sunday morning. Very long wait (hour and a half) and food was not what we were looking for while sitting in the hot sun outside. Consequently, everyone seemed to feel sick afterwards.
(2)
Nina S.
Best New Orleans meal I've had. Authentic cuisine and great atmosphere. Was recommended by a local. Started the meal with unbelievably delicious spoon bread to die for. Shrimp and grits had fantastic flavor. My friends all raved about their meals too. Highly recommended!
(5)
Elsa M.
You had me at "Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns!" Mmmmm.... Dante's Kitchen is pretty small, with a cute, private little patio, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in expansive menu options! My husband and I met some friends for brunch here and started out with the famous Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns to split amongst the group. Two orders for the five of us were plenty and we each dove right in, ripped them apart with the gusto that the presence of bacon often elicits. Soooo good! The majority of us happened to order the same thing: a veggie omelette with a side of aligator sausage. Now, I am not one who really knows a lot about alligator, but I am more times than not willing to try something new, so I went for it. Honestly - it really didn't do anything for me. I needed a lot of hot sauce to give it more flavor and with each bite, I just kept wishing I had either gotten regular sausage or bacon. Again, it wasn't bad... just sort of boring. The omelette was another story - very well-made and super satisfying. No complaints there. I am eager to come back by and try lunch or dinner here as the menu looks great: packed with a lot of healthier options and special takes on steaks and scallops. Can you say "Mmmmmmm" Part II? ;)
(4)
Kenneth D.
So, in case you haven't heard, Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a thing, and they live at Dante's. What better way to start off a meal at one of the best brunch spots in New Orleans? Well, add a Brandy Milk Punch and we're really talking. The Cinnamon Rolls are really perfection though, super soft layers, sweet glaze and every once in while you get surprised with a nice salty bite of smoked bacon. While the entire thing was good, once you hit that inner portion...dirty thoughts. The Bread Pudding French Toast was literally the best of both worlds. Nicely browned on the outside, but super soft and tender on the inside, just like a great bread pudding should be. They only use seasonal fruit for the topping, so the options will vary, but this helps to ensure the quality and that's something I can appreciate. The topping of the day was Apricot, not normally my first choice in fruits, but it worked, the slight tartness of the fruit paired well with the sweetness of the French Toast. Really great dish over all. The Breakfast Burrito, while not what I ordered, was next level. The look of shock when they placed a burrito down in front of her, that was bigger than her forearm, was worth the trip alone. With the quantity also came quality. I didn't get a chance to eat much of it, but the meat inside was very tender and the green chili sauce they put on the outside was the perfect compliment. I'm not sure where the tortilla came from, but it definitely wasn't average. We had a great experience here; food, service and atmosphere, all on point. This place deserves the high praises, and then some. Next time I come back home, we will be back, and every other visit after. I'd love to get in for dinner sometime, but I don't think those Cinnamon Rolls will ever get old, so it'll be the go to Brunch spot for the foreseeable future.
(5)
Vickie D.
Very inovative menu and delicious food. They have a pretty good wine list too! One of my favorite places to dine in Nola...
(5)
Jennifer K.
Dante's Kitchen definitely worth my while to wake up early took public transit from our hotel downtown to beat the crowd! We arrived before the restaurant opened and able to get a table with no problem! Here I able to sample a few of New Orlean's classic that I hardly able to indulge when I am in Toronto... well seasoned Southern Comfort food! We shared: - Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns ($4) - Buttermilk Biscuits ($3) - Confit Pork Steak with hash browns, fried egg, seasonal chutney ($13) - Skillet Corned Beef Hash & fried eggs, horseradish cream ($13) - Grilled Shrimp and Grits served with an andouille red eye gravy ($13)(oh so delicious!) - Alligator Sausage ($3) tastes like pork :) And I found my favourite "breakfast" drink: Brandy Milk Punch ($6.50). I feel healthy and complete drinking this. I would have drink a lot more milk in this format and the freshly grounded nutmeg add so much texture make it feels like an energy drink!
(4)
Meg P.
5 stars for food, 2 stars for service. Had a reservation for this past Friday night with the bf. We were both very excited to finally try it for dinner as we have had great experiences a handful of times for brunch. We were seated promptly and our server informed of us of the specials. He came back later to take our drink order. We ordered the beet salad to split as an app. We waited for a considerable amount of time for the drinks and then our salad arrived. The salad was great with a nice balsamic reduction sauce. I had the chicken under a brick- a fantastic dish, so moist and slightly spicy. BF got the redfish which was also very tasty. Here is the issue: One of the reasons I was so excited to try here for dinner was the complimentary spoon bread. I was practically drooling after seeing the yelp pictures of it. So we had received our salad and finished our salad but still no spoon bread. After our salad was cleared out waiter came over and asked if we received the spoon bread, to which we replied no. He assured us it was coming. In the meantime we witnessed three surrounding tables, all who were seated after us receive the spoon bread. Then our entrees came, we asked that server about the spoon bread and he said he would check the kitchen. Our server returned and said that the spoon bread would be right out. In the meantime we were enjoying out entrees when I noticed one of the tables, who was sat after us, receive their second serving of spoon bread. We made another comment to the server and he said it was coming. It finally arrived after both of us finished our entrees and there was no apology for the delay. Both of us were full from eating the entrees but we tried it and it is as good as the other reviews say. I know it seems a lot to gripe about a complimentary item, but it is more the principal of the matter. I am not sure what caused this lack of communication and poor service but it felt that we were not given the same treatment as other tables. It really is shame considering the food is so wonderful. I even took my large family here for my graduation brunch. Now I am skeptical about going back.
(3)
Stefanie Y.
Sunday brunch here is absolutely amazing. When ordering, we were faced with the unique problem in that everything on the menu looked awesome and had been recommended heartily on Yelp. We settled on the bacon cinnamon rolls for starters and the bread pudding french toast, the banana pecan pancakes, the crab and brie omelette, and the eggs benedict for our mains. The bacon cinnamon roll was perfect - crusty and sweet pastry enclosed savory chunks of bacon, creating a well-balanced and unique blend of flavors. The bread pudding french toast portion was a little on the small side - I would have liked some fruits as garnish - but so so good. The inside was soft and pillowy like bread puddling, while the outside was caramelized and chewy, like french toast. The eggs benedict were well-executed - the rosemary rubbed pork loin really shone through. The omelette was good, though we did think it would have been better with a little more seasoning and if the brie cheese had been inside the omelette rather than melted on top. The drinks were a highlight - the mimosas were the best we had while in New Orleans and the brandy milk punch was spiced, creamy, and delicious. Our server was friendly, prompt, and funny, really adding to our dining experience. Also, one of the other tables randomly paid for our bacon cinnamon rolls - this place clearly attracts the best clientele and truly makes its customers happy. We left pleasantly full and perfectly satisfied.
(4)
Erica H.
This restaurant was amazing. I ended up here after being turned away from Commander's Palace because my silly brother decided to wear shorts. Quickly, I looked in my Frommer's guide and found this place. What a stroke of luck! Throughout the rest of the day, my brother kept mentioning how great it was that he refused to wear long pants and got us kicked out of Commander's Palace. First, I will say that my initial visit to this place was on a weekend, for brunch. Oh, damn it was good! First, we got some homemade breads--mocha, pecan praline, zucchini--that just about blew our minds. Next, our meals--I got something that was so good and so crazy decadent as to defy belief. Listen to this: Buttermilk biscuits with pulled pork and two poached eggs, all smothered in hollandaise sauce. Yeah, it doesn't get a lot better than that. The other meals ordered by my companions were just as great. This place is very cute, with a small dining room and a nice, romantic patio. It is at the end of the St. Charles streetcar line--an easy and scenic trip out of the quarter if you are a tourist there (I was). Anyway, the initial experience was so wonderful we all decided to come back again for dinner a couple days later. This was great as well. I got trois mignons, which were three little filets, each with a different topping (pulled pork, stilton cheese sauce, and a reduced red wine sauce). One of us ordered duck with sweet potato cakes, and the other, scallops. It was all very good. This place definitely gave me a great experience. The service was friendly and personal--I ordered a mojito, which was bad, but the bartender, host, and server all did backwards flips to make up for it--giving up complimentary fresh-baked cornbread and me a free shot of tequila. It was very obvious that they cared immensely about our experience and about their little restaurant. This place is highly recommended. PS. They gots great grits!
(5)
Jazmin M.
Let me start out by saying that the ambiance and service at this place was simply amazing. I wasn't expecting what I walked into but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. I took my best friend here for her birthday and we had a lovely time. She ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Chicken Under A Brick both of which were pretty good. I also ordered the shrimp and grits based on the reviews and I was terribly disappointed. It tasted very burnt. I attributed it to the char of the shrimp. It was practically inedible. On the up side though, if you can get past the icky sauce, gravy, whatever, the grits underneath are perfectly seasoned and creamy. Don't forget the spoon bread. The first one is complimentary but the second one (which you will be ordering because it is AH-MAZING) is an extra $2.00. Not a big deal for such a nice treat. Overall I enjoyed my experience and would probably go back but I wouldn't give the shrimp and grits a second thought.
(4)
cathie v.
In A Word: Excellent! We went for brunch! Best poached eggs I ever had! Service was outstanding! Highly recommend!
(5)
David N.
The brunch is amazing. Get there early if you want to beat the crowd and make sure to order the homemade biscuits and jelly. Personally I haven't had or tasted a meal here that I didn't love and that includes 5+ brunches and a few dinners. Check it out I promise you won't be disappointed....
(5)
Julia B.
Consistently one of the best and most charming restaurants in New Orleans. I love that Dante's isn't overly touristy and really keeps its locals charm! Nothing beats the molasses spoon bread!
(5)
Catie K.
The brick chicken is fantastic. Seriously, you MUST try it.
(5)
Marc C.
Good food and service. There were some very interesting looking fruit infused home made cocktails but I was with family and it was not the best time time to try them. I had the chicken on a brick and my dad had the beef medallions and both were good.
(4)
Mike R.
Another outstanding meal at our favorite New Orleans gem. The plate of homemade charcuterie was as good as anything I've had in la belle France and the Trois Mignon was fantastic - three very different mini-steaks, one pulled-beef, the other steak and stilton, and the third pure filet over caramelized onions. And then there was the fruit dump (cobbler) to finish. Last evening in Nola, sitting out in Dante's garden surrounded by flowing trees and a full moon ...can't be bad.
(5)
L L.
This meal was amazing, hands down my favorite meal of recent months. I loved almost everything I ordered. Cocktails were fabulous. "Absinthe" (we weren't convinced it was actual absinthe, it just tasted like pastis to all of us including the one of us who believes he's had actual absinthe before) was fun. I had the chicken roasted under a brick, but my favorite was probably the bone marrow plated with escargot we had as appetizer. I only wish I had written a review right after I ate here so I'd have a clearer memory of what I got and what it was like.
(5)
Nicole W.
We ended up here for brunch because I wanted to get out of the French Quarter. As we walked up I knew I'd made the right decision. There was already a line outside15 minutes before the doors opened. I ended up with the brioche french toast with peaches and my husband had the debris with poached eggs (biscuits topped with pulled pork, eggs and hollandaise). Both were divine. I can only imagine what dinner is like.
(4)
Sarah M.
Excellent. Way off the beaten path...you'll need a car or a taxi to get there if you're staying in downtown New Orleans/French Quarter...but it's worth it. I had the red fish on the half shell (thanks to Yelpers recommendations) and it was terrific. My vegetarian friend had the seasonal veggie plate with a yummy onion & goat cheese croquette. It lives up to the hype.
(4)
Seth B.
Went to Dante's this past weekend on a trip to NOLA, and had a wonderful dinner. As other reviewers have mentioned, the ambiance is warm and not stuffy, the wait staff are very friendly and knowledgable, and the food is in general very tasty! Recommendations: the Shrimp & Grits is amazing, as was a lobster "roll" (korean style in a cabbage leaf with asian spices and a bacon-onion marmelade). Also, the pea shoot salad and pickle plate. I'd stay away from the Bread & Butter (local butter) as the gratis cornbread is the best of all, also the market vegetable plate entree had great veggies, but nothing special about it - perhaps some sort of cajun aioli or similar accompaniment would have helped. Drinks, as well, have great potential but couldn't taste the ginger in the ginger-infused vodka so could use some work. All in all, worth a trip - a wonderful dinner experience and ambiance with some real highlights on the menu, but at the same time some dishes could use a little more refinement.
(4)
Scotty S.
This places is badass unless you go there with 3 people who order exactly the same thing and when their food comes out you're jealous that you didn't get it, but still really happy you got yours. Seriously, the rabbit leg was really awesome and I'm very glad I got it...but everyone else got the Trois Mignons, and I was jealous. The first time I went there my g/f got that and I wanted it. Fool me twice, well im just retarded. Anyway, if you love beef, like me, get the beef. Secondly, I love whiskey, but I've never had anything better than Crown reserve. In proportion to their menu of drinks, they have a wide variety bourbon (stuff i've never heard of). I ordered the one that was the least expensive in proportion to it's age: something like $8 for 10 years. So worth it, best whiskey I ever had... tasted barely out of the 1990s.
(4)
Chris W.
My brunch experiences here have been insanely positive, but dinner has been quite a bust the last two times. I've had bloody chicken, lost entrees, cold dishes, disappearing waiters, all of which are frustrating to say the least. There are some spots that I frequent in New Orleans and we become great friends (Herbsaint, Crescent Pie & Sausage, Cochon, Tan Dinh). Dante's Kitchen isn't one of them. I'm going to admit here that bloody chicken is a major no-no for me. So that's what's going to deliver a 3-star review... What I wish for is consistency and I can't find it here. Too bad, because the building and it's aesthetic are both lovely, and as I mentioned, brunch was killer.
(3)
Clavius L.
WOW - one of top 5 meals i've ever had. anywhere.
(5)
Nate P.
As previous reviews have said, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Dante's. Both brunch and dinner are fantastic. This is the first place that I take anyone who comes to visit in New Orleans. The inside is cozy and the outdoor patio is perfect for a warm New Orleans day...add a few of their fantastic cocktails and you're in heaven! I've been here so many times that I honestly can't list any favorite menu items...every single one is a winner. Just go. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Joanna B.
I had the chicken under a brick and it was extremely delicious. The cornbread pudding esque stuff they give you to start is amazing. Also, they had some pretty unique and tasty cocktails! Thumbs up.
(5)
Charlie F.
Friendly faces, wonderful food. We had brunch, I had the debris on the biscuit with the poached eggs. It's hard for me to even look at the words that food was so good. My wife had the fish sandwich, it's big and delicious. They have been around for 11 years, have done no advertising. All word of mouth. I will scream from the treetops. Eat at Dante's!
(5)
Harold B.
not feeling the hype..i would expect better reviews from my fellow n'awlinians... the comp bread is tasteless save for the butta... the shrimp n grits arent that flavorful..when shrimp are that big they lose that "gulf" shrimp flavor..and tho u saute them w alot of seasonin..it doesnt marry well...kind of reminds me of houston and boiled crawfish-just boil em n throw seasonin on the shell type deal... the red eye andouille gravy needs more of a kick its too watery even a good red eye has a hint of coffee depth to it... the chicken under a brick was done very well very juicy but still nada to run back for... but i still am curious about their b'fast i will try dante's again
(2)
Sarah H.
Delicious and cozy. Diverse menu that is always changing. Very creative and thoughtful in every aspect, even the cocktails. Recommend as great uptown place!
(4)
Scott T.
Everything about Dante's is fresh & local - the food, the drinks, the staff and even the restaurant itself. So fresh & local we ate there twice - once for dinner & then for brunch on Sunday. The board at the front doesn't show the specials - just a long list of "What's Local". Repeatedly, the staff were overheard describing with pride where or how or why something was on the menu. They have a passion for what they do, and it shows. The menu changes every two weeks or so based on what's available, and creativity is everywhere on it. While the obligatory shrimp & grits were good, the lump crab salad with cucumber and cantaloupe on field greens exemplified this. The combination was so unusual I had to try it, and it more than just "worked". The lightly dressed & salty greens melded the other ingredients into something more that the sum of it's parts. Simple, creative, and delicious. My redfish on the half shell was cooked perfectly, topped with a crab & fresh chopped herb mixture. The topping complimented the fish, but was a little to leafy for me. Lots of crab & less herb would have still done the trick, but again it was simple and creative and tasty. My wife's eggplant napoleon was excellent, and frankly would also make a fantastic side dish. From what they told us, the chef is also doing double duty as pastry chef, which can be a real workload. He's pulling it off, because the fresh blueberry pie was the best I've ever had. If it's available, get it without hesitation. Yummy. Brunch was yummy, too. The place was full, with a short wait around noon, but they get the food out fast. My Debris & Eggs Benedict was another combination I'd never thought I'd try, and they were great. Blueberry pancakes didn't need syrup they were so tasty. Portions are small so don't hesitate to double up and try a few other items. Like the spoon bread. All in all, we really enjoyed Dante's. Right across from the stodgy Brigstens, they are vibrant, fun, and passionate about their focus on fresh & local food. Worth the trip uptown, we'll be back again. It seems like the kind of place that doesn't get old.
(5)
Cork C.
I just love the food here. It is rich but not overwhelming. The drinks are to die for. The atmosphere is charming and not at all stuffy. All around I think this is my favorite restaurant in NOLA.
(5)
J.K. F.
Great cocktails (many mixed with housemade liqueurs... that you can also taste as a "flight" of 4), amazing food, intimate atmosphere, and who can resist a meal that starts off with a hot skillet of molasses spoonbread topped with honey butter?! What we ordered: I don't remember the names of my cocktails, but all were very good. We also had a flight of their liqueurs: we chose chai rye whiskey, bacon bourbon, apple brandy, and cucumber gin. Server also made a good suggestion of Noah's Mill bourbon later in the evening. - Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad w/ housemade pork belly lardons, Meyer lemon and orange vinaigrette - Smothered Collard Greens with housemade bacon, onions, cane vinegar (perhaps my favorite dish of the meal) - Barq's Root Beer Candied Sweet Potatoes - Field Peas with chili and pickled pork (so flavorful) - Grilled pork steak atop corn tortilla & oregano pupusa, cilantro, ensalada de repollo, cilantro creme fraiche, toasted red pepper sauce (actually more like a super tasty mole... and I'm not even a mole fan) For dessert, we were too full for any of the menu items but they were obliging enough to serve me a trio of the three gelatos normally served as accompaniment to several of their desserts. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Jen J.
So after having eaten at 3 more restaurants in NOLA with good reviews, I just wanted to update because my husband and I agreed that this is the best place we ate at our whole 5 day trip (in a tie with the different category of place with Liuzza's by the Track). Great food and atmosphere and not overly hyped compared to the other places we went to.
I have to tell you I would give them a 4.5 if I could. I'm very stingy with my stars, but this place comes close to a 5 with me. First I never expected a restaurant on a residential street. At least I thought it was residential as I'm not from around the area, and we arrived via a street full of houses and pulled up in front of what I thought was just another house. I look out and there is not one, but two restaurants to choose from. We looked at both menus and chose Dante's Kitchen and my goodness am I glad we did. We were greeted by the owner and seated in a room we had all to ourselves that night. The 6 of us. It could not have made for a nicer experience. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was super fresh, delicious and priced very reasonably. I had chicken under a brick and split it with my friend. There was no way that I could have eaten that whole thing myself. It was simply devine. As others' have reviewed it I will not go into detail. The grits with shrimp should be another classic. The scallops were a great hit. The only thing that was just so, so was the pate platter. two of the pates were top notch and one was bland. So I would recommend trying one of the other appetizers before I recommend this one. They give you the fantastic cornbread YEAH!!!! Oh Geez I can't remember what we had for dessert? I'm coming back when I return to New Orleans. I promise. Thank You.
(4)
Ryan S.
Incredible food with really great fresh local ingredients.
(5)
Jeremy W.
Off the beaten path as we were brought here by a friend of a friend who is a local. The food, service and wine list were pretty solid - the only reason this isn't 5-star is because I think it's a little pricey. Very similar to some places in Austin with farm fresh food and seasonal menus, we each tried one another's meal and they were all very tasty.
(4)
Ro'ee E.
One of the best places I have been to. Great food and service!
(5)
Olga K.
Superb. Impeccably cooked seafood, interesting dishes, delicious drinks, and nice bourbon selection. We made a meal of the "small dishes" (which are actually not at all small) and the pie. Delicious.
(5)
Robi P.
We had a great meal here with a great group of friends. The foundation of the meals greatness had more to do with the service, company and ambiance than food however. It was our last meal in town and by this time my vegetarian diet was completely in ruins. I ate the collard greens (with sausage). I had better w/o sausage at the Fest. I tried a bite of the "medium rare" pork loin- it was dry- a pity. My fish (almondine) was OK. Others liked their different fish dishes. The molten cake with port ice cream was fabulous. The beer selection sad. It was refreshing to be served by bright eyed college types in a nice garden atmosphere.
(4)
mojie o.
We go to Dante's regularly, probably twice a month and it was always great food with great service until the last couple of meals. The food remains great, but the service is out of control in a very bad way. I held off writing another review (the first was a five star review) because I thought maybe they were just having a turnover in staff or something, but last night was the last straw. Last night we had an 8:30 reservation and had to wait 25 minutes for our table. I don't mind that, it's inevitable if another table is hanging out. The part that was ridiculous was that we went to stand at the bar and the bartender was such a jerk. He tried to ignore us at first, but when it was clear we weren't leaving he finally paid us some attention. One person in my party asked if they had St. Germaine or any elderflower liquor, his response was that of course they did because it's completely pedestrian. Wow, really? Then another person asked what a cachera was, apparently she pronounced it incorrectly and he rolled his eyes and said it correctly before telling her what it was. She then asked what a liquor was that was in the drink and he again rolled his eyes and said: that is german for apple, so obviously it's an apple liquor. We just decided he was busy and since there isn't really a place to wait that he was probably just irritated that we were standing in front of the bar. When we got to the table I ordered a non-alcoholic drink and asked to put a shot of vodka in it. The waitress went to order it and came back to the table and said the bartender wouldn't do that. Um, what? WTF? She said the bartender said it wouldn't taste good together, so he wouldn't do it. I told her I'd like the drink anyway with a shot of grey goose on the side so I could mix it myself. I did so and it was delicious, so delicious I ended up having two of them. The idea that you can't order a drink that you want seems ridiculous to me. Someone in my party asked to have the shrimp heads chopped off in the kitchen for her shrimp and grits and the waitress said no, they wouldn't do that. There was also a dish that had a kale and bean salad accompaniment that someone in our party asked if she could have a side of. Nope can't have that either. The food is ALWAYS outstanding at Dante's, but the service has fallen off so far in the last two months that we just won't be back there. If you are looking for a similar place, Maurepas Foods in the bywater is very similar (owned by the former sous chef of Dante's), less expensive and the service is always top notch. We love it there and are just going to double up on Maurepas and cut Dante's out of the rotation.
(1)
ryan k.
This was my second favorite restaurant in New Orleans (commanders was first). The outdoor area and porch are great to sit on, since the restaurant sits at the end of a quiet street separated from the mississippi by the train. The appetizers (escargot especially) are great. The inside of the restaurant is very cool, think hip colorful house with unbelievable food. The wine list and beer list are top notch, and overall you cannot go wrong, especially on a beautiful evening.
(5)
Jessica L.
Wow. That's all you need to read. Go on to the next review.... Okay, if you want justification for the "wow," here goes. First of all, this place is adorable. It's a cute little house and each room is decorated so nicely, but with a little flair. They even excused our very casual outfits (in comparison to other patrons), since we had just come from JazzFest. It is clear that there is a big focus on local fruits, veggies, meats, and fish. I mean, they cure their own bacon, and it's incredible! But, let's start from the beginning...drinks. Good wine options, and a yummy strawberry mojito. Plus, Abita Strawberry, what more could you want? I ordered the shrimp and grits, escargot, and rootbeer sweet potatoes. My mom had the scallops and dad had the short ribs with pork belly confit. They both raved about it and one bite of the pork belly made me want to cry with happiness. But, my shrimp and grits were incredible and the best thing I ate on my trip to NOLA. The shrimp were incredibly flavorful and still had their heads, leaving me the deliciousness inside their heads. They were also HUGE. The red eye gravy was absolutely unbelievable--spicy and rich. I seriously licked the bowl. The escargot was very good and the goat cheese in the broth added a softness and richness that was excellent. Again, the house-made bacon was perfect. The escargot was already shelled and that took away the fun of digging them out! Oh well... Unfortunately, the sweet potatoes never arrived, but I was so full, I didn't even complain (although now I wish I tasted them....) Dessert, however, was a bit mixed. The pot de creme were fabulous. I was super excited for Red Velvet Cake, but was so disappointed. It was dry and thick tasting and the lack of cream cheese frosting made me sad. This is top of my list when I'm back in NOLA.
(4)
Raquel M.
Order the vegetable plate. I know you think I am nuts but its one of the best things in the city. The food here is fresh and delicious. Their cured meats are divine. Their salads are spectacular. Molasses corn bread? Yes, please. Great wine and cocktails. Nice environment.
(5)
Nancy D.
The restaurant is in a home which makes it cozy and inviting. The food was fantastic! I had the shrimp and grits and of course the famous chicken under a brick-soo delicious! Just a note, if your are not a local and are staying in the French Quarter it will be an $18.50/+ tip taxi each way. It is totally worth it!
(4)
Andrea D.
Wow. What a disappointing experience! We were so excited based on all the reviews, but had a pretty bad experience just in terms of wait time. We had 6 pm reservations so got there and ordered while the restaurant was almost empty, so really no excuse that we waited one and a half hour for our food! They apologized before we complained 1 hour into the wait, which was reassuring, but just when we were going to leave 30 minutes later, they brought our food. It was very good food (saved it from getting a single star), but at that point, it was hard to tell if that is just because we were so hungry. They manager comped our "first course" which was a single appetizer and I thought after that wait, he could have done more or at least brought us a free round of drinks while we were waiting! For this class of restaurant with this type of good reputation, the meal was unacceptable. I hope our experience was a fluke!!
(2)
Robert V.
We have been to Dante's twice for dinner in the last month, and the word that sums up the overall experience is inconsistent. The first experience was two of us on a weeknight. The server seemed new. We waited about 15 to 20 minutes for our drinks to come and then she mixed up our order, she took it to a table across from us, where someone had ordered one of same dishes as we did and then took the other order back to the kitchen and left one of the people at that table with no food , and we waited another 20 minutes for ours. When she brought the food out, she said there was a mix-up in the kitchen. We had the brick chicken and the 3 filets. The brick chicken was outstanding- very tender and perfect maple glaze. The 3 filets were good- not exceptional- but good. So, we decided to give it another chance. The second experience was 4 of us on a Saturday. One of our party does not like heat (spicy) and asked if any of the dishes could be toned down. The waiter said they do not do "any substitutions or modifications". Really? They told us the wait for the main dishes was going to be 50 minutes, so I am guessing that at least some of the food is prepared to order but maybe I am wrong. Appetizers were all pretty good. 3 of us ordered the brick chicken based on our previous experience, and it tasted like a completely different dish. The chicken was not flattened and tender but rather was a half a chicken. The glaze had almost no hint of maple but was much more spicy. We actually asked the waiter whether they had changed the sauce on the chicken, and he said different line cooks make it differently. So, based on two experiences, the food is inconsistent, they do not accommodate any guest requests and the service leaves a lot to be desired. With Brigtsen's across the street, decide for yourself.
(2)
Scott T.
I became and still am obsessed with this place!.. This super colorful and hidden away restaurant is well worth anyone's time. It is not over priced, anything on the menu is brilliant and if you love iced totti's and bloody mary's with brunch you are set. Experience this place and we all can start of club of loyal worshipers.
(5)
Barbara V.
I have to say that even though we were staying downtown and had to take a 15 minute taxi ride to Dante's, this place was well worth it. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and not to mention great food was one of the most enjoyable dinners we had during our stay in NOLA.
(4)
Shalina P.
visited dante's during jazz fest 2011. it's my favorite of all the restaurants i tried during my trip. it's rustic gourmet cajun/creole food. the dishes are packed with lots of flavor. i barely even used SALT, which is huge for me ;) it's located in the garden district, about 6 miles from downtown NOLA in an old house turned restaruant. FAV DISHES: Spoon Bread, Shrimp & Grits, Red Fish on the Half Shell. full review: bit.ly/m7TdaS
(5)
Shanna D.
I had dinner here last weekend. We made reservation for 8:30, but didn't get seated until 9:30. It was definitely worth the wait! Next, time I'll do brunch!
(4)
Chef X.
Dante's Kitchen, A small restaurant off Carrollton Aveune where the river bends. There's nothing flashy about this place.. none of that overthetop service, the food isn't disgustingly fluffed up, and the dining room isn't all too fancy. It's place with good comfortable service, great food executed solidly, and a very quaint cozy home-like setting. For appetizer.. we ordered one of the specials they were running, the Louisiana Blue Crab Trio, which is composed of a mini grilled crabcake with pickled watermelon tartar sauce, herb marinated crab fingers, and jumbo lump crabmeat over avocado with Key Lime vinaigrette. It wasn't spectacular but enjoyable.. Well done and very simple. The spoonbread on the otherhand had me salivating for more. If you've never had spoonbread before, go here just to try it! It's like extra moist and buttery cornbread. Very much worth it! For the entrees? Seared Diver Scallop and Caramelized Wahoo. The Seared Diver Scallops were served with cauliflower and brie sauce over sunflower shoots, arugula, shaved red onion, and Bucharon anchovies, and toasted pinenuts. (this is what it said on the menu, but I think a few elements were changed) Well you can't really go wrong with Seared Scallops.. perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked.. the salad was a nice compliment. The Caramelized Wahoo with mirliton slaw and soy butter sauce was quite refreshing. The fish was very fresh and seasoned to my liking (the picture doesn't do it justice) This item was also off their specials menu. I'm definitely a fan of this restaurant!
(4)
P. T. B.
Had an excellent meal here. Service was spot-on. Do not miss the "chicken under a brick" dish!
(5)
Armand A.
It was six of us for brunch, and we all loved our food. I had the veggie omelette, which was light and delicious. The hash browns were also very tasty. My husband had the alligator sliders with jalapeño jelly, which was surprisingly very spicy and not just sweet. The food is reasonably priced but they will get you with the drinks, which are overpriced. Great atmosphere, though, and our server was knowledgeable and efficient. Will definitely come back and sample their dinner menu.
(4)
Lisa B.
AMAZING!! I went here for sunday brunch and was quite pleased with the delicious food! I decided to get the special...boudin cakes with poached eggs with a side of grits. It was oh so yummy!!! The grits are some of the best I have ever tasted!! Also, the biscuits are some of the best around. I will def. be back soon!!
(5)
Leigh S.
I love love love this restaurant! Went to Dante's New Year's Day with a date that was in from out of town. His first 2 picks were closed so I suggested Dante's. Neal, the manager, was awesome! We didn't have reservations, but he worked things out for us anyway. Bless him for it! Cozy table in the first room, watched the bartender artiste, & listened to quiet classic rock. Date was already thrilled....and then we saw the menu! Holy cow! I love that it changes, the "No cell phones & diets" request is perfect! We went nuts: shrimp & grits (almost too gorgeous to eat, but we gave in!), pork steak w/ collard greens (no need for a knife-heaven!) & trois mignons (delicious, savory, perfect!)! Mexican chocolate cup for desert...nectar of the gods! So not only was the meal A-mazing! It was the best first date ever, nothing like fantastic food & ambiance to get the ball rolling. So...Dante's...do you do wedding receptions?!?
(5)
Zachary A.
While i note comments from other reviewers about small portions, this has never been my experience. Even dining as a gluttonous, obese, out of control mouth-cramming flavor savorer my portions while never causing me to beg fro a doggie bag have never left me asking for more either. Sounds like some people have fallen prey to nights of bad management with a kitchen spread too thin. Various local artists hang on the walls of Dante's, for better or worse depending on taste, accompanying a menu that is never better-or-worse, and never fails at filling my hankerings, even if before receiving the menu that hanker is a mysterious vacuum-shaped question-mark. Grits with duckfat. Oyster stew thick as pudding. Friends stabbing each other over the last bite of spoonbread. Obviously it's diet food. sidenote: there is a private room available for parties.
(4)
T B.
I'm not sure what the rave is all about with this chicken under the brick thing... but I did not like it. It was loaded with salt; and it was pretty much a half of a whole chicken--way too big; and I like my portions big. I really liked my friend's red fish. It was delish and perfectly cooked; did not taste like fish at all. Service was good, but I took a hit with going with what everyone else was raving about here on Yelp... not doing the chicken brick thang when I go back.
(3)
Jennifer M.
I live around the corner and eat here all the time. I have never been disappointed for brunch or dinner. The restaurant is quaint and comfortable. You can dress up or go in jeans and well the food is always amazing.
(5)
Ben L.
They were close here. We first went to Dooky Chase's. Closed. Then all the way over the Jacques-Imo's. Not quite what I had hoped -- that is, self-consciously cajun. And the wait was an hour and a half (Friday night). So, we drove down the street to third option, Dante's Kitchen. We got a table right away. Granted, it was right next to the door, but given the circumstances... I love converted houses as restaurants. Part of the add-on here didn't quite fit with the remainder of the structure, though. And maybe that's a summary of the whole experience -- it was just not quite there. Good, but not great. Redfish was good. Poached fish, eh. Barbecued shrimp, good. Sauce for dipping bread in, better. Potatoes au gratin, good. Vanilla bean pudding with creole cream cheese, weirdly okay. The alpha male of foods were the grits. I've always chalked up the champions of grits as sentimentalists, partaking in a pre-modern southern custom as much as eating food. But these grits, oh these were good grits. Kissable grits. They put grits on my radar. If a place elevates a food type, it deserves four stars, certainly.
(4)
faine g.
Dante's Kitchen is a laid-back little place in New Orlean's river-bend, tucked back at a safe distance from the always rocking Daiquiri Cafe, facing the train tracks. Situated in an old house, Dante's has developed a reputation in town for serving high-end New Orleans and Southern specialities at unusually reasonable prices (with an emphasis on local ingredients,) and it seems like mostly locals occupy the tables inside and the garden eating area outside. So how's the food? Every table is started off with a cast iron pot of spoonbread with honey butter, that intoxicating Southern speciality that resembles a warm and gooey corn souffle. This stuff was downright delicious - like a semi-liquid corn cake (and I very much like my corn cakes.) It was snarfed down with unusual speed, which may explain why I have no photo. We sampled the shrimp and grits with andouille red eye gravy ($9.00), a house speciality and a truly fine specimen of a classic Southern dish. Nice, char-grilled (or so it seemed) shrimp topped a healthy portion of slightly cheesy and pleasantly buttery grits, topped off with a fine gravy. A must order. The cauliflower salad was less successful: an apparent riff on New Orleans's classic olive salad, this had a decent vinegary, peppery flavor but became overwhelming and entirely too oily as a starter-size salad. This pickled cauliflower concoction would work much better as a condiment. I had the roasted seabass with preserved meyer lemon, roasted squashes, slow roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, red kale, wild mushroom jus ($23.00.) Let's start with the good: the seabass was delicious, with a crispy, savory skin and a buttery and fork-tender interior. The other components of the dish weren't as successful: the combination of all those strongly flavored ingredients made for a vinegary and rather powerful combination, which served to overpower the subtly flavored fish. The combo of kale, wild mushroom, tomato and olive (and whatever other stuff) would suit a muscular slab of beef or another full-flavored red meat a whole lot better. Charlotte, one of my dining companions, had Bell & Evan's chicken roasted under a brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg, ($22.00). Huge portion and it looked pretty darn delicious: apparently she orders this all the time. I also got to take a look at the Daily Preparation of Local Farm Vegetables, served with a goat cheese and caramelized onion croquette ($20.00). The verdict from my dining companion? Decent flavors, but the presentation - note the vivid pink and green on that there plate (and no, you don't need to adjust your monitor) was nothing if not lurid. She also noted that this dish too suffered from the addition of strongly flavored greens: it overpowered the roasted beets and caramelized onions that made up the rest of the dish. The goat cheese croquette was pronounced tasty. We also sampled these beet greens, the day's seasonal vegetable. I rather enjoyed these and their pungent and earthy flavor, although they were, once again, not much more then vinegary green vegetables. I am a fanatic collard green fan, a kale aficionado, an ardent supporter of mustard greens and broccoli rabe, but Dante's Kitchen, I implore you, does every single food item on the planet have to involve greens with vinegar? Admittedly this could be due to our ordering choices, but I am not entirely convinced. (Were there greens in the spoonbread? Are there greens in dessert...?) Dessert did not involve greens (to the relief of all) and was nicely presented and tasty: freshly made sorbet came out in a beautiful custom-made compartment dish, and mega-rich chocolate spice cake had a crackly and tasty crust, accompanied by a flavorful scoop of gelato. I didn't sample the strawberry shortcake, but it was both bigger then my head and tasty looking and that sure counts for something. Verdict: Dante's Kitchen serves interesting, tasty, and reasonably priced riffs on Southern and Louisiana cuisine, but could use a less profligate hand with vinegar, oil, and greens in the kitchen. It's definitely a fine addition to New Orlean's bistro restaurant scene, and I'll be returning for another visit - I'll just have to ensure that I don't inadvertently order the Greens with Greens and Green Sauce speciality platter. Shouldn't be difficult. food photos here: teenagechowhound.blogspo…
(4)
Justin J.
Man, I really hate to give this place a bad review. It showed so much promise based on the raving yelp reviews. Dante's Kitchen looked like a can't miss spot for us to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. First, the service and everyone who works at the restaurant was great. Our server was fantastic. We told him we wanted to try some of the beers on the menu that were unfamiliar to us. We gave him a brief history of the beers we normally prefer and he made a great recommendation. We started out with the escargot, which were delicious. They weren't totally drowning in butter, which at first I thought might be a problem since I love my escargot to swimming in buttery goodness. Then they brought out the Spoon Bread, which left me speechless.... If we had stopped the meal at this point and gone back to the hotel room, I would be writing a 5 star review, have an extra $100 in my wallet, and a big smile on my face. But we didn't, and the Redfish I got was bland, and the potatoes fried in duck fat were way overcooked and therefore bland. But probably the most disappointing was that the Mac N Cheese was so bland and unsatisfying that I will need to start a new paragraph to express my disappointment. Really!?! Dude. Come on. How do you f*#k up Mac N Cheese?? It was like Chef Blandy Blanderson buttered some noodles and threw (1) Kraft Singles into the pot. They need to fly Chef Blandy to Austin, have him talk to the people over at Perla's and then report back to Dante's. Problem solved. If they can somehow get the food up to the same level as the service and ambiance, this place would be perfect. I paid $135 for a dinner for 2. I felt like I got robbed and our Anniversary dinner was a big dud...
(2)
Johnathan C.
One of the best of New Orleans. Their stone ground shrimp and grits are about the only grits I like in the city (unless hung over, but the morning after pallet is a funky one indeed) and they have the best egg benedicts EVER! Their take on egg benedicts is truly their own and vastly superior to any other classic translation. Environment is really pleasurable, the bread they start you with is a meal unto itself, the trios mignon is absurd in how good it is. It has been awhile since I was in, so I will leave it at that, for now, but I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to one of the absolute best brunch places on Earth. If you are visiting, this is one place you absolutely must eat at, reservation a must last time I was by for dinner.
(5)
Brandie D.
I took my family here for mother's day and we thoroughly enjoyed our first Dante's experience! The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a brunch along the Mississippi....it's like being in someone's house and the patio is beautiful! The entrees were reasonably priced for the selections and the quality. I had no idea what I wanted until I took a closer look at the eggs benedict....it was anything but your usual EB. Carmelized onion biscuit topped with rosemary pork loin, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise and honey! All of these things would have been terrific on their own, but were the flavors went so well together that each bite was perfection. After hearing about the grits, I had to order a side of the highly recommended southern side to see for myself. Don't tell my grandma, but they're better than her's....and all of these years I thought she had the best! They were creamy, not one bit grainy, and I could've eaten the entire bowl as my entree! Best.....grits.....ever.....the end.
(5)
Tara S.
I was pleasantly surprised... well not totally surprised, given all the great comments and feedback from my fellow yelpers! But seriously Dante's Kitchen was very nice, from the atmosphere to the food and of course the service, all were great! I will definitely be going back! Also we went for Valentine's Day and they gave me a rose... long stem my FAV!
(4)
Chuuk T.
Yet another 5 star review for Dante's kitchen....We visited with friends from Chicago and one of our party was vegetarian. The vegetable selection was delicious. Everyone loved their meal one visitor declared it, "the best food in New Orleans." The reviews inspired us to try the chicken under a brick and the tuna. The tuna may have been, "a bit over -seared," but the over all experience prevents us from knocking off any stars. The service was wonderful and unpretentious and the recommendations for further culinary adventures proved wonderful. We sampled four delicious desserts our favorite being the "coconut blueberry flan."
(5)
Lucy M.
Everyone goes on about the dinners, but there's more to this menu of 100% foodly perfection. Before I left New Orleans, my last delicious New Orleans dish was breakfast at Dante's. The brekkie menu is not for indecisive people! After a full 10 minutes of playing a difficult game of elimination, I had narrowed it down to either the Coho Salmon Gravlax w/ Eggs or the French Toast. I wasn't leaving town without getting my last dose of decently made grits, but didn't know what to do! Eenie meenie mynee moe wasn't going to cut the deck here. So we called the waiter over for some advice. And it's true. The service here really is top notch. His guy knew all the business with both dishes and set me straight with the french toast and the side of stone ground grits with added sauteed mushrooms while my friend got the cheese grits and mahi mahi brunch special. Heaven. He waiter's description of it all seemed so mysterious and exciting, like we had been given some stamp of approval in taste. I felt like we had found the best meal combo and for that we should eat grand and drink tea with our pinkies pointing high in the air. Yes, I felt fancy! Of course the food was phenomenal, but I've got a descriptive curve ball to throw. The French Toast is not toast. It's bread pudding dipped in egg with strawberry jammy syrup running down the sides with lightly sprinkled with snow flake sugar...........GOOD GOD it was magnificent. I mean that thing REALLY changes the game. Everyone, try this french toast. It'll knock your socks off! Dante's Kitchen does have a wait list, but it's not usually a long list and it's worth the patience. I'm so glad to have had such a beautiful bon voyage meal!
(5)
David M.
One of my all-time favorites in New Orleans. This is an easy-to-miss restaurant (in a coverted house) near Audubon park and the Mississippi River. The food and service are really fabulous, from my point of view. Ingredients are typically local, and they make a lot of their own drinks, sauces, and even sausages/salamis, etc. A friend described it as 'artisanal'. The food is really great. I've been there 5-6 times and never had anything I didn't like. They have a very nice outdoor courtyard area that is pleasant when the weather is not too hot. In my opinion it's comparable to some of the more famous places in the French Quarter, but easily accessible and they do take reservations (which are not hard to get). Great ambience. I will continue to keep going back.
(5)
mom k.
Food was fabulous!!! I wonder if they have a garden in the back to grow their own vegetables. Innovative preparation. one issue, we were given a menu of dried meats, asked questions, ordered, and then told they were not available. Not acceptable from the management, or service perspectives. Manager never even came over to explain, just a lame excuse from the waitress. Tainted an otherwise great meal.
(4)
Alex L.
Unbelievable service. I went for dinner for two and had one of the best dinners of my life. The menu is seasonal, so I am not sure if they will have this when you go, but the Braised Oxtail was to die for.
(5)
Chris B.
I love New Orleans ands I have eaten all over the town, but my last visit at Jazz Fest I went here with 10 people on the boogie bus...bus was fun driver was not..we were an hour late at the busiest time of the year at one of the best places in town...well long and short of is the Manager Neil made room for us on the porch and a half dozen bottles of champagne and a bottle of Patron later = GOOD TIMES, and the best Shrimp and Grits Ever(sorry Crooks Corner, Chapel Hill)...Mr. B's used to be a favorite (it's not as good anymore, go for Lunch). Anyway you will love it it's out of the quarter about 20 minutes and you get to see a part of town most don't see. It's full of little bars and great music. Can't wait to go back to Date's next year.
(5)
Richard H.
An great destination restaurant for tourists who want to escape the French Quarter for an excellent meal. We had no trouble getting to the restaurant by taking the St. Charles Streetcar line. I had the roasted duck breast and my wife had the chicken roasted under a brick, both of which were outstanding. We were also very pleased with the service.
(5)
Melinda C.
Very disappointed by this place. After seeing the great yelp reviews on this restaurant, decided to try it on our New Orleans trip. First of all, it is OUT there. We stayed in the French Quarter and it was at least a 45 minute street car ride away. I suppose we could have taken a cab and done more research, but I just had no idea it was this far away from the French Quarter. That said, I was prepared to let the distance slide if the food was good. It was OK, not bad, but certainly not great. We started with the pork belly and it was quite literally a big cube of fat. Of course, pork belly is a a fatty cut, but wow, chewing pure fat is not tasty. That said, my gulf fish was pretty good. My boyfriend got the duck, and it was mediocre at best. A real disappointment. Restaurant is cute enough inside and service was fine. My main complaint was about the food.
(2)
Anthony C.
I love this place because the food is great, service is exceptional, and the drinks are strong. Well worth the price.
(4)
Sharon L.
In about as many weeks, I had but two disappointing meals in NOLA. Sadly, Dante's was one of them. I really wanted to like this place, and we even took our one-day rented car to get there on a Friday night for a change of scenery from the quarter. I almost gave Dante's three stars, because for the most part, it seems to be a decent local slow-food joint, but they served me an entree for which there was NO excuse, which should never have left the line, and which I can only assume escaped from the kitchen on a night when no senior kitchen staff were on. Because no one who cares about this restaurant, and its reputation, its fresh-and-local image, could have served the eggplant napoleon I received, a dish so bad I shudder to think of it, and I just know I won't be able to order eggplant again for a long time. I totally didn't trek here to order eggplant, though -- I came for chicken-fried flank steak. CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK! It was on Dante's online menu, posted right alongside the date we went. When we arrived, however, the menu was a good deal different than the one I had seen. That's lame -- why post a daily menu if it's not accurate? I got teased with chicken-fried steak. There was instead a flank steak piri piri, and to the credit of the server, she tried to steer me that way ... but I really wasn't in the mood for just any steak, but for CHICKEN-FRIED steak. And after eating two weeks of creole cooking, by the time we ordered dinner at nearly 9 this night, I was just not hungry enough to settle for just steak. So I thought the egglant napoleon -- with smoked tomato sauce, heirloom tomatoes, fresh local basil, local mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano would be a fresh, simple, layered dish with just a bit of creole kick. What arrived should have been immediately returned, but I did order it over the server's clear steering away, so I suffered in silence. First, this was no napoleon. The dish was not layered at all, but was instead a large blob of eggplant chunks, grey, lukewarm, and incredibly seedy. So seedy, every bite was crunchy. The smoked tomato sauce wasn't integrated, and the heirloom tomatoes were half-heartedly sauteed, bitter, and set among some flavorless, stiff onions. There were no more than two tablespoons of cheese -- about one of each type -- and these were just sort of embedded in the eggplant. There was zero presentation here, on a dish that everyone knows -- by its very nature -- is supposed to be layered. There was also no basil at all in the dish, as claimed on the menu. Fresh basil should have been featured prominently, considering the menu took the time to note its local origin, and to simply omit it insulted my intelligence. There were instead some fresh snipped chives -- hey, they're green, too! -- which had no business hanging around smoked tomato sauce. Had I made this dish at home, I would have discreetly slid it in the compost bin before anyone could notice my ineptitude. The molasses spoon bread -- a buttery, sweet corn bread -- was really nice, and my guy's chicken cooked under a brick was wonderful (although I thought the sauce was maybe a little too maple syrupy, he dug it despite having a generally French aversion to too much sweet with savory), and our appetizer of shrimp and grits was well-executed, with creamy, stone ground grits and four sweetly charred whole shrimp. As a former trade bartender (and current hobbyist bartender) I was interested in checking out Dante's homemade infusions, but the peach-infused old-fashioned was watery and unsweet, and the cucumber gin and juice lacked any sharpness to its citrus component to balance the cucumber. We had water with our entrees and got the hell out of Dante's Kitchen.
(2)
maria w.
A special meal with excellent service and fresh innovative food. We had appetizer shrimp with creamy grits (Cajun shrimp w/heads), fresh & light pepper salad, brick chicken, and sides of eggplant and squash. Splitting the chicken entree was smart because it allowed us to try a greater variety of the small plates and the portion of chicken is almost too large for one person. We also loved the Cuban cocktail & spoon bread. It was $100 for 2 with tip - well worth the money for a special occasion.
(4)
Cathy G.
4.5 stars!! Yummy food & comfortable environment. Next time I'm back in NO, I will for sure come back here
(4)
Newt L.
New Orleans is unique in that restaurants that would be stellar in most cities come off as being okay here. Dante's is one of these restaurants. The menu offers a small, solid sampling of creole-style dishes, many of the ingredients are local, and the setting is comfortable. I had the shrimp and grits with andouille gravy . This is one of my "last meal" dishes, so I'm insanely particular about it. The flavors were great, the grits were creamy, and the shrimp...were overcooked. My lady-friend ordered the eggs benedict which came served over honey drizzled buttermilk biscuits and a thick cut of ham. Again, the flavors were dynamic and exciting, but the ham was dry and overcooked. The service was congenial but slow and confused. The prices were moderate. We came out of it feeling like Dante's could be great if they would pay more attention to the details and less attention to the image.
(3)
Jamie C.
Dante's Kitchen became a brunch staple for my friends and I this year. It is close to our uptown homes and usually the wait is a perfect length for all of our hungover friends to slowly make it there. The menu is terrible for my indecisive tendencies; there are too many descriptions that make my mouth water. The Eggs Benedict with biscuit, honey drizzle and pork is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. A northerner who fear grits, I usually order the hash browns, which are perfectly seasoned and tasty. One special, the Alligator Sausage Sliders, spooked my Californian who thought they were like buffalo wings (not actually made of Alligator) but they were a great size and interesting addition to breakfast. And, despite my resistance, the cheesy grits are heaven. Try the mixed bread or brioche french toast appetizer to get a mix of all the amazing flavors they have to offer.
(5)
Joanna C.
I LOVE this place. I have a friend with a house Uptown, and thanks to him I have gotten to know the restaurants and bars along Carrollton and the surrounding neighborhood. Dante's Kitchen has consistently been a great meal. My mother even requested - nay, DEMANDED that we come back here on her second visit to Louisiana. And that was after Katrina - I was so happy to see their doors open. (I know Katrina probably sunk a lot of restaurants in more ways than one). Love the molasses spoon bread, the shrimp and grits kick ass, and pick any of the entrees - you won't get a bad meal here. The service is also great and always willing to chat and give recommendations. I hope this place continues to feed New Orleans.
(5)
Alisha R.
I've been here several times and this place is just consistently good. I usually switch back and forth between the redfish and the filets. Both are good, but I think I prefer the filet. It has a nice patio area to sit out on and I've alway gotten great service. There are a million great restaurants in New Orleans, but Dante's is definitely one my favorites.
(5)
Andrew L.
Great service. Amazing food especially the chicken and rabbit stew. Nice quaint atmosphere in a neighborhood block near the river.
(4)
Aviv G.
Neat little place with attentive, if not slightly hurried service. Reasonably priced wine list. Three of us started with roasted stuffed squid, pork belly, and shrimp n grits followed by drum (yum), duck breast, and trois mignon. Worth a visit.
(4)
Joyce S.
We lucked into this restaurant after discovering that the music we'd come for at the Maple Leaf wouldn't be starting for three hours. The bartender at the ML described Dante's Kitchen as a restaurant for people who care where their food comes from. Every morsel was outstanding. We started with the punch of the day--a concoction of gin, ginger liqueur, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice and a dash of ginger beer. Complex and delicious. We followed that with a salad of local greens topped with shaved apples and the tuna two ways, char rare over mustard greens and chopped and marinated atop cabbage and carrot shreds. They also gave us some pumpkiny spoon bread that was a perfect complement to both the salad and the tuna. Everything had subtleties of flavor and multiple layers of taste so that each bite was a slightly new experience. The service was great, the ambience homey. We would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Gene P.
We decided to stay away from the over priced and dressy French Quarter restaurants and head in the opposite direction, and boy, am I glad we did.The reviews for Dante's kitchen were spot on. I had the BBQ shrimp over grits which was just heavenly. The chicken cooked under a brick with egg was excellent. The chicken was very moist and the sauce was a combination of sweet ( honey ? ) and some spice that gave it a slight kick. ( which I could not figure out ). The maple honey cornbread was a treat in itself. My wife had the" tres mignons" with a silton sauce and debries ( like a pulled pork ) which she raved about. Our waiter was attentive and service was excellent. I agree with others that this was our best meal in NOLA. Do make a reservation as it is an old converted home and not very large.
(5)
Stephanie W.
Just plain amazing. Food tasted great, was interesting and well executed. The restuarant has indoor and outdoor seating - both really great places to sit and have a very nice atomsphere to if for a nice intimate dinner. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. The portions were good and the service was outstanding.
(5)
Justin S.
I went a long long time ago for a fantastic brunch, so when I needed to find a place for a late Valentine's dinner they had openings and a killer looking menu. My girlfriend and I had 4 small plates which were excellent and one which was OK. We also had a few cocktails which were very nice. The problem with everything was the service. Our food came out pretty much on time, but was delivered by everybody but our server. My girlfriend had a prefect view of the bar and our drinks which sat around for a while, once long enough to be re-shaken. We would have ordered another glass of wine with dessert, but considering my dessert cocktail came when we were nearly finished with the apple pie, I'm glad we didn't. Overall, the food was really good, as were the drinks, but it seemed as if it was just our waiter who was off. I may try this place again as I am pretty forgiving of service (as a waiter myself), but it's not high on my priority list at the moment.
(2)
Chad C.
We had a great dining experience at Dante's Kitchen. Its a very small place with a nice (other than some road noise) patio to dine on. The food portions were small but the quality was amazing. Lots of incorporation of local produce and fresh ingredients. Nice wait staff and great food. The only reason they're getting 4 stars is because of the small portions.
(4)
R T.
I didn't care for this place. My mahi mahi was topped with bbq'd brisket, which wasn't stated on the menu. My fiance's vegetable plate had too many overpowering flavors. The service was good, but the food was pretty bad. Everything was either too salty or too rich and the flavors did not compliment each other.
(1)
Renee M.
The Molasses Honey Spoonbread was DIVINE!!! I ordered the chicken cooked under a brick it was delicious. Neil the owner was very cordial and hospitable I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant
(5)
Rachel G.
Dante's Kitchen was the surprise food star of this trip. After all the hype around its neighbor, Brigtsen's (see my earlier review), I was expecting a good meal, but nothing over the top. Boy, was I wrong. This place is fantastic! First of all, love the vibe inside - they have an adorable outside patio for warmer weather, and the interior where we dined is in a cute house with a contemporary feeling. Because all of the choices looked so good, we went for a bunch of small plates for dinner. The thing I especially appreciated was how the chef took inspiration from New Orleans cuisine but put his own twist on it. The dish I'm still obsessing over is the kale and lentils - admittedly not a very Southern dish - but he made it so by doing the old trick of putting small pieces of meat in to season the veggies. (Sorry vegetarians.) The cocktails were also excellent - a good selection of specialty drinks from the bar. Dante's Kitchen has easily become a family favorite.
(4)
Amy S.
I was just in New Orleans for a conference and someone in our group suggested we go here after she heard about it from a friend. I was so happy that we took a pleasant and senic cab ride through the Garden District (I think) and saw all of the historical homes, Loyola University-New Orleans, etc. Apparently the Dante's is a 1800's home. It was very cute and quaint. The staff was very accomodating to our group of 11--explaining the menu, letting us know their favorites and offered excellent service refilling water glasses. While the menu is small--though I'm not sure if that's because it was a weeknight, it offers traditional Louisiana dishes. The molasses spoon bread that they brought out was delicious and melted in my mouth. I had a pork chop dish that had lyonaise potatoes and some baked apples. It was very tender and juicy. For desert I had the key lime pie that was also good. I did not try them, but one of the women who I was with from Oklahoma had the collared greens and she said they were the best she ever had. The waitress was so nice and was patient while we all figured out our bills and even called us cabs so we could get back to our hotel safely. On our way out, the owner walked us out and was very friendly and gracious. Thank you for your hospitality!
(5)
Allison R.
Seriuosly, the absolute best meal I've had in the city, if not my life! The chicken under a brick and macaroni & cheese is masterful. I am so becoming a regular here. Oh, check your diet at the door and indulge.
(5)
Nic S.
Hands down, the best restaurant inNew Orleans. We live to eat, and this city surely provides, but nothing compares to Dante's. The staff is amazing, friendly and knowledgable. They have a great cocktail menu and wine list, and if you get a bloody mary at brunch expect it to be full of their house pickled vegetables. If you are visiting, or a local, DON'T pass this place up, you can't be disaapointed.
(5)
Sara H.
Fantastic. I'm a newbie when it comes to New Orleans cuisine but my local friends agreed best meal in the city. Our helpful waiter guided us to the best on the food and drinks menu and we ended up with the boar, chicken, and local veggie plate. As he suggested, for drinks try the Argentinian merlot and the pimms cup. It will be hard to find a finer meal. Only advice is it's not purely a Cajun or Creole restaurant so skip this meal if you're dead set on jambalaya. Rather it has heavy Southern influences with a fresh, local agenda.
(5)
Dr. D.
I'm not sure if their food is "Cajun/Creole", but my boyfriend and I had a great dinner. Their molasses cornbread is amazing!!!
(5)
T e x M o m.
Great food with local ingredients done up in unique ways. I would have given it 5 stars had it not been for the leaky a/c vent over our table and lack of bathroom space (only ONE bathroom). Parking can also be a challenge if you're not familiar with the area.
(4)
David C.
I'd actually give it a 4.5 if I could. A smaller restaurant with a great ambiance. Seems to attract a lot of locals due to it's location, but I would definitely recommend trying to this place out (especially if you're a fan of Jacques-Imo's). The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable making the place an overall great experience. The menu is relatively small (BUT delicious), but they change it often so it never really seems to get boring. This is a place I would definitely try again.
(4)
Polly C.
i'll tell you exactly what i told the staff at dante's: my bf and i are new yorkers who travel and eat out A LOT and this was THE BEST meal we've had in months. yes, months. everything was perfect, delicious, seasoned well, really just incredible. this restaurant could make me want to live in new orleans.
(5)
Sam P.
Superb, superb, superb. Local ingredients. Seasonal. I.e. what you get today may not be there tomorrow. Owner is great and fun to chat with. No tourists in sight, except us... Great neighborhood. Would definetly go back!!!! Easy to get to on the St. Charles line.
(5)
D C.
This is one of my favorite breakfast joints in New Orleans. The debris, i think, is the best in New Orleans. I think it's better than Ralph's on the Park. Their cheese grits are also really good...I love adding corn to it! Perfect casual Sunday brunch place. Nice patio to kick back and sip your bloody marys. The biggest downside to this place is the LONG line and if you get there too late...they actually run out of items!!! Very frustrating when you've been waiting just to sit down and they say they are out of your favorite dish. So go early!
(4)
Lauren C.
I had an outstanding dinner at Dante's Kitchen to celebrate my graduation. The food was excellent. The service was professional. The patio is small, but private and very nice. This is truly a hidden gem!
(5)
Megan C.
The abmiance is nearly as good as the food. The art and colorful walls of this very clean cottage make you ready for a perfect meal. They play perfect dinner music - Modest Mouse was rotated in. All glasses of wine are only $5 and the list compliments the food very well. The mixed drinks are top notch too! Like all NOLA eateries, this one serves up generous portions. I had a terrible time deciding what to get but am very pleased with the scallops. I noticed most other tables in the restaurant ordered the BBQ shrimp so I am going to go back for mine! Oh yeah, most of the ingredients are FRESH AND LOCAL. It's been my favorite meal so far this trip....
(5)
K S.
Went for brunch and my meal was so good. I had the corned beef hash which was great, but would have loved some more of that horseradish cream sauce. What can you say about a meal served in an iron skillet - heaven! It went down well with the bubbly satsumosas and the staff was attentive.
(5)
Nancy H.
Dante's Kitchen was a wonderful experience! It is further out if you are staying in the french quarter, but still very accessible via the st. charles street car (last stop) or a $15 cab ride. I highly recommend the brick-cooked chicken. It was one of the juiciest and most tender chicken I've had in my life here. Not only is the chicken juicy and sweet, it comes with an egg sunny side up on top! I'm not a fan of the duck pot pie, as it tasted like frozen duck sprinkled with chunky flour crumbles and baked lukewarm. For dessert, the banana parfait was absolutely delicious!! Overall, food here is very well-prepared. The restaurant is cozy, service is attentive and courteous. It's worth the trip out- even if you don't get a table at Dante's Kitchen, the neighborhood has many other cute homey restaurants that seem worth trying!
(4)
Greg N.
We had high expectations of New Orleanean cuisine, and Dante's Kitchen exceeded them beyond our imagination. From the spoonbread to the brick roasted chicken we walked out wishing we weren't going home to San Francisco. One of the best meals we've had in North America.
(5)
Tim M.
Went there last week for dinner. Very interesting and creative menu - I guess you would call it Nouveau Cajun. Food was tasty and good selection of beers and cocktails - always nice to have a Pimm's Cup. Kind of far from the FQ but I would recommend it for a good New Orleans meal.
(4)
tara j.
Exceptional food . Chicken served with a poached egg was really moist and flavorful. The trio of petite tenderloin with root beer mashed potatoes was tasty.Excellent drink special. Would visit again.
(5)
Leigh J.
If you need to get out of the fried New Orleans row if the French Quarter, go here! It is in a cute little converted home and I would recommend everything on the menu. Delish!!
(4)
Katie B.
My favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Perfect brunch spot! I also love that they use local produce.
(5)
Bktwn A.
Seriously, without a doubt the BEST shrimp & grits I've had in NOLA. By a MILE! Oh and the Mexican pots de creme was unctuous. Go now, quickly...
(4)
Jennifer L.
Nice little place, good food, but I think the prices are too high for the casual ambience. Outdoor seating available, especially considering all of the other dining options in the River bend area.
(4)
Lee K.
My wife and I had dinner at Dante's Kitchen on 11/15/13. We were there to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and this restaurant did not disappoint! I had the chicken under a brick, which was delicious. I rarely order chicken when eating out, but I was glad that I did this time. My wife had the drum, which was wonderful also. If you are looking for a nice place that is a little bit away from the hustle of the French Quarter give Dante's a try.
(5)
Sigmund B.
Brunch is outstanding - I had a fluffy omelette with delicious melty cheddar, potatoes, and andouille, wife had a shrimp and chorizo salad with a chile lime vinaigrette that really tied the room together, and we got the bread pudding french toast for "dessert" - all 3 were perfect, but the french toast was truly singular. Bloodys were good and spicy and the patio created the perfect relaxing setting. Good music (Bob Marley) and great service topped off an ideal Saturday morning. Just a few blocks past the end of the St Charles streetcar line, it's great way to start a weekend day and then head over to the Aubudon park and zoo or the garden district. Can't wait to try dinner on our next visit to the big easy.
(5)
Sun Y.
I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. I went a couple of weeks ago with my niece who lives in New Orleans. It was a Sunday night after the Mardi Gras Half Marathon and it was hard to find restaurant reservations. I am glad Dante's had an opening! We went based on the Yelp reviews which created really high expectations. Dante's met and exceeded these. We are foodies and have eaten all over the world and I consider this to be one of my top ten meals. We started out with a goji-berry infused vodka cocktail mixed with rasberry and yerba (a south american herb that has a smoky flavor). Delicious. For appetizers we had the bbq shrimp w grits, a side of mac and cheese and a plate of homemade pickles. All were outstanding. For the main courses we tried the rabbit cassoulet with homemade bacon and sausage, the roasted quail with boudin blanc (also homemade) and a side of barq's root beer candied sweet potatoes. We topped it off with a bourbon tasting of four bourbons in these great little half shot glasses. The molasses spoon bread was good like the other reviews. It was a very special meal - was as good as Bouley in NYC (recent meal last Dec for a friend's 40th bday). DIfferent of course because its more casual but the quality of food and drink and friendly service was truly outstanding. I will go back every time I can get to New Orleans. Not typical to find for visitors since it is in the Tulane area and people tend to herd around the French Quarter.
(5)
Miriam H.
We came for brunch yesterday and it was wonderful! I had the steak and eggs and I thought it was very tasty! I wish the dish had been a little warmer, but the taste was great. Everyone else with us enjoyed their meals as well.
(5)
Theo S.
best meal in years - go there. now!
(5)
michael b.
My first New Orleans meal and after four years a foodie in NOLA I still hold Dante's in a high place. The menu is simple as our the dishes, but you will leave satisfied. ASK for two spoon breads and they will give you the recipe. This place destroys so many spots just by having a small well executed menu.
(5)
Allison J.
Prior to Katrina, this was *the* place I'd go to for Sunday brunch. They have a HEAVENLY HASH dish that's awesome and the EGGS BENEDICT was fantastic. I don't know if they're open now but if they are, you've got to go. They have a fantastic sunny patio with all kinds of plants so you feel like you're in someone's backyard. The service is friendly and attentive but you may have to wait a little while if you come primetime for brunch. Ahhhh.... to be in that patio with a mimosa right now!
(5)
Josh N.
Amazing food. We started with some drinks at the bar which entails on the freshest ingredients and craftsmanship you can find, the drinks are amazing. Once we sat down we ordered some appetizers which were all very tasty and included fresh boiled crawfish and the escargot and house made bacon. There were 4 of us and that was a good start to the meal. We had the trois mignons, red fish, and duck as the main entree. As the sides we ordered the mac and cheese and broccoli. The mignon was absolutely to die for, it the sauce was thick and zesty and the caramelized potatoes were amazing. The redfish was very good with a nice sauteed crust on it. The only item that was not over par was the duck, having grown up hunting and eatin many wild game this was not a great item. The meat was way to gamey and a little too under cooked. Having said that I was the one that ordered and still think this restaurant is 4.5 stars. If I had ordered anything else I believe the would have received that 5th star. The ambiance is amazing. Very romantic and welcoming from the point that you enter the front gate! A definite must have while in new orleans!
(4)
Jane L.
Very cute, semi secret location, mostly locals. Very good- but this is Nawlin's ya'll, if it aint slap your momma good, it only gets four stars!
(4)
francesca b.
The most amazing meal we have ever had!! Service was fantastic. Started with the grits (off the hook) and a spicy tomato soup that was the best I have ever had. Chicken under brick is an obligation.-the sauce and spices are continuous and wonderful. Don't fill up on the bread, or you will miss the desserts. Peach and blueberry pie was complemented by cream cheese sorbet. Wine selection was good and very well priced . We had three drinks, two apps. Two vegetable sides, two entrees and two desserts for $127. Should have been easily $200 anywhere else. We will be going back for brunch!!
(5)
Lauren P.
Great food and great, fresh drinks.
(5)
C N.
We were redirected at Dick and Jenny's, as they had an hour wait...so, we had no idea how fabulous dinner would be. From the house made infused spirits that were used in the evening punch (changes nightly), to the ridiculously luscious complimentary molasses spoon bread, to our spectacular meals (duck and gulf fish). There was not one detail that I can take issue with. The service is gracious and the vibe is relaxed. The Pot Likka was outstanding...rich, lusciousness to spread in bread. Mac and cheese with rabbit hotdogs was indulgent and homey. I look forward to eating there again!
(5)
Nicole F.
This place was amazing! It's off the beaten path if you're staying in the french quarter BUT you can take the trolly which was fun. I had the cornbeef and potatoes and my boyfriend had the shrimp grits (which he was making fun of me for raving about until he had them). AND WOW! The shrimp grits was so freaking good I think I cried...because as wonderful as the cornbeef was and as perfectly beautiful as my eggs were poached, his dish was truly divine. Lucky for me, we love to share food so I got my fill of both. Oh...and the spicy bloodys were good too!
(5)
Patricia C.
Yum! What a cozy, lovely little spot, far off the beaten path of NOLA. A 15+/- cab ride outside of the French Quarter, barely making the Uptown area, brings you to Dantes Kitchen. Warm staff, cute, tiny interior, fresh, locally sourced meat & produce, prepared with care. Fresh, delicious. The spoon bread starter is a killer. We loved the pickle plate too! I went vegetarian that night & had the Cushaw pumpkin soup (lentils were a yummy surprise in the bottom of the bowl) as well as the local fresh farm vegetable platter was delicous! My husband shared the above with me & for a dinner, had several small plates: The Charcuterie (which was good, he said, but the pate was not to die for); the field peas, which he said were really fresh & tasty. Our server was an extremely sweet woman whom we chatted with at length. As we were leaving, one of the owners stood & waited for our cab with us and had a nice long conversation with him as well. A really nice place, super sweet people & great food.
(5)
Jelly B.
I do agree with the other reviews that the Molasses Spoon Bread is very good. The shrimp & grits and barbequed shrimp appetizers are both excellent. The entrees are all good, but small. One friend had the redfish on the half shell and it was a small portion and came with no sides. The crabmeat that accompanied it must have been 2 bites worth. A total disappointment. I had the tangerine glazed pork loin with goat cheese grits and collard greens. I really enjoyed my meal and the collard greens were delicious. Others we dined with had the gulf fish amandine and citrus rubbed gulf fish. I think they enjoyed thier meals, but the overall impression was the portions were a little small for the prices they charged. As for the desserts, one guest commented, "Are they dollhouse sized?" They charged around $6+ for teeny, tiny desserts. The molten lava chocolate cake was literally 2 bites of cake with some ice cream on the side. We were shocked because the waitress warned us it would take a little while to prepare since it's served warm, so we expected a nice hearty dessert. Don't bother with dessert at this place and go somewhere else. We're not this giant, obese eaters, but I really felt they overcharged by $5-6 per plate for the portion sizes. I would probably recommend Dick & Jenny's over this place.
(4)
Stan F.
Superb food; the shrimp & grit appetizer is amazingly tasty anf huge; four big prawns and great grits. Had the vegetarian entree that was very creative and lovely presentation. The ribs appetizer was OK, not as tender as some I've had, but excellent flavor and quality. The molasses spoon bread that is a freebie is terrific. A great Manhattan and excellent Gruet sparkling rounded out the dinner. Service was fun and knowledgeable, owner pleasant and talkative. At the end of St Charles street carline, but we did the taxi thing from CBD (it was cold and windy) and that was $20, but worth it.
(5)
Jason L.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time, SF places included. Our food was phenomenal, just unbelievably good. More details soon...
(5)
Debbie Y.
LOVED THIS PLACE! It's very cute and cozy, candle lit spaces. The food was wonderful. The restaurant is all up local, fresh everything. Their vegetable selection is very seasonal and so so good! To start, I had the mussels in green curry, which were amazing. I'm a huge fan of mussels and these hit the spot. I like spicy and the curry added a nice kick. My date had the escargot which was served in a yummy cream sauce with garlic bread. We were given a complimentary sweet, "spoon" bread (?) I believe is what it was called. I had the duck two ways and a side of English Peas. THE PEAS WERE DELICIOUS! So fresh, so flavorful, and perfectly prepared. I have to say that was probably the highlight of my meal, not to undermine the duck, because it was great too. But the peas.. I guess I don't really eat peas that often, and these were just perfect. My date had the pork steak, i stole a bite and it was good. I liked my duck better though :) Of course we couldn't leave without dessert. I had the carrot cake and my date had pumpkin pie. Both are made in-house. Good stuff. Wish the pumpkin pie had a little more spice though. Again, very fresh and "homemade" tasting. This is such a great neighborhood restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon! And am excited to see what new "seasonal" items will come out. The only thing I could complain about was that service was kind of slow.. Although our waitress was very helpful and good, when she came around.
(4)
Dwayne H.
Stumbled on this place after finding out that Brigsten's was closed. Soooo glad we did as it was an awesome dinner. Our server John took great care of us and his recommendations were spot on. I always appreciate someone who tells us that it'd be cheaper to buy the bottle of champagne than get it by the glass. We did an array of three appetizers: Escargot ($8), Padron peppers ($7), and pickle plate ($7). The escargot were tasty and tender. LOVED the Padron peppers--they had this light terriyaki glaze and were oh so tasty. Even the pickle plate was great...selection of bread and butter pickles, zucchini, green beans, etc. The tuna entree was perfectly done rare ($23). The chicken under a brick was very tasty and extremely moist ($24). Redfish on the half shell was great ($24). Get a side green beans ($7). Great experience and definitely worth the trip--take the St Charles street trolley and get off at Stop 44.
(4)
Rachel H.
This place is amazing! The best meal I've had in ages. Do not miss the shrimp grits with red eye gravy - to die for. I also had the flounder, which was spectacular. The only thing sub par was the peach mojito which was not sweet enough, but that was not enough to mar a 5 star rating. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Pots de Creme was the perfect end to a fabulous meal. Eat here if you want the best in fresh, creative, nola cuisine.
(5)
Michelle D.
I've had several wonderful meals at Dantes. The local ingredient board on arrival sets the stage for a great meal of the freshest ingredients. The mussels are to die for. In the summer, their cucumber infused gin makes an incredible gin and tonic. I plan to visit Dantes every time I go to NOLA.
(5)
Melissa M.
Wonderful, wonderful meal. Just spent three days in New Orleans and, by far, this was the best meal I had in the city. Granted, I have a very mild palate, so a lot of the spicy food did not appeal to me in general, but this was a top notch meal. I had the chicken roasted under a brick and it was amazing. It came on the bone, which I normally despise. However, it was cut in such a way that it was easy to just eat meat while fiddling with the bone. I don't know exactly how they cook it under a brick (I asked to have the brick, but they said it cost extra ;) ), but it turned out beautifully. I anticipated the egg and hash to give it a breakfasty feel...but it didn't. It was ideal for dinner. The only thing I did not like was the corn and peas with bacon side dish that I got. It was a bit dense and smoky for my taste. That notwithstanding, I highly recommend this restaurant if you're headed to New Orleans and looking for original cuisine.
(5)
Amy D.
My friend and I drove down to New Orleans from Atlanta. We were rescuing a dog and cat the following day so we were only staying one night. It was a long drive and a bit stressful anticipating getting the pets, but I wanted to make sure that we had a nice dinner. I always read the reviews on Yelp and the comments for Dante's Kitchen convinced me this would be the perfect place for a lovely dinner. And it was! We ate outside on the patio, had a wonderful waiter and a delicious meal. My friend ordered the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad to start and it was a winner! I had a a yummy salad with tomatoes and onions (I can't remember what else was in it) and it was also delicious. For my entree, I had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. And for dessert we shared a Ricotta Cheesecake. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere was relaxing and the service was outstanding. It's off the beaten path which was perfect. We enjoyed every bit of our evening at Dante's and I'd go back in a minute.
(5)
Rick W.
Great food. Yes the Bar-b-que shrimp hands down wip Pascal Manales. Sorry they did not have it for an entre, only appetizer. The skitp steak was great as well.
(5)
Janelle L.
Dante's is one of may favorite places in the city. I love how they use local produce with a seasonal menu. The coctails are truly unique. The peach mojito and the cucumber gin are a must! The service is outstanding and timely. The ambience is cozy and romantic. I've eaten here numerous times for dinner and brunch, and would highly recommend either or both. It's hard to find a place that is outstanding in all 3 areas of appetizer, entree and dessert; dante's kitchen definitely hits the mark!
(5)
Jennifer B.
I forgot to review Dante's after our brunch last week.. oops! It was my first time there, and it was amazing. They have highchairs and a kids' menu, which is fantastic since I brought along the munchkin. She LOVED the french toast, which was covered in a strawberry sauce (wasn't too heavy). Ok, I loved it too. I had the Dante's Omlette, which was equally delicious. Oh, and of course, the Satsumosas! Awesome. Just awesome. The service was fantastic too, especially considering they had about 15 of us in a group to take care of .
(4)
Betsy M.
while the food was good enough, the service was seriously lacking. we were really looking forward to this dinner for our first night in New Orleans and it turned out to be the worst by far. our server was totally detached, socializing with a friend at another table almost the whole time we were there and just seemed uncomfortable in general. I had the red fish, which was excellent, but it came with a salad of mint and dill that was not a match at all. my boyfriend had the duck, which was also excellent but again, the service just took the whole experience way down for us. we had the butterscotch pudding with salted whipped cream for dessert and it was not good. actually tasted like caramel, not even remotely butterscotch, and eaten alone, the whipped cream was completely over whipped to the point of tasting like butter. of all the great options in New Orleans, this isn't worth the money at all. we ate at commanders palace and arnaud's for less and the service was impeccable! the atmosphere is also confused. trying to be traditional/hipster/country garden all at the same time. it just doesn't work.
(2)
Carolyn C.
If this place really does serve breakfast I'm going to be in heaven. I went there for a small group dinner and the atmosphere really can't be beat - the restaurant is in an old house so tables are set up in various rooms. The menu is full of yummy looking options, but beware, this is not a cheap dining experience, but if you are craving some quality seafood that isn't your typical fish baked blah - you should stop in.
(5)
Christine S.
Wow I think I died and went to heaven! I had the special, and that it was .... fellow foodies. It was brioche bread toasted with melted pimento cheese, shredded moist pork topped with eggs poached to perfection. I was in nirvana and it was the food experience I had come to Nola to have. We had a very nice and attentive waitress to boot. If I had room I would have ordered the applewood bacon on the side. If I were on death row that would certainly round out my last meal request! Ok add the bacon cinnamon roll too for good measure. Would not recommend the Bloody Mary, too much horseradish. Sadly our waitress said they may not ever have that special again, for goodness lip smakin' sake I hope she's wrong!!
(5)
Amelia R.
From the very first moment I laid eyes on this place I knew I could be in trouble. Friendly folks cooking up mad food in an old house =Heaven. Just one bite of Dante's buttermilk biscuit....I turned into a pastry crack ho. My text to my man was: "I just had mouth sex with a biscuit." His reply was nasty (that's why I love him) and had something to do with swallowing. Dream on deary. I know, how exciting can a biscuit be? Oh lord. Trust me. Very. So much so that.... I licked the plate. Don't miss out on a delish bloody mary....they are fab. Pickled rhubarb. Olive. Green bean. It makes having "hair of the dog" exciting and new. The shrimp and grits were unflippingbelievable. It's not a question of IF I will ever go back, more like WHEN. But....... I would not change a thing: A bloody. An order of biscuits. Shrimp and grits. An iced coffee for the road. It all equals perfection for this biscuit slut.
(5)
Stephanie Y.
Holy Moly this place was amazing!!!!! Hands down the best dinner in NOLA. The Chicken Under the Brick was friggin delicious - the best chicken I have ever eaten - EVER and it wasn't even fried. The Shrimp and Grits were amazing along with the mussels. I loved loved loved this place. Romantic ambience, great food, southern hospitality = 5 stars!
(5)
Layla B.
This was a good meal. Our service was truly outstanding, and the food was really good. Ok, that out of the way, let me tell you more. Don't skip this place because it's not a 5 star review. The food was just really well thought out, paired well with sides, and lovingly presented. The chicken under a brick: just order it. Make sure SOMEONE you're with orders it. It's crazy juicy and tender. The smashed roasted potatoes with duck fat was also a winner at our table. The desserts weren't anything special, which was fine by me because I was already stuffed. The service was flawless. Not at all intrusive, very knowledgeable. She helped us pick our cocktails and flights of bourbon and white whiskey (didn't know there was such a thing!). It was very cool. My biggest complaint: When we made our reservation, we made it for my husband's 40th birthday. It was obviously a special occasion, yet they stuck us inside (the patio is definitely the best place to sit here, especially on a gorgeous balmy N.O. night). I asked if we could sit out there and was told no, despite making reservations almost a month in advance. Oh well. It wouldn't have been so bad except that the lighting in the room we were in was so terrible we had to use our iphones to read the menu. Actually, the server suggested we do so and said that so many people need to. Isn't that a hint? My husband was really put off by this, but loosened up as the night went on. All in all, it was a great meal.
(4)
Penny K.
Pretty good food, lovely and friendly hostess. Our server was the worst. He made the experience almost painful. Any questions about the dish or amount to order were answered with the fewest words possible. We asked to taste a wine by the glass before ordering and have never seen a smaller amount poured in a glass before. Unfortunately for whomever the owner is, we would never return to this restaurant due to the level of unfriendliness we experienced.
(2)
Jessica R.
It had been a year or more since I'd been to Dante's Kitchen when I first reviewed it on Yelp, and last week I had a chance to go back. It is, without a doubt, my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Things I forgot to mention: - Molasses Spoon Bread - Comes out as an appetizer, in the same way a bread basket is an appetizer. The difference is, spoon bread comes to the table in a tiny skillet, drenched in melted honey-butter, and is more magnificent than one might reasonably think. - Awesome Service - This is, without a doubt, a classy establishment. At one point during our meal, I said something about my irritation with something entirely unrelated to our meal, but (unsurprisingly) I was loud enough to be overheard. And the runner who brought us our entrees thought I was complaining about my meal--he stopped in mid-stride, did an about-face, and asked if I wanted him to "dress it up" (it being my plate). I had no idea what he was talking about, but once I understood he thought I was complaining about my food, I realized that Dante's Kitchen is the kind of place where every single employee is not only empowered but truly passionate about making customers happy. No matter what. That is all. The food is amazing, the venue itself is hidden/quaint/gorgeous, the service is top-notch, and I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Molly B.
Definitely in my top 5 favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I came here on a Saturday night around 8pm as a group of three. We were sat right away however to sit outside in the cute courtyard we needed reservations. The inside is really cute and cozy but with the weather so nice why not enjoy it? I had the roasted sweet pepper salad which was delicious! Very fresh and flavorful though for a red pepper salad it was sort of lacking in peppers. One of my friends had the stuffed eggplant. Very good and hearty though not as amazing as my vegetable plate - an eggplant and mushroom dish. The goat cheese and caramelized onion croquettes that come with the dish are phenomenal. They were able to make a vegetable dish as decadent as any other entree on the menu which proves their killer culinary skills. Their vegetable plate is based on the freshest vegetables they have so although the likelihood of them having this dish the next time I go is slim, I'm geeking out about what else they can do. I should mention my friends loved their slow roasted duck and redfish on a half shell. We were all members of the clean plate club.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The order consisted of Salumi- Salame di Calabria, Saucissson Noix, she had chicken under a brick, which I ate most of and it was delicious. I had Trois Mignons with each one melting in my mouth. Oh and then we had Gingerlime Cake and Chocolate cream pie. Overall we had a blast, we sat outside, place got busy as it got later and everyone was enjoying themselves. Cab ride from the French Quarter is about $25 each way with tip and the above meal runs about $100 with tip. So for $150 it was well worth.
(4)
Scott H.
I have mixed feelings about dinner here tonight. There's good and bad, and I'm disappointed that it wasn't the usual stellar experience. First, our waitress was attentive at the beginning of the meal, lackadaisical toward the end, and very bitchy and cold throughout. The four of us dine regularly together and we're not a high maintenance group, so I don't know why she was so bitter. She was rude on several occasions. For instance, I asked about a dish that used to be on the menu- it was a delicious puffed pastry Shepherd's pie- and before I could finish describing it, she interrupted me and said, exasperatedly, "Yes, we still have the spoonbread. I'll get it out to you as soon as I can." We politely let her know that the spoonbread wasn't what I was inquiring about, and proceeded to explain. Later, my friend Rich asked "Would it be possible for us to get any more spoonbread?" She replied, very curtly, "Ok, but it's going to be two dollars and it will take 15 minutes." Ooookay.... I don't need to have my ass kissed, but don't be rude- this isn't exactly Clover Grill and neither are the prices. It's not excusable, especially in a restaurant like this. Appetizers: I had the Dante's Pot Likka which is described as "slow braised beef pan drippings, Ryal's goat cheese curd, grilled bread, fig mustard." This was awesome- bits of very flavorful beef with the goat cheese on top- the grilled bread and fig mustard was on the side. The rest at the table had sea scallops, shrimp and grits, and a charcuterie plate. I'm not sure how to rate those, since I didn't try them. They all said their apps were good. Entrees: Three of us ordered the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The chicken was savory, tender, and nicely glazed. The egg was beautiful and was draped over the potatoes, but was completely lacking in seasoning. That was disappointing. James had the Redfish on the Half Shell topped with crabmeat and soft herbs. The presentation was sad, and the fish seemed to be a little overdone. I tasted it- neither of us was impressed. Desserts: One was some sort of a Chocolate cream pie, which was the best of the three. Then there was a peach pie with Creole cream cheese gelato. The gelato was gross. Rich said "it tastes like air freshener." Then there was some super dense ginger cake which was way too sweet. I passed on the coffee, and I'm glad. Tara's coffee came out with... skim milk. Gah! The biggest insult one can hand to a good cup of coffee. We had a good time because we enjoy each others' company and it is a pleasant environment. However, Miss Sunshine, our waitress, let us sit there too long. After we all started to get skin breakdown on our rear ends due to prolonged sitting, we moved the bill to an extreme corner of the table with the cards sticking out to let her know we were ready for her to pick it up. I've had too many good meals here to write Dante's off. Maybe it was bad night. If it happens again, it's over. Miss Personality's attitude didn't help. Nonetheless, she still got her 20%. She certainly didn't deserve it.
(3)
Gary R.
What a great brunch place! The service was some of the absolute BEST -- and we ALL know how bad New Orleans service can be!! The debris dish was A-MAZING as were the other 3 dishes at the table. It is a bit of a drive/taxi ride/trolley ride from the French Quarter which is the only reason it got just 4 stars.
(4)
Kris S.
If you are looking to get out of the overly touristy areas of NOLA and see where some of the locals hang out, head to Uptown where St. Charles meets South Carrollton - you can take the street car there for $1.25 or a cab for $15. In this particular area, you will find several great restaurants, but for brunch the best one is Dante's Kitchen. Had a friend not recommended it to us and met us there, we would never have discovered this quaint restaurant tucked away in a primarily residential area just north of where the street car drops off. If you desire a bit of Cajun flair, I would encourage anyone to be daring and try something you might not have had before, I had the alligator sausage and eggs Benedict biscuits with a side of cheese grits and they were phenomenal! I had never had alligator sausage but was quite pleased with the taste and texture. The grits were hands down the BEST grits ever and my Momma is from the south, so i know my grits. I also chose to wash it down with a Bloody Mary and was quite pleased to find it was one of the best I have ever had. AJ had the Dante Special, which was an omelette laden with andouille sausage. this was the first time AJ had eaten andouille sausage and he definitely liked it. It actually was something he looked for on the menus at other restaurants ate in NOLA. For his brunch beverage he chose the ever-so-classy mimosa and reported that it was better than most he has had. Again, for getting out of the Quarter and downtown area, Dante's Kitchen is a MUST. With all of the local ingredients this restaurant uses, you will get a true taste of NOLA. This is one restaurant that will have you begging for more after you finish your meal.
(5)
Colleen K.
I've had two amazing brunches here and would happily return. The first time, we arrived just before brunch began during Jazz Fest and were seated anyway. Great selection on the brunch menu with Southern Louisiana flair. I thought their grits with cheddar were the best I'd ever had-- until I tried their spicy grits that came with a blackened catfish special. Uh-mazing. I didn't even know I cared much for grits--Now I do. Their yummy bloody Marys feature homemade pickles (which I didn't realize meant pickled okra, which was surprisingly good). Locavore-minded diners will appreciate the chalkboard display listing the dozens of current menu ingredients sourced locally. Prices are good for what you get. Bring a wrap in case you sit n the atrium area--the AC gets chilly.
(5)
Sean K.
Incredible service, food, bar. Best meal in years. Does not get better.
(5)
P W.
This is exactly the kind of place I wanted to go while in town this year. Insanely creative, energetic, youthful menu, exploring all-new twists on traditional New Orleans fare, with obsessive precision. We came searching for an alternative to the (haughty, gimmicky) Jacques Imo's, and Yelp, as usual, came to the rescue. I remember this place vaguely from before I moved to L.A., but had never made it in. EXCELLENT. This takes our #1 spot (tied with Luke) among the many amazing restaurants we explored. Even my vegetarian gf found stuff to love. Take it from an incorrigible, impossible-to-please New Orleans-raised food SNOB. Insanely creative menu; every bite to die for.
(5)
Cindy V.
my husband and i ate here when we were in town (my first visit to NOLA) because of all of the great reviews we read here. we were both very glad we did! the spoon bread was ok - if not for the maple syrup/butter combo, it would've been a little bland. the chicken cooked under a brick was out of this world, seriously. we've never had anything like it - savory, sweet, tender, juicy...perfect. our waiter suggested we try the grits so we did. we live in the south, we've had our fair share of grits. the grits at dante's were, hands down, the best we've ever had. EVER. cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection, super creamy, flat out delicious. don't miss this. i can't even remember what i had for dessert - something with meyer lemons - it was good, i remember that much - but i was so blown away by the chicken and the grits that everything else was a blur.
(4)
C s.
So... Being an native of the Houston I am on the hunt for a bottomless mimosa to rival that of Farago for Sunday mornings. Searching online if found Dante's. The mimosa were strong for Sunday brunch. Which was great news since there is ALWAYS over a 30minute wait for a table. The wait is WELL worth it. Even in the hot humid days of the summer in NOLA. I wish someone would tell the owner to start the bottomless mimosa and I would go EVERY Sunday! The bloody mary was just ok and the milk punch was odd The specials are mouth watering! The last special I had was an egg over pork. It was amazing to say the least. The eggs Benedict was wonderful as well. The banana pancakes were tastery with large pieces of fruit and nuts. The biscuts are fluffy and I enjoy that then tend to be the base of some of the most flavorful plates. I would suggest yall to pass on the sausage it was bland and over cooked. The service takes a long while so it is best to go with someone who is a joy to visit with. I was impressed with the overall maintenance of the establishment. The sanitization standards seems to be good however the kitchen is tucked away and I have been unable to investigate further. I have yet to visit to dinner but I plan to soon.
(5)
Gloria T.
A bit overrated and over priced. Chicken under a brick was delicious but everything else was mediocre. The potato hash was cold and hubby had the blackened redfish on a half shell, it still has the skin with the scales still on it...but tasty. With a couple of drinks it was well over $100. Although the service was really good, still I was underwhelmed.
(3)
Carolyn K.
lived it up here! Amazing food, great staff, definitely not cheap, but it's locally sourced ingredients were absolutely to die for
(5)
Mary W.
Atmosphere was very nice. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed it very much. Food was OK; not great. They try to serve unique food that somewhat misses the mark by being too light on flavor. Would probably try another restaurant next time we are in the area.
(2)
Joanna G.
Yelp, you did not lead us astray! We found this place a bit off the beaten-tourist track during a recent trip to NOLA. Yelp reviewers were right on with this place's delicious fare, and OpenTable let us make a reservation through my Yelp app. Heracles strengths: Chicken under a brick = life-changing. Truly the most memorable piece of chicken I have ever tasted, my mouth seriously waters just thinking about it. The spoonbread they serve is a delightful Southern treat (and this is coming from someone based in GA). I was expecting something a bit different from the Dante's Pot Likka (again, I'm based in GA), but it was still a nice savory treat. I had the trois mignons while my date was distracted by his chicken under a brick. I have to say, I think it's the first time he's won the dinner wars and hasn't tried to take my food. I told my server I'd never heard of debris before, she explained it was the meaty delicious bits from carving (at least, this is what I remember from a very alcohol-sodden brain). I pray each night that God will somehow bring the deliciousness that is debris back into my life! The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were sweet without being overwhelmingly onion-y; I need to learn how to make these so I can have them in my life FOREVER. We passed on dessert, sadly, having sufficiently engorged ourselves at that point. Achilles heel: For tourists, it's a bit of a cab-ride out from the French Quarter. I'm sure that this is regarded as a strength and not a weakness by the locals Aphrodite factor: Definitely a good date-night spot. We saw local businessmen dining there, 4 tops of couples, and others on dates like ourselves. Hermes factor: Decent pacing to the meal. The service was very good. Libations: It's New Orleans, jerk, of course they have delicious cocktails! Offering: Expensive, but not over-priced for the quality of the meal. Bottom line: An awesome Yelp find, and a place I am sure to recommend to friends traveling to NOLA!
(5)
Ryan D.
Simply put, one of the best meals I've ever had. Too bad my date and I could only get one of the drink specials, they all looked great!
(5)
Eddie T.
I go for the sunday brunch! It is soooo good and very fresh. The service is a little spotty but the food is great and the only reason I go. I have been about 5 times and only had 1 bad experience but was quickly corrected on a under seasoned dish. You have to experience this place!
(5)
Paul K.
Excellent brunch! House made biscuits and preserves are better than my grandma's, nearly impossible I thought but so true here. Can't go wrong with the Steak and Eggs, The Debris abd Eggs or the Alligator Sausage and Eggs. Pancakes were just fine as well. Get some cocktails while enjoying your meal, some good mixology going on!
(5)
Peter M.
The place is downright cool and in a part of New Orleans that most tourists would not otherwise venture near. The outside seating is perfect. The food is high end, but the decor is eclectic and casual. The mixed drinks are worth a sample or three. While the main courses are fine, I recommend gorging yourself on several small plates. These are the most interesting and flavorful, and really represent the local southern cuisine. If there are grits in any of the dishes, definitely go for that one. But, in general, you really cannot miss.
(4)
Robert B.
Came here with a group of six while in town for New Years. Warning, as Philadelphians we are definitely food snobs. So here it is- Dante's was overall amazing. Literally, everyone enjoyed everything they ordered. 6 different main courses, 3 different vegetable dishes and a couple appetizers and there is nothing we did not love. After reading the reviews on the chicken, I couldn't help but get it for myself. While it was probably the best chicken I've ever had, it was still chicken. I have to say, my girlfriend ordered the better dish, being the duck. And I would recommend the chai infused whiskey. All in all, the reviews for this place are legit. I don't think you can go wrong at Dante's.
I haven't eaten here for dinner, though I really really wanna. The Fam and I typically go for Sunday brunch and we love it. The slices of ham steak are à la Fred Flintstone- brontosaurus like, which pleases my carnivorous husband endlessly. The bloody Mary's are off the chain, and I've never been crazy about them until I tastedof rom Dante's, which as I understand is made with house made tomato juice, pickled okra, etc. After finishing a glorious cup of ice coffee and my meal, I really wanna rub my belly, grab a few of the jars with pickled condiments that they have on the shelves everywhere and dash for the car. Seriously.
One of the best meals we ever ate. We had their shrimp and grits, pumpkin soup, pot likka and the gulf fish with grape oxtail sauce. Everything was amazing, but especially the pot likka. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting and everyone who worked their was nice and helpful. Wish we could bring Dante's back to Chicago with us! A must try!!!!
(5)
Mr X.
This place didn't answer the phone at 4:30 PM on a Saturday when we called to make reservations, even though their phone message stated that they would answer after 4 PM for that purpose. Decided to stop by anyway just before opening to see about reservations, and inside we encountered an angry, very rude bearded individual cutting lemons. Even through the lemon smell, the stench of his B.O. was overpowering, and we decided to go to Cafe Granada nearby instead, where the food was superb and the staff was nice (and didn't reek of B.O....gross).
(1)
Anna T.
oh so goood. I started off with a strawberry mojito -- heaven. Apps were better than the entrees in my opinion. We had shrimp and grits (yuuuum) and escargot (garlic-goodness) and of course the maple spoon bread dripping in sweet butter. For entrees, we had the filet and the chicken, both good, but in both cases, the sauces overpowered some of the ingredients. Good sauce though, just got too be a little much toward the end. Both chicken and filet were cooked to tender perfection. Wish I would have had room for dessert. Ambience is original and intimate. I really wanted to eat outside, but all full-up with reservations, so we had a table in the back blue room that was actually right next to the kitchen. Was afraid it would be a bumpy meal because of our table location, but was quite cozy. Can't wait to go back and try more of the apps and small plates!
(4)
Laura R.
We trekked here from Frenchmen for NYE dinner, and are very glad we made the trip. The restaurant itself is unique and charming, the service was outstanding, and the food was just amazing. We started with the charcuterie, which came with a yummy pepper jelly sauce. They brought over complimentary spoon bread for the table. The appetizers were very good, but the main course was just phenomenal. I had the gulf fish on the half shell with lump crabmeat and softened herbs which was cooked just perfectly - crusted with spices on the outside and juicy on the inside. I also got to tried the chicken under a brick which had the most amazing flavor. My husband could not get over his trois mignons, they had a wonderful color and the sauces were to die for. My favorite was probably the duck, which melted in your mouth. We also had brussel sprouts with pancetta and shaved parmesan, which is exactly how they should always be served if you ask me! This place is well worth the cab ride from the FQ, and it was refreshing to be around more locals.
(5)
Emily J.
My birthday brunch at Dante's Kitchen was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip to New Orleans. We slept in so my party got there about 30 minutes before closing and we were told we were the last table of the morning and the gate was closed behind us (just fyi for those trying to slide in at the last minute!) We had to wait about 25 minutes to be seated but we had some mimosas on the patio and thought nothing of it. The restaurant is an incredibly charming home that has been converted into a cozy restaurant that makes you feel like you have found a gem tucked in this equally adorable neighborhood! The walls are brightly splashed with paint and all the servers are cute, urban kids with tattoos. There are two large chalkboards when you walk in, one with all the local places they get their goods and another with their drink menu- get their bloody mary, it's only amazing. I had the crabmeat and brie omelet, which is making my mouth water as I type it. We also tried the brioche french toast, the grilled shimp and grits (oh my god good), debris and poached eggs, and the daily special of alligator sliders. Everything was served with a side of fresh fruit and it was the perfect brunch. Then out of nowhere our server told us they took our drinks off our tab due to the wait-- which hadn't even bothered us! Now that is some pretty awesome service. Loved it, will undoubtedly be back every time I am in New Orleans!
(5)
Jeremy G.
If you don't already live there: 1) Go to New Orleans - It is a truly magical city and the people truly appreciate your tourist dollars. 2) Get out of the French Quarter and explore! 3) Take the St. Charles street car all the way through the Garden District to see some of the most romantic looking homes you've ever seen. 4) Get off at the end of the end of the line and have a meal at Dante's Kitchen. There is a ton of tasty food in New Orleans, especially if you like heavy fried foods; however, there are a smaller number of newer restaurants that tap in to New Orleans' culinary heritage while offering the palate something slightly different. Dante's Kitchen is one of those places. Located in what feels like a house in the River-bend area of town, Dante's Kitchen is warm and inviting. Eat inside and you feel like you are in someones living room. Eat outside and feel like you are their garden party guest. The menu changes regularly but a few items tend to remain that are worth recommending heartily: 1) The shrimp and grits appetizer. A must try. I didn't like grits until I had this dish. 2) The chicken cooked under a brick. I NEVER have had chicken this tender. It is served in some kind of maple sauce that is sweet and complements the chicken superbly. Service was generally fantastic as were the cocktails (they infuse much of their own alcohol on-site). Frankly, if our waiter hadn't dropped my camera in my wife's Cosmo I wouldn't hesitate to give Dante's five stars.
(4)
Robert F.
I went to Dante's Kitchen with an open mind. I don't tend to try venison, turtle, escargo and bone marrow, and such dishes often but I really wanted to try this place. I got the much talked about chicken and brick as an entree and mussels and a citrus salad to start. These dishes had a great taste and was a perfect sized portion. The chef sent out a complimentary corn bread that had no taste and was covered in butter. The mussels had an amazing flavor and was coated with a braised beer broth. The drinks were "exotic" with regards to the mixture and ingredients and were unimpressive. The bartender thought he was a mixologist god, and yet the drinks were average at best. I would highly recommend Dantes Kitchen for someone who is exploratory with their choices of food and would also highly recommend the dishes I ordered. Please also take note the restaurant is located at the end of the st Charles streetcar line and easily accessible if you didn't want to take a car.
(4)
Lyle D.
the food was ehhhhh... for the money its so not worth it. i ate here about 3 days ago and the food vs all the good reviews this place got was just a disappointment. the night before we went to jaques-imo and the food there was phenominal!! i guess we might of been spoiled!! but i dunno i would check out jawues-imo before this place,. i think it's over-rated! actually the chicken was reeeally good. the other dishes were ok. there was 4 of us and we ordered the red fish, pork somthing and the chicken!! and a bunch of appetizers!! bleh.. bleh.. bleh.. except the chicken!!
(2)
Hayden B.
A friend and I just had a nice meal at Dante's Kitchen over Mardi Gras. A small restaurant (I recommend having a reservation) in Uptown New Orleans, brings forth a warm welcoming feel with brightly painted walls and semi secluded sections of the restaurant. Very nice patio area although we ate inside because of the weather. Full Bar with top shelf liquor. The complementary "spoon" cornbread comes hot in a skillet and is delicious to the last bit. Appetizers are rather large, yet my entree (the Redfish with crabmeat) was on the smaller side. Service was very good, especially considering it was Mardi Gras. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Andy M.
The Wife and I went here for an early Valentine's day celebration. Located close to where St. Charles and Carrolton meet just off the River Road. A really good Restaurant with some unusual items on the menu. We started off with the Boudin Rouge or Blood Sausage and white beans. Seasoned well and goes good with the beans. Intense flavors that carried well in to the next morning. Next were the entree's - Chicken Under a Brick was outstanding and hands down the best chicken dish I have ever had. If you order this they tell you up front it takes about 35 minutes to prepare. I wouldn't have cared if it took 1 hour and 45 minutes . . . . well worth the wait. The wife got the Trois Mignons which was just ok judging by her eating a good portion of my dish. As a side we split the stone ground grits and we both agreed that this was Grits at an entirely different level - best grits I have ever eaten. My wife has not eaten grits in about 7 years but ate the majority of what we ordered. Dessert we got the Walnut Apple Pie with Chai Gelato which was good. The Bar - Sazerac . . . . The drink looks, smells and tastes like something you would put in an F1 Ferrari on the Grand Prix Circuit. First sip is intense but it grows on you and as I was the designated driver for the night I was limited to a couple of sips. Drinks are steep and strong, but good and the service was excellent.
(4)
Amanda C.
Dante's was probably my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. The shrimp and grits are insanely delicious (NO ONE has even come close)... in general, breakfast/brunch is wonderful and dinner is equally fantastic if not greater. They give you this spoon bread at dinner that comes in mini cast iron pans and it is exactly as all gratis-beginning-of-the-meal-carbs should be: hot, freshly made, delicious, and so good you want more. Everything I've ever had here is delicious, so recommendations are moot. Just come here.... the restaurant is so beautiful (located in an old house) and on a sunny day, the patio cannot be beat.
(5)
Pauline N.
I was a fan of the food, not a fan of the ambiance. The actual building itself is so cute, sweet, and intimate, but the staff and diners really give the restaurant a pretentious and stuffy vibe. Our server was on the less friendly side. Now to the food. The complimentary bread (honey molasses served with butter, I believe) was so good! I got the chicken roasted under a brick, and wow it was the best chicken I have ever had in my LIFE! The sweet sauce is really what made the dish. I had a bite of my boyfriend's trois mignons, and honestly you can get better steak at a steakhouse. I would definitely order the chicken if you go here.
(4)
Abigail M.
As I mentioned earlier when reviewing Clancy's - I love a restaurant where I can find parking! You won't know that you have arrived at Dante's until you are right up on it, because it is set in a quiet, quaint neighborhood. I had a nice, low key brunch here the day I left New Orleans. (sniff sniff) The service was great, the dress was casual, and the place was not your typical "touristy" NOLA restaurant. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs and horseradish cream sauce - YUM. If you love corned beef and horseradish the way I do, you can't go wrong with this dish. Corned beef isn't your thing? They have many different breakfast and lunch options. As far as drinks go (because it's not brunch without a drink) they have your typical mimosa's, bloody mary's, etc. But I was in the mood to try something new (to me, anyway) so I ordered the brandy milk punch. It was really good, and reminded me of eggnog without the thickness. All in all, I had a really great experience here, and will return.
(3)
Jonathan C.
I was in New Orleans for a conference and needed a reservation on short notice to take clients to dinner. I wanted authentic Southern cooking at a place the locals love but that tourists may not know about. A friend's son (a foodie who is a junior at Tulane) recommended Dante's Kitchen. Total hit! The scallops appetizer is to die for, the venison chili pot pie is truly memorable, and the sides (we had collard greens, grits, and roasted beets) are plentiful and yummy. Price are very fair. Service was just a tick off (that's why only 4 stars). It's a a cab ride from the Central Business District/French Quarter, but well worth it. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)
Colleen D.
If you have a bad meal in New Orleans, it's your own damn fault. For a killer brunch, this is a great choice. Showed up at 1 PM on a Sunday and got right in. Split the Pot Likka (grits, beef drippings, pickled tomato and poached eggs) and the Debris & Eggs. Damn! Two Southern dishes I have never tried, check and check.
(4)
Karen S.
Went to this place on Mother's Day and it was awesome... they offer so many unique choices- combinations I would have never thought of but were delicious... the alcohol drink offerings were to die for.... Can't wait to go back.
(5)
G Z.
I really enjoyed Dante's. Our server was very sweet and obvious has a lot of love for food and the chef he works with. Just as I sat down, he swung by with dishes for another table so I could get a preview of the food. Nice touch! It certainly whet my appetite. The vibe of the restaurant is awesome. It's nice to eat in an old house and still have classy, local fare. The cuisine is modern Southern/Cajun. The drinks were great. Good wine list. If I lived in New Orleans, I would be here a lot.
(5)
Emily S.
YUM! I'd read reviews on yelp and decided this place needed to be added to the itinerary...and I'm so glad that I did. I was craving scallops so I loved that they offered them on their "small plates" menu so we had them as an appetizer. They hit the spot. They were seasoned wonderfully with this sweet salsa of some sort that balanced the flavors nicely. We also enjoyed the hyped up molasses spoon bread which was perfectly sweet and buttery with nice whole grain texture - def. met expectations. Although, I wish I would have asked for extra butter! I have a hard time ordering chicken at nice restaurants because I always go for fish or steak but luckily the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick caught my boyfriend's eye (I was dying to taste this based on the reviews I had read). The chicken was so perfectly moist and saturated in maple flavor that I couldn't believe that I was simply eating chicken! It was wonderful...get it if you are intrigued and craving chicken! I had the Baked Stuffed Flounder with crawfish and andouille stuffing. This was the perfect balance of just darn good baked fish and creole/New Orleans flair! My boyfriend grew up in North Carolina and he's always looking for good grits so we also shared the stone ground grits - WOW! Dishes like this define southern comfort food. It was so creamy with the right amount of peppery flavor. The restaurant itself was very charming and quaint. It's an old house with nice outdoor seating. It was nice to get away from the French Quarter for a change. The only complaint was that I didn't like the wine recommendation...but that can happen ANYWHERE...so all in all this place met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for great food in a charming venue.
(4)
George S.
So I haven't written in quite a long time but coming to Dante's Kitchen has inspired me to tell the world just how truly AMAZING it is. My friends and I went to NOLA for Jazz fest and we decided to try several of the top spots to eat (as we were all foodies) including some of the most famous and luxurious spots NOLA has to offer. I can honestly say our meal at Dante's Kitchen was hands down the most memorable. To me that's how I know when a restaurant is special: When it perfectly sears a culinary memory into my head. Dante's Kitchen did just that... So the 5 of us came here for Brunch. As someone who has enjoyed some fantastic brunches in my life, I can't tell you how remarkable it is when I say it's in the top 3 brunches of my life. One quick piece of advice: It opens up for Brunch at 10:30 a.m. Make sure to get there no later than 10:10 because there was already a line down the street waiting for the doors to open when we arrived at 10:15. Oh and they only serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Now onto the brunch... We all started out with freshly squeezed OJ which was delicious as well as some of their house coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but was told by my brunch mate it was fantastic. Next we decided to start out with some of their famous biscuits and a mixed breakfast bread basket. The mixed bread basket was great but Ooooooohhhhh the biscuits... Seriously... if they make biscuits in heaven, they use this recipe. They were warm and flaky, buttery and delicious just as it. They were hearty but light at the same time if that makes any sense. Not only were they great on their own but they even served them with some fresh house made jams and hand churned butter. The strawberry jam and butter together in one bite of biscuit was like tasting happiness. So GET THE BISCUITS when you go. Now onto the meal... Eggs Benedict is hands down my favorite breakfast meal and I use it to gauge most restaurants I go to. And Dante's Did not disappoint. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked and runny when cutting into them mixing the delicious yoke with the hollandaise (which kicked some serious brunch ass). Underneath the eggs was a rosemary rubbed pork loin, juicy and tender served on top of a biscuit with honey (that's right the same ones from before). I can tell you that the combination of the hollandaise, pork, honey, and biscuit hit every sense and taste bud with a symphony of savory, and a hint of sweet with the perfect layer of textures. Seriously, this eggs benny was awesome. My partners in dine also had the "Debris and Poached Eggs" (poached eggs on biscuits with hollandaise on a bed of pulled pork), bread pudding french toast (with a seasonal fruit sauce and powered sugar) all of which were fantastic. But the true star of the brunch was "The Special". This was a their seasonal eggs benny. Poached eggs on top of their ridiculously good biscuits but this time served on top of a perfectly cooked, flaky blackened flounder on a bed of blue cheese and bacon grits all covered by a crawfish hollandaise. I would never have considered that much seafood for brunch but I can tell you this: we each had a bite at the table, and each one of us took turns, slowly closing our eyes, savoring the delicious mouthful, and getting our brains seared with that beautiful life altering memory of a bite that none of us will ever forget. The only sad part is that the special will probably not be there again. But paraphrasing a quote from Red from the movie Shawshank Redemption: "Sometimes it makes me sad, though... *The Special* being gone. I have to remind myself that some Specials aren't meant to be put on a menu. Their flavors are just too good. And when they go away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to keep them around DOES rejoice. But still, the meals you eat are that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss that special..." If you go to NOLA. Do yourself a favor. Grab some brunch at Dante's Kitchen. And before you enter their doors close your eyes and tell yourselves this: "Time to make a memory".
(5)
Jennifer F.
All I can say is WOW!! From the time I got to Dante's Kitchen to the end, it was fantastic! I had no idea what to get when looking at the menu so I had the waitress (who was great) do a lot of the choosing for me. She started me off with her favorite drink called the Plantation. Yum! While I was waiting for the appetizer they gave me their spoon bread slathered in honey butter. I wish it was a bigger portion because it was delicious, but then I wouldn't eat the rest of my food. As for appetizers, I got the grilled shrimp and stone ground grits. This was amazing! The flavors coming through were just fantastic! Then I moved on to the dinner. I got the chicken under a brick. I have to say I have never in my life tasted such a moist chicken. Absolutely delicious with amazing flavors. By the time I finished dinner though, there just wasn't anymore room for dessert. Everything about this place was wonderful. The waitress was very informative and was even helping with things that I had to do and other types of food I had to try while down in NOLA. Loved it!
(5)
Katherine M.
Love this place! We always try new restaurants in New Orleans and leave wishing we were at Dante's. At this point, I think we have tried everything on the dinner menu, and it is always fantastic. The creative cocktails, vegetable plate, chicken under a brick and trois mignons are all highlights. Plan ahead because you definitely need reservations for dinner.
(5)
Steve S.
Really let down on the Bloody Mary. Ordered a "spicy" & a "hottie" both were okay at best. Lovely patio though. Might have to try again, but we'll have the bloodies somewhere else.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Mark W.
Very good restaurant. Creative and well prepared vegetarian options. Seafood and small game options also good. Cozy atmosphere, and attentive service. This is our go-to place for an upscale place we can usually walk into without a reservation. Tucked into a corner across the Mississippi River Levee in the Riverbend Carrolton area. Short neighborhood walk from streetcar line. complete wine collection that suits the menu. This place is on the outside of tourist radar, and a good bet for times when there are large festivals in New Orleans. Unusually easy parking for a uptown restaurant across the street.
(4)Melissa E.
Incredible! Very wonderful burrito! Excellent quality food. Great Saturday brunch. Our waiter was nice.
(5)Michael H.
Dante's is an easy five stars. NOLA is full of restaurants that claim to be the most authentic such-and-such southern food, and Dante's has plenty of items on the menu that would fit into any Southern restaurant ... but they also take some real culinary chances, and their chef is clearly talented enough to pull it off. Duck is never an easy dish to do well, but this was one of the three best duck dishes I've ever had in my life (and that's including all of the excellent Peking duck I've had in New York and Toronto). I even got brave and tried a Sazerac here. Fun! There's no doubt in my mind that we'll be back at Dante's.
(5)Steven R.
Pizza is good, it's quick, and they have a solid bathroom. Perfect place to stop at while walking around.
(4)Liz M.
This is one of my most favorite brunch spots uptown. During satsuma season, the satsuma-mosas are the best I've ever had. Actually, any of their cocktails are quite perfect at any time of the year. The grits are slow cooked overnight in whole milk are are incredibly hearty and creamy. Get any dish with the grits. Get the grits by itself. Get the grits with a side of grits. My favorite brunch item is the eggs benedict with the debris gravy. Anyone that doesn't know what debris gravy is, it's roast beef gravy with bits of the roast beef in it, and it's divine. Best to go with a group of people so that you can sample everyone else's dish, because the brunch menu is a no-fail.
(4)Erin D.
Dante's Kitchen is SOOOOO amazing. Not your typical menu - you are supposed to go for 3-4 courses (they are smaller) but the food is out of this world. It's rich, home-style goodness. The only downside is it is a little pricey, but definitely worth it.
(5)Jackie A.
Been back several time since and have had excellent service. Food is as good as ever.
(5)Adam W.
Cute little place in the quiet side of town that was prefect for brunch! It was recommended to us - just a couple blocks from the green trolley line. A little out of the way if you're staying downtown, but if you're in the area, it's worth a try.
(5)Emerson A.
Great Food, great flavors, I will go back. Is not a 5 Because of the amount of time it takes to get your food( Maybe should be that way when is fresh). Emerson.
(4)Daniel G.
I was down for Jazz Fest last year. I wanted southern food and this Boston boy got his dose of southern comfort food done right. Maybe one of my favorite brunch places all time. Pretty bold huh, go try it for yourself.
(5)Andrea D.
Wow. What a disappointing experience! We were so excited based on all the reviews, but had a pretty bad experience just in terms of wait time. We had 6 pm reservations so got there and ordered while the restaurant was almost empty, so really no excuse that we waited one and a half hour for our food! They apologized before we complained 1 hour into the wait, which was reassuring, but just when we were going to leave 30 minutes later, they brought our food. It was very good food (saved it from getting a single star), but at that point, it was hard to tell if that is just because we were so hungry. They manager comped our "first course" which was a single appetizer and I thought after that wait, he could have done more or at least brought us a free round of drinks while we were waiting! For this class of restaurant with this type of good reputation, the meal was unacceptable. I hope our experience was a fluke!!
(2)Tara S.
I was pleasantly surprised... well not totally surprised, given all the great comments and feedback from my fellow yelpers! But seriously Dante's Kitchen was very nice, from the atmosphere to the food and of course the service, all were great! I will definitely be going back! Also we went for Valentine's Day and they gave me a rose... long stem my FAV!
(4)Chuuk T.
Yet another 5 star review for Dante's kitchen....We visited with friends from Chicago and one of our party was vegetarian. The vegetable selection was delicious. Everyone loved their meal one visitor declared it, "the best food in New Orleans." The reviews inspired us to try the chicken under a brick and the tuna. The tuna may have been, "a bit over -seared," but the over all experience prevents us from knocking off any stars. The service was wonderful and unpretentious and the recommendations for further culinary adventures proved wonderful. We sampled four delicious desserts our favorite being the "coconut blueberry flan."
(5)Pauline N.
I was a fan of the food, not a fan of the ambiance. The actual building itself is so cute, sweet, and intimate, but the staff and diners really give the restaurant a pretentious and stuffy vibe. Our server was on the less friendly side. Now to the food. The complimentary bread (honey molasses served with butter, I believe) was so good! I got the chicken roasted under a brick, and wow it was the best chicken I have ever had in my LIFE! The sweet sauce is really what made the dish. I had a bite of my boyfriend's trois mignons, and honestly you can get better steak at a steakhouse. I would definitely order the chicken if you go here.
(4)David N.
The brunch is amazing. Get there early if you want to beat the crowd and make sure to order the homemade biscuits and jelly. Personally I haven't had or tasted a meal here that I didn't love and that includes 5+ brunches and a few dinners. Check it out I promise you won't be disappointed....
(5)Julia B.
Consistently one of the best and most charming restaurants in New Orleans. I love that Dante's isn't overly touristy and really keeps its locals charm! Nothing beats the molasses spoon bread!
(5)Catie K.
The brick chicken is fantastic. Seriously, you MUST try it.
(5)Lucy M.
Everyone goes on about the dinners, but there's more to this menu of 100% foodly perfection. Before I left New Orleans, my last delicious New Orleans dish was breakfast at Dante's. The brekkie menu is not for indecisive people! After a full 10 minutes of playing a difficult game of elimination, I had narrowed it down to either the Coho Salmon Gravlax w/ Eggs or the French Toast. I wasn't leaving town without getting my last dose of decently made grits, but didn't know what to do! Eenie meenie mynee moe wasn't going to cut the deck here. So we called the waiter over for some advice. And it's true. The service here really is top notch. His guy knew all the business with both dishes and set me straight with the french toast and the side of stone ground grits with added sauteed mushrooms while my friend got the cheese grits and mahi mahi brunch special. Heaven. He waiter's description of it all seemed so mysterious and exciting, like we had been given some stamp of approval in taste. I felt like we had found the best meal combo and for that we should eat grand and drink tea with our pinkies pointing high in the air. Yes, I felt fancy! Of course the food was phenomenal, but I've got a descriptive curve ball to throw. The French Toast is not toast. It's bread pudding dipped in egg with strawberry jammy syrup running down the sides with lightly sprinkled with snow flake sugar...........GOOD GOD it was magnificent. I mean that thing REALLY changes the game. Everyone, try this french toast. It'll knock your socks off! Dante's Kitchen does have a wait list, but it's not usually a long list and it's worth the patience. I'm so glad to have had such a beautiful bon voyage meal!
(5)David M.
One of my all-time favorites in New Orleans. This is an easy-to-miss restaurant (in a coverted house) near Audubon park and the Mississippi River. The food and service are really fabulous, from my point of view. Ingredients are typically local, and they make a lot of their own drinks, sauces, and even sausages/salamis, etc. A friend described it as 'artisanal'. The food is really great. I've been there 5-6 times and never had anything I didn't like. They have a very nice outdoor courtyard area that is pleasant when the weather is not too hot. In my opinion it's comparable to some of the more famous places in the French Quarter, but easily accessible and they do take reservations (which are not hard to get). Great ambience. I will continue to keep going back.
(5)Marc C.
Good food and service. There were some very interesting looking fruit infused home made cocktails but I was with family and it was not the best time time to try them. I had the chicken on a brick and my dad had the beef medallions and both were good.
(4)Mike R.
Another outstanding meal at our favorite New Orleans gem. The plate of homemade charcuterie was as good as anything I've had in la belle France and the Trois Mignon was fantastic - three very different mini-steaks, one pulled-beef, the other steak and stilton, and the third pure filet over caramelized onions. And then there was the fruit dump (cobbler) to finish. Last evening in Nola, sitting out in Dante's garden surrounded by flowing trees and a full moon ...can't be bad.
(5)Erica H.
This restaurant was amazing. I ended up here after being turned away from Commander's Palace because my silly brother decided to wear shorts. Quickly, I looked in my Frommer's guide and found this place. What a stroke of luck! Throughout the rest of the day, my brother kept mentioning how great it was that he refused to wear long pants and got us kicked out of Commander's Palace. First, I will say that my initial visit to this place was on a weekend, for brunch. Oh, damn it was good! First, we got some homemade breads--mocha, pecan praline, zucchini--that just about blew our minds. Next, our meals--I got something that was so good and so crazy decadent as to defy belief. Listen to this: Buttermilk biscuits with pulled pork and two poached eggs, all smothered in hollandaise sauce. Yeah, it doesn't get a lot better than that. The other meals ordered by my companions were just as great. This place is very cute, with a small dining room and a nice, romantic patio. It is at the end of the St. Charles streetcar line--an easy and scenic trip out of the quarter if you are a tourist there (I was). Anyway, the initial experience was so wonderful we all decided to come back again for dinner a couple days later. This was great as well. I got trois mignons, which were three little filets, each with a different topping (pulled pork, stilton cheese sauce, and a reduced red wine sauce). One of us ordered duck with sweet potato cakes, and the other, scallops. It was all very good. This place definitely gave me a great experience. The service was friendly and personal--I ordered a mojito, which was bad, but the bartender, host, and server all did backwards flips to make up for it--giving up complimentary fresh-baked cornbread and me a free shot of tequila. It was very obvious that they cared immensely about our experience and about their little restaurant. This place is highly recommended. PS. They gots great grits!
(5)Jazmin M.
Let me start out by saying that the ambiance and service at this place was simply amazing. I wasn't expecting what I walked into but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. I took my best friend here for her birthday and we had a lovely time. She ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Chicken Under A Brick both of which were pretty good. I also ordered the shrimp and grits based on the reviews and I was terribly disappointed. It tasted very burnt. I attributed it to the char of the shrimp. It was practically inedible. On the up side though, if you can get past the icky sauce, gravy, whatever, the grits underneath are perfectly seasoned and creamy. Don't forget the spoon bread. The first one is complimentary but the second one (which you will be ordering because it is AH-MAZING) is an extra $2.00. Not a big deal for such a nice treat. Overall I enjoyed my experience and would probably go back but I wouldn't give the shrimp and grits a second thought.
(4)cathie v.
In A Word: Excellent! We went for brunch! Best poached eggs I ever had! Service was outstanding! Highly recommend!
(5)Seth B.
Went to Dante's this past weekend on a trip to NOLA, and had a wonderful dinner. As other reviewers have mentioned, the ambiance is warm and not stuffy, the wait staff are very friendly and knowledgable, and the food is in general very tasty! Recommendations: the Shrimp & Grits is amazing, as was a lobster "roll" (korean style in a cabbage leaf with asian spices and a bacon-onion marmelade). Also, the pea shoot salad and pickle plate. I'd stay away from the Bread & Butter (local butter) as the gratis cornbread is the best of all, also the market vegetable plate entree had great veggies, but nothing special about it - perhaps some sort of cajun aioli or similar accompaniment would have helped. Drinks, as well, have great potential but couldn't taste the ginger in the ginger-infused vodka so could use some work. All in all, worth a trip - a wonderful dinner experience and ambiance with some real highlights on the menu, but at the same time some dishes could use a little more refinement.
(4)Scotty S.
This places is badass unless you go there with 3 people who order exactly the same thing and when their food comes out you're jealous that you didn't get it, but still really happy you got yours. Seriously, the rabbit leg was really awesome and I'm very glad I got it...but everyone else got the Trois Mignons, and I was jealous. The first time I went there my g/f got that and I wanted it. Fool me twice, well im just retarded. Anyway, if you love beef, like me, get the beef. Secondly, I love whiskey, but I've never had anything better than Crown reserve. In proportion to their menu of drinks, they have a wide variety bourbon (stuff i've never heard of). I ordered the one that was the least expensive in proportion to it's age: something like $8 for 10 years. So worth it, best whiskey I ever had... tasted barely out of the 1990s.
(4)Chris W.
My brunch experiences here have been insanely positive, but dinner has been quite a bust the last two times. I've had bloody chicken, lost entrees, cold dishes, disappearing waiters, all of which are frustrating to say the least. There are some spots that I frequent in New Orleans and we become great friends (Herbsaint, Crescent Pie & Sausage, Cochon, Tan Dinh). Dante's Kitchen isn't one of them. I'm going to admit here that bloody chicken is a major no-no for me. So that's what's going to deliver a 3-star review... What I wish for is consistency and I can't find it here. Too bad, because the building and it's aesthetic are both lovely, and as I mentioned, brunch was killer.
(3)Clavius L.
WOW - one of top 5 meals i've ever had. anywhere.
(5)Nate P.
As previous reviews have said, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Dante's. Both brunch and dinner are fantastic. This is the first place that I take anyone who comes to visit in New Orleans. The inside is cozy and the outdoor patio is perfect for a warm New Orleans day...add a few of their fantastic cocktails and you're in heaven! I've been here so many times that I honestly can't list any favorite menu items...every single one is a winner. Just go. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Joanna B.
I had the chicken under a brick and it was extremely delicious. The cornbread pudding esque stuff they give you to start is amazing. Also, they had some pretty unique and tasty cocktails! Thumbs up.
(5)Sarah H.
Delicious and cozy. Diverse menu that is always changing. Very creative and thoughtful in every aspect, even the cocktails. Recommend as great uptown place!
(4)Scott T.
Everything about Dante's is fresh & local - the food, the drinks, the staff and even the restaurant itself. So fresh & local we ate there twice - once for dinner & then for brunch on Sunday. The board at the front doesn't show the specials - just a long list of "What's Local". Repeatedly, the staff were overheard describing with pride where or how or why something was on the menu. They have a passion for what they do, and it shows. The menu changes every two weeks or so based on what's available, and creativity is everywhere on it. While the obligatory shrimp & grits were good, the lump crab salad with cucumber and cantaloupe on field greens exemplified this. The combination was so unusual I had to try it, and it more than just "worked". The lightly dressed & salty greens melded the other ingredients into something more that the sum of it's parts. Simple, creative, and delicious. My redfish on the half shell was cooked perfectly, topped with a crab & fresh chopped herb mixture. The topping complimented the fish, but was a little to leafy for me. Lots of crab & less herb would have still done the trick, but again it was simple and creative and tasty. My wife's eggplant napoleon was excellent, and frankly would also make a fantastic side dish. From what they told us, the chef is also doing double duty as pastry chef, which can be a real workload. He's pulling it off, because the fresh blueberry pie was the best I've ever had. If it's available, get it without hesitation. Yummy. Brunch was yummy, too. The place was full, with a short wait around noon, but they get the food out fast. My Debris & Eggs Benedict was another combination I'd never thought I'd try, and they were great. Blueberry pancakes didn't need syrup they were so tasty. Portions are small so don't hesitate to double up and try a few other items. Like the spoon bread. All in all, we really enjoyed Dante's. Right across from the stodgy Brigstens, they are vibrant, fun, and passionate about their focus on fresh & local food. Worth the trip uptown, we'll be back again. It seems like the kind of place that doesn't get old.
(5)Cork C.
I just love the food here. It is rich but not overwhelming. The drinks are to die for. The atmosphere is charming and not at all stuffy. All around I think this is my favorite restaurant in NOLA.
(5)Jennifer L.
Nice little place, good food, but I think the prices are too high for the casual ambience. Outdoor seating available, especially considering all of the other dining options in the River bend area.
(4)Sigmund B.
Brunch is outstanding - I had a fluffy omelette with delicious melty cheddar, potatoes, and andouille, wife had a shrimp and chorizo salad with a chile lime vinaigrette that really tied the room together, and we got the bread pudding french toast for "dessert" - all 3 were perfect, but the french toast was truly singular. Bloodys were good and spicy and the patio created the perfect relaxing setting. Good music (Bob Marley) and great service topped off an ideal Saturday morning. Just a few blocks past the end of the St Charles streetcar line, it's great way to start a weekend day and then head over to the Aubudon park and zoo or the garden district. Can't wait to try dinner on our next visit to the big easy.
(5)J.K. F.
Great cocktails (many mixed with housemade liqueurs... that you can also taste as a "flight" of 4), amazing food, intimate atmosphere, and who can resist a meal that starts off with a hot skillet of molasses spoonbread topped with honey butter?! What we ordered: I don't remember the names of my cocktails, but all were very good. We also had a flight of their liqueurs: we chose chai rye whiskey, bacon bourbon, apple brandy, and cucumber gin. Server also made a good suggestion of Noah's Mill bourbon later in the evening. - Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad w/ housemade pork belly lardons, Meyer lemon and orange vinaigrette - Smothered Collard Greens with housemade bacon, onions, cane vinegar (perhaps my favorite dish of the meal) - Barq's Root Beer Candied Sweet Potatoes - Field Peas with chili and pickled pork (so flavorful) - Grilled pork steak atop corn tortilla & oregano pupusa, cilantro, ensalada de repollo, cilantro creme fraiche, toasted red pepper sauce (actually more like a super tasty mole... and I'm not even a mole fan) For dessert, we were too full for any of the menu items but they were obliging enough to serve me a trio of the three gelatos normally served as accompaniment to several of their desserts. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Jen J.
So after having eaten at 3 more restaurants in NOLA with good reviews, I just wanted to update because my husband and I agreed that this is the best place we ate at our whole 5 day trip (in a tie with the different category of place with Liuzza's by the Track). Great food and atmosphere and not overly hyped compared to the other places we went to.
(5)Ashleigh H.
Went with a somewhat rowdy crowd of 14 for our bachelor/bachelorette weekend bash, and had a 5 star experience! It was tough to get reservations anywhere because of a large conference the same weekend, but they accommodated us in a nice private room and great service. Loved the cocktail menu- the server encouraged me to try something different with egg in it, it was delicious. She let us know ahead of time that it might take awhile for our food since the group was large, which was appreciated, and brought out the most incredible cornbread with honey butter with our drinks. For entrees, everyone was very happy. I had the chicken under a brick, huge but the sauce was perfect and the potato was excellent. Fiancé had the trois mignons, different but full of flavor and he cleared his plate. Friends raved about the oxtail special and the lamb as well. It was worth the trek out of the quarter, and I will be back when I'm in NOLA again! Thanks for a great start to our weekend, Dante's Kitchen!
(5)Anthony C.
I love this place because the food is great, service is exceptional, and the drinks are strong. Well worth the price.
(4)maria w.
A special meal with excellent service and fresh innovative food. We had appetizer shrimp with creamy grits (Cajun shrimp w/heads), fresh & light pepper salad, brick chicken, and sides of eggplant and squash. Splitting the chicken entree was smart because it allowed us to try a greater variety of the small plates and the portion of chicken is almost too large for one person. We also loved the Cuban cocktail & spoon bread. It was $100 for 2 with tip - well worth the money for a special occasion.
(4)E A.
I have to tell you I would give them a 4.5 if I could. I'm very stingy with my stars, but this place comes close to a 5 with me. First I never expected a restaurant on a residential street. At least I thought it was residential as I'm not from around the area, and we arrived via a street full of houses and pulled up in front of what I thought was just another house. I look out and there is not one, but two restaurants to choose from. We looked at both menus and chose Dante's Kitchen and my goodness am I glad we did. We were greeted by the owner and seated in a room we had all to ourselves that night. The 6 of us. It could not have made for a nicer experience. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was super fresh, delicious and priced very reasonably. I had chicken under a brick and split it with my friend. There was no way that I could have eaten that whole thing myself. It was simply devine. As others' have reviewed it I will not go into detail. The grits with shrimp should be another classic. The scallops were a great hit. The only thing that was just so, so was the pate platter. two of the pates were top notch and one was bland. So I would recommend trying one of the other appetizers before I recommend this one. They give you the fantastic cornbread YEAH!!!! Oh Geez I can't remember what we had for dessert? I'm coming back when I return to New Orleans. I promise. Thank You.
(4)Ryan S.
Incredible food with really great fresh local ingredients.
(5)Jeremy W.
Off the beaten path as we were brought here by a friend of a friend who is a local. The food, service and wine list were pretty solid - the only reason this isn't 5-star is because I think it's a little pricey. Very similar to some places in Austin with farm fresh food and seasonal menus, we each tried one another's meal and they were all very tasty.
(4)Ro'ee E.
One of the best places I have been to. Great food and service!
(5)Olga K.
Superb. Impeccably cooked seafood, interesting dishes, delicious drinks, and nice bourbon selection. We made a meal of the "small dishes" (which are actually not at all small) and the pie. Delicious.
(5)Robi P.
We had a great meal here with a great group of friends. The foundation of the meals greatness had more to do with the service, company and ambiance than food however. It was our last meal in town and by this time my vegetarian diet was completely in ruins. I ate the collard greens (with sausage). I had better w/o sausage at the Fest. I tried a bite of the "medium rare" pork loin- it was dry- a pity. My fish (almondine) was OK. Others liked their different fish dishes. The molten cake with port ice cream was fabulous. The beer selection sad. It was refreshing to be served by bright eyed college types in a nice garden atmosphere.
(4)mojie o.
We go to Dante's regularly, probably twice a month and it was always great food with great service until the last couple of meals. The food remains great, but the service is out of control in a very bad way. I held off writing another review (the first was a five star review) because I thought maybe they were just having a turnover in staff or something, but last night was the last straw. Last night we had an 8:30 reservation and had to wait 25 minutes for our table. I don't mind that, it's inevitable if another table is hanging out. The part that was ridiculous was that we went to stand at the bar and the bartender was such a jerk. He tried to ignore us at first, but when it was clear we weren't leaving he finally paid us some attention. One person in my party asked if they had St. Germaine or any elderflower liquor, his response was that of course they did because it's completely pedestrian. Wow, really? Then another person asked what a cachera was, apparently she pronounced it incorrectly and he rolled his eyes and said it correctly before telling her what it was. She then asked what a liquor was that was in the drink and he again rolled his eyes and said: that is german for apple, so obviously it's an apple liquor. We just decided he was busy and since there isn't really a place to wait that he was probably just irritated that we were standing in front of the bar. When we got to the table I ordered a non-alcoholic drink and asked to put a shot of vodka in it. The waitress went to order it and came back to the table and said the bartender wouldn't do that. Um, what? WTF? She said the bartender said it wouldn't taste good together, so he wouldn't do it. I told her I'd like the drink anyway with a shot of grey goose on the side so I could mix it myself. I did so and it was delicious, so delicious I ended up having two of them. The idea that you can't order a drink that you want seems ridiculous to me. Someone in my party asked to have the shrimp heads chopped off in the kitchen for her shrimp and grits and the waitress said no, they wouldn't do that. There was also a dish that had a kale and bean salad accompaniment that someone in our party asked if she could have a side of. Nope can't have that either. The food is ALWAYS outstanding at Dante's, but the service has fallen off so far in the last two months that we just won't be back there. If you are looking for a similar place, Maurepas Foods in the bywater is very similar (owned by the former sous chef of Dante's), less expensive and the service is always top notch. We love it there and are just going to double up on Maurepas and cut Dante's out of the rotation.
(1)ryan k.
This was my second favorite restaurant in New Orleans (commanders was first). The outdoor area and porch are great to sit on, since the restaurant sits at the end of a quiet street separated from the mississippi by the train. The appetizers (escargot especially) are great. The inside of the restaurant is very cool, think hip colorful house with unbelievable food. The wine list and beer list are top notch, and overall you cannot go wrong, especially on a beautiful evening.
(5)Jessica L.
Wow. That's all you need to read. Go on to the next review.... Okay, if you want justification for the "wow," here goes. First of all, this place is adorable. It's a cute little house and each room is decorated so nicely, but with a little flair. They even excused our very casual outfits (in comparison to other patrons), since we had just come from JazzFest. It is clear that there is a big focus on local fruits, veggies, meats, and fish. I mean, they cure their own bacon, and it's incredible! But, let's start from the beginning...drinks. Good wine options, and a yummy strawberry mojito. Plus, Abita Strawberry, what more could you want? I ordered the shrimp and grits, escargot, and rootbeer sweet potatoes. My mom had the scallops and dad had the short ribs with pork belly confit. They both raved about it and one bite of the pork belly made me want to cry with happiness. But, my shrimp and grits were incredible and the best thing I ate on my trip to NOLA. The shrimp were incredibly flavorful and still had their heads, leaving me the deliciousness inside their heads. They were also HUGE. The red eye gravy was absolutely unbelievable--spicy and rich. I seriously licked the bowl. The escargot was very good and the goat cheese in the broth added a softness and richness that was excellent. Again, the house-made bacon was perfect. The escargot was already shelled and that took away the fun of digging them out! Oh well... Unfortunately, the sweet potatoes never arrived, but I was so full, I didn't even complain (although now I wish I tasted them....) Dessert, however, was a bit mixed. The pot de creme were fabulous. I was super excited for Red Velvet Cake, but was so disappointed. It was dry and thick tasting and the lack of cream cheese frosting made me sad. This is top of my list when I'm back in NOLA.
(4)Raquel M.
Order the vegetable plate. I know you think I am nuts but its one of the best things in the city. The food here is fresh and delicious. Their cured meats are divine. Their salads are spectacular. Molasses corn bread? Yes, please. Great wine and cocktails. Nice environment.
(5)Richard H.
An great destination restaurant for tourists who want to escape the French Quarter for an excellent meal. We had no trouble getting to the restaurant by taking the St. Charles Streetcar line. I had the roasted duck breast and my wife had the chicken roasted under a brick, both of which were outstanding. We were also very pleased with the service.
(5)Melinda C.
Very disappointed by this place. After seeing the great yelp reviews on this restaurant, decided to try it on our New Orleans trip. First of all, it is OUT there. We stayed in the French Quarter and it was at least a 45 minute street car ride away. I suppose we could have taken a cab and done more research, but I just had no idea it was this far away from the French Quarter. That said, I was prepared to let the distance slide if the food was good. It was OK, not bad, but certainly not great. We started with the pork belly and it was quite literally a big cube of fat. Of course, pork belly is a a fatty cut, but wow, chewing pure fat is not tasty. That said, my gulf fish was pretty good. My boyfriend got the duck, and it was mediocre at best. A real disappointment. Restaurant is cute enough inside and service was fine. My main complaint was about the food.
(2)Robert V.
We have been to Dante's twice for dinner in the last month, and the word that sums up the overall experience is inconsistent. The first experience was two of us on a weeknight. The server seemed new. We waited about 15 to 20 minutes for our drinks to come and then she mixed up our order, she took it to a table across from us, where someone had ordered one of same dishes as we did and then took the other order back to the kitchen and left one of the people at that table with no food , and we waited another 20 minutes for ours. When she brought the food out, she said there was a mix-up in the kitchen. We had the brick chicken and the 3 filets. The brick chicken was outstanding- very tender and perfect maple glaze. The 3 filets were good- not exceptional- but good. So, we decided to give it another chance. The second experience was 4 of us on a Saturday. One of our party does not like heat (spicy) and asked if any of the dishes could be toned down. The waiter said they do not do "any substitutions or modifications". Really? They told us the wait for the main dishes was going to be 50 minutes, so I am guessing that at least some of the food is prepared to order but maybe I am wrong. Appetizers were all pretty good. 3 of us ordered the brick chicken based on our previous experience, and it tasted like a completely different dish. The chicken was not flattened and tender but rather was a half a chicken. The glaze had almost no hint of maple but was much more spicy. We actually asked the waiter whether they had changed the sauce on the chicken, and he said different line cooks make it differently. So, based on two experiences, the food is inconsistent, they do not accommodate any guest requests and the service leaves a lot to be desired. With Brigtsen's across the street, decide for yourself.
(2)Scott T.
I became and still am obsessed with this place!.. This super colorful and hidden away restaurant is well worth anyone's time. It is not over priced, anything on the menu is brilliant and if you love iced totti's and bloody mary's with brunch you are set. Experience this place and we all can start of club of loyal worshipers.
(5)Barbara V.
I have to say that even though we were staying downtown and had to take a 15 minute taxi ride to Dante's, this place was well worth it. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and not to mention great food was one of the most enjoyable dinners we had during our stay in NOLA.
(4)Shalina P.
visited dante's during jazz fest 2011. it's my favorite of all the restaurants i tried during my trip. it's rustic gourmet cajun/creole food. the dishes are packed with lots of flavor. i barely even used SALT, which is huge for me ;) it's located in the garden district, about 6 miles from downtown NOLA in an old house turned restaruant. FAV DISHES: Spoon Bread, Shrimp & Grits, Red Fish on the Half Shell. full review: bit.ly/m7TdaS
(5)Shanna D.
I had dinner here last weekend. We made reservation for 8:30, but didn't get seated until 9:30. It was definitely worth the wait! Next, time I'll do brunch!
(4)Chef X.
Dante's Kitchen, A small restaurant off Carrollton Aveune where the river bends. There's nothing flashy about this place.. none of that overthetop service, the food isn't disgustingly fluffed up, and the dining room isn't all too fancy. It's place with good comfortable service, great food executed solidly, and a very quaint cozy home-like setting. For appetizer.. we ordered one of the specials they were running, the Louisiana Blue Crab Trio, which is composed of a mini grilled crabcake with pickled watermelon tartar sauce, herb marinated crab fingers, and jumbo lump crabmeat over avocado with Key Lime vinaigrette. It wasn't spectacular but enjoyable.. Well done and very simple. The spoonbread on the otherhand had me salivating for more. If you've never had spoonbread before, go here just to try it! It's like extra moist and buttery cornbread. Very much worth it! For the entrees? Seared Diver Scallop and Caramelized Wahoo. The Seared Diver Scallops were served with cauliflower and brie sauce over sunflower shoots, arugula, shaved red onion, and Bucharon anchovies, and toasted pinenuts. (this is what it said on the menu, but I think a few elements were changed) Well you can't really go wrong with Seared Scallops.. perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked.. the salad was a nice compliment. The Caramelized Wahoo with mirliton slaw and soy butter sauce was quite refreshing. The fish was very fresh and seasoned to my liking (the picture doesn't do it justice) This item was also off their specials menu. I'm definitely a fan of this restaurant!
(4)P. T. B.
Had an excellent meal here. Service was spot-on. Do not miss the "chicken under a brick" dish!
(5)Armand A.
It was six of us for brunch, and we all loved our food. I had the veggie omelette, which was light and delicious. The hash browns were also very tasty. My husband had the alligator sliders with jalapeño jelly, which was surprisingly very spicy and not just sweet. The food is reasonably priced but they will get you with the drinks, which are overpriced. Great atmosphere, though, and our server was knowledgeable and efficient. Will definitely come back and sample their dinner menu.
(4)Lisa B.
AMAZING!! I went here for sunday brunch and was quite pleased with the delicious food! I decided to get the special...boudin cakes with poached eggs with a side of grits. It was oh so yummy!!! The grits are some of the best I have ever tasted!! Also, the biscuits are some of the best around. I will def. be back soon!!
(5)Leigh S.
I love love love this restaurant! Went to Dante's New Year's Day with a date that was in from out of town. His first 2 picks were closed so I suggested Dante's. Neal, the manager, was awesome! We didn't have reservations, but he worked things out for us anyway. Bless him for it! Cozy table in the first room, watched the bartender artiste, & listened to quiet classic rock. Date was already thrilled....and then we saw the menu! Holy cow! I love that it changes, the "No cell phones & diets" request is perfect! We went nuts: shrimp & grits (almost too gorgeous to eat, but we gave in!), pork steak w/ collard greens (no need for a knife-heaven!) & trois mignons (delicious, savory, perfect!)! Mexican chocolate cup for desert...nectar of the gods! So not only was the meal A-mazing! It was the best first date ever, nothing like fantastic food & ambiance to get the ball rolling. So...Dante's...do you do wedding receptions?!?
(5)Zachary A.
While i note comments from other reviewers about small portions, this has never been my experience. Even dining as a gluttonous, obese, out of control mouth-cramming flavor savorer my portions while never causing me to beg fro a doggie bag have never left me asking for more either. Sounds like some people have fallen prey to nights of bad management with a kitchen spread too thin. Various local artists hang on the walls of Dante's, for better or worse depending on taste, accompanying a menu that is never better-or-worse, and never fails at filling my hankerings, even if before receiving the menu that hanker is a mysterious vacuum-shaped question-mark. Grits with duckfat. Oyster stew thick as pudding. Friends stabbing each other over the last bite of spoonbread. Obviously it's diet food. sidenote: there is a private room available for parties.
(4)T B.
I'm not sure what the rave is all about with this chicken under the brick thing... but I did not like it. It was loaded with salt; and it was pretty much a half of a whole chicken--way too big; and I like my portions big. I really liked my friend's red fish. It was delish and perfectly cooked; did not taste like fish at all. Service was good, but I took a hit with going with what everyone else was raving about here on Yelp... not doing the chicken brick thang when I go back.
(3)Jennifer M.
I live around the corner and eat here all the time. I have never been disappointed for brunch or dinner. The restaurant is quaint and comfortable. You can dress up or go in jeans and well the food is always amazing.
(5)Ben L.
They were close here. We first went to Dooky Chase's. Closed. Then all the way over the Jacques-Imo's. Not quite what I had hoped -- that is, self-consciously cajun. And the wait was an hour and a half (Friday night). So, we drove down the street to third option, Dante's Kitchen. We got a table right away. Granted, it was right next to the door, but given the circumstances... I love converted houses as restaurants. Part of the add-on here didn't quite fit with the remainder of the structure, though. And maybe that's a summary of the whole experience -- it was just not quite there. Good, but not great. Redfish was good. Poached fish, eh. Barbecued shrimp, good. Sauce for dipping bread in, better. Potatoes au gratin, good. Vanilla bean pudding with creole cream cheese, weirdly okay. The alpha male of foods were the grits. I've always chalked up the champions of grits as sentimentalists, partaking in a pre-modern southern custom as much as eating food. But these grits, oh these were good grits. Kissable grits. They put grits on my radar. If a place elevates a food type, it deserves four stars, certainly.
(4)Leigh J.
If you need to get out of the fried New Orleans row if the French Quarter, go here! It is in a cute little converted home and I would recommend everything on the menu. Delish!!
(4)Katie B.
My favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Perfect brunch spot! I also love that they use local produce.
(5)Bktwn A.
Seriously, without a doubt the BEST shrimp & grits I've had in NOLA. By a MILE! Oh and the Mexican pots de creme was unctuous. Go now, quickly...
(4)Sun Y.
I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. I went a couple of weeks ago with my niece who lives in New Orleans. It was a Sunday night after the Mardi Gras Half Marathon and it was hard to find restaurant reservations. I am glad Dante's had an opening! We went based on the Yelp reviews which created really high expectations. Dante's met and exceeded these. We are foodies and have eaten all over the world and I consider this to be one of my top ten meals. We started out with a goji-berry infused vodka cocktail mixed with rasberry and yerba (a south american herb that has a smoky flavor). Delicious. For appetizers we had the bbq shrimp w grits, a side of mac and cheese and a plate of homemade pickles. All were outstanding. For the main courses we tried the rabbit cassoulet with homemade bacon and sausage, the roasted quail with boudin blanc (also homemade) and a side of barq's root beer candied sweet potatoes. We topped it off with a bourbon tasting of four bourbons in these great little half shot glasses. The molasses spoon bread was good like the other reviews. It was a very special meal - was as good as Bouley in NYC (recent meal last Dec for a friend's 40th bday). DIfferent of course because its more casual but the quality of food and drink and friendly service was truly outstanding. I will go back every time I can get to New Orleans. Not typical to find for visitors since it is in the Tulane area and people tend to herd around the French Quarter.
(5)Miriam H.
We came for brunch yesterday and it was wonderful! I had the steak and eggs and I thought it was very tasty! I wish the dish had been a little warmer, but the taste was great. Everyone else with us enjoyed their meals as well.
(5)mom k.
Food was fabulous!!! I wonder if they have a garden in the back to grow their own vegetables. Innovative preparation. one issue, we were given a menu of dried meats, asked questions, ordered, and then told they were not available. Not acceptable from the management, or service perspectives. Manager never even came over to explain, just a lame excuse from the waitress. Tainted an otherwise great meal.
(4)Alex L.
Unbelievable service. I went for dinner for two and had one of the best dinners of my life. The menu is seasonal, so I am not sure if they will have this when you go, but the Braised Oxtail was to die for.
(5)Chris B.
I love New Orleans ands I have eaten all over the town, but my last visit at Jazz Fest I went here with 10 people on the boogie bus...bus was fun driver was not..we were an hour late at the busiest time of the year at one of the best places in town...well long and short of is the Manager Neil made room for us on the porch and a half dozen bottles of champagne and a bottle of Patron later = GOOD TIMES, and the best Shrimp and Grits Ever(sorry Crooks Corner, Chapel Hill)...Mr. B's used to be a favorite (it's not as good anymore, go for Lunch). Anyway you will love it it's out of the quarter about 20 minutes and you get to see a part of town most don't see. It's full of little bars and great music. Can't wait to go back to Date's next year.
(5)Melvin P.
My girl and I have been dealing with being in a long distance relationship by making sure that when we are together we eat at the nicest places possible (it's sort of a pavlovian conditioning trick). Sometimes, we find a well reviewed place is nothing but hype. My hypothesis is that there is a selection problem between who has good taste versus who is willing and has time to yelp. Yes, I am probably calling myself out and I am coming off like a dick but I have a point. That point is this: not every four star average place is really a four star restaurant. Case in point, ealier in the day, the lady and I dined at Cafe Amelie based on the strength of its yelp reviews. We had a terrible time. Dante Kitchen gets comparable ratings and is an amazing, amazing experience. The staff is AWESOME. The bartender is a true chemist. The crowd is a foodie crowd. The menu is amazingly crafted. We ordered so much: salads, escargot, squab, cake. The wine list is great. And the pricing is exactly right for the quality and crearivity. Coming full circle, this place is a true four or five star joint because to get here, you have made a journey. There is a positive self-selection. It is worth the trek. Ignore the quarter, eat here. Protip: if you like scotch cold, but hate the ice melting, order a scotch on the rocks here. They have some great single malts and they serve them with these massive ice bricks that don't melt because they are so icebergian.
(5)Uriia H.
I visited this place over the Thanksgiving holiday with a few friends, and it was phenomenal! The decor makes you feel as if you are in an actual kitchen....down to the dishrags as napkins. The atmosphere was very inviting and cozy. We began with the prosciutto appetizer, and of course it was delicious. I had the maple glazed chicken...came with a bacon and potato cake covered with a perfectly cooked egg. The yolk broke over the potato cake like a smooth flowing sauce. If you want a great dining experience, definitely try Dante's. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Recommendations are highly suggested.
(5)L L.
This meal was amazing, hands down my favorite meal of recent months. I loved almost everything I ordered. Cocktails were fabulous. "Absinthe" (we weren't convinced it was actual absinthe, it just tasted like pastis to all of us including the one of us who believes he's had actual absinthe before) was fun. I had the chicken roasted under a brick, but my favorite was probably the bone marrow plated with escargot we had as appetizer. I only wish I had written a review right after I ate here so I'd have a clearer memory of what I got and what it was like.
(5)Nicole W.
We ended up here for brunch because I wanted to get out of the French Quarter. As we walked up I knew I'd made the right decision. There was already a line outside15 minutes before the doors opened. I ended up with the brioche french toast with peaches and my husband had the debris with poached eggs (biscuits topped with pulled pork, eggs and hollandaise). Both were divine. I can only imagine what dinner is like.
(4)Annie G.
OH.MY.GOD. Can I just say, you'd think reading all these extremely positive reviews would give me too high of expectations for this place. But no - it's good to read the reviews, to find out the star dishes of this place. First of all, I loved that this place was casual and set inside a house. The different rooms had a lot of character, and it was a nice break from the other stuffy "fine dining" establishments that get the good reviews in New Orleans. I'm sorry, but I just don't like having to dress up to have a good meal, because I was here on vacation and didn't have any of my nice clothes with me. Now usually I dislike rating a restaurant based on a few good dishes, if they serve a lot of mediocre ones. But I can't help but give Dante's a 5 star rating anyway - maybe I did my homework and only ordered their best dishes, but all I can say is, this was probably one of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life. Let me preface this by saying I am extremely impatient and dislike when a restaurant messes things up for me. And this definitely happened at Dante's... we sat in a room with about 4 tables - we were the first ones who ordered in the room, yet everyone else got their bread before us (meaning, our bread got delivered to the wrong table THREE TIMES) Apparently some of the kitchen staff really can't figure out table numbers. If it wasn't for our super friendly, awesome waiter "Tiny" (his real name is Larry but they write "Tiny" on the bill as a joke) I would probably have been extremely upset throughout the entire meal. Luckily we had a great waiter, so I let the kitchen staff errors slide. The spoon bread, when we finally received ours, was so delicious, it was worth the wait. I wanted one for myself, but am glad I didn't ask for it, because it would have made me too full to enjoy the rest of the meal. We got sweet potato mash, the chicken under a brick, and the three mignons. I also ordered a bourbon sampler kuz, why not? The sweet potato mash was very good - sweet but not overly sweet. I couldn't really taste the root beer in it, unfortunately. The chicken under a brick was the star of the night. Seriously, if you come here, you HAVE to try this dish. The maple glaze sauce was simply divine. I could not get enough of it! And at first I thought the hash that came on the side was just okay - it's a pile of smokey potatoes with a runny egg laying on top. But once I broke the egg and the yolk ran down the smoky potatoes, it turned the hash into a creamy delight. The three mignons were also delicious, but were upstaged by the chicken. I liked the different flavors of the different beef medallions. Our super waiter felt so bad for the bread mix-up that he comped 2 desserts for us, which was also unnecessary but so nice of him. We tried the tomato gelato which was surprisingly good and refreshing (tho it tasted like it could have been tomato-watermelon). We also got the olive oil cake, which was also delicious. I had a hard time stuffing it all in after the delicious entrees, so I didn't have much of the cake. If I ever come back to Nawlins, even if only for a night, I am definitely coming back to Dante's. It's very rare that a restaurant makes this great an impression on me.
(5)Amanda V.
We made a reservation for dinner, and was seated within 5 minutes. Service is super slow. Maybe Yelp hyped up the chicken roasted under a brick but I didn't really think it was that good. Nothing special about it really. The bread they served was also just okay. Boyfriend got the beef heart and cheeks. He didn't think it was anything spectacular as well. Overall, our general consensus was that we will probably not come back, but it might be a good place to try for others.
(2)Eric F.
My buddies have been talking this place up since their first meal as 1L's, so when I came down to visit, it was a must try. We foolishly tried to walk in on Wednesday at 7:45 (always get a reservation!) and there were no seats. We were humbled, crushed, shocked and distraught. Oh Fortuna, you capricious sprite! (plus ten to anyone who gets that reference). "Just give him our number in case their are any cancellations" opined my dejected friend. We returned to provide our emergency contact number and were greeted in a most glorious fashion! "Hey, weren't you guys just here? We just got a cancellation if you can sit right now." Disaster averted, Fortuna evidently was smiling upon my being when I endeavored to undertake the consumption of this gastronomic masterpiece: Spoonbread Pimm's Cup Shrimp & Grits Chicken Under a Brick Nice bottle of Pinot Noir Is there a better way to spend your last night in New Orleans? You can have your French Quarter madness. I'll take Dante's.
(5)William S.
The train ride off St. Charles was scenic even at night and a great way to get here. Its a few blocks walk and friends were already joyful; we all had a cocktail and we're ready to have a good dinner. We had 8PM reservations and the wait was not too long, check. We were met with a smiling waitperson and we found out the vegetables for the evening and a little description about the restaurant and the food. This already piqued my yummytummy meter, LOL. No Reveillon but I was very much into the menu. I loved the difference, deliciously sounding dishes and a vegetable plate. I had a simple corn and crab soup, something simple yet luscious with generous lump crab meat that you can only get in NOLA. I had the wild mussels after was an amazing dish. I had the trois mignons for my entree. For the trois mignons, I wanted to try Dant'es debris sauce which turned out to be out-of-this-world. I almost wish I had my favorite crusty french bread so sop up the flavorful goodness, the cheese the really incredible accompaniments. I had my favorite zin with this entree which sent me to heaven and back! My two other friends were just awestruck about this find and their dishes as one said was, "Unforgettable". We loved the food here. This is going to be a more than one visit restaurant next time I come back. We were very much impressed by the wine list at Dantes. To have my favorite Zinfandel by the glass was very much appreciated also. For the most part wines were reasonably priced and well selected. This restaurant supports local farmers which reminds me of one of my favorites in Seattle, Lark. After this experience, I must say I love this restaurant and its formula--a definitely must-visit for me next time I am in Nawlins. We took a cab back to the French Quarter loving life, LOL. It's funny what incredible food, amazing wine and good friends do to one's disposition. It will take me some time to forget this restaurant and I think will want to come back to NOLA as soon as I can so that I can experience the cooking here again.
(4)Jen L.
Up until now I had never had a disappointment at Dante's; it has always been one of my favorites. I don't know if it was the early spring menu or that I went on a Monday night...or that the Monday night was the day after the Saints won the Superbowl (WhoDat!) but my meal was weak. First problem was that two of the items I wanted to order had hidden pork in them that was either not specified on the menu or couldn't be altered for it to be removed. (Really pork sausage in a fish stew? Is that really necessary?) I had the scallops with grapefruit and radish sprouts and they were delicious. As all the other small plates weren't of interest to me, I went ahead and ordered the seared fish (which seems to be halibut at the moment but was a gulf fish when I was there - as a side HALIBUT? in New Orleans, also disappointing). I thought the dish was only OK and ended up giving my leftovers to my brother a few nights later. I will definitely wait for the menu to change before going back and I hope that Dante redeems itself.
(4)Lori N.
Close to Tulane, this is a great brunch restaurant with the family. A little more expensive though.
(5)Alicia J.
We came here for brunch and cocktails. My god, it was the best meal of our entire New Orleans trip. We began with the bacon praline sticky buns, mimosas and bloody marys. For the main dishes, eggs benedict, pork steak and a daily-special fish dish were had. Everything was delicious. First, the bacon praline bun is amazing. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sticky bun goes perfectly together. It came out hot and delicious. Cocktails in the morning? During Mardi Gras, why not? I am even willing to believe that this place has one of the best bloody marys, at least the best I have sampled. Before I describe each breakfast item in detail, I should mention that they are all breakfast-y. Hot, filling, and usually with a somewhat liquid component beneath the meat and veggies -- it is a really good way to start the day and soaks up some alcohol from those cocktails. The eggs benedict came with a superb pork loin. The pork steak was actually my favorite. I am a lover of tender meat, and this was the _most tender_ of meats, and also perfectly crispy on the outside. The special fish dish was a white fish of sorts, and while it may not help the reader, it was well-cooked and laid over a bed of grits that accented the flaky fish very well. The atmosphere of Dante's was perfect for an informal brunch with friends -- there are preserved vegetables in mason jars on shelves around the joint, and the windows allow in plenty of relaxing morning light. We loved it here.
(5)Nancy D.
The restaurant is in a home which makes it cozy and inviting. The food was fantastic! I had the shrimp and grits and of course the famous chicken under a brick-soo delicious! Just a note, if your are not a local and are staying in the French Quarter it will be an $18.50/+ tip taxi each way. It is totally worth it!
(4)Jo H.
After some debate and scrolling around on the Yelp app on our phones we found ourselves at Dante's Kitchen. It was a Sunday night, we took a chance without a reservation. We were seated in this cute little dining room in the back. Drinks: we ordered a round of the house sangria. After days of gorging on NOLA sized portions we decided to share some apps and entree's. Here's what we had: Grilled shrimp with andouille red eye gravy over grits Duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes with bacon and onions Tuna two ways Redfish on the halfshell Stuffed eggplant Slow cooked duck breast w/ smoked peaches, parsnip puree and crispy parsnips Two hot cast iron skillets with spoon bread came out first. Each was topped with a dollop of butter. We thought it was a cute way to serve a bread and butter course. The stand outs for me from the meal: All of the proteins we ordered were actually really well prepared. The grilled shrimp with grits was my favorite. The shrimp were juicy with a beautiful char from the grill. The red eye gravy wasn't over powering, it added a bit of spice and kicked the creamy grits into another gear. I enjoyed the redfish on the halfshell. The cool crab over the sizzling hot fish was great. The dish was drizzled in a oil infused with the accompanying crisped sprig of rosemary. The marinated half of the tuna prepared two ways was also very enjoyable. It has the feel and flavor of a Hawaiian style poke. I wished there was more of. The seared tuna didn't really jump out at me it was good but there was nothing unexpected about it. Honorable mentions: The stuffed eggplant was pretty good. The slices were paper thin causing the filling to be the star of the show. The stuffing was very nutty and had an almost Mediterranean feel. Mashed sweet potatoes candied with root beer. Sweet and sweeter. Beyond sweet potato pie and the occasional basket of sweet potato fries I'm not a big sweet potato person. I didn't really pick up much of the root beer flavor. The potatoes were smooth but very sweet. It was one of the few things left unfinished. That pretty much says it all. For most people the mere mention of duck fat roasted anything WITH bacon automatically inspires drooling. Sadly the duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes missed the mark a bit. I felt the potatoes were a little underdone. They need to be softer to really soak up the fatty goodness from the duck fat and bacon. Dinner at Dante's Kitchen was a nice way to wind down from a crazy weekend in NOLA. The service was great. We had a lot of fun bantering back and forth with our server. I really liked the mix of laid back traditional down home style food with international ingredients and flavor profiles. Brunch here comes highly recommended. If I'm ever back in the city I'll try to check it out.
(4)M S.
Love Love Love this restaurant. When visiting new orleans, we wanted to go somewhere "off bourbon street". Due to reviews, we made reservations at Dante's kitchen. The server was knowledgeable and made fantastic reccomendations. For an appetizer we had the cheese and nuts. I was not the biggest fan, but did not take away from the rating, because I loved the ingenuity of it. For entrees, I had the duck and my friend had the filet trois. Both were amazing. We also had a bottle of Orin Swift Saldo for $40, which is only $10 more than retail price. What a value. The highlight of this restaurant is the food, but the servers whom were passionate and knowledgable helped to drive that. There are also cans of fresh ingredients all over the restaurant, for food and for their fantastic hand made cocktails. I will visit here on any trip to New orleans.
(5)Liana L.
4.5 stars - here's the breakdown! Ambiance - 5 stars. Dante's kitchen is ADORABLE. I love the little steps and different wall colors that make each "room" really feel like a different room; each "room" is decorated wonderfully and simply with soothing colors and abstract artwork. The seating is comfortable and fairly spacious, and there are only a few other tables in your "room," creating a cozy space. Although the whole restaurant can seat quite a lot of people, the dining experience is that of a very small, beloved favorite restaurant. Food: 4 stars The eggs benedict was amazing. The pork was juicy and well-flavored, the eggs were wonderfully poached and runny, and the hollandaise sauce was great. :D 5 stars. The alligator sausage (3 pieces) was also really great; I couldn't tell if it was alligator or just seasoning that I tasted, though. It's supposed to be a mix of pork and alligator. Either way, I would totally get it again. 5 stars as well. (: The bacon praline cinnamon bun (another appetizer) is fairly large, and quite sweet. I loved the bacon pieces on it (you have to scrounge around on the plate because they fall off), though some people didn't like the mix of sweet bacon. Oh well. 5 stars for me. We also got the banana pudding French toast (4 large slices), which was just way too sweet. The cane syrup is amazing (no need to get real maple syrup when this is definitely more than sufficient), but we were not able to finish this at all. I was sharing this with two other people, too ... :/ 2 stars? :( Though if you like very sweet things, it'd be very good. Oh! The orange juice was amazing. You can SMELL the freshness. Wow. Service: 4 stars We had to wait 40 minutes for brunch, sigh. Service was definitely good, and one of the servers was very helpful with food affirmation as we were waiting, but it would've been nice to have chairs or something. I don't know, I just felt like the waiting around experience was a little lacking. Overall, though, I'd definitely come here again. Since there are no reservations for brunch, get here early! And I'd love to come for dinner. (:
(4)Buddhi G.
Memories are a bit hazy but I remember really enjoying the seafood dishes. Nicely spiced without being over the top. You can taste how fresh the catch is. I wish I could do my normal extensively detailed review but unfortunately I didn't write down any notes and we were there almost 2 years ago. If the quality has remained the same, definitely a place you want to check out when in NOLA.
(4)Fernando N.
Hands down my favorite brunch in New Orleans. I have been there about ten times and I still love it ever single time. The shrimp and grits are my favorite in all of new orleans. The debris and poached egg is another favorite. One of my least favorite parts about moving away from new orleans is leaving this place behind. Alas, I will only be able to return on my trips back.
(5)Brian C.
Nothing too fancy, just very high quality food and drinks in a nice environment. Know that there's not much healthy on the menu but if you're willing to consume the calories you won't go wrong at Dante's Kitchen. The wine list by the glass could use some work but the cocktails are good and the wine list by the bottle is solid so you can also get some nice libations with your meal. I certainly don't think the ambience or food justified 5 stars so I'm not certain I would send tourists from the Quarter all the way out to Dante's Kitchen but it's certainly a good restaurant that's worth an occasional visit.
(4)Dee M.
Yes Yes Yes!!! This was hands down the BEST meal I had during my recent visit to New Orleans. Everything about this place is absolutely phenomenal. Mitch M. said it best. "Wow this was really good. Really good". The Ambiance - Upon my arrival, the hostess inquired as to whether I preferred to dine inside or out on the patio. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect, so I opted for the patio. Excellent choice. I was seated on the most adorable porch facing the quaint little neighborhood street - Dante St. As I sat outside, I could not help but feel like a true Southern Bell, being catered to hand and foot with true Southern hospitality. This is a cozy yet romantic New Orleans gem. The food - Everything I ordered from beginning to end was absolutely magnificent and mouthwatering. As many of the reviewers have indicated, they start you out with the molasses spoon bread that is to die for! It is topped with a warm sweet butter that truly tickles your taste buds. My server encouraged me to order the barbecue shrimp - said I could sop up the sauce with warm bread. I couldn't resist. The barbecue shrimp came out in the most beautiful presentation. It was truly divine. I could not stop myself from eating those plump shrimp and sopping up the sauce with that oven hot bread. Super delicious. Next, I was presented with the most delectable looking chicken covered in what appeared to be the maple sauce, and accompanied by a potato hash slightly covered with an egg - sunny side up. I was not to keen on the idea of my potato being covered by an egg, especially since I had never eaten an egg sunny side up. However, I was quite pleased with the taste - the flavors blended together ever so beautifully. Please do not be put off my this unique combination. The chicken under a brick is to die for! You must try this. The service - Dante's Kitchen truly understands the essence of customer service. They wait on you hand and food. What is also very comforting, is that the servers all seem genuinely kind and courteous. They are constantly filling your glass with water, bringing you more bread, etc. You will be taken care of at all times. Dante's exceeded my expectations. This restaurant is definitely one of my top favorites. I will definitely make this one of my stops next time I am in New Orleans. The FQ is great, but why not drive down St. Charles (or take the St. Car) for a scenic view of the beautiful Tulane and Loyola Universities before having a great meal at Dante's Kitchen? Do not miss out on this special treat.
(5)Sharon S.
Quaint, cozy, and delicious. I had the brick chicken, or something like that, and it mysteriously disappeared from my plate, despite my best intentions. I ordered the cocktail of the day but found it too sweet, will stick with my faves next time. Wait staff friendly. Parking no problem. Will return... Oh yeah, they allegedly have a fireplace, in this year's cold weather - thats a good thing!
(4)Jyll F.
Amazing!!!!! The apps, the food, the drinks and all that "foodies" live for...this is the place!!!!
(5)Angelica W.
They had us at their spoon bread, so delicious and what a cute presentation, simultaneously rustic and modern, with vamped up tradition the foodie way. I already was expecting nice things to come when we were seated in the light and casual dining room of the renovated cottage, right under a vintage Dante sign and a shelf of home canned fruits in glass jars. I preferred the view to the outside terrace dining over the other slightly darker rooms, with their cozy antique feel. I like to dine right in the kitchen, and usually love the "concept libre" of a seemingly spontaneous compilation of ordinary objects and the "found furniture" look. Their design is not "libre" but stylish hom-y. "After 1900, home canning of all types of food, mainly in glass jars, became popular as a means of utilizing home garden products, providing better diets, and reducing the cost of living." Dante, also using fresh local produce, follows this great tradition but is not just doing that, they also infuse their own alcohol and barrel-age New Orleans classic cocktails. I was smitten by their new creation, Corpse Reviver, oh dizzying delight for the cocktail enthusiast. On culinary trips like this one from Chicago to New Orleans, I give up on my regular vegetarian life style, and venture out with a stop at red meat and not biting into cute little baby pigs, as already the name, sucklings, seems to forbid that. Everybody has their limits and some might argue that shrimps have cute eyes... Those we had though: the Grilled Shrimp on Stone Ground Grits with andouille red eye gravy was a down to earth amaze. The Redfish on the Half Shell topped wtih crab meat and soft herbs, the Caramelized Onion Smashed Potatoes and their famous Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg were a taste bud's joy, and the dessert, ah, I should have left more room, Blueberry Brown Butter Upside Down Cake with creole cream cheese gelato is just heaven. Thanks to chef Eman Loubier, the mixologists and the savvy staff we got the intro to southern cooking, which makes us ask for more.
(5)Emily R.
Dante's Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. I ordered the arugula salad, caramelized onion mashed potatoes, and cauliflower, which I tried to replicate in our kitchen the next day because it was so good. It was covered in roasted garlic and is now my favorite cauliflower on earth. My three dining companions loved all their choices as well. I hear the scallops are to die for.
(5)Melinda H.
Best bone marrow I've ever had! It comes with the escargot, but it's amazing also! A must have! They also flavor their own liquors and they have some really, really creative combinations, very fun and tasty!
(4)Laila B.
Beautiful outdoor seating area, friendly but not overbearing service. My absolute favorite thing was the escargot served in a sauce of basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I would go back again and again for that dish. We also got the Heads and Tails, very cute name and very tasty dish (hogshead cheese and braised oxtails). Beets and greens we ordered as sides were wonderful, simple but somehow unique. Braised pork belly not as great as I had anticipated but the pork steak confit was even better. Redfish served with soft herbs and crabmeat was delicate and lovely. At first I thought the very pretty profusion of herbs would be over the top flavor-wise but it wasn't. Too full for dessert although nothing really jumped out at me either. One of my more memorable meals this year.
(4)Jarrod M.
Comfort food done right. This is what a lot of places in Houston wish they could be. Seriously Dante's Kitchen, you knocked it out of the park. So, what made it so good? Cool location? Check. Good service? Check. Reasonable prices? Check. Food, drinks, everything!? Check. This place is one giant check, as in it checked every freaking box in the book. I think I'm in love. So, how about that food? I wasn't feeling in a mixed drink mood (sad for me) so I stuck to beer. Beer selection is kinda meh, which is really the only downside to this place. The food on the other hand, is out of control great. You start out with some molasses corn bread in a skillet. I've never had dessert for bread service, but it was like eating french toast, cornbread style. 5/5 Next up? Boudin Rouge, or blood sausage: bourbon black pepper mustard, roasted sweet peppers, preserved peaches. The texture was outstanding. Tasting it, I felt a bit like Goldilocks tasting the bear's porridge. Not too firm, not too crumbly, but just right. The flavor, too, was exquisite. You didn't get too mineral-y of a flavor, and the spices made you want to roll your eyes into the back of your head. 5/5 Now, to the main attraction. Chicken Under a Brick. Yelpers, do yourself a favor and listen to everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did, and I reached food Nirvana. It was the kind of food that is so good, it just makes you smile. Simple food that is well done. The skin on the chicken was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the meat itself was about as moist as you can get with a perfect, not too soft and not too chewy texture. 5/5 And the ribbon on this gift of a meal: peach cobbler. I ate this like there was no tomorrow. Perfect, flaky pastry crust, fresh tasting peaches (these bad boys weren't canned), and ice cream that didn't steal the show but instead complimented. This, friends, is how you make a peach cobbler. Dante's Kitchen, it may be awhile before I see you again, but rest assured, I will never forget you.
(5)Jeepers C.
Whenever we go it is a different menu generated around what's in season. Very unique and well-executed. At first I thought it was a little pricey, but worth every penny. To order something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. It is a completely unique experience.The food is delicious!
(5)Kyle W.
So I had brunch here last Sunday. We started off with the home made biscuits with home made jelly and butter this was awesome almost ordered another. I then had the Dante's omelet which was very good as well. along with a side of has browns and beacon. The atmosphere was very nice. staff was friendly nice relaxing place to eat. A bit crowded on Sunday which is a testament to how well liked this place is.
(4)Jill L.
Quaint setting, challenging parking, good service, clean. Now, the food. Best shrimp and grits I've ever had bar none. The gravy is unbelievable. Salad was crisp and fresh and the dressing was good but I prefer less dressing and the greens were swimming in it. Complementary spoon bread was a molasses corn bread - heaven. Wine list is not vast but offers just enough choice that everyone can find a pleasing option.
(4)Michael H.
The wife and I drove here straight from the airport for brunch. We got there just as they opened, we were seated, and within a fifteen minute period the place was packed, with people waiting outside. I would like to start by saying the staff there was incredibly friendly, efficient, knowledgeable of the menu, and made us felt welcomed there. Our server was Stephen, and he was a very personable. We started our meal with the biscuits which came with house made jams and preserves, blueberry and peach. They lasted no time on the plate. I ordered the grilled shrimp and grits and the wife got debris and poached eggs. We literally had to slow ourselves down from inhaling our meals. Yeah, the food is just that great! Of course we each tried the others meal. I'm not a big hollandaise fan, but the demi-glace hollandaise was fantastic. I could see it in the wife's eyes, she wanted my grits. And how could she not, they are so good. The food is superb, the atmosphere is charming, you can dress casual, and the prices very reasonable. We enjoyed our meal so much, we came back a couple of days later for dinner! The wife had the house tea of the day(cocktail) and it was superb and refreshing. I had an Abita. support your local brewers! We started with the house made Salumi. Tasty! We each got the roasted sweet pepper salad. And made short work of them. I had the trois mignon for my entree, rare of course, melt in your mouth delicious. The wife got shrimp and grits as her entree, and she was very happy with it. And we split a dessert, If Napoleon was Italian. Very tasty. Our server that evening was Tierney and she was an absolute doll. Kudos to whomever is hiring the front of the house staff. It's really impressive that they use so many local ingredients, make so much in-house product (look around you there are jarred products on every available shelf) and infuse their own liquors. If I lived in New Orleans, I would eat here all the time.
(5)Lonnie L.
I have been eating there for years. Even though it is a simple dish the redfish on e halfshell is what keeps me coming back. I have also thrown three parties for our office there and they have always worked to accommodate 20 or so of us and make sure we have a good time The outdoor seating is probably some of the best in New Orleans. If you want to eat out there in good weather make sure you reserve or get there early
(4)Jon M.
Dante's is perfectly pitched. Decor, setting, attitude, bar and food/drink all merge into a wonderful experience. Had the pleasure of sitting outside on the porch, a rustic dining experience on a fine evening. Everything we consumed was fantastic. BBQ shrimp and grits to start, a multitude of sides (the broccoli side was among the best preperations of this veggie I have come across) pork with mole sauce, red fish, mac n cheese, etc etc. Hungry now writing this review. Well appropriated wine list with plenty of options, including some extremely good value CA zins and cabs. We put down several bottles of Turley at $40 per, a good deal. This is the meal that will be remembered and talked about in the future. And it's on the stregnth of the food and ambiance because honestly the service was a little un-attentive for the price, in my opinion.
(5)Erin P.
Dante's is by FAR the top fine dining spot for my husband and I, which is saying a lot because he's a chef and is picky as all get out! We've been several times by ourselves as well as other times with friends and family and so far, Dante's has yet to disappoint! The food is excellent. Dante's is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients which just makes everything more amazing, though it may also mean your favorite menu item from last time around may not be there on your next visit! I think it's a nice change though - the specials change often and that gives us a chance to change things up rather than ordering the same old thing every time we go. If you're unsure what to get, ask the servers for recommendations - they are always happy to help and can usually point you in the right direction. The drinks at Dante's are also excellent though also STRONG so heads up! Their drink specialis are also seasonal but you can always find something refreshing, unique, or classic on the menu. The wine selection is decent as well. Dessert is amazing as well, often with one or two savory options for those who don't have quite as big a sweet tooth as I do. On our last visit, I had chocolate angel food cake and I've been dreaming of it ever since! Service is usually top-notch though sometimes servers can get bogged down on really busy nights. The atmosphere is cozy, eclectic, and surprisingly casual given the quality of the food, a welcome change from the typical, stuffy fine dining establishment. I will confess, I have yet to have their brunch, something I intend to remedy as soon as possible! Overall, Dante's is amazing and our go-to destination for good, fresh, fine dining without all the fuss.
(5)Kevin L.
What I was expecting: 5 stars. What I wish I could have given it: 4 stars What I truthfully will rate it: 3 stars Edit: After having it for brunch: 4 stars. Between the ambience and recommendations, I could not wait for my meal at Dante's. My family came to visit me at school here, and I opted to take them here. Between 5 people, 3 people got the filet, I got the chicken and 1 got the redfish. Everyone liked their meal but no one went crazy for it. The filet people seemed to say it was just average, my brother loved the redfish, and my chicken was extremely tender and delcious, but toward the end of the meal the maple sauce began to overpower the chicken and dominate the meal. Also, the potato and bacon hash with a fried egg was disappointing; I was expecting life altering and got nothing near. Come to think of it, I do not remember if we got dessert or not, so I suppose it wasn't that fantastic if we did. On a side note, the service was fantastic and this is the first time I have ever written on Yelp that I have enjoyed my waiter. It was a very nice dining experience, but I would not make it a priority to return to Dante's. ----- Edit: Went for brunch on easter and had the egg's benedict with biscuits and pork. Wow, what a killer meal. I definitely will be thinking about that meal for a few weeks. Bumps it up to 4 stars.
(4)KC C.
A TEN EVERY TIME! This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in the city. What I love? The all round attention to atmosphere, food and customer service. I have been here for dates, girls night, when my parents are in town and just because. Dante's is delicious and quaint. Go here!!!
(5)Ellen Y.
Doesn't get better than Dante's Kitchen. The ambiance of this place (it's an old house) sets it over the top and the service was outstanding! Here's the run down of our experience: - Cab-syrah wine was awesome. I asked for a pomegranate martini, but they didn't have pom juice, so the bartender whipped something up and it was sooo good!! - Molasses cornbread. the BEST! Honey butter on the most amazing cornbread I've ever had...you can't beat this! - Shrimp & grits. These grist were OUTSTANDING!! This is a must! - Trois mignon. DELICIOUS! They put pulled pork on top of the mashed potatoes and then three small filets on that. It was delicious!! - Brick chicken....AH-MAZING! I actually don't ever get chicken at a restaurant because it's usually dry or just doesn't have a lot of taste, but this was outstanding!! I would suggest asking for a substitute on the pork/bacon cake because I didn't care for it. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were soooo good and would be a better pair with the chicken! We had no room for desert!! As I said, the service was really great. Our server was even nice to this ass hole sitting at the table next to ours. There was a babbling baby in the front dining room (the baby was relatively quiet the whole meal) and that doesn't typically bother me...this is a family restaurant so that's bound to happen. Then this jerk shows up and in the middle of the server pouring his glass of wine, he gets up, walks to the front dining room and is apparently going to confront the family with the baby. It's a FREAKING BABY!!! The family of this prick were asking him to please not go and told the server that noisy babies in a restaurant are just "his thing" and he "always goes and confront families with babies." When he came back, his daughters were like, "dad, why do you do that?" and he literally responds, "because! you don't hear that baby anymore, do you?" What'd you do, guy, go and smack the baby so it will shut up?? I'm so sure. He also said to the server, in disgust, "can we get some bread or something. We're just sitting here." They had been there ten minutes...just long enough for him to be pissed off about a baby...again, in a family restaurant. What a dick. I commend Justin for putting up with him!!!
(5)Spenser K.
Holy OMG this place is amazing. I've eaten here two or three times, and I'd go back again, again, and again. The food is completely top notch, the drinks are great, the service is excellent, and the decor is to die for. I can't over-emphasize how awesome this place is. Tucked inside a neighborhood, it's this great little place to go for a fancy, yet relaxed dinner. I'm just going to type some words that sound like how I feel when I eat here. Heavenly. Splurge. Blazaaam. Gah! Oooooo yeah. TTThank gooodnessssss.
(5)Colleen D.
If you have a bad meal in New Orleans, it's your own damn fault. For a killer brunch, this is a great choice. Showed up at 1 PM on a Sunday and got right in. Split the Pot Likka (grits, beef drippings, pickled tomato and poached eggs) and the Debris & Eggs. Damn! Two Southern dishes I have never tried, check and check.
(4)Karen S.
Went to this place on Mother's Day and it was awesome... they offer so many unique choices- combinations I would have never thought of but were delicious... the alcohol drink offerings were to die for.... Can't wait to go back.
(5)Ben G.
Located in a white house, with a courtyard surrounded by flowers and lush greenery at the end of a beautiful tree lined street sits, Dante's Kitchen, a restaurant that's doing big flavors out of a small unassuming space. This place looks like your grandmother could live there and let me tell you the food tastes like it was made with grandma's love... a whole lot of it. As my eyes gazed over the menu, I felt a warming of my heart. Here I was, a Boston boy getting his fix of comfort food in the middle of flavor town. I couldn't stop smiling. I mean, it was also my birthday. I could feel that this meal was going to be special... Here's the run down, my crazy friends and I started off the meal with a bread basket and a few biscuits. The goat cheese tartlet thing and the date nut bread were great, but the real star of the show was the biscuits. Light and flakey these little suckers where made with love and a lot of shortening and could be referred to as "the stuff dreams are made of." If you let me, I'd eat a hundred of them. Triple dare me. My buddy got the eggs Benny, my girl got the pancakes, and my baby bro got the debris with poached eggs. All of which were phenomenal. Each dish was packed with flavor and you could certainly taste all the care that went into each dish. Hmmm, Care. However my friends, the dish that stole the meal was "the special". It was a bed of blue cheese and bacon grits, topped with a blacked piece of flounder, which was then topped with a crawfish hollandaise sauce with two poached eggs on top. This dish packed such flavor, that I was literally speechless. After each friend tasted the dish a smile and moment of silence followed. Its cliché to say it was sheer ecstasy but I assure you that I will spend the rest of my life trying to recreate the flavors that were married so well in this dish. A special thanks to my dear friend Hayley (a former Tulane student who shared this place with me). A big shout out goes to the wait and kitchen staff that gave us such a wonderful meal., one that certainly I will not forget.
(5)RL R.
Fantastic location - just take the street car and stroll a couple of blocks to find it. Amazing food - locally grown focus and well thought out innovative dishes but also strong classic dishes that make your mouth water Original drinks - try one of their own concoctions to tantalize your tastebuds Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)Roger W.
THE BEST RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS !! you must try the chicken roasted under a brick and the duck breast... omg super good..
(5)Hayley M.
Hands down, the Trois Mignons has to be the best dish anywhere for a carnivore. Three filet mignons. One with stilton cheese, one with worcestershire, and one with pork debris (I asked them to hold the pork, but it was still fantastic). They sit on a bed of caramelized onion mashed potatoes. If only yelp would let me use italics on the words "caramelized onion," because they really need to be stressed. Fantastic service, mouthwatering steak. The end.
(5)Annie L.
This the most amazing place that I been to, to date in New Orleans for brunch... Out of this world. Firstly the server was the sweetest gal and so attentive. The atmosphere was chilled with some old jazz playing. I got the alligator sausage sliders in home baked biscuit with cilantro through it... Heaven, utter heaven. All my mates adored their dishes, the grits (which I am not always the biggest fan of) was so rich with just the right texture and flavour. You can get it with cheese or mushrooms and the portions are huge. Please promise me to go to this place for brunch if you ever come to this wonderful city. P.S Apparently they do the best Bloody Mary, I abstained but next time I'll let y'all know.
(5)Stephen K.
Saturday evening, 6:00 out on the patio. Dinner for two Patio is nice, cozy. There were a couple of folks fighting with those little bugs that like wine. It can be a little noisy because you are right on Leake Ave. When the 6:30 local rolled through, you will be aware how close you are sitting to the railroad tracks. Service is the best. Quiet, efficient, professional, totally on top of things. Your wish is their command. Food is spectacular. You will see the raves in the other reviews. I would add imaginative and not in the "43 ways to make you think tofu is edible" way. The menu is not enormous and will make you think. No 72 oz steaks, no surf and turf, no deep fried hamburgers choices to fall back on. Also, no "heart healthy" meals - don't come here to kick off your latest diet. I think they did have some mac and cheese and dirty rice sides if you are really stuck. I didn't try them, but I'm betting even they were a little different than what Kraft is selling. You could easily fill up on the spoon bread and been pretty happy with the meal. I did have the scallops, the roast duck and my companion had the Trois Mignons. Ditto the other reviews. Two minor issues - Is there anyone in the whole world who enjoys sitting on those cheap plastic chairs? I get it, they are cheap, you can clean them with a fire hose, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing them. They work at tailgate parties and the Bulldog, they detract from the experience at a high end restaurant. The second is more an observation than a complaint - we didn't know how to pronounce "Trois Mignons" but we did a way better job than the waiter. Kind of funny.... I'm guessing no one ever asked him how to pronounce it. The bill was $110 (drinks, dessert, tip inc) and even though I had to pay (really poor planning on my part), it seemed like a fair trade. So, if someone drops you off on Leake Ave at the foot of Dante St, do you turn right and go to Brigstens or turn left and go to Dante's?
(5)Kate R.
My friend brought me here on my visit to NOLA - my favorite thing to eat for breakfast is a simplified Eggs Benedict... So I ordered a side of poached eggs & the biscuits, which came with homemade butter and homemade fig jam... I just about died happy. Fantastic. & like others have said, the place is adorable, in a little converted house.
(5)Tracey H.
Oh man...I LOVE this place! I'd been there about 5 years ago and with all the places in NOLA to visit, I just hadn't gone back. Mistake! 2 colleagues and I visited pretty early on a Monday night and were able to get a seat immediately. The vibe is exactly what I was seeking for the evening: casual but not pub-ish; stylized but not (eww) trendy; emphasis on local produce but not self-righteously healthful; interesting menu with lots of choices but not too many OR too few. So...7 minutes in and I was in love. 2 of us shared shrimp and grits opener. The gfits were insanely creamy with beautiful smidge of andouille. I had an heirloom tomato salad which, because the tomatoes are in season and locally grown, was eyes-roll-up-in-head delicious. Plus the very thinly-sliced chorizo topper (or...?) was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Small plates for 2 of us: short rib with kim chi and bahn mi veg, and for me, beef debris with grilled bread and this fig mustard that I can't say enough about. FIG. MUSTARD! Trois Mignons for our 3rd friend, which she RAVED about...and this is not a rave kinda person. Dessert was a shared trio of house-made sorbets, which on this night was plum, honeydew, and peach. The plum and honeydew was sublime - a fruit PUNCH yet light and refreshing. The perfect ending to an absolutely right-on meal. Our server was new to the restaurant (1 week I think) and perhaps less confident about the menu as he will be soon, but extremely pleasant and struck the right chattiness chord. The portions were perfect, especially for an early-ish meal on a warm evening. Plating was not overly fussy but clearly created with care. There is nothing on this menu I wouldn't be excited to sample! The only potential downside is that because DK is in an old (charming) house, the low-output AC made for a moderately clammy temp, but not so much that we were uncomfortable,. And it's Louisiana, okay? Run, do not walk, to this delightful place. And if it's during the 3 weeks in a year that the weather is temperate in our lovely state, I imagine that the outdoor seating is an extra treat. Thanks, Dante's Kitchen!
(5)Greg G.
Wildly popular with locals, Dante's Kitchen makes a very favorable impression -- their chicken with a brick was as good as you've read (and much bigger than I thought it would be), Shrimp and grits were very good. We also splurged for the charcuterie plate, which was decent. Drinks were nice and strong. Only the Chocolate Cloud dessert disappointed --too sickly sweet for my taste. I've heard many good things about their brunch, particularly their Eggs Benedict. Perhaps we'll return on a subsequent N'awlins visit. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get in without a lengthy wait.
(4)Chris F.
This is a great little restaurant, the atmosphere reminds me a lot of places in Austin. The food was great, a lot of creative different types of dishes. They even had some really good vegetarian options which my wife likes. A really good date place, that is still casual. Also, I haven't had it but my wife says that the brunch is great.
(4)Blake P.
BAUCE. I've only been for brunch and had the banana nut panclocks (movie reference) and bacon cinnamon roll, because I'm a poor medical student who can't afford dinner, but I vow to one day have the brick chicken thing. And yeah, I said bacon cinnamon roll. Service was great, area is really cool and neat and quaint. Reminder -- bacon. cinnamon. roll.
(5)Alyssa B.
My group went to Dante's Kitchen when we were in town for Mardi Gras and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We walked in and immediately felt at home in the sleek, yet cozy atmosphere. The waiter was extremely attentive, with plenty of drink suggestions. Hint: their house cocktails are seductive, with just the right balance of spirits and freshly squeezed fruits. The menu contained innovative dishes with nuances of down-home, comfort food. When our dishes arrived, everything tasted like it was plucked straight from the vine, caught in the ocean and conjured up for your delight the same day. Oh, their head chef really poured his heart and soul into these dishes. Just Scrumptious. You will be stuffed once you're done with your plate and picking off other's, but for heaven's sake, Do Not Miss Out on Dessert!
(5)Mairead R.
Hell yeah, this place is classy and the food is stunning. Tinkling creole piano tunes. Sunny outdoor patio. Frosted glass jugs for lights and crisp colors to brighten up the establishment. There is an outdoor garden and some intimate indoor seating. Even though brunch was winding now, the place was filled with locals sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade and orange juice. Their brunch menu was delightful. I went with the pork belly BLT with a side of gator sausage. Wish I had room for biscuits or banana pancakes.
(4)Jonathan D.
My parents took me here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. The Riverbend location is charming and an easy drive from my house in Uptown. We had early reservations but the dining room was already packed. We sat in a small room with only four tables, and framed photos of what looked like local indie/punk shows. Our waiter was an extremely effusive, friendly man with a heavy accent that I could not quite place, but he was very attentive. My mother had a cocktail called the Dante 79, which was an awesome champagne-based drink that was eminently drinkable. I had the Plantation, which was a refreshingly indefinable combination of cucumber infused gin, orange liqueur, basil, grapefruit, lime and soda water. Great cocktails, great start. I had the corn and crab bisque with rosemary olive oil, which was the most delicious, fresh-tasting soup I've ever had. I followed it up with the vegetable plate, with fresh locally-grown bok choy, shitake mushrooms, a goat cheese and onion croquette, radishes and pea shoots. It was also very fresh and delicious, but my mom had the redfish "on the halfshell," which was the best version of the New Orleans classic I've tasted yet. Pan-seared with the skin on and finished in the oven, coated with a thin layer of blackening spices, and topped with a generous mound of jumbo lump crab mixed with fresh herbs and something citrus-y. My dad had a pork dish that also looked pretty awesome, but I'm not a big pork fan. Everything was absolutely amazing. My only complaint was the noise level, which became quite high once our little dining room was filled with people who kept trying to drown out the conversations of the table next to them. However, that is a small complaint. The food was a revelation, the service was stellar, the location is great. Dante's Kitchen is doing it right in Uptown.
(5)Sharon L.
In about as many weeks, I had but two disappointing meals in NOLA. Sadly, Dante's was one of them. I really wanted to like this place, and we even took our one-day rented car to get there on a Friday night for a change of scenery from the quarter. I almost gave Dante's three stars, because for the most part, it seems to be a decent local slow-food joint, but they served me an entree for which there was NO excuse, which should never have left the line, and which I can only assume escaped from the kitchen on a night when no senior kitchen staff were on. Because no one who cares about this restaurant, and its reputation, its fresh-and-local image, could have served the eggplant napoleon I received, a dish so bad I shudder to think of it, and I just know I won't be able to order eggplant again for a long time. I totally didn't trek here to order eggplant, though -- I came for chicken-fried flank steak. CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK! It was on Dante's online menu, posted right alongside the date we went. When we arrived, however, the menu was a good deal different than the one I had seen. That's lame -- why post a daily menu if it's not accurate? I got teased with chicken-fried steak. There was instead a flank steak piri piri, and to the credit of the server, she tried to steer me that way ... but I really wasn't in the mood for just any steak, but for CHICKEN-FRIED steak. And after eating two weeks of creole cooking, by the time we ordered dinner at nearly 9 this night, I was just not hungry enough to settle for just steak. So I thought the egglant napoleon -- with smoked tomato sauce, heirloom tomatoes, fresh local basil, local mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano would be a fresh, simple, layered dish with just a bit of creole kick. What arrived should have been immediately returned, but I did order it over the server's clear steering away, so I suffered in silence. First, this was no napoleon. The dish was not layered at all, but was instead a large blob of eggplant chunks, grey, lukewarm, and incredibly seedy. So seedy, every bite was crunchy. The smoked tomato sauce wasn't integrated, and the heirloom tomatoes were half-heartedly sauteed, bitter, and set among some flavorless, stiff onions. There were no more than two tablespoons of cheese -- about one of each type -- and these were just sort of embedded in the eggplant. There was zero presentation here, on a dish that everyone knows -- by its very nature -- is supposed to be layered. There was also no basil at all in the dish, as claimed on the menu. Fresh basil should have been featured prominently, considering the menu took the time to note its local origin, and to simply omit it insulted my intelligence. There were instead some fresh snipped chives -- hey, they're green, too! -- which had no business hanging around smoked tomato sauce. Had I made this dish at home, I would have discreetly slid it in the compost bin before anyone could notice my ineptitude. The molasses spoon bread -- a buttery, sweet corn bread -- was really nice, and my guy's chicken cooked under a brick was wonderful (although I thought the sauce was maybe a little too maple syrupy, he dug it despite having a generally French aversion to too much sweet with savory), and our appetizer of shrimp and grits was well-executed, with creamy, stone ground grits and four sweetly charred whole shrimp. As a former trade bartender (and current hobbyist bartender) I was interested in checking out Dante's homemade infusions, but the peach-infused old-fashioned was watery and unsweet, and the cucumber gin and juice lacked any sharpness to its citrus component to balance the cucumber. We had water with our entrees and got the hell out of Dante's Kitchen.
(2)Cathy G.
4.5 stars!! Yummy food & comfortable environment. Next time I'm back in NO, I will for sure come back here
(4)Newt L.
New Orleans is unique in that restaurants that would be stellar in most cities come off as being okay here. Dante's is one of these restaurants. The menu offers a small, solid sampling of creole-style dishes, many of the ingredients are local, and the setting is comfortable. I had the shrimp and grits with andouille gravy . This is one of my "last meal" dishes, so I'm insanely particular about it. The flavors were great, the grits were creamy, and the shrimp...were overcooked. My lady-friend ordered the eggs benedict which came served over honey drizzled buttermilk biscuits and a thick cut of ham. Again, the flavors were dynamic and exciting, but the ham was dry and overcooked. The service was congenial but slow and confused. The prices were moderate. We came out of it feeling like Dante's could be great if they would pay more attention to the details and less attention to the image.
(3)Jamie C.
Dante's Kitchen became a brunch staple for my friends and I this year. It is close to our uptown homes and usually the wait is a perfect length for all of our hungover friends to slowly make it there. The menu is terrible for my indecisive tendencies; there are too many descriptions that make my mouth water. The Eggs Benedict with biscuit, honey drizzle and pork is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. A northerner who fear grits, I usually order the hash browns, which are perfectly seasoned and tasty. One special, the Alligator Sausage Sliders, spooked my Californian who thought they were like buffalo wings (not actually made of Alligator) but they were a great size and interesting addition to breakfast. And, despite my resistance, the cheesy grits are heaven. Try the mixed bread or brioche french toast appetizer to get a mix of all the amazing flavors they have to offer.
(5)Joanna C.
I LOVE this place. I have a friend with a house Uptown, and thanks to him I have gotten to know the restaurants and bars along Carrollton and the surrounding neighborhood. Dante's Kitchen has consistently been a great meal. My mother even requested - nay, DEMANDED that we come back here on her second visit to Louisiana. And that was after Katrina - I was so happy to see their doors open. (I know Katrina probably sunk a lot of restaurants in more ways than one). Love the molasses spoon bread, the shrimp and grits kick ass, and pick any of the entrees - you won't get a bad meal here. The service is also great and always willing to chat and give recommendations. I hope this place continues to feed New Orleans.
(5)Alisha R.
I've been here several times and this place is just consistently good. I usually switch back and forth between the redfish and the filets. Both are good, but I think I prefer the filet. It has a nice patio area to sit out on and I've alway gotten great service. There are a million great restaurants in New Orleans, but Dante's is definitely one my favorites.
(5)Andrew L.
Great service. Amazing food especially the chicken and rabbit stew. Nice quaint atmosphere in a neighborhood block near the river.
(4)Aviv G.
Neat little place with attentive, if not slightly hurried service. Reasonably priced wine list. Three of us started with roasted stuffed squid, pork belly, and shrimp n grits followed by drum (yum), duck breast, and trois mignon. Worth a visit.
(4)Joyce S.
We lucked into this restaurant after discovering that the music we'd come for at the Maple Leaf wouldn't be starting for three hours. The bartender at the ML described Dante's Kitchen as a restaurant for people who care where their food comes from. Every morsel was outstanding. We started with the punch of the day--a concoction of gin, ginger liqueur, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice and a dash of ginger beer. Complex and delicious. We followed that with a salad of local greens topped with shaved apples and the tuna two ways, char rare over mustard greens and chopped and marinated atop cabbage and carrot shreds. They also gave us some pumpkiny spoon bread that was a perfect complement to both the salad and the tuna. Everything had subtleties of flavor and multiple layers of taste so that each bite was a slightly new experience. The service was great, the ambience homey. We would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Gene P.
We decided to stay away from the over priced and dressy French Quarter restaurants and head in the opposite direction, and boy, am I glad we did.The reviews for Dante's kitchen were spot on. I had the BBQ shrimp over grits which was just heavenly. The chicken cooked under a brick with egg was excellent. The chicken was very moist and the sauce was a combination of sweet ( honey ? ) and some spice that gave it a slight kick. ( which I could not figure out ). The maple honey cornbread was a treat in itself. My wife had the" tres mignons" with a silton sauce and debries ( like a pulled pork ) which she raved about. Our waiter was attentive and service was excellent. I agree with others that this was our best meal in NOLA. Do make a reservation as it is an old converted home and not very large.
(5)Stephanie W.
Just plain amazing. Food tasted great, was interesting and well executed. The restuarant has indoor and outdoor seating - both really great places to sit and have a very nice atomsphere to if for a nice intimate dinner. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. The portions were good and the service was outstanding.
(5)Justin S.
I went a long long time ago for a fantastic brunch, so when I needed to find a place for a late Valentine's dinner they had openings and a killer looking menu. My girlfriend and I had 4 small plates which were excellent and one which was OK. We also had a few cocktails which were very nice. The problem with everything was the service. Our food came out pretty much on time, but was delivered by everybody but our server. My girlfriend had a prefect view of the bar and our drinks which sat around for a while, once long enough to be re-shaken. We would have ordered another glass of wine with dessert, but considering my dessert cocktail came when we were nearly finished with the apple pie, I'm glad we didn't. Overall, the food was really good, as were the drinks, but it seemed as if it was just our waiter who was off. I may try this place again as I am pretty forgiving of service (as a waiter myself), but it's not high on my priority list at the moment.
(2)Chad C.
We had a great dining experience at Dante's Kitchen. Its a very small place with a nice (other than some road noise) patio to dine on. The food portions were small but the quality was amazing. Lots of incorporation of local produce and fresh ingredients. Nice wait staff and great food. The only reason they're getting 4 stars is because of the small portions.
(4)R T.
I didn't care for this place. My mahi mahi was topped with bbq'd brisket, which wasn't stated on the menu. My fiance's vegetable plate had too many overpowering flavors. The service was good, but the food was pretty bad. Everything was either too salty or too rich and the flavors did not compliment each other.
(1)Renee M.
The Molasses Honey Spoonbread was DIVINE!!! I ordered the chicken cooked under a brick it was delicious. Neil the owner was very cordial and hospitable I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant
(5)Rachel G.
Dante's Kitchen was the surprise food star of this trip. After all the hype around its neighbor, Brigtsen's (see my earlier review), I was expecting a good meal, but nothing over the top. Boy, was I wrong. This place is fantastic! First of all, love the vibe inside - they have an adorable outside patio for warmer weather, and the interior where we dined is in a cute house with a contemporary feeling. Because all of the choices looked so good, we went for a bunch of small plates for dinner. The thing I especially appreciated was how the chef took inspiration from New Orleans cuisine but put his own twist on it. The dish I'm still obsessing over is the kale and lentils - admittedly not a very Southern dish - but he made it so by doing the old trick of putting small pieces of meat in to season the veggies. (Sorry vegetarians.) The cocktails were also excellent - a good selection of specialty drinks from the bar. Dante's Kitchen has easily become a family favorite.
(4)Amy S.
I was just in New Orleans for a conference and someone in our group suggested we go here after she heard about it from a friend. I was so happy that we took a pleasant and senic cab ride through the Garden District (I think) and saw all of the historical homes, Loyola University-New Orleans, etc. Apparently the Dante's is a 1800's home. It was very cute and quaint. The staff was very accomodating to our group of 11--explaining the menu, letting us know their favorites and offered excellent service refilling water glasses. While the menu is small--though I'm not sure if that's because it was a weeknight, it offers traditional Louisiana dishes. The molasses spoon bread that they brought out was delicious and melted in my mouth. I had a pork chop dish that had lyonaise potatoes and some baked apples. It was very tender and juicy. For desert I had the key lime pie that was also good. I did not try them, but one of the women who I was with from Oklahoma had the collared greens and she said they were the best she ever had. The waitress was so nice and was patient while we all figured out our bills and even called us cabs so we could get back to our hotel safely. On our way out, the owner walked us out and was very friendly and gracious. Thank you for your hospitality!
(5)Allison R.
Seriuosly, the absolute best meal I've had in the city, if not my life! The chicken under a brick and macaroni & cheese is masterful. I am so becoming a regular here. Oh, check your diet at the door and indulge.
(5)Nic S.
Hands down, the best restaurant inNew Orleans. We live to eat, and this city surely provides, but nothing compares to Dante's. The staff is amazing, friendly and knowledgable. They have a great cocktail menu and wine list, and if you get a bloody mary at brunch expect it to be full of their house pickled vegetables. If you are visiting, or a local, DON'T pass this place up, you can't be disaapointed.
(5)Sara H.
Fantastic. I'm a newbie when it comes to New Orleans cuisine but my local friends agreed best meal in the city. Our helpful waiter guided us to the best on the food and drinks menu and we ended up with the boar, chicken, and local veggie plate. As he suggested, for drinks try the Argentinian merlot and the pimms cup. It will be hard to find a finer meal. Only advice is it's not purely a Cajun or Creole restaurant so skip this meal if you're dead set on jambalaya. Rather it has heavy Southern influences with a fresh, local agenda.
(5)Dr. D.
I'm not sure if their food is "Cajun/Creole", but my boyfriend and I had a great dinner. Their molasses cornbread is amazing!!!
(5)T e x M o m.
Great food with local ingredients done up in unique ways. I would have given it 5 stars had it not been for the leaky a/c vent over our table and lack of bathroom space (only ONE bathroom). Parking can also be a challenge if you're not familiar with the area.
(4)David C.
I'd actually give it a 4.5 if I could. A smaller restaurant with a great ambiance. Seems to attract a lot of locals due to it's location, but I would definitely recommend trying to this place out (especially if you're a fan of Jacques-Imo's). The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable making the place an overall great experience. The menu is relatively small (BUT delicious), but they change it often so it never really seems to get boring. This is a place I would definitely try again.
(4)Polly C.
i'll tell you exactly what i told the staff at dante's: my bf and i are new yorkers who travel and eat out A LOT and this was THE BEST meal we've had in months. yes, months. everything was perfect, delicious, seasoned well, really just incredible. this restaurant could make me want to live in new orleans.
(5)Sam P.
Superb, superb, superb. Local ingredients. Seasonal. I.e. what you get today may not be there tomorrow. Owner is great and fun to chat with. No tourists in sight, except us... Great neighborhood. Would definetly go back!!!! Easy to get to on the St. Charles line.
(5)D C.
This is one of my favorite breakfast joints in New Orleans. The debris, i think, is the best in New Orleans. I think it's better than Ralph's on the Park. Their cheese grits are also really good...I love adding corn to it! Perfect casual Sunday brunch place. Nice patio to kick back and sip your bloody marys. The biggest downside to this place is the LONG line and if you get there too late...they actually run out of items!!! Very frustrating when you've been waiting just to sit down and they say they are out of your favorite dish. So go early!
(4)Lauren C.
I had an outstanding dinner at Dante's Kitchen to celebrate my graduation. The food was excellent. The service was professional. The patio is small, but private and very nice. This is truly a hidden gem!
(5)Megan C.
The abmiance is nearly as good as the food. The art and colorful walls of this very clean cottage make you ready for a perfect meal. They play perfect dinner music - Modest Mouse was rotated in. All glasses of wine are only $5 and the list compliments the food very well. The mixed drinks are top notch too! Like all NOLA eateries, this one serves up generous portions. I had a terrible time deciding what to get but am very pleased with the scallops. I noticed most other tables in the restaurant ordered the BBQ shrimp so I am going to go back for mine! Oh yeah, most of the ingredients are FRESH AND LOCAL. It's been my favorite meal so far this trip....
(5)K S.
Went for brunch and my meal was so good. I had the corned beef hash which was great, but would have loved some more of that horseradish cream sauce. What can you say about a meal served in an iron skillet - heaven! It went down well with the bubbly satsumosas and the staff was attentive.
(5)Nancy H.
Dante's Kitchen was a wonderful experience! It is further out if you are staying in the french quarter, but still very accessible via the st. charles street car (last stop) or a $15 cab ride. I highly recommend the brick-cooked chicken. It was one of the juiciest and most tender chicken I've had in my life here. Not only is the chicken juicy and sweet, it comes with an egg sunny side up on top! I'm not a fan of the duck pot pie, as it tasted like frozen duck sprinkled with chunky flour crumbles and baked lukewarm. For dessert, the banana parfait was absolutely delicious!! Overall, food here is very well-prepared. The restaurant is cozy, service is attentive and courteous. It's worth the trip out- even if you don't get a table at Dante's Kitchen, the neighborhood has many other cute homey restaurants that seem worth trying!
(4)Greg N.
We had high expectations of New Orleanean cuisine, and Dante's Kitchen exceeded them beyond our imagination. From the spoonbread to the brick roasted chicken we walked out wishing we weren't going home to San Francisco. One of the best meals we've had in North America.
(5)Tim M.
Went there last week for dinner. Very interesting and creative menu - I guess you would call it Nouveau Cajun. Food was tasty and good selection of beers and cocktails - always nice to have a Pimm's Cup. Kind of far from the FQ but I would recommend it for a good New Orleans meal.
(4)tara j.
Exceptional food . Chicken served with a poached egg was really moist and flavorful. The trio of petite tenderloin with root beer mashed potatoes was tasty.Excellent drink special. Would visit again.
(5)Theo S.
best meal in years - go there. now!
(5)Josh N.
Amazing food. We started with some drinks at the bar which entails on the freshest ingredients and craftsmanship you can find, the drinks are amazing. Once we sat down we ordered some appetizers which were all very tasty and included fresh boiled crawfish and the escargot and house made bacon. There were 4 of us and that was a good start to the meal. We had the trois mignons, red fish, and duck as the main entree. As the sides we ordered the mac and cheese and broccoli. The mignon was absolutely to die for, it the sauce was thick and zesty and the caramelized potatoes were amazing. The redfish was very good with a nice sauteed crust on it. The only item that was not over par was the duck, having grown up hunting and eatin many wild game this was not a great item. The meat was way to gamey and a little too under cooked. Having said that I was the one that ordered and still think this restaurant is 4.5 stars. If I had ordered anything else I believe the would have received that 5th star. The ambiance is amazing. Very romantic and welcoming from the point that you enter the front gate! A definite must have while in new orleans!
(4)Jane L.
Very cute, semi secret location, mostly locals. Very good- but this is Nawlin's ya'll, if it aint slap your momma good, it only gets four stars!
(4)francesca b.
The most amazing meal we have ever had!! Service was fantastic. Started with the grits (off the hook) and a spicy tomato soup that was the best I have ever had. Chicken under brick is an obligation.-the sauce and spices are continuous and wonderful. Don't fill up on the bread, or you will miss the desserts. Peach and blueberry pie was complemented by cream cheese sorbet. Wine selection was good and very well priced . We had three drinks, two apps. Two vegetable sides, two entrees and two desserts for $127. Should have been easily $200 anywhere else. We will be going back for brunch!!
(5)Lauren P.
Great food and great, fresh drinks.
(5)C N.
We were redirected at Dick and Jenny's, as they had an hour wait...so, we had no idea how fabulous dinner would be. From the house made infused spirits that were used in the evening punch (changes nightly), to the ridiculously luscious complimentary molasses spoon bread, to our spectacular meals (duck and gulf fish). There was not one detail that I can take issue with. The service is gracious and the vibe is relaxed. The Pot Likka was outstanding...rich, lusciousness to spread in bread. Mac and cheese with rabbit hotdogs was indulgent and homey. I look forward to eating there again!
(5)Nicole F.
This place was amazing! It's off the beaten path if you're staying in the french quarter BUT you can take the trolly which was fun. I had the cornbeef and potatoes and my boyfriend had the shrimp grits (which he was making fun of me for raving about until he had them). AND WOW! The shrimp grits was so freaking good I think I cried...because as wonderful as the cornbeef was and as perfectly beautiful as my eggs were poached, his dish was truly divine. Lucky for me, we love to share food so I got my fill of both. Oh...and the spicy bloodys were good too!
(5)michael b.
My first New Orleans meal and after four years a foodie in NOLA I still hold Dante's in a high place. The menu is simple as our the dishes, but you will leave satisfied. ASK for two spoon breads and they will give you the recipe. This place destroys so many spots just by having a small well executed menu.
(5)Allison J.
Prior to Katrina, this was *the* place I'd go to for Sunday brunch. They have a HEAVENLY HASH dish that's awesome and the EGGS BENEDICT was fantastic. I don't know if they're open now but if they are, you've got to go. They have a fantastic sunny patio with all kinds of plants so you feel like you're in someone's backyard. The service is friendly and attentive but you may have to wait a little while if you come primetime for brunch. Ahhhh.... to be in that patio with a mimosa right now!
(5)Patricia C.
Yum! What a cozy, lovely little spot, far off the beaten path of NOLA. A 15+/- cab ride outside of the French Quarter, barely making the Uptown area, brings you to Dantes Kitchen. Warm staff, cute, tiny interior, fresh, locally sourced meat & produce, prepared with care. Fresh, delicious. The spoon bread starter is a killer. We loved the pickle plate too! I went vegetarian that night & had the Cushaw pumpkin soup (lentils were a yummy surprise in the bottom of the bowl) as well as the local fresh farm vegetable platter was delicous! My husband shared the above with me & for a dinner, had several small plates: The Charcuterie (which was good, he said, but the pate was not to die for); the field peas, which he said were really fresh & tasty. Our server was an extremely sweet woman whom we chatted with at length. As we were leaving, one of the owners stood & waited for our cab with us and had a nice long conversation with him as well. A really nice place, super sweet people & great food.
(5)Jelly B.
I do agree with the other reviews that the Molasses Spoon Bread is very good. The shrimp & grits and barbequed shrimp appetizers are both excellent. The entrees are all good, but small. One friend had the redfish on the half shell and it was a small portion and came with no sides. The crabmeat that accompanied it must have been 2 bites worth. A total disappointment. I had the tangerine glazed pork loin with goat cheese grits and collard greens. I really enjoyed my meal and the collard greens were delicious. Others we dined with had the gulf fish amandine and citrus rubbed gulf fish. I think they enjoyed thier meals, but the overall impression was the portions were a little small for the prices they charged. As for the desserts, one guest commented, "Are they dollhouse sized?" They charged around $6+ for teeny, tiny desserts. The molten lava chocolate cake was literally 2 bites of cake with some ice cream on the side. We were shocked because the waitress warned us it would take a little while to prepare since it's served warm, so we expected a nice hearty dessert. Don't bother with dessert at this place and go somewhere else. We're not this giant, obese eaters, but I really felt they overcharged by $5-6 per plate for the portion sizes. I would probably recommend Dick & Jenny's over this place.
(4)Debbie Y.
LOVED THIS PLACE! It's very cute and cozy, candle lit spaces. The food was wonderful. The restaurant is all up local, fresh everything. Their vegetable selection is very seasonal and so so good! To start, I had the mussels in green curry, which were amazing. I'm a huge fan of mussels and these hit the spot. I like spicy and the curry added a nice kick. My date had the escargot which was served in a yummy cream sauce with garlic bread. We were given a complimentary sweet, "spoon" bread (?) I believe is what it was called. I had the duck two ways and a side of English Peas. THE PEAS WERE DELICIOUS! So fresh, so flavorful, and perfectly prepared. I have to say that was probably the highlight of my meal, not to undermine the duck, because it was great too. But the peas.. I guess I don't really eat peas that often, and these were just perfect. My date had the pork steak, i stole a bite and it was good. I liked my duck better though :) Of course we couldn't leave without dessert. I had the carrot cake and my date had pumpkin pie. Both are made in-house. Good stuff. Wish the pumpkin pie had a little more spice though. Again, very fresh and "homemade" tasting. This is such a great neighborhood restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon! And am excited to see what new "seasonal" items will come out. The only thing I could complain about was that service was kind of slow.. Although our waitress was very helpful and good, when she came around.
(4)Dwayne H.
Stumbled on this place after finding out that Brigsten's was closed. Soooo glad we did as it was an awesome dinner. Our server John took great care of us and his recommendations were spot on. I always appreciate someone who tells us that it'd be cheaper to buy the bottle of champagne than get it by the glass. We did an array of three appetizers: Escargot ($8), Padron peppers ($7), and pickle plate ($7). The escargot were tasty and tender. LOVED the Padron peppers--they had this light terriyaki glaze and were oh so tasty. Even the pickle plate was great...selection of bread and butter pickles, zucchini, green beans, etc. The tuna entree was perfectly done rare ($23). The chicken under a brick was very tasty and extremely moist ($24). Redfish on the half shell was great ($24). Get a side green beans ($7). Great experience and definitely worth the trip--take the St Charles street trolley and get off at Stop 44.
(4)Rachel H.
This place is amazing! The best meal I've had in ages. Do not miss the shrimp grits with red eye gravy - to die for. I also had the flounder, which was spectacular. The only thing sub par was the peach mojito which was not sweet enough, but that was not enough to mar a 5 star rating. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Pots de Creme was the perfect end to a fabulous meal. Eat here if you want the best in fresh, creative, nola cuisine.
(5)Michelle D.
I've had several wonderful meals at Dantes. The local ingredient board on arrival sets the stage for a great meal of the freshest ingredients. The mussels are to die for. In the summer, their cucumber infused gin makes an incredible gin and tonic. I plan to visit Dantes every time I go to NOLA.
(5)Stan F.
Superb food; the shrimp & grit appetizer is amazingly tasty anf huge; four big prawns and great grits. Had the vegetarian entree that was very creative and lovely presentation. The ribs appetizer was OK, not as tender as some I've had, but excellent flavor and quality. The molasses spoon bread that is a freebie is terrific. A great Manhattan and excellent Gruet sparkling rounded out the dinner. Service was fun and knowledgeable, owner pleasant and talkative. At the end of St Charles street carline, but we did the taxi thing from CBD (it was cold and windy) and that was $20, but worth it.
(5)Jason L.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time, SF places included. Our food was phenomenal, just unbelievably good. More details soon...
(5)Melissa M.
Wonderful, wonderful meal. Just spent three days in New Orleans and, by far, this was the best meal I had in the city. Granted, I have a very mild palate, so a lot of the spicy food did not appeal to me in general, but this was a top notch meal. I had the chicken roasted under a brick and it was amazing. It came on the bone, which I normally despise. However, it was cut in such a way that it was easy to just eat meat while fiddling with the bone. I don't know exactly how they cook it under a brick (I asked to have the brick, but they said it cost extra ;) ), but it turned out beautifully. I anticipated the egg and hash to give it a breakfasty feel...but it didn't. It was ideal for dinner. The only thing I did not like was the corn and peas with bacon side dish that I got. It was a bit dense and smoky for my taste. That notwithstanding, I highly recommend this restaurant if you're headed to New Orleans and looking for original cuisine.
(5)Amy D.
My friend and I drove down to New Orleans from Atlanta. We were rescuing a dog and cat the following day so we were only staying one night. It was a long drive and a bit stressful anticipating getting the pets, but I wanted to make sure that we had a nice dinner. I always read the reviews on Yelp and the comments for Dante's Kitchen convinced me this would be the perfect place for a lovely dinner. And it was! We ate outside on the patio, had a wonderful waiter and a delicious meal. My friend ordered the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad to start and it was a winner! I had a a yummy salad with tomatoes and onions (I can't remember what else was in it) and it was also delicious. For my entree, I had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. And for dessert we shared a Ricotta Cheesecake. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere was relaxing and the service was outstanding. It's off the beaten path which was perfect. We enjoyed every bit of our evening at Dante's and I'd go back in a minute.
(5)Rick W.
Great food. Yes the Bar-b-que shrimp hands down wip Pascal Manales. Sorry they did not have it for an entre, only appetizer. The skitp steak was great as well.
(5)Janelle L.
Dante's is one of may favorite places in the city. I love how they use local produce with a seasonal menu. The coctails are truly unique. The peach mojito and the cucumber gin are a must! The service is outstanding and timely. The ambience is cozy and romantic. I've eaten here numerous times for dinner and brunch, and would highly recommend either or both. It's hard to find a place that is outstanding in all 3 areas of appetizer, entree and dessert; dante's kitchen definitely hits the mark!
(5)Betsy M.
while the food was good enough, the service was seriously lacking. we were really looking forward to this dinner for our first night in New Orleans and it turned out to be the worst by far. our server was totally detached, socializing with a friend at another table almost the whole time we were there and just seemed uncomfortable in general. I had the red fish, which was excellent, but it came with a salad of mint and dill that was not a match at all. my boyfriend had the duck, which was also excellent but again, the service just took the whole experience way down for us. we had the butterscotch pudding with salted whipped cream for dessert and it was not good. actually tasted like caramel, not even remotely butterscotch, and eaten alone, the whipped cream was completely over whipped to the point of tasting like butter. of all the great options in New Orleans, this isn't worth the money at all. we ate at commanders palace and arnaud's for less and the service was impeccable! the atmosphere is also confused. trying to be traditional/hipster/country garden all at the same time. it just doesn't work.
(2)Carolyn C.
If this place really does serve breakfast I'm going to be in heaven. I went there for a small group dinner and the atmosphere really can't be beat - the restaurant is in an old house so tables are set up in various rooms. The menu is full of yummy looking options, but beware, this is not a cheap dining experience, but if you are craving some quality seafood that isn't your typical fish baked blah - you should stop in.
(5)Jeanette R.
My husband and I dined at Dante's one Friday night in November for the first time in a year. My husband moved here in 2010 and described Dante's as his favorite restaurant at one time. It may be our last visit for dinner, though we will go back often for brunch. My husband had the only dish he ever orders...chicken under the brick. There was so much sauce, he hardly recognized the dish. I order the featured whole fish and while good, it could have been great, but here again the fish was sopping in broth. While I often order whole fish when out for dinner and do not mind the work involved, this version was downright sloppy and difficult to eat. The skin and bones of the fish were lost in the "soup" and I frequently had to worry that I was taking in a bone. It would have been much more appealing had it been served on broth and not in broth. By the time you order two sides, the chicken under the brick becomes a $33 meal and that is outrageous for chicken. The eggplant dish was flavorful with the goat cheese, but the chef should know better to skin the eggplant as I was not even able to cut it with a knife. They were out of mussels and the music was blaring so loud (yes, we are fans of rock) that we only could laugh at the end of the dinner as the experience had turned bizarre.
(2)Suzanne G.
We ate here on a bachelorette party weekend in New Orleans over the summer. It was delicious and they were very accommodating for our large group. The only downside was that we had a little trouble finding the restaurant, but once found, all was golden. I had the tuna two ways - I'd highly recommend that dish, along with any of the appetizers. I also had a Dante 79, a play on the French 75. It fulfilled my dreams of something the opposite of beer, which we had enough of that weekend.
(4)Dean H.
Simply outstanding meal and great service. Started with a couple of orange peel infused vodka and tonics that were wonderful. The molassis cornbread that was served before diners was mouth watering good. Had some of the best duck EVER!!! Not sure what they rubbed on the duck skin but it was incredible!! Final touch was a dessert called the Swamp -awesome, hot, chocolate brownie with strawberries. Unreal! Finally, the wine list was superb and the must cost-conscious I have ever seen. We had a bottle of Justin Isoceles, which was outstanding. Cost was approx $70. Same bottle two nights later was $125 at NOLA. ABSOLUTELY OUR BEST MEAL IN NEW ORLEANS!!!!
(5)Linda W.
I save Dante's Kitchen for special occasions due to the prices. When I do go, though, I love trying all their great food and house-infused liqueurs. Last time I tried out a meyer lemon infused vodka cocktail served in a mason jar, with a fresh fruit and herb garnish. I don't remember what it's called, but one of the best meals I've had at Dante's Kitchen was an assortment of fruit mustard, paté, and crostini. I've never had a bad experience here and plan to go back as soon as I have an excuse to spend my money on a delicious meal!
(4)Bryan S.
Disappointing, The quality and the quantity of the food are not in sync with the prices.
(2)Charlie H.
Dante's was recommended by a local friend and it was not disappointing! For a drink I tried the Up Doc, a delicious carrot gin based cocktail that was sweet and inventive. Very tasty. Next I tried to LA citrus salad which was nothing to write home about. Slightly overdressed and the crunchy things on top did not mesh well with the tangerine slices. The chicken under a brick however was phenomenal. Rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked, not dry the way many restaurants do their chicken dishes. I usually avoid ordering chicken at restaurants because it is such a basic dish but this was done very well. All in all a great experience, good atmosphere with fitting music and a kind waitstaff
(4)Rich W.
This place was about a 15 minute drive outside of the touristy French Quarters area. Fortunately we had a car rental but for those without a car, it's worth the cab fare! My significant other ordered the Debris with Scrambled Eggs (on the menu as Poached Eggs) and I ordered the Eggs Benedict. Both dishes were spectacular and was perfect to the tee. (Warning: It's somewhat on the heavier side, so brace yourselves!). The establishment definitely gave this city slicker a good insight to how good and comforting southern food can be! Also, not to take away from some of the establishments within and around the French Quarters, but dining here just gave off a way more authentic feel since it was tucked away in a predominately residential area.
(4)Dan V.
Everything about this meal was perfect, from the pre-meal Sazarac (Modern, not Classic as the Classic refers to the invention of the Sazerac during Prohibition when NOLA didn't really "follow" the law banning alcohol and used cognac instead of rye... um, yeah +1 knowledgeable bartender!) to the Blueberry Olive Oil Cake (with sweet ricotta and lemon honey syrup, drool). It was a work-related dinner so we were able to sample far more appetizers, charcuterie, and small plates than I normally would and that only amplified the experience. There's a disclaimer on the front door that if you're looking for light health food, this isn't the place and while correct, all of the ingredients are handmade in house or locally-sourced... they just happen to have a healthy dose of butter and/or protein. We were with a vegetarian and she still managed (and had a glowing review as well). The atmosphere is casual but still fresh. There's not an overly stylized, modern or plastic-feeling to the restaurant and it really captured the laid-back vibe of New Orleans without a "hand-grenade" or "hurricane" in sight. The food is comfort food but not your standard 'fried chicken' fare. Speaking of chicken, the unappetizing 'Chicken Roasted Under a Brick' was the most tender, moist, flavorful chicken I've had in recent memory. Our waitress broke-down the prep process and I'm going to have to try the recipe at home (anything with maple-butter sauce is a win). You'll just have to go for yourself to find out more, but the 5-star review (my first) should say it all. Items we tried: Heirloom Tomato Salad, Escargot & House Made Bacon, Seared Diver Scallops, Braised & Roasted Pork Belly, Homemade/cured Salumi, Local Farm Vegetable Plate, Chicken Roasted Under a Brick (!!!!!!!!!!!), and of course, Blueberry Olive Oil Cake. Their 'punch' (aka "daily concoction of awesomeness") is also worth a try.
(5)Ryan L.
Overall, a pretty solid hit and I would definitely return to Dante's Kitchen on a future trip to New Orleans. Great looking patio dining space, though we dined inside with the a/c. Food was spot on delicious. I opted for a couple small plates: scallops and boudin ... both of which were fantastic I'm not sure where the scallops were sourced, but they were sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked. The boudin, too, was scrumptious. My dining parter had the charcuterie plate and the mac and cheese and seemed overall less impressed than I was with my choices, but it I don't want to base this review on that person's dining experience. A miss was the El Vice Presidente rum drink. At $9, it was mostly very large ice cubes and the drink filled to about the 3/4 fill line of a rocks glass. I felt cheated. It was good, but just not properly served, in my opinion. Service was friendly, but a bit slow. They were training a new waitress at our table that night. She was okay, but already seemed like her heart wasn't in it. The guys who work here are easy on the eyes, for sure. ;)
(4)Blair B.
From the cozy atmosphere to the accomodating staff, our evening here rocked. I liked the variety of plate sizes (apps, small plates, large plates) and really enjoyed all the food and beverage! We ordered a smorgasboard and shared it all - no one was super hungry. Our bill came out to $200ish for 5 people with 2 beverages each. A bargain ! Escargot - some of the better escargot I've had! My husband and sister aren't big fans of escargot, but they were even able to eat this. Not chewy at all and a nice subtle feta taste from the broth it was cooked in. Duck 2 ways - this was meh for us, but it seems others enjoy it. The breast was good, but the confit was nothing special and none of us could tolerate the heat level on the kimchee. Shrimp and grits - Our grit loving fam was eating this up! The shirmp were great, but the grits were spectacular. Perfect consistency. Chicken under a brick - moist and delish Filet trio (I forget exactly what this dish is named) - this was by far the table favorite. Each filet has a different preparation, but our favorite was the one with debris. Now putting low quality beef all over a nice filet sounds ridiculous, but it actually worked! The debris was fabulous - and I've eaten quite a bit of debris in my day. The mashed potatoes combined with the debris and the filet made for the perfect bite. Overall one of my favorite new (new to me that is!) places in NOLA. I even liked it better than Jacques Imo (but honestly you can't go wrong with either one).
(5)Joshua Z.
I cannot comment on the food because the reception we received was so cold and off putting, we didn't stay on Sunday, March 31. We arrived early for our reservation and before the restaurant was opened. You would have thought we had the plague. It was about to thunderstorm and we were turned out into the neighborhood to find a bar to kill time. While my wife used the restroom, I tried to engage the bartender in talk about some curious looking liquors they had on display. Disdain is the kindest description for his interaction with me.
(1)Cindy C.
My friends and I came out here for brunch and we were seated outside in the horrible humidity! I ordered a Dante's Omelette and it was amazing! The Crab Omelette had PLENTY of crabmeat in it so if you're feeling crabby, definitely order this entree! I typically don't like biscuits because they leave you a dry feel in your mouth but Dante's biscuits are out of this world!! It's moist and fluffy and it came with three different sauces in nice white plates: some type of berry jam, butter, and lemon jam. What I loved most about Dante's kitchen is the atmosphere and the whole setup. It reminded me of someone's backyard, nicely decorated with tables and chairs of course. It would be a great location (if it wasn't so humid) for a lovely breakfast/brunch! P.S. Parking can be found on the streets or in the parking lot across the restaurant.
(4)Elijah C.
Dang..! This place is good. The pork was some of the best I've ever had. Everyone's dish at my table was great from start to finish. The service was good and so were the drinks. It has a nice homey atmosphere, but classy. Would recommend!
(5)Cheryl R.
DANG!!! NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!! ohhh soooo good!!! took my honey out here for his birthday & LOVED IT!!! The Molasses Spoon Bread was freakin' awesome! We also ordered the Shrimp & Grits & OH SO YUMMY!!! (like one poster stated - get grits w/ a side of grits, so good!!) the seasoning/sauce (andoille red eye gravy) wasn't too heavy - it was flavorful & suited it perfectly!! My honey got the chicken under a brick & it was just ridiculously good - who would've thought??? SOOOO GOOD!!! I got the Lamb Mixed Grill - came w/ 2 succulent lamb thingies (that I swear the mint jelly was infused into & not at all overpowering!! AWESOME!!!) sausage ?andoille?? over pickled cucs I think it was - again nothing overpowering - very complimentary!!! amazing!! He also had the cauliflower which I didn't like so much - I got the broccoli which I liked!!! & then for desert key lime pie w/ the BEST whipped cream I have ever had!! SOOO GOOOODDD!!!! (I was just a bit heartbroken when all morning I kept looking forward to my leftovers - everything was there but my lamb, heartbroken I say!!) Oh yes we'll be back!! FUNNIEST thing... the menu gently states "no cell phones & diets" so very true!! While everything was just the best & I put calorie counting OUT OF MY HEAD - I never felt like the food was covered w/ gobs of goop - just incredibly flavorful masterfully put together seasoning & foods - very awesome!
(5)Sarah M.
Excellent. Way off the beaten path...you'll need a car or a taxi to get there if you're staying in downtown New Orleans/French Quarter...but it's worth it. I had the red fish on the half shell (thanks to Yelpers recommendations) and it was terrific. My vegetarian friend had the seasonal veggie plate with a yummy onion & goat cheese croquette. It lives up to the hype.
(4)Charlie F.
Friendly faces, wonderful food. We had brunch, I had the debris on the biscuit with the poached eggs. It's hard for me to even look at the words that food was so good. My wife had the fish sandwich, it's big and delicious. They have been around for 11 years, have done no advertising. All word of mouth. I will scream from the treetops. Eat at Dante's!
(5)Terence N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday. The place is small and located in the middle of nowhere...it's out of the main tourist area, so it's all locals. I was lucky enough to have a friend who took me around the neighborhood and introduce me to the local foods. This place is excellent for brunch and I would recommend it to anyone in the area! Started off with Bloody Mary's, which were made excellent! The complimentary bread was also good, there were 4 different flavors, and all tasted fresh, healthy, and delicious. I decided to order the alligator sausage biscuits...one word...AMAZING! I was a little skeptical reading the description of the alligator sausage biscuits, it just didn't seem appealing...but it was by far the best biscuit I have ever had! The alligator sausage was excellent, it really doesn't taste all that much different from a regular sausage patty, except its leaner and less fatty. The biscuits were excellent! Baked perfectly! The scrambled eggs with peppers went well with the sausage...I would have like a little more mozzarella in my biscuits (because I love cheese), but it was a subtle touch. The glaze inside the biscuit was just enough to give a little flavor without overdoing things, it was slightly sweet. Overall, it may seem like only 2 biscuits...but they are very hearty and satisfying! I was impressed with my brunch item and would come back if I am ever in the area! My friends ordered the corned beef hash and the shrimp and grits; I didn't try them, but they said everything was cooked perfectly and delicious! The best thing I like about dante's kitchen is the food quality and presentation. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious! The presentations are simple and elegant. The prices for brunch are very good, ranges anywhere from $10-$15. The portions are big and fulfilling. I cannot find any complaints about this place other than the fact that they only have one restroom for both genders...literally 1 restroom for the whole restaurant...so if you got to go, be prepared to wait in line! Excellent food, excellent prices, excellent atmosphere!
(5)Justin R.
Dante's is another one of those fresh neighborhood restaurants. I love the concept of Dante's and the like. Because of the location and the way they are set up inside, makes you feel right at home. I have been to Dante's on multiple occasions and try and get something different every time I go. For starters try the Shrimp & Grits, the Escargot or the Scallops. Either of these are great ways to start the meal off. As for dinner, get the Chicken Roasted under a Brick. It has so much flavor! And the chicken is cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes and Mac'n'Cheese are both excellent sides to accompany your dinner. The service is great and overall perfect experience every night.. I have yet to go for brunch, but here its amazing!
(5)Ivana J.
We came here for an amazing breakfast late on a Saturday morning. We enjoyed a short wait sitting on their porch and were seated quickly. I got the brandy milk punch, which was a fun drink reminiscent of egg nog (it's the nutmeg) and the bread pudding french toast. Such a creative idea! It was well-executed, and the portion size was great! I was full, but not overly so.
(5)Courtney S.
My most recent trip to Dante's was to have brunch with a bunch of Yelpers. It was an incredible experience. The menu is extensive (leading to much indecision on my part). We started with the house-made breads, which were so good. I tried the chocolate version, but I hear the cranberry was quite good, too When it came to an entree, I had trouble deciding between the Debris and Poached Eggs, Grilled Shrimp and Grits, Roasted Banana Pancakes and the Dante's Eggs Benedict. I went with the latter and had no regrets (other than wishing my stomach had more room!) Every bite was wonderful, and I will definitely go back to try that, as well as some of the dishes I wasn't able to try. The wait staff and manager were very attentive to our large group (I think we had 14 or 15 people). We were even treated to some of the famous, tasty Satsumosas... a mimosa made with satsumas and champagne. I highly recommend this as a not-to-be-missed brunch spot, no matter if your group is large or small. I will caution that Dante's has a no-reservation policy, so get there early, and be willing to wait for a seat--it's worth it. (You can enjoy Satsumosas and/or Bloody Mary's while you wait on their cute patio area!)
(5)Elsa S.
Loved it for dinner - scallops were great and so was dessert! Brunch made me a little less happy - the salmon was too salty, but I would go back earlier since they were out of the dish I wanted to order.
(4)Amit K.
I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. We were searching for a nice place to eat on this trip to NOLA with my parents. It was a special dinner for my birthday and this place was recommended to me by a friend. The outside is a converted house with a quaint patio with lots of seating and the inside has a few rooms with small cozy dining areas. We started off with some drinks, an Abita for my dad and I had a Pimms Cup. Both were quite refreshing. I had the chicken under the brick and my parents had two different types of fish. The fresh bread they served was simply amazing. The food, presentation and charm of the venue were all delightful. I was so sad that I was too stuffed for dessert. This meal is not cheap, but this meal is better than good, its great. like I said above, I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. This is probably the best restaurant I have ever been to in my short life and I plan on frequenting it more when I move to New Orleans this summer. Hopefully my bank account will allow me.
(5)Pelle B.
Outstanding food. While New Orleans has lots of great traditional restaurants, there is also a new bread of small innovative restaurants that innovate while still being true to their New Orleans background. Everyone talks about the Shrimp and Grits. I had to try it and they were amazing. The BBQ shrimps were also very good. The sauce had a definite shrimp stock flavor to it. We had the filet au trois and the short rib. Both were excellent. I can really recommend them and their great friendly service. Try something different next time you're in NOLA.
(5)Uyen V.
Ordered red fish and it was OK. Maybe I expected too much from all the high ravings or maybe I just didn't order the right meal. The waiter was patient and accommodated us well. My party was late and we literally placed our order in 15 minutes before closing.
(4)Emily S.
YUM! I'd read reviews on yelp and decided this place needed to be added to the itinerary...and I'm so glad that I did. I was craving scallops so I loved that they offered them on their "small plates" menu so we had them as an appetizer. They hit the spot. They were seasoned wonderfully with this sweet salsa of some sort that balanced the flavors nicely. We also enjoyed the hyped up molasses spoon bread which was perfectly sweet and buttery with nice whole grain texture - def. met expectations. Although, I wish I would have asked for extra butter! I have a hard time ordering chicken at nice restaurants because I always go for fish or steak but luckily the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick caught my boyfriend's eye (I was dying to taste this based on the reviews I had read). The chicken was so perfectly moist and saturated in maple flavor that I couldn't believe that I was simply eating chicken! It was wonderful...get it if you are intrigued and craving chicken! I had the Baked Stuffed Flounder with crawfish and andouille stuffing. This was the perfect balance of just darn good baked fish and creole/New Orleans flair! My boyfriend grew up in North Carolina and he's always looking for good grits so we also shared the stone ground grits - WOW! Dishes like this define southern comfort food. It was so creamy with the right amount of peppery flavor. The restaurant itself was very charming and quaint. It's an old house with nice outdoor seating. It was nice to get away from the French Quarter for a change. The only complaint was that I didn't like the wine recommendation...but that can happen ANYWHERE...so all in all this place met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for great food in a charming venue.
(4)George S.
So I haven't written in quite a long time but coming to Dante's Kitchen has inspired me to tell the world just how truly AMAZING it is. My friends and I went to NOLA for Jazz fest and we decided to try several of the top spots to eat (as we were all foodies) including some of the most famous and luxurious spots NOLA has to offer. I can honestly say our meal at Dante's Kitchen was hands down the most memorable. To me that's how I know when a restaurant is special: When it perfectly sears a culinary memory into my head. Dante's Kitchen did just that... So the 5 of us came here for Brunch. As someone who has enjoyed some fantastic brunches in my life, I can't tell you how remarkable it is when I say it's in the top 3 brunches of my life. One quick piece of advice: It opens up for Brunch at 10:30 a.m. Make sure to get there no later than 10:10 because there was already a line down the street waiting for the doors to open when we arrived at 10:15. Oh and they only serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Now onto the brunch... We all started out with freshly squeezed OJ which was delicious as well as some of their house coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but was told by my brunch mate it was fantastic. Next we decided to start out with some of their famous biscuits and a mixed breakfast bread basket. The mixed bread basket was great but Ooooooohhhhh the biscuits... Seriously... if they make biscuits in heaven, they use this recipe. They were warm and flaky, buttery and delicious just as it. They were hearty but light at the same time if that makes any sense. Not only were they great on their own but they even served them with some fresh house made jams and hand churned butter. The strawberry jam and butter together in one bite of biscuit was like tasting happiness. So GET THE BISCUITS when you go. Now onto the meal... Eggs Benedict is hands down my favorite breakfast meal and I use it to gauge most restaurants I go to. And Dante's Did not disappoint. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked and runny when cutting into them mixing the delicious yoke with the hollandaise (which kicked some serious brunch ass). Underneath the eggs was a rosemary rubbed pork loin, juicy and tender served on top of a biscuit with honey (that's right the same ones from before). I can tell you that the combination of the hollandaise, pork, honey, and biscuit hit every sense and taste bud with a symphony of savory, and a hint of sweet with the perfect layer of textures. Seriously, this eggs benny was awesome. My partners in dine also had the "Debris and Poached Eggs" (poached eggs on biscuits with hollandaise on a bed of pulled pork), bread pudding french toast (with a seasonal fruit sauce and powered sugar) all of which were fantastic. But the true star of the brunch was "The Special". This was a their seasonal eggs benny. Poached eggs on top of their ridiculously good biscuits but this time served on top of a perfectly cooked, flaky blackened flounder on a bed of blue cheese and bacon grits all covered by a crawfish hollandaise. I would never have considered that much seafood for brunch but I can tell you this: we each had a bite at the table, and each one of us took turns, slowly closing our eyes, savoring the delicious mouthful, and getting our brains seared with that beautiful life altering memory of a bite that none of us will ever forget. The only sad part is that the special will probably not be there again. But paraphrasing a quote from Red from the movie Shawshank Redemption: "Sometimes it makes me sad, though... *The Special* being gone. I have to remind myself that some Specials aren't meant to be put on a menu. Their flavors are just too good. And when they go away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to keep them around DOES rejoice. But still, the meals you eat are that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss that special..." If you go to NOLA. Do yourself a favor. Grab some brunch at Dante's Kitchen. And before you enter their doors close your eyes and tell yourselves this: "Time to make a memory".
(5)Jennifer F.
All I can say is WOW!! From the time I got to Dante's Kitchen to the end, it was fantastic! I had no idea what to get when looking at the menu so I had the waitress (who was great) do a lot of the choosing for me. She started me off with her favorite drink called the Plantation. Yum! While I was waiting for the appetizer they gave me their spoon bread slathered in honey butter. I wish it was a bigger portion because it was delicious, but then I wouldn't eat the rest of my food. As for appetizers, I got the grilled shrimp and stone ground grits. This was amazing! The flavors coming through were just fantastic! Then I moved on to the dinner. I got the chicken under a brick. I have to say I have never in my life tasted such a moist chicken. Absolutely delicious with amazing flavors. By the time I finished dinner though, there just wasn't anymore room for dessert. Everything about this place was wonderful. The waitress was very informative and was even helping with things that I had to do and other types of food I had to try while down in NOLA. Loved it!
(5)faine g.
Dante's Kitchen is a laid-back little place in New Orlean's river-bend, tucked back at a safe distance from the always rocking Daiquiri Cafe, facing the train tracks. Situated in an old house, Dante's has developed a reputation in town for serving high-end New Orleans and Southern specialities at unusually reasonable prices (with an emphasis on local ingredients,) and it seems like mostly locals occupy the tables inside and the garden eating area outside. So how's the food? Every table is started off with a cast iron pot of spoonbread with honey butter, that intoxicating Southern speciality that resembles a warm and gooey corn souffle. This stuff was downright delicious - like a semi-liquid corn cake (and I very much like my corn cakes.) It was snarfed down with unusual speed, which may explain why I have no photo. We sampled the shrimp and grits with andouille red eye gravy ($9.00), a house speciality and a truly fine specimen of a classic Southern dish. Nice, char-grilled (or so it seemed) shrimp topped a healthy portion of slightly cheesy and pleasantly buttery grits, topped off with a fine gravy. A must order. The cauliflower salad was less successful: an apparent riff on New Orleans's classic olive salad, this had a decent vinegary, peppery flavor but became overwhelming and entirely too oily as a starter-size salad. This pickled cauliflower concoction would work much better as a condiment. I had the roasted seabass with preserved meyer lemon, roasted squashes, slow roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, red kale, wild mushroom jus ($23.00.) Let's start with the good: the seabass was delicious, with a crispy, savory skin and a buttery and fork-tender interior. The other components of the dish weren't as successful: the combination of all those strongly flavored ingredients made for a vinegary and rather powerful combination, which served to overpower the subtly flavored fish. The combo of kale, wild mushroom, tomato and olive (and whatever other stuff) would suit a muscular slab of beef or another full-flavored red meat a whole lot better. Charlotte, one of my dining companions, had Bell & Evan's chicken roasted under a brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg, ($22.00). Huge portion and it looked pretty darn delicious: apparently she orders this all the time. I also got to take a look at the Daily Preparation of Local Farm Vegetables, served with a goat cheese and caramelized onion croquette ($20.00). The verdict from my dining companion? Decent flavors, but the presentation - note the vivid pink and green on that there plate (and no, you don't need to adjust your monitor) was nothing if not lurid. She also noted that this dish too suffered from the addition of strongly flavored greens: it overpowered the roasted beets and caramelized onions that made up the rest of the dish. The goat cheese croquette was pronounced tasty. We also sampled these beet greens, the day's seasonal vegetable. I rather enjoyed these and their pungent and earthy flavor, although they were, once again, not much more then vinegary green vegetables. I am a fanatic collard green fan, a kale aficionado, an ardent supporter of mustard greens and broccoli rabe, but Dante's Kitchen, I implore you, does every single food item on the planet have to involve greens with vinegar? Admittedly this could be due to our ordering choices, but I am not entirely convinced. (Were there greens in the spoonbread? Are there greens in dessert...?) Dessert did not involve greens (to the relief of all) and was nicely presented and tasty: freshly made sorbet came out in a beautiful custom-made compartment dish, and mega-rich chocolate spice cake had a crackly and tasty crust, accompanied by a flavorful scoop of gelato. I didn't sample the strawberry shortcake, but it was both bigger then my head and tasty looking and that sure counts for something. Verdict: Dante's Kitchen serves interesting, tasty, and reasonably priced riffs on Southern and Louisiana cuisine, but could use a less profligate hand with vinegar, oil, and greens in the kitchen. It's definitely a fine addition to New Orlean's bistro restaurant scene, and I'll be returning for another visit - I'll just have to ensure that I don't inadvertently order the Greens with Greens and Green Sauce speciality platter. Shouldn't be difficult. food photos here: teenagechowhound.blogspo…
(4)Justin J.
Man, I really hate to give this place a bad review. It showed so much promise based on the raving yelp reviews. Dante's Kitchen looked like a can't miss spot for us to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. First, the service and everyone who works at the restaurant was great. Our server was fantastic. We told him we wanted to try some of the beers on the menu that were unfamiliar to us. We gave him a brief history of the beers we normally prefer and he made a great recommendation. We started out with the escargot, which were delicious. They weren't totally drowning in butter, which at first I thought might be a problem since I love my escargot to swimming in buttery goodness. Then they brought out the Spoon Bread, which left me speechless.... If we had stopped the meal at this point and gone back to the hotel room, I would be writing a 5 star review, have an extra $100 in my wallet, and a big smile on my face. But we didn't, and the Redfish I got was bland, and the potatoes fried in duck fat were way overcooked and therefore bland. But probably the most disappointing was that the Mac N Cheese was so bland and unsatisfying that I will need to start a new paragraph to express my disappointment. Really!?! Dude. Come on. How do you f*#k up Mac N Cheese?? It was like Chef Blandy Blanderson buttered some noodles and threw (1) Kraft Singles into the pot. They need to fly Chef Blandy to Austin, have him talk to the people over at Perla's and then report back to Dante's. Problem solved. If they can somehow get the food up to the same level as the service and ambiance, this place would be perfect. I paid $135 for a dinner for 2. I felt like I got robbed and our Anniversary dinner was a big dud...
(2)Johnathan C.
One of the best of New Orleans. Their stone ground shrimp and grits are about the only grits I like in the city (unless hung over, but the morning after pallet is a funky one indeed) and they have the best egg benedicts EVER! Their take on egg benedicts is truly their own and vastly superior to any other classic translation. Environment is really pleasurable, the bread they start you with is a meal unto itself, the trios mignon is absurd in how good it is. It has been awhile since I was in, so I will leave it at that, for now, but I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to one of the absolute best brunch places on Earth. If you are visiting, this is one place you absolutely must eat at, reservation a must last time I was by for dinner.
(5)Brandie D.
I took my family here for mother's day and we thoroughly enjoyed our first Dante's experience! The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a brunch along the Mississippi....it's like being in someone's house and the patio is beautiful! The entrees were reasonably priced for the selections and the quality. I had no idea what I wanted until I took a closer look at the eggs benedict....it was anything but your usual EB. Carmelized onion biscuit topped with rosemary pork loin, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise and honey! All of these things would have been terrific on their own, but were the flavors went so well together that each bite was perfection. After hearing about the grits, I had to order a side of the highly recommended southern side to see for myself. Don't tell my grandma, but they're better than her's....and all of these years I thought she had the best! They were creamy, not one bit grainy, and I could've eaten the entire bowl as my entree! Best.....grits.....ever.....the end.
(5)Peggy C.
We'd loved our dinner at Dante's. We were visiting New Orleans from out of town and visited this restaurant and one other outside the French Quarter and were mistaken as locals in both cases. ;) The hardest part was choosing what to eat. We had 1 appetizer, 1 small plate, shared a large entree with 3 sides and shared a dessert. We had Escargot & House Made Bacon - YUM!! We had the Charcuterie Plate (cheese, meat, mustard, housemade pickles) - YUM!! We had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, mac and cheese, fried rice, and local vegetables - ALL also YUM!! The best part is that most of the meal is sourced LOCALLY, which supports the local economy, reduces pollution, and much more! Our service was fantastic. Reservations recommended.
(5)John M.
I think I split the difference with a lot of the reviewers. It appears there's a lot of distaste for the "oversauciness" of the entrees, and with that I'd definitely agree. I had the duck and I tended to take each bite like so: "Hmm. Mmmmm. Er? Huh. Mmm. Yeah! Well...Wha? Hm." I'm no chef, but that seems like too much going on. But what can you do? This place had the best shrimp and grits I've ever had (I've had shrimp and grits twice). They were so off-the-hook, I gobbled them all up, shrimp with heads and all. This sauce was perfect, one distinct taste, all good. Everyone was very nice, including the owner who went out of his way to make me feel at home, totally cozy atmosphere, so perhaps someone can yelp through and find an entree that works better for most to have with them thar shrimp.
(3)Toe H.
This food is practically crack! I wouldn't be surprised to find someone blowing the chef for the Slow Cooked Rabbit Leg & Dumplings out back of this place. I'm in from out of town and went with a couple locals, we all shared each others' food bistro style (recommend) in order to try more dishes. If you get the Molasses Cornbread, you will not be sorry. Grits were the bomb. My entree was "Trois Mignons," it was good and prepared well, but I would recommend trying out other entrees. As I hinted at the rabbit was off the chain. Also we had the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad, which was crisp and well balanced. Service was great. You SHOULD NOT leave this restaurant without getting at least one of the mixed drinks. They infuse their own liquors here. I can't remember the name of the drink, but I tried one with Cucumber infused Gin and it was the most baller gin drink I have ever had. It was very refreshing and the simple idea of infusing cucumber with gin is pure genius. Pimms cup was also good.
(5)Tom R.
Good food. Delivered at a snails pace. Literally unreal. 45 minute wait between starters and main course. When we ordered dessert I asked if we could make it a bit more speedy. So it showed up after 35 minutes. Sad. Will not be back.
(1)Kent W.
Unlike many restaurants, Dante's is consistently excellent. I've never had an "off" meal there. The grits may be the best in the city. Cocktails are great as well.
(5)Lily S.
The food is somewhat very salty to my taste but it was still good. The servers were friendly and the restaurant was so cozy and comfortable. I would definitely come back.
(4)Chris C.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Visiting New Orleans and looking for good food (i.e. not in the French Quarter), we stumbled upon the Yelp reviews for Dante's Kitchen.... Yelpers - again you have steered me in the right direction. The shrimp and grits were to die for!! I had the redfish and my friend had the tuna. The food was excellently prepared, perfectly plated, and served with a smile. The ambiance is low key and homey, with beautiful New Orleans decor. The menu changes frequently, and they try to get the majority of their food locally sourced. You can see on the blackboard which ingredients are local. Coming from DC, I thought the food was reasonable priced ($20-25 per plate) and delicious. If you are in town visiting and want some good food - rent a car, take a taxi, walk if you have to - but get yourself to Dante's. There is no good food in the French District. I repeat... THERE IS NO GOOD FOOD IN THE FRENCH DISTRICT. All overpriced and underwhelming. You are welcome!
(5)Helen N.
I've eaten here a few times already but its been more than a year since my last vist. Its one of my favorites NOLA restaurants and I especially love their molasses spoon bread! I could of ate the whole thing except I had to share with the two other friends I went with :) Escargot & House Made Bacon: Delicious! It comes with a piece of toasted and butter french bread which is great for dipped. Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops: This dish comes with 2 decent sized scallops but the field peas thats they laid on were buttery, soft and cooked perfectly. Baked Mac & Cheese with Gruyere, Fontina: good but not my favorite. I just wanted to try a different side , so we ordered it. It has a punch to it. Trois Mignons: cooked medium and perfectly! the mashed potatoes were an excellent accompaniment. Stuffed Flounder: Good fish dish also... Hole in the wall, street parking, but great food!! FYI: make reservations!!
(5)John V.
We're never disappointed in Dante's. It's one of our regular stops when we're in New Orleans.
(5)Feldman A.
I cannot remember when I ate better than on New Year's Eve at Dante's Kitchen in the Black Pearl along the Riverbend in the lovely underbelly of swanky Uptown New Orleans. The dishes were as creative as they were exquisite. The place had personality as well as making magic in our mouths. And even on a night as busy as New Years, the atmosphere was intimate and the service attentive. The Shrimp and Grits with homemade panbread and the yummy signature drinks that we had there were out-of-control good and are likely to be branded on our parietal lobes for some time to come.
(5)Derek R.
Terrific little neighborhood gem! I love this place!! I've probably been there 20 times or more. Try the pumpkin soup if you like your soup on the spicy side - like I do! The complimentary spoonbread is always a winner! Definitely check out the small plates. The braised ribs are deliciouso! For entrees I recommend the chicken under a brick, trois mignons, or the redfish with crabmeat. All very yummy and quite tasty! For dessert I like either their carrot cake or spiced chocolate cake!! And finally, try tapas night the last WED of the month. $5 for a small glass of wine and a tapas. Enjoy!
(5)Irene H.
We went on Sunday for brunch and I took the advice of another reviewer and made sure we got there a little after 10:30. All the seats were taken, but we were first on the list and the mimosa's we enjoyed while waiting were good. I had the Dante's Omelet which was full of andouille sausage and had a spicy flavor, but wasn't overly seasoned to the point I could not enjoy it. A dish I would get again. My family had the shrimp and grits and the crab brie omelet which were also delicious. We split a plate of alligator sausage and I didn't think I would like it and it didn't taste like anything I had had before, but it was good. The atmosphere and staff were really nice and I would definitely go back. Would like to try dinner next time.
(4)Scott D.
One of my favorite places to eat in NOLA. This place is located in an old house that lets you know you are eating in NOLA. It's a great place for a date. It's romantic and quaint. The food and ambiance are both great. The prices are not the best, but you get what you pay for and this place is worth every penny. It's small, so be sure to make reservations. Fellas if you want to impress your lady, mistress or FWB, hit this place up.
(4)Jill S.
After taking the streetcar ALL the way uptown to Jacques-Imos, only to find it CLOSED for a two week break, I pulled out my trusty Yelp app to find a suitable analog in walking distance. Brigtsens looked a little too schmancy for our casual attire. But what's that across the street? That looks cool... The inside is done in springy oranges and greens coloring each segmented seating area, giving it an intimate feel no matter where you sit. The courtyard looked great if it had been a little cooler / dryer out. Their menu fits on one sheet, which is something I appreciate. Lots of salads, sides, and small plates, most below $10, as well as a handful of entrees that were in the $20+ range. We each got a salad and a side dish. The watermelon salad was one of the most exciting combinations of flavors I've had in a while, and the vegetable side was like a noodle-less lasagna, definitely filling. Several options for a vegetarian! Their drink list was the hidden star of the night. I got a gin cocktail with "house-made" watermelon something or other, named after an antidepressant (Prozac?)--it was a bizarre shade of pink and very refreshing. We split the mojito, which was VERY heavy on the booze.
(4)Sunflower G.
Food is DiVine! Melts in your mouth it's so good. We had the Chicken under Brick and Trois Melange (steak/filet mignon) and it was beyond terrific. I love it when good food tastes so heavenly. Highly recommend it.
(5)Katherine M.
Love this place! We always try new restaurants in New Orleans and leave wishing we were at Dante's. At this point, I think we have tried everything on the dinner menu, and it is always fantastic. The creative cocktails, vegetable plate, chicken under a brick and trois mignons are all highlights. Plan ahead because you definitely need reservations for dinner.
(5)Steve S.
Really let down on the Bloody Mary. Ordered a "spicy" & a "hottie" both were okay at best. Lovely patio though. Might have to try again, but we'll have the bloodies somewhere else.
(2)Alicia T.
It's seems so rare that I am surprised by restaurants in New Orleans anymore. So imagine my delight when we stumbled into Dante's Kitchen on a Saturday night sans reservation and were promptly sat to enjoy what became one of the best meals I've had in a while. We got there at 6:30pm and I was a little worried by the lack of seated tables in the place. I had only been there for brunch many moons ago and the only think I could remember was that it was very rich (as in butter and cream). I was relieved to see the menu was comprised of an abundance of local vegetables, fresh seafood and other lighter fare in addition to the richer items like short ribs and savory duck. I had a specialty cocktail called the Tokyo Rose and it was a perfect aperitif; effervescent, gingery, slightly bitter. Upon getting my drink we were delivered hot spoon bread with a honey butter. It's about the best thing on the planet. I had one helping and my friend single-handedly finished the entire thing off. I had the mussels with green curry as an appetizer and my friend got the arugula salad. My mussels were awesome; spicy, flavorful and fresh. The salad, well, it was ok but nothing special. For my entree I got the vegetable platter which it all the right notes. It was comprised of freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes, wilted dandelion greens, roasted turnips and a goat cheese potato croquette thing. It was savory, filling and light all at the same time. My partner got the crabcake with the poached egg which he declared as amazing and the short rib, which he continued to eat even though he was already stuffed ( a good sign). The service was spot-on...informative but not overbearing. Attentive but not annoying. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. The music was a little weird but as the night wore on, it became more suiting. I will be back very soon!
(5)Elyse B.
Came with a big group on Sunday (14 of us) and arrived before 10:30 for brunch (since they don't take reservations). AMAZING brunch food, everything was absolutely delicious. I had the shrimp and grits and a Bloody Mary, both which I highly recommend. To put it lightly, I give 5 stars to any place that makes me seriously crave their food and this place deserves it, hands down.
(5)Shawna B.
Yum. This place is awesome! We started with the escargot with basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I wished I had a straw to slurp up the delicious juice. I had the trois mignons and they were melt-in-your-mouth yummy. Husband had the grilled pork steak with a bacon and rosemary white gravy and it was incredibly tender. Also shared a side of duck-fat roasted potatoes which are as good as they sound. And we split the chocolate spice cake and became over-the-top full. Our waitress was fabulous and very helpful and the rest of the staff was courteous. Would definitely come back on our next trip- it was a great meal and reasonably priced.
(5)Bernardo A.
What happens when you slow-braise a pork butt steak for five hours? Exactly. The food in this neighborhood restaurant is out of this world. The portions are perfect, the service is impeccable, the atmosphere is homey. The place is not cheap; a three course meal with a glass of wine or a beer can set you back about $55 pp. However, the quality of the food makes this place a bargain. Recommended are the shrimp with grits in avred eye gravy, the cauliflower soup, the braised and then blackened pork steak served over braised greens and a reduced apple butter. For dessert, one chocolate pot de creme is enough for two...the hot chili finish on that is so good.
(5)Mike H.
I would move to New Orleans in a heartbeat if I could find an income that could support me living expenses and my addiction to the food down there. I went to Dante's on a Saturday morning after a long, long night of drinking for brunch. Now, I'm from Boston, and in the Northeast, Brunch is a huge thing. Everyone does it, so brunch to me is a safe haven of food. I feel comfortable. Like, under the comforter on a cold day comfortable. Dante's blew that out of the water. I went to NOLA with the intent of having grits, and nothing would stop me from achieving that. I had their Dante's Eggs Benedict with a side of Cheese Grits and a side of Hash Browns. First of all, the portions were HUGE. I'm used to the small-okay sized portions of brunch in Boston, but Dante's was subconsciously telling me that I was Mary Kate Olsen and needed to add about 50lbs to be healthy again. The flavor was amazing, cooked perfectly, and made my mouth water. The grits were everything I ever wanted. The consistency was spot on, (not that I had anything to compare it to,) and it tasted great. I had the regular stone-ground grits too since my friend got them. Either one will blow your mind. The decor was so nice and homely. Laid out so you're not on top of the table next to you, but small enough to maintain intimacy. I'm going back ASAP. Thank god plane tickets are so cheap there and back. :)
(5)Zach R.
This was my first taste of New Orleans food on my first trip to the city. I chose this place based on the reviews, and it did not disappoint. Again, based on the reviews, I started with the shrimp and grits. This is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I've tried them all over, including Savannah and Charleston. The shrimp and grits at Dante's are flat-out the best I've ever had. The grits are unbelievably creamy and they come topped with three huge shrimp (with the heads still on). The seasoning on the shrimp was out of this world and the andouille gravy in the grits was delicious. Get them. I also ordered the "redfish on the half shell." I was half a redfish filet topped with a crab and mint (?) mixture. The fish was cooked perfectly, but lacked the Cajun punch I was hoping for. The crab was cold, which was also a little disappointing. Lastly, the server brought out a complimentary pan of molasses spooncake. I'd read about it in the reviews and was looking forward to it. It was absolutely delicious. It's like a sweet, moist cornbread (minus the corn) topped with honey butter. It comes out piping hot, brought to you in the little cast iron skillet it was cooked in. A very unique and unforgettable side/dessert. Go there for the shrimp and grits and the spooncake. They're phenomenal. The redfish left a little to be desired and it was pricey (spent $50 for myself only), but I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Christine H.
I visited Dante's based upon the great yelp reviews that I read prior to my trip to New Orleans. The atmosphere and service are five stars, however I can only give the food 3. Maybe it was what I ordered. I didn't like the potatoes in duck fat, and I didn't enjoy the main course of duck cassolet (maybe I spelled it wrong). The dish was served lukewarm and the duck was tough and there was a small bone left in which was not a pleasant discovery once it was inside my mouth! I would probably try Dante's again based upon the numerous other people who loved it and since the service was so great. I just wouldn't order the duck next time.
(3)K M.
After I discovered this place on Yelp!, we thought it would be fun to try something new for our anniversary dinner. I was super excited when we got there, but left a little disappointed. First off, our server, Luis, was superb, and I do not think that where our dinner was lacking had anything to do with the attentiveness of the server. The spoon bread came out piping hot, and delicious! Was better with a little salt, though. On to the appetizers: Husband got the shrimp and grits, which were piping hot and delicious! The shrimp were seasoned perfectly and the grits were delightfully creamy. Needed a little salt, though. Unfortunately, I got the corn and crab soup, which was nothing more than yellow tinged chicken stock with a little crab meat thrown in. It was thin and virtually flavorless, slightly warmer than room temperature, and the corn must have taken the day off because I didn't see any in there. I didn't even finish it; it wasn't worth whatever calories were in it. Even a little salt couldn't save it. Entrees: Husband got the pork confit, which he enjoyed, and I also thought had a great flavor, even though I'm not a big meat eater. I had the bacon wrapped scallops small plate, along with the Barq's candied sweet potatoes, thinking that after the bowl of soup, I probably wouldn't be too hungry. The scallop/bacon combo was smoky and delicious, but the sweet potatoes weren't anything special. The biggest issue was that none of the entree foods were particularly hot. I like my food to seem as if it was just prepared, not "resting" for 15 minutes somewhere. I felt rushed to eat so I wouldn't have to eat cold food. I was so excited about this place after reading all of the Yelp! reviews, and really hoped my experience would make me want to go back for brunch. I left undecided.
(3)Whitney J.
I love Dante's. I've been here for both brunch and dinner many times and have never been disappointed by either the food or the service. Only once was I sad there, and that was because they'd run out of house-made pickles for the bloody mary. The shirmp and grits are perfect. The pate plate for an appetizer at dinner is lovely with its house made mustards and pickles. I took my parents here and they loved the redfish with crab and the trois mignons. Worth the money. and Oh My God the Spoonbread. Eat all the spoonbread. And the cheddar-jalepeno grits. Eat it all.
(4)Claire S.
The best place I have visited during my stay. We went to many restaurants during our stay including Emeril's restaurants and others, but nothing came close to Dantes. I think a house was converted into a restaurant and I could feel the cozy ambiance as soon as I walked in. I found a very unique stuff at the bar. The bartender had created many different flavored liquors and kept them in pretty bottles, apple brandy, pomegranate whiskey and many others. He clearly knew his stuff. He made a glass of Sazerac with his apple brandy. Oh... that was heavenly. I cannot remember what we ordered cause 10 of us ordered almost everything on the menu and shared them. But it does not matter what the dish was since literally everything was spectacular. I will go back to Dantes whenever I get a chance.
(5)Heather S.
One of my favorites. Shrimp n' grits are amazing, as well as the spoon bread. In general I like everything they do, but occasionally when they change the menu the new main courses are not so good. Also, the desserts are not very good. I do love that they make their own jam, do the pickling themselves, and try to incorporate local items.
(5)Steven M.
Dante's kitchen is simply awesome! I had one of the best meals in a LONG time there. What a great combination of menu, decor, service and ambiance. We had the shrimp and grits, escargots, duck, and Trois Mignons. Each was better than the next, full of flavor creativity and visual elegance. The shrimp and grits was particularly good, I grew up in the South and those were by far the best grits I've ever had! I honestly think Dante's Kitchen would hold it's own against any restaurant in Chicago save Alinea. And in terms of price, it's simply no comparison, we got out of there for under $150 for two people wine included and felt like we had a five star meal. Highly, highly recommended!!
(5)Nadrian M.
GRITS! If you like them this is definitely the place to get them. Great, friendly staff and wonderful menu selection......oooooh and uh rum ah did I say GRITS!
(5)Kelly H.
One of the best New Orleans restaurants! It's located in the uptown area - not in the touristy part. It's more or less an upscale neighborhood restaurant - nothing wrong with that at all! The space itself is basically a converted house - it actually has sort of a tropical feel without going overboard. In other words - great atmosphere! But you come here for the food - classic New Orleans cuisine with a few "nuvo" twists. The stuffed flounder was loaded with andouille and crawfish tails with just enough spice to give it a little bite. The "Redfish on the Half Shell" is a signature item that consists of a nice, pan fried piece of red fish topped with sauteed lump crab meat. Excellent! Also, a side of green beans sauteed with pancetta was surprisingly delicious! Desserts include the basic Key Lime Pie but a nightly special of Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot de Creme (OK, I probably spelled that wrong) was out of this world - a warm chocolate custard topped with toasted marshmallows - yummmm... The blueberry pie appeared to be a bit heavy in the crust but I am told that it was excellent. The wine list was a bit light, but there were some interesting by the glass choices. A good California Pinot Nior was a perfect pairing with slightly spicy flounder. Also note that this place can get pretty busy. I would recommend reservations. All in all, this a great New Orleans restaurant! It's a bit off the beaten path but well worth it!
(4)Jonathan C.
I was in New Orleans for a conference and needed a reservation on short notice to take clients to dinner. I wanted authentic Southern cooking at a place the locals love but that tourists may not know about. A friend's son (a foodie who is a junior at Tulane) recommended Dante's Kitchen. Total hit! The scallops appetizer is to die for, the venison chili pot pie is truly memorable, and the sides (we had collard greens, grits, and roasted beets) are plentiful and yummy. Price are very fair. Service was just a tick off (that's why only 4 stars). It's a a cab ride from the Central Business District/French Quarter, but well worth it. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)Ashleigh B.
I visited this place after getting a mani/pedi at Cindy's. I was in pajamas and they still treated me with respect and kindness. I tried the escargot, carb and corn soup, and the ratatouille. The atmosphere was calm, the food was amazing, the drinks had a kick, and the service was warm. I made sure to show appreciation with my tip to my waiter. I'll definitely revisit to try all the other bites on the menu.
(5)Christine H.
Nominated pastry chef-menu disappoints. As other reviews found, the Shrimp and Grits was gorgeous-the shrimp are head/shell on and colossal. The grits are so creamy they almost resemble thin mashed potatoes. The Dante's special spoon bread that's served as a free appetizer is TO DIE FOR. I am still thinking about the succulent, perfectly charred caramelized maple on the Chicken under a Brick. Unfortunately the potato and bacon hash cake that is served with the brick chicken was a failure. A mound of dry, chalky potatoes and unrecognizable bacon. It's failure took the egg down with it as there was no harmony between the chicken and the egg alone. The biggest disappointment was the dessert offerings. We had read that the pastry chef was nominated to receive "Food & Wine's The People's Best New Pastry Chef 2012 Award and even asked to see the menu before dinner had arrived. What an anti-climax. The 2 desserts that even looked interesting were "unavailable". The Strawberry Fennel Pie because "we couldn't get strawberries" and they had sold out of the Chocolate Meringue Clouds. Even those two dishes only rated a 3 of 5 on my dessert radar. The others were a 0. The only reason i mention it as a negative is that Dante's is touting the nomination. Once you do that, you need to live up to the expectation that it brings. If I had seen the spoon bread on the menu as a warm dessert with a caramel drizzle and praline ice cream I would have ordered it in a heart beat.. Here is a copy of the dessert menu from Dante's Kitchen. You can decide for yourself what you think it as an award deserving offering.. Desserts Trio of Sorbet 7 selections change daily Strawberry Fennel Pie 7 creme fraiche gelato Lemon Poppy Seed Cake 7 mascarpone icing Butterscotch Pudding 7 with saltedwhipped cream Chocolate Meringue Clouds 7 orange blossom diplomat cream, sweet strawberries Composed Cheese Plate 7 artisanal cheeses, red wine biscuit, bitter chocolate kisses, strawberry citrus marmalade
(4)Alexa X.
I went there for lunch and had shrimp and grits and a milk punch. Overall, nothing impressive--simply nothing bad and nothing good. I heard their dinner is better than their lunch.
(3)Ryan S.
I wish I'd written a review shortly after visiting here, because the details are a little fuzzy. We loved this place. The atmosphere was great, the food was outstanding, and the staff was super friendly. It wasn't cheap, but certainly for the quality of the experience it wasn't expensive. Both my wife and I were thrilled with our entrees. I do recall I had the 3 petite filet mignon's. Each came with a different topping. It was to die for. Also, our cocktails were fabulous. They had a large variety of small batch bourbons that I'd never had before, and I asked for the waitress to bring me the bartender's recommendation served neat. I was thrilled that they didn't just take the opportunity to serve me the most expensive bourbon on their shelves, but rather surprised me with Buffalo Trace, which I'd never had, and is very nice and on the low end of the price scale for a glass of bourbon. I'd like to say I'd definitely come here again, and maybe I will... but New Orleans is known for its food, and I've only been once in my life. Dante's lived up to the New Orleans cuisine hype!
(5)Jordi G.
This really was the dinner that never ended. I have to say that the food would probably be three stars, but the service absolutely detracted a star from this place. After our appetizers came pretty promptly, the entrees took about 90 minutes with our idiot server repeatedly coming by and saying that our food would be out in less than 5 minutes. This happened four or five times--I don't understand why you would say that so many times if it isn't true whatsoever. After it finally came, the excuse, "you got behind a table of 12" What is this a school for ants? Seriously how small is their kitchen that that takes 90 minutes? We tried to be nice the whole time but they really tested our patience. The food probably deserved three stars. The pickled plate was my favorite thing on the menu and was technically best dish they had. Bland pumpkin soup with too much creme fraiche. The layered farm vegetable and gruyere mac and cheese sides were both really missing any bite. They literally had nothing to them. I tried three entrees: roasted chicken under a brick, trois mignons, and redfish on half shell. Roasted chicken was good and moist but not that flavorful, trois mignons had plenty of flavor and way too much salt (they really seem to not know which ingredients to trust that can stand alone) and the redfish was very good--flaky, light, flavorful. Good dish. Overall, though, poor service and 3 star at best food.
(2)Mary B.
Dante's has one of the best brunches in town, and is also one of the best ways to gain weight NOLA stylie. They are not afraid of butter! We are all going to die happy! In an old house by the Riverbend, Dante's uses a lot of local ingredients and makes killer cheese grits. Seriously, eating these grits will make you Southern if you aren't already. I have also had the crab omelette, which was great, and the brioche pan perdu which was a little dry. The brandy milk punch may seem like a strange morning drink, but I liked it, and I am not a big sweet drinker. The service was professional, A+. The only caveat I have to add is, if you are sensitive to butter or salt or culinary indulgence, Dante's may not be for you.
(4)Carolyn K.
lived it up here! Amazing food, great staff, definitely not cheap, but it's locally sourced ingredients were absolutely to die for
(5)Anna T.
oh so goood. I started off with a strawberry mojito -- heaven. Apps were better than the entrees in my opinion. We had shrimp and grits (yuuuum) and escargot (garlic-goodness) and of course the maple spoon bread dripping in sweet butter. For entrees, we had the filet and the chicken, both good, but in both cases, the sauces overpowered some of the ingredients. Good sauce though, just got too be a little much toward the end. Both chicken and filet were cooked to tender perfection. Wish I would have had room for dessert. Ambience is original and intimate. I really wanted to eat outside, but all full-up with reservations, so we had a table in the back blue room that was actually right next to the kitchen. Was afraid it would be a bumpy meal because of our table location, but was quite cozy. Can't wait to go back and try more of the apps and small plates!
(4)Scott H.
I have mixed feelings about dinner here tonight. There's good and bad, and I'm disappointed that it wasn't the usual stellar experience. First, our waitress was attentive at the beginning of the meal, lackadaisical toward the end, and very bitchy and cold throughout. The four of us dine regularly together and we're not a high maintenance group, so I don't know why she was so bitter. She was rude on several occasions. For instance, I asked about a dish that used to be on the menu- it was a delicious puffed pastry Shepherd's pie- and before I could finish describing it, she interrupted me and said, exasperatedly, "Yes, we still have the spoonbread. I'll get it out to you as soon as I can." We politely let her know that the spoonbread wasn't what I was inquiring about, and proceeded to explain. Later, my friend Rich asked "Would it be possible for us to get any more spoonbread?" She replied, very curtly, "Ok, but it's going to be two dollars and it will take 15 minutes." Ooookay.... I don't need to have my ass kissed, but don't be rude- this isn't exactly Clover Grill and neither are the prices. It's not excusable, especially in a restaurant like this. Appetizers: I had the Dante's Pot Likka which is described as "slow braised beef pan drippings, Ryal's goat cheese curd, grilled bread, fig mustard." This was awesome- bits of very flavorful beef with the goat cheese on top- the grilled bread and fig mustard was on the side. The rest at the table had sea scallops, shrimp and grits, and a charcuterie plate. I'm not sure how to rate those, since I didn't try them. They all said their apps were good. Entrees: Three of us ordered the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The chicken was savory, tender, and nicely glazed. The egg was beautiful and was draped over the potatoes, but was completely lacking in seasoning. That was disappointing. James had the Redfish on the Half Shell topped with crabmeat and soft herbs. The presentation was sad, and the fish seemed to be a little overdone. I tasted it- neither of us was impressed. Desserts: One was some sort of a Chocolate cream pie, which was the best of the three. Then there was a peach pie with Creole cream cheese gelato. The gelato was gross. Rich said "it tastes like air freshener." Then there was some super dense ginger cake which was way too sweet. I passed on the coffee, and I'm glad. Tara's coffee came out with... skim milk. Gah! The biggest insult one can hand to a good cup of coffee. We had a good time because we enjoy each others' company and it is a pleasant environment. However, Miss Sunshine, our waitress, let us sit there too long. After we all started to get skin breakdown on our rear ends due to prolonged sitting, we moved the bill to an extreme corner of the table with the cards sticking out to let her know we were ready for her to pick it up. I've had too many good meals here to write Dante's off. Maybe it was bad night. If it happens again, it's over. Miss Personality's attitude didn't help. Nonetheless, she still got her 20%. She certainly didn't deserve it.
(3)Gary R.
What a great brunch place! The service was some of the absolute BEST -- and we ALL know how bad New Orleans service can be!! The debris dish was A-MAZING as were the other 3 dishes at the table. It is a bit of a drive/taxi ride/trolley ride from the French Quarter which is the only reason it got just 4 stars.
(4)Kris S.
If you are looking to get out of the overly touristy areas of NOLA and see where some of the locals hang out, head to Uptown where St. Charles meets South Carrollton - you can take the street car there for $1.25 or a cab for $15. In this particular area, you will find several great restaurants, but for brunch the best one is Dante's Kitchen. Had a friend not recommended it to us and met us there, we would never have discovered this quaint restaurant tucked away in a primarily residential area just north of where the street car drops off. If you desire a bit of Cajun flair, I would encourage anyone to be daring and try something you might not have had before, I had the alligator sausage and eggs Benedict biscuits with a side of cheese grits and they were phenomenal! I had never had alligator sausage but was quite pleased with the taste and texture. The grits were hands down the BEST grits ever and my Momma is from the south, so i know my grits. I also chose to wash it down with a Bloody Mary and was quite pleased to find it was one of the best I have ever had. AJ had the Dante Special, which was an omelette laden with andouille sausage. this was the first time AJ had eaten andouille sausage and he definitely liked it. It actually was something he looked for on the menus at other restaurants ate in NOLA. For his brunch beverage he chose the ever-so-classy mimosa and reported that it was better than most he has had. Again, for getting out of the Quarter and downtown area, Dante's Kitchen is a MUST. With all of the local ingredients this restaurant uses, you will get a true taste of NOLA. This is one restaurant that will have you begging for more after you finish your meal.
(5)Colleen K.
I've had two amazing brunches here and would happily return. The first time, we arrived just before brunch began during Jazz Fest and were seated anyway. Great selection on the brunch menu with Southern Louisiana flair. I thought their grits with cheddar were the best I'd ever had-- until I tried their spicy grits that came with a blackened catfish special. Uh-mazing. I didn't even know I cared much for grits--Now I do. Their yummy bloody Marys feature homemade pickles (which I didn't realize meant pickled okra, which was surprisingly good). Locavore-minded diners will appreciate the chalkboard display listing the dozens of current menu ingredients sourced locally. Prices are good for what you get. Bring a wrap in case you sit n the atrium area--the AC gets chilly.
(5)Sean K.
Incredible service, food, bar. Best meal in years. Does not get better.
(5)P W.
This is exactly the kind of place I wanted to go while in town this year. Insanely creative, energetic, youthful menu, exploring all-new twists on traditional New Orleans fare, with obsessive precision. We came searching for an alternative to the (haughty, gimmicky) Jacques Imo's, and Yelp, as usual, came to the rescue. I remember this place vaguely from before I moved to L.A., but had never made it in. EXCELLENT. This takes our #1 spot (tied with Luke) among the many amazing restaurants we explored. Even my vegetarian gf found stuff to love. Take it from an incorrigible, impossible-to-please New Orleans-raised food SNOB. Insanely creative menu; every bite to die for.
(5)Cindy V.
my husband and i ate here when we were in town (my first visit to NOLA) because of all of the great reviews we read here. we were both very glad we did! the spoon bread was ok - if not for the maple syrup/butter combo, it would've been a little bland. the chicken cooked under a brick was out of this world, seriously. we've never had anything like it - savory, sweet, tender, juicy...perfect. our waiter suggested we try the grits so we did. we live in the south, we've had our fair share of grits. the grits at dante's were, hands down, the best we've ever had. EVER. cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection, super creamy, flat out delicious. don't miss this. i can't even remember what i had for dessert - something with meyer lemons - it was good, i remember that much - but i was so blown away by the chicken and the grits that everything else was a blur.
(4)C s.
So... Being an native of the Houston I am on the hunt for a bottomless mimosa to rival that of Farago for Sunday mornings. Searching online if found Dante's. The mimosa were strong for Sunday brunch. Which was great news since there is ALWAYS over a 30minute wait for a table. The wait is WELL worth it. Even in the hot humid days of the summer in NOLA. I wish someone would tell the owner to start the bottomless mimosa and I would go EVERY Sunday! The bloody mary was just ok and the milk punch was odd The specials are mouth watering! The last special I had was an egg over pork. It was amazing to say the least. The eggs Benedict was wonderful as well. The banana pancakes were tastery with large pieces of fruit and nuts. The biscuts are fluffy and I enjoy that then tend to be the base of some of the most flavorful plates. I would suggest yall to pass on the sausage it was bland and over cooked. The service takes a long while so it is best to go with someone who is a joy to visit with. I was impressed with the overall maintenance of the establishment. The sanitization standards seems to be good however the kitchen is tucked away and I have been unable to investigate further. I have yet to visit to dinner but I plan to soon.
(5)Gloria T.
A bit overrated and over priced. Chicken under a brick was delicious but everything else was mediocre. The potato hash was cold and hubby had the blackened redfish on a half shell, it still has the skin with the scales still on it...but tasty. With a couple of drinks it was well over $100. Although the service was really good, still I was underwhelmed.
(3)Shivani S.
I wish I could give this place more stars! Delicious food. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. I don't think we've had chicken this flavorful since visiting France. The rest of the food was equally delicious. Definitely worth the trip!
(5)Joanna G.
Yelp, you did not lead us astray! We found this place a bit off the beaten-tourist track during a recent trip to NOLA. Yelp reviewers were right on with this place's delicious fare, and OpenTable let us make a reservation through my Yelp app. Heracles strengths: Chicken under a brick = life-changing. Truly the most memorable piece of chicken I have ever tasted, my mouth seriously waters just thinking about it. The spoonbread they serve is a delightful Southern treat (and this is coming from someone based in GA). I was expecting something a bit different from the Dante's Pot Likka (again, I'm based in GA), but it was still a nice savory treat. I had the trois mignons while my date was distracted by his chicken under a brick. I have to say, I think it's the first time he's won the dinner wars and hasn't tried to take my food. I told my server I'd never heard of debris before, she explained it was the meaty delicious bits from carving (at least, this is what I remember from a very alcohol-sodden brain). I pray each night that God will somehow bring the deliciousness that is debris back into my life! The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were sweet without being overwhelmingly onion-y; I need to learn how to make these so I can have them in my life FOREVER. We passed on dessert, sadly, having sufficiently engorged ourselves at that point. Achilles heel: For tourists, it's a bit of a cab-ride out from the French Quarter. I'm sure that this is regarded as a strength and not a weakness by the locals Aphrodite factor: Definitely a good date-night spot. We saw local businessmen dining there, 4 tops of couples, and others on dates like ourselves. Hermes factor: Decent pacing to the meal. The service was very good. Libations: It's New Orleans, jerk, of course they have delicious cocktails! Offering: Expensive, but not over-priced for the quality of the meal. Bottom line: An awesome Yelp find, and a place I am sure to recommend to friends traveling to NOLA!
(5)Ryan D.
Simply put, one of the best meals I've ever had. Too bad my date and I could only get one of the drink specials, they all looked great!
(5)Eddie T.
I go for the sunday brunch! It is soooo good and very fresh. The service is a little spotty but the food is great and the only reason I go. I have been about 5 times and only had 1 bad experience but was quickly corrected on a under seasoned dish. You have to experience this place!
(5)Paul K.
Excellent brunch! House made biscuits and preserves are better than my grandma's, nearly impossible I thought but so true here. Can't go wrong with the Steak and Eggs, The Debris abd Eggs or the Alligator Sausage and Eggs. Pancakes were just fine as well. Get some cocktails while enjoying your meal, some good mixology going on!
(5)Dedric P.
I came there because of the reviews and The chicken under a brick. OMG some of the best chicken I have ever tasted. Rich, extremely flavorful, and a little spicy, perfect combination. The wait staff was a bit standoffish. I had the mussels as an appetizer and they were delicious as well, loved the spicy seafood broth as well. Had a glass of reisling off the menu as well, is was just okay. Overall if you like chocked its worth coming to this place just for the Chicken Under a Brick.
(4)Robert B.
Came here with a group of six while in town for New Years. Warning, as Philadelphians we are definitely food snobs. So here it is- Dante's was overall amazing. Literally, everyone enjoyed everything they ordered. 6 different main courses, 3 different vegetable dishes and a couple appetizers and there is nothing we did not love. After reading the reviews on the chicken, I couldn't help but get it for myself. While it was probably the best chicken I've ever had, it was still chicken. I have to say, my girlfriend ordered the better dish, being the duck. And I would recommend the chai infused whiskey. All in all, the reviews for this place are legit. I don't think you can go wrong at Dante's.
(5)Kim G.
If this restaurant wasn't on the freakin moon it would get more stars. Of course, that's not Dante's Kitchen's fault. There are plenty of neighbors who really have a lovely little, special restaurant. I'm writing my experience from a person who was visiting the Quarter, read the reviews and thought I'd enjoy a sweet drive with my honey and snuggle up in a breezy, romantic little out of the way spot with outstanding food and atmosphere. My lame 2 stars are relating to the many many people who gave this place 5. If I lived around the corner, or even within a $5 cab ride I would be giving it 4. I am not. Many reading here on Yelp are not. Many of us are visiting from various parts of New Orleans proper and I can tell you that if you are one of us, It's just not worth it until all other closer places are exhausted. Which sucks to say but is true. Worst, BF called it on the way out there and I would do ANYTHING to prove him wrong. But I couldn't. For starts, it's expensive to be in the middle of nowhere. We ordered a fantastic vegetable platter, a goat cheese croquet which was akin to whipped potatoes, perhaps a sweet one hidden in, with goat cheese, sautéed lightly and served over the freshest most lovely little farm veggies; Carrots, beets. A sprinkling of Brussel sprout and kale leaves. Tossed in something lovely and subtle. They call it an Entree so we were nervous about ordering it as an appetizer but sh+t, there are no freaking vegetables in standard New Orleans so our bodies were BEGGING for something like this. We figured if it was too much we'd bring it back with us and feed off of it when our legs start to bow. Umm. No. A relatively small plate came. The two of us skinny people easily ate the whole thing. It was $23, not painful but definitely a pinch. After it's arrival the wonderful little cast iron pan of freshly made cornbread and melty pat of butter came. Delicious. That was just after we paid $20 for a taxi to get there from the Warehouse district where we idiotically left the likes of Cochon, Emeril's and the outstanding August. Again, NOT the fault of the restaurant. $20 back. $40 in taxi's. Would be kind of more fun if it was closer to the St Charles line and you could make it a whole experience. The taxi took 20 minutes in no traffic. It's a commitment and you better knock me off my attitude when I get there. The decor: whoever calls this place romantic is either very young or very old, or at least has not eaten in tall ceilings, fireplaces, flickery candles and lovely chairs. The lighting wasn't dim, there were no candles, the tables were cafeteria, the color is more like a coffee shop or early Shabby Chic. . It's sweet. Charming. Cottagey, almost bed and breakfast. But you don't walk out of there dry humping in the cab. And, god help Dante, there was a Weird Al YankOnThis movie from the 80's on a tv over the bar, which was my direct point of view over my lover's shoulder. which was the answer to our request for a "perfect romantic table for us to nuzzle. A mullet headed Weird Al and a honking Fran Drescher is not my idea of romantic. We ordered their signature Chicken under a brick which is absolutely outstanding. A mostly boneless and succulent number with a hint of something in the cinnamon family, but not cinnamon roll cinnamon, just a sweet "what is that?" note. Draped over the potato bacon hash cake was a single sunny egg, too overcooked to add anything yolky runny to the dish except that it's a funny riff on the old "which came first" thing. Clever. We also ordered the Redfish on the half shell with crabmeat and soft herbs. Lovely. Not much crabmeat and nothing for the crabmeat to be slippery from except a touch of a vinegary and slight dressing which worked wonders with the soft herbs. The 'Half Shell' that they refer to is actually the thick skin of the fish which is stove top blackened tough and inedible, which is the whole interesting point. It felt a little dry, but a relief from all the saucy sauces New Orleans stuffs your thighs with. . If you are lucky to live near this place or you are out there for some reason you will no doubt be a happy foodie and eat here every night, yelping the deserved 4 stars because I didn't see many other choices.. But if you want to come from the other sections of New Orleans and you have not tried some of the places in the Warehouse district, for instance, pass this up until you are out of options.
(2)Shobelloby S.
I haven't eaten here for dinner, though I really really wanna. The Fam and I typically go for Sunday brunch and we love it. The slices of ham steak are à la Fred Flintstone- brontosaurus like, which pleases my carnivorous husband endlessly. The bloody Mary's are off the chain, and I've never been crazy about them until I tastedof rom Dante's, which as I understand is made with house made tomato juice, pickled okra, etc. After finishing a glorious cup of ice coffee and my meal, I really wanna rub my belly, grab a few of the jars with pickled condiments that they have on the shelves everywhere and dash for the car. Seriously.
(4)Stacey C.
This place is amazing! It is in an old shotgun house which gives it such a nice homey feel. The service was terrific and the food was that much better! Kuddos to the chef :) The manager brought us a jello shot...yes a jello shot. It wasn't store made jello from a box, it was such a nice treat that was just as good as it was creative! We had the escargot which was a very nice treat with bone marrow. We then had pork belly lettuce wraps which were light and tasty. For the entrée we shared the pork steak that came with pickled beets & garlic mashed potatoes. We had "liquid dessert" that had Pimm's and coffee with a few other ingredients. It was a nice way to wash everything down. Definitely a great spot if you're looking for a nice fresh dinner.....a lot of their ingredients come from local growers and wow can you tell!!!!
(5)Anthony V.
One of the best meals we ever ate. We had their shrimp and grits, pumpkin soup, pot likka and the gulf fish with grape oxtail sauce. Everything was amazing, but especially the pot likka. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting and everyone who worked their was nice and helpful. Wish we could bring Dante's back to Chicago with us! A must try!!!!
(5)Mr X.
This place didn't answer the phone at 4:30 PM on a Saturday when we called to make reservations, even though their phone message stated that they would answer after 4 PM for that purpose. Decided to stop by anyway just before opening to see about reservations, and inside we encountered an angry, very rude bearded individual cutting lemons. Even through the lemon smell, the stench of his B.O. was overpowering, and we decided to go to Cafe Granada nearby instead, where the food was superb and the staff was nice (and didn't reek of B.O....gross).
(1)Laura R.
We trekked here from Frenchmen for NYE dinner, and are very glad we made the trip. The restaurant itself is unique and charming, the service was outstanding, and the food was just amazing. We started with the charcuterie, which came with a yummy pepper jelly sauce. They brought over complimentary spoon bread for the table. The appetizers were very good, but the main course was just phenomenal. I had the gulf fish on the half shell with lump crabmeat and softened herbs which was cooked just perfectly - crusted with spices on the outside and juicy on the inside. I also got to tried the chicken under a brick which had the most amazing flavor. My husband could not get over his trois mignons, they had a wonderful color and the sauces were to die for. My favorite was probably the duck, which melted in your mouth. We also had brussel sprouts with pancetta and shaved parmesan, which is exactly how they should always be served if you ask me! This place is well worth the cab ride from the FQ, and it was refreshing to be around more locals.
(5)Emily J.
My birthday brunch at Dante's Kitchen was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip to New Orleans. We slept in so my party got there about 30 minutes before closing and we were told we were the last table of the morning and the gate was closed behind us (just fyi for those trying to slide in at the last minute!) We had to wait about 25 minutes to be seated but we had some mimosas on the patio and thought nothing of it. The restaurant is an incredibly charming home that has been converted into a cozy restaurant that makes you feel like you have found a gem tucked in this equally adorable neighborhood! The walls are brightly splashed with paint and all the servers are cute, urban kids with tattoos. There are two large chalkboards when you walk in, one with all the local places they get their goods and another with their drink menu- get their bloody mary, it's only amazing. I had the crabmeat and brie omelet, which is making my mouth water as I type it. We also tried the brioche french toast, the grilled shimp and grits (oh my god good), debris and poached eggs, and the daily special of alligator sliders. Everything was served with a side of fresh fruit and it was the perfect brunch. Then out of nowhere our server told us they took our drinks off our tab due to the wait-- which hadn't even bothered us! Now that is some pretty awesome service. Loved it, will undoubtedly be back every time I am in New Orleans!
(5)Mary W.
Atmosphere was very nice. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed it very much. Food was OK; not great. They try to serve unique food that somewhat misses the mark by being too light on flavor. Would probably try another restaurant next time we are in the area.
(2)Peter M.
The place is downright cool and in a part of New Orleans that most tourists would not otherwise venture near. The outside seating is perfect. The food is high end, but the decor is eclectic and casual. The mixed drinks are worth a sample or three. While the main courses are fine, I recommend gorging yourself on several small plates. These are the most interesting and flavorful, and really represent the local southern cuisine. If there are grits in any of the dishes, definitely go for that one. But, in general, you really cannot miss.
(4)Jeremy G.
If you don't already live there: 1) Go to New Orleans - It is a truly magical city and the people truly appreciate your tourist dollars. 2) Get out of the French Quarter and explore! 3) Take the St. Charles street car all the way through the Garden District to see some of the most romantic looking homes you've ever seen. 4) Get off at the end of the end of the line and have a meal at Dante's Kitchen. There is a ton of tasty food in New Orleans, especially if you like heavy fried foods; however, there are a smaller number of newer restaurants that tap in to New Orleans' culinary heritage while offering the palate something slightly different. Dante's Kitchen is one of those places. Located in what feels like a house in the River-bend area of town, Dante's Kitchen is warm and inviting. Eat inside and you feel like you are in someones living room. Eat outside and feel like you are their garden party guest. The menu changes regularly but a few items tend to remain that are worth recommending heartily: 1) The shrimp and grits appetizer. A must try. I didn't like grits until I had this dish. 2) The chicken cooked under a brick. I NEVER have had chicken this tender. It is served in some kind of maple sauce that is sweet and complements the chicken superbly. Service was generally fantastic as were the cocktails (they infuse much of their own alcohol on-site). Frankly, if our waiter hadn't dropped my camera in my wife's Cosmo I wouldn't hesitate to give Dante's five stars.
(4)Robert F.
I went to Dante's Kitchen with an open mind. I don't tend to try venison, turtle, escargo and bone marrow, and such dishes often but I really wanted to try this place. I got the much talked about chicken and brick as an entree and mussels and a citrus salad to start. These dishes had a great taste and was a perfect sized portion. The chef sent out a complimentary corn bread that had no taste and was covered in butter. The mussels had an amazing flavor and was coated with a braised beer broth. The drinks were "exotic" with regards to the mixture and ingredients and were unimpressive. The bartender thought he was a mixologist god, and yet the drinks were average at best. I would highly recommend Dantes Kitchen for someone who is exploratory with their choices of food and would also highly recommend the dishes I ordered. Please also take note the restaurant is located at the end of the st Charles streetcar line and easily accessible if you didn't want to take a car.
(4)Lyle D.
the food was ehhhhh... for the money its so not worth it. i ate here about 3 days ago and the food vs all the good reviews this place got was just a disappointment. the night before we went to jaques-imo and the food there was phenominal!! i guess we might of been spoiled!! but i dunno i would check out jawues-imo before this place,. i think it's over-rated! actually the chicken was reeeally good. the other dishes were ok. there was 4 of us and we ordered the red fish, pork somthing and the chicken!! and a bunch of appetizers!! bleh.. bleh.. bleh.. except the chicken!!
(2)Andy M.
The Wife and I went here for an early Valentine's day celebration. Located close to where St. Charles and Carrolton meet just off the River Road. A really good Restaurant with some unusual items on the menu. We started off with the Boudin Rouge or Blood Sausage and white beans. Seasoned well and goes good with the beans. Intense flavors that carried well in to the next morning. Next were the entree's - Chicken Under a Brick was outstanding and hands down the best chicken dish I have ever had. If you order this they tell you up front it takes about 35 minutes to prepare. I wouldn't have cared if it took 1 hour and 45 minutes . . . . well worth the wait. The wife got the Trois Mignons which was just ok judging by her eating a good portion of my dish. As a side we split the stone ground grits and we both agreed that this was Grits at an entirely different level - best grits I have ever eaten. My wife has not eaten grits in about 7 years but ate the majority of what we ordered. Dessert we got the Walnut Apple Pie with Chai Gelato which was good. The Bar - Sazerac . . . . The drink looks, smells and tastes like something you would put in an F1 Ferrari on the Grand Prix Circuit. First sip is intense but it grows on you and as I was the designated driver for the night I was limited to a couple of sips. Drinks are steep and strong, but good and the service was excellent.
(4)Amanda C.
Dante's was probably my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. The shrimp and grits are insanely delicious (NO ONE has even come close)... in general, breakfast/brunch is wonderful and dinner is equally fantastic if not greater. They give you this spoon bread at dinner that comes in mini cast iron pans and it is exactly as all gratis-beginning-of-the-meal-carbs should be: hot, freshly made, delicious, and so good you want more. Everything I've ever had here is delicious, so recommendations are moot. Just come here.... the restaurant is so beautiful (located in an old house) and on a sunny day, the patio cannot be beat.
(5)Abigail M.
As I mentioned earlier when reviewing Clancy's - I love a restaurant where I can find parking! You won't know that you have arrived at Dante's until you are right up on it, because it is set in a quiet, quaint neighborhood. I had a nice, low key brunch here the day I left New Orleans. (sniff sniff) The service was great, the dress was casual, and the place was not your typical "touristy" NOLA restaurant. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs and horseradish cream sauce - YUM. If you love corned beef and horseradish the way I do, you can't go wrong with this dish. Corned beef isn't your thing? They have many different breakfast and lunch options. As far as drinks go (because it's not brunch without a drink) they have your typical mimosa's, bloody mary's, etc. But I was in the mood to try something new (to me, anyway) so I ordered the brandy milk punch. It was really good, and reminded me of eggnog without the thickness. All in all, I had a really great experience here, and will return.
(3)Sharine d.
most of the Food was wonderful! Tasty..high end menu, but overall experience was a 3 . Cheese plate appetizer...Cheese was nice..also had some homemade cracker, cookie and Apple pastry. The bread for table was excellent. Steak dish was excellent. Duck dish would have been perfect, but duck was undercooked....sad. Side dishes of cabbage and the mashed potatoes.....were both excellent!! Service was very attentive to locals...a bit hot and miss for our table. Not sure if our waiter was just overwhelmed?.? Overall team appears to work together to help out, but it could have been better. Real rating would be 3.5...I'll take the duck home and microwave, so I can chew. The rest of the dish was a hit. Cute house restaurant....in nice neighborhood.
(3)Christian D.
A friendly staff, home-like atmosphere, and sizable portions give this place popularity. I had the duck with a glass of Cabernet - both were very good. Unfortunately, they were out of the appetizers we wanted, but no biggie. We tried the bruschetta and the shrimp and grits. Yes to the bruschetta, no to the latter. Our French waiter, Luis, was quite comical and very attentive. The red velvet cake for dessert was some of the best I ever had. Overall: 4.0 / A-
(4)Andrea N.
Delicious! Fresh baked everything. The biscuits were perfectly moist, just the right amount of dense, and I think they even make the jam. I have the Benedict which came with two this pork chops. I mean?! Come on?! Can't beat that. My friends got the following: crab and Brie omelet, dante's omelet complete with meat and cheese and potatoes (oh my!), and shrimp and grits. No one left a single bite. Iced coffee was yummy, too. Full bar on site, Corey spot, brunch line was about a 25 minute wait on a Sunday at high noon. Staff and service was good.
(5)Robert B.
I have been to Dante's a few times for brunch and years ago for lunch. This review is of the brunch only. It's definitely a winner. I went most recently on a beautiful Sunday morning after Mass. We were first in line and chose the patio of course. NOLA had just been through a wet cold spell, and the idea of patio dining was exciting. We both ordered a Bloody Mary to start. It is one of the best Bloodies in the city. The difference is a nice hint of horseradish in the mix. Very tasty. For food, I ordered the pork steak confit and my lovely dining companion the salmon and eggs. The pork confit was one of the best dishes I have eaten, truly a first class dish. It was perfectly tender and served over hash browns with chutney and 2 fried eggs on top. My first eggs were way overcooked, but the waitress was totally cool and brought me 2 more that were correctly cooked. The DC's salmon was good too though it's not my thing. It was nowhere near the caliber of the pork. As always I checked out the other dishes being brought to neighboring tables. The cinnamon rolls looked awesome and were as big as a hubcap. We decided to try one next time, and there will be a next time.
(4)Edward S.
Another restaurant keeping New Orleans on the map for great food. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. The service is great. It is cramped inside, but so are most places here. Someone here really cares about this place. If you really want to impress a date, take her here.
(5)Felicia H.
Dined here last night and WOW. Just WOW. To think we were originally going to go to Jacques Imos (which I love, but hate the 2h wait) and fortuitously found ourselves here instead. Started with the spoon bread and honey butter. I would take this in lieu of bread any damn day. It smelled as good as it looked and it looked as good as it tasted. Food fit for the gods. Appetizers: escargot and mussels. Absolutely saporous! Highly recommend. Main course: portions were shockingly generous. You will not leave hungry. Shrimp and grits - grits were the star of this show Chicken roasted under a brick - best out everything we ordered Trois mignons - zero complaints Braisted lamb - largest plate; homemade pasta = delectable! Boudain rouge - a little dry and salty for my palate but the sauerkraut saved it Redfish on the half shell - my least favorite of everything we ordered; wayyy too salty and just didn't feel as special as the other dishes. Dessert: red velvet cake - no one complained. No crumbs leftover. I left completely stuffed, satiated and satisfied. The whole dining experience was wonderful and I would come back in a heartbeat. My favorite part of their menu - the disclaimer: "no cell phones, low calorie diets or separate checks"- preeaacchhh Dante preaaachhhh. Don't come to New Orleans if you're on a diet, what's the point?
(5)Karman C.
Brunch is amazing!!! Price is very reasonable too. I have only gone there for dinner one time a long time ago, so I don't remember the experience. However, I will definitely go back for dinner just to try it out again. Service is average. We went there for brunch right around when they are open so the wait was not bad, but I can see that it will be quite a long wait if going there a little later. I will definitely go back again!
(4)Jenny S.
Absolutely stellar food! We tried the fried green tomatoes, spicy eggplant, chicken under a brick, and the trois mignons - everything was prepared perfectly. The prices are very high, but you're definitely paying for the quality of ingredients (plus, Dante's sources locally whenever possible) and preparation.
(5)Chris C.
FRESH FRESH FRESH and CREATIVE!! I had to have the waiter "translate" some of the Gourmet dishes and tried the punch of the day which was also wonderful.
(5)Lauren S.
One of my New Orleans favorites. Brunch or dinner. Progressive takes on southern cuisine. Low key they have an amazing bar program-get the punch!!
(4)Brian R.
I have to say I came back here after four years with high hopes. The menu does not read as the chef had altered the menu items. The addition of manchego cheese there was a welcome plus. They added enough heat to the chicken under brick that it should be named "fire in the hole" with the best of jerk chicken. Put the spicy on the menu rather than the misleading maple glaze. The double pork chop was beautifully cooked but drowned in too much sweet. The kale was sweet with bacon nuggets that couldn't balance it out. It cried out for some savory counterbalance. It took a long time to put in our order.
(3)Don J.
If you need a break from the madness of the French Quarter, Dante's Kitchen is the perfect antidote. It's also a good excuse to take a slow ride on the St. Charles streetcar line - pay your $1.25 and hop on one of the vintage streetcars just south of the French Quarter. You'll catch the sights and work up a good appetite as the streetcar lumbers along at maybe 10 MPH. Jump off at the S. Carrolton / Maple St. stop, then walk northwest on Maple a couple short blocks. When you get to Dante St., the restaurant will be a short jog left, on the far side of the street in what is surely an old house. The restaurant is as cozy as can be - dimly lit and a nice choice for a couple's night out. We were seated in what looked like an old sunroom across from the bar. The server arrived quickly to take our drink order. There were some nice craft beers on tap, including Mikkeler Evil Twin, as well as some refreshing iced tea. As we waited, we marveled at what looked like jars of homemade canned vegetables, lined up in a shelf over our heads. The meal starts out with a complimentary serving of what they call spoonbread - a luxurious take on the humble cornbread, served in a mini skillet. Very tasty. I ordered the charcuterie, which I customized by ordering the kinds of meat I wanted. Everything was homemade and very good. I then went for one of the small plates, a Vietnamese inspired dish called Thit Kho with braised pork belly. I was stoked about the fresh, vibrant flavor, and the portion size was more than fair for a "small plate". I'm glad I went small, because my companion ordered the double cut pork chop, which was very generously sized and more than the average person could finish, in my opinion. The large cut worked out to my benefit as I happily gobbled down the excess. I also sampled my companion's brussels sprouts, which I generally loathe, but these were actually pretty good. Unless you have a huge appetite, I think a good strategy for Dante's is to order one main course to share and a couple small plates or sides. I saw other diners boxing up their leftovers to take home, which is another good option. I doubt you'll leave Dante's hungry. If you found the streetcar ride intolerably slow, a taxi will get you back to the French Quarter much faster for around $15. Ask the restaurant to call one for you.
(5)Enrique O.
Consistently excellent food and service. We have mostly eaten breakfast here, but recently had dinner. I ordered some "small plates", every bite of which was pure heaven. Crab and corn soup, a salad wedge (half a head of butter leaf lettuce with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing), and grits with shrimp. We shared an order of scallops between 3 people and had to take some of it home. Our experience here over the last ten years has been nothing but great.
(5)Charlé W.
Firstly, our waiter Larry was refreshingly attentive and knowledgeable. Secondly, everything we ate was so delectable I'm just going to go ahead and list them so that I can relive those tasty moments and encourage any prospective diners to order the same. Apps Crab and Corn Soup Steamed Mussels Entrees Double-Cut Pork Chop Redfish on the Half Shell Chicken Roasted Under a Brick *Roasted Duck Breast Sides Melanzane Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts *The only dish that didn't shine as brightly as the others was the duck.
(4)Jessica L.
This place is like Louisiana style meets New American, in a cozy cute little restaurant away from all the hustle and bustle, and a sprinkle of hipster. Freshly baked molasses corn bread- hot, fluffy, sweet, crispy, delicious. And it's free! Shrimp and Grits- skip it. Not amazing. You can get a bomb shrimp and grits elsewhere. Chicken under the brick- yes yes yes. You should NOT skip this one! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and it's one of their most popular dishes on the menu. Who can say no to a fried egg? Steamed mussels- has its own New Orleans style to it. Red fish- this was dry. I think red fish is just dry in general :( Seasonal veggies- this was by FAR the show stopper. HELLO!!! Farm fresh brussel sprouts, beans, sauteed mushrooms, watermelon radish, and bacon. This was a side veggie, but was the most memorable part of my meal.. and I even tried to make it at home which did not turn out as tasty. But be sure to try their side veggies, they will surprise you!!! Overall, a solid 4 stars.
(4)Monica L.
We enjoyed a tasty meal at Dante's Kitchen but it's not worth a cab ride out of the French Quarter if you're weighing your options. The apple-and-prosciutto salad was good, the corn-and-crab soup interesting and the skirt steak special perfectly prepared but the menu wasn't vast and the wines by the glass were a little inside-baseball; I had never heard of the grape in my white wine (and wasn't impressed enough to remember it). We also ordered the cheese plate and really liked two of the three cheeses and the persimmon jam; the homemade pickles reminded me of grandma's (and that's not a good thing) and the third cheese had a distinct flavor of barnyard, but I suppose that's the point of a cheese sampler -- to try new things. The atmosphere was intimate -- individual rooms inside a converted residence -- but a little divey. As mentioned elsewhere, the complementary spoon bread was delicious. The service was good.
(4)Bonnie M.
I love this place because every dish is so unique, and you can tell they're all hand-made. The red velvet cake is to die for (with sliced toasted almonds on top) and the shrimp and grits are so creamy and delicious. I also really love that they get a lot of their produce and meat from local farms! I'm normally very frugal but I didn't mind trying a little of everything at this place because the food was so good. The server that I had there was also very helpful and had good recommendations. I have to say that my favorite thing that they had was the complimentary pan-bread! It was so good (with butter melting on top) that I just wanted to order more of it. Wonderful cornbread recipe!
(5)Aaron P.
Consistently great. Charming old house, simple but delicious menu, accommodating of Celiac diet. We make it a point to stop here at least once each time we're in town.
(5)Eli C.
Always good. The brandy milk punch is one of my favorite drinks in New Orleans, and a great addition to any brunch. We got there as they were opening at 10:30, and a long line was already forming. Despite this, our party of four was seated promptly, and well fed and out the door within an hour.
(5)Randy M.
Dante's is tucked away in an overgrown building that resembles a home. We actually walked by it once. It was worth the confusion. The interior is sprinkled with local art and has a hipster vibe found in riverbend. We took the St. Charles street car up from downtown and enjoyed the ride through a very posh uptown. The interior is nice and comfy and the outside seating area is good as well. We enjoyed light bites including the crabmeat deviled eggs, a corn and crab soup and shrimp and grits. The food was delicious. There was a nice spice on the shrimp and a great gravy over the grits. The crab and corn soup was light and both ingredients blended well. The deviled eggs were a surprise hit and served on a bed of fresh field greens. Dante's is an excellent choice for an off the beaten path dining experience. They have a full bar with a variety of special drinks and a large wine menu. I would call ahead for reservations or plan on walking in right when they open.
(4)James O.
Dante's Kitchen would rank around a 3-4 star for yelp if it wasn't for bad service and bad management. I honestly feel that a two star rating is more generous than it deserves. Food was actually pretty average, and the desserts were disappointing for New Orleans. However what really irked me, was the brunch. We arrived 10 minutes before opening, only to then wait an additional hour and a half to be seated. Yes they were busy, except that when we were inside there were 6 empty tables (and still a line outside). Food was fine, nothing to write home about. Waiter service was also off as ours and many other tables water glasses remained empty. Clearly this restaurant would do better with a management team that knows what they are doing.
(2)Paul J.
This was my favorite meal during a 4-day stay in New Orleans. It's a bit of a trip - about a 15-20 minute taxi ride away from downtown / French Quarter, but it's well worth it. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. We ordered a bunch of things and shared. Everything was great, but my favorites were the shrimp and grits and the pork belly with coconut rice. Green bean kim chi was a great twist. Mayhaw jelly on the charcuterie was another pleasant surprise. Service was friendly and efficient. Reservations were essential. Great wine selection, and the cocktails were well crafted.
(5)Jim M.
UPDATE Took my mother the Dante's Kitchen after raving about it so much. She ordered the shrimp and grits and the boudin appetizers while I decided to switch it up and get the trois mignons. Additionally, we shared some of their in house made meats on a platter. Everything she ordered was wonderful as was the meat platter, but I had to update my review because the trois mignons was a huge let down. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were almost room temperature, as if they had been sitting out for a while, the three fillets were all unevenly cooked; I ordered them rare and they each ranged from rare to what I consider medium well and were all room temperature on the outside. Finally, they could have added a little more of the stilton blue cheese sauce, but that's not really where my complaint stems from. After my first visit where everything was absolutely amazing, and my mother's dishes which were also amazing, I was pretty surprised at the trois mignons. Hopefully it was just an anomaly. I will go back because everyone is so friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful but will avoid the trois mignons.
(3)El R.
Dante's was great as always! We were seated a little late (which was a bigger deal for my mom than for me) but their GM was very courteous and more than made up for it by comping our first round. It was jazz fest weekend... We started with the salumi and the cheese plate which both were well-balanced and delicious. My selection was the braised fish. It was delicious! Great balance between the light, well cooked fish with the rich sauce (with a few baby octopi hiding inside). Definitely excited for another trip back!
(5)Elsa M.
You had me at "Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns!" Mmmmm.... Dante's Kitchen is pretty small, with a cute, private little patio, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in expansive menu options! My husband and I met some friends for brunch here and started out with the famous Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns to split amongst the group. Two orders for the five of us were plenty and we each dove right in, ripped them apart with the gusto that the presence of bacon often elicits. Soooo good! The majority of us happened to order the same thing: a veggie omelette with a side of aligator sausage. Now, I am not one who really knows a lot about alligator, but I am more times than not willing to try something new, so I went for it. Honestly - it really didn't do anything for me. I needed a lot of hot sauce to give it more flavor and with each bite, I just kept wishing I had either gotten regular sausage or bacon. Again, it wasn't bad... just sort of boring. The omelette was another story - very well-made and super satisfying. No complaints there. I am eager to come back by and try lunch or dinner here as the menu looks great: packed with a lot of healthier options and special takes on steaks and scallops. Can you say "Mmmmmmm" Part II? ;)
(4)Kenneth D.
So, in case you haven't heard, Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a thing, and they live at Dante's. What better way to start off a meal at one of the best brunch spots in New Orleans? Well, add a Brandy Milk Punch and we're really talking. The Cinnamon Rolls are really perfection though, super soft layers, sweet glaze and every once in while you get surprised with a nice salty bite of smoked bacon. While the entire thing was good, once you hit that inner portion...dirty thoughts. The Bread Pudding French Toast was literally the best of both worlds. Nicely browned on the outside, but super soft and tender on the inside, just like a great bread pudding should be. They only use seasonal fruit for the topping, so the options will vary, but this helps to ensure the quality and that's something I can appreciate. The topping of the day was Apricot, not normally my first choice in fruits, but it worked, the slight tartness of the fruit paired well with the sweetness of the French Toast. Really great dish over all. The Breakfast Burrito, while not what I ordered, was next level. The look of shock when they placed a burrito down in front of her, that was bigger than her forearm, was worth the trip alone. With the quantity also came quality. I didn't get a chance to eat much of it, but the meat inside was very tender and the green chili sauce they put on the outside was the perfect compliment. I'm not sure where the tortilla came from, but it definitely wasn't average. We had a great experience here; food, service and atmosphere, all on point. This place deserves the high praises, and then some. Next time I come back home, we will be back, and every other visit after. I'd love to get in for dinner sometime, but I don't think those Cinnamon Rolls will ever get old, so it'll be the go to Brunch spot for the foreseeable future.
(5)Vickie D.
Very inovative menu and delicious food. They have a pretty good wine list too! One of my favorite places to dine in Nola...
(5)K M.
A vegetarian dish that doesn't taste like a menu after thought?!?! The bubbly and beer was on par and the triple cream on the cheese board stole my heart. M said the pork confit was heaven and T was all about the boudin rouge. Wouldn't recommend the apple pie but lawd this restaurant was AMAZING.
(5)Ben G.
Delicious, simple food. My friend and I both really enjoyed our meal, and Dante's got raves from other friends who suggested it. Nice atmosphere, not very loud, and attentive service. Can't find a reason why I wouldn't go back. Note: they only have drip coffee. No espresso drinks.
(5)Harry T.
Returned to this restaurant from a long absence that had memories of a good time in the past. The restaurant is different and it is acceptable in many ways. One major draw back is that the server informed us that we must give our entire order at one time. When you are new to a place and not familiar with how much food you want or even the size of the portions that makes it a bit difficult to enjoy the evening. Our server, Rosie Jean, was really great and did all she could to make the evening a positive event. We order three dishes and hoped it would be tasty and enough food. Once again not knowing the size of the portions it was a guessing game to order all at once. The Mussels, Scallops, and Carrot plates were all very good. Tasty and flavorful and very fresh made the dinner enjoyable. We also enjoyed two glasses of Chardonnay that was good and expensive. There are specialty drinks that are prepared with imagination and were also worth the effort to visit this restaurant. Service and the quality and taste of the food rates a four star. Having to order everything at once will cause a delay in returning for a night out on the town in the future.
(4)Marit B.
Wow. We found this place for Sunday brunch, got a table right away, and we were very pleased. Great food, service and atmosphere. We'll be back to try the house made bitters.
(4)Ellen J.
What a cute place this is! Lots of brightly colored walls (the color made me a bit nostalgic--if you check out the pictures I've posted of Dante's Kitchen, you'll see the same shade of yellow my dad--RIP--painted my teenage bedroom when I asked for "pale" yellow) Lots of happy shiny people (probably happy because they snagged a seat at this first-come, first serve brunch). Our server was equally bright and peppy. I love it when you order food and they reply with "good choice" or "that's one of my favorites" (I'm easy). I ordered the BLT&E, a sort of upgraded BLT made with crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg, which was runny enough to create a sauce of sorts. I ordered it without the mayo. I think they may have been out of arugula, because the L tasted more like spinach, but no matter, it was delish! I really loved the foccacia bread it was served on--so soft and buttery. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the slightly spicy bloody mary I enjoyed (how could I forget that?), which was full of those pickled things I like so much.
(5)Sharon L.
Four words: chicken under a brick. Favorite restaurant in New Orleans hands down. Southern food done right with a delicious twist to each dish. Everyone there is always so nice and helpful. They do a great job if working with my food allergies. And the food? Omg..so good. Love love love.
(5)Vivian H.
We tried to eat the whole city, and Dante was one of our stops. We ordered some shrimp & grits for pickup en route to the bayou. Although it was a little cold when we finally got to it, it was still DELICIOUS. I really wish we had time to have a proper meal here. The place is super cute, the staff very accommodating, and there were so many things on the menu I wanted to try! If the shrimp & grits were any indication, you can't go wrong with the other choices.
(4)Ravi P.
I mean they just do it right. Their mussels broth should not be missed. Order it, and swear you will literally drink it. Also love the home made bread. Redfish wasnt the best i have had but chicken under the brick is a must try
(5)Mallory E.
I've been here for brunch 3 or 4 times. Let me tell you one thing - get there early (there are no reservations at brunch) and order the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. You will not be disappointed. For this past Easter/my birthday we were seated around 11:30 - it opens at 10:30 - and promptly ordered three Sticky Buns. One hour after opening they only had one left. ONE HOUR. Other items I've tried: Steak and Eggs ($12.50) grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns BLT&E ($10.5) crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes ($9) with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup The first time I got the BLT&E the pork belly was more like bacon/ham. The second time it was a big slap of belly. The Steak and Eggs are to die for. I suggest each member of your party eating a Sticky Bun then splitting a main dish. Or you can just bring the sticky bun home and eat if after your food induced coma.
(5)Phill C.
Wow! One of the best bites of chicken I've ever put in my face! The Chicken Roasted under a Brick was just so damn good. They take half of a free range chicken, maple glaze it, and cook it in a skillet with a hot brick pressing down on it. The special bricks are actually from the building's foundation. Anyways, you end up with some super juicy and delicious chicken. Plus you get a bacon hash cake topped with a fried farm egg. An awesome awesome dish and I can't wait to get back to NOLA for some more. This cozy little restaurant has some great food and super friendly service. Dinner always starts off with some delicious and complimentary molasses corn bread, served in a mini skillet and topped off with some honey butter. I also tried the Trois Mignon... the steaks were cooked perfectly and the debris was tasty. If you're visiting the FQ area, I'd definitely recommend making the trip over to Dante's. Plus you get to really see the city on the drive over.
(5)Fabian N.
Best brunch in town. Dinner is delicious too, but you need a reservation.
(5)Valery C.
** 4.5 stars ** Across the street from wonderful Brigsten's in uptown NOLA, Dante's Kitchen is yet another small restaurant located in a residential home on quiet Dante Street, although there's no missing the line snaking out the door before they opened for Sunday brunch. No surprise; while reservations can be made for dinner, brunch is first come, first serve. At opening time, the restaurant did not fill up from folks waiting before they opened, but probably did within an hour. There is something charming about dining in a setting that was once a home. The space is naturally cozier and more intimate. A lovely backyard garden offers outside dining. Inside, Dante's Kitchen's available seating is divided into multiple small rooms. Each area is painted in its own bold color; we spotted sunny yellow, lime green, warm red, and deep blue. Decor is simple, home-like, with quirky touches like a medley of lighting fixtures, and seating is casual. Our group sat comfortably across the bar, in the yellow section. Service was friendly and laid-back. The food is sourced locally. The menu is American, with a liberal Cajun/Creole influence, and their brunch menu has the usual suspects. The meal started strong with skillfully made cocktails, a deliciously balanced Bloody Mary with house pickles, and a creamy, spiced Brandy milk punch. The menu is disproportionately heavy on entree-sized items, but these also serve well for family-style dining with a group. Supplement with starters and sides, which are generally portioned small, making for a bite or two each person in a group. Four entrees, two starters, one side, and not a single disappointment; virtually all were impressively satisfying. The remarkable bacon praline cinnamon sticky buns are stunning; it sounds like overkill but on that crispy shell and fluffy light bread are the listed trio of flavors, somehow delicate, the sweetness restrained. Such elegance, an adjective I'd never think to apply to a sticky bun. Their lovely buttermilk biscuits are similar in crisp and lightness; one of the best buttermilk biscuits I've ever had, of the very few I could say I like. Fantastic grits, creamy with a subtle cheese flavor, perfectly paired with strongly spiced, jumbo grilled head-on shrimp and andouille gravy. Chunky corned beef and potatoes in a skillet, tasty and tender, great comfort food. Interesting pork confit; it only goes through a short confit prep so its more like a few days seasoning and slow-cooking 12 hours. Either way, tender and good with bright chutney and hash potatoes. Actually I enjoyed the fantastic eggs Benedict more; the roasted rosemary-scented pork loin is delicious on their perfect buttermilk biscuit, creamy hollandaise touched with honey. Alligator sausage are flat patties, visually unimpressive but tasty enough, although I think we all had in mind the juicy gator sausage on a stick encountered earlier on the trip. To an extent, I expected Dante's Kitchen to be good from prior research, although I don't always find brunch to be the best meal to judge a restaurant. This restaurant exceeded expectations, a consummate experience that was the best overall meal of this NOLA trip. Dinner is a must on my next trip. A highly recommended dining experience.
(5)Brian O.
This was supposed to be Dante's Kitchen, but was instead a popup called sasafras. Everyone has to start someplace. The dishes are (small) tapas size but were very tasty. A green tomato salad and a sausage of some sort - if they were full portions I would have enjoyed them more. Service? Well, there was none. There were people who brought things. A bar tender who measured - never seen then before in NOLA! But, it is a start-up.
(2)Jessica A.
5 for Service 3 1/2 for food. Our waiter Tiny made it an unforgettable experience for us even though he couldnt help that we had some issues with our food , he wanted to make sure we were truly satisified with our experience. If we would have had any other waiter i probably wouldnt even go back to this restaurant but i will only go back to him. My husband loved the chicken on the brick and the boudin rouge was amazing, oh and dont even get me started on the spoon bread with molasses...yummm!!! Even the desserts were amazing. I held out to make sure i had room for my entree and the plating was amazing! When the food came out everything looked amazing and my husband was very pleased with his chicken on a brick. I got the redfish on the half shell and it was beautiful when it came out. I unfortunately started to eat it and it was so spicy my stomach hurt. The waiter noticed i wasnt eating and i hated to send back such a beautiful dish but he(Tiny) insisted that i would be happy with my food. When i got the new dish it was so salty it was unedible. The waiter felt horrible and tried to make it right with dessert which definetely helped. Needless to say i was still hungry filling up only on appetizers, bread and dessert after holding out for an entree i couldnt eat im very skeptical about going there again. If i do go back i would definetely get the chicken on a brick and make sure you ask for Tiny!!
(3)Roco M.
Cute little place, very friendly staff and the food's fantastic. Had the grits with cheese and mushroom on the waiter's recommendation -truly great. Also had the scrambled eggs with alligator sausage and red pepper jam over a biscuit, which was equally great. Highly recommended.
(5)Veronica C.
Worth the wait. Very popular Sunday brunch, the best Bloody Mary (I had regular, extra spicy is an option). The "Debris & eggs" is delicious pulled pork with perfectly poached egg over a honey biscuit covered in a Demi-glaze hollandaise (a lighter rendition). My husband ordered shrimp and grits covered in a light gravy. Don't let the simplicity of these dishes fool you, each ingredient is seasoned and compliments the others. The flavor of the gravy was exceptional, the consistency of the grits enhanced the flavor and texture, the shrimp were individually seasoned, fresh, and delicious on their own. Exceptional food quality and flavor. Go patient (wait 30 min for 2, food to arrive 30 min), arrival time 11:30am on Sunday. Drinks are served quickly, attractive patio/porch waiting area. Umbrella-covered outdoor seating area.
(5)Abby N.
Updated: We've now had brunch at Dante's several times. It's still my favorite brunch in town. To date, the only menu item we've found disappointing was the French toast. I just can't get on the bread pudding bandwagon, and working its way into one of my favorite breakfast dishes didn't redeem it. Most recently, I had major food envy when my husband got the eggs benedict.
(5)Aaron S.
One of my favorite uptown restaurants. It is located in a small house with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The setting is quite casual, but the food delivers time after time. At my last meal at Dante's I ordered the escargot with bone marrow (amazing combination) and the duck breast entree. The food here is simply fantastic, the atmosphere is nice (but casual), the service is always consistently good... I would recommend to anyone with the caveat that it is not a formal, fancy place. Just great food in a casual uptown setting...
(5)Nina T.
Absolutely love this place. I came for dinner and had the chicken under a brick and my mom had the trois mignons. Both were delicious. for an appetizer we had the boudin rouge with homemade sauerkraut. LOVED IT. I had to knock a star off for the noise. my mother and I sat on the patio for dinner and unfortunately could hear the road perfectly from where we sat. Also the patio could use more lighting, maybe strings of lights? But these small things wont keep me from coming back, the food was absolutely amazing. And i've heard amazing things about the brunch which i have yet to try. Soon.
(4)Jillian W.
Great food, good service, cool ambiance. Our server was very friendly, professional, and attentive. The complimentary molasses spoon bread is seriously delicious. Wide selection of drinks and fancy cocktails. Don't discount the punch! In my mind punch is synonymous to jungle juice from the college days, but this was way more sophisticated. They make a different concoction daily - ask about it! Steamed mussels were decent. Shrimp and grits were super creamy and rich. Not sure how it compares to others in the area, but it was pretty satisfying in my opinion. Fish on the half shell tasted fresh and clean and prepared well. We greatly enjoyed the warm, cozy feel of this restaurant with the low lighting and separate rooms. It must have been a residence in its former life. It was a little too cold to sit outside, but the courtyard/patio seating looks very inviting as well. Definitely recommend for a nice, romantic date or even a group.
(4)Michael H.
This place definitely lives up to the hype. On a recent trip to New Orleans, we wanted to get out of the central business district and try something different. Dante's Kitchen really hit the spot. It is in a cute old house with lots of character. The food was remarkable. If you are trying to decide between the chicken under a brick and something else, go with the chicken. It is one of the best meals I've ever had! It tastes like a flattened, boneless rotisserie chicken that is pan fried in maple syrup and cajun spices. The wine menu is well edited and reasonably priced. You can take the St. Charles streetcar from the central business district and enjoy the views of the garden district on your way. There are also a couple of fun bars within walking distance if you arrive before your reservation. We stopped in to Cooter Brown's and had a delicious local beer.
(5)Tamia G.
Ok, seriously. How can the food be so so so fabulous EVERY time I return? My buddies and I drank tasty mimosas, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, and another drink named, "Purebred." I have absolutely no idea what's in it. But... What I do know is that Tyler put his foot in it! Purebred was fresh & feisty all mixed together. Tyler, how do you feel about cougars?! ;-) Our main courses: Veggie omelet, country breakfast (sausages, bacon, ham, eggs & grits); fluffy pancakes, Pork-steak & grits. Quite the expansive meal for only 3 folks, but Dante's food makes you wanna hurt yourself. It's THAT good! Don't miss it! This place is in my top 3 of all New Orleans tasty spots!
(5)Peter N.
This place is awesome! Located in a, what use to be house, with friendly staff! There are some local art on walls of this restaurant that is available for purchase. This place somewhat gives a punk rock-like vibe, however the food is awesome. We only tried this place for brunch so this review is strictly on brunch, we ordered the following items: - Steak & Eggs, which is a grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns, this was very flavorful, and delicious, however on all of our dishes, the eggs were slighty overcooked, which was very disappointing (hence the 1 start taken away) - Dante's Eggs Benedict, which is a roasted rosemary rubbed pork loin, sliced, and served over a buttermilk biscuit with honey, poached eggs, and hollandaise, the pork loin was delicious, however, one of my biscuits were burnt, and not being a complaining person, I did not bring it up, and the eggs on this dish was also overcooked, and was not given enough hollandaise.. - Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup, was very delicious, I can eat this all day! - Cheese Grits, which consists of a variety of cheeses, was very good and cheesy, my companion isn't a big grit fan, but after this, she changed her mind! Overall, if every dish was cooked to perfection, it would of been fabulous, and because I know that those things can be easily fix, this place have a good potential of my return.
(4)Jessica J.
It's a little far out from the French Quarter, if you're there visiting, but totally worth the trek. My friends and I took a cab there and then the trolley back. There is definitely a wait and I was warned about that. However, the staff will let you order coffee and drinks to start while waiting on their patio. Their iced coffee was incredible! The bacon cinnamon roll... every table should at least have one. It's very rich so a perfect starter to share with your group. Their Bloody Mary was delicious and I had the debris benedict and I loved it. So good. The other food all looked really good as well.
(5)Scott S.
( The following review is a script for the animated short video that can be found at youtu.be/tUMABFensKE ) Scott S. Damn it. What kind of review is this? Why do I look like Larry King's 8th's wife's 2nd husband? Lucy M. You? What about me? I look like I'm functionally retarded. I feel like I should be in a stars and stripes bikini shooting something with my boomstick. This is supposed to be a Yelp review, Scott! Scott S. It is. It is. I promise. But this review is extra special because it's an update for Dante's Kitchen, my most favorite restaurant in all of New Orleans. So it's movie time, bitches. Kakow, snip snap! Lucy M. I heard about your Pinkberry review. Are you sure you want to do this? This could be considered porn if you're not careful. Can you refrain from being lewd? Scott S. Lewd? Me? Do I look like a dirty old man or something? Lucy M. ... Scott S. Well whatever. Let's do this. Get into character, Lucy. Recreation of first brunch at Dante's Kitchen ever. Take 1. And action. Lucy M. Thank you for coming to brunch with me, Scott! I've really wanted to try this place out. Scott S. Oh hell yeah, there was no way I was letting you move back to Los Angeles without experiencing the foodie Nirvana that is Dante's Kitchen. Lucy M. Wow! Everything looks so good on the menu! Alligator Sausage Breakfast Sliders? Debris and Poached Eggs? Corned Beef Hash in a horseradish cream sauce? OMFG. Scott S. I know! Right? And look at the Dante's Eggs Benedict with rosemary rubbed pork loin, and the Bread Pudding French Toast! Lucy M. Bread Pudding French Toast? Are you fucking kidding me? With blueberry sauce even? Oh, it's on. And I need some stone ground grits up in here too. You in? Scott S. Let's do it. And I think I'm going for the special today. Lucy M. What's the special? Scott S. It's Grilled Mahi Mahi with poached eggs over goat cheese grits in a red pepper hollandaise... Lucy M. Holy moose shit! Really? Goat cheese grits? Scott S. I think I may need to pop a Cialis to eat here. Viagra won't cut it. I need a few days alone with this menu. Lucy M. It's like all local ingredients too. Amazing. Why am I moving back to Los Angeles again? Scott S. I don't know. Is there a Dante's Kitchen there? Lucy M. No. Scott S. Then you straight up crazy as a jojomba. Lucy M. Thanks Scott. What does that even mean? Scott S. I don't know. Let's eat, faithful jojomba! And may we bask in the glory of Dante's together again someday. Yelp NOLA will miss you. Lucy M. And... scene. Cut! It's a wrap. Scott S. (pauses) Nice tits. Lucy M. God damn it, Scott.
(5)Bret B.
Very welcoming staff. The host recommended a fantastic 2000 Valipocella to enjoy while we waited for our table -15 minutes. Food was awesome! Whole speckled trout, beans with beats and bacon, with cornbread. Great salad for first course. Damn that food good! Good for date or business dinner with right client (not for your Morton's guy). Also think this space is more conducive to smaller groups 2- 6. I was impressed our waitress knows her way around the wine list and recommended a nice 2nd bottle from Spain that really complimented our dinner. I will be back!
(5)Food Baby G.
This is my absolute favorite brunch place in the world !!! Was introduced to the place in 2009 and have been obsessed with it ever since! Never had a bad experience here, EVER. The staff is always friendly and the service/food is consistently excellent- if not better each time I go. Its cute, its tasty, and its my favorite!!! Love ya Dante's! see you soon!!!!!! P.S. Bring back the seafood cakes please!! kay thanks!
(5)Jeremy C.
Fantastic food. I had the Trois Mignon, which was simply phenomenal. The service was slow all around. I am, admittedly, a New Yorker, so I'm used to a faster pace. We made a reservation for 8:45 and weren't seated until nearly 9:30, which is simply unacceptable. The waiter was very friendly, but extremely slow. I'd give them 3 stars for the relatively bad service, but the food is just too good. Overall, decent service and excellent food.
(4)Stephanie A.
This is about to happen.
(4)Chris K.
Fantastic seafood, and solid bar (with house -made liquor). Highly recommended.
(4)Jeff O.
You'll like it. Everyone does. I was surprised that they've been open for 10 years because it seems quite contemporary and unaffected by good reviews. The food is very honest, so is the staff. Pricing formats are fun as a mix of spiced gluttony and clean bites in small plates, large, and apps. I'd come here any day of the week, especially if I doubled my salary. There's seems to be a lot more in this progressive and timeless realm on new Orleans. I have a lot more to do here.
(5)C W.
Disappointed. It was not that great. We had the pork and redfish. Redfish was dry and for the cost, totally not worth it. Pork was also dry and pairing it up with a pancake was weird. Other small plates are just okay-- nothing special and def not 4.5/5 stars.
(3)Tony C.
Food was good, not great. Atmosphere was fantastic (we ate on the patio). Service was great, but a little slow.
(4)Kathryn L.
The enjoyment triangle--factors that surround the enjoyment of good food--include 1) Service 2) Atmosphere and 3) Price Expectations. Usually, as long as you have 2 of the 3, you'll have the conditions to savor the meal. Dante's Kitchen fulfilled all three for me. The food is well crafted--they take their time, but the will let you know in advance that certain dishes, like the chicken, will take a bit longer--and you can taste that they are using fresh and quality ingredients. So here's my experience: 1) Service - We were immediately attended to when we entered and seated immediately (we had reservations, but even so, I've been to pretentious restaurants in Chicago that make you wait to be seated even when you do have reservations, which is kinda weird). Our waiter was attentive, but not overbearing and let us know that the "Chicken under the brick" would take close to 40 minutes before taking our order. When we asked about the wine, he immediately sent out a wine specialist to help us choose a bottle to go with our entrees. Overall, service was timely, friendly and not pretentious, and full of smiles. 2) Atmosphere - We were seated outside on the quaint patio (there were only about 5-6 other tables) and the lights came on as the sky dimmed. We watched the geckos bout as we enjoyed our wine and cheese plate. The inside, which we passed through, was not over the top but had an air of sophistication. Overall, a very humble atmosphere perfect for focusing on the main attraction: the food. 3) Price - We had already selected this restaurant as one of the nicer dining experiences (we were planning on BBQ and po'boys for other meals) and the average entree was approximately ~$23 (the Chicken Roasted under a brick s $28). And twenty-some dollars for an entree is pretty average across your range of sit-down restaurants. I've paid $20+ for mediocre scallops or pastas that didn't use the finest ingredients or did not take much time or skill to create so my expectations were right in line for cost, even better than expected. And the wine list was reasonable, too. Food: I had the Chicken Roasted Under the Brick and it was amazing and tender and flavorful. It is served topped with an egg (omg), and maple glazed bacon hash. Heaven. Bonus: The cheese plate came with pickled green strawberries (!!), brown butter popcorn, and pickled beets. Amazing combos with the cheeses. I love the idea of popcorn with cheese and the green strawberries were a treat! We spent our time savoring this collection of flavors as we waited for our food. Good attitudes, good food. Well worth it.
(5)James M.
Five Star all the way! We arrived after 8:00 P.M. on a Friday night, and were seated immediately. Our server, Jenna, did a great job, gracious and attentive. The food was delicious. We started with three appetizers, Bresaola, Charcuterie and Chorizo sampler, followed by spoonbread, the molasses cornbread other reviewers rightly rave about. Our entrees were Trois Mignons, Pork Steak and Chicken-Under-A-Brick. Everything was outstanding, we could not be happier.
(5)Edward F.
One of my favorite places to go for brunch in New Orleans. The eggs benedict over corned beef hash was amazing.
(5)Kelly M.
I sometimes get frustrated when traveling (especially to food meccas like NOLA) that there is no way I can know what eateries are REALLY worth seeking out if you only have a few days in a new place. Dante's, I am glad to say, is definitely one of those places. After a resounding 'you better go there or else' from family who had eaten there once before, it was on my list, and the place definitely lived up to the hype. Our waitress was super helpful and ran to grab the equally helpful and knowledgeable bar manager when we couldn't settle on a bottle of wine - the end result was perfect. First to arrive after ordering was the spoonbread - a total home run - that honey butter is the stuff dreams are made of, and a perfect compliment to the crunch of the bread. For food-food, we shared (and DEVOURED): - Scallops with pickled beets and cilantro oil - Mussels with blue cheese, beer and bacon - Braised beef cheeks with spaetzle and fried leeks (so winning. so good.) - Thit Kho - Vietnamese-inspired pork belly on a green onion pancake - Mustard greens with parsnips - Carmelized onion mashed potatoes Overall we had a great experience - wonderful people, interesting, diverse (but not overwhelmingly so), delicious dishes, and totally worth the trip out of downtown (that neighborhood Dante's is in is quite cute). Can't wait to go back!
(5)Greg A.
I found Dante's kitchen mentioned on a blog, after searching for farm to table restaurants in New Orleans. It's a bit of a hike from downtown, but well worth the trip, especially if you take St. Charles past Tulane and all the gorgeous homes along that stretch. But I digress. Drinks: definitely try their house-distilled spirits. I had the peanut bourbon and she had the coconut. Both were outstanding. We also did the absynth drip after dinner, which was really fun and sent us on our way with a great buzz. And it definitely created either intrigue or drink envy from the people around us! Apps: seared scallops. I loved them, cooked rare with just a slight sear and delicious flavoring around them. So fresh and perfect they could i'm sure be eaten as sushi. My girlfriend wasn't wild about how rare they were on the inside, with a temperature somewhere between cold & lukewarm. So depending on your preferences there you could love them or not, or ask for a longer sear. Entrees: I had what seems to be their most popular dish (but they were quick to point out that it's not their signature dish) in the chicken under a brick. I read lots of great reviews on it, and it definitely lived up to the hype, with a gorgeous piece of chicken on the bone, covered in a rich maple sauce and a potato cake with a fried egg over it on the side. Absolutely delicious. My girlfriend got the seafood stew. She liked it, but didn't love it. I think the dirty style sauce kind of overwhelmed the flavor of the seafood. Dessert: chocolate pudding. One word, amazing. This was a really fun and intimate dining experience, and one of the best we had in New Orleans. Go there if you're looking for something different in NoLa.
(4)Semira J.
This was great experience! The food was delicious. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Totally would recommend this place
(3)C K.
I just adore Dante's Kitchen. It's the quintessential uptown restaurant, right by the river, so peaceful. I love eating out in the backyard with the trees and the lights. This is my idea of good food with a Cajun twist. The only thing you need to know: CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK... A staple at Dante's and undeniably one of the best dishes. I've never been disappointed with it. It is so savory and sweet at the same time -- nothing short of amazing. They start you with warm gooey spoon bread -- it tastes like corn bread with magic inside. It holds you over when the food takes a while to come out. The local farm vegetable plate is an unlikely home run! Get lucky if they have turnips in season ;)
(4)Rahal K.
Delicious Bloody Mary. Although portions are smaller than other brunch places, the plates are delicious! I had the burritowhich was tasty to say the least. I do have a hankering for spicy food, and an affliction for hot sauce, so needless to say I was a tad disappointed when the waiter presented our table with Crystal. Others at the table ordered the Gravlax and Eggs Benedict, both of which were ready on the palate. The establishment touts their infused vodka selection and their ability to conjure up a tasty libation created especially for your palate. This was exemplified by a complex citrus pouring that my gf ordered.... it was okay. Overall a tasty location. Definitely a must if you haven't tried and a revisit if you already have!
(4)Dr. B.
Cool atmosphere, the service was great. We ordered the Escargot, Redfish with Crab & Citrus Salad , & the Crispy Confit Pork Steak. One of the best pork steaks I've had in the city. The courtyard is nice, as well the small, but intimate interior dining area. No need to go on about it, this place is worth the trip.
(5)Jean d.
5 stars with no hesitation ! Friendly staff, great warm ambience and absolutely delicious food !! Everything we tasted was unbelievable, with sweet and sour, really interesting associations of ingredients. A must taste in New Orleans !
(5)Jason K.
I brought my wife here for her birthday and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to bring her somewhere that was as New Orleans (specifically Uptown) as it got and not be a tourist trap like most restaurants downtown. The scenery was very intimate as we sat outside in the patio area underneath a starlit sky. The only light was our candlelight and the lights that lit up the garden surrounding us. I'm all about ambiance and this place has it. Our server was very helpful from the moment we sat down to the moment I paid the check. She was eager to please and very knowledgeable about the menu. I'm big on that. If you know your menu like the back of your hand, you'll know how to upsell and, in turn, you'll know how to make your patrons happy. We started out with a bottle of nice riesling and their escargot appetizer. The marrow bones came with a bordelaise sauce that complimented it so well. I made sure to keep the leftover bones for my dogs which they absolutely loved. Next up for our entrees, I had their famous Chicken Under a Brick which consisted of a maple glazed chicken with a potato and bacon hash cake and topped with a fried farm egg. It was absolutely heavenly. My wife had the Roasted Duck Breast which comes in a panang red curry sauce and served with herbed fried rice and a mirliton-sesame slaw. We both couldn't keep our hands off the other's plates because both entrees were so wonderful. Everything about Dante's Kitchen was superb and it was definitely the right choice for the right occasion. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Marla J.
What a find. Nice and close to the St Charles street car. Great atmosphere in a NO converted home. The bartender was spinning some cool tunes that enhanced the unique cuisine. Very creative and original dishes. I love it when the wait staff knows the food they serve intimately and can recommend favorite dishes with wine pairing. We got there early for our reservation and we were promptly seated. The scene lends itself to conviviality and our neighboring table joined in their recommendations as well. That is a sign of a welcoming establishment when people are comfortable to converse with fellow diners. And the food????? Awesome. We started with the steamed mussels and Thit Kao, then proceeded with the Seafood Courtboullion and Trois Mignon. Both excellent dishes with delightful sauces and cooked to perfection. Ending with a trio of sorbets and the walnut pie with ginger ice cream. Arghhh heavenly. It is good we walked several miles everyday while in NO. Yes go to Dante's kitchen and feel the NO food love.
(5)Faith A.
I usually don't bother writing reviews for places that already have over 300 reviews because what needs to be said that already hasn't been said? Well Dante cheers to your 330th review. I felt compelled to talk about my great experiences that I have had over the years at Dante's Kitchen. The reason for that is....I hate breakfast. My husband LOVES breakfast and because I love him i grin and bare through the most painful meal of the day until we went to brunch here. Now I am a believer. Dante's brunch has completely turned my life around. I totally understand how breakfast can be the most important meal of the day. If this is breakfast than I am proud to shout from the rooftop that I love breakfast.
(5)Rachael H.
The wife says that this was in her top five meals of all time. I don't have a memory to speak of, so I can safely say it was my number one ever! Until the next best meal! The night was perfect. We arrived at 6:15 for our 7pm reservation, and the place was empty. We thought perhaps all the hype was for nothin'. Then Larry arrived. Good lord, that man is as handsome as the drinks were cold. (That has nothing to do with how the food tasted, but it did affect our experience positively.) Also, he was sweet as could be, consistently and non-irritatingly attentive. (The place had filled up by the end of the meal, not an empty table. And yes, the hype was well-justified.) Lala had the Trois Mignons, and said "MmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMmmmm" over EVERY SINGLE BITE. I'm not lying. Every single bite. I had the Chicken Under a Brick which is a strange name for something so delicious. I would eat it again right now and then have it again for dinner if I could. Drinks were great, ambience was perfect. We'd go again in a heartbeat if we could afford to fly to NOLA for dinner.
(5)Yu Z.
Snails with bone marrow? Color me sold. It was deliciously decadent.
(4)Patrick B.
I've eaten here a couple times now, and I enjoyed the food, but am not a fan of the music they play in here. They have good vegetarian options, and I really liked the pork shoulder lettuce wraps. The entree I ordered this last time was pretty good: homemade pasta, duck confit, peppers, delicious.
(5)Kelsey G.
AND THE BRUNCH LIST JUST GOT LONGER! Whether you're looking for a fresh mimosa, a spicy vodka bloody mary, or a trip down memory lane with their sweet and spiced brandy milk punch (think: egg nog or chocolate milk with breakfast), their bartenders cater to your morning fixins' while you wait, and you'll likely enjoy a couple during your time. As far as food goes, I'm still dreaming of cheddar and mushroom stone ground grits that defined what breakfast was meant to be. I could have just had that, but luckily a friend and I shared a special skillet of potatoes, vegetables and fried eggs- the best kind of "I'm so full and I don't care" bites of brunch. I highly recommend Dante's as a go-to New Orleans brunch spot!
(5)Anthony L.
This is one of the reasons I work out. So when I come back home I can put on about 10 lbs from eating at Dante's. No place like it on the planet! If cooking and good sex could have a baby, it would be named Dante.
(5)Monique D.
Great atmosphere! Very cozy makes you feel like your in someone's kitchen. I ordered the Trois Mignon - three 2 oz medallions each prepared a different way. Amazing favors!!! A definite value at $26. I also sampled the shrimp and grits and the chicken under a break both were delicious. Our waitress was new so she wasn't very knowledgable of the menu. Complimentary spoon bread that tasted like Grandmaws cornbread. Be sure to ask for seconds as we had a party of six and was told that we could only have one complimentary order. Just ask for another on the house! I would luv to eat at this establishment again
(4)Brittany F.
Jonesing for the best brunch you could ever have? This is the only place to go. There's always something new on the menu, and everything they do, they do with perfection. The biscuits are heaven, and everything is truly fairly priced.
(5)John K.
Go here. Went with two friends for brunch and we loved it. Whatever you do, get the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. Heaven. I also had the debris and poached eggs which I could recommend and the alligator sausage was tasty as well. My buds had the shrimp & grits and thoroughly enjoyed it (the shrimp were huge...I guess that's a thing in new orleans?) with the brunch beer they offered from New Zealand. I will definitely be going back next time I'm in the city!
(5)Joyce I.
This place ROCKED! Loved every dish we had! The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. The mixed drinks were a little 'out there' but I appreciate the creativeness. They make a bunch of extracts. Bone marrow with escargot, corn bread...mmmmmmmm! One of my fave N.O. Places!
(4)Krista M.
Another place that is not near the hustle and bustle that most stick to while visiting NOLA, it is easily accessible by traveling all the way down on the St. Charles street car and then walking a few blocks. Tucked away on a quiet street, Dante's resides in a house. Each room has a distinct look, we sat in the blue room. A dark, cozy room that made you feel very relaxed. The bartender is a cocktail artisan taking his time to create the perfect cocktails and they were delicious. There is no standard bread basket at Dante's, but you are served a tiny skillet right out of the oven that is filled with a wonderful spoon bread topped with butter, it was sooo good. We started with some house-cured sopressata which had a hint of sweetness that was offset by the spices and black pepper, impressive. Yelpers seem to love the Chicken under a brick, so how could I pass it up? The chicken was so flavorful and juicy, it is a perfect example of what chicken is meant to be. Served with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The whole dish was amazing and succulent. The Trois Mignons with debris, house made Worcestershire, Stilton, caramelized onion mashed potatoes was excellent, the tiny fillet mignons were so tender; the sauces and 'debris' (which I think was kind of like a pulled pork) brought the flavors to another level. Great dish. Apple pie with a black pepper goat cheese ice cream, sounds strange, but my god it worked! The pie was fantastic. This was an incredible meal, you can't get much better than this.
(5)Lance N.
Nothing more than exquisite. It's an old style home. There are some unusual things on the menu but give them a try. The cocktails were great the sauces were great The service was amazing Felt like home
(5)Andrea Joy A.
WOW. When visiting my brother in New Orleans he took my husband and I here along with his girlfriend. The experience was absolutely top-notch. This is a funky uptown restaurant with charming, quirky (yet modern and fresh) decor in a converted residential home. There is a small bar where we hung out until our table was ready and enjoyed some of the bartender's original concoctions. (Shout out to the bar tender by the way, he was very personable and entertaining!) The tables were arranged far enough apart so that we were not forced to hear other diners' conversations, and our meals were absolutely outstanding. We started with the cheese platter which was "dainty" but very good, particularly the homemade fruit cake that accompanied it. While we were waiting for our entrees we were surprised with homemade cornbread on the house, served in the cast iron skillet in which it had been cooked. So good! I had the one vegetarian entree on the menu: local vegetables and charbroiled tofu. Delicious. My husband went for the notorious chicken under a brick and when he ordered the server (who was attentive and pleasant the whole time) told us it would be 35 minutes to prepare. I really appreciated his being upfront about this, and my husband decided to go for it anyway. He said it was the best chicken he ever tasted. My brother's girlfriend had the whole fish and said it was excellent. My brother said the same of his rabbit pasta. We also ordered a side of brussels sprouts (held the ham) and garlic mashed potatoes. Simply put: every single thing on the table was fantastic. We will definitely be back for our next visit...I want to try the brunch!
(5)Nikki G.
The best thing going is the sticky bacon bun.
(3)Kevin B.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. In an old house so the dining rooms are separate. Very cool and warm feeling. I took a date here for a nice meal and wine. I got the Chicken Under a Brink entree and it was hands-down the best chicken dish I've ever eaten. My date got the pork confit and it was also extraordinary. Service was great. We were there late and the waiter came to let us know that the kitchen was closing in 15 minutes. We went ahead and placed our order and the waiter informed me that my chicken dish would take 40 minutes to prepare. I didn't know this and didn't want to hold up the staff so I said I would order something else. He would not hear of it, said it was no problem at all. I asked him repeatedly if he was sure and he assured me it was fine. The chef even came out of the kitchen to tell me that it was perfectly ok and that my dish was being prepared. It was perfectly cooked and I cannot say enough about the above and beyond service we got. We will be back.
(5)Dale W.
Sit back and have a drink with friends on the porch while you wait for a table for Sunday Brunch. The food never disappoints and the staff, in my experience, is very knowledgeable of the menu. If you have a group share the giant bacon cinnamon bun!
(4)Kellie H.
We tried to go to Jaque Imo's but it was closed on Sunday. Walked over to Dante's Kitchen and never looked back! Incredible food ( shrimp and grits. Wow. Mussels. perfect. Salads also really well done and local greens - makes such a difference). Great service, too. To top it off, I forgot my credit card (in a daze after the incredible meal...?) and we were leaving to continue a road trip in the morning. I was a little panicked and emailed them begging to get the card before we left town. Although they don't open until 6PM on Mondays, Mario prompted responded and told us to swing by in the morning to get the card. He saved the day! Just when we thought we couldn't love this place ANY more.... :)
(5)Natalie V.
Came last night for dinner with husband and two year old daughter. we made last second reservations and were accommodated quite easily as it was a Monday night and raining. We were Seated promptly and I enjoyed a fantastic although pricey libation called the thar she blows. A strong gin and rum based tiki drink served in a giant head, totally worth every penny. Husband had a glass of french white wine which he said was good and complemented his meal. While they don't offer a kids menu our server offered to make our daughter non spicy shrimp and grits although we opted to just share our plates with her. Meal started with their delicious spoon bread and then probably the best starter we have had in a long time escargot with bone marrow, WOW!!!!! This dish puts all other bone marrow dishes and escargot dishes to shame. You wouldn't think it would work but it does beautifully. We also shared a cup of corn and crab soup which was also very nice. For mains I had the always fantastic chicken under a brick, it is half a chicken rubbed with spicy creole spices and broiled under a hot brick then served with a fried egg which you break to mix with the spicy chicken, Awesome! Hubby had the grilled gulf fish which was Amber jack served with dirty rice and bell pepper sauce, significantly lighter but very nice. Service was attentive but not stuffy and clientele were all dressed casually upscale. We have brought our daughter here before and saw another couple with a child. Disclaimer, this is not a Cracker Barrel and there are no crayons and kids menu this is an upscale restaurant that will accommodate families with well behaved children. There were no screaming kids or anyone running around so please make sure your kids can sit down in their chair or high chair and behave well before bringing them.
(5)Jennifer M.
Overpriced, small menu, great grits but terrible bread pudding. I did not bookmark them and won't be returning.
(2)Laura P.
Delicious! One of the best brunch meals we've ever had! I got the steak and eggs, fiancé got a pork dish, our friends got a pork tenderloin special. Everything was fresh and service was great. The mimosas were tasty as well. Will go back next time we are in town.
(5)Ashley L.
Well worth the wait! We went for brunch on Sunday and while the wait was 40 minutes we sat on the quaint porch area with mimosas that rival all mimosas. Dante's is quirky, eclectic, casual. I loved it. Each room has it's own flavor. We ordered the homemade bisquits, I ordered the shrimp and grits with a side of hashbrowns(breakfast potatoes) and there was a constant party in my mouth. The service left something to be desired, but i didn't care because the rest of the experience was so authentic new orleans.
(5)Bug B.
I had been wanting to try this place for years and finally made it there. From start to finish, this was an excellent experience! There was a short wait when we walked in around 8:30pm, so my friend and I bellied up to the bar to enjoy a cocktail. The bartender was friendly and very knowledgeable. Once we were seated our server was prompt, courteous, and even had some time to chat with us a little. We started with the "Fruits, Nuts, and Cheese" plate--a perfect way to start a meal. My one complaint about the cheese plate is that, although the bourbon soaked fruit cake was delicious, I wished we had less fruit cake and more of that yummy cheese. Next was the escargot with bordelaise sauce and roasted marrow bone. WOW! Best escargot I've had in New Orleans so far. We paired this with the Seared Scallops with smoked peach puree and basil oil. The texture of the scallops were perfect, and the flavors of the dish were very balanced. If you like scallops, GET THIS DISH! For my entree I had the Trois Mignons. What an excellent idea for a steak dish. It was like getting three entrees in one. Each bite had a different flavor and I couldn't decided which one was more yummy. But the best part was the Apple Walnut Pie. This is the best apple pie I've tasted. Yes, it was even better than my grandmother's apple pie--and that's saying a lot. Their pastry chef is a genius! In sum, 5 stars! If you're on the fence about trying this place, i'm telling you right now to GO!! You will not regret it!
(5)Jim C.
This was my biggest disappointment of the trip. It's a small restaurant in uptown that just too much has a feel of eating at your granola-friend's house who is overly proud of her health-oriented cuisine but nothing tastes great. Yes, they have numerous vegetarian options but I wouldn't say any dish stood out for me. I had the Trois Mignons with three different sauces and they were served with mashed potatoes but the flavor just didn't stand out. I had a wonderful and funny experience in the men's grill at the swanky English Turn Country Club watching the Saints mop up on the Bears and I should have listened to the men in the grill who told me to avoid Dante's Kitchen in favor of Clancys. Next time in NOLA, I'll give Clancys a try.
(2)Ernie D.
A friend suggested this place for dinner and so we joined them there. I had the Chicken Under a Brick, which was absolutely fantastic. It was cooked just right and was juicy and delicious. I also tried some of the mashed potatoes, which were probably some of the best I can remember having. Our waitress was very kind and helpful and although it was a bit pricey for what it was I had a great time.
(4)Dana M.
Great ambience and delightful food. Fun drinks-- pimms cup and something with mango infused tequila. We ordered edfish on half shell, scallops small plate, shrimp and grits, chicken on a brick. All of these were exceptional and we are picky foodies. So so was the corn bread. Salad with apples and cheese was fine as well. Will definitely be back. A new New Orleans favorite (along with Dick and Jennys, Commanders Palace and Mothers as must visit places!)
(4)Cassandra Z.
Dante's Kitchen has an amazing menu. It is my favorite kind-of menu these days filled with farm-to-table heartiness. Venison pot-pie? Yes. Brussel Sprouts with pancetta and Gruyere? Bring-it. Boudain with white beans? Boom - put it in my mouth right now. However, the execution of these well-thought out dishes was lacking. The oddities of the ingredients just tasted odd coupled with the sloppiness in their preparation. My cauliflower tasted like sardines. Fish-flavor should never originate from anything other than fish. My venison was overpowered by the black beans. My gruyere was hardly melted over brussel stones...I mean sprouts. I give it two stars (not one) b/c the staff was really friendly and the Boudain was great (after they reheated it) I'm still compelled to return and give it another try. I really wanted to love this place. I should probably get that chicken-brick thing next time, but I'm scared it will taste like a brick.
(2)Josh I.
I must have come on a bad day because I was very disappointed. I had heard about Dante's kitchen for a long time and have wanted to try it for a long time. Here's a list of disappointments: 1. My omelet had fresh crab...and lots of tiny pieces of shell. I was picking them out of my mouth constantly. 2. I asked for no onions on said omelet and got onions. 2.5 The omelet was cold. (No, I am not just being a b!tch, all these things really were wrong with the omelet!) 3. The blood orange mimosa (at $9, or $1 more than the regular orange juice mimosa) contained basically no blood orange juice. I was pondering why I paid that extra $1 for a teaspoon of juice. 4. A cinnamon bun mysteriously appeared on our table. We were wondering if it was the restaurant's version of a bread basket. As we contemplated whether to dig in, it was taken away since it was for another table. 5. My friend ordered hash browns and got grits. He had ordered the beef tenderloin (filet mignon) and the pieces were tiny, just a couple bites, though this was not totally unexpected at the price. 6. They have an unusual practice (for brunch) of pricing their entrees with no sides. Sides must be ordered separately, at ~$3 each (e.g. a muffin). Entree prices are around $10-$12 and with those $9 "blood orange" mimosas and a $3 side, it adds up. Just based on all the crab shell in my omelet, never again!
(1)Song K.
Menu: Uninspired $$$ American (there were very few Creole/Cajun dishes) Some meat in some boring sauce with a side of veggies. But the question remains to this day:: how could the hype around such a simple dish so grossly contradict my own dining experience???? Chicken under the Brick, to me, was more like Chicken swimming in Teriyaki Sauce. The reduction might as well have been balsamic vinegar overloaded with sugar. Gross. The meat wasn't dry, but lacked luster since the sauce had not completely seeped into the meat. Without exaggeration, it wins the award for the most disappointing dish ever. The building that houses the restaurant is actually a renovated home on a residential block which affords an intimate and yet familial setting. My dining companions reported to have enjoyed their dishes. However, I don't plan on returning anytime soon...a contemporary American cuisine needs to create an innovative, themed menu in order to stand out. Dante's Kitchen, in my opinion, didn't.
(3)JP E.
My dining partners and I had the cheese board, the escargot, amberjack, duck breast and trois mignons. The best of the lot was the trois mignons. The amberjack was paired with black eyed peas which is very strange to me and just does not work. The duck was rare (is this a thing now?) and was good, but nothing special. The fennel slaw it was served with wasn't very interesting and was not eaten. The escargot were quite good, but could have used more toast (only served with two small slices). The cheese board was uninteresting and is served with crackers rather than a baguette. It was overall on the sweet side, if that's something you like. Cocktails were very good. Service was good.
(2)Michael E.
Overall not that impressed. The brick chicken was excellent. As we're the side of potatoes, but it was honey chicken and bacon potatoes, and I think this is a creole place. Everything else...apps and dessert...were sub par. Kinda a downer as I was expecting a lot better. Probably won't go back. I really wanted to like it. Maybe go once...
(3)Say N.
Food 5/5 I absolutely love this place. Dinner was so good. Next time I am in New Orleans I want to go a few times and try their brunch menu. We ordered escargot (omg soo good, order it!), seared scallops, thit kho (didn't seem like pork belly), squeak breads For entrees we had chicken (gahh delicious), pork, whole roasted fish, trois mignons. Go hungry and eat everything! The reason I gave four stars is because we had dinner the week New Orleans had that cold spell. we weren't at the tables closest to the door but every time someone came in or went out the draft hit us (brrr). Also, they kicked us out of our table (it was valid/people were waiting). They were nice about it but still I didn't like it.
(4)Tara P.
If you plan to eat out... Eat here!!!! This place is amazing. The cocktails are all unique and the most delicious small plates. We had the chicken under a brick. Almost made me cry it was so good!
(5)Kristy M.
It's been 6 months since I returned from my trip to Nola and what sticks out most about my trip is Dante's Kitchen. (ok, perhaps the music and late nights riding a mechanical whale?! were also memorable...but food is always first on my mind) I have a great appreciation for the way a chef takes a standard dish and adds his own flare for an awwe inspiring, mouth watering, can't-wait-to-go-back type of meal. Every dish here is handcrafted with fine ingredients and it's apparent each dish is carefully inspected before it leaves the kitchen to make sure the texture, temperature, presentation and overall doneness (that's a word, right?!) is top notch. The seared scallops were firm with a slighty sweet crust on the outside. Local Farm Veggie plate was incredibly indulgent with the fresh goat cheese and carmalized oninion croquette - it's hard to justify why anyone would rave about a simple vegetable dish but the way the sweet juices combine with the onions and goat cheese and just melts in your mouth makes you question what's so great about meat anyway?! The star of the show was the escargot & house made bacon with basil, goat cheese and vermouth - I'd come back to NOLA for this dish alone. Slip in to a cozy seat, order a glass of wine and take in the delicious ambiance and exceptional dining experience.
(5)Rosalind C.
What a great place. They handily accommodated our large group in a separate room, so we neither bothered the rest of the patrons, nor were we bothered by other patrons! The atmosphere is very cozy, since you are essentially in a renovated house. Service is very good. The food is the star. Several of us had drinks, which were all quite good, and we started with some fresh molasses cornbread, which we quickly devoured. I had the beef cheeks and the thit kho. The beef cheeks were fantastic, but I thought the thit kho was a bit on the salty side. We also ordered brussel sprouts and cauliflower for the table to share, which was great. The reason I am giving extra high marks is because they were incredibly accommodating of food allergies. This seems to be more of a thing now, so maybe I should just consider it the new "normal," but in my view, if someone can barely eat anything on the menu and you still serve them with a smile and they like their food... well, you're a winner in my book!
(5)Natalie H.
We were vacationing in New Orleans for a few days and we were planning on going to Jacques-Imo's for dinner on Wednesday, 8/8/12, but they were closed for what looked like renovations. Someone walking by Jacques-Imo's saw our depressed faces and recommended we go to Dante's Kitchen. So we headed on down that way while my brother checked Yelp to see the reviews of Dante's. The reviews looked good so we took a chance and we were so glad we did. Dante's Kitchen is in an cute little house with intimate lighting and homey decor. It's kind of hidden, honestly if we drove by and weren't looking for it, we might not have noticed it. There were three of us and we shared: Appetizer- scallops and the duck crepe Main course- brick chicken and the 3 medallion filet mignons Dessert- blueberry rice waffle and buttermilk pie Every thing was absolutely delicious. Our favorites were the duck crepe and the buttermilk pie, but everything was so amazing. The meals are definitely big enough to share. I have already recommended this place to anyone that will listen. Next time I'm in New Orleans I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Shannon S.
Bad news: No lunch! Before Katrina I really enjoyed eating lunch here but after Katrina they have never brought lunch back and only do Brunch on the weekends now. There is a pop up BBQ restaurant that operates out of this space M-F for lunch and Tuesday nights for dinner. Good news: They have certainly stepped up the culinary level! They always seem to be featuring as many local and very fresh options as possible and the food is always excellent here. They have a nice courtyard and it is a very enjoyable place (especially at lunch so please bring lunch back!!!). The parking can be a bit challenging but other than that I've always had a great time here and the service has always been fantastic. I'm not a big breakfast person so I've yet to eat brunch here but the food is so good that it is probably just a matter of time before I get here (the next time someone forces me to awaken at some horribly early hour on the weekend).
(4)Andy H.
Wonderful experience. Food was uniquely prepared. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Everyone loved the chicken under a brick.
(5)Emily M.
This converted old house is home to a fantastic culinary experience. I came here for brunch with some girlfriends, and we were impressed. Dante's is committed to using fresh local ingredients, so their inventive menu is always changing. If you come here for brunch, make sure you try the grits and biscuits. Grits and biscuits are normally something I would skip right over on the menu, boring. However at Dante's, they import the grits from North Carolina and infuse them with some of the most delicious cheddar I have ever eaten. This experience has changed the way I look at grits. Normally, I don't really like biscuits, but eating a Dante's biscuit is like floating on a cloud.
(5)Chris H.
I was sadly disappointed tonight. On previous trips, the meal was absolutely perfect. Tonight, we left with much to be desired. The service was decent, but the food was almost inedible. We had the Chicken Under a Brick. It was so spicy that we could not finish it. The egg was overcooked, and the potatoes were undercooked. I was embarrassed that I recommended this place to my friends. Such a disappointment. Hopefully, tonight was an off night.
(2)Kate H.
I have eaten here many times and the most recent visit was a big expensive disappointment. Super slow service and over $100 for breakfast is way too much. My kids didn't even touch their pancakes because it didn't say that "bananas" were in the batter on the kids menu. Bummed out that an old favorite is going downhill.
(1)Jane T.
I'm currently hating myself for not coming here first during my trip to NOLA. Cuz if I did, I would've had dinner here every night. This. Place. Is. Phenomenal. Initially, we'd tried to make reservations for the weekend but that's something to be done far in advance it seems. Well ok, that's fine, let's book it for our last evening in town, which was a Monday. Yea, I'm still kicking myself for that one, but onto the review. As amazing as the appetizers looked, we decided to skip it and go straight for the entree, since we'd had a late lunch prior. We ordered 2 vegetables - smashed potatoes and cauliflower; and 2 entrees - slow roasted duck breast and confit pork steak & pork ribs. The duck was buttery, tender, delicious and the pork didn't even need a knife to cut through it. The cauliflower was the best I'd ever had - whatever sauce they put on top was just the perfect complement. The best part of the smashed potatoes was the bacon. Really though, it was all heaven. As full as we were though, we still opted for a dessert. My theory was "If the entrees are this good, can you imagine the dessert?" So we ordered the apple pie with goat cheese ice cream and the butterscotch pudding. I had a bite of the pie which was delicious but I couldn't keep myself away from the butterscotch pudding. The pudding itself was amazing but they top it off with salted whipped cream which was just pure perfection. As full as I was, I powered through that sucker. My drink of choice for the evening was the Pimm's cup. I knew after my first sip that I was going to have seconds - it's that good. Next time I'm in NOLA, Dante's every day.
(5)Beau B.
I am grateful that Jacques Imo's is so popular! If not for the 2 1/2 hour wait there and out stomachs running on E, I never would have stumbled into Dante's! Really great food, very friendly and prompt staff, cool atmosphere... Long story short, don't waste your life waiting for a table... Pop into Dante's! Definitely grab a glass of the punch!
(5)Helen D.
Get the chicken under a brick. Seriously. Besides the fact that this place is a $25 cab ride away from the French Quarter (i.e. $50 round trip), it is definitely worth a visit (and all the rave reviews). Highly Recommend: - Chicken under a brick Recommend: - Apply Brandy - Chai Rye Whiskey Good, but not crazy about: - Bacon Vodka - Citrus-Infused Vodka - Escargot and Bacon Appetizer Fit for foodies!
(4)Shamik T.
Very tasty. Barq's root beer sweet potatoes were surprising. I didn't think i'd like them, but very delicious. Beet salad was nice, but if I remember correctly, I thought the goat cheese was piled on a little too much. Colleague of mine swears by this place, and it was well worth the drive from my Canal St. hotel.
(4)Eileen Z.
Some of the best shrimp and grits I have had in the city. A staple brunch option but get there either early (or late) on a Sunday because it gets crowded. They have highchairs which is nice because you can bring the little ones!
(4)Charlie K.
Simply fantastic food, served in a casual atmosphere. Just go, and get ready for some seriously good food. A hidden gem, been around for a long time, and still going super-strong after all these years. Great service, too. Can't recommend highly enough!
(5)jennifer c.
Tucked away on a quiet little street. If you're coming from downtown/ French quarter ask the cab driver to take the garden district route. Lovely restaurant with amazingly inventive and fresh takes on classics: escargot with red wine and bone marrow (my newly favorite way to enjoy snails!); dirty rice bread pudding with duck; local grape (mejia ?) sorbet. Interesting cocktails the table raved about (mostly scotch and bourbon based with homemade liqueurs). The service was impeccable, too. Definitely don't miss it!!!
(5)Lee K.
My wife and I had dinner at Dante's Kitchen on 11/15/13. We were there to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and this restaurant did not disappoint! I had the chicken under a brick, which was delicious. I rarely order chicken when eating out, but I was glad that I did this time. My wife had the drum, which was wonderful also. If you are looking for a nice place that is a little bit away from the hustle of the French Quarter give Dante's a try.
(5)Stephanie Y.
Holy Moly this place was amazing!!!!! Hands down the best dinner in NOLA. The Chicken Under the Brick was friggin delicious - the best chicken I have ever eaten - EVER and it wasn't even fried. The Shrimp and Grits were amazing along with the mussels. I loved loved loved this place. Romantic ambience, great food, southern hospitality = 5 stars!
(5)Hilary A.
You really can't go wrong with anything you order at Dante's. It's perfect for out of town guests or a special night out. (Please note I've only been during dinner, never for brunch -- I'll get right on that, for you, because I'm so selfless. Ahem.) First of all, spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread doused in butter and served in a skillet, fresh from the...oven? Anyway, it's piping hot and SO delicious, I asked one for dessert (which they could not honor because they were out. Boo.). The only possible rival is the cornbread at Jacqueimo's. Am I a carb queen? Yes. Dishes I believe you should try: Trois Mignons with delish mashed potatoes underneath, sauteed broccoli (Surprisingly good! We gobbled this up!), and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot duCreme (This is perfection in a mug, I tell you -- super rich, so share with a lucky friend!). Also, the lemon drop martini (or something equally lemony.. I'm blanking on the name now) was great. I DIDN'T love the mac and cheese (but I'm very particular about my mac and cheese), nor something like Louisiana fried rice. Tip: The waitstaff is supremely knowledgeable about the menu, so go ahead and ask! They won't even look at you like you're dumb when you can't pronounce the French words. P.S. Please don't eat the rabbit. Cinnabun begs you. :(
(5)Christine S.
Wow I think I died and went to heaven! I had the special, and that it was .... fellow foodies. It was brioche bread toasted with melted pimento cheese, shredded moist pork topped with eggs poached to perfection. I was in nirvana and it was the food experience I had come to Nola to have. We had a very nice and attentive waitress to boot. If I had room I would have ordered the applewood bacon on the side. If I were on death row that would certainly round out my last meal request! Ok add the bacon cinnamon roll too for good measure. Would not recommend the Bloody Mary, too much horseradish. Sadly our waitress said they may not ever have that special again, for goodness lip smakin' sake I hope she's wrong!!
(5)Amelia R.
From the very first moment I laid eyes on this place I knew I could be in trouble. Friendly folks cooking up mad food in an old house =Heaven. Just one bite of Dante's buttermilk biscuit....I turned into a pastry crack ho. My text to my man was: "I just had mouth sex with a biscuit." His reply was nasty (that's why I love him) and had something to do with swallowing. Dream on deary. I know, how exciting can a biscuit be? Oh lord. Trust me. Very. So much so that.... I licked the plate. Don't miss out on a delish bloody mary....they are fab. Pickled rhubarb. Olive. Green bean. It makes having "hair of the dog" exciting and new. The shrimp and grits were unflippingbelievable. It's not a question of IF I will ever go back, more like WHEN. But....... I would not change a thing: A bloody. An order of biscuits. Shrimp and grits. An iced coffee for the road. It all equals perfection for this biscuit slut.
(5)Jennifer B.
I forgot to review Dante's after our brunch last week.. oops! It was my first time there, and it was amazing. They have highchairs and a kids' menu, which is fantastic since I brought along the munchkin. She LOVED the french toast, which was covered in a strawberry sauce (wasn't too heavy). Ok, I loved it too. I had the Dante's Omlette, which was equally delicious. Oh, and of course, the Satsumosas! Awesome. Just awesome. The service was fantastic too, especially considering they had about 15 of us in a group to take care of .
(4)Layla B.
This was a good meal. Our service was truly outstanding, and the food was really good. Ok, that out of the way, let me tell you more. Don't skip this place because it's not a 5 star review. The food was just really well thought out, paired well with sides, and lovingly presented. The chicken under a brick: just order it. Make sure SOMEONE you're with orders it. It's crazy juicy and tender. The smashed roasted potatoes with duck fat was also a winner at our table. The desserts weren't anything special, which was fine by me because I was already stuffed. The service was flawless. Not at all intrusive, very knowledgeable. She helped us pick our cocktails and flights of bourbon and white whiskey (didn't know there was such a thing!). It was very cool. My biggest complaint: When we made our reservation, we made it for my husband's 40th birthday. It was obviously a special occasion, yet they stuck us inside (the patio is definitely the best place to sit here, especially on a gorgeous balmy N.O. night). I asked if we could sit out there and was told no, despite making reservations almost a month in advance. Oh well. It wouldn't have been so bad except that the lighting in the room we were in was so terrible we had to use our iphones to read the menu. Actually, the server suggested we do so and said that so many people need to. Isn't that a hint? My husband was really put off by this, but loosened up as the night went on. All in all, it was a great meal.
(4)Penny K.
Pretty good food, lovely and friendly hostess. Our server was the worst. He made the experience almost painful. Any questions about the dish or amount to order were answered with the fewest words possible. We asked to taste a wine by the glass before ordering and have never seen a smaller amount poured in a glass before. Unfortunately for whomever the owner is, we would never return to this restaurant due to the level of unfriendliness we experienced.
(2)Jessica R.
It had been a year or more since I'd been to Dante's Kitchen when I first reviewed it on Yelp, and last week I had a chance to go back. It is, without a doubt, my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Things I forgot to mention: - Molasses Spoon Bread - Comes out as an appetizer, in the same way a bread basket is an appetizer. The difference is, spoon bread comes to the table in a tiny skillet, drenched in melted honey-butter, and is more magnificent than one might reasonably think. - Awesome Service - This is, without a doubt, a classy establishment. At one point during our meal, I said something about my irritation with something entirely unrelated to our meal, but (unsurprisingly) I was loud enough to be overheard. And the runner who brought us our entrees thought I was complaining about my meal--he stopped in mid-stride, did an about-face, and asked if I wanted him to "dress it up" (it being my plate). I had no idea what he was talking about, but once I understood he thought I was complaining about my food, I realized that Dante's Kitchen is the kind of place where every single employee is not only empowered but truly passionate about making customers happy. No matter what. That is all. The food is amazing, the venue itself is hidden/quaint/gorgeous, the service is top-notch, and I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Molly B.
Definitely in my top 5 favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I came here on a Saturday night around 8pm as a group of three. We were sat right away however to sit outside in the cute courtyard we needed reservations. The inside is really cute and cozy but with the weather so nice why not enjoy it? I had the roasted sweet pepper salad which was delicious! Very fresh and flavorful though for a red pepper salad it was sort of lacking in peppers. One of my friends had the stuffed eggplant. Very good and hearty though not as amazing as my vegetable plate - an eggplant and mushroom dish. The goat cheese and caramelized onion croquettes that come with the dish are phenomenal. They were able to make a vegetable dish as decadent as any other entree on the menu which proves their killer culinary skills. Their vegetable plate is based on the freshest vegetables they have so although the likelihood of them having this dish the next time I go is slim, I'm geeking out about what else they can do. I should mention my friends loved their slow roasted duck and redfish on a half shell. We were all members of the clean plate club.
(5)Daniel M.
Dante's Kitchen, oh how I wanted to love you...alas it wasn't meant to be. Fellow Yelpers have lavished Dante's with great praise and when I saw the number of reviews and they STILL clocked in at 4.5 stars I knew I had to try it (not to mention Scott S. waxed orgasmic all over the place...I decided to go anyway). We came for brunch on pre Mother's Day Saturday. We were greeted cheerfully at the door and were offered a chance to place a drink order. Wifey asked for a drink menu but somehow ended up with the food menu. Mimosas and Bloodies were ordered. Seated outside within 5 minutes, but hadn't received drinks yet (they wouldn't come for another 10). Our table was outside and the ambiance was pleasant. It appears that we were sitting in a filled in pool, which was cool, and there were plenty of lizards running around to entertain us while we waited for a waitress...and drinks. Both took quite some time. The server seemed to be rushed because every time one of us would ask a question she would answer and run off before the next could get their query in. The Gulf Fish Sandwich was tempting. "What kind of fish is the Gulf Fish?" "Catfish" she replied and tried to leave. "But wait...that's not a gulf fish" "That's what it is" and she left. When server returned we ordered Steak Sandwich and Dante's Eggs Benedict. The steak sandwich was sorely disappointing. A sprinkling of sliced steak covered with sautéed onions on bread that was big enough to feed 3. Don't get me wrong, I love bread, but the meat should be proportional and this was not the case. Some will wonder why the steak sandy was ordered when there were so many other things on the menu...well all I can say is "does it have to be a top tier dish to be good"? The eggs benedict was tasty but the eggs were quite small and I didn't taste any of the rosemary, or any flavor other than pork for that matter. All in all the meal was ok but not as good as their Yelp reputation led me to expect. I would like to come back for the dinner menu, but it's gonna be tough to talk my wife into it after the let down we had at brunch.
(3)Brandon A.
I've only been here for the Sunday brunch, but let me tell you, it was the best brunch I've ever had. My wife had the shrimp and grits, and it was so good I ordered one to-go. Unfortunately me and my wife didn't discover this great restaurant until right before Hurricane Katrina, so we haven't had a chance to go back, but we will definitely be back next time we're in town.
(5)Lynette L.
My dinner party group had a long, wonderful meal here in the back room. It was great for a private party. The service was excellent. To be fair and honest, one of members has been close friends with the owners for many years so that may have influenced our service, but I have no idea. The food was great. We did a lot of passing dishes around to taste and everything was good. I was 8 months pregnant, grumpy as hell, and really missing my wine, but the house made pickle plate and the duck two ways (a special, not on the regular menu) made up for it. I talked about that duck for days. Our waiter was terrific and deserved a medal for putting up with 9 well-pickled in alcohol ladies and 1bitchy pregnant woman. Not to mention that some of the boozier ladies may have been overly friendly. He was fun and gracious and never once threatened a lawsuit. Other great dishes are the chicken under a brick and the redfish on the half shell.
(4)Regina C.
i love restaurants located in houses. like, if there's such thing as a fetish for that then put me on that list. i just think it's such a cute idea. and everybody loves home cooking right? so let's just pretend that we're getting home cooking. when i knew i was heading to New Orleans, i discovered Dante's Kitchen via Yelp and immediately bookmarked it as one of my must-go-to places. i took my friend for brunch and we had a grand ol' time! we got the biscuits with homemade jams. now lemme tell you, i am not typically a fan of biscuits because they generally come out doughy and paste-like or dry and brick-like. but these were moist and buttery. and the jams were great too! the flounder and bacon sandwich was a super pleasant surprise. it was incredibly flavorful and came on an herbed foccacia. love LOVED this dish! the pork belly and fried egg sandwich was really messy but also very good. i would highly recommend Dante's Kitchen if you're in the area. surprisingly there wasn't a wait for brunch on a sunday. i don't know if you could consider it a hidden gem, as it's got 300 reviews, but i definitely considered it a fantastic find.
(4)E W.
We stumbled upon Dante's Kitchen on accident. We tried to eat at Jacques Imos, but they were closed for a two-week vacation. NOTE: apparently Jacques Imos closes for a bit every year, and this year it happened to be during our trip... Call them first. But Dante's was great. We only ate from their list of small plates, but if there are two people, you should definitely get at least four of them. We ate the blood sausage, duck crepe, scallops, and shrimp and grits. All were surer tasty and came out really quickly. The service was excellent too. I'd give it five stars, but it was a tad pricy. But definitely go there, and you can make reservations on OpenTable which was helpful too.
(4)Olga S.
the service, ambience, and the food were EXCEPTIONAL at dante's kitchen!! The red fish with the herb and crabmeat salad on top was one of the most memorable dishes my husband and i have ever had. the drinks were complex and exciting but most importantly, they were delicious. we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary there and it was the perfect night thanks to the staff and the food and drinks at dante's kitchen! we will most definitely be back.
(5)Alan V.
Came here excited because of the reviews. We picked Dante's Kitchen over Emeril's for the night. Unfortunately we wished we had gone with Emeril's We arrived and were seated immediately with our reservation. Ordered a bottle of wine that the server recommended which turned out to be pretty good. Started with the Venison Prosciutto. The prosciutto itself was ok but the sauce used was a bit overpowering and masking the natural flavor of the prosciutto. I had the whole herb rubbed whole red snapper. The fish was cooked great and I would suggest it to anyone eating there. My wife ordered the Trois Mignons. This was pretty disappointing all around. The meat wasn't all that tender and all three cuts tasted the same mostly due to sauce. Did dessert and I ordered the Almond Carrot Cake. I wouldn't order this again, it lacked flavor and depth. My wife ordered the Buttermilk Pie which was much better. I probably won't be coming here again when I'm in town again. I was hoping for a great meal but missed out.
(2)Suzie H.
This is definitely an older-taste restaurant. Under the kids menu, it says "Pancakes" but they are Banana and Peach pancakes, which an a sort of unappealing. Everything else we ordered was great, such as the shrimp grits, etc.
(4)Julie N.
Delicious food, friendly service and great atmosphere!! They have a good selection of smaller plates as well as large plates. I had the venison carpaccio, eloté (corn with Mexican cheese and spices) and the Benson cake. The venison dish was really flavorful with plenty of meat. The server we had was knowledgeable and the pacing was pretty good (the waitress seemed a bit stretched thin since we weren't asked about a drink with dinner nor were we asked about coffee with dessert). The atmosphere was really comfortable and private. We sat in somewhat of a sun room overlooking the lush patio. After eating at more than 20 NOLA restaurants, it's definitely in my top 3.
(5)Madi M.
Great restaurant off the beaten path with an emphasis on local, seasonal food and innovative cocktails. There are many menu items with New Orleans flare as well as a few outside of that cuisine. I had the vegi farmers plate with tofu and it was not only delicious but very refreshing after a vacation filled with deep fried oysters, soft shell crab and creamy everything. Our party of 4 sat outside and loved the ambiance. Cocktails were delicious.
(4)B Z.
Holy Cow. Steak & Eggs. Biscuits & Gravy. Freshly Squeezed Juice. Mimosas. Great Service. Best Brunch I've Had in New Orleans. Like the rating says, It's really as good as it gets. You're Missing Out.
(5)Harold B.
not feeling the hype..i would expect better reviews from my fellow n'awlinians... the comp bread is tasteless save for the butta... the shrimp n grits arent that flavorful..when shrimp are that big they lose that "gulf" shrimp flavor..and tho u saute them w alot of seasonin..it doesnt marry well...kind of reminds me of houston and boiled crawfish-just boil em n throw seasonin on the shell type deal... the red eye andouille gravy needs more of a kick its too watery even a good red eye has a hint of coffee depth to it... the chicken under a brick was done very well very juicy but still nada to run back for... but i still am curious about their b'fast i will try dante's again
(2)Stephanie C.
Wow. Worth the wait-- though i wish there was more space to wait inside considering it was raining the day we went for Brunch. Although, as a consolation they bring you drinks outside. I had a nice freshly squeezed OJ while I waited. And for Brunch you should go - it's the best (though I hear that dinner is also great). A word of the wise when coming down to NOLA- things aren't open round the clock, so you need to research when things are open, when they're offering brunch etc- i.e. I think Dante's closed on a random day of the week - like Tuesday or Monday. To drink, you should have the Bloody Mary. Best fresh okra and great spicy flavor. A big hit. We thought this place would have portions SO huge but the portion were pretty medium. (Not that that's bad or maybe I'm just a lunatic when it comes eating with my eyes). I did have two sides with my main; the hashbrowns (yum)- and my sis had the side of grits with mushrooms and cheese. I had the shrimp and grits as my main which was AWESOME. There is really no other place to have grits other than the South- up here, it's too gritty. Down there, it's all cream and buttermilk. Sooky sooky! The shrimp was a good compliment, even though they were a bit overcooked. The seasoning on them was spot on. GET IT. My sister had the Alligator Sausage which came on buttery biscuits. They were very dense though-- the sausage tasted like sausage from any other animal; but I sensed that alligator meat is white and flaky. In the end, everything checked out to well enough, delicious food. Dante's brunch is the ultimate Southern brunch. Other aspects of our experience was fine, such as the service (though the waitress brought me an omelet out at first- which I didn't order); the decor is cute and quaint- with a list of fresh, native ingredients at the register. I found this educational and adorable. Think Paula Deen's kitchen- but less obnoxious. Anyway, all in all a pleasant experience. Best brunch in NOLA while I was down there. And fun fact: it's across the street from Brigsten's!
(5)H Z.
appetizer I tried the escargots, which is inside a bone, with bone marrow., very delicious. I ordered the chicken which is the popular one, it is juicy and tender, a little sweet, very yummy! and they provide you with a cake instead of bread, which is very nice! I am going to come back to try other recommended dish.
(4)Alvin G.
Great brunch. Love the alligator sausage. Shrimp and grits. Bread pudding French toast with bacon.
(5)Briana J.
It's been over a year and I still can recall the delicious taste of their Brioche French Toast. Was it the Louisiana peaches, toasted almonds, or the whipped cream that made it so rememberable? Hard to say because each individual piece added so much gusto to make this plate complete. Put simply, if you are a french toast enthusiast like I am, don't miss Dante's Kitchen's Brioche French Toast! It sure is a wonderful, sweet brunch treat! P.S. Either it's been so long that they changed the syrup, or they change the syrup seasonally, but the menu now has Mississippi blueberry syrup and not Louisiana peaches.
(4)Eve K.
One of the top 5 meals I've ever had and one of my new New Orleans favorites. (Realized I never posted this review I wrote) Eve awards: best NO style BBQ shrimp ever Return worthiness: YES! Highlights: - BBQ shrimp: generously sized wonderfully cooked succulent shrimp swimming in a pool of tangy buttery New Orleans style sauce. I love this dish and have had fantastic ones around this ultimate eating town, but these win the best prize. Note: full heads and all so not for the squeamish. Being half Chinese, I'm not easily scared. - Glazed Chicken: sounds a bit boring but this under the brick chicken was phenomenal with the star being the maple glaze. The whimsical addition of the fried egg on top of the hashed potatoes gave you the comfort of breakfast with the savory fillingness of a dinner. - Strawberry shortcake: perfect end to a perfect meal. Cake was actually a sweet biscuit that had just the right balance of fluffy and dense. Grand marnier soaked fresh strawberries were a heavenly addition. Gotta leave it to New Orleans to add a little fun juice to your average dessert. - Atmosphere: quaint Southern house but modern, comfortable, and casual inside vs feeling like your grandmother's house and needing to be on your best behavior. Loved the levels and rooms as well as the blackboard with all of the fresh local ingredients highlighted. - Waitress: personable, friendly, knowledgeable, attentive--she had it all Midlights: - Strawberry mojito: fresh strawberries were wonderful but the drink as a whole was too sweet for my taste Lowlights: - Cab ride outside of the French Quarter (but admin it--you need a break from the quarter craziness anyway) New Orleans is my favorite eating town and I'm accustomed to being more than satisfied, but this one was the perfect meal from start to finish. Highly recommend it and can't wait to come back.
(5)Perry H.
Best brunch I've had in New Orleans...is it because its the only brunch I've had in New Orleans? Does it matter either way? Super good brunch in a great setting. Nestled in a lovely house there's a large outdoor seating area that's enclosed by lots of trees and shrubs so you feel like you're in someone's back yard along with a small little sun room area inside (for those that don't like the heat or spring pollen). I didn't venture into the main dining room but I kept seeing people scurried-off that way so it must be sizable. I was anticipating a wait but luckily we arrived for brunch around 11, maybe folks were at Jazz Fest, either way....no wait and excellent service. I had the shrimp and grits which were great but the start was the alligator sausage breakfast sliders. Sliders probably isn't the right term...more like biscuit...they were large and oh so satisfying. One cool thing I noticed while waiting to be seated was a board above the hostess stand listing all the locally sourced fresh ingredients - a very nice touch and what a sizable list it was... I've read about Dante's for the longest time and even ate across the street once at Brighton's (very good as well) so it would good to finally see the restaurant live up to its hype. I can't wait to return for brunch or try dinner...i'm sure you can't go wrong.
(5)David E.
I was on a Bachelor party with 15 friends last year and for our BIG meal we left the Crystal Burger on Bourbon and headed to Dante's Kitchen. This was legitimately the best meal I have ever been served. You know that show on Food Network? This would be, without a doubt, my choice. With this large group we were seated in a private room right off the kitchen. It was PERFECT. We could almost see our meals being prepared. We started off with many, many drinks. The service was phenominal. Never a dry glass. We were then all served our meals at almost the exact same time. Again, perfection in service. I, myself, chose the special dish of the evening, the rabbit. This was, most certainly, the best taste I have ever endured. Indescribable moisture and flavor. Stated simply again, the best meal of my life. Everytime I hear someone even mention that they might be making a trip to NOLA I immediately, without hesitation, describe this venue to them and make them promise me they will enjoy a meal here. Don't even consider other restaurants, head directly to Dante's.
(5)Ali G.
Super excellent tasty food enjoyed at a great table outside so just a bit of a shame about the somewhat too slow service; nearly worth the wait for the scrumptious food though!
(4)Mange T.
Finally went to Dante's Kitchen after hearing lots of rave reviews. Upon arrival, the atmosphere was quaint and the space cozy. Warm molasses spoon bread arrived, which made me love the place immediately. Who doesn't love free bread? Our waitress arrived and asked if we were ready to order. We ordered our drinks and appetizers but said we needed more time to look over the entrees. "Oh...um, all orders need to be placed together," she stated matter-of-factly. Really, is that the restaurant policy? Whether it was or it wasn't, she did a poor job of masking her irritation for the remainder of the evening. I ordered the chicken roasted under a brick (CRUB for short) with a side of fingerling sweet potatoes, and my dining companion ordered the duck breast. We split the shrimp and grits appetizer and each ordered wine. The wine and shrimp/grits were fantastic. Unfortunately, the entrees seemed haphazardly thrown together; the most memorable part of the CRUB was the accompanying potato and bacon mash. The chicken wasn't maple-glazed so much as it was greasy and doused in a watery sauce of maple flavoring. Half of the sweet potatoes were visibly burnt, and its dipping sauce pairing ("buttermilk cheese fondue") bore a closer resemblance to tepid sour cream. The duck, while presented nicely on a bed of Israeli couscous, tasted rubbery and undercooked. Breakdown: -4.5 stars for ambience. Place was intimate and had a lot of character. -5 stars for the Onyx Shiraz. 2 stars for the barkeep's anemic pours. -Sad that this caliber of restaurant continues to employ waitstaff with attitude: Waitress: "Would you like dessert?" Us: "No thanks, we're full." Her (sarcastically): "Good for you." Good for her for making sure she had the last word. -2 stars for entrees. Sounded enticing on the menu but were poorly executed. Flavors lacked complexity or nuance; lots of butter (seemed to be the DK M.O.) may make any dish taste better than it might've otherwise but doesn't translate to great food. Maybe my expectations of this place were too high, but this visit was pretty disappointing overall. Better luck next time, DK.
(2)Betty N.
3.5 stars. Yes, very cute neighborhood restaurant. Food-wise, solid, but not the best NOLA food I've had. Ordered the following: (1) Peach mojito ($9.50) Good, but word of advice to the bartender: don't leave huge peach chunks in the glass and expect someone to drink it through a tiny-ass straw. (2) Mac and Cheese as a side ($4) I often use fontina and cheddar cheese to make this traditional fave, not sure what type of cheese were used for theirs. Just didn't taste right. (3) Grilled Gulf Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with an andouille red eye gravy ($9) This was my favorite dish of the night. Beautiful flavors and the shrimp were fantastic. Heads and all. (4) Birkshire Pork Spare Ribs peach bbq sauce, red cabbage slaw ($11) Thought this would be good, but it came out almost cold- not warm enough. The red cabbage was almost too vinegary and the peach bbq sauce was not pronounced, almost bland. It is definitely a local's joint. You won't see many tourists here. Would be curious to come here for brunch, but it is out of the way if you are staying close to the French Quarter. Dinner was borderline so-so.
(4)Seth R.
Loved the food. Unique and delicious. Service was great once we got a table, but had to wait almost an hour even with reservations, thus the lost star. A bit cramped inside, not not egregious.
(4)Sei S.
Good food and fantastic service. Had a friend who got sick from cab ride and staff was so friendly about it! On top of that, the whole fish was amazing
(5)Samer A.
One of our top meals in New Orleans. If you're thinking about Brigstens next door skip it and go to Dante's. Before getting to our order it should be said that these guys have a great cocktail list. Barrel aged drink that rotate, which was LI Tea when we were there. While I'm usually a just a beer/wine drinker at dinner, these drinks weren't the sugary garage most places serve that just ruin your appetite. We got a few items from the charcuterie menu. Good but not great. I wouldn't order this again. We got scallops as a starter and they served us a complimentary, what they called, spoon bread or molasses bread. Crazy stuff. Tastes like the best corn bread you can imagine. Scallops were awesome but it's a tiny portion. For dinner, the wife order the whole fish. I ordered a more Cajun dish with some grilled shrimp. While both dishes were good, I wanted to steal my wife's whole roasted fish. Just excellent. The couscous complemented it perfect as well. The cheese plate had some highs and lows but overall I was happy with it. Also a big thank you to our server Deanna who was excellent and went above and beyond.
(5)John B.
Thank u yelp. This is a find. The place is in a resudential neighborhood an old house which gave it the charm and atmosphere we were looking for. I hate to say we are followers which we are not but we followed the reviews to order. We started with the BBQ shrimp and grits. Being from the north I'm not a grits lover buit were they good. My wife ordered the brick covered chicken, it was everything that the review said. Moist and juices and full of flavor. Be ware that they make it to order and takes a good 20 minutes to cook. I had the Red fish with Herb salad. Very good though I thought the fish was slightly bland. The meal came with a cornmeal bread which was more like dessert. Our server Amy was delightful and the overall service was A ++.
(5)Damon S.
We had brunch here this past Sunday and it was incredible. We started off with the bacon sticky bun and it was so good! I enjoy savory and sweet together and this had it balanced perfectly. I had the trash and poached eggs. The eggs were perfectly poached and the trash had what I refer to as ninja heat - it sneaks up on you. I wasn't too spicy, just a nice subtle warmth on the back of my throat. My partner had the shrimp and grits. I didn't have any of the shrimp, but he said they were delicious. I did try the grits and they were thick and the most smooth texture I had ever felt in grits. We also ordered a side of biscuits. Wow! You have to try them, because words just are not sufficient to relay the experience of eating one! We are looking forward to our next trip to New Orleans and eating at Dante's Kitchen!
(5)Mark B.
I turn to Dante's Kitchen whenever I need a great meal that will impress my friends. I brought a group of visitors there this week. We ordered scallops and shrimp and grits as apps. The shrimp are always cooked beautifully. I wish they would bring back the bbq shrimp appetizer. The duck entre was delicious, too. My only comment would be -- I wish the large room in the back for groups of 6-8 people had the same intimate ambiance as the rest of the place. I love Dante's Kitchen. (review from 21/11/11)
(5)Sonia R.
I heard how great the brunch is at Dante's and I should specify that this review is for dinner not brunch. They have a very interesting menu and I think somewhat random? For example, their chicken under brick entree which is a popular option comes with a fried egg on top. The Molasses Spoon bread is the appetizer and you can't get anything like it anywhere else in the city. I recommend the three filet medallions each with something different topped on it.
(5)Jennifer R.
One of my favorite brunches ever! So glad we found this spot. We lucked out and didn't have to wait for brunch, and this place couldn't have been cuter. I felt like I was in someone's really cool house. Our server was very nice, and all of our food was out fast. Get the sticky bun, debris and eggs and bread pudding French toast, as well as a side of the biscuits. If you're into bourbon, try one of the house made bourbons. Yay!
(5)Shelley V.
Cute restaurant!! We happened onto this place after reading several positive reviews on Yelp... I ordered the Dante Omelette which came with potatoes, sausage, cheese and some other good stuff! Had a side of alligator sausage as well. Hehe, tasted like chicken! A very tasty meal indeed! I loved the decor and the staff were friendly and accomodating. The setting is a house and you could almost miss if you drive by too fast! Do yourself a favor, slow the HELL down and EAT here!!! And Dante's Kitchen, I will be back!!!
(5)Jack G.
Wonderful experience. Great atmosphere and terrific food. Long time New Orleanian and know the restaurants well. Could not have enjoyed it more.
(4)Alycia M.
Every year I spend the Independence Day holiday in New Orleans with a group of my girls, this year was no different. Though, when the excursions to New Orleans for this exciting weekend began in 2004, there was more partying and less relaxing and enjoying the local scene. The weekend always is centered around a great event that Essence Magazine hosts every year, the Essence Music Festival. Now that we have been there and done the crazy parties, this year we decided to change it up. Don't get me wrong we are up for a party if we feel the need. What I mean, is we finally got tired of doing the Essence Music Festival the same year every year. We would do the same things, eat the same things and hang out in the same areas. This year we decided, to skip the parties and focus on enjoying New Orleans. Rather than getting our beignets from Cafe Du Monde in a bag to go; we sat down and enjoyed them and enjoyed the music and the crowd. And the main change that we made was to dedicate an evening to leave the city center and enjoy a great dinner. After doing a little research on yelp.com . I stumbled upon this little restaurant in the Garden District called Dante's Kitchen. Dante's Kitchen is a quaint restaurant situated on what appears to be a neighborhood street, in the Garden District of New Orleans, not too far from Tulane University, 736 Dante St New Orleans, LA 70118. The night that we had reservations for, was completely booked, we were seated by the door and could hear the owner/host telling the walk ins that he couldn't accommodate them...great sign for us. So I started with a mojito, hey I'm in NOLA! But rather than a traditional mojito, I had a blueberry variation, that was delicious. Dante's service is great, our waiter made great suggestions for us. I started with the Grilled Shrimp and Stoneground Grits. I had had shrimp with the heads on, so that didn't turn me off at all, and the grits were perfect. So perfect I cooked my own version of a recipe I found on line when I returned home, check out my handy work. In the typical southern fashion, Dante's serves cornbread in a miniature cast iron skillet. But in not so typical fashion the cornbread is a molasses cornbread with honey butter on top. In a word...YUM!! In fact the couple next to us didn't eat theirs and we overheard the owner asking about it, and we said, if they don't want it we will take it. He thought we were joking. Next for the entree, we decided to get the Roasted Chicken Under a Brick, it was served with a potato hash, with a fried egg. This entree was delicious, the chicken had some sort of sweet seasoning, and when I broke the yoke on the egg, it mixed with the chicken jus and made a great sauce. The potatoes had a little bit of bacon, added to it. everything went together very well. I was apprehensive of the egg, but it worked. And as you can see the portions are not skimpy, but quality is not sacrificed for quantity. Dante's prides themselves on cooking local products, and so not only is the food down home elegance, so is their hospitality. The owner/host had the cab called and walked us to our cab at the end of the evening. What a great night. The weekend was about, music, family, friendships, food, and FUN, if you are up for it we will be in NOLA next year, same time same place, new restaurant visits. Taste big Dream Bigger Foodieengineer
(4)Tracy B.
I know a restaurant is fabulous when I'm still thinking and talking about it a week after I dined there. I hosted a party for some clients at Dante's Kitchen on February 21 and oh my stars, it was the highlight of my trip. We dined at Brennan's, Herbsaint, Bon Ton and Dante's burned past the rest of them as far as food and service are concerned. Our waiter, Larry was outstanding and did a divine job in recommending our dishes. The shrimp and grits were full prawns served with a rich andouille sausage gravy and I swear I could have eaten 12 vats of the stuff. We also had rabbit meatballs and gnocchi which were served in a tangy tomato sauce that rocked my taste buds. For our entrees Larry suggested we try the roasted chicken under a brick and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD who would think someone could make a chicken taste like that?? They slather the bird under the skin with a combo of Steens Cane Syrup and butter then roast the bird under a hot 200 year old brick. Out comes a crispy skiined, sweet tasting chicken with meltingly tender meat. I was so enamored by the Steen's marinade that Larry kindly brought me a can to take home. I found some bricks in my yard, so guess what I'm making tonight for dinner??? The other stars of the evening were the beef tenderloin, mussels and a veggie plate that had deliciously cooked Brussel sprouts glazed with a soy marinade. One of our guests at first refused to try them as he claimed he loathed Brussels sprouts. After he tasted these, he went back for seconds. We also gleefully devoured the root beer sweet potatoes ( you can guarantee I'll be making those for Thanksgiving next year), feasted on more of the most perfectly creamy grits I've ever tasted and were totally swooned by the rich and creamy mac n' cheese. Did I mention the complimentary molasses spoon bread slathered with butter?? I could die a happy person after this scrumptious feast. We insisted the chef come out so we could give him a standing ovation. Dante's makes their own fruit infused vodkas and we enjoyed kicking back several of their magical concoctions. Goji berry vodka=yum. I'm so glad we took the extra journey to Dante's. And to top it off? Our cab seemed to forget to pick us up, so Larry offered to drive us back to the French Quarter!!!!! Talk about fabulous service.
(5)Nicole F.
This was a great find. Like others, we were looking for a creole/cajun restaurant on a Sunday night that was open. Saw the yelp reviews of jacques-imo's that it was closed on Sunday and that this restaurant was just as good if not better. Absolutely dead on. It was great. The only thing that could have made it better is if the prices were toned down a bit. Having said that, appetizers and small plates were filling and gave you an opportunity to try more than one thing. Like they say, the spoonbread is good - but really more like a dessert. Loved the curried mussels but they definitely had kick with serrano chilies. Homemade boudin was delicious. Rabbit loin was tasty but didn't compare to the shrimp & grits. You think you've tried one shrimp & grits dish, you've tried 'em all. Not true. This had whole shrimp with the head on and all, in a new orleans barbeque sauce. The shrimp were then sitting in a creamy grits but with a brown gravy that was out of this world. I love to try new dishes, but if I went back to Dante's I would have to be handcuffed and restrained to not order that dish again!
(4)Jennifer K.
Dante's Kitchen definitely worth my while to wake up early took public transit from our hotel downtown to beat the crowd! We arrived before the restaurant opened and able to get a table with no problem! Here I able to sample a few of New Orlean's classic that I hardly able to indulge when I am in Toronto... well seasoned Southern Comfort food! We shared: - Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns ($4) - Buttermilk Biscuits ($3) - Confit Pork Steak with hash browns, fried egg, seasonal chutney ($13) - Skillet Corned Beef Hash & fried eggs, horseradish cream ($13) - Grilled Shrimp and Grits served with an andouille red eye gravy ($13)(oh so delicious!) - Alligator Sausage ($3) tastes like pork :) And I found my favourite "breakfast" drink: Brandy Milk Punch ($6.50). I feel healthy and complete drinking this. I would have drink a lot more milk in this format and the freshly grounded nutmeg add so much texture make it feels like an energy drink!
(4)Meg P.
5 stars for food, 2 stars for service. Had a reservation for this past Friday night with the bf. We were both very excited to finally try it for dinner as we have had great experiences a handful of times for brunch. We were seated promptly and our server informed of us of the specials. He came back later to take our drink order. We ordered the beet salad to split as an app. We waited for a considerable amount of time for the drinks and then our salad arrived. The salad was great with a nice balsamic reduction sauce. I had the chicken under a brick- a fantastic dish, so moist and slightly spicy. BF got the redfish which was also very tasty. Here is the issue: One of the reasons I was so excited to try here for dinner was the complimentary spoon bread. I was practically drooling after seeing the yelp pictures of it. So we had received our salad and finished our salad but still no spoon bread. After our salad was cleared out waiter came over and asked if we received the spoon bread, to which we replied no. He assured us it was coming. In the meantime we witnessed three surrounding tables, all who were seated after us receive the spoon bread. Then our entrees came, we asked that server about the spoon bread and he said he would check the kitchen. Our server returned and said that the spoon bread would be right out. In the meantime we were enjoying out entrees when I noticed one of the tables, who was sat after us, receive their second serving of spoon bread. We made another comment to the server and he said it was coming. It finally arrived after both of us finished our entrees and there was no apology for the delay. Both of us were full from eating the entrees but we tried it and it is as good as the other reviews say. I know it seems a lot to gripe about a complimentary item, but it is more the principal of the matter. I am not sure what caused this lack of communication and poor service but it felt that we were not given the same treatment as other tables. It really is shame considering the food is so wonderful. I even took my large family here for my graduation brunch. Now I am skeptical about going back.
(3)Stefanie Y.
Sunday brunch here is absolutely amazing. When ordering, we were faced with the unique problem in that everything on the menu looked awesome and had been recommended heartily on Yelp. We settled on the bacon cinnamon rolls for starters and the bread pudding french toast, the banana pecan pancakes, the crab and brie omelette, and the eggs benedict for our mains. The bacon cinnamon roll was perfect - crusty and sweet pastry enclosed savory chunks of bacon, creating a well-balanced and unique blend of flavors. The bread pudding french toast portion was a little on the small side - I would have liked some fruits as garnish - but so so good. The inside was soft and pillowy like bread puddling, while the outside was caramelized and chewy, like french toast. The eggs benedict were well-executed - the rosemary rubbed pork loin really shone through. The omelette was good, though we did think it would have been better with a little more seasoning and if the brie cheese had been inside the omelette rather than melted on top. The drinks were a highlight - the mimosas were the best we had while in New Orleans and the brandy milk punch was spiced, creamy, and delicious. Our server was friendly, prompt, and funny, really adding to our dining experience. Also, one of the other tables randomly paid for our bacon cinnamon rolls - this place clearly attracts the best clientele and truly makes its customers happy. We left pleasantly full and perfectly satisfied.
(4)Daniel T.
One of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I've gone there many times for brunch or dinner and have always been satisfied. Order anything you want, it's all good here, and make sure you get an order of the corn bred!
(5)Momo B.
NICE BREAK FROM DOUBLE "C" This is definitely a destination restaurant to celebrate special occasions for many of the locals. It's also a little more expensive than the typical restaurant. The cuisine isn't Cajun nor Creole. It's eclectic American, bit Asian and who knows where fusion. We shared two entrees. Red fish steamed with a stalk of lemon grass, cilantro and ginger with a light sweet soy sauce. And the irresistible half" chicken under the brick" would be our other choice. It turns out that the two entrees were more than plenty of food. Yu-go chauffeur thought the entire stalk of lemon grass in the cavity of the whole Red fish was a bit over kill. The half chicken under the brick was baked to perfection with a sweet sticky molasses red sauce. Each entree was $26. Like it's menu, the furniture is very mixed and nothing relative to any theme nor complimenting the building's residential architecture. Space is tight and our seating less than comfortable especially during this cold evening. It is a casual dining facility with polite unsophisticated table service. A big turnoff to Yu-go chauffeur.
(4)Scott W.
One of the best meals I've had this year. The Chicken Under a Brick and Double Cut Pork Chops were outstanding, and all of the desserts were delicious as well. We dined at Antoine's, Galatoire's, and K-Pauls earlier in the week, and Dante's was at least the equal of every one of these. One little gripe...the bar area was very small and the bartender somewhat grumpy, but it's a small price to pay for a great meal.
(5)Heather G.
This is one of our neighborhood spots, how lucky are we! Dantes kitchen is in a cute little old house and the food is outrageous. The coffee was also wonderful, along with the cocktails. Easy 5 stars.
(5)Evan R.
Crazy expensive BUT perfect in every way. First they have an excellent selection of whine and in pretty sure they make their own sausage and salamis which they offer as appetizers; we tried each meat and it was all terrific. They have an incredible soup called mulligatawny soup which I'd never tried before, I highly recommend it. Main entrees are delicious and beautifully presented. I got a trois mignon with CARAMELIZED ONION MASHED POTATOES, and my friend got Basque Style salmon. We were both extremely satisfied. Out waiter was very professional, well spoken, and friendly. I felt like a Saudi King at this place. If you're willing to splurge for a night and drop some cash, than Dante's Kitchen is the place to go!
(5)Sabrina K.
Of all the places I ate at in New Orleans, Dante's Kitchen was my favorite! We came here for Sunday brunch before the Chargers/Saints game. It's a bit out of the way but def. worth the trip. This is an adorable converted home. It has small bar when you walk in and a nice patio outside where we were seated. We did have quite the wait, so we sipped on some Bloody Marys while we waited on a stoop across the street. After finally being seated we looked over the menu and I knew immediately what I was going to order: Eggs Benedict! They were the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had. They came on a homemade biscuit, not an English muffin. My cousin ordered the Crab & Brie omelette which was light and equally delicious. For sides, we got an order of the Alligator sausage patties-- amazing. We also got an order of grits with Cheddar cheese. They were very flavorful and on point. Every bite of food I had was delicious, our waiter was attentive, and the atmosphere was great. All the ingredients for a 5 star experience.
(5)Hayden B.
A friend and I just had a nice meal at Dante's Kitchen over Mardi Gras. A small restaurant (I recommend having a reservation) in Uptown New Orleans, brings forth a warm welcoming feel with brightly painted walls and semi secluded sections of the restaurant. Very nice patio area although we ate inside because of the weather. Full Bar with top shelf liquor. The complementary "spoon" cornbread comes hot in a skillet and is delicious to the last bit. Appetizers are rather large, yet my entree (the Redfish with crabmeat) was on the smaller side. Service was very good, especially considering it was Mardi Gras. Would definitely go back.
(4)Nina S.
Best New Orleans meal I've had. Authentic cuisine and great atmosphere. Was recommended by a local. Started the meal with unbelievably delicious spoon bread to die for. Shrimp and grits had fantastic flavor. My friends all raved about their meals too. Highly recommended!
(5)Bobby B.
Extremely disappointing experience. Saturday Brunch. We'd always wanted to try this place and when we happened to be in the area, we decided to go for it. Pretty place. Interesting color scheme. Good hostess and friendly (albeit spotty) service. Girly got the breakfast burrito I got the steak and eggs (rare and poached). First, let me say that the steak nuggets were perfectly rare and the eggs were perfectly poached. Those are the only good things I can say about brunch. The Girly's burrito was super salty and the meat was dried out. The GIrly was able to eat it but really wished we had seen the waitress again until about the end of the meal. Never got a drink refill. As I said, the meat and eggs were cooked perfect. Some of the potatoes were burned and some were under-cooked with hard pieces in it and overly-burned onions. Someone had their heat up too high and didn't pay close enough attention. What really ruined the entire meal for me was the hollandaise sauce. Instead of being rich and buttery with a hint of lemon, it was salty and lemony with no hint of butter. It tasted like 2/3rds of a tequila shot. I've done a salt water and lemon juice cleanse before and this tasted both saltier and more lemony than that. Every bite hit the jaws like vinegar and since we never got a refill on our drinks, I couldn't even wash it down. For some reason known only to them, they put the sauce on the steak too, Someone also salted the steaks so heavily, that when I took a sliver from one side, I could feel the salt crystals still on the meat. Not having anything to wash it down with, I stopped after the first steak nugget (I say nugget because each one was about the size of a large scallop). So I didn't eat my eggs or potatoes and I ate one steak nugget. When the waitress finally came back around, I told her I couldn't eat it because it was too salty and lemony. She said she told the cook but we received no discount or anything past "shrug" sorry. I told them. We ended up leaving so I could get some food. A very expensive brunch for not having eaten much of anything. I don't know if we came at a bad time, or the cook just really screwed up our meals or what. But the waitress should have known that an uneaten meal was worth at least giving a discount. That seems like bad training on the business' part.
(2)Catherine S.
Holy sweet molasses bread! A little bit of a trek from the CBD and French Quarter but on a nice day, take the Charles Street trolley out to the end of the line and enjoy a parade of lovely mansions. Dinner is served like a home-cooked meal at someone's residence. We sat outside in the fenced area (noise of the busy street takes some getting used to) because it was a nice day. The molasses bread comes out on a mini skillet and is served with honey butter. Honey butter is one of my favorite things so I knew this place would be a winner. Sadly if you want more than one mini skillet of this treat, it'll cost you $2 per serving (a table near us order an additional skillet per person!). We elected to save room for our entrees. These were a rabbit pasta and venison pot pie. Both were very tasty but I felt my pasta was a little overcooked (very limp). There is an extensive set of house-infused liquors. Worth tasting your way through these and their cocktails. I had a classic Sazerac. My husband had a few of their house-infused bourbons and found them to be excellent. Great weather, good food and drink, and fun setting make this a good dining experience.
(4)Rachael F.
Fun. Delicious. Homey. Vegetarian friendly. Amazing punch. Nice waiter. Very satisfying. Best meal I had in NOLA.
(5)Jasen F.
Went last night on a slow Monday night. The food was solid but the service was a bit uneven given the slow pace to start the night. I'll set the scene: Part right out front on a narrow neighborhood street. Walk in the restaurant and stand there for two minutes while the bartender, waiters, and the like buzz around. Finally, after ambling over to where I think the hostess stand is, somebody offers to help me. I get seated inside (choice of light or dark) and begin the waiting game. It's NOLA and it's a laid back town (I've lived in laid back locales like Hawaii & San Diego so I get it), but when folks get there spoon bread who were sat after I ordered, I have to speak up. My escargot cherry got squeezed here, dug into a trench of bone marrow and well done bread. The shrimp and grits was solid but not epic (no Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC). The brussel sprouts were a bit disappointing - the croutons seemed out of place and they were not well balanced with the rest of the ingredients in the dish. My server was a friendly, Seth Rogan doppelganger sort who seemed awfully friendly but I did not get many chances to converse with the fine gentleman. I'd come back but I think there are many other small bungalow style places equal to the charm of Dante's Kitchen in NOLA.
(4)Dana C.
It pains me to write this update as Dante's was one of my favorites, but the negatives that irked me the last time I wrote a review now far outweigh the taste of the food. Once again, it took FOREVER to get our entrees. A good hour between apps and mains. No one adressed it, apologized, etc. Their famous spoonbread came out with our apps, but we saw another couple who didn't get it until right before the end of the meal and some people had theirs with their drinks. In addition, there is a man who works there who was just plain rude and grumpy. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what but he came by our table twice to refill water/drop food off and couldn't be bothered to say "you're welcome" when we said thank you or even pretend like he wouldn't rather be anywhere else. The almost $40 cab ride to/from the French Quarter isn't worth it (you can take the streetcar, but they were doing work on it when we were there). Also, stay away from the Charred Bread app. It comes with burnt bread and three TINY little sides of essentially two relishes and an anchovy fillet. They don't mention the anchovy and I'm allergic, so I couldn't even eat part of it. Such a disappointment. There are so many delicious restaurants in NoLa, don't waste your time here.
(1)Rob W.
This was really great American food with thought put behind the recipe. The atmosphere lacks a lot and the service is seriously lacking. The drinks are a little over the top in hipster world.
(3)Hoa N.
Dante's is a small and quaint restaurant that serves up southern fare with organic and fresh ingredients. My friend and I shared the mussels and shrimp and grits from the small plates menu and we were already stuffed from that. We had our entrees coming still! We asked the waiter if we could cancel one of our entree order because we felt that we over ordered. They were extremely nice about it and honored our request. We had the roasted duck with fennel salad, and it was delicious. The duck meat was juicy and tender and the fennel salad was light with a nice citrus dressing. I hear that breakfast is great here, will have to come back for brunch next time!
(5)Ms D.
Service: Very attentive, friendly waiter. Food came relatively quickly and was served hot with great presentation. Prices: A little pricey but I would go again. Large portions as well. Environment: Tucked away at the edge of the Riverbend, this quaint little restaurant, With it's multiple rooms for dining, gives a cozy, comfy feel. Local art on the wall, soft lighting, the whole vibe is relaxing. The larger dining area the crowd was a little more #TurntUp but not loudly so. Parking: Neighborhood parking in a safe environment. You may have to walk a block or so for a spot. Food: Listen. I'm not an adventurous eater. Some of the food (like the dried meat appetizers ) were a bit too culinary for me but I don't regret the experience. The honey buttered, rustic spoon bread, was thoroughly enjoyed by very picky foodie cousin. She ordered lamb with a jalapeno spiced cornbread that was moist, flavorful and plain old delicious. I had THE MOST delicious, moist Chicken under a Brick ever. The BREAST of the chicken was so moist I dare you to distinguish it from dark meat. This dish alone is enough to make me a Dante's Regular. I skipped the bacon hash w/egg and opted for a larger portion of mashed potatoes with grilled onions,THIS WAS A TOTAL WIN. Delish! Desert selection was minimal. My cousin had a chocolate fudge desert of some kind and loved it. I liked Dante's Kitchen a lot. Would likely order the same thing. Thank you for reading. Ms. Dee.....
(4)Anna T.
HOLY CANNOLI!!! Best meal. The food!!!!! The ambience!!!! The service!!! The music!!!!! It's a great experience. In a city known for it's food and liquor this place really impresses me every time I come. Recommend the shrimp and grits, brick pressed chicken (of course) and the MUSSELS. Yum.
(5)Matt B.
Gosh. 5+ stars. I was on vacation when my girlfriend and I went here, and I would recommend it to my friends if they were traveling to Nola hands down. We started with the shrimp and grits which was a-maz-ing. Somewhat buttery grits with shrimp that were absolutely perfect. A wonderful start to a perfect meal. Secondly, the spoon bread which they give you is like a molasses tasting bread with corn bread consistency. It is on the house, and one of the best house-bread I have ever had. For the main course, I had the brick chicken, which was about the best baked chicken I have ever had. Nice citrusy fatty crunch to it which was great. My significant other had a red snapper with a type of very fun salad. Needless to say, if we are in the area again, we will be there!
(5)Olivier B.
Really good restaurant located in NOLA! We had dinner outside, the service was good and the dishes really tasty
(5)Jennifer C.
I LOVE this place for brunch. WE go often. But you must show up at like 10:50am on Sunday if you want a seat bc so does every one else in town. Their grits are hands down the best grits in town and come topped with cheese and corn and mushrooms. Any of their egg dishes are phenomenal as is their fish sandwich on focaccia with goat cheese. Had dinner here once and it was awesome. Recommend the brick chicken. I never order chicken at places but someone told me to order this who had been previously. Best f'in chicken I've ever had.
(5)Jennifer L.
This place is in the same price and genre categories as Emeril's NOLA in the French Quarter, so I was honestly expecting more of our experience. The food is also not at all Creole/Cajun, as listed, but more like farm-to-table. The place is cute -- an easily-overlooked tiny house with different rooms as eating areas. I appreciated the fresh ingredients, but everything just fell a little short . The drinks were good... but took 15 minutes to arrive. The pork belly lettuce wraps were tasty... but were prepared on lettuce too tiny to not end up having to use a fork to eat it. The molasses cornbread was original and just about perfect -- the highlight of the meal. I got the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick for my meal, but the Maple glaze was too spicy and too sweet, although the fried farm egg was perfect on top of the potato hash (which would have been better warm than cold -- not sure how it was intended to be prepared). Based on other reviews, I hope it was just a very off night.
(2)Geoff M.
It was my job to plan a great dining experience for my party of 6 while in New Orleans for a business meeting. Thanks to Dante's Kitchen I am now officially a Superstar as being able to choose the BEST restaurant experience! The restaurant is located in an old house with a lovely garden. The indoor dining tends to be in small, intimate rooms which was perfect for my rather boisterous friends. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered several small plates as starters, 6 entrees and almost every side available since they all sounded so good. Nothing was a disappointment. Although not usually dessert eaters, we decided to "go the distance" and we're delighted with our choices. This is really off the beaten path and sure to amaze your guests!!
(5)Hannah C.
Great brunch, get there early! Don't miss the bacon sticky buns and the grits are AMAZING.
(4)Kirsten B.
Fabulous cocktails. Excellent breakfast...from the biscuits to the bread pudding french toast (a MUST) to the bacon...all of it is delicious! Great atmosphere, reasonable prices.
(5)Marisa X.
Had Sunday brunch here.. It was amazing! The place always stays packed. If possible, call ahead to make reservations. Their bloody marys are excellent. They actually pickle their own green beans and okras. One of the best bloody marys I've had. Ate a few things off the menu and everything was excellent.
(4)Bill E.
Easily a five star review! Off the beaten path, worth the schlep to get there... sitting outside on a November night while it snows in the rest of the country makes it even better. The duck, have the duck. Also, I never order chicken. Have the chicken! Order as much as you can, even if you don't finish it. Delicious, across the board.
(5)Melissa L.
Dante's Kitchen is worth the trip out to its location, approximately 10 to 15 minutes outside of the French Quarter. Dante's is located in a residential neighborhood and is situated inside a house. There is a bar in the front room and at least 4 dining rooms, which makes for a cozy dining experience. All meals also start off with a serving of their spoonbread ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It arrived piping hot with a nice crust and tender crumb. We started off with several appetizers - the steamed mussels, beef cheeks and the shrimp and grits. The mussels were plump and juicy ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The bread was definitely needed to sop up the broth. The braised beef cheeks came with celery root puree and an apple and celery salad ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It was good but nothing that stood out to me. The meet was tender and pair well with the strong flavors from the celery and celery root. The shrimp and grits ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ) were outstanding. Four plump shrimp on creamy grits with a red eye gravy. This was my favorite dish of the meal as the shrimp was perfectly cooked and the sauce was full of flavor. It's one of those dishes were I could have easily eaten another serving. For my main course I ordered the chicken under a brick, which came with a fried egg and a potato and bacon has cake ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The chicken was moist and juicy and heavily seasoned. I found the dish to be really good, but the combination provided to be a bit too rich/heavy for me with the sauce, bacon and egg all on one plate. For dessert we split a slice of the red velvet cake. Yum. yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… They take their cocktails seriously here. A mixologist is on hand and they have jars of home made mixers and syrups lined up on the shelves. It's worth trying our some of their cocktails. Service was a bit uneven as there were times where the wait was longer than expected. The restaurant was packed on the night of our visit (a Sunday night) and the servers were really busy. They were really nice in their multiple attempts to help us find a cab to pick us up after the team. I would describe Dante's Kitchen as a typical hipster joint but without the hipster attitude I find that is so common, at least where I'm from. They put a great deal of care into the quality of their food and cocktails and their pride over their product is quite evident (and well deserved).
(4)G Z.
I really enjoyed Dante's. Our server was very sweet and obvious has a lot of love for food and the chef he works with. Just as I sat down, he swung by with dishes for another table so I could get a preview of the food. Nice touch! It certainly whet my appetite. The vibe of the restaurant is awesome. It's nice to eat in an old house and still have classy, local fare. The cuisine is modern Southern/Cajun. The drinks were great. Good wine list. If I lived in New Orleans, I would be here a lot.
(5)Michael S.
Had a great brunch here a couple months ago. Really chill and casual but the food was outstanding! Can't wait to back for dinner sometime soon!
(4)Tallman F.
I drove like hell to get there before 10:30 closing. I smiled as I walked in @ 955 only to be told they were closed for dinner, already. I was like, "huhhh????" I came back the next night determined to try the chicken under the brick. It was well-seasoned and moist.... not real tender but very very tasty. Cornbread in the skillet was decent and the grits were some of the best store bought I have eaten. Service is good... Make a reservation
(5)Jackie D.
Why why why do I choose to overindulge on the spirits, get 5 hours of sleep, and then go to brunch and expect NOT to feel like death?! My lapse in judgement the night before aside, Dante's was a great decision even in my dilapidated state. The restaurant itself is ADORABLE in an old house off of Carrollton, but seating is very limited so get there early! We got there right after they opened, around 10:15, and had to sit right inside the door because it was the only table left. Luckily, I came with people who had been here before so they knew what to order because their brunch menu just looked delicious on the whole. I started with a Bloody Mary extra spicy and we got the Bacon Cinnamon Roll and an order of biscuits for the table. WOW. The Bacon Cinnamon Roll, was just. SO. LEGENDARY. Sweet and bacon. It was nearly enough to snap me into the land of the living. The bloody mary wasn't my favorite as it was very horseradishy. Next time, I'll go with the Milk Punch and mix it with my coffee as my fellow diners did rather intelligently and raved about. Their biscuits are homemade and awesome, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside - how the perfect biscuit should be. They're served with 2 homemade jams that change seasonally, and the apple and strawberry that we were given were really tasty. As if I didn't have enough biscuits, I decided to go with biscuits and gravy for my entree because like the great Ted Evelyn Mosby, I believe the greatest cure for a hangover is GRAVY. Hell, its the greatest cure for anything that ails you or even if you are having the best life ever, gravy will just make you infinitely happier. But enough about my shameless love for gravy. These biscuits and gravy were SO amazing. The crispy homemade biscuits were topped with a heaping pile of HOMEMADE gravy studded with big chunks of sausage and then topped again with 2 poached eggs. YUM! As if this wasn't enough, they serve this heaping pile of goodness with a salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Its so good that when I couldn't finish it due to the aforementioned ailment and heated it up in the privacy of my home that evening, it was STILL a delight. You may be wondering why I've raved ad nauseam (PUN INTENDED) about this place and only gave it 4 stars? Well, our waiter could have been a little more on his game. He seemed a little out of sorts and was absent for large chunks of time as the people in our party trickled in and it came time to order. Other than that, my experience at Dante's Kitchen couldn't have been more perfect and I would love to go back for brunch or maybe a date night.
(4)Marco M.
Not cheap but at least the food was good. MY wife loved her crab and corn soup. I had a good salad and roasted broccoli. She had a seafood entree.
(4)Sara M.
Must go if you are in New Orleans!! I have never had such good grits, the shrimp & grits for an appetizer is a must! For entrees, I would go with Chicken Under a Brick or the pork chop. Both were delicious. I don't often get chicken when we are out to dinner but this one was just delicious! Ask for Matthew, awesome server!
(5)Joi B.
This is a review *only* for brunch and Dante's Kitchen does brunch right! There's something about eating brunch in a big ol' converted house that makes you vow to never spend late weekend mornings any other way. But don't think the ambiance is old timey country kitchenesque, rather it's far more modern & sophisticated (yet not at the risk of losing the homey vibe). We wanted to eat on the patio, as it was a really nice day, but it was closed by the time we arrived at 1pm. I was OK with that because inside is just so lovely. But next time, that patio has my name written on it. I appreciate that they don't accept reservations for brunch. Why, because I never ever decide until it's like noon on a Saturday or Sunday that brunch is all but necessary to function for the rest of the day. I can't plan brunch, I just have to feel it to want it. So thanks, Dante's Kitchen, for appealing to us impulsive folks. You need to know: it's a crime to NOT order a Bloody Mary here. Don't expect bells and whistles as far as garnish goes and that's fine with me because when the drink is this good, it doesn't need much embellishment. You get an olive, a house pickled green bean or two, a piece of celery and lemon and that's it. I ordered my Bloody in the extra spicy version so it was made with pepper vodka. My man ordered a regular Bloody Mary and that too is spicy, so take note if you're a wuss and need it weak. This is *Dante's* Kitchen, after all and didn't Dante love him some Hell? Easily one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. In fact, it's reason alone to come here for brunch. Oh, but yeah, the food is good, too. Phenomenal grits. I ordered them plain but "plain" is an understatement (you can order them with cheese too). They are incredibly rich and the texture just right. I had awful grits at a venerable NOLA institution last week that were lumpy and milky, so don't take good grits for granted! I also ordered a veggie omelette. Note that I don't like eggs and rarely if ever eat them. With that caveat, I'd say it was OK, but I gave half away and turned my full attention to the grits. I loved that it contains Gruyere and roasted tomatoes, but the shittake mushrooms had a rubbery texture (as they often do) that didn't work with the eggs. Again, I am not a fan of eggs, so take this as you will. There are sweet breakfasty things that look delish, but I'm more into savory stuff when it comes to breaking my fast. Next time, I'm going full starch ahead and ignore my inner qualms about not having protein first thing. I regret not ordering the biscuits as they look incredible. My ultimate plan, however, is to finally get here for dinner and try the Local Farm Vegetable Plate with tofu. It looks like the menu changes on the regular, a good thing, so I look forward to returning as soon as possible.
(4)Kenn P.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The order consisted of Salumi- Salame di Calabria, Saucissson Noix, she had chicken under a brick, which I ate most of and it was delicious. I had Trois Mignons with each one melting in my mouth. Oh and then we had Gingerlime Cake and Chocolate cream pie. Overall we had a blast, we sat outside, place got busy as it got later and everyone was enjoying themselves. Cab ride from the French Quarter is about $25 each way with tip and the above meal runs about $100 with tip. So for $150 it was well worth.
(4)Tamara F.
I have been meaning to write a review for this place, but I forgot and was instantly reminded last week when we went for Father's Day.. I had just gotten out of church and if I had known that I was going to have those sticky buns that they have for brunch with the bacon inside, I would have gone to church after to give the Lord thanks!!! I will just say it and admit it here.. I ordered two of them.. Yeah, I had some help from my family eating them, but I put a pretty good dent in them myself. Every single bite of the sweet cinnamon roll and tons of crumbled smoked bacon in it.. I have had dreams about those things since and they were damn good dreams.. Ok, so I would recommend this place just for that, BUT THERE IS MORE!! I got the steak and eggs and it was so good. The steak was cooked perfectly and the eggs were delicious. My man got the crab and brie omelet and it was awesome as well, but a little too rich for me to get it as my choice. Another family member got the eggs benedict and said that it was delicious. They are an awesome place for Sunday brunch, but they don't take reservations. When we got there, there was already a line outside and we were able to get in, but if you don't arrive right on time when they open and get the first seating, you might be waiting awhile... the host guy at the door was kind of rude to a few people and not so friendly, but after those sticky buns with bacon, he was an after thought.. oh yeah, they have some pretty cool drinks on the brunch menu and all their juice is fresh squeezed!!
(5)Julia B.
Dante's is fabulous! I've been here three times and everything I ate was absolutely delicious. First, the cornbread with honey butter they bring to the table. SOO so good, it's dangerous. Next, the shrimp & grits, the chicken under a brick, the strawberry salad, the redfish... everything we ordered was great. The atmosphere is also quite nice. It's a quiet, small restaurant, and it's really cozy inside. I really think it's a great place to showcase New Orleansy food uptown.
(5)David C.
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Uptown. My wife and I have come here a couple of times, most recently for Valentine's Day, and we are never disappointed. They serve an amazing spoon bread and I highly recommend the shrimp and grits. The bartenders are quite good as well, as the most recent visit had me try a gin cocktail that had this gin non-fan impressed.
(5)Fawn R.
The restaurant is definitely a place to try. We ordered and shared some of the meals and the chicken was the best. The two salads we ordered also were fresh and fantastic. I wasn't a fan of the crab soup or or the pasta but they were so Interesting that it was still worth a go. Also the service was excellent.
(5)Jules I.
We had to ask what some of the cheeses on the menu were. They were great. We had the beet salad (wonderful), shrimp & grits (good but spicy), vegetable plate (awesome), and double cut pork chop (to die for). We will return as soon as we can.
(5)Ellie B.
Brunch menu was very heavy--no light options. I have heard good things, so we decided to try it on a Sunday morning. Very long wait (hour and a half) and food was not what we were looking for while sitting in the hot sun outside. Consequently, everyone seemed to feel sick afterwards.
(2)Matt S.
I've eaten at this restaurant on nearly a half dozen occasions at this point. Consistently well above average to great cuisine. The ambiance is very solid. The staff are consistently good to great as well. Personal favorites have included chicken under a brick, Kale Greens, Trois Mignons Medallions, and the lovely "lagniappe" that is the cast iron cornbread that leads every experience. Having met "Eman" he's a personable fellow once you get him going. The restaurant has lost a little something since front of house master Neil McClure left to launch McClure's Barbecue over on Magazine, but the show here on Dante Street marches on. Dante's is definitely on my short list of places to drop by every visit to the Crescent City.
(4)Denise L.
The best place I ate during my stay in New Orleans. Definitley make reservations since it's a small little place, but with a good amount of outdoor seating. We started off with a bottle of chardonnay, and appetizers included beets, shrimp and grits, and escargot with bacon. The shrimp and grits were to die for! One of the highlights of the meal!! They also give you maple honey cornbread, which comes in a little pan with butter that's melting in. Very yum. Not too sweet, and not too salty. I ordered the Trois Mignons, but made a mistake of ordering it medium well. My friend's that was medium rare, was much tastier I hear, although both of ours were overcooked. The one with the pulled pork was my favorite, but I mainly ate the pulled pork. Mashed potatoes were good too. My friend's chicken under a brick, AMAZING! Chicken was so juicy and tender. The fried sunny side up egg was a great touch too. But, the sauce, so delicious and added the extra SHEBANG flavor to the chicken. Wish I had ordered that. From the reviews, I ordered the grapefruit chocolate cake. It was a very rich chocolate cake, with grapefruit ice on the side. It was hard to eat the two, and if I was a big chocolate cake fan, I think I would've enjoyed it more. My friend's caramel pudding was good, and the blood orange sorbet was great! A great place for dinner, and it sounds like the breakfast is great too! Our server was also attentitve and service was great from her. Would definitley come back!
(5)Steve L.
What a gem. By far the best meal we had while visiting New Orleans. It's located a short distance from the French Quarter, but it's worth the drive/ride to visit. We took the St. Charles Street trolley for just under $2 and arrived within 40 minutes or so. We made reservations through Open Table and upon arrival were immediately seated in one of the front areas, where we had a full view of the bar and surrounding areas. Our server was friendly and seemed very genuine. The cocktails were phenomenal. This whole mixology trend is a good thing - we tried the modern Old Fashioned (with rye), the Pimm's cup, the Fiona, and the Monocle. Each was excellent. We kicked things off with the beef heart, which was very interesting and quite good. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and was served with a wonderful "salad" of sorts. For our meal, we shared the oxtail, the seafood courtbouillon, and the brussels sprouts. Neither of us had ever tried oxtail before - wow. It reminded us of super tender roast beef; the mole sauce was among the best I've ever consumed; the polenta was divine. The cortbouillon was superb; a large fillet of tender fish covered in a tomato broth, and accompanied by shrimp and mussels (removed from their shells)... how can you go wrong? I should have inquired about what type of fish they used because it was quite wonderful. The broth was absolutely delicious and was a joy to mop-up with the herbed crostini that came with the plate. Brussels sprouts plain are fine by me, but Dante's covers theirs with bacon, smoked onions, and cheese... home run. Oh, so good. At the end of our night, our server called a cab for us, as we didn't feel like taking a bus or trolley. It was a very nice and welcomed touch. Dante's = WIN Solid 5 stars all around
(5)Dennis D.
i ordered the seafood dish (mahi mahi was the fish selection that night), and i wanted to bathe in the sauce. Similarly, i'll also bathe in the Chicken under-a-brick's sauce. After eating all of it, of course. Our server was awesome and accommodating. They sent out two free plates of molasses cake which was a better version of cornbread. And believe me, i love me some cornbread.
(5)Amanda K.
Food was great. I ordered the breakfast burrito. Meat inside was moist and lots of cheese!
(4)Marcus A.
Dante's Kitchen offers gourmet food packaged up down-home style, literally. The flame fueled, hand painted sign outside leads you to the front door of a quaint house. It's cozy and intimate and nestled away in the garden district, providing a nice change of a pace from the French Quarter environment. I've heard their alcoholic beverages are superb, but as I do not drink I am going on the words of others. I was able to try a smattering of dishes and enjoyed them all. Table bread is a molasses spoon bread in a house honey butter; it is delicious, moist and dense. The mussels in green curry were a tasty treat and the sauce had just the right amount of hot, sour and sweet to make you sop up every ounce with the accompanying french bread. The grilled shrimp and stone ground grits with an andouille red eye gravy was my favorite dish of the evening. It was rich and had some nice heat that chased down every bite. As far as entrees are concerned, I ordered the trois mignons. The house made worcestshire filet mignon was to die for. The debris filet mignon mixed in with the caramelized onion mashed potatoes was practically perfect. The stilton filet mignon wasn't as stellar as the first two, as I felt the stilton didn't really bring anything to the table. I also had a bite of the chicken roasted on a brick and the duck 2 ways. The chicken was good, but nothing spectacular, especially next to my expectations after reading the reviews here. My sampling of the duck was great. We ordered the apple tart with blue cheese ice cream, yes I said blue cheese ice cream. The blue cheese definitely came through and I'm still not sure if this was a good thing. I'm not big on desserts and this was fairly average.
(4)Chris H.
Extraordinary. I have made two trips to New Orleans from Biloxi just to eat dinner here. I am a big fan of their escargot. It makes a great, fresh, tasty appetizer. The second time I ate here, I got the shrimp n grits and the bacon wrapped scallops. I am convinced those were the best scallops I've ever had. Bacon happens to be my favorite food too. But the scallops! Tender, succulent, juicy with hints of lime and Creole seasoning. They melted in my mouth. They were monstrous in size as well so I was cutting them up like miniature steak filets to savor every bite. I am a big stickler about the size of my scallops, and these broke the scales. My coworker had the famous chicken under a brick. I didn't know chicken could be so moist and tender. For desert: peach cobbler with Creole cream. Not my favorite. The peaches were on the bitter side. Five stars just for the scallops though. This is a must~go place for visitors to the crescent city.
(5)Lindsay W.
I had heard such great things about this place, but I was not impressed. Good food but not necessary better than other brunch spots in nola. I'd suggest some other great places before Dante's. Oh, and their bloody mary - yuck. It was fruity.
(3)Bonni T.
I went for brunch and quite honestly I believe I enjoyed everything about my experience. The shrimp and grits...AMAZING. My boyfriend had the alligator sausage sliders and he actually enjoyed them. He is a simple man so I was surprised. They do a good job of adding a little bit of flair to traditional dishes.
(4)David B.
Similar to Jacques Imo's in price and quality. Usually slightly less crowded and slightly less delicious, I think. Favorites are: Brunch
(4)Daniel T.
One of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I've gone there many times for brunch or dinner and have always been satisfied. Order anything you want, it's all good here, and make sure you get an order of the corn bred!
(5)Momo B.
NICE BREAK FROM DOUBLE "C" This is definitely a destination restaurant to celebrate special occasions for many of the locals. It's also a little more expensive than the typical restaurant. The cuisine isn't Cajun nor Creole. It's eclectic American, bit Asian and who knows where fusion. We shared two entrees. Red fish steamed with a stalk of lemon grass, cilantro and ginger with a light sweet soy sauce. And the irresistible half" chicken under the brick" would be our other choice. It turns out that the two entrees were more than plenty of food. Yu-go chauffeur thought the entire stalk of lemon grass in the cavity of the whole Red fish was a bit over kill. The half chicken under the brick was baked to perfection with a sweet sticky molasses red sauce. Each entree was $26. Like it's menu, the furniture is very mixed and nothing relative to any theme nor complimenting the building's residential architecture. Space is tight and our seating less than comfortable especially during this cold evening. It is a casual dining facility with polite unsophisticated table service. A big turnoff to Yu-go chauffeur.
(4)Scott W.
One of the best meals I've had this year. The Chicken Under a Brick and Double Cut Pork Chops were outstanding, and all of the desserts were delicious as well. We dined at Antoine's, Galatoire's, and K-Pauls earlier in the week, and Dante's was at least the equal of every one of these. One little gripe...the bar area was very small and the bartender somewhat grumpy, but it's a small price to pay for a great meal.
(5)Heather G.
This is one of our neighborhood spots, how lucky are we! Dantes kitchen is in a cute little old house and the food is outrageous. The coffee was also wonderful, along with the cocktails. Easy 5 stars.
(5)Evan R.
Crazy expensive BUT perfect in every way. First they have an excellent selection of whine and in pretty sure they make their own sausage and salamis which they offer as appetizers; we tried each meat and it was all terrific. They have an incredible soup called mulligatawny soup which I'd never tried before, I highly recommend it. Main entrees are delicious and beautifully presented. I got a trois mignon with CARAMELIZED ONION MASHED POTATOES, and my friend got Basque Style salmon. We were both extremely satisfied. Out waiter was very professional, well spoken, and friendly. I felt like a Saudi King at this place. If you're willing to splurge for a night and drop some cash, than Dante's Kitchen is the place to go!
(5)Sabrina K.
Of all the places I ate at in New Orleans, Dante's Kitchen was my favorite! We came here for Sunday brunch before the Chargers/Saints game. It's a bit out of the way but def. worth the trip. This is an adorable converted home. It has small bar when you walk in and a nice patio outside where we were seated. We did have quite the wait, so we sipped on some Bloody Marys while we waited on a stoop across the street. After finally being seated we looked over the menu and I knew immediately what I was going to order: Eggs Benedict! They were the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had. They came on a homemade biscuit, not an English muffin. My cousin ordered the Crab & Brie omelette which was light and equally delicious. For sides, we got an order of the Alligator sausage patties-- amazing. We also got an order of grits with Cheddar cheese. They were very flavorful and on point. Every bite of food I had was delicious, our waiter was attentive, and the atmosphere was great. All the ingredients for a 5 star experience.
(5)Bobby B.
Extremely disappointing experience. Saturday Brunch. We'd always wanted to try this place and when we happened to be in the area, we decided to go for it. Pretty place. Interesting color scheme. Good hostess and friendly (albeit spotty) service. Girly got the breakfast burrito I got the steak and eggs (rare and poached). First, let me say that the steak nuggets were perfectly rare and the eggs were perfectly poached. Those are the only good things I can say about brunch. The Girly's burrito was super salty and the meat was dried out. The GIrly was able to eat it but really wished we had seen the waitress again until about the end of the meal. Never got a drink refill. As I said, the meat and eggs were cooked perfect. Some of the potatoes were burned and some were under-cooked with hard pieces in it and overly-burned onions. Someone had their heat up too high and didn't pay close enough attention. What really ruined the entire meal for me was the hollandaise sauce. Instead of being rich and buttery with a hint of lemon, it was salty and lemony with no hint of butter. It tasted like 2/3rds of a tequila shot. I've done a salt water and lemon juice cleanse before and this tasted both saltier and more lemony than that. Every bite hit the jaws like vinegar and since we never got a refill on our drinks, I couldn't even wash it down. For some reason known only to them, they put the sauce on the steak too, Someone also salted the steaks so heavily, that when I took a sliver from one side, I could feel the salt crystals still on the meat. Not having anything to wash it down with, I stopped after the first steak nugget (I say nugget because each one was about the size of a large scallop). So I didn't eat my eggs or potatoes and I ate one steak nugget. When the waitress finally came back around, I told her I couldn't eat it because it was too salty and lemony. She said she told the cook but we received no discount or anything past "shrug" sorry. I told them. We ended up leaving so I could get some food. A very expensive brunch for not having eaten much of anything. I don't know if we came at a bad time, or the cook just really screwed up our meals or what. But the waitress should have known that an uneaten meal was worth at least giving a discount. That seems like bad training on the business' part.
(2)Catherine S.
Holy sweet molasses bread! A little bit of a trek from the CBD and French Quarter but on a nice day, take the Charles Street trolley out to the end of the line and enjoy a parade of lovely mansions. Dinner is served like a home-cooked meal at someone's residence. We sat outside in the fenced area (noise of the busy street takes some getting used to) because it was a nice day. The molasses bread comes out on a mini skillet and is served with honey butter. Honey butter is one of my favorite things so I knew this place would be a winner. Sadly if you want more than one mini skillet of this treat, it'll cost you $2 per serving (a table near us order an additional skillet per person!). We elected to save room for our entrees. These were a rabbit pasta and venison pot pie. Both were very tasty but I felt my pasta was a little overcooked (very limp). There is an extensive set of house-infused liquors. Worth tasting your way through these and their cocktails. I had a classic Sazerac. My husband had a few of their house-infused bourbons and found them to be excellent. Great weather, good food and drink, and fun setting make this a good dining experience.
(4)Rachael F.
Fun. Delicious. Homey. Vegetarian friendly. Amazing punch. Nice waiter. Very satisfying. Best meal I had in NOLA.
(5)Jasen F.
Went last night on a slow Monday night. The food was solid but the service was a bit uneven given the slow pace to start the night. I'll set the scene: Part right out front on a narrow neighborhood street. Walk in the restaurant and stand there for two minutes while the bartender, waiters, and the like buzz around. Finally, after ambling over to where I think the hostess stand is, somebody offers to help me. I get seated inside (choice of light or dark) and begin the waiting game. It's NOLA and it's a laid back town (I've lived in laid back locales like Hawaii & San Diego so I get it), but when folks get there spoon bread who were sat after I ordered, I have to speak up. My escargot cherry got squeezed here, dug into a trench of bone marrow and well done bread. The shrimp and grits was solid but not epic (no Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC). The brussel sprouts were a bit disappointing - the croutons seemed out of place and they were not well balanced with the rest of the ingredients in the dish. My server was a friendly, Seth Rogan doppelganger sort who seemed awfully friendly but I did not get many chances to converse with the fine gentleman. I'd come back but I think there are many other small bungalow style places equal to the charm of Dante's Kitchen in NOLA.
(4)Vivian H.
We tried to eat the whole city, and Dante was one of our stops. We ordered some shrimp & grits for pickup en route to the bayou. Although it was a little cold when we finally got to it, it was still DELICIOUS. I really wish we had time to have a proper meal here. The place is super cute, the staff very accommodating, and there were so many things on the menu I wanted to try! If the shrimp & grits were any indication, you can't go wrong with the other choices.
(4)Ravi P.
I mean they just do it right. Their mussels broth should not be missed. Order it, and swear you will literally drink it. Also love the home made bread. Redfish wasnt the best i have had but chicken under the brick is a must try
(5)Dana C.
It pains me to write this update as Dante's was one of my favorites, but the negatives that irked me the last time I wrote a review now far outweigh the taste of the food. Once again, it took FOREVER to get our entrees. A good hour between apps and mains. No one adressed it, apologized, etc. Their famous spoonbread came out with our apps, but we saw another couple who didn't get it until right before the end of the meal and some people had theirs with their drinks. In addition, there is a man who works there who was just plain rude and grumpy. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what but he came by our table twice to refill water/drop food off and couldn't be bothered to say "you're welcome" when we said thank you or even pretend like he wouldn't rather be anywhere else. The almost $40 cab ride to/from the French Quarter isn't worth it (you can take the streetcar, but they were doing work on it when we were there). Also, stay away from the Charred Bread app. It comes with burnt bread and three TINY little sides of essentially two relishes and an anchovy fillet. They don't mention the anchovy and I'm allergic, so I couldn't even eat part of it. Such a disappointment. There are so many delicious restaurants in NoLa, don't waste your time here.
(1)Rob W.
This was really great American food with thought put behind the recipe. The atmosphere lacks a lot and the service is seriously lacking. The drinks are a little over the top in hipster world.
(3)Ms D.
Service: Very attentive, friendly waiter. Food came relatively quickly and was served hot with great presentation. Prices: A little pricey but I would go again. Large portions as well. Environment: Tucked away at the edge of the Riverbend, this quaint little restaurant, With it's multiple rooms for dining, gives a cozy, comfy feel. Local art on the wall, soft lighting, the whole vibe is relaxing. The larger dining area the crowd was a little more #TurntUp but not loudly so. Parking: Neighborhood parking in a safe environment. You may have to walk a block or so for a spot. Food: Listen. I'm not an adventurous eater. Some of the food (like the dried meat appetizers ) were a bit too culinary for me but I don't regret the experience. The honey buttered, rustic spoon bread, was thoroughly enjoyed by very picky foodie cousin. She ordered lamb with a jalapeno spiced cornbread that was moist, flavorful and plain old delicious. I had THE MOST delicious, moist Chicken under a Brick ever. The BREAST of the chicken was so moist I dare you to distinguish it from dark meat. This dish alone is enough to make me a Dante's Regular. I skipped the bacon hash w/egg and opted for a larger portion of mashed potatoes with grilled onions,THIS WAS A TOTAL WIN. Delish! Desert selection was minimal. My cousin had a chocolate fudge desert of some kind and loved it. I liked Dante's Kitchen a lot. Would likely order the same thing. Thank you for reading. Ms. Dee.....
(4)Anna T.
HOLY CANNOLI!!! Best meal. The food!!!!! The ambience!!!! The service!!! The music!!!!! It's a great experience. In a city known for it's food and liquor this place really impresses me every time I come. Recommend the shrimp and grits, brick pressed chicken (of course) and the MUSSELS. Yum.
(5)Matt B.
Gosh. 5+ stars. I was on vacation when my girlfriend and I went here, and I would recommend it to my friends if they were traveling to Nola hands down. We started with the shrimp and grits which was a-maz-ing. Somewhat buttery grits with shrimp that were absolutely perfect. A wonderful start to a perfect meal. Secondly, the spoon bread which they give you is like a molasses tasting bread with corn bread consistency. It is on the house, and one of the best house-bread I have ever had. For the main course, I had the brick chicken, which was about the best baked chicken I have ever had. Nice citrusy fatty crunch to it which was great. My significant other had a red snapper with a type of very fun salad. Needless to say, if we are in the area again, we will be there!
(5)Olivier B.
Really good restaurant located in NOLA! We had dinner outside, the service was good and the dishes really tasty
(5)Jennifer L.
This place is in the same price and genre categories as Emeril's NOLA in the French Quarter, so I was honestly expecting more of our experience. The food is also not at all Creole/Cajun, as listed, but more like farm-to-table. The place is cute -- an easily-overlooked tiny house with different rooms as eating areas. I appreciated the fresh ingredients, but everything just fell a little short . The drinks were good... but took 15 minutes to arrive. The pork belly lettuce wraps were tasty... but were prepared on lettuce too tiny to not end up having to use a fork to eat it. The molasses cornbread was original and just about perfect -- the highlight of the meal. I got the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick for my meal, but the Maple glaze was too spicy and too sweet, although the fried farm egg was perfect on top of the potato hash (which would have been better warm than cold -- not sure how it was intended to be prepared). Based on other reviews, I hope it was just a very off night.
(2)Geoff M.
It was my job to plan a great dining experience for my party of 6 while in New Orleans for a business meeting. Thanks to Dante's Kitchen I am now officially a Superstar as being able to choose the BEST restaurant experience! The restaurant is located in an old house with a lovely garden. The indoor dining tends to be in small, intimate rooms which was perfect for my rather boisterous friends. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered several small plates as starters, 6 entrees and almost every side available since they all sounded so good. Nothing was a disappointment. Although not usually dessert eaters, we decided to "go the distance" and we're delighted with our choices. This is really off the beaten path and sure to amaze your guests!!
(5)Hannah C.
Great brunch, get there early! Don't miss the bacon sticky buns and the grits are AMAZING.
(4)Melissa L.
Dante's Kitchen is worth the trip out to its location, approximately 10 to 15 minutes outside of the French Quarter. Dante's is located in a residential neighborhood and is situated inside a house. There is a bar in the front room and at least 4 dining rooms, which makes for a cozy dining experience. All meals also start off with a serving of their spoonbread ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It arrived piping hot with a nice crust and tender crumb. We started off with several appetizers - the steamed mussels, beef cheeks and the shrimp and grits. The mussels were plump and juicy ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The bread was definitely needed to sop up the broth. The braised beef cheeks came with celery root puree and an apple and celery salad ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). It was good but nothing that stood out to me. The meet was tender and pair well with the strong flavors from the celery and celery root. The shrimp and grits ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ) were outstanding. Four plump shrimp on creamy grits with a red eye gravy. This was my favorite dish of the meal as the shrimp was perfectly cooked and the sauce was full of flavor. It's one of those dishes were I could have easily eaten another serving. For my main course I ordered the chicken under a brick, which came with a fried egg and a potato and bacon has cake ( yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… ). The chicken was moist and juicy and heavily seasoned. I found the dish to be really good, but the combination provided to be a bit too rich/heavy for me with the sauce, bacon and egg all on one plate. For dessert we split a slice of the red velvet cake. Yum. yelp.com/biz_photos/dant… They take their cocktails seriously here. A mixologist is on hand and they have jars of home made mixers and syrups lined up on the shelves. It's worth trying our some of their cocktails. Service was a bit uneven as there were times where the wait was longer than expected. The restaurant was packed on the night of our visit (a Sunday night) and the servers were really busy. They were really nice in their multiple attempts to help us find a cab to pick us up after the team. I would describe Dante's Kitchen as a typical hipster joint but without the hipster attitude I find that is so common, at least where I'm from. They put a great deal of care into the quality of their food and cocktails and their pride over their product is quite evident (and well deserved).
(4)Nina T.
Absolutely love this place. I came for dinner and had the chicken under a brick and my mom had the trois mignons. Both were delicious. for an appetizer we had the boudin rouge with homemade sauerkraut. LOVED IT. I had to knock a star off for the noise. my mother and I sat on the patio for dinner and unfortunately could hear the road perfectly from where we sat. Also the patio could use more lighting, maybe strings of lights? But these small things wont keep me from coming back, the food was absolutely amazing. And i've heard amazing things about the brunch which i have yet to try. Soon.
(4)Jackie D.
Why why why do I choose to overindulge on the spirits, get 5 hours of sleep, and then go to brunch and expect NOT to feel like death?! My lapse in judgement the night before aside, Dante's was a great decision even in my dilapidated state. The restaurant itself is ADORABLE in an old house off of Carrollton, but seating is very limited so get there early! We got there right after they opened, around 10:15, and had to sit right inside the door because it was the only table left. Luckily, I came with people who had been here before so they knew what to order because their brunch menu just looked delicious on the whole. I started with a Bloody Mary extra spicy and we got the Bacon Cinnamon Roll and an order of biscuits for the table. WOW. The Bacon Cinnamon Roll, was just. SO. LEGENDARY. Sweet and bacon. It was nearly enough to snap me into the land of the living. The bloody mary wasn't my favorite as it was very horseradishy. Next time, I'll go with the Milk Punch and mix it with my coffee as my fellow diners did rather intelligently and raved about. Their biscuits are homemade and awesome, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside - how the perfect biscuit should be. They're served with 2 homemade jams that change seasonally, and the apple and strawberry that we were given were really tasty. As if I didn't have enough biscuits, I decided to go with biscuits and gravy for my entree because like the great Ted Evelyn Mosby, I believe the greatest cure for a hangover is GRAVY. Hell, its the greatest cure for anything that ails you or even if you are having the best life ever, gravy will just make you infinitely happier. But enough about my shameless love for gravy. These biscuits and gravy were SO amazing. The crispy homemade biscuits were topped with a heaping pile of HOMEMADE gravy studded with big chunks of sausage and then topped again with 2 poached eggs. YUM! As if this wasn't enough, they serve this heaping pile of goodness with a salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Its so good that when I couldn't finish it due to the aforementioned ailment and heated it up in the privacy of my home that evening, it was STILL a delight. You may be wondering why I've raved ad nauseam (PUN INTENDED) about this place and only gave it 4 stars? Well, our waiter could have been a little more on his game. He seemed a little out of sorts and was absent for large chunks of time as the people in our party trickled in and it came time to order. Other than that, my experience at Dante's Kitchen couldn't have been more perfect and I would love to go back for brunch or maybe a date night.
(4)Jennifer C.
I LOVE this place for brunch. WE go often. But you must show up at like 10:50am on Sunday if you want a seat bc so does every one else in town. Their grits are hands down the best grits in town and come topped with cheese and corn and mushrooms. Any of their egg dishes are phenomenal as is their fish sandwich on focaccia with goat cheese. Had dinner here once and it was awesome. Recommend the brick chicken. I never order chicken at places but someone told me to order this who had been previously. Best f'in chicken I've ever had.
(5)Joi B.
This is a review *only* for brunch and Dante's Kitchen does brunch right! There's something about eating brunch in a big ol' converted house that makes you vow to never spend late weekend mornings any other way. But don't think the ambiance is old timey country kitchenesque, rather it's far more modern & sophisticated (yet not at the risk of losing the homey vibe). We wanted to eat on the patio, as it was a really nice day, but it was closed by the time we arrived at 1pm. I was OK with that because inside is just so lovely. But next time, that patio has my name written on it. I appreciate that they don't accept reservations for brunch. Why, because I never ever decide until it's like noon on a Saturday or Sunday that brunch is all but necessary to function for the rest of the day. I can't plan brunch, I just have to feel it to want it. So thanks, Dante's Kitchen, for appealing to us impulsive folks. You need to know: it's a crime to NOT order a Bloody Mary here. Don't expect bells and whistles as far as garnish goes and that's fine with me because when the drink is this good, it doesn't need much embellishment. You get an olive, a house pickled green bean or two, a piece of celery and lemon and that's it. I ordered my Bloody in the extra spicy version so it was made with pepper vodka. My man ordered a regular Bloody Mary and that too is spicy, so take note if you're a wuss and need it weak. This is *Dante's* Kitchen, after all and didn't Dante love him some Hell? Easily one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. In fact, it's reason alone to come here for brunch. Oh, but yeah, the food is good, too. Phenomenal grits. I ordered them plain but "plain" is an understatement (you can order them with cheese too). They are incredibly rich and the texture just right. I had awful grits at a venerable NOLA institution last week that were lumpy and milky, so don't take good grits for granted! I also ordered a veggie omelette. Note that I don't like eggs and rarely if ever eat them. With that caveat, I'd say it was OK, but I gave half away and turned my full attention to the grits. I loved that it contains Gruyere and roasted tomatoes, but the shittake mushrooms had a rubbery texture (as they often do) that didn't work with the eggs. Again, I am not a fan of eggs, so take this as you will. There are sweet breakfasty things that look delish, but I'm more into savory stuff when it comes to breaking my fast. Next time, I'm going full starch ahead and ignore my inner qualms about not having protein first thing. I regret not ordering the biscuits as they look incredible. My ultimate plan, however, is to finally get here for dinner and try the Local Farm Vegetable Plate with tofu. It looks like the menu changes on the regular, a good thing, so I look forward to returning as soon as possible.
(4)C W.
Disappointed. It was not that great. We had the pork and redfish. Redfish was dry and for the cost, totally not worth it. Pork was also dry and pairing it up with a pancake was weird. Other small plates are just okay-- nothing special and def not 4.5/5 stars.
(3)Tony C.
Food was good, not great. Atmosphere was fantastic (we ate on the patio). Service was great, but a little slow.
(4)Tamara F.
I have been meaning to write a review for this place, but I forgot and was instantly reminded last week when we went for Father's Day.. I had just gotten out of church and if I had known that I was going to have those sticky buns that they have for brunch with the bacon inside, I would have gone to church after to give the Lord thanks!!! I will just say it and admit it here.. I ordered two of them.. Yeah, I had some help from my family eating them, but I put a pretty good dent in them myself. Every single bite of the sweet cinnamon roll and tons of crumbled smoked bacon in it.. I have had dreams about those things since and they were damn good dreams.. Ok, so I would recommend this place just for that, BUT THERE IS MORE!! I got the steak and eggs and it was so good. The steak was cooked perfectly and the eggs were delicious. My man got the crab and brie omelet and it was awesome as well, but a little too rich for me to get it as my choice. Another family member got the eggs benedict and said that it was delicious. They are an awesome place for Sunday brunch, but they don't take reservations. When we got there, there was already a line outside and we were able to get in, but if you don't arrive right on time when they open and get the first seating, you might be waiting awhile... the host guy at the door was kind of rude to a few people and not so friendly, but after those sticky buns with bacon, he was an after thought.. oh yeah, they have some pretty cool drinks on the brunch menu and all their juice is fresh squeezed!!
(5)Julia B.
Dante's is fabulous! I've been here three times and everything I ate was absolutely delicious. First, the cornbread with honey butter they bring to the table. SOO so good, it's dangerous. Next, the shrimp & grits, the chicken under a brick, the strawberry salad, the redfish... everything we ordered was great. The atmosphere is also quite nice. It's a quiet, small restaurant, and it's really cozy inside. I really think it's a great place to showcase New Orleansy food uptown.
(5)David C.
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Uptown. My wife and I have come here a couple of times, most recently for Valentine's Day, and we are never disappointed. They serve an amazing spoon bread and I highly recommend the shrimp and grits. The bartenders are quite good as well, as the most recent visit had me try a gin cocktail that had this gin non-fan impressed.
(5)Fawn R.
The restaurant is definitely a place to try. We ordered and shared some of the meals and the chicken was the best. The two salads we ordered also were fresh and fantastic. I wasn't a fan of the crab soup or or the pasta but they were so Interesting that it was still worth a go. Also the service was excellent.
(5)Hoa N.
Dante's is a small and quaint restaurant that serves up southern fare with organic and fresh ingredients. My friend and I shared the mussels and shrimp and grits from the small plates menu and we were already stuffed from that. We had our entrees coming still! We asked the waiter if we could cancel one of our entree order because we felt that we over ordered. They were extremely nice about it and honored our request. We had the roasted duck with fennel salad, and it was delicious. The duck meat was juicy and tender and the fennel salad was light with a nice citrus dressing. I hear that breakfast is great here, will have to come back for brunch next time!
(5)Matt S.
I've eaten at this restaurant on nearly a half dozen occasions at this point. Consistently well above average to great cuisine. The ambiance is very solid. The staff are consistently good to great as well. Personal favorites have included chicken under a brick, Kale Greens, Trois Mignons Medallions, and the lovely "lagniappe" that is the cast iron cornbread that leads every experience. Having met "Eman" he's a personable fellow once you get him going. The restaurant has lost a little something since front of house master Neil McClure left to launch McClure's Barbecue over on Magazine, but the show here on Dante Street marches on. Dante's is definitely on my short list of places to drop by every visit to the Crescent City.
(4)Denise L.
The best place I ate during my stay in New Orleans. Definitley make reservations since it's a small little place, but with a good amount of outdoor seating. We started off with a bottle of chardonnay, and appetizers included beets, shrimp and grits, and escargot with bacon. The shrimp and grits were to die for! One of the highlights of the meal!! They also give you maple honey cornbread, which comes in a little pan with butter that's melting in. Very yum. Not too sweet, and not too salty. I ordered the Trois Mignons, but made a mistake of ordering it medium well. My friend's that was medium rare, was much tastier I hear, although both of ours were overcooked. The one with the pulled pork was my favorite, but I mainly ate the pulled pork. Mashed potatoes were good too. My friend's chicken under a brick, AMAZING! Chicken was so juicy and tender. The fried sunny side up egg was a great touch too. But, the sauce, so delicious and added the extra SHEBANG flavor to the chicken. Wish I had ordered that. From the reviews, I ordered the grapefruit chocolate cake. It was a very rich chocolate cake, with grapefruit ice on the side. It was hard to eat the two, and if I was a big chocolate cake fan, I think I would've enjoyed it more. My friend's caramel pudding was good, and the blood orange sorbet was great! A great place for dinner, and it sounds like the breakfast is great too! Our server was also attentitve and service was great from her. Would definitley come back!
(5)Marco M.
Not cheap but at least the food was good. MY wife loved her crab and corn soup. I had a good salad and roasted broccoli. She had a seafood entree.
(4)Sara M.
Must go if you are in New Orleans!! I have never had such good grits, the shrimp & grits for an appetizer is a must! For entrees, I would go with Chicken Under a Brick or the pork chop. Both were delicious. I don't often get chicken when we are out to dinner but this one was just delicious! Ask for Matthew, awesome server!
(5)El R.
Dante's was great as always! We were seated a little late (which was a bigger deal for my mom than for me) but their GM was very courteous and more than made up for it by comping our first round. It was jazz fest weekend... We started with the salumi and the cheese plate which both were well-balanced and delicious. My selection was the braised fish. It was delicious! Great balance between the light, well cooked fish with the rich sauce (with a few baby octopi hiding inside). Definitely excited for another trip back!
(5)Steve L.
What a gem. By far the best meal we had while visiting New Orleans. It's located a short distance from the French Quarter, but it's worth the drive/ride to visit. We took the St. Charles Street trolley for just under $2 and arrived within 40 minutes or so. We made reservations through Open Table and upon arrival were immediately seated in one of the front areas, where we had a full view of the bar and surrounding areas. Our server was friendly and seemed very genuine. The cocktails were phenomenal. This whole mixology trend is a good thing - we tried the modern Old Fashioned (with rye), the Pimm's cup, the Fiona, and the Monocle. Each was excellent. We kicked things off with the beef heart, which was very interesting and quite good. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and was served with a wonderful "salad" of sorts. For our meal, we shared the oxtail, the seafood courtbouillon, and the brussels sprouts. Neither of us had ever tried oxtail before - wow. It reminded us of super tender roast beef; the mole sauce was among the best I've ever consumed; the polenta was divine. The cortbouillon was superb; a large fillet of tender fish covered in a tomato broth, and accompanied by shrimp and mussels (removed from their shells)... how can you go wrong? I should have inquired about what type of fish they used because it was quite wonderful. The broth was absolutely delicious and was a joy to mop-up with the herbed crostini that came with the plate. Brussels sprouts plain are fine by me, but Dante's covers theirs with bacon, smoked onions, and cheese... home run. Oh, so good. At the end of our night, our server called a cab for us, as we didn't feel like taking a bus or trolley. It was a very nice and welcomed touch. Dante's = WIN Solid 5 stars all around
(5)Dennis D.
i ordered the seafood dish (mahi mahi was the fish selection that night), and i wanted to bathe in the sauce. Similarly, i'll also bathe in the Chicken under-a-brick's sauce. After eating all of it, of course. Our server was awesome and accommodating. They sent out two free plates of molasses cake which was a better version of cornbread. And believe me, i love me some cornbread.
(5)Amanda K.
Food was great. I ordered the breakfast burrito. Meat inside was moist and lots of cheese!
(4)K M.
A vegetarian dish that doesn't taste like a menu after thought?!?! The bubbly and beer was on par and the triple cream on the cheese board stole my heart. M said the pork confit was heaven and T was all about the boudin rouge. Wouldn't recommend the apple pie but lawd this restaurant was AMAZING.
(5)Ben G.
Delicious, simple food. My friend and I both really enjoyed our meal, and Dante's got raves from other friends who suggested it. Nice atmosphere, not very loud, and attentive service. Can't find a reason why I wouldn't go back. Note: they only have drip coffee. No espresso drinks.
(5)Harry T.
Returned to this restaurant from a long absence that had memories of a good time in the past. The restaurant is different and it is acceptable in many ways. One major draw back is that the server informed us that we must give our entire order at one time. When you are new to a place and not familiar with how much food you want or even the size of the portions that makes it a bit difficult to enjoy the evening. Our server, Rosie Jean, was really great and did all she could to make the evening a positive event. We order three dishes and hoped it would be tasty and enough food. Once again not knowing the size of the portions it was a guessing game to order all at once. The Mussels, Scallops, and Carrot plates were all very good. Tasty and flavorful and very fresh made the dinner enjoyable. We also enjoyed two glasses of Chardonnay that was good and expensive. There are specialty drinks that are prepared with imagination and were also worth the effort to visit this restaurant. Service and the quality and taste of the food rates a four star. Having to order everything at once will cause a delay in returning for a night out on the town in the future.
(4)Marit B.
Wow. We found this place for Sunday brunch, got a table right away, and we were very pleased. Great food, service and atmosphere. We'll be back to try the house made bitters.
(4)Ellen J.
What a cute place this is! Lots of brightly colored walls (the color made me a bit nostalgic--if you check out the pictures I've posted of Dante's Kitchen, you'll see the same shade of yellow my dad--RIP--painted my teenage bedroom when I asked for "pale" yellow) Lots of happy shiny people (probably happy because they snagged a seat at this first-come, first serve brunch). Our server was equally bright and peppy. I love it when you order food and they reply with "good choice" or "that's one of my favorites" (I'm easy). I ordered the BLT&E, a sort of upgraded BLT made with crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg, which was runny enough to create a sauce of sorts. I ordered it without the mayo. I think they may have been out of arugula, because the L tasted more like spinach, but no matter, it was delish! I really loved the foccacia bread it was served on--so soft and buttery. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the slightly spicy bloody mary I enjoyed (how could I forget that?), which was full of those pickled things I like so much.
(5)Sharon L.
Four words: chicken under a brick. Favorite restaurant in New Orleans hands down. Southern food done right with a delicious twist to each dish. Everyone there is always so nice and helpful. They do a great job if working with my food allergies. And the food? Omg..so good. Love love love.
(5)Dedric P.
I came there because of the reviews and The chicken under a brick. OMG some of the best chicken I have ever tasted. Rich, extremely flavorful, and a little spicy, perfect combination. The wait staff was a bit standoffish. I had the mussels as an appetizer and they were delicious as well, loved the spicy seafood broth as well. Had a glass of reisling off the menu as well, is was just okay. Overall if you like chocked its worth coming to this place just for the Chicken Under a Brick.
(4)Randy M.
Dante's is tucked away in an overgrown building that resembles a home. We actually walked by it once. It was worth the confusion. The interior is sprinkled with local art and has a hipster vibe found in riverbend. We took the St. Charles street car up from downtown and enjoyed the ride through a very posh uptown. The interior is nice and comfy and the outside seating area is good as well. We enjoyed light bites including the crabmeat deviled eggs, a corn and crab soup and shrimp and grits. The food was delicious. There was a nice spice on the shrimp and a great gravy over the grits. The crab and corn soup was light and both ingredients blended well. The deviled eggs were a surprise hit and served on a bed of fresh field greens. Dante's is an excellent choice for an off the beaten path dining experience. They have a full bar with a variety of special drinks and a large wine menu. I would call ahead for reservations or plan on walking in right when they open.
(4)James O.
Dante's Kitchen would rank around a 3-4 star for yelp if it wasn't for bad service and bad management. I honestly feel that a two star rating is more generous than it deserves. Food was actually pretty average, and the desserts were disappointing for New Orleans. However what really irked me, was the brunch. We arrived 10 minutes before opening, only to then wait an additional hour and a half to be seated. Yes they were busy, except that when we were inside there were 6 empty tables (and still a line outside). Food was fine, nothing to write home about. Waiter service was also off as ours and many other tables water glasses remained empty. Clearly this restaurant would do better with a management team that knows what they are doing.
(2)Paul J.
This was my favorite meal during a 4-day stay in New Orleans. It's a bit of a trip - about a 15-20 minute taxi ride away from downtown / French Quarter, but it's well worth it. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. We ordered a bunch of things and shared. Everything was great, but my favorites were the shrimp and grits and the pork belly with coconut rice. Green bean kim chi was a great twist. Mayhaw jelly on the charcuterie was another pleasant surprise. Service was friendly and efficient. Reservations were essential. Great wine selection, and the cocktails were well crafted.
(5)Jim M.
UPDATE Took my mother the Dante's Kitchen after raving about it so much. She ordered the shrimp and grits and the boudin appetizers while I decided to switch it up and get the trois mignons. Additionally, we shared some of their in house made meats on a platter. Everything she ordered was wonderful as was the meat platter, but I had to update my review because the trois mignons was a huge let down. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were almost room temperature, as if they had been sitting out for a while, the three fillets were all unevenly cooked; I ordered them rare and they each ranged from rare to what I consider medium well and were all room temperature on the outside. Finally, they could have added a little more of the stilton blue cheese sauce, but that's not really where my complaint stems from. After my first visit where everything was absolutely amazing, and my mother's dishes which were also amazing, I was pretty surprised at the trois mignons. Hopefully it was just an anomaly. I will go back because everyone is so friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful but will avoid the trois mignons.
(3)Valery C.
** 4.5 stars ** Across the street from wonderful Brigsten's in uptown NOLA, Dante's Kitchen is yet another small restaurant located in a residential home on quiet Dante Street, although there's no missing the line snaking out the door before they opened for Sunday brunch. No surprise; while reservations can be made for dinner, brunch is first come, first serve. At opening time, the restaurant did not fill up from folks waiting before they opened, but probably did within an hour. There is something charming about dining in a setting that was once a home. The space is naturally cozier and more intimate. A lovely backyard garden offers outside dining. Inside, Dante's Kitchen's available seating is divided into multiple small rooms. Each area is painted in its own bold color; we spotted sunny yellow, lime green, warm red, and deep blue. Decor is simple, home-like, with quirky touches like a medley of lighting fixtures, and seating is casual. Our group sat comfortably across the bar, in the yellow section. Service was friendly and laid-back. The food is sourced locally. The menu is American, with a liberal Cajun/Creole influence, and their brunch menu has the usual suspects. The meal started strong with skillfully made cocktails, a deliciously balanced Bloody Mary with house pickles, and a creamy, spiced Brandy milk punch. The menu is disproportionately heavy on entree-sized items, but these also serve well for family-style dining with a group. Supplement with starters and sides, which are generally portioned small, making for a bite or two each person in a group. Four entrees, two starters, one side, and not a single disappointment; virtually all were impressively satisfying. The remarkable bacon praline cinnamon sticky buns are stunning; it sounds like overkill but on that crispy shell and fluffy light bread are the listed trio of flavors, somehow delicate, the sweetness restrained. Such elegance, an adjective I'd never think to apply to a sticky bun. Their lovely buttermilk biscuits are similar in crisp and lightness; one of the best buttermilk biscuits I've ever had, of the very few I could say I like. Fantastic grits, creamy with a subtle cheese flavor, perfectly paired with strongly spiced, jumbo grilled head-on shrimp and andouille gravy. Chunky corned beef and potatoes in a skillet, tasty and tender, great comfort food. Interesting pork confit; it only goes through a short confit prep so its more like a few days seasoning and slow-cooking 12 hours. Either way, tender and good with bright chutney and hash potatoes. Actually I enjoyed the fantastic eggs Benedict more; the roasted rosemary-scented pork loin is delicious on their perfect buttermilk biscuit, creamy hollandaise touched with honey. Alligator sausage are flat patties, visually unimpressive but tasty enough, although I think we all had in mind the juicy gator sausage on a stick encountered earlier on the trip. To an extent, I expected Dante's Kitchen to be good from prior research, although I don't always find brunch to be the best meal to judge a restaurant. This restaurant exceeded expectations, a consummate experience that was the best overall meal of this NOLA trip. Dinner is a must on my next trip. A highly recommended dining experience.
(5)Mallory E.
I've been here for brunch 3 or 4 times. Let me tell you one thing - get there early (there are no reservations at brunch) and order the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. You will not be disappointed. For this past Easter/my birthday we were seated around 11:30 - it opens at 10:30 - and promptly ordered three Sticky Buns. One hour after opening they only had one left. ONE HOUR. Other items I've tried: Steak and Eggs ($12.50) grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns BLT&E ($10.5) crisp pork belly, arugula, and local tomato with a fried egg Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes ($9) with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup The first time I got the BLT&E the pork belly was more like bacon/ham. The second time it was a big slap of belly. The Steak and Eggs are to die for. I suggest each member of your party eating a Sticky Bun then splitting a main dish. Or you can just bring the sticky bun home and eat if after your food induced coma.
(5)Phill C.
Wow! One of the best bites of chicken I've ever put in my face! The Chicken Roasted under a Brick was just so damn good. They take half of a free range chicken, maple glaze it, and cook it in a skillet with a hot brick pressing down on it. The special bricks are actually from the building's foundation. Anyways, you end up with some super juicy and delicious chicken. Plus you get a bacon hash cake topped with a fried farm egg. An awesome awesome dish and I can't wait to get back to NOLA for some more. This cozy little restaurant has some great food and super friendly service. Dinner always starts off with some delicious and complimentary molasses corn bread, served in a mini skillet and topped off with some honey butter. I also tried the Trois Mignon... the steaks were cooked perfectly and the debris was tasty. If you're visiting the FQ area, I'd definitely recommend making the trip over to Dante's. Plus you get to really see the city on the drive over.
(5)Fabian N.
Best brunch in town. Dinner is delicious too, but you need a reservation.
(5)Brian O.
This was supposed to be Dante's Kitchen, but was instead a popup called sasafras. Everyone has to start someplace. The dishes are (small) tapas size but were very tasty. A green tomato salad and a sausage of some sort - if they were full portions I would have enjoyed them more. Service? Well, there was none. There were people who brought things. A bar tender who measured - never seen then before in NOLA! But, it is a start-up.
(2)Aaron S.
One of my favorite uptown restaurants. It is located in a small house with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The setting is quite casual, but the food delivers time after time. At my last meal at Dante's I ordered the escargot with bone marrow (amazing combination) and the duck breast entree. The food here is simply fantastic, the atmosphere is nice (but casual), the service is always consistently good... I would recommend to anyone with the caveat that it is not a formal, fancy place. Just great food in a casual uptown setting...
(5)Jessica A.
5 for Service 3 1/2 for food. Our waiter Tiny made it an unforgettable experience for us even though he couldnt help that we had some issues with our food , he wanted to make sure we were truly satisified with our experience. If we would have had any other waiter i probably wouldnt even go back to this restaurant but i will only go back to him. My husband loved the chicken on the brick and the boudin rouge was amazing, oh and dont even get me started on the spoon bread with molasses...yummm!!! Even the desserts were amazing. I held out to make sure i had room for my entree and the plating was amazing! When the food came out everything looked amazing and my husband was very pleased with his chicken on a brick. I got the redfish on the half shell and it was beautiful when it came out. I unfortunately started to eat it and it was so spicy my stomach hurt. The waiter noticed i wasnt eating and i hated to send back such a beautiful dish but he(Tiny) insisted that i would be happy with my food. When i got the new dish it was so salty it was unedible. The waiter felt horrible and tried to make it right with dessert which definetely helped. Needless to say i was still hungry filling up only on appetizers, bread and dessert after holding out for an entree i couldnt eat im very skeptical about going there again. If i do go back i would definetely get the chicken on a brick and make sure you ask for Tiny!!
(3)Roco M.
Cute little place, very friendly staff and the food's fantastic. Had the grits with cheese and mushroom on the waiter's recommendation -truly great. Also had the scrambled eggs with alligator sausage and red pepper jam over a biscuit, which was equally great. Highly recommended.
(5)Veronica C.
Worth the wait. Very popular Sunday brunch, the best Bloody Mary (I had regular, extra spicy is an option). The "Debris & eggs" is delicious pulled pork with perfectly poached egg over a honey biscuit covered in a Demi-glaze hollandaise (a lighter rendition). My husband ordered shrimp and grits covered in a light gravy. Don't let the simplicity of these dishes fool you, each ingredient is seasoned and compliments the others. The flavor of the gravy was exceptional, the consistency of the grits enhanced the flavor and texture, the shrimp were individually seasoned, fresh, and delicious on their own. Exceptional food quality and flavor. Go patient (wait 30 min for 2, food to arrive 30 min), arrival time 11:30am on Sunday. Drinks are served quickly, attractive patio/porch waiting area. Umbrella-covered outdoor seating area.
(5)Abby N.
Updated: We've now had brunch at Dante's several times. It's still my favorite brunch in town. To date, the only menu item we've found disappointing was the French toast. I just can't get on the bread pudding bandwagon, and working its way into one of my favorite breakfast dishes didn't redeem it. Most recently, I had major food envy when my husband got the eggs benedict.
(5)Jillian W.
Great food, good service, cool ambiance. Our server was very friendly, professional, and attentive. The complimentary molasses spoon bread is seriously delicious. Wide selection of drinks and fancy cocktails. Don't discount the punch! In my mind punch is synonymous to jungle juice from the college days, but this was way more sophisticated. They make a different concoction daily - ask about it! Steamed mussels were decent. Shrimp and grits were super creamy and rich. Not sure how it compares to others in the area, but it was pretty satisfying in my opinion. Fish on the half shell tasted fresh and clean and prepared well. We greatly enjoyed the warm, cozy feel of this restaurant with the low lighting and separate rooms. It must have been a residence in its former life. It was a little too cold to sit outside, but the courtyard/patio seating looks very inviting as well. Definitely recommend for a nice, romantic date or even a group.
(4)Michael H.
This place definitely lives up to the hype. On a recent trip to New Orleans, we wanted to get out of the central business district and try something different. Dante's Kitchen really hit the spot. It is in a cute old house with lots of character. The food was remarkable. If you are trying to decide between the chicken under a brick and something else, go with the chicken. It is one of the best meals I've ever had! It tastes like a flattened, boneless rotisserie chicken that is pan fried in maple syrup and cajun spices. The wine menu is well edited and reasonably priced. You can take the St. Charles streetcar from the central business district and enjoy the views of the garden district on your way. There are also a couple of fun bars within walking distance if you arrive before your reservation. We stopped in to Cooter Brown's and had a delicious local beer.
(5)Tamia G.
Ok, seriously. How can the food be so so so fabulous EVERY time I return? My buddies and I drank tasty mimosas, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, and another drink named, "Purebred." I have absolutely no idea what's in it. But... What I do know is that Tyler put his foot in it! Purebred was fresh & feisty all mixed together. Tyler, how do you feel about cougars?! ;-) Our main courses: Veggie omelet, country breakfast (sausages, bacon, ham, eggs & grits); fluffy pancakes, Pork-steak & grits. Quite the expansive meal for only 3 folks, but Dante's food makes you wanna hurt yourself. It's THAT good! Don't miss it! This place is in my top 3 of all New Orleans tasty spots!
(5)Madi M.
Great restaurant off the beaten path with an emphasis on local, seasonal food and innovative cocktails. There are many menu items with New Orleans flare as well as a few outside of that cuisine. I had the vegi farmers plate with tofu and it was not only delicious but very refreshing after a vacation filled with deep fried oysters, soft shell crab and creamy everything. Our party of 4 sat outside and loved the ambiance. Cocktails were delicious.
(4)B Z.
Holy Cow. Steak & Eggs. Biscuits & Gravy. Freshly Squeezed Juice. Mimosas. Great Service. Best Brunch I've Had in New Orleans. Like the rating says, It's really as good as it gets. You're Missing Out.
(5)Peter N.
This place is awesome! Located in a, what use to be house, with friendly staff! There are some local art on walls of this restaurant that is available for purchase. This place somewhat gives a punk rock-like vibe, however the food is awesome. We only tried this place for brunch so this review is strictly on brunch, we ordered the following items: - Steak & Eggs, which is a grilled tenderloin with poached eggs topped with a bernaise sauce and served over hash browns, this was very flavorful, and delicious, however on all of our dishes, the eggs were slighty overcooked, which was very disappointing (hence the 1 start taken away) - Dante's Eggs Benedict, which is a roasted rosemary rubbed pork loin, sliced, and served over a buttermilk biscuit with honey, poached eggs, and hollandaise, the pork loin was delicious, however, one of my biscuits were burnt, and not being a complaining person, I did not bring it up, and the eggs on this dish was also overcooked, and was not given enough hollandaise.. - Roasted Banana Pecan Pancakes with Smith Creamery butter and cane syrup, was very delicious, I can eat this all day! - Cheese Grits, which consists of a variety of cheeses, was very good and cheesy, my companion isn't a big grit fan, but after this, she changed her mind! Overall, if every dish was cooked to perfection, it would of been fabulous, and because I know that those things can be easily fix, this place have a good potential of my return.
(4)Jessica J.
It's a little far out from the French Quarter, if you're there visiting, but totally worth the trek. My friends and I took a cab there and then the trolley back. There is definitely a wait and I was warned about that. However, the staff will let you order coffee and drinks to start while waiting on their patio. Their iced coffee was incredible! The bacon cinnamon roll... every table should at least have one. It's very rich so a perfect starter to share with your group. Their Bloody Mary was delicious and I had the debris benedict and I loved it. So good. The other food all looked really good as well.
(5)Jeremy C.
Fantastic food. I had the Trois Mignon, which was simply phenomenal. The service was slow all around. I am, admittedly, a New Yorker, so I'm used to a faster pace. We made a reservation for 8:45 and weren't seated until nearly 9:30, which is simply unacceptable. The waiter was very friendly, but extremely slow. I'd give them 3 stars for the relatively bad service, but the food is just too good. Overall, decent service and excellent food.
(4)Stephanie A.
This is about to happen.
(4)Chris K.
Fantastic seafood, and solid bar (with house -made liquor). Highly recommended.
(4)Jeff O.
You'll like it. Everyone does. I was surprised that they've been open for 10 years because it seems quite contemporary and unaffected by good reviews. The food is very honest, so is the staff. Pricing formats are fun as a mix of spiced gluttony and clean bites in small plates, large, and apps. I'd come here any day of the week, especially if I doubled my salary. There's seems to be a lot more in this progressive and timeless realm on new Orleans. I have a lot more to do here.
(5)Scott S.
( The following review is a script for the animated short video that can be found at youtu.be/tUMABFensKE ) Scott S. Damn it. What kind of review is this? Why do I look like Larry King's 8th's wife's 2nd husband? Lucy M. You? What about me? I look like I'm functionally retarded. I feel like I should be in a stars and stripes bikini shooting something with my boomstick. This is supposed to be a Yelp review, Scott! Scott S. It is. It is. I promise. But this review is extra special because it's an update for Dante's Kitchen, my most favorite restaurant in all of New Orleans. So it's movie time, bitches. Kakow, snip snap! Lucy M. I heard about your Pinkberry review. Are you sure you want to do this? This could be considered porn if you're not careful. Can you refrain from being lewd? Scott S. Lewd? Me? Do I look like a dirty old man or something? Lucy M. ... Scott S. Well whatever. Let's do this. Get into character, Lucy. Recreation of first brunch at Dante's Kitchen ever. Take 1. And action. Lucy M. Thank you for coming to brunch with me, Scott! I've really wanted to try this place out. Scott S. Oh hell yeah, there was no way I was letting you move back to Los Angeles without experiencing the foodie Nirvana that is Dante's Kitchen. Lucy M. Wow! Everything looks so good on the menu! Alligator Sausage Breakfast Sliders? Debris and Poached Eggs? Corned Beef Hash in a horseradish cream sauce? OMFG. Scott S. I know! Right? And look at the Dante's Eggs Benedict with rosemary rubbed pork loin, and the Bread Pudding French Toast! Lucy M. Bread Pudding French Toast? Are you fucking kidding me? With blueberry sauce even? Oh, it's on. And I need some stone ground grits up in here too. You in? Scott S. Let's do it. And I think I'm going for the special today. Lucy M. What's the special? Scott S. It's Grilled Mahi Mahi with poached eggs over goat cheese grits in a red pepper hollandaise... Lucy M. Holy moose shit! Really? Goat cheese grits? Scott S. I think I may need to pop a Cialis to eat here. Viagra won't cut it. I need a few days alone with this menu. Lucy M. It's like all local ingredients too. Amazing. Why am I moving back to Los Angeles again? Scott S. I don't know. Is there a Dante's Kitchen there? Lucy M. No. Scott S. Then you straight up crazy as a jojomba. Lucy M. Thanks Scott. What does that even mean? Scott S. I don't know. Let's eat, faithful jojomba! And may we bask in the glory of Dante's together again someday. Yelp NOLA will miss you. Lucy M. And... scene. Cut! It's a wrap. Scott S. (pauses) Nice tits. Lucy M. God damn it, Scott.
(5)Bret B.
Very welcoming staff. The host recommended a fantastic 2000 Valipocella to enjoy while we waited for our table -15 minutes. Food was awesome! Whole speckled trout, beans with beats and bacon, with cornbread. Great salad for first course. Damn that food good! Good for date or business dinner with right client (not for your Morton's guy). Also think this space is more conducive to smaller groups 2- 6. I was impressed our waitress knows her way around the wine list and recommended a nice 2nd bottle from Spain that really complimented our dinner. I will be back!
(5)Food Baby G.
This is my absolute favorite brunch place in the world !!! Was introduced to the place in 2009 and have been obsessed with it ever since! Never had a bad experience here, EVER. The staff is always friendly and the service/food is consistently excellent- if not better each time I go. Its cute, its tasty, and its my favorite!!! Love ya Dante's! see you soon!!!!!! P.S. Bring back the seafood cakes please!! kay thanks!
(5)Kathryn L.
The enjoyment triangle--factors that surround the enjoyment of good food--include 1) Service 2) Atmosphere and 3) Price Expectations. Usually, as long as you have 2 of the 3, you'll have the conditions to savor the meal. Dante's Kitchen fulfilled all three for me. The food is well crafted--they take their time, but the will let you know in advance that certain dishes, like the chicken, will take a bit longer--and you can taste that they are using fresh and quality ingredients. So here's my experience: 1) Service - We were immediately attended to when we entered and seated immediately (we had reservations, but even so, I've been to pretentious restaurants in Chicago that make you wait to be seated even when you do have reservations, which is kinda weird). Our waiter was attentive, but not overbearing and let us know that the "Chicken under the brick" would take close to 40 minutes before taking our order. When we asked about the wine, he immediately sent out a wine specialist to help us choose a bottle to go with our entrees. Overall, service was timely, friendly and not pretentious, and full of smiles. 2) Atmosphere - We were seated outside on the quaint patio (there were only about 5-6 other tables) and the lights came on as the sky dimmed. We watched the geckos bout as we enjoyed our wine and cheese plate. The inside, which we passed through, was not over the top but had an air of sophistication. Overall, a very humble atmosphere perfect for focusing on the main attraction: the food. 3) Price - We had already selected this restaurant as one of the nicer dining experiences (we were planning on BBQ and po'boys for other meals) and the average entree was approximately ~$23 (the Chicken Roasted under a brick s $28). And twenty-some dollars for an entree is pretty average across your range of sit-down restaurants. I've paid $20+ for mediocre scallops or pastas that didn't use the finest ingredients or did not take much time or skill to create so my expectations were right in line for cost, even better than expected. And the wine list was reasonable, too. Food: I had the Chicken Roasted Under the Brick and it was amazing and tender and flavorful. It is served topped with an egg (omg), and maple glazed bacon hash. Heaven. Bonus: The cheese plate came with pickled green strawberries (!!), brown butter popcorn, and pickled beets. Amazing combos with the cheeses. I love the idea of popcorn with cheese and the green strawberries were a treat! We spent our time savoring this collection of flavors as we waited for our food. Good attitudes, good food. Well worth it.
(5)James M.
Five Star all the way! We arrived after 8:00 P.M. on a Friday night, and were seated immediately. Our server, Jenna, did a great job, gracious and attentive. The food was delicious. We started with three appetizers, Bresaola, Charcuterie and Chorizo sampler, followed by spoonbread, the molasses cornbread other reviewers rightly rave about. Our entrees were Trois Mignons, Pork Steak and Chicken-Under-A-Brick. Everything was outstanding, we could not be happier.
(5)Edward F.
One of my favorite places to go for brunch in New Orleans. The eggs benedict over corned beef hash was amazing.
(5)Kelly M.
I sometimes get frustrated when traveling (especially to food meccas like NOLA) that there is no way I can know what eateries are REALLY worth seeking out if you only have a few days in a new place. Dante's, I am glad to say, is definitely one of those places. After a resounding 'you better go there or else' from family who had eaten there once before, it was on my list, and the place definitely lived up to the hype. Our waitress was super helpful and ran to grab the equally helpful and knowledgeable bar manager when we couldn't settle on a bottle of wine - the end result was perfect. First to arrive after ordering was the spoonbread - a total home run - that honey butter is the stuff dreams are made of, and a perfect compliment to the crunch of the bread. For food-food, we shared (and DEVOURED): - Scallops with pickled beets and cilantro oil - Mussels with blue cheese, beer and bacon - Braised beef cheeks with spaetzle and fried leeks (so winning. so good.) - Thit Kho - Vietnamese-inspired pork belly on a green onion pancake - Mustard greens with parsnips - Carmelized onion mashed potatoes Overall we had a great experience - wonderful people, interesting, diverse (but not overwhelmingly so), delicious dishes, and totally worth the trip out of downtown (that neighborhood Dante's is in is quite cute). Can't wait to go back!
(5)Greg A.
I found Dante's kitchen mentioned on a blog, after searching for farm to table restaurants in New Orleans. It's a bit of a hike from downtown, but well worth the trip, especially if you take St. Charles past Tulane and all the gorgeous homes along that stretch. But I digress. Drinks: definitely try their house-distilled spirits. I had the peanut bourbon and she had the coconut. Both were outstanding. We also did the absynth drip after dinner, which was really fun and sent us on our way with a great buzz. And it definitely created either intrigue or drink envy from the people around us! Apps: seared scallops. I loved them, cooked rare with just a slight sear and delicious flavoring around them. So fresh and perfect they could i'm sure be eaten as sushi. My girlfriend wasn't wild about how rare they were on the inside, with a temperature somewhere between cold & lukewarm. So depending on your preferences there you could love them or not, or ask for a longer sear. Entrees: I had what seems to be their most popular dish (but they were quick to point out that it's not their signature dish) in the chicken under a brick. I read lots of great reviews on it, and it definitely lived up to the hype, with a gorgeous piece of chicken on the bone, covered in a rich maple sauce and a potato cake with a fried egg over it on the side. Absolutely delicious. My girlfriend got the seafood stew. She liked it, but didn't love it. I think the dirty style sauce kind of overwhelmed the flavor of the seafood. Dessert: chocolate pudding. One word, amazing. This was a really fun and intimate dining experience, and one of the best we had in New Orleans. Go there if you're looking for something different in NoLa.
(4)Semira J.
This was great experience! The food was delicious. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Totally would recommend this place
(3)C K.
I just adore Dante's Kitchen. It's the quintessential uptown restaurant, right by the river, so peaceful. I love eating out in the backyard with the trees and the lights. This is my idea of good food with a Cajun twist. The only thing you need to know: CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK... A staple at Dante's and undeniably one of the best dishes. I've never been disappointed with it. It is so savory and sweet at the same time -- nothing short of amazing. They start you with warm gooey spoon bread -- it tastes like corn bread with magic inside. It holds you over when the food takes a while to come out. The local farm vegetable plate is an unlikely home run! Get lucky if they have turnips in season ;)
(4)Rahal K.
Delicious Bloody Mary. Although portions are smaller than other brunch places, the plates are delicious! I had the burritowhich was tasty to say the least. I do have a hankering for spicy food, and an affliction for hot sauce, so needless to say I was a tad disappointed when the waiter presented our table with Crystal. Others at the table ordered the Gravlax and Eggs Benedict, both of which were ready on the palate. The establishment touts their infused vodka selection and their ability to conjure up a tasty libation created especially for your palate. This was exemplified by a complex citrus pouring that my gf ordered.... it was okay. Overall a tasty location. Definitely a must if you haven't tried and a revisit if you already have!
(4)Dr. B.
Cool atmosphere, the service was great. We ordered the Escargot, Redfish with Crab & Citrus Salad , & the Crispy Confit Pork Steak. One of the best pork steaks I've had in the city. The courtyard is nice, as well the small, but intimate interior dining area. No need to go on about it, this place is worth the trip.
(5)Jean d.
5 stars with no hesitation ! Friendly staff, great warm ambience and absolutely delicious food !! Everything we tasted was unbelievable, with sweet and sour, really interesting associations of ingredients. A must taste in New Orleans !
(5)Brittany F.
Jonesing for the best brunch you could ever have? This is the only place to go. There's always something new on the menu, and everything they do, they do with perfection. The biscuits are heaven, and everything is truly fairly priced.
(5)John K.
Go here. Went with two friends for brunch and we loved it. Whatever you do, get the Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns. Heaven. I also had the debris and poached eggs which I could recommend and the alligator sausage was tasty as well. My buds had the shrimp & grits and thoroughly enjoyed it (the shrimp were huge...I guess that's a thing in new orleans?) with the brunch beer they offered from New Zealand. I will definitely be going back next time I'm in the city!
(5)Joyce I.
This place ROCKED! Loved every dish we had! The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. The mixed drinks were a little 'out there' but I appreciate the creativeness. They make a bunch of extracts. Bone marrow with escargot, corn bread...mmmmmmmm! One of my fave N.O. Places!
(4)Jason K.
I brought my wife here for her birthday and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to bring her somewhere that was as New Orleans (specifically Uptown) as it got and not be a tourist trap like most restaurants downtown. The scenery was very intimate as we sat outside in the patio area underneath a starlit sky. The only light was our candlelight and the lights that lit up the garden surrounding us. I'm all about ambiance and this place has it. Our server was very helpful from the moment we sat down to the moment I paid the check. She was eager to please and very knowledgeable about the menu. I'm big on that. If you know your menu like the back of your hand, you'll know how to upsell and, in turn, you'll know how to make your patrons happy. We started out with a bottle of nice riesling and their escargot appetizer. The marrow bones came with a bordelaise sauce that complimented it so well. I made sure to keep the leftover bones for my dogs which they absolutely loved. Next up for our entrees, I had their famous Chicken Under a Brick which consisted of a maple glazed chicken with a potato and bacon hash cake and topped with a fried farm egg. It was absolutely heavenly. My wife had the Roasted Duck Breast which comes in a panang red curry sauce and served with herbed fried rice and a mirliton-sesame slaw. We both couldn't keep our hands off the other's plates because both entrees were so wonderful. Everything about Dante's Kitchen was superb and it was definitely the right choice for the right occasion. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Marla J.
What a find. Nice and close to the St Charles street car. Great atmosphere in a NO converted home. The bartender was spinning some cool tunes that enhanced the unique cuisine. Very creative and original dishes. I love it when the wait staff knows the food they serve intimately and can recommend favorite dishes with wine pairing. We got there early for our reservation and we were promptly seated. The scene lends itself to conviviality and our neighboring table joined in their recommendations as well. That is a sign of a welcoming establishment when people are comfortable to converse with fellow diners. And the food????? Awesome. We started with the steamed mussels and Thit Kao, then proceeded with the Seafood Courtboullion and Trois Mignon. Both excellent dishes with delightful sauces and cooked to perfection. Ending with a trio of sorbets and the walnut pie with ginger ice cream. Arghhh heavenly. It is good we walked several miles everyday while in NO. Yes go to Dante's kitchen and feel the NO food love.
(5)Faith A.
I usually don't bother writing reviews for places that already have over 300 reviews because what needs to be said that already hasn't been said? Well Dante cheers to your 330th review. I felt compelled to talk about my great experiences that I have had over the years at Dante's Kitchen. The reason for that is....I hate breakfast. My husband LOVES breakfast and because I love him i grin and bare through the most painful meal of the day until we went to brunch here. Now I am a believer. Dante's brunch has completely turned my life around. I totally understand how breakfast can be the most important meal of the day. If this is breakfast than I am proud to shout from the rooftop that I love breakfast.
(5)Rachael H.
The wife says that this was in her top five meals of all time. I don't have a memory to speak of, so I can safely say it was my number one ever! Until the next best meal! The night was perfect. We arrived at 6:15 for our 7pm reservation, and the place was empty. We thought perhaps all the hype was for nothin'. Then Larry arrived. Good lord, that man is as handsome as the drinks were cold. (That has nothing to do with how the food tasted, but it did affect our experience positively.) Also, he was sweet as could be, consistently and non-irritatingly attentive. (The place had filled up by the end of the meal, not an empty table. And yes, the hype was well-justified.) Lala had the Trois Mignons, and said "MmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMmmmm" over EVERY SINGLE BITE. I'm not lying. Every single bite. I had the Chicken Under a Brick which is a strange name for something so delicious. I would eat it again right now and then have it again for dinner if I could. Drinks were great, ambience was perfect. We'd go again in a heartbeat if we could afford to fly to NOLA for dinner.
(5)Yu Z.
Snails with bone marrow? Color me sold. It was deliciously decadent.
(4)Patrick B.
I've eaten here a couple times now, and I enjoyed the food, but am not a fan of the music they play in here. They have good vegetarian options, and I really liked the pork shoulder lettuce wraps. The entree I ordered this last time was pretty good: homemade pasta, duck confit, peppers, delicious.
(5)Kelsey G.
AND THE BRUNCH LIST JUST GOT LONGER! Whether you're looking for a fresh mimosa, a spicy vodka bloody mary, or a trip down memory lane with their sweet and spiced brandy milk punch (think: egg nog or chocolate milk with breakfast), their bartenders cater to your morning fixins' while you wait, and you'll likely enjoy a couple during your time. As far as food goes, I'm still dreaming of cheddar and mushroom stone ground grits that defined what breakfast was meant to be. I could have just had that, but luckily a friend and I shared a special skillet of potatoes, vegetables and fried eggs- the best kind of "I'm so full and I don't care" bites of brunch. I highly recommend Dante's as a go-to New Orleans brunch spot!
(5)Anthony L.
This is one of the reasons I work out. So when I come back home I can put on about 10 lbs from eating at Dante's. No place like it on the planet! If cooking and good sex could have a baby, it would be named Dante.
(5)Monique D.
Great atmosphere! Very cozy makes you feel like your in someone's kitchen. I ordered the Trois Mignon - three 2 oz medallions each prepared a different way. Amazing favors!!! A definite value at $26. I also sampled the shrimp and grits and the chicken under a break both were delicious. Our waitress was new so she wasn't very knowledgable of the menu. Complimentary spoon bread that tasted like Grandmaws cornbread. Be sure to ask for seconds as we had a party of six and was told that we could only have one complimentary order. Just ask for another on the house! I would luv to eat at this establishment again
(4)Krista M.
Another place that is not near the hustle and bustle that most stick to while visiting NOLA, it is easily accessible by traveling all the way down on the St. Charles street car and then walking a few blocks. Tucked away on a quiet street, Dante's resides in a house. Each room has a distinct look, we sat in the blue room. A dark, cozy room that made you feel very relaxed. The bartender is a cocktail artisan taking his time to create the perfect cocktails and they were delicious. There is no standard bread basket at Dante's, but you are served a tiny skillet right out of the oven that is filled with a wonderful spoon bread topped with butter, it was sooo good. We started with some house-cured sopressata which had a hint of sweetness that was offset by the spices and black pepper, impressive. Yelpers seem to love the Chicken under a brick, so how could I pass it up? The chicken was so flavorful and juicy, it is a perfect example of what chicken is meant to be. Served with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The whole dish was amazing and succulent. The Trois Mignons with debris, house made Worcestershire, Stilton, caramelized onion mashed potatoes was excellent, the tiny fillet mignons were so tender; the sauces and 'debris' (which I think was kind of like a pulled pork) brought the flavors to another level. Great dish. Apple pie with a black pepper goat cheese ice cream, sounds strange, but my god it worked! The pie was fantastic. This was an incredible meal, you can't get much better than this.
(5)Lance N.
Nothing more than exquisite. It's an old style home. There are some unusual things on the menu but give them a try. The cocktails were great the sauces were great The service was amazing Felt like home
(5)Andrea Joy A.
WOW. When visiting my brother in New Orleans he took my husband and I here along with his girlfriend. The experience was absolutely top-notch. This is a funky uptown restaurant with charming, quirky (yet modern and fresh) decor in a converted residential home. There is a small bar where we hung out until our table was ready and enjoyed some of the bartender's original concoctions. (Shout out to the bar tender by the way, he was very personable and entertaining!) The tables were arranged far enough apart so that we were not forced to hear other diners' conversations, and our meals were absolutely outstanding. We started with the cheese platter which was "dainty" but very good, particularly the homemade fruit cake that accompanied it. While we were waiting for our entrees we were surprised with homemade cornbread on the house, served in the cast iron skillet in which it had been cooked. So good! I had the one vegetarian entree on the menu: local vegetables and charbroiled tofu. Delicious. My husband went for the notorious chicken under a brick and when he ordered the server (who was attentive and pleasant the whole time) told us it would be 35 minutes to prepare. I really appreciated his being upfront about this, and my husband decided to go for it anyway. He said it was the best chicken he ever tasted. My brother's girlfriend had the whole fish and said it was excellent. My brother said the same of his rabbit pasta. We also ordered a side of brussels sprouts (held the ham) and garlic mashed potatoes. Simply put: every single thing on the table was fantastic. We will definitely be back for our next visit...I want to try the brunch!
(5)Nikki G.
The best thing going is the sticky bacon bun.
(3)Kevin B.
Great food. Awesome atmosphere. In an old house so the dining rooms are separate. Very cool and warm feeling. I took a date here for a nice meal and wine. I got the Chicken Under a Brink entree and it was hands-down the best chicken dish I've ever eaten. My date got the pork confit and it was also extraordinary. Service was great. We were there late and the waiter came to let us know that the kitchen was closing in 15 minutes. We went ahead and placed our order and the waiter informed me that my chicken dish would take 40 minutes to prepare. I didn't know this and didn't want to hold up the staff so I said I would order something else. He would not hear of it, said it was no problem at all. I asked him repeatedly if he was sure and he assured me it was fine. The chef even came out of the kitchen to tell me that it was perfectly ok and that my dish was being prepared. It was perfectly cooked and I cannot say enough about the above and beyond service we got. We will be back.
(5)Dale W.
Sit back and have a drink with friends on the porch while you wait for a table for Sunday Brunch. The food never disappoints and the staff, in my experience, is very knowledgeable of the menu. If you have a group share the giant bacon cinnamon bun!
(4)Kellie H.
We tried to go to Jaque Imo's but it was closed on Sunday. Walked over to Dante's Kitchen and never looked back! Incredible food ( shrimp and grits. Wow. Mussels. perfect. Salads also really well done and local greens - makes such a difference). Great service, too. To top it off, I forgot my credit card (in a daze after the incredible meal...?) and we were leaving to continue a road trip in the morning. I was a little panicked and emailed them begging to get the card before we left town. Although they don't open until 6PM on Mondays, Mario prompted responded and told us to swing by in the morning to get the card. He saved the day! Just when we thought we couldn't love this place ANY more.... :)
(5)Dana M.
Great ambience and delightful food. Fun drinks-- pimms cup and something with mango infused tequila. We ordered edfish on half shell, scallops small plate, shrimp and grits, chicken on a brick. All of these were exceptional and we are picky foodies. So so was the corn bread. Salad with apples and cheese was fine as well. Will definitely be back. A new New Orleans favorite (along with Dick and Jennys, Commanders Palace and Mothers as must visit places!)
(4)Rosalind C.
What a great place. They handily accommodated our large group in a separate room, so we neither bothered the rest of the patrons, nor were we bothered by other patrons! The atmosphere is very cozy, since you are essentially in a renovated house. Service is very good. The food is the star. Several of us had drinks, which were all quite good, and we started with some fresh molasses cornbread, which we quickly devoured. I had the beef cheeks and the thit kho. The beef cheeks were fantastic, but I thought the thit kho was a bit on the salty side. We also ordered brussel sprouts and cauliflower for the table to share, which was great. The reason I am giving extra high marks is because they were incredibly accommodating of food allergies. This seems to be more of a thing now, so maybe I should just consider it the new "normal," but in my view, if someone can barely eat anything on the menu and you still serve them with a smile and they like their food... well, you're a winner in my book!
(5)Natalie V.
Came last night for dinner with husband and two year old daughter. we made last second reservations and were accommodated quite easily as it was a Monday night and raining. We were Seated promptly and I enjoyed a fantastic although pricey libation called the thar she blows. A strong gin and rum based tiki drink served in a giant head, totally worth every penny. Husband had a glass of french white wine which he said was good and complemented his meal. While they don't offer a kids menu our server offered to make our daughter non spicy shrimp and grits although we opted to just share our plates with her. Meal started with their delicious spoon bread and then probably the best starter we have had in a long time escargot with bone marrow, WOW!!!!! This dish puts all other bone marrow dishes and escargot dishes to shame. You wouldn't think it would work but it does beautifully. We also shared a cup of corn and crab soup which was also very nice. For mains I had the always fantastic chicken under a brick, it is half a chicken rubbed with spicy creole spices and broiled under a hot brick then served with a fried egg which you break to mix with the spicy chicken, Awesome! Hubby had the grilled gulf fish which was Amber jack served with dirty rice and bell pepper sauce, significantly lighter but very nice. Service was attentive but not stuffy and clientele were all dressed casually upscale. We have brought our daughter here before and saw another couple with a child. Disclaimer, this is not a Cracker Barrel and there are no crayons and kids menu this is an upscale restaurant that will accommodate families with well behaved children. There were no screaming kids or anyone running around so please make sure your kids can sit down in their chair or high chair and behave well before bringing them.
(5)Jennifer M.
Overpriced, small menu, great grits but terrible bread pudding. I did not bookmark them and won't be returning.
(2)Laura P.
Delicious! One of the best brunch meals we've ever had! I got the steak and eggs, fiancé got a pork dish, our friends got a pork tenderloin special. Everything was fresh and service was great. The mimosas were tasty as well. Will go back next time we are in town.
(5)Ashley L.
Well worth the wait! We went for brunch on Sunday and while the wait was 40 minutes we sat on the quaint porch area with mimosas that rival all mimosas. Dante's is quirky, eclectic, casual. I loved it. Each room has it's own flavor. We ordered the homemade bisquits, I ordered the shrimp and grits with a side of hashbrowns(breakfast potatoes) and there was a constant party in my mouth. The service left something to be desired, but i didn't care because the rest of the experience was so authentic new orleans.
(5)Kate H.
I have eaten here many times and the most recent visit was a big expensive disappointment. Super slow service and over $100 for breakfast is way too much. My kids didn't even touch their pancakes because it didn't say that "bananas" were in the batter on the kids menu. Bummed out that an old favorite is going downhill.
(1)Bug B.
I had been wanting to try this place for years and finally made it there. From start to finish, this was an excellent experience! There was a short wait when we walked in around 8:30pm, so my friend and I bellied up to the bar to enjoy a cocktail. The bartender was friendly and very knowledgeable. Once we were seated our server was prompt, courteous, and even had some time to chat with us a little. We started with the "Fruits, Nuts, and Cheese" plate--a perfect way to start a meal. My one complaint about the cheese plate is that, although the bourbon soaked fruit cake was delicious, I wished we had less fruit cake and more of that yummy cheese. Next was the escargot with bordelaise sauce and roasted marrow bone. WOW! Best escargot I've had in New Orleans so far. We paired this with the Seared Scallops with smoked peach puree and basil oil. The texture of the scallops were perfect, and the flavors of the dish were very balanced. If you like scallops, GET THIS DISH! For my entree I had the Trois Mignons. What an excellent idea for a steak dish. It was like getting three entrees in one. Each bite had a different flavor and I couldn't decided which one was more yummy. But the best part was the Apple Walnut Pie. This is the best apple pie I've tasted. Yes, it was even better than my grandmother's apple pie--and that's saying a lot. Their pastry chef is a genius! In sum, 5 stars! If you're on the fence about trying this place, i'm telling you right now to GO!! You will not regret it!
(5)Jim C.
This was my biggest disappointment of the trip. It's a small restaurant in uptown that just too much has a feel of eating at your granola-friend's house who is overly proud of her health-oriented cuisine but nothing tastes great. Yes, they have numerous vegetarian options but I wouldn't say any dish stood out for me. I had the Trois Mignons with three different sauces and they were served with mashed potatoes but the flavor just didn't stand out. I had a wonderful and funny experience in the men's grill at the swanky English Turn Country Club watching the Saints mop up on the Bears and I should have listened to the men in the grill who told me to avoid Dante's Kitchen in favor of Clancys. Next time in NOLA, I'll give Clancys a try.
(2)Ernie D.
A friend suggested this place for dinner and so we joined them there. I had the Chicken Under a Brick, which was absolutely fantastic. It was cooked just right and was juicy and delicious. I also tried some of the mashed potatoes, which were probably some of the best I can remember having. Our waitress was very kind and helpful and although it was a bit pricey for what it was I had a great time.
(4)jennifer c.
Tucked away on a quiet little street. If you're coming from downtown/ French quarter ask the cab driver to take the garden district route. Lovely restaurant with amazingly inventive and fresh takes on classics: escargot with red wine and bone marrow (my newly favorite way to enjoy snails!); dirty rice bread pudding with duck; local grape (mejia ?) sorbet. Interesting cocktails the table raved about (mostly scotch and bourbon based with homemade liqueurs). The service was impeccable, too. Definitely don't miss it!!!
(5)Cassandra Z.
Dante's Kitchen has an amazing menu. It is my favorite kind-of menu these days filled with farm-to-table heartiness. Venison pot-pie? Yes. Brussel Sprouts with pancetta and Gruyere? Bring-it. Boudain with white beans? Boom - put it in my mouth right now. However, the execution of these well-thought out dishes was lacking. The oddities of the ingredients just tasted odd coupled with the sloppiness in their preparation. My cauliflower tasted like sardines. Fish-flavor should never originate from anything other than fish. My venison was overpowered by the black beans. My gruyere was hardly melted over brussel stones...I mean sprouts. I give it two stars (not one) b/c the staff was really friendly and the Boudain was great (after they reheated it) I'm still compelled to return and give it another try. I really wanted to love this place. I should probably get that chicken-brick thing next time, but I'm scared it will taste like a brick.
(2)Josh I.
I must have come on a bad day because I was very disappointed. I had heard about Dante's kitchen for a long time and have wanted to try it for a long time. Here's a list of disappointments: 1. My omelet had fresh crab...and lots of tiny pieces of shell. I was picking them out of my mouth constantly. 2. I asked for no onions on said omelet and got onions. 2.5 The omelet was cold. (No, I am not just being a b!tch, all these things really were wrong with the omelet!) 3. The blood orange mimosa (at $9, or $1 more than the regular orange juice mimosa) contained basically no blood orange juice. I was pondering why I paid that extra $1 for a teaspoon of juice. 4. A cinnamon bun mysteriously appeared on our table. We were wondering if it was the restaurant's version of a bread basket. As we contemplated whether to dig in, it was taken away since it was for another table. 5. My friend ordered hash browns and got grits. He had ordered the beef tenderloin (filet mignon) and the pieces were tiny, just a couple bites, though this was not totally unexpected at the price. 6. They have an unusual practice (for brunch) of pricing their entrees with no sides. Sides must be ordered separately, at ~$3 each (e.g. a muffin). Entree prices are around $10-$12 and with those $9 "blood orange" mimosas and a $3 side, it adds up. Just based on all the crab shell in my omelet, never again!
(1)Song K.
Menu: Uninspired $$$ American (there were very few Creole/Cajun dishes) Some meat in some boring sauce with a side of veggies. But the question remains to this day:: how could the hype around such a simple dish so grossly contradict my own dining experience???? Chicken under the Brick, to me, was more like Chicken swimming in Teriyaki Sauce. The reduction might as well have been balsamic vinegar overloaded with sugar. Gross. The meat wasn't dry, but lacked luster since the sauce had not completely seeped into the meat. Without exaggeration, it wins the award for the most disappointing dish ever. The building that houses the restaurant is actually a renovated home on a residential block which affords an intimate and yet familial setting. My dining companions reported to have enjoyed their dishes. However, I don't plan on returning anytime soon...a contemporary American cuisine needs to create an innovative, themed menu in order to stand out. Dante's Kitchen, in my opinion, didn't.
(3)JP E.
My dining partners and I had the cheese board, the escargot, amberjack, duck breast and trois mignons. The best of the lot was the trois mignons. The amberjack was paired with black eyed peas which is very strange to me and just does not work. The duck was rare (is this a thing now?) and was good, but nothing special. The fennel slaw it was served with wasn't very interesting and was not eaten. The escargot were quite good, but could have used more toast (only served with two small slices). The cheese board was uninteresting and is served with crackers rather than a baguette. It was overall on the sweet side, if that's something you like. Cocktails were very good. Service was good.
(2)Michael E.
Overall not that impressed. The brick chicken was excellent. As we're the side of potatoes, but it was honey chicken and bacon potatoes, and I think this is a creole place. Everything else...apps and dessert...were sub par. Kinda a downer as I was expecting a lot better. Probably won't go back. I really wanted to like it. Maybe go once...
(3)Say N.
Food 5/5 I absolutely love this place. Dinner was so good. Next time I am in New Orleans I want to go a few times and try their brunch menu. We ordered escargot (omg soo good, order it!), seared scallops, thit kho (didn't seem like pork belly), squeak breads For entrees we had chicken (gahh delicious), pork, whole roasted fish, trois mignons. Go hungry and eat everything! The reason I gave four stars is because we had dinner the week New Orleans had that cold spell. we weren't at the tables closest to the door but every time someone came in or went out the draft hit us (brrr). Also, they kicked us out of our table (it was valid/people were waiting). They were nice about it but still I didn't like it.
(4)Tara P.
If you plan to eat out... Eat here!!!! This place is amazing. The cocktails are all unique and the most delicious small plates. We had the chicken under a brick. Almost made me cry it was so good!
(5)Kristy M.
It's been 6 months since I returned from my trip to Nola and what sticks out most about my trip is Dante's Kitchen. (ok, perhaps the music and late nights riding a mechanical whale?! were also memorable...but food is always first on my mind) I have a great appreciation for the way a chef takes a standard dish and adds his own flare for an awwe inspiring, mouth watering, can't-wait-to-go-back type of meal. Every dish here is handcrafted with fine ingredients and it's apparent each dish is carefully inspected before it leaves the kitchen to make sure the texture, temperature, presentation and overall doneness (that's a word, right?!) is top notch. The seared scallops were firm with a slighty sweet crust on the outside. Local Farm Veggie plate was incredibly indulgent with the fresh goat cheese and carmalized oninion croquette - it's hard to justify why anyone would rave about a simple vegetable dish but the way the sweet juices combine with the onions and goat cheese and just melts in your mouth makes you question what's so great about meat anyway?! The star of the show was the escargot & house made bacon with basil, goat cheese and vermouth - I'd come back to NOLA for this dish alone. Slip in to a cozy seat, order a glass of wine and take in the delicious ambiance and exceptional dining experience.
(5)Natalie H.
We were vacationing in New Orleans for a few days and we were planning on going to Jacques-Imo's for dinner on Wednesday, 8/8/12, but they were closed for what looked like renovations. Someone walking by Jacques-Imo's saw our depressed faces and recommended we go to Dante's Kitchen. So we headed on down that way while my brother checked Yelp to see the reviews of Dante's. The reviews looked good so we took a chance and we were so glad we did. Dante's Kitchen is in an cute little house with intimate lighting and homey decor. It's kind of hidden, honestly if we drove by and weren't looking for it, we might not have noticed it. There were three of us and we shared: Appetizer- scallops and the duck crepe Main course- brick chicken and the 3 medallion filet mignons Dessert- blueberry rice waffle and buttermilk pie Every thing was absolutely delicious. Our favorites were the duck crepe and the buttermilk pie, but everything was so amazing. The meals are definitely big enough to share. I have already recommended this place to anyone that will listen. Next time I'm in New Orleans I'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Shannon S.
Bad news: No lunch! Before Katrina I really enjoyed eating lunch here but after Katrina they have never brought lunch back and only do Brunch on the weekends now. There is a pop up BBQ restaurant that operates out of this space M-F for lunch and Tuesday nights for dinner. Good news: They have certainly stepped up the culinary level! They always seem to be featuring as many local and very fresh options as possible and the food is always excellent here. They have a nice courtyard and it is a very enjoyable place (especially at lunch so please bring lunch back!!!). The parking can be a bit challenging but other than that I've always had a great time here and the service has always been fantastic. I'm not a big breakfast person so I've yet to eat brunch here but the food is so good that it is probably just a matter of time before I get here (the next time someone forces me to awaken at some horribly early hour on the weekend).
(4)Andy H.
Wonderful experience. Food was uniquely prepared. Had several apps, with the shrimp and grits and escargot/bone marrow being standouts. Everyone loved the chicken under a brick.
(5)Emily M.
This converted old house is home to a fantastic culinary experience. I came here for brunch with some girlfriends, and we were impressed. Dante's is committed to using fresh local ingredients, so their inventive menu is always changing. If you come here for brunch, make sure you try the grits and biscuits. Grits and biscuits are normally something I would skip right over on the menu, boring. However at Dante's, they import the grits from North Carolina and infuse them with some of the most delicious cheddar I have ever eaten. This experience has changed the way I look at grits. Normally, I don't really like biscuits, but eating a Dante's biscuit is like floating on a cloud.
(5)Chris H.
I was sadly disappointed tonight. On previous trips, the meal was absolutely perfect. Tonight, we left with much to be desired. The service was decent, but the food was almost inedible. We had the Chicken Under a Brick. It was so spicy that we could not finish it. The egg was overcooked, and the potatoes were undercooked. I was embarrassed that I recommended this place to my friends. Such a disappointment. Hopefully, tonight was an off night.
(2)Jane T.
I'm currently hating myself for not coming here first during my trip to NOLA. Cuz if I did, I would've had dinner here every night. This. Place. Is. Phenomenal. Initially, we'd tried to make reservations for the weekend but that's something to be done far in advance it seems. Well ok, that's fine, let's book it for our last evening in town, which was a Monday. Yea, I'm still kicking myself for that one, but onto the review. As amazing as the appetizers looked, we decided to skip it and go straight for the entree, since we'd had a late lunch prior. We ordered 2 vegetables - smashed potatoes and cauliflower; and 2 entrees - slow roasted duck breast and confit pork steak & pork ribs. The duck was buttery, tender, delicious and the pork didn't even need a knife to cut through it. The cauliflower was the best I'd ever had - whatever sauce they put on top was just the perfect complement. The best part of the smashed potatoes was the bacon. Really though, it was all heaven. As full as we were though, we still opted for a dessert. My theory was "If the entrees are this good, can you imagine the dessert?" So we ordered the apple pie with goat cheese ice cream and the butterscotch pudding. I had a bite of the pie which was delicious but I couldn't keep myself away from the butterscotch pudding. The pudding itself was amazing but they top it off with salted whipped cream which was just pure perfection. As full as I was, I powered through that sucker. My drink of choice for the evening was the Pimm's cup. I knew after my first sip that I was going to have seconds - it's that good. Next time I'm in NOLA, Dante's every day.
(5)Beau B.
I am grateful that Jacques Imo's is so popular! If not for the 2 1/2 hour wait there and out stomachs running on E, I never would have stumbled into Dante's! Really great food, very friendly and prompt staff, cool atmosphere... Long story short, don't waste your life waiting for a table... Pop into Dante's! Definitely grab a glass of the punch!
(5)Helen D.
Get the chicken under a brick. Seriously. Besides the fact that this place is a $25 cab ride away from the French Quarter (i.e. $50 round trip), it is definitely worth a visit (and all the rave reviews). Highly Recommend: - Chicken under a brick Recommend: - Apply Brandy - Chai Rye Whiskey Good, but not crazy about: - Bacon Vodka - Citrus-Infused Vodka - Escargot and Bacon Appetizer Fit for foodies!
(4)Shamik T.
Very tasty. Barq's root beer sweet potatoes were surprising. I didn't think i'd like them, but very delicious. Beet salad was nice, but if I remember correctly, I thought the goat cheese was piled on a little too much. Colleague of mine swears by this place, and it was well worth the drive from my Canal St. hotel.
(4)Eileen Z.
Some of the best shrimp and grits I have had in the city. A staple brunch option but get there either early (or late) on a Sunday because it gets crowded. They have highchairs which is nice because you can bring the little ones!
(4)Charlie K.
Simply fantastic food, served in a casual atmosphere. Just go, and get ready for some seriously good food. A hidden gem, been around for a long time, and still going super-strong after all these years. Great service, too. Can't recommend highly enough!
(5)Hilary A.
You really can't go wrong with anything you order at Dante's. It's perfect for out of town guests or a special night out. (Please note I've only been during dinner, never for brunch -- I'll get right on that, for you, because I'm so selfless. Ahem.) First of all, spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread. Molasses spoon bread doused in butter and served in a skillet, fresh from the...oven? Anyway, it's piping hot and SO delicious, I asked one for dessert (which they could not honor because they were out. Boo.). The only possible rival is the cornbread at Jacqueimo's. Am I a carb queen? Yes. Dishes I believe you should try: Trois Mignons with delish mashed potatoes underneath, sauteed broccoli (Surprisingly good! We gobbled this up!), and the Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot duCreme (This is perfection in a mug, I tell you -- super rich, so share with a lucky friend!). Also, the lemon drop martini (or something equally lemony.. I'm blanking on the name now) was great. I DIDN'T love the mac and cheese (but I'm very particular about my mac and cheese), nor something like Louisiana fried rice. Tip: The waitstaff is supremely knowledgeable about the menu, so go ahead and ask! They won't even look at you like you're dumb when you can't pronounce the French words. P.S. Please don't eat the rabbit. Cinnabun begs you. :(
(5)Brandon A.
I've only been here for the Sunday brunch, but let me tell you, it was the best brunch I've ever had. My wife had the shrimp and grits, and it was so good I ordered one to-go. Unfortunately me and my wife didn't discover this great restaurant until right before Hurricane Katrina, so we haven't had a chance to go back, but we will definitely be back next time we're in town.
(5)Lynette L.
My dinner party group had a long, wonderful meal here in the back room. It was great for a private party. The service was excellent. To be fair and honest, one of members has been close friends with the owners for many years so that may have influenced our service, but I have no idea. The food was great. We did a lot of passing dishes around to taste and everything was good. I was 8 months pregnant, grumpy as hell, and really missing my wine, but the house made pickle plate and the duck two ways (a special, not on the regular menu) made up for it. I talked about that duck for days. Our waiter was terrific and deserved a medal for putting up with 9 well-pickled in alcohol ladies and 1bitchy pregnant woman. Not to mention that some of the boozier ladies may have been overly friendly. He was fun and gracious and never once threatened a lawsuit. Other great dishes are the chicken under a brick and the redfish on the half shell.
(4)Julie N.
Delicious food, friendly service and great atmosphere!! They have a good selection of smaller plates as well as large plates. I had the venison carpaccio, eloté (corn with Mexican cheese and spices) and the Benson cake. The venison dish was really flavorful with plenty of meat. The server we had was knowledgeable and the pacing was pretty good (the waitress seemed a bit stretched thin since we weren't asked about a drink with dinner nor were we asked about coffee with dessert). The atmosphere was really comfortable and private. We sat in somewhat of a sun room overlooking the lush patio. After eating at more than 20 NOLA restaurants, it's definitely in my top 3.
(5)Regina C.
i love restaurants located in houses. like, if there's such thing as a fetish for that then put me on that list. i just think it's such a cute idea. and everybody loves home cooking right? so let's just pretend that we're getting home cooking. when i knew i was heading to New Orleans, i discovered Dante's Kitchen via Yelp and immediately bookmarked it as one of my must-go-to places. i took my friend for brunch and we had a grand ol' time! we got the biscuits with homemade jams. now lemme tell you, i am not typically a fan of biscuits because they generally come out doughy and paste-like or dry and brick-like. but these were moist and buttery. and the jams were great too! the flounder and bacon sandwich was a super pleasant surprise. it was incredibly flavorful and came on an herbed foccacia. love LOVED this dish! the pork belly and fried egg sandwich was really messy but also very good. i would highly recommend Dante's Kitchen if you're in the area. surprisingly there wasn't a wait for brunch on a sunday. i don't know if you could consider it a hidden gem, as it's got 300 reviews, but i definitely considered it a fantastic find.
(4)E W.
We stumbled upon Dante's Kitchen on accident. We tried to eat at Jacques Imos, but they were closed for a two-week vacation. NOTE: apparently Jacques Imos closes for a bit every year, and this year it happened to be during our trip... Call them first. But Dante's was great. We only ate from their list of small plates, but if there are two people, you should definitely get at least four of them. We ate the blood sausage, duck crepe, scallops, and shrimp and grits. All were surer tasty and came out really quickly. The service was excellent too. I'd give it five stars, but it was a tad pricy. But definitely go there, and you can make reservations on OpenTable which was helpful too.
(4)Alan V.
Came here excited because of the reviews. We picked Dante's Kitchen over Emeril's for the night. Unfortunately we wished we had gone with Emeril's We arrived and were seated immediately with our reservation. Ordered a bottle of wine that the server recommended which turned out to be pretty good. Started with the Venison Prosciutto. The prosciutto itself was ok but the sauce used was a bit overpowering and masking the natural flavor of the prosciutto. I had the whole herb rubbed whole red snapper. The fish was cooked great and I would suggest it to anyone eating there. My wife ordered the Trois Mignons. This was pretty disappointing all around. The meat wasn't all that tender and all three cuts tasted the same mostly due to sauce. Did dessert and I ordered the Almond Carrot Cake. I wouldn't order this again, it lacked flavor and depth. My wife ordered the Buttermilk Pie which was much better. I probably won't be coming here again when I'm in town again. I was hoping for a great meal but missed out.
(2)Suzie H.
This is definitely an older-taste restaurant. Under the kids menu, it says "Pancakes" but they are Banana and Peach pancakes, which an a sort of unappealing. Everything else we ordered was great, such as the shrimp grits, etc.
(4)Stephanie C.
Wow. Worth the wait-- though i wish there was more space to wait inside considering it was raining the day we went for Brunch. Although, as a consolation they bring you drinks outside. I had a nice freshly squeezed OJ while I waited. And for Brunch you should go - it's the best (though I hear that dinner is also great). A word of the wise when coming down to NOLA- things aren't open round the clock, so you need to research when things are open, when they're offering brunch etc- i.e. I think Dante's closed on a random day of the week - like Tuesday or Monday. To drink, you should have the Bloody Mary. Best fresh okra and great spicy flavor. A big hit. We thought this place would have portions SO huge but the portion were pretty medium. (Not that that's bad or maybe I'm just a lunatic when it comes eating with my eyes). I did have two sides with my main; the hashbrowns (yum)- and my sis had the side of grits with mushrooms and cheese. I had the shrimp and grits as my main which was AWESOME. There is really no other place to have grits other than the South- up here, it's too gritty. Down there, it's all cream and buttermilk. Sooky sooky! The shrimp was a good compliment, even though they were a bit overcooked. The seasoning on them was spot on. GET IT. My sister had the Alligator Sausage which came on buttery biscuits. They were very dense though-- the sausage tasted like sausage from any other animal; but I sensed that alligator meat is white and flaky. In the end, everything checked out to well enough, delicious food. Dante's brunch is the ultimate Southern brunch. Other aspects of our experience was fine, such as the service (though the waitress brought me an omelet out at first- which I didn't order); the decor is cute and quaint- with a list of fresh, native ingredients at the register. I found this educational and adorable. Think Paula Deen's kitchen- but less obnoxious. Anyway, all in all a pleasant experience. Best brunch in NOLA while I was down there. And fun fact: it's across the street from Brigsten's!
(5)H Z.
appetizer I tried the escargots, which is inside a bone, with bone marrow., very delicious. I ordered the chicken which is the popular one, it is juicy and tender, a little sweet, very yummy! and they provide you with a cake instead of bread, which is very nice! I am going to come back to try other recommended dish.
(4)Alvin G.
Great brunch. Love the alligator sausage. Shrimp and grits. Bread pudding French toast with bacon.
(5)Briana J.
It's been over a year and I still can recall the delicious taste of their Brioche French Toast. Was it the Louisiana peaches, toasted almonds, or the whipped cream that made it so rememberable? Hard to say because each individual piece added so much gusto to make this plate complete. Put simply, if you are a french toast enthusiast like I am, don't miss Dante's Kitchen's Brioche French Toast! It sure is a wonderful, sweet brunch treat! P.S. Either it's been so long that they changed the syrup, or they change the syrup seasonally, but the menu now has Mississippi blueberry syrup and not Louisiana peaches.
(4)Eve K.
One of the top 5 meals I've ever had and one of my new New Orleans favorites. (Realized I never posted this review I wrote) Eve awards: best NO style BBQ shrimp ever Return worthiness: YES! Highlights: - BBQ shrimp: generously sized wonderfully cooked succulent shrimp swimming in a pool of tangy buttery New Orleans style sauce. I love this dish and have had fantastic ones around this ultimate eating town, but these win the best prize. Note: full heads and all so not for the squeamish. Being half Chinese, I'm not easily scared. - Glazed Chicken: sounds a bit boring but this under the brick chicken was phenomenal with the star being the maple glaze. The whimsical addition of the fried egg on top of the hashed potatoes gave you the comfort of breakfast with the savory fillingness of a dinner. - Strawberry shortcake: perfect end to a perfect meal. Cake was actually a sweet biscuit that had just the right balance of fluffy and dense. Grand marnier soaked fresh strawberries were a heavenly addition. Gotta leave it to New Orleans to add a little fun juice to your average dessert. - Atmosphere: quaint Southern house but modern, comfortable, and casual inside vs feeling like your grandmother's house and needing to be on your best behavior. Loved the levels and rooms as well as the blackboard with all of the fresh local ingredients highlighted. - Waitress: personable, friendly, knowledgeable, attentive--she had it all Midlights: - Strawberry mojito: fresh strawberries were wonderful but the drink as a whole was too sweet for my taste Lowlights: - Cab ride outside of the French Quarter (but admin it--you need a break from the quarter craziness anyway) New Orleans is my favorite eating town and I'm accustomed to being more than satisfied, but this one was the perfect meal from start to finish. Highly recommend it and can't wait to come back.
(5)Perry H.
Best brunch I've had in New Orleans...is it because its the only brunch I've had in New Orleans? Does it matter either way? Super good brunch in a great setting. Nestled in a lovely house there's a large outdoor seating area that's enclosed by lots of trees and shrubs so you feel like you're in someone's back yard along with a small little sun room area inside (for those that don't like the heat or spring pollen). I didn't venture into the main dining room but I kept seeing people scurried-off that way so it must be sizable. I was anticipating a wait but luckily we arrived for brunch around 11, maybe folks were at Jazz Fest, either way....no wait and excellent service. I had the shrimp and grits which were great but the start was the alligator sausage breakfast sliders. Sliders probably isn't the right term...more like biscuit...they were large and oh so satisfying. One cool thing I noticed while waiting to be seated was a board above the hostess stand listing all the locally sourced fresh ingredients - a very nice touch and what a sizable list it was... I've read about Dante's for the longest time and even ate across the street once at Brighton's (very good as well) so it would good to finally see the restaurant live up to its hype. I can't wait to return for brunch or try dinner...i'm sure you can't go wrong.
(5)David E.
I was on a Bachelor party with 15 friends last year and for our BIG meal we left the Crystal Burger on Bourbon and headed to Dante's Kitchen. This was legitimately the best meal I have ever been served. You know that show on Food Network? This would be, without a doubt, my choice. With this large group we were seated in a private room right off the kitchen. It was PERFECT. We could almost see our meals being prepared. We started off with many, many drinks. The service was phenominal. Never a dry glass. We were then all served our meals at almost the exact same time. Again, perfection in service. I, myself, chose the special dish of the evening, the rabbit. This was, most certainly, the best taste I have ever endured. Indescribable moisture and flavor. Stated simply again, the best meal of my life. Everytime I hear someone even mention that they might be making a trip to NOLA I immediately, without hesitation, describe this venue to them and make them promise me they will enjoy a meal here. Don't even consider other restaurants, head directly to Dante's.
(5)Ali G.
Super excellent tasty food enjoyed at a great table outside so just a bit of a shame about the somewhat too slow service; nearly worth the wait for the scrumptious food though!
(4)Mange T.
Finally went to Dante's Kitchen after hearing lots of rave reviews. Upon arrival, the atmosphere was quaint and the space cozy. Warm molasses spoon bread arrived, which made me love the place immediately. Who doesn't love free bread? Our waitress arrived and asked if we were ready to order. We ordered our drinks and appetizers but said we needed more time to look over the entrees. "Oh...um, all orders need to be placed together," she stated matter-of-factly. Really, is that the restaurant policy? Whether it was or it wasn't, she did a poor job of masking her irritation for the remainder of the evening. I ordered the chicken roasted under a brick (CRUB for short) with a side of fingerling sweet potatoes, and my dining companion ordered the duck breast. We split the shrimp and grits appetizer and each ordered wine. The wine and shrimp/grits were fantastic. Unfortunately, the entrees seemed haphazardly thrown together; the most memorable part of the CRUB was the accompanying potato and bacon mash. The chicken wasn't maple-glazed so much as it was greasy and doused in a watery sauce of maple flavoring. Half of the sweet potatoes were visibly burnt, and its dipping sauce pairing ("buttermilk cheese fondue") bore a closer resemblance to tepid sour cream. The duck, while presented nicely on a bed of Israeli couscous, tasted rubbery and undercooked. Breakdown: -4.5 stars for ambience. Place was intimate and had a lot of character. -5 stars for the Onyx Shiraz. 2 stars for the barkeep's anemic pours. -Sad that this caliber of restaurant continues to employ waitstaff with attitude: Waitress: "Would you like dessert?" Us: "No thanks, we're full." Her (sarcastically): "Good for you." Good for her for making sure she had the last word. -2 stars for entrees. Sounded enticing on the menu but were poorly executed. Flavors lacked complexity or nuance; lots of butter (seemed to be the DK M.O.) may make any dish taste better than it might've otherwise but doesn't translate to great food. Maybe my expectations of this place were too high, but this visit was pretty disappointing overall. Better luck next time, DK.
(2)Olga S.
the service, ambience, and the food were EXCEPTIONAL at dante's kitchen!! The red fish with the herb and crabmeat salad on top was one of the most memorable dishes my husband and i have ever had. the drinks were complex and exciting but most importantly, they were delicious. we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary there and it was the perfect night thanks to the staff and the food and drinks at dante's kitchen! we will most definitely be back.
(5)Betty N.
3.5 stars. Yes, very cute neighborhood restaurant. Food-wise, solid, but not the best NOLA food I've had. Ordered the following: (1) Peach mojito ($9.50) Good, but word of advice to the bartender: don't leave huge peach chunks in the glass and expect someone to drink it through a tiny-ass straw. (2) Mac and Cheese as a side ($4) I often use fontina and cheddar cheese to make this traditional fave, not sure what type of cheese were used for theirs. Just didn't taste right. (3) Grilled Gulf Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with an andouille red eye gravy ($9) This was my favorite dish of the night. Beautiful flavors and the shrimp were fantastic. Heads and all. (4) Birkshire Pork Spare Ribs peach bbq sauce, red cabbage slaw ($11) Thought this would be good, but it came out almost cold- not warm enough. The red cabbage was almost too vinegary and the peach bbq sauce was not pronounced, almost bland. It is definitely a local's joint. You won't see many tourists here. Would be curious to come here for brunch, but it is out of the way if you are staying close to the French Quarter. Dinner was borderline so-so.
(4)Seth R.
Loved the food. Unique and delicious. Service was great once we got a table, but had to wait almost an hour even with reservations, thus the lost star. A bit cramped inside, not not egregious.
(4)Sei S.
Good food and fantastic service. Had a friend who got sick from cab ride and staff was so friendly about it! On top of that, the whole fish was amazing
(5)Samer A.
One of our top meals in New Orleans. If you're thinking about Brigstens next door skip it and go to Dante's. Before getting to our order it should be said that these guys have a great cocktail list. Barrel aged drink that rotate, which was LI Tea when we were there. While I'm usually a just a beer/wine drinker at dinner, these drinks weren't the sugary garage most places serve that just ruin your appetite. We got a few items from the charcuterie menu. Good but not great. I wouldn't order this again. We got scallops as a starter and they served us a complimentary, what they called, spoon bread or molasses bread. Crazy stuff. Tastes like the best corn bread you can imagine. Scallops were awesome but it's a tiny portion. For dinner, the wife order the whole fish. I ordered a more Cajun dish with some grilled shrimp. While both dishes were good, I wanted to steal my wife's whole roasted fish. Just excellent. The couscous complemented it perfect as well. The cheese plate had some highs and lows but overall I was happy with it. Also a big thank you to our server Deanna who was excellent and went above and beyond.
(5)John B.
Thank u yelp. This is a find. The place is in a resudential neighborhood an old house which gave it the charm and atmosphere we were looking for. I hate to say we are followers which we are not but we followed the reviews to order. We started with the BBQ shrimp and grits. Being from the north I'm not a grits lover buit were they good. My wife ordered the brick covered chicken, it was everything that the review said. Moist and juices and full of flavor. Be ware that they make it to order and takes a good 20 minutes to cook. I had the Red fish with Herb salad. Very good though I thought the fish was slightly bland. The meal came with a cornmeal bread which was more like dessert. Our server Amy was delightful and the overall service was A ++.
(5)Damon S.
We had brunch here this past Sunday and it was incredible. We started off with the bacon sticky bun and it was so good! I enjoy savory and sweet together and this had it balanced perfectly. I had the trash and poached eggs. The eggs were perfectly poached and the trash had what I refer to as ninja heat - it sneaks up on you. I wasn't too spicy, just a nice subtle warmth on the back of my throat. My partner had the shrimp and grits. I didn't have any of the shrimp, but he said they were delicious. I did try the grits and they were thick and the most smooth texture I had ever felt in grits. We also ordered a side of biscuits. Wow! You have to try them, because words just are not sufficient to relay the experience of eating one! We are looking forward to our next trip to New Orleans and eating at Dante's Kitchen!
(5)Mark B.
I turn to Dante's Kitchen whenever I need a great meal that will impress my friends. I brought a group of visitors there this week. We ordered scallops and shrimp and grits as apps. The shrimp are always cooked beautifully. I wish they would bring back the bbq shrimp appetizer. The duck entre was delicious, too. My only comment would be -- I wish the large room in the back for groups of 6-8 people had the same intimate ambiance as the rest of the place. I love Dante's Kitchen. (review from 21/11/11)
(5)Sonia R.
I heard how great the brunch is at Dante's and I should specify that this review is for dinner not brunch. They have a very interesting menu and I think somewhat random? For example, their chicken under brick entree which is a popular option comes with a fried egg on top. The Molasses Spoon bread is the appetizer and you can't get anything like it anywhere else in the city. I recommend the three filet medallions each with something different topped on it.
(5)Jennifer R.
One of my favorite brunches ever! So glad we found this spot. We lucked out and didn't have to wait for brunch, and this place couldn't have been cuter. I felt like I was in someone's really cool house. Our server was very nice, and all of our food was out fast. Get the sticky bun, debris and eggs and bread pudding French toast, as well as a side of the biscuits. If you're into bourbon, try one of the house made bourbons. Yay!
(5)Alycia M.
Every year I spend the Independence Day holiday in New Orleans with a group of my girls, this year was no different. Though, when the excursions to New Orleans for this exciting weekend began in 2004, there was more partying and less relaxing and enjoying the local scene. The weekend always is centered around a great event that Essence Magazine hosts every year, the Essence Music Festival. Now that we have been there and done the crazy parties, this year we decided to change it up. Don't get me wrong we are up for a party if we feel the need. What I mean, is we finally got tired of doing the Essence Music Festival the same year every year. We would do the same things, eat the same things and hang out in the same areas. This year we decided, to skip the parties and focus on enjoying New Orleans. Rather than getting our beignets from Cafe Du Monde in a bag to go; we sat down and enjoyed them and enjoyed the music and the crowd. And the main change that we made was to dedicate an evening to leave the city center and enjoy a great dinner. After doing a little research on yelp.com . I stumbled upon this little restaurant in the Garden District called Dante's Kitchen. Dante's Kitchen is a quaint restaurant situated on what appears to be a neighborhood street, in the Garden District of New Orleans, not too far from Tulane University, 736 Dante St New Orleans, LA 70118. The night that we had reservations for, was completely booked, we were seated by the door and could hear the owner/host telling the walk ins that he couldn't accommodate them...great sign for us. So I started with a mojito, hey I'm in NOLA! But rather than a traditional mojito, I had a blueberry variation, that was delicious. Dante's service is great, our waiter made great suggestions for us. I started with the Grilled Shrimp and Stoneground Grits. I had had shrimp with the heads on, so that didn't turn me off at all, and the grits were perfect. So perfect I cooked my own version of a recipe I found on line when I returned home, check out my handy work. In the typical southern fashion, Dante's serves cornbread in a miniature cast iron skillet. But in not so typical fashion the cornbread is a molasses cornbread with honey butter on top. In a word...YUM!! In fact the couple next to us didn't eat theirs and we overheard the owner asking about it, and we said, if they don't want it we will take it. He thought we were joking. Next for the entree, we decided to get the Roasted Chicken Under a Brick, it was served with a potato hash, with a fried egg. This entree was delicious, the chicken had some sort of sweet seasoning, and when I broke the yoke on the egg, it mixed with the chicken jus and made a great sauce. The potatoes had a little bit of bacon, added to it. everything went together very well. I was apprehensive of the egg, but it worked. And as you can see the portions are not skimpy, but quality is not sacrificed for quantity. Dante's prides themselves on cooking local products, and so not only is the food down home elegance, so is their hospitality. The owner/host had the cab called and walked us to our cab at the end of the evening. What a great night. The weekend was about, music, family, friendships, food, and FUN, if you are up for it we will be in NOLA next year, same time same place, new restaurant visits. Taste big Dream Bigger Foodieengineer
(4)Tracy B.
I know a restaurant is fabulous when I'm still thinking and talking about it a week after I dined there. I hosted a party for some clients at Dante's Kitchen on February 21 and oh my stars, it was the highlight of my trip. We dined at Brennan's, Herbsaint, Bon Ton and Dante's burned past the rest of them as far as food and service are concerned. Our waiter, Larry was outstanding and did a divine job in recommending our dishes. The shrimp and grits were full prawns served with a rich andouille sausage gravy and I swear I could have eaten 12 vats of the stuff. We also had rabbit meatballs and gnocchi which were served in a tangy tomato sauce that rocked my taste buds. For our entrees Larry suggested we try the roasted chicken under a brick and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD who would think someone could make a chicken taste like that?? They slather the bird under the skin with a combo of Steens Cane Syrup and butter then roast the bird under a hot 200 year old brick. Out comes a crispy skiined, sweet tasting chicken with meltingly tender meat. I was so enamored by the Steen's marinade that Larry kindly brought me a can to take home. I found some bricks in my yard, so guess what I'm making tonight for dinner??? The other stars of the evening were the beef tenderloin, mussels and a veggie plate that had deliciously cooked Brussel sprouts glazed with a soy marinade. One of our guests at first refused to try them as he claimed he loathed Brussels sprouts. After he tasted these, he went back for seconds. We also gleefully devoured the root beer sweet potatoes ( you can guarantee I'll be making those for Thanksgiving next year), feasted on more of the most perfectly creamy grits I've ever tasted and were totally swooned by the rich and creamy mac n' cheese. Did I mention the complimentary molasses spoon bread slathered with butter?? I could die a happy person after this scrumptious feast. We insisted the chef come out so we could give him a standing ovation. Dante's makes their own fruit infused vodkas and we enjoyed kicking back several of their magical concoctions. Goji berry vodka=yum. I'm so glad we took the extra journey to Dante's. And to top it off? Our cab seemed to forget to pick us up, so Larry offered to drive us back to the French Quarter!!!!! Talk about fabulous service.
(5)Nicole F.
This was a great find. Like others, we were looking for a creole/cajun restaurant on a Sunday night that was open. Saw the yelp reviews of jacques-imo's that it was closed on Sunday and that this restaurant was just as good if not better. Absolutely dead on. It was great. The only thing that could have made it better is if the prices were toned down a bit. Having said that, appetizers and small plates were filling and gave you an opportunity to try more than one thing. Like they say, the spoonbread is good - but really more like a dessert. Loved the curried mussels but they definitely had kick with serrano chilies. Homemade boudin was delicious. Rabbit loin was tasty but didn't compare to the shrimp & grits. You think you've tried one shrimp & grits dish, you've tried 'em all. Not true. This had whole shrimp with the head on and all, in a new orleans barbeque sauce. The shrimp were then sitting in a creamy grits but with a brown gravy that was out of this world. I love to try new dishes, but if I went back to Dante's I would have to be handcuffed and restrained to not order that dish again!
(4)Shelley V.
Cute restaurant!! We happened onto this place after reading several positive reviews on Yelp... I ordered the Dante Omelette which came with potatoes, sausage, cheese and some other good stuff! Had a side of alligator sausage as well. Hehe, tasted like chicken! A very tasty meal indeed! I loved the decor and the staff were friendly and accomodating. The setting is a house and you could almost miss if you drive by too fast! Do yourself a favor, slow the HELL down and EAT here!!! And Dante's Kitchen, I will be back!!!
(5)Jack G.
Wonderful experience. Great atmosphere and terrific food. Long time New Orleanian and know the restaurants well. Could not have enjoyed it more.
(4)Melvin P.
My girl and I have been dealing with being in a long distance relationship by making sure that when we are together we eat at the nicest places possible (it's sort of a pavlovian conditioning trick). Sometimes, we find a well reviewed place is nothing but hype. My hypothesis is that there is a selection problem between who has good taste versus who is willing and has time to yelp. Yes, I am probably calling myself out and I am coming off like a dick but I have a point. That point is this: not every four star average place is really a four star restaurant. Case in point, ealier in the day, the lady and I dined at Cafe Amelie based on the strength of its yelp reviews. We had a terrible time. Dante Kitchen gets comparable ratings and is an amazing, amazing experience. The staff is AWESOME. The bartender is a true chemist. The crowd is a foodie crowd. The menu is amazingly crafted. We ordered so much: salads, escargot, squab, cake. The wine list is great. And the pricing is exactly right for the quality and crearivity. Coming full circle, this place is a true four or five star joint because to get here, you have made a journey. There is a positive self-selection. It is worth the trek. Ignore the quarter, eat here. Protip: if you like scotch cold, but hate the ice melting, order a scotch on the rocks here. They have some great single malts and they serve them with these massive ice bricks that don't melt because they are so icebergian.
(5)Uriia H.
I visited this place over the Thanksgiving holiday with a few friends, and it was phenomenal! The decor makes you feel as if you are in an actual kitchen....down to the dishrags as napkins. The atmosphere was very inviting and cozy. We began with the prosciutto appetizer, and of course it was delicious. I had the maple glazed chicken...came with a bacon and potato cake covered with a perfectly cooked egg. The yolk broke over the potato cake like a smooth flowing sauce. If you want a great dining experience, definitely try Dante's. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Recommendations are highly suggested.
(5)Annie G.
OH.MY.GOD. Can I just say, you'd think reading all these extremely positive reviews would give me too high of expectations for this place. But no - it's good to read the reviews, to find out the star dishes of this place. First of all, I loved that this place was casual and set inside a house. The different rooms had a lot of character, and it was a nice break from the other stuffy "fine dining" establishments that get the good reviews in New Orleans. I'm sorry, but I just don't like having to dress up to have a good meal, because I was here on vacation and didn't have any of my nice clothes with me. Now usually I dislike rating a restaurant based on a few good dishes, if they serve a lot of mediocre ones. But I can't help but give Dante's a 5 star rating anyway - maybe I did my homework and only ordered their best dishes, but all I can say is, this was probably one of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life. Let me preface this by saying I am extremely impatient and dislike when a restaurant messes things up for me. And this definitely happened at Dante's... we sat in a room with about 4 tables - we were the first ones who ordered in the room, yet everyone else got their bread before us (meaning, our bread got delivered to the wrong table THREE TIMES) Apparently some of the kitchen staff really can't figure out table numbers. If it wasn't for our super friendly, awesome waiter "Tiny" (his real name is Larry but they write "Tiny" on the bill as a joke) I would probably have been extremely upset throughout the entire meal. Luckily we had a great waiter, so I let the kitchen staff errors slide. The spoon bread, when we finally received ours, was so delicious, it was worth the wait. I wanted one for myself, but am glad I didn't ask for it, because it would have made me too full to enjoy the rest of the meal. We got sweet potato mash, the chicken under a brick, and the three mignons. I also ordered a bourbon sampler kuz, why not? The sweet potato mash was very good - sweet but not overly sweet. I couldn't really taste the root beer in it, unfortunately. The chicken under a brick was the star of the night. Seriously, if you come here, you HAVE to try this dish. The maple glaze sauce was simply divine. I could not get enough of it! And at first I thought the hash that came on the side was just okay - it's a pile of smokey potatoes with a runny egg laying on top. But once I broke the egg and the yolk ran down the smoky potatoes, it turned the hash into a creamy delight. The three mignons were also delicious, but were upstaged by the chicken. I liked the different flavors of the different beef medallions. Our super waiter felt so bad for the bread mix-up that he comped 2 desserts for us, which was also unnecessary but so nice of him. We tried the tomato gelato which was surprisingly good and refreshing (tho it tasted like it could have been tomato-watermelon). We also got the olive oil cake, which was also delicious. I had a hard time stuffing it all in after the delicious entrees, so I didn't have much of the cake. If I ever come back to Nawlins, even if only for a night, I am definitely coming back to Dante's. It's very rare that a restaurant makes this great an impression on me.
(5)Amanda V.
We made a reservation for dinner, and was seated within 5 minutes. Service is super slow. Maybe Yelp hyped up the chicken roasted under a brick but I didn't really think it was that good. Nothing special about it really. The bread they served was also just okay. Boyfriend got the beef heart and cheeks. He didn't think it was anything spectacular as well. Overall, our general consensus was that we will probably not come back, but it might be a good place to try for others.
(2)Eric F.
My buddies have been talking this place up since their first meal as 1L's, so when I came down to visit, it was a must try. We foolishly tried to walk in on Wednesday at 7:45 (always get a reservation!) and there were no seats. We were humbled, crushed, shocked and distraught. Oh Fortuna, you capricious sprite! (plus ten to anyone who gets that reference). "Just give him our number in case their are any cancellations" opined my dejected friend. We returned to provide our emergency contact number and were greeted in a most glorious fashion! "Hey, weren't you guys just here? We just got a cancellation if you can sit right now." Disaster averted, Fortuna evidently was smiling upon my being when I endeavored to undertake the consumption of this gastronomic masterpiece: Spoonbread Pimm's Cup Shrimp & Grits Chicken Under a Brick Nice bottle of Pinot Noir Is there a better way to spend your last night in New Orleans? You can have your French Quarter madness. I'll take Dante's.
(5)William S.
The train ride off St. Charles was scenic even at night and a great way to get here. Its a few blocks walk and friends were already joyful; we all had a cocktail and we're ready to have a good dinner. We had 8PM reservations and the wait was not too long, check. We were met with a smiling waitperson and we found out the vegetables for the evening and a little description about the restaurant and the food. This already piqued my yummytummy meter, LOL. No Reveillon but I was very much into the menu. I loved the difference, deliciously sounding dishes and a vegetable plate. I had a simple corn and crab soup, something simple yet luscious with generous lump crab meat that you can only get in NOLA. I had the wild mussels after was an amazing dish. I had the trois mignons for my entree. For the trois mignons, I wanted to try Dant'es debris sauce which turned out to be out-of-this-world. I almost wish I had my favorite crusty french bread so sop up the flavorful goodness, the cheese the really incredible accompaniments. I had my favorite zin with this entree which sent me to heaven and back! My two other friends were just awestruck about this find and their dishes as one said was, "Unforgettable". We loved the food here. This is going to be a more than one visit restaurant next time I come back. We were very much impressed by the wine list at Dantes. To have my favorite Zinfandel by the glass was very much appreciated also. For the most part wines were reasonably priced and well selected. This restaurant supports local farmers which reminds me of one of my favorites in Seattle, Lark. After this experience, I must say I love this restaurant and its formula--a definitely must-visit for me next time I am in Nawlins. We took a cab back to the French Quarter loving life, LOL. It's funny what incredible food, amazing wine and good friends do to one's disposition. It will take me some time to forget this restaurant and I think will want to come back to NOLA as soon as I can so that I can experience the cooking here again.
(4)Jen L.
Up until now I had never had a disappointment at Dante's; it has always been one of my favorites. I don't know if it was the early spring menu or that I went on a Monday night...or that the Monday night was the day after the Saints won the Superbowl (WhoDat!) but my meal was weak. First problem was that two of the items I wanted to order had hidden pork in them that was either not specified on the menu or couldn't be altered for it to be removed. (Really pork sausage in a fish stew? Is that really necessary?) I had the scallops with grapefruit and radish sprouts and they were delicious. As all the other small plates weren't of interest to me, I went ahead and ordered the seared fish (which seems to be halibut at the moment but was a gulf fish when I was there - as a side HALIBUT? in New Orleans, also disappointing). I thought the dish was only OK and ended up giving my leftovers to my brother a few nights later. I will definitely wait for the menu to change before going back and I hope that Dante redeems itself.
(4)Lori N.
Close to Tulane, this is a great brunch restaurant with the family. A little more expensive though.
(5)Jon M.
Dante's is perfectly pitched. Decor, setting, attitude, bar and food/drink all merge into a wonderful experience. Had the pleasure of sitting outside on the porch, a rustic dining experience on a fine evening. Everything we consumed was fantastic. BBQ shrimp and grits to start, a multitude of sides (the broccoli side was among the best preperations of this veggie I have come across) pork with mole sauce, red fish, mac n cheese, etc etc. Hungry now writing this review. Well appropriated wine list with plenty of options, including some extremely good value CA zins and cabs. We put down several bottles of Turley at $40 per, a good deal. This is the meal that will be remembered and talked about in the future. And it's on the stregnth of the food and ambiance because honestly the service was a little un-attentive for the price, in my opinion.
(5)Spenser K.
Holy OMG this place is amazing. I've eaten here two or three times, and I'd go back again, again, and again. The food is completely top notch, the drinks are great, the service is excellent, and the decor is to die for. I can't over-emphasize how awesome this place is. Tucked inside a neighborhood, it's this great little place to go for a fancy, yet relaxed dinner. I'm just going to type some words that sound like how I feel when I eat here. Heavenly. Splurge. Blazaaam. Gah! Oooooo yeah. TTThank gooodnessssss.
(5)Bill E.
Easily a five star review! Off the beaten path, worth the schlep to get there... sitting outside on a November night while it snows in the rest of the country makes it even better. The duck, have the duck. Also, I never order chicken. Have the chicken! Order as much as you can, even if you don't finish it. Delicious, across the board.
(5)Jo H.
After some debate and scrolling around on the Yelp app on our phones we found ourselves at Dante's Kitchen. It was a Sunday night, we took a chance without a reservation. We were seated in this cute little dining room in the back. Drinks: we ordered a round of the house sangria. After days of gorging on NOLA sized portions we decided to share some apps and entree's. Here's what we had: Grilled shrimp with andouille red eye gravy over grits Duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes with bacon and onions Tuna two ways Redfish on the halfshell Stuffed eggplant Slow cooked duck breast w/ smoked peaches, parsnip puree and crispy parsnips Two hot cast iron skillets with spoon bread came out first. Each was topped with a dollop of butter. We thought it was a cute way to serve a bread and butter course. The stand outs for me from the meal: All of the proteins we ordered were actually really well prepared. The grilled shrimp with grits was my favorite. The shrimp were juicy with a beautiful char from the grill. The red eye gravy wasn't over powering, it added a bit of spice and kicked the creamy grits into another gear. I enjoyed the redfish on the halfshell. The cool crab over the sizzling hot fish was great. The dish was drizzled in a oil infused with the accompanying crisped sprig of rosemary. The marinated half of the tuna prepared two ways was also very enjoyable. It has the feel and flavor of a Hawaiian style poke. I wished there was more of. The seared tuna didn't really jump out at me it was good but there was nothing unexpected about it. Honorable mentions: The stuffed eggplant was pretty good. The slices were paper thin causing the filling to be the star of the show. The stuffing was very nutty and had an almost Mediterranean feel. Mashed sweet potatoes candied with root beer. Sweet and sweeter. Beyond sweet potato pie and the occasional basket of sweet potato fries I'm not a big sweet potato person. I didn't really pick up much of the root beer flavor. The potatoes were smooth but very sweet. It was one of the few things left unfinished. That pretty much says it all. For most people the mere mention of duck fat roasted anything WITH bacon automatically inspires drooling. Sadly the duck fat roasted smashed new potatoes missed the mark a bit. I felt the potatoes were a little underdone. They need to be softer to really soak up the fatty goodness from the duck fat and bacon. Dinner at Dante's Kitchen was a nice way to wind down from a crazy weekend in NOLA. The service was great. We had a lot of fun bantering back and forth with our server. I really liked the mix of laid back traditional down home style food with international ingredients and flavor profiles. Brunch here comes highly recommended. If I'm ever back in the city I'll try to check it out.
(4)M S.
Love Love Love this restaurant. When visiting new orleans, we wanted to go somewhere "off bourbon street". Due to reviews, we made reservations at Dante's kitchen. The server was knowledgeable and made fantastic reccomendations. For an appetizer we had the cheese and nuts. I was not the biggest fan, but did not take away from the rating, because I loved the ingenuity of it. For entrees, I had the duck and my friend had the filet trois. Both were amazing. We also had a bottle of Orin Swift Saldo for $40, which is only $10 more than retail price. What a value. The highlight of this restaurant is the food, but the servers whom were passionate and knowledgable helped to drive that. There are also cans of fresh ingredients all over the restaurant, for food and for their fantastic hand made cocktails. I will visit here on any trip to New orleans.
(5)Liana L.
4.5 stars - here's the breakdown! Ambiance - 5 stars. Dante's kitchen is ADORABLE. I love the little steps and different wall colors that make each "room" really feel like a different room; each "room" is decorated wonderfully and simply with soothing colors and abstract artwork. The seating is comfortable and fairly spacious, and there are only a few other tables in your "room," creating a cozy space. Although the whole restaurant can seat quite a lot of people, the dining experience is that of a very small, beloved favorite restaurant. Food: 4 stars The eggs benedict was amazing. The pork was juicy and well-flavored, the eggs were wonderfully poached and runny, and the hollandaise sauce was great. :D 5 stars. The alligator sausage (3 pieces) was also really great; I couldn't tell if it was alligator or just seasoning that I tasted, though. It's supposed to be a mix of pork and alligator. Either way, I would totally get it again. 5 stars as well. (: The bacon praline cinnamon bun (another appetizer) is fairly large, and quite sweet. I loved the bacon pieces on it (you have to scrounge around on the plate because they fall off), though some people didn't like the mix of sweet bacon. Oh well. 5 stars for me. We also got the banana pudding French toast (4 large slices), which was just way too sweet. The cane syrup is amazing (no need to get real maple syrup when this is definitely more than sufficient), but we were not able to finish this at all. I was sharing this with two other people, too ... :/ 2 stars? :( Though if you like very sweet things, it'd be very good. Oh! The orange juice was amazing. You can SMELL the freshness. Wow. Service: 4 stars We had to wait 40 minutes for brunch, sigh. Service was definitely good, and one of the servers was very helpful with food affirmation as we were waiting, but it would've been nice to have chairs or something. I don't know, I just felt like the waiting around experience was a little lacking. Overall, though, I'd definitely come here again. Since there are no reservations for brunch, get here early! And I'd love to come for dinner. (:
(4)Buddhi G.
Memories are a bit hazy but I remember really enjoying the seafood dishes. Nicely spiced without being over the top. You can taste how fresh the catch is. I wish I could do my normal extensively detailed review but unfortunately I didn't write down any notes and we were there almost 2 years ago. If the quality has remained the same, definitely a place you want to check out when in NOLA.
(4)Fernando N.
Hands down my favorite brunch in New Orleans. I have been there about ten times and I still love it ever single time. The shrimp and grits are my favorite in all of new orleans. The debris and poached egg is another favorite. One of my least favorite parts about moving away from new orleans is leaving this place behind. Alas, I will only be able to return on my trips back.
(5)Brian C.
Nothing too fancy, just very high quality food and drinks in a nice environment. Know that there's not much healthy on the menu but if you're willing to consume the calories you won't go wrong at Dante's Kitchen. The wine list by the glass could use some work but the cocktails are good and the wine list by the bottle is solid so you can also get some nice libations with your meal. I certainly don't think the ambience or food justified 5 stars so I'm not certain I would send tourists from the Quarter all the way out to Dante's Kitchen but it's certainly a good restaurant that's worth an occasional visit.
(4)Dee M.
Yes Yes Yes!!! This was hands down the BEST meal I had during my recent visit to New Orleans. Everything about this place is absolutely phenomenal. Mitch M. said it best. "Wow this was really good. Really good". The Ambiance - Upon my arrival, the hostess inquired as to whether I preferred to dine inside or out on the patio. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect, so I opted for the patio. Excellent choice. I was seated on the most adorable porch facing the quaint little neighborhood street - Dante St. As I sat outside, I could not help but feel like a true Southern Bell, being catered to hand and foot with true Southern hospitality. This is a cozy yet romantic New Orleans gem. The food - Everything I ordered from beginning to end was absolutely magnificent and mouthwatering. As many of the reviewers have indicated, they start you out with the molasses spoon bread that is to die for! It is topped with a warm sweet butter that truly tickles your taste buds. My server encouraged me to order the barbecue shrimp - said I could sop up the sauce with warm bread. I couldn't resist. The barbecue shrimp came out in the most beautiful presentation. It was truly divine. I could not stop myself from eating those plump shrimp and sopping up the sauce with that oven hot bread. Super delicious. Next, I was presented with the most delectable looking chicken covered in what appeared to be the maple sauce, and accompanied by a potato hash slightly covered with an egg - sunny side up. I was not to keen on the idea of my potato being covered by an egg, especially since I had never eaten an egg sunny side up. However, I was quite pleased with the taste - the flavors blended together ever so beautifully. Please do not be put off my this unique combination. The chicken under a brick is to die for! You must try this. The service - Dante's Kitchen truly understands the essence of customer service. They wait on you hand and food. What is also very comforting, is that the servers all seem genuinely kind and courteous. They are constantly filling your glass with water, bringing you more bread, etc. You will be taken care of at all times. Dante's exceeded my expectations. This restaurant is definitely one of my top favorites. I will definitely make this one of my stops next time I am in New Orleans. The FQ is great, but why not drive down St. Charles (or take the St. Car) for a scenic view of the beautiful Tulane and Loyola Universities before having a great meal at Dante's Kitchen? Do not miss out on this special treat.
(5)Sharon S.
Quaint, cozy, and delicious. I had the brick chicken, or something like that, and it mysteriously disappeared from my plate, despite my best intentions. I ordered the cocktail of the day but found it too sweet, will stick with my faves next time. Wait staff friendly. Parking no problem. Will return... Oh yeah, they allegedly have a fireplace, in this year's cold weather - thats a good thing!
(4)Jyll F.
Amazing!!!!! The apps, the food, the drinks and all that "foodies" live for...this is the place!!!!
(5)Lonnie L.
I have been eating there for years. Even though it is a simple dish the redfish on e halfshell is what keeps me coming back. I have also thrown three parties for our office there and they have always worked to accommodate 20 or so of us and make sure we have a good time The outdoor seating is probably some of the best in New Orleans. If you want to eat out there in good weather make sure you reserve or get there early
(4)Erin P.
Dante's is by FAR the top fine dining spot for my husband and I, which is saying a lot because he's a chef and is picky as all get out! We've been several times by ourselves as well as other times with friends and family and so far, Dante's has yet to disappoint! The food is excellent. Dante's is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients which just makes everything more amazing, though it may also mean your favorite menu item from last time around may not be there on your next visit! I think it's a nice change though - the specials change often and that gives us a chance to change things up rather than ordering the same old thing every time we go. If you're unsure what to get, ask the servers for recommendations - they are always happy to help and can usually point you in the right direction. The drinks at Dante's are also excellent though also STRONG so heads up! Their drink specialis are also seasonal but you can always find something refreshing, unique, or classic on the menu. The wine selection is decent as well. Dessert is amazing as well, often with one or two savory options for those who don't have quite as big a sweet tooth as I do. On our last visit, I had chocolate angel food cake and I've been dreaming of it ever since! Service is usually top-notch though sometimes servers can get bogged down on really busy nights. The atmosphere is cozy, eclectic, and surprisingly casual given the quality of the food, a welcome change from the typical, stuffy fine dining establishment. I will confess, I have yet to have their brunch, something I intend to remedy as soon as possible! Overall, Dante's is amazing and our go-to destination for good, fresh, fine dining without all the fuss.
(5)Kevin L.
What I was expecting: 5 stars. What I wish I could have given it: 4 stars What I truthfully will rate it: 3 stars Edit: After having it for brunch: 4 stars. Between the ambience and recommendations, I could not wait for my meal at Dante's. My family came to visit me at school here, and I opted to take them here. Between 5 people, 3 people got the filet, I got the chicken and 1 got the redfish. Everyone liked their meal but no one went crazy for it. The filet people seemed to say it was just average, my brother loved the redfish, and my chicken was extremely tender and delcious, but toward the end of the meal the maple sauce began to overpower the chicken and dominate the meal. Also, the potato and bacon hash with a fried egg was disappointing; I was expecting life altering and got nothing near. Come to think of it, I do not remember if we got dessert or not, so I suppose it wasn't that fantastic if we did. On a side note, the service was fantastic and this is the first time I have ever written on Yelp that I have enjoyed my waiter. It was a very nice dining experience, but I would not make it a priority to return to Dante's. ----- Edit: Went for brunch on easter and had the egg's benedict with biscuits and pork. Wow, what a killer meal. I definitely will be thinking about that meal for a few weeks. Bumps it up to 4 stars.
(4)KC C.
A TEN EVERY TIME! This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in the city. What I love? The all round attention to atmosphere, food and customer service. I have been here for dates, girls night, when my parents are in town and just because. Dante's is delicious and quaint. Go here!!!
(5)Ellen Y.
Doesn't get better than Dante's Kitchen. The ambiance of this place (it's an old house) sets it over the top and the service was outstanding! Here's the run down of our experience: - Cab-syrah wine was awesome. I asked for a pomegranate martini, but they didn't have pom juice, so the bartender whipped something up and it was sooo good!! - Molasses cornbread. the BEST! Honey butter on the most amazing cornbread I've ever had...you can't beat this! - Shrimp & grits. These grist were OUTSTANDING!! This is a must! - Trois mignon. DELICIOUS! They put pulled pork on top of the mashed potatoes and then three small filets on that. It was delicious!! - Brick chicken....AH-MAZING! I actually don't ever get chicken at a restaurant because it's usually dry or just doesn't have a lot of taste, but this was outstanding!! I would suggest asking for a substitute on the pork/bacon cake because I didn't care for it. The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were soooo good and would be a better pair with the chicken! We had no room for desert!! As I said, the service was really great. Our server was even nice to this ass hole sitting at the table next to ours. There was a babbling baby in the front dining room (the baby was relatively quiet the whole meal) and that doesn't typically bother me...this is a family restaurant so that's bound to happen. Then this jerk shows up and in the middle of the server pouring his glass of wine, he gets up, walks to the front dining room and is apparently going to confront the family with the baby. It's a FREAKING BABY!!! The family of this prick were asking him to please not go and told the server that noisy babies in a restaurant are just "his thing" and he "always goes and confront families with babies." When he came back, his daughters were like, "dad, why do you do that?" and he literally responds, "because! you don't hear that baby anymore, do you?" What'd you do, guy, go and smack the baby so it will shut up?? I'm so sure. He also said to the server, in disgust, "can we get some bread or something. We're just sitting here." They had been there ten minutes...just long enough for him to be pissed off about a baby...again, in a family restaurant. What a dick. I commend Justin for putting up with him!!!
(5)Tallman F.
I drove like hell to get there before 10:30 closing. I smiled as I walked in @ 955 only to be told they were closed for dinner, already. I was like, "huhhh????" I came back the next night determined to try the chicken under the brick. It was well-seasoned and moist.... not real tender but very very tasty. Cornbread in the skillet was decent and the grits were some of the best store bought I have eaten. Service is good... Make a reservation
(5)Jackie A.
Been back several time since and have had excellent service. Food is as good as ever.
(5)Adam W.
Cute little place in the quiet side of town that was prefect for brunch! It was recommended to us - just a couple blocks from the green trolley line. A little out of the way if you're staying downtown, but if you're in the area, it's worth a try.
(5)Ben G.
Located in a white house, with a courtyard surrounded by flowers and lush greenery at the end of a beautiful tree lined street sits, Dante's Kitchen, a restaurant that's doing big flavors out of a small unassuming space. This place looks like your grandmother could live there and let me tell you the food tastes like it was made with grandma's love... a whole lot of it. As my eyes gazed over the menu, I felt a warming of my heart. Here I was, a Boston boy getting his fix of comfort food in the middle of flavor town. I couldn't stop smiling. I mean, it was also my birthday. I could feel that this meal was going to be special... Here's the run down, my crazy friends and I started off the meal with a bread basket and a few biscuits. The goat cheese tartlet thing and the date nut bread were great, but the real star of the show was the biscuits. Light and flakey these little suckers where made with love and a lot of shortening and could be referred to as "the stuff dreams are made of." If you let me, I'd eat a hundred of them. Triple dare me. My buddy got the eggs Benny, my girl got the pancakes, and my baby bro got the debris with poached eggs. All of which were phenomenal. Each dish was packed with flavor and you could certainly taste all the care that went into each dish. Hmmm, Care. However my friends, the dish that stole the meal was "the special". It was a bed of blue cheese and bacon grits, topped with a blacked piece of flounder, which was then topped with a crawfish hollandaise sauce with two poached eggs on top. This dish packed such flavor, that I was literally speechless. After each friend tasted the dish a smile and moment of silence followed. Its cliché to say it was sheer ecstasy but I assure you that I will spend the rest of my life trying to recreate the flavors that were married so well in this dish. A special thanks to my dear friend Hayley (a former Tulane student who shared this place with me). A big shout out goes to the wait and kitchen staff that gave us such a wonderful meal., one that certainly I will not forget.
(5)RL R.
Fantastic location - just take the street car and stroll a couple of blocks to find it. Amazing food - locally grown focus and well thought out innovative dishes but also strong classic dishes that make your mouth water Original drinks - try one of their own concoctions to tantalize your tastebuds Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)Roger W.
THE BEST RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS !! you must try the chicken roasted under a brick and the duck breast... omg super good..
(5)Hayley M.
Hands down, the Trois Mignons has to be the best dish anywhere for a carnivore. Three filet mignons. One with stilton cheese, one with worcestershire, and one with pork debris (I asked them to hold the pork, but it was still fantastic). They sit on a bed of caramelized onion mashed potatoes. If only yelp would let me use italics on the words "caramelized onion," because they really need to be stressed. Fantastic service, mouthwatering steak. The end.
(5)Annie L.
This the most amazing place that I been to, to date in New Orleans for brunch... Out of this world. Firstly the server was the sweetest gal and so attentive. The atmosphere was chilled with some old jazz playing. I got the alligator sausage sliders in home baked biscuit with cilantro through it... Heaven, utter heaven. All my mates adored their dishes, the grits (which I am not always the biggest fan of) was so rich with just the right texture and flavour. You can get it with cheese or mushrooms and the portions are huge. Please promise me to go to this place for brunch if you ever come to this wonderful city. P.S Apparently they do the best Bloody Mary, I abstained but next time I'll let y'all know.
(5)Stephen K.
Saturday evening, 6:00 out on the patio. Dinner for two Patio is nice, cozy. There were a couple of folks fighting with those little bugs that like wine. It can be a little noisy because you are right on Leake Ave. When the 6:30 local rolled through, you will be aware how close you are sitting to the railroad tracks. Service is the best. Quiet, efficient, professional, totally on top of things. Your wish is their command. Food is spectacular. You will see the raves in the other reviews. I would add imaginative and not in the "43 ways to make you think tofu is edible" way. The menu is not enormous and will make you think. No 72 oz steaks, no surf and turf, no deep fried hamburgers choices to fall back on. Also, no "heart healthy" meals - don't come here to kick off your latest diet. I think they did have some mac and cheese and dirty rice sides if you are really stuck. I didn't try them, but I'm betting even they were a little different than what Kraft is selling. You could easily fill up on the spoon bread and been pretty happy with the meal. I did have the scallops, the roast duck and my companion had the Trois Mignons. Ditto the other reviews. Two minor issues - Is there anyone in the whole world who enjoys sitting on those cheap plastic chairs? I get it, they are cheap, you can clean them with a fire hose, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing them. They work at tailgate parties and the Bulldog, they detract from the experience at a high end restaurant. The second is more an observation than a complaint - we didn't know how to pronounce "Trois Mignons" but we did a way better job than the waiter. Kind of funny.... I'm guessing no one ever asked him how to pronounce it. The bill was $110 (drinks, dessert, tip inc) and even though I had to pay (really poor planning on my part), it seemed like a fair trade. So, if someone drops you off on Leake Ave at the foot of Dante St, do you turn right and go to Brigstens or turn left and go to Dante's?
(5)Kate R.
My friend brought me here on my visit to NOLA - my favorite thing to eat for breakfast is a simplified Eggs Benedict... So I ordered a side of poached eggs & the biscuits, which came with homemade butter and homemade fig jam... I just about died happy. Fantastic. & like others have said, the place is adorable, in a little converted house.
(5)Tracey H.
Oh man...I LOVE this place! I'd been there about 5 years ago and with all the places in NOLA to visit, I just hadn't gone back. Mistake! 2 colleagues and I visited pretty early on a Monday night and were able to get a seat immediately. The vibe is exactly what I was seeking for the evening: casual but not pub-ish; stylized but not (eww) trendy; emphasis on local produce but not self-righteously healthful; interesting menu with lots of choices but not too many OR too few. So...7 minutes in and I was in love. 2 of us shared shrimp and grits opener. The gfits were insanely creamy with beautiful smidge of andouille. I had an heirloom tomato salad which, because the tomatoes are in season and locally grown, was eyes-roll-up-in-head delicious. Plus the very thinly-sliced chorizo topper (or...?) was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Small plates for 2 of us: short rib with kim chi and bahn mi veg, and for me, beef debris with grilled bread and this fig mustard that I can't say enough about. FIG. MUSTARD! Trois Mignons for our 3rd friend, which she RAVED about...and this is not a rave kinda person. Dessert was a shared trio of house-made sorbets, which on this night was plum, honeydew, and peach. The plum and honeydew was sublime - a fruit PUNCH yet light and refreshing. The perfect ending to an absolutely right-on meal. Our server was new to the restaurant (1 week I think) and perhaps less confident about the menu as he will be soon, but extremely pleasant and struck the right chattiness chord. The portions were perfect, especially for an early-ish meal on a warm evening. Plating was not overly fussy but clearly created with care. There is nothing on this menu I wouldn't be excited to sample! The only potential downside is that because DK is in an old (charming) house, the low-output AC made for a moderately clammy temp, but not so much that we were uncomfortable,. And it's Louisiana, okay? Run, do not walk, to this delightful place. And if it's during the 3 weeks in a year that the weather is temperate in our lovely state, I imagine that the outdoor seating is an extra treat. Thanks, Dante's Kitchen!
(5)Greg G.
Wildly popular with locals, Dante's Kitchen makes a very favorable impression -- their chicken with a brick was as good as you've read (and much bigger than I thought it would be), Shrimp and grits were very good. We also splurged for the charcuterie plate, which was decent. Drinks were nice and strong. Only the Chocolate Cloud dessert disappointed --too sickly sweet for my taste. I've heard many good things about their brunch, particularly their Eggs Benedict. Perhaps we'll return on a subsequent N'awlins visit. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get in without a lengthy wait.
(4)Chris F.
This is a great little restaurant, the atmosphere reminds me a lot of places in Austin. The food was great, a lot of creative different types of dishes. They even had some really good vegetarian options which my wife likes. A really good date place, that is still casual. Also, I haven't had it but my wife says that the brunch is great.
(4)Blake P.
BAUCE. I've only been for brunch and had the banana nut panclocks (movie reference) and bacon cinnamon roll, because I'm a poor medical student who can't afford dinner, but I vow to one day have the brick chicken thing. And yeah, I said bacon cinnamon roll. Service was great, area is really cool and neat and quaint. Reminder -- bacon. cinnamon. roll.
(5)Alyssa B.
My group went to Dante's Kitchen when we were in town for Mardi Gras and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We walked in and immediately felt at home in the sleek, yet cozy atmosphere. The waiter was extremely attentive, with plenty of drink suggestions. Hint: their house cocktails are seductive, with just the right balance of spirits and freshly squeezed fruits. The menu contained innovative dishes with nuances of down-home, comfort food. When our dishes arrived, everything tasted like it was plucked straight from the vine, caught in the ocean and conjured up for your delight the same day. Oh, their head chef really poured his heart and soul into these dishes. Just Scrumptious. You will be stuffed once you're done with your plate and picking off other's, but for heaven's sake, Do Not Miss Out on Dessert!
(5)Mairead R.
Hell yeah, this place is classy and the food is stunning. Tinkling creole piano tunes. Sunny outdoor patio. Frosted glass jugs for lights and crisp colors to brighten up the establishment. There is an outdoor garden and some intimate indoor seating. Even though brunch was winding now, the place was filled with locals sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade and orange juice. Their brunch menu was delightful. I went with the pork belly BLT with a side of gator sausage. Wish I had room for biscuits or banana pancakes.
(4)Jonathan D.
My parents took me here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. The Riverbend location is charming and an easy drive from my house in Uptown. We had early reservations but the dining room was already packed. We sat in a small room with only four tables, and framed photos of what looked like local indie/punk shows. Our waiter was an extremely effusive, friendly man with a heavy accent that I could not quite place, but he was very attentive. My mother had a cocktail called the Dante 79, which was an awesome champagne-based drink that was eminently drinkable. I had the Plantation, which was a refreshingly indefinable combination of cucumber infused gin, orange liqueur, basil, grapefruit, lime and soda water. Great cocktails, great start. I had the corn and crab bisque with rosemary olive oil, which was the most delicious, fresh-tasting soup I've ever had. I followed it up with the vegetable plate, with fresh locally-grown bok choy, shitake mushrooms, a goat cheese and onion croquette, radishes and pea shoots. It was also very fresh and delicious, but my mom had the redfish "on the halfshell," which was the best version of the New Orleans classic I've tasted yet. Pan-seared with the skin on and finished in the oven, coated with a thin layer of blackening spices, and topped with a generous mound of jumbo lump crab mixed with fresh herbs and something citrus-y. My dad had a pork dish that also looked pretty awesome, but I'm not a big pork fan. Everything was absolutely amazing. My only complaint was the noise level, which became quite high once our little dining room was filled with people who kept trying to drown out the conversations of the table next to them. However, that is a small complaint. The food was a revelation, the service was stellar, the location is great. Dante's Kitchen is doing it right in Uptown.
(5)Jeanette R.
My husband and I dined at Dante's one Friday night in November for the first time in a year. My husband moved here in 2010 and described Dante's as his favorite restaurant at one time. It may be our last visit for dinner, though we will go back often for brunch. My husband had the only dish he ever orders...chicken under the brick. There was so much sauce, he hardly recognized the dish. I order the featured whole fish and while good, it could have been great, but here again the fish was sopping in broth. While I often order whole fish when out for dinner and do not mind the work involved, this version was downright sloppy and difficult to eat. The skin and bones of the fish were lost in the "soup" and I frequently had to worry that I was taking in a bone. It would have been much more appealing had it been served on broth and not in broth. By the time you order two sides, the chicken under the brick becomes a $33 meal and that is outrageous for chicken. The eggplant dish was flavorful with the goat cheese, but the chef should know better to skin the eggplant as I was not even able to cut it with a knife. They were out of mussels and the music was blaring so loud (yes, we are fans of rock) that we only could laugh at the end of the dinner as the experience had turned bizarre.
(2)Suzanne G.
We ate here on a bachelorette party weekend in New Orleans over the summer. It was delicious and they were very accommodating for our large group. The only downside was that we had a little trouble finding the restaurant, but once found, all was golden. I had the tuna two ways - I'd highly recommend that dish, along with any of the appetizers. I also had a Dante 79, a play on the French 75. It fulfilled my dreams of something the opposite of beer, which we had enough of that weekend.
(4)Dean H.
Simply outstanding meal and great service. Started with a couple of orange peel infused vodka and tonics that were wonderful. The molassis cornbread that was served before diners was mouth watering good. Had some of the best duck EVER!!! Not sure what they rubbed on the duck skin but it was incredible!! Final touch was a dessert called the Swamp -awesome, hot, chocolate brownie with strawberries. Unreal! Finally, the wine list was superb and the must cost-conscious I have ever seen. We had a bottle of Justin Isoceles, which was outstanding. Cost was approx $70. Same bottle two nights later was $125 at NOLA. ABSOLUTELY OUR BEST MEAL IN NEW ORLEANS!!!!
(5)Linda W.
I save Dante's Kitchen for special occasions due to the prices. When I do go, though, I love trying all their great food and house-infused liqueurs. Last time I tried out a meyer lemon infused vodka cocktail served in a mason jar, with a fresh fruit and herb garnish. I don't remember what it's called, but one of the best meals I've had at Dante's Kitchen was an assortment of fruit mustard, paté, and crostini. I've never had a bad experience here and plan to go back as soon as I have an excuse to spend my money on a delicious meal!
(4)Bryan S.
Disappointing, The quality and the quantity of the food are not in sync with the prices.
(2)Charlie H.
Dante's was recommended by a local friend and it was not disappointing! For a drink I tried the Up Doc, a delicious carrot gin based cocktail that was sweet and inventive. Very tasty. Next I tried to LA citrus salad which was nothing to write home about. Slightly overdressed and the crunchy things on top did not mesh well with the tangerine slices. The chicken under a brick however was phenomenal. Rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked, not dry the way many restaurants do their chicken dishes. I usually avoid ordering chicken at restaurants because it is such a basic dish but this was done very well. All in all a great experience, good atmosphere with fitting music and a kind waitstaff
(4)Rich W.
This place was about a 15 minute drive outside of the touristy French Quarters area. Fortunately we had a car rental but for those without a car, it's worth the cab fare! My significant other ordered the Debris with Scrambled Eggs (on the menu as Poached Eggs) and I ordered the Eggs Benedict. Both dishes were spectacular and was perfect to the tee. (Warning: It's somewhat on the heavier side, so brace yourselves!). The establishment definitely gave this city slicker a good insight to how good and comforting southern food can be! Also, not to take away from some of the establishments within and around the French Quarters, but dining here just gave off a way more authentic feel since it was tucked away in a predominately residential area.
(4)Dan V.
Everything about this meal was perfect, from the pre-meal Sazarac (Modern, not Classic as the Classic refers to the invention of the Sazerac during Prohibition when NOLA didn't really "follow" the law banning alcohol and used cognac instead of rye... um, yeah +1 knowledgeable bartender!) to the Blueberry Olive Oil Cake (with sweet ricotta and lemon honey syrup, drool). It was a work-related dinner so we were able to sample far more appetizers, charcuterie, and small plates than I normally would and that only amplified the experience. There's a disclaimer on the front door that if you're looking for light health food, this isn't the place and while correct, all of the ingredients are handmade in house or locally-sourced... they just happen to have a healthy dose of butter and/or protein. We were with a vegetarian and she still managed (and had a glowing review as well). The atmosphere is casual but still fresh. There's not an overly stylized, modern or plastic-feeling to the restaurant and it really captured the laid-back vibe of New Orleans without a "hand-grenade" or "hurricane" in sight. The food is comfort food but not your standard 'fried chicken' fare. Speaking of chicken, the unappetizing 'Chicken Roasted Under a Brick' was the most tender, moist, flavorful chicken I've had in recent memory. Our waitress broke-down the prep process and I'm going to have to try the recipe at home (anything with maple-butter sauce is a win). You'll just have to go for yourself to find out more, but the 5-star review (my first) should say it all. Items we tried: Heirloom Tomato Salad, Escargot & House Made Bacon, Seared Diver Scallops, Braised & Roasted Pork Belly, Homemade/cured Salumi, Local Farm Vegetable Plate, Chicken Roasted Under a Brick (!!!!!!!!!!!), and of course, Blueberry Olive Oil Cake. Their 'punch' (aka "daily concoction of awesomeness") is also worth a try.
(5)Ryan L.
Overall, a pretty solid hit and I would definitely return to Dante's Kitchen on a future trip to New Orleans. Great looking patio dining space, though we dined inside with the a/c. Food was spot on delicious. I opted for a couple small plates: scallops and boudin ... both of which were fantastic I'm not sure where the scallops were sourced, but they were sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked. The boudin, too, was scrumptious. My dining parter had the charcuterie plate and the mac and cheese and seemed overall less impressed than I was with my choices, but it I don't want to base this review on that person's dining experience. A miss was the El Vice Presidente rum drink. At $9, it was mostly very large ice cubes and the drink filled to about the 3/4 fill line of a rocks glass. I felt cheated. It was good, but just not properly served, in my opinion. Service was friendly, but a bit slow. They were training a new waitress at our table that night. She was okay, but already seemed like her heart wasn't in it. The guys who work here are easy on the eyes, for sure. ;)
(4)Blair B.
From the cozy atmosphere to the accomodating staff, our evening here rocked. I liked the variety of plate sizes (apps, small plates, large plates) and really enjoyed all the food and beverage! We ordered a smorgasboard and shared it all - no one was super hungry. Our bill came out to $200ish for 5 people with 2 beverages each. A bargain ! Escargot - some of the better escargot I've had! My husband and sister aren't big fans of escargot, but they were even able to eat this. Not chewy at all and a nice subtle feta taste from the broth it was cooked in. Duck 2 ways - this was meh for us, but it seems others enjoy it. The breast was good, but the confit was nothing special and none of us could tolerate the heat level on the kimchee. Shrimp and grits - Our grit loving fam was eating this up! The shirmp were great, but the grits were spectacular. Perfect consistency. Chicken under a brick - moist and delish Filet trio (I forget exactly what this dish is named) - this was by far the table favorite. Each filet has a different preparation, but our favorite was the one with debris. Now putting low quality beef all over a nice filet sounds ridiculous, but it actually worked! The debris was fabulous - and I've eaten quite a bit of debris in my day. The mashed potatoes combined with the debris and the filet made for the perfect bite. Overall one of my favorite new (new to me that is!) places in NOLA. I even liked it better than Jacques Imo (but honestly you can't go wrong with either one).
(5)Joshua Z.
I cannot comment on the food because the reception we received was so cold and off putting, we didn't stay on Sunday, March 31. We arrived early for our reservation and before the restaurant was opened. You would have thought we had the plague. It was about to thunderstorm and we were turned out into the neighborhood to find a bar to kill time. While my wife used the restroom, I tried to engage the bartender in talk about some curious looking liquors they had on display. Disdain is the kindest description for his interaction with me.
(1)Cindy C.
My friends and I came out here for brunch and we were seated outside in the horrible humidity! I ordered a Dante's Omelette and it was amazing! The Crab Omelette had PLENTY of crabmeat in it so if you're feeling crabby, definitely order this entree! I typically don't like biscuits because they leave you a dry feel in your mouth but Dante's biscuits are out of this world!! It's moist and fluffy and it came with three different sauces in nice white plates: some type of berry jam, butter, and lemon jam. What I loved most about Dante's kitchen is the atmosphere and the whole setup. It reminded me of someone's backyard, nicely decorated with tables and chairs of course. It would be a great location (if it wasn't so humid) for a lovely breakfast/brunch! P.S. Parking can be found on the streets or in the parking lot across the restaurant.
(4)Elijah C.
Dang..! This place is good. The pork was some of the best I've ever had. Everyone's dish at my table was great from start to finish. The service was good and so were the drinks. It has a nice homey atmosphere, but classy. Would recommend!
(5)Cheryl R.
DANG!!! NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!! ohhh soooo good!!! took my honey out here for his birthday & LOVED IT!!! The Molasses Spoon Bread was freakin' awesome! We also ordered the Shrimp & Grits & OH SO YUMMY!!! (like one poster stated - get grits w/ a side of grits, so good!!) the seasoning/sauce (andoille red eye gravy) wasn't too heavy - it was flavorful & suited it perfectly!! My honey got the chicken under a brick & it was just ridiculously good - who would've thought??? SOOOO GOOD!!! I got the Lamb Mixed Grill - came w/ 2 succulent lamb thingies (that I swear the mint jelly was infused into & not at all overpowering!! AWESOME!!!) sausage ?andoille?? over pickled cucs I think it was - again nothing overpowering - very complimentary!!! amazing!! He also had the cauliflower which I didn't like so much - I got the broccoli which I liked!!! & then for desert key lime pie w/ the BEST whipped cream I have ever had!! SOOO GOOOODDD!!!! (I was just a bit heartbroken when all morning I kept looking forward to my leftovers - everything was there but my lamb, heartbroken I say!!) Oh yes we'll be back!! FUNNIEST thing... the menu gently states "no cell phones & diets" so very true!! While everything was just the best & I put calorie counting OUT OF MY HEAD - I never felt like the food was covered w/ gobs of goop - just incredibly flavorful masterfully put together seasoning & foods - very awesome!
(5)Kirsten B.
Fabulous cocktails. Excellent breakfast...from the biscuits to the bread pudding french toast (a MUST) to the bacon...all of it is delicious! Great atmosphere, reasonable prices.
(5)Marisa X.
Had Sunday brunch here.. It was amazing! The place always stays packed. If possible, call ahead to make reservations. Their bloody marys are excellent. They actually pickle their own green beans and okras. One of the best bloody marys I've had. Ate a few things off the menu and everything was excellent.
(4)Terence N.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday. The place is small and located in the middle of nowhere...it's out of the main tourist area, so it's all locals. I was lucky enough to have a friend who took me around the neighborhood and introduce me to the local foods. This place is excellent for brunch and I would recommend it to anyone in the area! Started off with Bloody Mary's, which were made excellent! The complimentary bread was also good, there were 4 different flavors, and all tasted fresh, healthy, and delicious. I decided to order the alligator sausage biscuits...one word...AMAZING! I was a little skeptical reading the description of the alligator sausage biscuits, it just didn't seem appealing...but it was by far the best biscuit I have ever had! The alligator sausage was excellent, it really doesn't taste all that much different from a regular sausage patty, except its leaner and less fatty. The biscuits were excellent! Baked perfectly! The scrambled eggs with peppers went well with the sausage...I would have like a little more mozzarella in my biscuits (because I love cheese), but it was a subtle touch. The glaze inside the biscuit was just enough to give a little flavor without overdoing things, it was slightly sweet. Overall, it may seem like only 2 biscuits...but they are very hearty and satisfying! I was impressed with my brunch item and would come back if I am ever in the area! My friends ordered the corned beef hash and the shrimp and grits; I didn't try them, but they said everything was cooked perfectly and delicious! The best thing I like about dante's kitchen is the food quality and presentation. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious! The presentations are simple and elegant. The prices for brunch are very good, ranges anywhere from $10-$15. The portions are big and fulfilling. I cannot find any complaints about this place other than the fact that they only have one restroom for both genders...literally 1 restroom for the whole restaurant...so if you got to go, be prepared to wait in line! Excellent food, excellent prices, excellent atmosphere!
(5)Justin R.
Dante's is another one of those fresh neighborhood restaurants. I love the concept of Dante's and the like. Because of the location and the way they are set up inside, makes you feel right at home. I have been to Dante's on multiple occasions and try and get something different every time I go. For starters try the Shrimp & Grits, the Escargot or the Scallops. Either of these are great ways to start the meal off. As for dinner, get the Chicken Roasted under a Brick. It has so much flavor! And the chicken is cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes and Mac'n'Cheese are both excellent sides to accompany your dinner. The service is great and overall perfect experience every night.. I have yet to go for brunch, but here its amazing!
(5)Ivana J.
We came here for an amazing breakfast late on a Saturday morning. We enjoyed a short wait sitting on their porch and were seated quickly. I got the brandy milk punch, which was a fun drink reminiscent of egg nog (it's the nutmeg) and the bread pudding french toast. Such a creative idea! It was well-executed, and the portion size was great! I was full, but not overly so.
(5)Courtney S.
My most recent trip to Dante's was to have brunch with a bunch of Yelpers. It was an incredible experience. The menu is extensive (leading to much indecision on my part). We started with the house-made breads, which were so good. I tried the chocolate version, but I hear the cranberry was quite good, too When it came to an entree, I had trouble deciding between the Debris and Poached Eggs, Grilled Shrimp and Grits, Roasted Banana Pancakes and the Dante's Eggs Benedict. I went with the latter and had no regrets (other than wishing my stomach had more room!) Every bite was wonderful, and I will definitely go back to try that, as well as some of the dishes I wasn't able to try. The wait staff and manager were very attentive to our large group (I think we had 14 or 15 people). We were even treated to some of the famous, tasty Satsumosas... a mimosa made with satsumas and champagne. I highly recommend this as a not-to-be-missed brunch spot, no matter if your group is large or small. I will caution that Dante's has a no-reservation policy, so get there early, and be willing to wait for a seat--it's worth it. (You can enjoy Satsumosas and/or Bloody Mary's while you wait on their cute patio area!)
(5)Elsa S.
Loved it for dinner - scallops were great and so was dessert! Brunch made me a little less happy - the salmon was too salty, but I would go back earlier since they were out of the dish I wanted to order.
(4)Amit K.
I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. We were searching for a nice place to eat on this trip to NOLA with my parents. It was a special dinner for my birthday and this place was recommended to me by a friend. The outside is a converted house with a quaint patio with lots of seating and the inside has a few rooms with small cozy dining areas. We started off with some drinks, an Abita for my dad and I had a Pimms Cup. Both were quite refreshing. I had the chicken under the brick and my parents had two different types of fish. The fresh bread they served was simply amazing. The food, presentation and charm of the venue were all delightful. I was so sad that I was too stuffed for dessert. This meal is not cheap, but this meal is better than good, its great. like I said above, I want Dante's to be my last meal on earth. This is probably the best restaurant I have ever been to in my short life and I plan on frequenting it more when I move to New Orleans this summer. Hopefully my bank account will allow me.
(5)Pelle B.
Outstanding food. While New Orleans has lots of great traditional restaurants, there is also a new bread of small innovative restaurants that innovate while still being true to their New Orleans background. Everyone talks about the Shrimp and Grits. I had to try it and they were amazing. The BBQ shrimps were also very good. The sauce had a definite shrimp stock flavor to it. We had the filet au trois and the short rib. Both were excellent. I can really recommend them and their great friendly service. Try something different next time you're in NOLA.
(5)Uyen V.
Ordered red fish and it was OK. Maybe I expected too much from all the high ravings or maybe I just didn't order the right meal. The waiter was patient and accommodated us well. My party was late and we literally placed our order in 15 minutes before closing.
(4)Angelica W.
They had us at their spoon bread, so delicious and what a cute presentation, simultaneously rustic and modern, with vamped up tradition the foodie way. I already was expecting nice things to come when we were seated in the light and casual dining room of the renovated cottage, right under a vintage Dante sign and a shelf of home canned fruits in glass jars. I preferred the view to the outside terrace dining over the other slightly darker rooms, with their cozy antique feel. I like to dine right in the kitchen, and usually love the "concept libre" of a seemingly spontaneous compilation of ordinary objects and the "found furniture" look. Their design is not "libre" but stylish hom-y. "After 1900, home canning of all types of food, mainly in glass jars, became popular as a means of utilizing home garden products, providing better diets, and reducing the cost of living." Dante, also using fresh local produce, follows this great tradition but is not just doing that, they also infuse their own alcohol and barrel-age New Orleans classic cocktails. I was smitten by their new creation, Corpse Reviver, oh dizzying delight for the cocktail enthusiast. On culinary trips like this one from Chicago to New Orleans, I give up on my regular vegetarian life style, and venture out with a stop at red meat and not biting into cute little baby pigs, as already the name, sucklings, seems to forbid that. Everybody has their limits and some might argue that shrimps have cute eyes... Those we had though: the Grilled Shrimp on Stone Ground Grits with andouille red eye gravy was a down to earth amaze. The Redfish on the Half Shell topped wtih crab meat and soft herbs, the Caramelized Onion Smashed Potatoes and their famous Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg were a taste bud's joy, and the dessert, ah, I should have left more room, Blueberry Brown Butter Upside Down Cake with creole cream cheese gelato is just heaven. Thanks to chef Eman Loubier, the mixologists and the savvy staff we got the intro to southern cooking, which makes us ask for more.
(5)Emily R.
Dante's Kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. I ordered the arugula salad, caramelized onion mashed potatoes, and cauliflower, which I tried to replicate in our kitchen the next day because it was so good. It was covered in roasted garlic and is now my favorite cauliflower on earth. My three dining companions loved all their choices as well. I hear the scallops are to die for.
(5)Melinda H.
Best bone marrow I've ever had! It comes with the escargot, but it's amazing also! A must have! They also flavor their own liquors and they have some really, really creative combinations, very fun and tasty!
(4)Laila B.
Beautiful outdoor seating area, friendly but not overbearing service. My absolute favorite thing was the escargot served in a sauce of basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I would go back again and again for that dish. We also got the Heads and Tails, very cute name and very tasty dish (hogshead cheese and braised oxtails). Beets and greens we ordered as sides were wonderful, simple but somehow unique. Braised pork belly not as great as I had anticipated but the pork steak confit was even better. Redfish served with soft herbs and crabmeat was delicate and lovely. At first I thought the very pretty profusion of herbs would be over the top flavor-wise but it wasn't. Too full for dessert although nothing really jumped out at me either. One of my more memorable meals this year.
(4)Jarrod M.
Comfort food done right. This is what a lot of places in Houston wish they could be. Seriously Dante's Kitchen, you knocked it out of the park. So, what made it so good? Cool location? Check. Good service? Check. Reasonable prices? Check. Food, drinks, everything!? Check. This place is one giant check, as in it checked every freaking box in the book. I think I'm in love. So, how about that food? I wasn't feeling in a mixed drink mood (sad for me) so I stuck to beer. Beer selection is kinda meh, which is really the only downside to this place. The food on the other hand, is out of control great. You start out with some molasses corn bread in a skillet. I've never had dessert for bread service, but it was like eating french toast, cornbread style. 5/5 Next up? Boudin Rouge, or blood sausage: bourbon black pepper mustard, roasted sweet peppers, preserved peaches. The texture was outstanding. Tasting it, I felt a bit like Goldilocks tasting the bear's porridge. Not too firm, not too crumbly, but just right. The flavor, too, was exquisite. You didn't get too mineral-y of a flavor, and the spices made you want to roll your eyes into the back of your head. 5/5 Now, to the main attraction. Chicken Under a Brick. Yelpers, do yourself a favor and listen to everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did, and I reached food Nirvana. It was the kind of food that is so good, it just makes you smile. Simple food that is well done. The skin on the chicken was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the meat itself was about as moist as you can get with a perfect, not too soft and not too chewy texture. 5/5 And the ribbon on this gift of a meal: peach cobbler. I ate this like there was no tomorrow. Perfect, flaky pastry crust, fresh tasting peaches (these bad boys weren't canned), and ice cream that didn't steal the show but instead complimented. This, friends, is how you make a peach cobbler. Dante's Kitchen, it may be awhile before I see you again, but rest assured, I will never forget you.
(5)Jeepers C.
Whenever we go it is a different menu generated around what's in season. Very unique and well-executed. At first I thought it was a little pricey, but worth every penny. To order something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. It is a completely unique experience.The food is delicious!
(5)Kyle W.
So I had brunch here last Sunday. We started off with the home made biscuits with home made jelly and butter this was awesome almost ordered another. I then had the Dante's omelet which was very good as well. along with a side of has browns and beacon. The atmosphere was very nice. staff was friendly nice relaxing place to eat. A bit crowded on Sunday which is a testament to how well liked this place is.
(4)Jill L.
Quaint setting, challenging parking, good service, clean. Now, the food. Best shrimp and grits I've ever had bar none. The gravy is unbelievable. Salad was crisp and fresh and the dressing was good but I prefer less dressing and the greens were swimming in it. Complementary spoon bread was a molasses corn bread - heaven. Wine list is not vast but offers just enough choice that everyone can find a pleasing option.
(4)Alicia J.
We came here for brunch and cocktails. My god, it was the best meal of our entire New Orleans trip. We began with the bacon praline sticky buns, mimosas and bloody marys. For the main dishes, eggs benedict, pork steak and a daily-special fish dish were had. Everything was delicious. First, the bacon praline bun is amazing. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sticky bun goes perfectly together. It came out hot and delicious. Cocktails in the morning? During Mardi Gras, why not? I am even willing to believe that this place has one of the best bloody marys, at least the best I have sampled. Before I describe each breakfast item in detail, I should mention that they are all breakfast-y. Hot, filling, and usually with a somewhat liquid component beneath the meat and veggies -- it is a really good way to start the day and soaks up some alcohol from those cocktails. The eggs benedict came with a superb pork loin. The pork steak was actually my favorite. I am a lover of tender meat, and this was the _most tender_ of meats, and also perfectly crispy on the outside. The special fish dish was a white fish of sorts, and while it may not help the reader, it was well-cooked and laid over a bed of grits that accented the flaky fish very well. The atmosphere of Dante's was perfect for an informal brunch with friends -- there are preserved vegetables in mason jars on shelves around the joint, and the windows allow in plenty of relaxing morning light. We loved it here.
(5)Michael H.
The wife and I drove here straight from the airport for brunch. We got there just as they opened, we were seated, and within a fifteen minute period the place was packed, with people waiting outside. I would like to start by saying the staff there was incredibly friendly, efficient, knowledgeable of the menu, and made us felt welcomed there. Our server was Stephen, and he was a very personable. We started our meal with the biscuits which came with house made jams and preserves, blueberry and peach. They lasted no time on the plate. I ordered the grilled shrimp and grits and the wife got debris and poached eggs. We literally had to slow ourselves down from inhaling our meals. Yeah, the food is just that great! Of course we each tried the others meal. I'm not a big hollandaise fan, but the demi-glace hollandaise was fantastic. I could see it in the wife's eyes, she wanted my grits. And how could she not, they are so good. The food is superb, the atmosphere is charming, you can dress casual, and the prices very reasonable. We enjoyed our meal so much, we came back a couple of days later for dinner! The wife had the house tea of the day(cocktail) and it was superb and refreshing. I had an Abita. support your local brewers! We started with the house made Salumi. Tasty! We each got the roasted sweet pepper salad. And made short work of them. I had the trois mignon for my entree, rare of course, melt in your mouth delicious. The wife got shrimp and grits as her entree, and she was very happy with it. And we split a dessert, If Napoleon was Italian. Very tasty. Our server that evening was Tierney and she was an absolute doll. Kudos to whomever is hiring the front of the house staff. It's really impressive that they use so many local ingredients, make so much in-house product (look around you there are jarred products on every available shelf) and infuse their own liquors. If I lived in New Orleans, I would eat here all the time.
(5)Marcus A.
Dante's Kitchen offers gourmet food packaged up down-home style, literally. The flame fueled, hand painted sign outside leads you to the front door of a quaint house. It's cozy and intimate and nestled away in the garden district, providing a nice change of a pace from the French Quarter environment. I've heard their alcoholic beverages are superb, but as I do not drink I am going on the words of others. I was able to try a smattering of dishes and enjoyed them all. Table bread is a molasses spoon bread in a house honey butter; it is delicious, moist and dense. The mussels in green curry were a tasty treat and the sauce had just the right amount of hot, sour and sweet to make you sop up every ounce with the accompanying french bread. The grilled shrimp and stone ground grits with an andouille red eye gravy was my favorite dish of the evening. It was rich and had some nice heat that chased down every bite. As far as entrees are concerned, I ordered the trois mignons. The house made worcestshire filet mignon was to die for. The debris filet mignon mixed in with the caramelized onion mashed potatoes was practically perfect. The stilton filet mignon wasn't as stellar as the first two, as I felt the stilton didn't really bring anything to the table. I also had a bite of the chicken roasted on a brick and the duck 2 ways. The chicken was good, but nothing spectacular, especially next to my expectations after reading the reviews here. My sampling of the duck was great. We ordered the apple tart with blue cheese ice cream, yes I said blue cheese ice cream. The blue cheese definitely came through and I'm still not sure if this was a good thing. I'm not big on desserts and this was fairly average.
(4)Chris H.
Extraordinary. I have made two trips to New Orleans from Biloxi just to eat dinner here. I am a big fan of their escargot. It makes a great, fresh, tasty appetizer. The second time I ate here, I got the shrimp n grits and the bacon wrapped scallops. I am convinced those were the best scallops I've ever had. Bacon happens to be my favorite food too. But the scallops! Tender, succulent, juicy with hints of lime and Creole seasoning. They melted in my mouth. They were monstrous in size as well so I was cutting them up like miniature steak filets to savor every bite. I am a big stickler about the size of my scallops, and these broke the scales. My coworker had the famous chicken under a brick. I didn't know chicken could be so moist and tender. For desert: peach cobbler with Creole cream. Not my favorite. The peaches were on the bitter side. Five stars just for the scallops though. This is a must~go place for visitors to the crescent city.
(5)Lindsay W.
I had heard such great things about this place, but I was not impressed. Good food but not necessary better than other brunch spots in nola. I'd suggest some other great places before Dante's. Oh, and their bloody mary - yuck. It was fruity.
(3)Bonni T.
I went for brunch and quite honestly I believe I enjoyed everything about my experience. The shrimp and grits...AMAZING. My boyfriend had the alligator sausage sliders and he actually enjoyed them. He is a simple man so I was surprised. They do a good job of adding a little bit of flair to traditional dishes.
(4)David B.
Similar to Jacques Imo's in price and quality. Usually slightly less crowded and slightly less delicious, I think. Favorites are: Brunch
(4)Peggy C.
We'd loved our dinner at Dante's. We were visiting New Orleans from out of town and visited this restaurant and one other outside the French Quarter and were mistaken as locals in both cases. ;) The hardest part was choosing what to eat. We had 1 appetizer, 1 small plate, shared a large entree with 3 sides and shared a dessert. We had Escargot & House Made Bacon - YUM!! We had the Charcuterie Plate (cheese, meat, mustard, housemade pickles) - YUM!! We had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, mac and cheese, fried rice, and local vegetables - ALL also YUM!! The best part is that most of the meal is sourced LOCALLY, which supports the local economy, reduces pollution, and much more! Our service was fantastic. Reservations recommended.
(5)John M.
I think I split the difference with a lot of the reviewers. It appears there's a lot of distaste for the "oversauciness" of the entrees, and with that I'd definitely agree. I had the duck and I tended to take each bite like so: "Hmm. Mmmmm. Er? Huh. Mmm. Yeah! Well...Wha? Hm." I'm no chef, but that seems like too much going on. But what can you do? This place had the best shrimp and grits I've ever had (I've had shrimp and grits twice). They were so off-the-hook, I gobbled them all up, shrimp with heads and all. This sauce was perfect, one distinct taste, all good. Everyone was very nice, including the owner who went out of his way to make me feel at home, totally cozy atmosphere, so perhaps someone can yelp through and find an entree that works better for most to have with them thar shrimp.
(3)Toe H.
This food is practically crack! I wouldn't be surprised to find someone blowing the chef for the Slow Cooked Rabbit Leg & Dumplings out back of this place. I'm in from out of town and went with a couple locals, we all shared each others' food bistro style (recommend) in order to try more dishes. If you get the Molasses Cornbread, you will not be sorry. Grits were the bomb. My entree was "Trois Mignons," it was good and prepared well, but I would recommend trying out other entrees. As I hinted at the rabbit was off the chain. Also we had the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad, which was crisp and well balanced. Service was great. You SHOULD NOT leave this restaurant without getting at least one of the mixed drinks. They infuse their own liquors here. I can't remember the name of the drink, but I tried one with Cucumber infused Gin and it was the most baller gin drink I have ever had. It was very refreshing and the simple idea of infusing cucumber with gin is pure genius. Pimms cup was also good.
(5)Tom R.
Good food. Delivered at a snails pace. Literally unreal. 45 minute wait between starters and main course. When we ordered dessert I asked if we could make it a bit more speedy. So it showed up after 35 minutes. Sad. Will not be back.
(1)Kent W.
Unlike many restaurants, Dante's is consistently excellent. I've never had an "off" meal there. The grits may be the best in the city. Cocktails are great as well.
(5)Lily S.
The food is somewhat very salty to my taste but it was still good. The servers were friendly and the restaurant was so cozy and comfortable. I would definitely come back.
(4)Chris C.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Visiting New Orleans and looking for good food (i.e. not in the French Quarter), we stumbled upon the Yelp reviews for Dante's Kitchen.... Yelpers - again you have steered me in the right direction. The shrimp and grits were to die for!! I had the redfish and my friend had the tuna. The food was excellently prepared, perfectly plated, and served with a smile. The ambiance is low key and homey, with beautiful New Orleans decor. The menu changes frequently, and they try to get the majority of their food locally sourced. You can see on the blackboard which ingredients are local. Coming from DC, I thought the food was reasonable priced ($20-25 per plate) and delicious. If you are in town visiting and want some good food - rent a car, take a taxi, walk if you have to - but get yourself to Dante's. There is no good food in the French District. I repeat... THERE IS NO GOOD FOOD IN THE FRENCH DISTRICT. All overpriced and underwhelming. You are welcome!
(5)Helen N.
I've eaten here a few times already but its been more than a year since my last vist. Its one of my favorites NOLA restaurants and I especially love their molasses spoon bread! I could of ate the whole thing except I had to share with the two other friends I went with :) Escargot & House Made Bacon: Delicious! It comes with a piece of toasted and butter french bread which is great for dipped. Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops: This dish comes with 2 decent sized scallops but the field peas thats they laid on were buttery, soft and cooked perfectly. Baked Mac & Cheese with Gruyere, Fontina: good but not my favorite. I just wanted to try a different side , so we ordered it. It has a punch to it. Trois Mignons: cooked medium and perfectly! the mashed potatoes were an excellent accompaniment. Stuffed Flounder: Good fish dish also... Hole in the wall, street parking, but great food!! FYI: make reservations!!
(5)John V.
We're never disappointed in Dante's. It's one of our regular stops when we're in New Orleans.
(5)Feldman A.
I cannot remember when I ate better than on New Year's Eve at Dante's Kitchen in the Black Pearl along the Riverbend in the lovely underbelly of swanky Uptown New Orleans. The dishes were as creative as they were exquisite. The place had personality as well as making magic in our mouths. And even on a night as busy as New Years, the atmosphere was intimate and the service attentive. The Shrimp and Grits with homemade panbread and the yummy signature drinks that we had there were out-of-control good and are likely to be branded on our parietal lobes for some time to come.
(5)Derek R.
Terrific little neighborhood gem! I love this place!! I've probably been there 20 times or more. Try the pumpkin soup if you like your soup on the spicy side - like I do! The complimentary spoonbread is always a winner! Definitely check out the small plates. The braised ribs are deliciouso! For entrees I recommend the chicken under a brick, trois mignons, or the redfish with crabmeat. All very yummy and quite tasty! For dessert I like either their carrot cake or spiced chocolate cake!! And finally, try tapas night the last WED of the month. $5 for a small glass of wine and a tapas. Enjoy!
(5)Irene H.
We went on Sunday for brunch and I took the advice of another reviewer and made sure we got there a little after 10:30. All the seats were taken, but we were first on the list and the mimosa's we enjoyed while waiting were good. I had the Dante's Omelet which was full of andouille sausage and had a spicy flavor, but wasn't overly seasoned to the point I could not enjoy it. A dish I would get again. My family had the shrimp and grits and the crab brie omelet which were also delicious. We split a plate of alligator sausage and I didn't think I would like it and it didn't taste like anything I had had before, but it was good. The atmosphere and staff were really nice and I would definitely go back. Would like to try dinner next time.
(4)Scott D.
One of my favorite places to eat in NOLA. This place is located in an old house that lets you know you are eating in NOLA. It's a great place for a date. It's romantic and quaint. The food and ambiance are both great. The prices are not the best, but you get what you pay for and this place is worth every penny. It's small, so be sure to make reservations. Fellas if you want to impress your lady, mistress or FWB, hit this place up.
(4)Jill S.
After taking the streetcar ALL the way uptown to Jacques-Imos, only to find it CLOSED for a two week break, I pulled out my trusty Yelp app to find a suitable analog in walking distance. Brigtsens looked a little too schmancy for our casual attire. But what's that across the street? That looks cool... The inside is done in springy oranges and greens coloring each segmented seating area, giving it an intimate feel no matter where you sit. The courtyard looked great if it had been a little cooler / dryer out. Their menu fits on one sheet, which is something I appreciate. Lots of salads, sides, and small plates, most below $10, as well as a handful of entrees that were in the $20+ range. We each got a salad and a side dish. The watermelon salad was one of the most exciting combinations of flavors I've had in a while, and the vegetable side was like a noodle-less lasagna, definitely filling. Several options for a vegetarian! Their drink list was the hidden star of the night. I got a gin cocktail with "house-made" watermelon something or other, named after an antidepressant (Prozac?)--it was a bizarre shade of pink and very refreshing. We split the mojito, which was VERY heavy on the booze.
(4)Sunflower G.
Food is DiVine! Melts in your mouth it's so good. We had the Chicken under Brick and Trois Melange (steak/filet mignon) and it was beyond terrific. I love it when good food tastes so heavenly. Highly recommend it.
(5)Emerson A.
Great Food, great flavors, I will go back. Is not a 5 Because of the amount of time it takes to get your food( Maybe should be that way when is fresh). Emerson.
(4)Daniel G.
I was down for Jazz Fest last year. I wanted southern food and this Boston boy got his dose of southern comfort food done right. Maybe one of my favorite brunch places all time. Pretty bold huh, go try it for yourself.
(5)Alicia T.
It's seems so rare that I am surprised by restaurants in New Orleans anymore. So imagine my delight when we stumbled into Dante's Kitchen on a Saturday night sans reservation and were promptly sat to enjoy what became one of the best meals I've had in a while. We got there at 6:30pm and I was a little worried by the lack of seated tables in the place. I had only been there for brunch many moons ago and the only think I could remember was that it was very rich (as in butter and cream). I was relieved to see the menu was comprised of an abundance of local vegetables, fresh seafood and other lighter fare in addition to the richer items like short ribs and savory duck. I had a specialty cocktail called the Tokyo Rose and it was a perfect aperitif; effervescent, gingery, slightly bitter. Upon getting my drink we were delivered hot spoon bread with a honey butter. It's about the best thing on the planet. I had one helping and my friend single-handedly finished the entire thing off. I had the mussels with green curry as an appetizer and my friend got the arugula salad. My mussels were awesome; spicy, flavorful and fresh. The salad, well, it was ok but nothing special. For my entree I got the vegetable platter which it all the right notes. It was comprised of freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes, wilted dandelion greens, roasted turnips and a goat cheese potato croquette thing. It was savory, filling and light all at the same time. My partner got the crabcake with the poached egg which he declared as amazing and the short rib, which he continued to eat even though he was already stuffed ( a good sign). The service was spot-on...informative but not overbearing. Attentive but not annoying. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. The music was a little weird but as the night wore on, it became more suiting. I will be back very soon!
(5)Elyse B.
Came with a big group on Sunday (14 of us) and arrived before 10:30 for brunch (since they don't take reservations). AMAZING brunch food, everything was absolutely delicious. I had the shrimp and grits and a Bloody Mary, both which I highly recommend. To put it lightly, I give 5 stars to any place that makes me seriously crave their food and this place deserves it, hands down.
(5)Shawna B.
Yum. This place is awesome! We started with the escargot with basil, vermouth and goat cheese. I wished I had a straw to slurp up the delicious juice. I had the trois mignons and they were melt-in-your-mouth yummy. Husband had the grilled pork steak with a bacon and rosemary white gravy and it was incredibly tender. Also shared a side of duck-fat roasted potatoes which are as good as they sound. And we split the chocolate spice cake and became over-the-top full. Our waitress was fabulous and very helpful and the rest of the staff was courteous. Would definitely come back on our next trip- it was a great meal and reasonably priced.
(5)Bernardo A.
What happens when you slow-braise a pork butt steak for five hours? Exactly. The food in this neighborhood restaurant is out of this world. The portions are perfect, the service is impeccable, the atmosphere is homey. The place is not cheap; a three course meal with a glass of wine or a beer can set you back about $55 pp. However, the quality of the food makes this place a bargain. Recommended are the shrimp with grits in avred eye gravy, the cauliflower soup, the braised and then blackened pork steak served over braised greens and a reduced apple butter. For dessert, one chocolate pot de creme is enough for two...the hot chili finish on that is so good.
(5)Mike H.
I would move to New Orleans in a heartbeat if I could find an income that could support me living expenses and my addiction to the food down there. I went to Dante's on a Saturday morning after a long, long night of drinking for brunch. Now, I'm from Boston, and in the Northeast, Brunch is a huge thing. Everyone does it, so brunch to me is a safe haven of food. I feel comfortable. Like, under the comforter on a cold day comfortable. Dante's blew that out of the water. I went to NOLA with the intent of having grits, and nothing would stop me from achieving that. I had their Dante's Eggs Benedict with a side of Cheese Grits and a side of Hash Browns. First of all, the portions were HUGE. I'm used to the small-okay sized portions of brunch in Boston, but Dante's was subconsciously telling me that I was Mary Kate Olsen and needed to add about 50lbs to be healthy again. The flavor was amazing, cooked perfectly, and made my mouth water. The grits were everything I ever wanted. The consistency was spot on, (not that I had anything to compare it to,) and it tasted great. I had the regular stone-ground grits too since my friend got them. Either one will blow your mind. The decor was so nice and homely. Laid out so you're not on top of the table next to you, but small enough to maintain intimacy. I'm going back ASAP. Thank god plane tickets are so cheap there and back. :)
(5)Zach R.
This was my first taste of New Orleans food on my first trip to the city. I chose this place based on the reviews, and it did not disappoint. Again, based on the reviews, I started with the shrimp and grits. This is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and I've tried them all over, including Savannah and Charleston. The shrimp and grits at Dante's are flat-out the best I've ever had. The grits are unbelievably creamy and they come topped with three huge shrimp (with the heads still on). The seasoning on the shrimp was out of this world and the andouille gravy in the grits was delicious. Get them. I also ordered the "redfish on the half shell." I was half a redfish filet topped with a crab and mint (?) mixture. The fish was cooked perfectly, but lacked the Cajun punch I was hoping for. The crab was cold, which was also a little disappointing. Lastly, the server brought out a complimentary pan of molasses spooncake. I'd read about it in the reviews and was looking forward to it. It was absolutely delicious. It's like a sweet, moist cornbread (minus the corn) topped with honey butter. It comes out piping hot, brought to you in the little cast iron skillet it was cooked in. A very unique and unforgettable side/dessert. Go there for the shrimp and grits and the spooncake. They're phenomenal. The redfish left a little to be desired and it was pricey (spent $50 for myself only), but I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Christine H.
I visited Dante's based upon the great yelp reviews that I read prior to my trip to New Orleans. The atmosphere and service are five stars, however I can only give the food 3. Maybe it was what I ordered. I didn't like the potatoes in duck fat, and I didn't enjoy the main course of duck cassolet (maybe I spelled it wrong). The dish was served lukewarm and the duck was tough and there was a small bone left in which was not a pleasant discovery once it was inside my mouth! I would probably try Dante's again based upon the numerous other people who loved it and since the service was so great. I just wouldn't order the duck next time.
(3)K M.
After I discovered this place on Yelp!, we thought it would be fun to try something new for our anniversary dinner. I was super excited when we got there, but left a little disappointed. First off, our server, Luis, was superb, and I do not think that where our dinner was lacking had anything to do with the attentiveness of the server. The spoon bread came out piping hot, and delicious! Was better with a little salt, though. On to the appetizers: Husband got the shrimp and grits, which were piping hot and delicious! The shrimp were seasoned perfectly and the grits were delightfully creamy. Needed a little salt, though. Unfortunately, I got the corn and crab soup, which was nothing more than yellow tinged chicken stock with a little crab meat thrown in. It was thin and virtually flavorless, slightly warmer than room temperature, and the corn must have taken the day off because I didn't see any in there. I didn't even finish it; it wasn't worth whatever calories were in it. Even a little salt couldn't save it. Entrees: Husband got the pork confit, which he enjoyed, and I also thought had a great flavor, even though I'm not a big meat eater. I had the bacon wrapped scallops small plate, along with the Barq's candied sweet potatoes, thinking that after the bowl of soup, I probably wouldn't be too hungry. The scallop/bacon combo was smoky and delicious, but the sweet potatoes weren't anything special. The biggest issue was that none of the entree foods were particularly hot. I like my food to seem as if it was just prepared, not "resting" for 15 minutes somewhere. I felt rushed to eat so I wouldn't have to eat cold food. I was so excited about this place after reading all of the Yelp! reviews, and really hoped my experience would make me want to go back for brunch. I left undecided.
(3)Whitney J.
I love Dante's. I've been here for both brunch and dinner many times and have never been disappointed by either the food or the service. Only once was I sad there, and that was because they'd run out of house-made pickles for the bloody mary. The shirmp and grits are perfect. The pate plate for an appetizer at dinner is lovely with its house made mustards and pickles. I took my parents here and they loved the redfish with crab and the trois mignons. Worth the money. and Oh My God the Spoonbread. Eat all the spoonbread. And the cheddar-jalepeno grits. Eat it all.
(4)Claire S.
The best place I have visited during my stay. We went to many restaurants during our stay including Emeril's restaurants and others, but nothing came close to Dantes. I think a house was converted into a restaurant and I could feel the cozy ambiance as soon as I walked in. I found a very unique stuff at the bar. The bartender had created many different flavored liquors and kept them in pretty bottles, apple brandy, pomegranate whiskey and many others. He clearly knew his stuff. He made a glass of Sazerac with his apple brandy. Oh... that was heavenly. I cannot remember what we ordered cause 10 of us ordered almost everything on the menu and shared them. But it does not matter what the dish was since literally everything was spectacular. I will go back to Dantes whenever I get a chance.
(5)Heather S.
One of my favorites. Shrimp n' grits are amazing, as well as the spoon bread. In general I like everything they do, but occasionally when they change the menu the new main courses are not so good. Also, the desserts are not very good. I do love that they make their own jam, do the pickling themselves, and try to incorporate local items.
(5)Steven M.
Dante's kitchen is simply awesome! I had one of the best meals in a LONG time there. What a great combination of menu, decor, service and ambiance. We had the shrimp and grits, escargots, duck, and Trois Mignons. Each was better than the next, full of flavor creativity and visual elegance. The shrimp and grits was particularly good, I grew up in the South and those were by far the best grits I've ever had! I honestly think Dante's Kitchen would hold it's own against any restaurant in Chicago save Alinea. And in terms of price, it's simply no comparison, we got out of there for under $150 for two people wine included and felt like we had a five star meal. Highly, highly recommended!!
(5)Nadrian M.
GRITS! If you like them this is definitely the place to get them. Great, friendly staff and wonderful menu selection......oooooh and uh rum ah did I say GRITS!
(5)Kelly H.
One of the best New Orleans restaurants! It's located in the uptown area - not in the touristy part. It's more or less an upscale neighborhood restaurant - nothing wrong with that at all! The space itself is basically a converted house - it actually has sort of a tropical feel without going overboard. In other words - great atmosphere! But you come here for the food - classic New Orleans cuisine with a few "nuvo" twists. The stuffed flounder was loaded with andouille and crawfish tails with just enough spice to give it a little bite. The "Redfish on the Half Shell" is a signature item that consists of a nice, pan fried piece of red fish topped with sauteed lump crab meat. Excellent! Also, a side of green beans sauteed with pancetta was surprisingly delicious! Desserts include the basic Key Lime Pie but a nightly special of Mexican Hot Chocolate Pot de Creme (OK, I probably spelled that wrong) was out of this world - a warm chocolate custard topped with toasted marshmallows - yummmm... The blueberry pie appeared to be a bit heavy in the crust but I am told that it was excellent. The wine list was a bit light, but there were some interesting by the glass choices. A good California Pinot Nior was a perfect pairing with slightly spicy flounder. Also note that this place can get pretty busy. I would recommend reservations. All in all, this a great New Orleans restaurant! It's a bit off the beaten path but well worth it!
(4)Liz M.
This is one of my most favorite brunch spots uptown. During satsuma season, the satsuma-mosas are the best I've ever had. Actually, any of their cocktails are quite perfect at any time of the year. The grits are slow cooked overnight in whole milk are are incredibly hearty and creamy. Get any dish with the grits. Get the grits by itself. Get the grits with a side of grits. My favorite brunch item is the eggs benedict with the debris gravy. Anyone that doesn't know what debris gravy is, it's roast beef gravy with bits of the roast beef in it, and it's divine. Best to go with a group of people so that you can sample everyone else's dish, because the brunch menu is a no-fail.
(4)Erin D.
Dante's Kitchen is SOOOOO amazing. Not your typical menu - you are supposed to go for 3-4 courses (they are smaller) but the food is out of this world. It's rich, home-style goodness. The only downside is it is a little pricey, but definitely worth it.
(5)Christine H.
Nominated pastry chef-menu disappoints. As other reviews found, the Shrimp and Grits was gorgeous-the shrimp are head/shell on and colossal. The grits are so creamy they almost resemble thin mashed potatoes. The Dante's special spoon bread that's served as a free appetizer is TO DIE FOR. I am still thinking about the succulent, perfectly charred caramelized maple on the Chicken under a Brick. Unfortunately the potato and bacon hash cake that is served with the brick chicken was a failure. A mound of dry, chalky potatoes and unrecognizable bacon. It's failure took the egg down with it as there was no harmony between the chicken and the egg alone. The biggest disappointment was the dessert offerings. We had read that the pastry chef was nominated to receive "Food & Wine's The People's Best New Pastry Chef 2012 Award and even asked to see the menu before dinner had arrived. What an anti-climax. The 2 desserts that even looked interesting were "unavailable". The Strawberry Fennel Pie because "we couldn't get strawberries" and they had sold out of the Chocolate Meringue Clouds. Even those two dishes only rated a 3 of 5 on my dessert radar. The others were a 0. The only reason i mention it as a negative is that Dante's is touting the nomination. Once you do that, you need to live up to the expectation that it brings. If I had seen the spoon bread on the menu as a warm dessert with a caramel drizzle and praline ice cream I would have ordered it in a heart beat.. Here is a copy of the dessert menu from Dante's Kitchen. You can decide for yourself what you think it as an award deserving offering.. Desserts Trio of Sorbet 7 selections change daily Strawberry Fennel Pie 7 creme fraiche gelato Lemon Poppy Seed Cake 7 mascarpone icing Butterscotch Pudding 7 with saltedwhipped cream Chocolate Meringue Clouds 7 orange blossom diplomat cream, sweet strawberries Composed Cheese Plate 7 artisanal cheeses, red wine biscuit, bitter chocolate kisses, strawberry citrus marmalade
(4)Alexa X.
I went there for lunch and had shrimp and grits and a milk punch. Overall, nothing impressive--simply nothing bad and nothing good. I heard their dinner is better than their lunch.
(3)Ryan S.
I wish I'd written a review shortly after visiting here, because the details are a little fuzzy. We loved this place. The atmosphere was great, the food was outstanding, and the staff was super friendly. It wasn't cheap, but certainly for the quality of the experience it wasn't expensive. Both my wife and I were thrilled with our entrees. I do recall I had the 3 petite filet mignon's. Each came with a different topping. It was to die for. Also, our cocktails were fabulous. They had a large variety of small batch bourbons that I'd never had before, and I asked for the waitress to bring me the bartender's recommendation served neat. I was thrilled that they didn't just take the opportunity to serve me the most expensive bourbon on their shelves, but rather surprised me with Buffalo Trace, which I'd never had, and is very nice and on the low end of the price scale for a glass of bourbon. I'd like to say I'd definitely come here again, and maybe I will... but New Orleans is known for its food, and I've only been once in my life. Dante's lived up to the New Orleans cuisine hype!
(5)Michael S.
Had a great brunch here a couple months ago. Really chill and casual but the food was outstanding! Can't wait to back for dinner sometime soon!
(4)Jordi G.
This really was the dinner that never ended. I have to say that the food would probably be three stars, but the service absolutely detracted a star from this place. After our appetizers came pretty promptly, the entrees took about 90 minutes with our idiot server repeatedly coming by and saying that our food would be out in less than 5 minutes. This happened four or five times--I don't understand why you would say that so many times if it isn't true whatsoever. After it finally came, the excuse, "you got behind a table of 12" What is this a school for ants? Seriously how small is their kitchen that that takes 90 minutes? We tried to be nice the whole time but they really tested our patience. The food probably deserved three stars. The pickled plate was my favorite thing on the menu and was technically best dish they had. Bland pumpkin soup with too much creme fraiche. The layered farm vegetable and gruyere mac and cheese sides were both really missing any bite. They literally had nothing to them. I tried three entrees: roasted chicken under a brick, trois mignons, and redfish on half shell. Roasted chicken was good and moist but not that flavorful, trois mignons had plenty of flavor and way too much salt (they really seem to not know which ingredients to trust that can stand alone) and the redfish was very good--flaky, light, flavorful. Good dish. Overall, though, poor service and 3 star at best food.
(2)Mary B.
Dante's has one of the best brunches in town, and is also one of the best ways to gain weight NOLA stylie. They are not afraid of butter! We are all going to die happy! In an old house by the Riverbend, Dante's uses a lot of local ingredients and makes killer cheese grits. Seriously, eating these grits will make you Southern if you aren't already. I have also had the crab omelette, which was great, and the brioche pan perdu which was a little dry. The brandy milk punch may seem like a strange morning drink, but I liked it, and I am not a big sweet drinker. The service was professional, A+. The only caveat I have to add is, if you are sensitive to butter or salt or culinary indulgence, Dante's may not be for you.
(4)Shivani S.
I wish I could give this place more stars! Delicious food. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. I don't think we've had chicken this flavorful since visiting France. The rest of the food was equally delicious. Definitely worth the trip!
(5)Ashleigh B.
I visited this place after getting a mani/pedi at Cindy's. I was in pajamas and they still treated me with respect and kindness. I tried the escargot, carb and corn soup, and the ratatouille. The atmosphere was calm, the food was amazing, the drinks had a kick, and the service was warm. I made sure to show appreciation with my tip to my waiter. I'll definitely revisit to try all the other bites on the menu.
(5)Sharine d.
most of the Food was wonderful! Tasty..high end menu, but overall experience was a 3 . Cheese plate appetizer...Cheese was nice..also had some homemade cracker, cookie and Apple pastry. The bread for table was excellent. Steak dish was excellent. Duck dish would have been perfect, but duck was undercooked....sad. Side dishes of cabbage and the mashed potatoes.....were both excellent!! Service was very attentive to locals...a bit hot and miss for our table. Not sure if our waiter was just overwhelmed?.? Overall team appears to work together to help out, but it could have been better. Real rating would be 3.5...I'll take the duck home and microwave, so I can chew. The rest of the dish was a hit. Cute house restaurant....in nice neighborhood.
(3)Christian D.
A friendly staff, home-like atmosphere, and sizable portions give this place popularity. I had the duck with a glass of Cabernet - both were very good. Unfortunately, they were out of the appetizers we wanted, but no biggie. We tried the bruschetta and the shrimp and grits. Yes to the bruschetta, no to the latter. Our French waiter, Luis, was quite comical and very attentive. The red velvet cake for dessert was some of the best I ever had. Overall: 4.0 / A-
(4)Andrea N.
Delicious! Fresh baked everything. The biscuits were perfectly moist, just the right amount of dense, and I think they even make the jam. I have the Benedict which came with two this pork chops. I mean?! Come on?! Can't beat that. My friends got the following: crab and Brie omelet, dante's omelet complete with meat and cheese and potatoes (oh my!), and shrimp and grits. No one left a single bite. Iced coffee was yummy, too. Full bar on site, Corey spot, brunch line was about a 25 minute wait on a Sunday at high noon. Staff and service was good.
(5)Robert B.
I have been to Dante's a few times for brunch and years ago for lunch. This review is of the brunch only. It's definitely a winner. I went most recently on a beautiful Sunday morning after Mass. We were first in line and chose the patio of course. NOLA had just been through a wet cold spell, and the idea of patio dining was exciting. We both ordered a Bloody Mary to start. It is one of the best Bloodies in the city. The difference is a nice hint of horseradish in the mix. Very tasty. For food, I ordered the pork steak confit and my lovely dining companion the salmon and eggs. The pork confit was one of the best dishes I have eaten, truly a first class dish. It was perfectly tender and served over hash browns with chutney and 2 fried eggs on top. My first eggs were way overcooked, but the waitress was totally cool and brought me 2 more that were correctly cooked. The DC's salmon was good too though it's not my thing. It was nowhere near the caliber of the pork. As always I checked out the other dishes being brought to neighboring tables. The cinnamon rolls looked awesome and were as big as a hubcap. We decided to try one next time, and there will be a next time.
(4)Edward S.
Another restaurant keeping New Orleans on the map for great food. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. The service is great. It is cramped inside, but so are most places here. Someone here really cares about this place. If you really want to impress a date, take her here.
(5)Steven R.
Pizza is good, it's quick, and they have a solid bathroom. Perfect place to stop at while walking around.
(4)Felicia H.
Dined here last night and WOW. Just WOW. To think we were originally going to go to Jacques Imos (which I love, but hate the 2h wait) and fortuitously found ourselves here instead. Started with the spoon bread and honey butter. I would take this in lieu of bread any damn day. It smelled as good as it looked and it looked as good as it tasted. Food fit for the gods. Appetizers: escargot and mussels. Absolutely saporous! Highly recommend. Main course: portions were shockingly generous. You will not leave hungry. Shrimp and grits - grits were the star of this show Chicken roasted under a brick - best out everything we ordered Trois mignons - zero complaints Braisted lamb - largest plate; homemade pasta = delectable! Boudain rouge - a little dry and salty for my palate but the sauerkraut saved it Redfish on the half shell - my least favorite of everything we ordered; wayyy too salty and just didn't feel as special as the other dishes. Dessert: red velvet cake - no one complained. No crumbs leftover. I left completely stuffed, satiated and satisfied. The whole dining experience was wonderful and I would come back in a heartbeat. My favorite part of their menu - the disclaimer: "no cell phones, low calorie diets or separate checks"- preeaacchhh Dante preaaachhhh. Don't come to New Orleans if you're on a diet, what's the point?
(5)Karman C.
Brunch is amazing!!! Price is very reasonable too. I have only gone there for dinner one time a long time ago, so I don't remember the experience. However, I will definitely go back for dinner just to try it out again. Service is average. We went there for brunch right around when they are open so the wait was not bad, but I can see that it will be quite a long wait if going there a little later. I will definitely go back again!
(4)Jenny S.
Absolutely stellar food! We tried the fried green tomatoes, spicy eggplant, chicken under a brick, and the trois mignons - everything was prepared perfectly. The prices are very high, but you're definitely paying for the quality of ingredients (plus, Dante's sources locally whenever possible) and preparation.
(5)Chris C.
FRESH FRESH FRESH and CREATIVE!! I had to have the waiter "translate" some of the Gourmet dishes and tried the punch of the day which was also wonderful.
(5)Lauren S.
One of my New Orleans favorites. Brunch or dinner. Progressive takes on southern cuisine. Low key they have an amazing bar program-get the punch!!
(4)Brian R.
I have to say I came back here after four years with high hopes. The menu does not read as the chef had altered the menu items. The addition of manchego cheese there was a welcome plus. They added enough heat to the chicken under brick that it should be named "fire in the hole" with the best of jerk chicken. Put the spicy on the menu rather than the misleading maple glaze. The double pork chop was beautifully cooked but drowned in too much sweet. The kale was sweet with bacon nuggets that couldn't balance it out. It cried out for some savory counterbalance. It took a long time to put in our order.
(3)Michael H.
Dante's is an easy five stars. NOLA is full of restaurants that claim to be the most authentic such-and-such southern food, and Dante's has plenty of items on the menu that would fit into any Southern restaurant ... but they also take some real culinary chances, and their chef is clearly talented enough to pull it off. Duck is never an easy dish to do well, but this was one of the three best duck dishes I've ever had in my life (and that's including all of the excellent Peking duck I've had in New York and Toronto). I even got brave and tried a Sazerac here. Fun! There's no doubt in my mind that we'll be back at Dante's.
(5)Don J.
If you need a break from the madness of the French Quarter, Dante's Kitchen is the perfect antidote. It's also a good excuse to take a slow ride on the St. Charles streetcar line - pay your $1.25 and hop on one of the vintage streetcars just south of the French Quarter. You'll catch the sights and work up a good appetite as the streetcar lumbers along at maybe 10 MPH. Jump off at the S. Carrolton / Maple St. stop, then walk northwest on Maple a couple short blocks. When you get to Dante St., the restaurant will be a short jog left, on the far side of the street in what is surely an old house. The restaurant is as cozy as can be - dimly lit and a nice choice for a couple's night out. We were seated in what looked like an old sunroom across from the bar. The server arrived quickly to take our drink order. There were some nice craft beers on tap, including Mikkeler Evil Twin, as well as some refreshing iced tea. As we waited, we marveled at what looked like jars of homemade canned vegetables, lined up in a shelf over our heads. The meal starts out with a complimentary serving of what they call spoonbread - a luxurious take on the humble cornbread, served in a mini skillet. Very tasty. I ordered the charcuterie, which I customized by ordering the kinds of meat I wanted. Everything was homemade and very good. I then went for one of the small plates, a Vietnamese inspired dish called Thit Kho with braised pork belly. I was stoked about the fresh, vibrant flavor, and the portion size was more than fair for a "small plate". I'm glad I went small, because my companion ordered the double cut pork chop, which was very generously sized and more than the average person could finish, in my opinion. The large cut worked out to my benefit as I happily gobbled down the excess. I also sampled my companion's brussels sprouts, which I generally loathe, but these were actually pretty good. Unless you have a huge appetite, I think a good strategy for Dante's is to order one main course to share and a couple small plates or sides. I saw other diners boxing up their leftovers to take home, which is another good option. I doubt you'll leave Dante's hungry. If you found the streetcar ride intolerably slow, a taxi will get you back to the French Quarter much faster for around $15. Ask the restaurant to call one for you.
(5)Enrique O.
Consistently excellent food and service. We have mostly eaten breakfast here, but recently had dinner. I ordered some "small plates", every bite of which was pure heaven. Crab and corn soup, a salad wedge (half a head of butter leaf lettuce with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing), and grits with shrimp. We shared an order of scallops between 3 people and had to take some of it home. Our experience here over the last ten years has been nothing but great.
(5)Charlé W.
Firstly, our waiter Larry was refreshingly attentive and knowledgeable. Secondly, everything we ate was so delectable I'm just going to go ahead and list them so that I can relive those tasty moments and encourage any prospective diners to order the same. Apps Crab and Corn Soup Steamed Mussels Entrees Double-Cut Pork Chop Redfish on the Half Shell Chicken Roasted Under a Brick *Roasted Duck Breast Sides Melanzane Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts *The only dish that didn't shine as brightly as the others was the duck.
(4)Jessica L.
This place is like Louisiana style meets New American, in a cozy cute little restaurant away from all the hustle and bustle, and a sprinkle of hipster. Freshly baked molasses corn bread- hot, fluffy, sweet, crispy, delicious. And it's free! Shrimp and Grits- skip it. Not amazing. You can get a bomb shrimp and grits elsewhere. Chicken under the brick- yes yes yes. You should NOT skip this one! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and it's one of their most popular dishes on the menu. Who can say no to a fried egg? Steamed mussels- has its own New Orleans style to it. Red fish- this was dry. I think red fish is just dry in general :( Seasonal veggies- this was by FAR the show stopper. HELLO!!! Farm fresh brussel sprouts, beans, sauteed mushrooms, watermelon radish, and bacon. This was a side veggie, but was the most memorable part of my meal.. and I even tried to make it at home which did not turn out as tasty. But be sure to try their side veggies, they will surprise you!!! Overall, a solid 4 stars.
(4)Monica L.
We enjoyed a tasty meal at Dante's Kitchen but it's not worth a cab ride out of the French Quarter if you're weighing your options. The apple-and-prosciutto salad was good, the corn-and-crab soup interesting and the skirt steak special perfectly prepared but the menu wasn't vast and the wines by the glass were a little inside-baseball; I had never heard of the grape in my white wine (and wasn't impressed enough to remember it). We also ordered the cheese plate and really liked two of the three cheeses and the persimmon jam; the homemade pickles reminded me of grandma's (and that's not a good thing) and the third cheese had a distinct flavor of barnyard, but I suppose that's the point of a cheese sampler -- to try new things. The atmosphere was intimate -- individual rooms inside a converted residence -- but a little divey. As mentioned elsewhere, the complementary spoon bread was delicious. The service was good.
(4)Bonnie M.
I love this place because every dish is so unique, and you can tell they're all hand-made. The red velvet cake is to die for (with sliced toasted almonds on top) and the shrimp and grits are so creamy and delicious. I also really love that they get a lot of their produce and meat from local farms! I'm normally very frugal but I didn't mind trying a little of everything at this place because the food was so good. The server that I had there was also very helpful and had good recommendations. I have to say that my favorite thing that they had was the complimentary pan-bread! It was so good (with butter melting on top) that I just wanted to order more of it. Wonderful cornbread recipe!
(5)Aaron P.
Consistently great. Charming old house, simple but delicious menu, accommodating of Celiac diet. We make it a point to stop here at least once each time we're in town.
(5)Eli C.
Always good. The brandy milk punch is one of my favorite drinks in New Orleans, and a great addition to any brunch. We got there as they were opening at 10:30, and a long line was already forming. Despite this, our party of four was seated promptly, and well fed and out the door within an hour.
(5)Mark W.
Very good restaurant. Creative and well prepared vegetarian options. Seafood and small game options also good. Cozy atmosphere, and attentive service. This is our go-to place for an upscale place we can usually walk into without a reservation. Tucked into a corner across the Mississippi River Levee in the Riverbend Carrolton area. Short neighborhood walk from streetcar line. complete wine collection that suits the menu. This place is on the outside of tourist radar, and a good bet for times when there are large festivals in New Orleans. Unusually easy parking for a uptown restaurant across the street.
(4)Melissa E.
Incredible! Very wonderful burrito! Excellent quality food. Great Saturday brunch. Our waiter was nice.
(5)Jules I.
We had to ask what some of the cheeses on the menu were. They were great. We had the beet salad (wonderful), shrimp & grits (good but spicy), vegetable plate (awesome), and double cut pork chop (to die for). We will return as soon as we can.
(5)Ellie B.
Brunch menu was very heavy--no light options. I have heard good things, so we decided to try it on a Sunday morning. Very long wait (hour and a half) and food was not what we were looking for while sitting in the hot sun outside. Consequently, everyone seemed to feel sick afterwards.
(2)Nina S.
Best New Orleans meal I've had. Authentic cuisine and great atmosphere. Was recommended by a local. Started the meal with unbelievably delicious spoon bread to die for. Shrimp and grits had fantastic flavor. My friends all raved about their meals too. Highly recommended!
(5)Elsa M.
You had me at "Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns!" Mmmmm.... Dante's Kitchen is pretty small, with a cute, private little patio, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in expansive menu options! My husband and I met some friends for brunch here and started out with the famous Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns to split amongst the group. Two orders for the five of us were plenty and we each dove right in, ripped them apart with the gusto that the presence of bacon often elicits. Soooo good! The majority of us happened to order the same thing: a veggie omelette with a side of aligator sausage. Now, I am not one who really knows a lot about alligator, but I am more times than not willing to try something new, so I went for it. Honestly - it really didn't do anything for me. I needed a lot of hot sauce to give it more flavor and with each bite, I just kept wishing I had either gotten regular sausage or bacon. Again, it wasn't bad... just sort of boring. The omelette was another story - very well-made and super satisfying. No complaints there. I am eager to come back by and try lunch or dinner here as the menu looks great: packed with a lot of healthier options and special takes on steaks and scallops. Can you say "Mmmmmmm" Part II? ;)
(4)Kenneth D.
So, in case you haven't heard, Bacon Cinnamon Rolls are a thing, and they live at Dante's. What better way to start off a meal at one of the best brunch spots in New Orleans? Well, add a Brandy Milk Punch and we're really talking. The Cinnamon Rolls are really perfection though, super soft layers, sweet glaze and every once in while you get surprised with a nice salty bite of smoked bacon. While the entire thing was good, once you hit that inner portion...dirty thoughts. The Bread Pudding French Toast was literally the best of both worlds. Nicely browned on the outside, but super soft and tender on the inside, just like a great bread pudding should be. They only use seasonal fruit for the topping, so the options will vary, but this helps to ensure the quality and that's something I can appreciate. The topping of the day was Apricot, not normally my first choice in fruits, but it worked, the slight tartness of the fruit paired well with the sweetness of the French Toast. Really great dish over all. The Breakfast Burrito, while not what I ordered, was next level. The look of shock when they placed a burrito down in front of her, that was bigger than her forearm, was worth the trip alone. With the quantity also came quality. I didn't get a chance to eat much of it, but the meat inside was very tender and the green chili sauce they put on the outside was the perfect compliment. I'm not sure where the tortilla came from, but it definitely wasn't average. We had a great experience here; food, service and atmosphere, all on point. This place deserves the high praises, and then some. Next time I come back home, we will be back, and every other visit after. I'd love to get in for dinner sometime, but I don't think those Cinnamon Rolls will ever get old, so it'll be the go to Brunch spot for the foreseeable future.
(5)Vickie D.
Very inovative menu and delicious food. They have a pretty good wine list too! One of my favorite places to dine in Nola...
(5)Jennifer K.
Dante's Kitchen definitely worth my while to wake up early took public transit from our hotel downtown to beat the crowd! We arrived before the restaurant opened and able to get a table with no problem! Here I able to sample a few of New Orlean's classic that I hardly able to indulge when I am in Toronto... well seasoned Southern Comfort food! We shared: - Bacon Praline Cinnamon Sticky Buns ($4) - Buttermilk Biscuits ($3) - Confit Pork Steak with hash browns, fried egg, seasonal chutney ($13) - Skillet Corned Beef Hash & fried eggs, horseradish cream ($13) - Grilled Shrimp and Grits served with an andouille red eye gravy ($13)(oh so delicious!) - Alligator Sausage ($3) tastes like pork :) And I found my favourite "breakfast" drink: Brandy Milk Punch ($6.50). I feel healthy and complete drinking this. I would have drink a lot more milk in this format and the freshly grounded nutmeg add so much texture make it feels like an energy drink!
(4)Meg P.
5 stars for food, 2 stars for service. Had a reservation for this past Friday night with the bf. We were both very excited to finally try it for dinner as we have had great experiences a handful of times for brunch. We were seated promptly and our server informed of us of the specials. He came back later to take our drink order. We ordered the beet salad to split as an app. We waited for a considerable amount of time for the drinks and then our salad arrived. The salad was great with a nice balsamic reduction sauce. I had the chicken under a brick- a fantastic dish, so moist and slightly spicy. BF got the redfish which was also very tasty. Here is the issue: One of the reasons I was so excited to try here for dinner was the complimentary spoon bread. I was practically drooling after seeing the yelp pictures of it. So we had received our salad and finished our salad but still no spoon bread. After our salad was cleared out waiter came over and asked if we received the spoon bread, to which we replied no. He assured us it was coming. In the meantime we witnessed three surrounding tables, all who were seated after us receive the spoon bread. Then our entrees came, we asked that server about the spoon bread and he said he would check the kitchen. Our server returned and said that the spoon bread would be right out. In the meantime we were enjoying out entrees when I noticed one of the tables, who was sat after us, receive their second serving of spoon bread. We made another comment to the server and he said it was coming. It finally arrived after both of us finished our entrees and there was no apology for the delay. Both of us were full from eating the entrees but we tried it and it is as good as the other reviews say. I know it seems a lot to gripe about a complimentary item, but it is more the principal of the matter. I am not sure what caused this lack of communication and poor service but it felt that we were not given the same treatment as other tables. It really is shame considering the food is so wonderful. I even took my large family here for my graduation brunch. Now I am skeptical about going back.
(3)Stefanie Y.
Sunday brunch here is absolutely amazing. When ordering, we were faced with the unique problem in that everything on the menu looked awesome and had been recommended heartily on Yelp. We settled on the bacon cinnamon rolls for starters and the bread pudding french toast, the banana pecan pancakes, the crab and brie omelette, and the eggs benedict for our mains. The bacon cinnamon roll was perfect - crusty and sweet pastry enclosed savory chunks of bacon, creating a well-balanced and unique blend of flavors. The bread pudding french toast portion was a little on the small side - I would have liked some fruits as garnish - but so so good. The inside was soft and pillowy like bread puddling, while the outside was caramelized and chewy, like french toast. The eggs benedict were well-executed - the rosemary rubbed pork loin really shone through. The omelette was good, though we did think it would have been better with a little more seasoning and if the brie cheese had been inside the omelette rather than melted on top. The drinks were a highlight - the mimosas were the best we had while in New Orleans and the brandy milk punch was spiced, creamy, and delicious. Our server was friendly, prompt, and funny, really adding to our dining experience. Also, one of the other tables randomly paid for our bacon cinnamon rolls - this place clearly attracts the best clientele and truly makes its customers happy. We left pleasantly full and perfectly satisfied.
(4)Erica H.
This restaurant was amazing. I ended up here after being turned away from Commander's Palace because my silly brother decided to wear shorts. Quickly, I looked in my Frommer's guide and found this place. What a stroke of luck! Throughout the rest of the day, my brother kept mentioning how great it was that he refused to wear long pants and got us kicked out of Commander's Palace. First, I will say that my initial visit to this place was on a weekend, for brunch. Oh, damn it was good! First, we got some homemade breads--mocha, pecan praline, zucchini--that just about blew our minds. Next, our meals--I got something that was so good and so crazy decadent as to defy belief. Listen to this: Buttermilk biscuits with pulled pork and two poached eggs, all smothered in hollandaise sauce. Yeah, it doesn't get a lot better than that. The other meals ordered by my companions were just as great. This place is very cute, with a small dining room and a nice, romantic patio. It is at the end of the St. Charles streetcar line--an easy and scenic trip out of the quarter if you are a tourist there (I was). Anyway, the initial experience was so wonderful we all decided to come back again for dinner a couple days later. This was great as well. I got trois mignons, which were three little filets, each with a different topping (pulled pork, stilton cheese sauce, and a reduced red wine sauce). One of us ordered duck with sweet potato cakes, and the other, scallops. It was all very good. This place definitely gave me a great experience. The service was friendly and personal--I ordered a mojito, which was bad, but the bartender, host, and server all did backwards flips to make up for it--giving up complimentary fresh-baked cornbread and me a free shot of tequila. It was very obvious that they cared immensely about our experience and about their little restaurant. This place is highly recommended. PS. They gots great grits!
(5)Jazmin M.
Let me start out by saying that the ambiance and service at this place was simply amazing. I wasn't expecting what I walked into but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. I took my best friend here for her birthday and we had a lovely time. She ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered the Chicken Under A Brick both of which were pretty good. I also ordered the shrimp and grits based on the reviews and I was terribly disappointed. It tasted very burnt. I attributed it to the char of the shrimp. It was practically inedible. On the up side though, if you can get past the icky sauce, gravy, whatever, the grits underneath are perfectly seasoned and creamy. Don't forget the spoon bread. The first one is complimentary but the second one (which you will be ordering because it is AH-MAZING) is an extra $2.00. Not a big deal for such a nice treat. Overall I enjoyed my experience and would probably go back but I wouldn't give the shrimp and grits a second thought.
(4)cathie v.
In A Word: Excellent! We went for brunch! Best poached eggs I ever had! Service was outstanding! Highly recommend!
(5)David N.
The brunch is amazing. Get there early if you want to beat the crowd and make sure to order the homemade biscuits and jelly. Personally I haven't had or tasted a meal here that I didn't love and that includes 5+ brunches and a few dinners. Check it out I promise you won't be disappointed....
(5)Julia B.
Consistently one of the best and most charming restaurants in New Orleans. I love that Dante's isn't overly touristy and really keeps its locals charm! Nothing beats the molasses spoon bread!
(5)Catie K.
The brick chicken is fantastic. Seriously, you MUST try it.
(5)Marc C.
Good food and service. There were some very interesting looking fruit infused home made cocktails but I was with family and it was not the best time time to try them. I had the chicken on a brick and my dad had the beef medallions and both were good.
(4)Mike R.
Another outstanding meal at our favorite New Orleans gem. The plate of homemade charcuterie was as good as anything I've had in la belle France and the Trois Mignon was fantastic - three very different mini-steaks, one pulled-beef, the other steak and stilton, and the third pure filet over caramelized onions. And then there was the fruit dump (cobbler) to finish. Last evening in Nola, sitting out in Dante's garden surrounded by flowing trees and a full moon ...can't be bad.
(5)L L.
This meal was amazing, hands down my favorite meal of recent months. I loved almost everything I ordered. Cocktails were fabulous. "Absinthe" (we weren't convinced it was actual absinthe, it just tasted like pastis to all of us including the one of us who believes he's had actual absinthe before) was fun. I had the chicken roasted under a brick, but my favorite was probably the bone marrow plated with escargot we had as appetizer. I only wish I had written a review right after I ate here so I'd have a clearer memory of what I got and what it was like.
(5)Nicole W.
We ended up here for brunch because I wanted to get out of the French Quarter. As we walked up I knew I'd made the right decision. There was already a line outside15 minutes before the doors opened. I ended up with the brioche french toast with peaches and my husband had the debris with poached eggs (biscuits topped with pulled pork, eggs and hollandaise). Both were divine. I can only imagine what dinner is like.
(4)Sarah M.
Excellent. Way off the beaten path...you'll need a car or a taxi to get there if you're staying in downtown New Orleans/French Quarter...but it's worth it. I had the red fish on the half shell (thanks to Yelpers recommendations) and it was terrific. My vegetarian friend had the seasonal veggie plate with a yummy onion & goat cheese croquette. It lives up to the hype.
(4)Seth B.
Went to Dante's this past weekend on a trip to NOLA, and had a wonderful dinner. As other reviewers have mentioned, the ambiance is warm and not stuffy, the wait staff are very friendly and knowledgable, and the food is in general very tasty! Recommendations: the Shrimp & Grits is amazing, as was a lobster "roll" (korean style in a cabbage leaf with asian spices and a bacon-onion marmelade). Also, the pea shoot salad and pickle plate. I'd stay away from the Bread & Butter (local butter) as the gratis cornbread is the best of all, also the market vegetable plate entree had great veggies, but nothing special about it - perhaps some sort of cajun aioli or similar accompaniment would have helped. Drinks, as well, have great potential but couldn't taste the ginger in the ginger-infused vodka so could use some work. All in all, worth a trip - a wonderful dinner experience and ambiance with some real highlights on the menu, but at the same time some dishes could use a little more refinement.
(4)Scotty S.
This places is badass unless you go there with 3 people who order exactly the same thing and when their food comes out you're jealous that you didn't get it, but still really happy you got yours. Seriously, the rabbit leg was really awesome and I'm very glad I got it...but everyone else got the Trois Mignons, and I was jealous. The first time I went there my g/f got that and I wanted it. Fool me twice, well im just retarded. Anyway, if you love beef, like me, get the beef. Secondly, I love whiskey, but I've never had anything better than Crown reserve. In proportion to their menu of drinks, they have a wide variety bourbon (stuff i've never heard of). I ordered the one that was the least expensive in proportion to it's age: something like $8 for 10 years. So worth it, best whiskey I ever had... tasted barely out of the 1990s.
(4)Chris W.
My brunch experiences here have been insanely positive, but dinner has been quite a bust the last two times. I've had bloody chicken, lost entrees, cold dishes, disappearing waiters, all of which are frustrating to say the least. There are some spots that I frequent in New Orleans and we become great friends (Herbsaint, Crescent Pie & Sausage, Cochon, Tan Dinh). Dante's Kitchen isn't one of them. I'm going to admit here that bloody chicken is a major no-no for me. So that's what's going to deliver a 3-star review... What I wish for is consistency and I can't find it here. Too bad, because the building and it's aesthetic are both lovely, and as I mentioned, brunch was killer.
(3)Clavius L.
WOW - one of top 5 meals i've ever had. anywhere.
(5)Nate P.
As previous reviews have said, you absolutely can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Dante's. Both brunch and dinner are fantastic. This is the first place that I take anyone who comes to visit in New Orleans. The inside is cozy and the outdoor patio is perfect for a warm New Orleans day...add a few of their fantastic cocktails and you're in heaven! I've been here so many times that I honestly can't list any favorite menu items...every single one is a winner. Just go. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Joanna B.
I had the chicken under a brick and it was extremely delicious. The cornbread pudding esque stuff they give you to start is amazing. Also, they had some pretty unique and tasty cocktails! Thumbs up.
(5)Charlie F.
Friendly faces, wonderful food. We had brunch, I had the debris on the biscuit with the poached eggs. It's hard for me to even look at the words that food was so good. My wife had the fish sandwich, it's big and delicious. They have been around for 11 years, have done no advertising. All word of mouth. I will scream from the treetops. Eat at Dante's!
(5)Harold B.
not feeling the hype..i would expect better reviews from my fellow n'awlinians... the comp bread is tasteless save for the butta... the shrimp n grits arent that flavorful..when shrimp are that big they lose that "gulf" shrimp flavor..and tho u saute them w alot of seasonin..it doesnt marry well...kind of reminds me of houston and boiled crawfish-just boil em n throw seasonin on the shell type deal... the red eye andouille gravy needs more of a kick its too watery even a good red eye has a hint of coffee depth to it... the chicken under a brick was done very well very juicy but still nada to run back for... but i still am curious about their b'fast i will try dante's again
(2)Sarah H.
Delicious and cozy. Diverse menu that is always changing. Very creative and thoughtful in every aspect, even the cocktails. Recommend as great uptown place!
(4)Scott T.
Everything about Dante's is fresh & local - the food, the drinks, the staff and even the restaurant itself. So fresh & local we ate there twice - once for dinner & then for brunch on Sunday. The board at the front doesn't show the specials - just a long list of "What's Local". Repeatedly, the staff were overheard describing with pride where or how or why something was on the menu. They have a passion for what they do, and it shows. The menu changes every two weeks or so based on what's available, and creativity is everywhere on it. While the obligatory shrimp & grits were good, the lump crab salad with cucumber and cantaloupe on field greens exemplified this. The combination was so unusual I had to try it, and it more than just "worked". The lightly dressed & salty greens melded the other ingredients into something more that the sum of it's parts. Simple, creative, and delicious. My redfish on the half shell was cooked perfectly, topped with a crab & fresh chopped herb mixture. The topping complimented the fish, but was a little to leafy for me. Lots of crab & less herb would have still done the trick, but again it was simple and creative and tasty. My wife's eggplant napoleon was excellent, and frankly would also make a fantastic side dish. From what they told us, the chef is also doing double duty as pastry chef, which can be a real workload. He's pulling it off, because the fresh blueberry pie was the best I've ever had. If it's available, get it without hesitation. Yummy. Brunch was yummy, too. The place was full, with a short wait around noon, but they get the food out fast. My Debris & Eggs Benedict was another combination I'd never thought I'd try, and they were great. Blueberry pancakes didn't need syrup they were so tasty. Portions are small so don't hesitate to double up and try a few other items. Like the spoon bread. All in all, we really enjoyed Dante's. Right across from the stodgy Brigstens, they are vibrant, fun, and passionate about their focus on fresh & local food. Worth the trip uptown, we'll be back again. It seems like the kind of place that doesn't get old.
(5)Cork C.
I just love the food here. It is rich but not overwhelming. The drinks are to die for. The atmosphere is charming and not at all stuffy. All around I think this is my favorite restaurant in NOLA.
(5)J.K. F.
Great cocktails (many mixed with housemade liqueurs... that you can also taste as a "flight" of 4), amazing food, intimate atmosphere, and who can resist a meal that starts off with a hot skillet of molasses spoonbread topped with honey butter?! What we ordered: I don't remember the names of my cocktails, but all were very good. We also had a flight of their liqueurs: we chose chai rye whiskey, bacon bourbon, apple brandy, and cucumber gin. Server also made a good suggestion of Noah's Mill bourbon later in the evening. - Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad w/ housemade pork belly lardons, Meyer lemon and orange vinaigrette - Smothered Collard Greens with housemade bacon, onions, cane vinegar (perhaps my favorite dish of the meal) - Barq's Root Beer Candied Sweet Potatoes - Field Peas with chili and pickled pork (so flavorful) - Grilled pork steak atop corn tortilla & oregano pupusa, cilantro, ensalada de repollo, cilantro creme fraiche, toasted red pepper sauce (actually more like a super tasty mole... and I'm not even a mole fan) For dessert, we were too full for any of the menu items but they were obliging enough to serve me a trio of the three gelatos normally served as accompaniment to several of their desserts. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Jen J.
So after having eaten at 3 more restaurants in NOLA with good reviews, I just wanted to update because my husband and I agreed that this is the best place we ate at our whole 5 day trip (in a tie with the different category of place with Liuzza's by the Track). Great food and atmosphere and not overly hyped compared to the other places we went to.
(5)Ashleigh H.
Went with a somewhat rowdy crowd of 14 for our bachelor/bachelorette weekend bash, and had a 5 star experience! It was tough to get reservations anywhere because of a large conference the same weekend, but they accommodated us in a nice private room and great service. Loved the cocktail menu- the server encouraged me to try something different with egg in it, it was delicious. She let us know ahead of time that it might take awhile for our food since the group was large, which was appreciated, and brought out the most incredible cornbread with honey butter with our drinks. For entrees, everyone was very happy. I had the chicken under a brick, huge but the sauce was perfect and the potato was excellent. Fiancé had the trois mignons, different but full of flavor and he cleared his plate. Friends raved about the oxtail special and the lamb as well. It was worth the trek out of the quarter, and I will be back when I'm in NOLA again! Thanks for a great start to our weekend, Dante's Kitchen!
(5)E A.
I have to tell you I would give them a 4.5 if I could. I'm very stingy with my stars, but this place comes close to a 5 with me. First I never expected a restaurant on a residential street. At least I thought it was residential as I'm not from around the area, and we arrived via a street full of houses and pulled up in front of what I thought was just another house. I look out and there is not one, but two restaurants to choose from. We looked at both menus and chose Dante's Kitchen and my goodness am I glad we did. We were greeted by the owner and seated in a room we had all to ourselves that night. The 6 of us. It could not have made for a nicer experience. The staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was super fresh, delicious and priced very reasonably. I had chicken under a brick and split it with my friend. There was no way that I could have eaten that whole thing myself. It was simply devine. As others' have reviewed it I will not go into detail. The grits with shrimp should be another classic. The scallops were a great hit. The only thing that was just so, so was the pate platter. two of the pates were top notch and one was bland. So I would recommend trying one of the other appetizers before I recommend this one. They give you the fantastic cornbread YEAH!!!! Oh Geez I can't remember what we had for dessert? I'm coming back when I return to New Orleans. I promise. Thank You.
(4)Ryan S.
Incredible food with really great fresh local ingredients.
(5)Jeremy W.
Off the beaten path as we were brought here by a friend of a friend who is a local. The food, service and wine list were pretty solid - the only reason this isn't 5-star is because I think it's a little pricey. Very similar to some places in Austin with farm fresh food and seasonal menus, we each tried one another's meal and they were all very tasty.
(4)Ro'ee E.
One of the best places I have been to. Great food and service!
(5)Olga K.
Superb. Impeccably cooked seafood, interesting dishes, delicious drinks, and nice bourbon selection. We made a meal of the "small dishes" (which are actually not at all small) and the pie. Delicious.
(5)Robi P.
We had a great meal here with a great group of friends. The foundation of the meals greatness had more to do with the service, company and ambiance than food however. It was our last meal in town and by this time my vegetarian diet was completely in ruins. I ate the collard greens (with sausage). I had better w/o sausage at the Fest. I tried a bite of the "medium rare" pork loin- it was dry- a pity. My fish (almondine) was OK. Others liked their different fish dishes. The molten cake with port ice cream was fabulous. The beer selection sad. It was refreshing to be served by bright eyed college types in a nice garden atmosphere.
(4)mojie o.
We go to Dante's regularly, probably twice a month and it was always great food with great service until the last couple of meals. The food remains great, but the service is out of control in a very bad way. I held off writing another review (the first was a five star review) because I thought maybe they were just having a turnover in staff or something, but last night was the last straw. Last night we had an 8:30 reservation and had to wait 25 minutes for our table. I don't mind that, it's inevitable if another table is hanging out. The part that was ridiculous was that we went to stand at the bar and the bartender was such a jerk. He tried to ignore us at first, but when it was clear we weren't leaving he finally paid us some attention. One person in my party asked if they had St. Germaine or any elderflower liquor, his response was that of course they did because it's completely pedestrian. Wow, really? Then another person asked what a cachera was, apparently she pronounced it incorrectly and he rolled his eyes and said it correctly before telling her what it was. She then asked what a liquor was that was in the drink and he again rolled his eyes and said: that is german for apple, so obviously it's an apple liquor. We just decided he was busy and since there isn't really a place to wait that he was probably just irritated that we were standing in front of the bar. When we got to the table I ordered a non-alcoholic drink and asked to put a shot of vodka in it. The waitress went to order it and came back to the table and said the bartender wouldn't do that. Um, what? WTF? She said the bartender said it wouldn't taste good together, so he wouldn't do it. I told her I'd like the drink anyway with a shot of grey goose on the side so I could mix it myself. I did so and it was delicious, so delicious I ended up having two of them. The idea that you can't order a drink that you want seems ridiculous to me. Someone in my party asked to have the shrimp heads chopped off in the kitchen for her shrimp and grits and the waitress said no, they wouldn't do that. There was also a dish that had a kale and bean salad accompaniment that someone in our party asked if she could have a side of. Nope can't have that either. The food is ALWAYS outstanding at Dante's, but the service has fallen off so far in the last two months that we just won't be back there. If you are looking for a similar place, Maurepas Foods in the bywater is very similar (owned by the former sous chef of Dante's), less expensive and the service is always top notch. We love it there and are just going to double up on Maurepas and cut Dante's out of the rotation.
(1)ryan k.
This was my second favorite restaurant in New Orleans (commanders was first). The outdoor area and porch are great to sit on, since the restaurant sits at the end of a quiet street separated from the mississippi by the train. The appetizers (escargot especially) are great. The inside of the restaurant is very cool, think hip colorful house with unbelievable food. The wine list and beer list are top notch, and overall you cannot go wrong, especially on a beautiful evening.
(5)Jessica L.
Wow. That's all you need to read. Go on to the next review.... Okay, if you want justification for the "wow," here goes. First of all, this place is adorable. It's a cute little house and each room is decorated so nicely, but with a little flair. They even excused our very casual outfits (in comparison to other patrons), since we had just come from JazzFest. It is clear that there is a big focus on local fruits, veggies, meats, and fish. I mean, they cure their own bacon, and it's incredible! But, let's start from the beginning...drinks. Good wine options, and a yummy strawberry mojito. Plus, Abita Strawberry, what more could you want? I ordered the shrimp and grits, escargot, and rootbeer sweet potatoes. My mom had the scallops and dad had the short ribs with pork belly confit. They both raved about it and one bite of the pork belly made me want to cry with happiness. But, my shrimp and grits were incredible and the best thing I ate on my trip to NOLA. The shrimp were incredibly flavorful and still had their heads, leaving me the deliciousness inside their heads. They were also HUGE. The red eye gravy was absolutely unbelievable--spicy and rich. I seriously licked the bowl. The escargot was very good and the goat cheese in the broth added a softness and richness that was excellent. Again, the house-made bacon was perfect. The escargot was already shelled and that took away the fun of digging them out! Oh well... Unfortunately, the sweet potatoes never arrived, but I was so full, I didn't even complain (although now I wish I tasted them....) Dessert, however, was a bit mixed. The pot de creme were fabulous. I was super excited for Red Velvet Cake, but was so disappointed. It was dry and thick tasting and the lack of cream cheese frosting made me sad. This is top of my list when I'm back in NOLA.
(4)Raquel M.
Order the vegetable plate. I know you think I am nuts but its one of the best things in the city. The food here is fresh and delicious. Their cured meats are divine. Their salads are spectacular. Molasses corn bread? Yes, please. Great wine and cocktails. Nice environment.
(5)Nancy D.
The restaurant is in a home which makes it cozy and inviting. The food was fantastic! I had the shrimp and grits and of course the famous chicken under a brick-soo delicious! Just a note, if your are not a local and are staying in the French Quarter it will be an $18.50/+ tip taxi each way. It is totally worth it!
(4)Andrea D.
Wow. What a disappointing experience! We were so excited based on all the reviews, but had a pretty bad experience just in terms of wait time. We had 6 pm reservations so got there and ordered while the restaurant was almost empty, so really no excuse that we waited one and a half hour for our food! They apologized before we complained 1 hour into the wait, which was reassuring, but just when we were going to leave 30 minutes later, they brought our food. It was very good food (saved it from getting a single star), but at that point, it was hard to tell if that is just because we were so hungry. They manager comped our "first course" which was a single appetizer and I thought after that wait, he could have done more or at least brought us a free round of drinks while we were waiting! For this class of restaurant with this type of good reputation, the meal was unacceptable. I hope our experience was a fluke!!
(2)Robert V.
We have been to Dante's twice for dinner in the last month, and the word that sums up the overall experience is inconsistent. The first experience was two of us on a weeknight. The server seemed new. We waited about 15 to 20 minutes for our drinks to come and then she mixed up our order, she took it to a table across from us, where someone had ordered one of same dishes as we did and then took the other order back to the kitchen and left one of the people at that table with no food , and we waited another 20 minutes for ours. When she brought the food out, she said there was a mix-up in the kitchen. We had the brick chicken and the 3 filets. The brick chicken was outstanding- very tender and perfect maple glaze. The 3 filets were good- not exceptional- but good. So, we decided to give it another chance. The second experience was 4 of us on a Saturday. One of our party does not like heat (spicy) and asked if any of the dishes could be toned down. The waiter said they do not do "any substitutions or modifications". Really? They told us the wait for the main dishes was going to be 50 minutes, so I am guessing that at least some of the food is prepared to order but maybe I am wrong. Appetizers were all pretty good. 3 of us ordered the brick chicken based on our previous experience, and it tasted like a completely different dish. The chicken was not flattened and tender but rather was a half a chicken. The glaze had almost no hint of maple but was much more spicy. We actually asked the waiter whether they had changed the sauce on the chicken, and he said different line cooks make it differently. So, based on two experiences, the food is inconsistent, they do not accommodate any guest requests and the service leaves a lot to be desired. With Brigtsen's across the street, decide for yourself.
(2)Scott T.
I became and still am obsessed with this place!.. This super colorful and hidden away restaurant is well worth anyone's time. It is not over priced, anything on the menu is brilliant and if you love iced totti's and bloody mary's with brunch you are set. Experience this place and we all can start of club of loyal worshipers.
(5)Barbara V.
I have to say that even though we were staying downtown and had to take a 15 minute taxi ride to Dante's, this place was well worth it. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and not to mention great food was one of the most enjoyable dinners we had during our stay in NOLA.
(4)Shalina P.
visited dante's during jazz fest 2011. it's my favorite of all the restaurants i tried during my trip. it's rustic gourmet cajun/creole food. the dishes are packed with lots of flavor. i barely even used SALT, which is huge for me ;) it's located in the garden district, about 6 miles from downtown NOLA in an old house turned restaruant. FAV DISHES: Spoon Bread, Shrimp & Grits, Red Fish on the Half Shell. full review: bit.ly/m7TdaS
(5)Shanna D.
I had dinner here last weekend. We made reservation for 8:30, but didn't get seated until 9:30. It was definitely worth the wait! Next, time I'll do brunch!
(4)Chef X.
Dante's Kitchen, A small restaurant off Carrollton Aveune where the river bends. There's nothing flashy about this place.. none of that overthetop service, the food isn't disgustingly fluffed up, and the dining room isn't all too fancy. It's place with good comfortable service, great food executed solidly, and a very quaint cozy home-like setting. For appetizer.. we ordered one of the specials they were running, the Louisiana Blue Crab Trio, which is composed of a mini grilled crabcake with pickled watermelon tartar sauce, herb marinated crab fingers, and jumbo lump crabmeat over avocado with Key Lime vinaigrette. It wasn't spectacular but enjoyable.. Well done and very simple. The spoonbread on the otherhand had me salivating for more. If you've never had spoonbread before, go here just to try it! It's like extra moist and buttery cornbread. Very much worth it! For the entrees? Seared Diver Scallop and Caramelized Wahoo. The Seared Diver Scallops were served with cauliflower and brie sauce over sunflower shoots, arugula, shaved red onion, and Bucharon anchovies, and toasted pinenuts. (this is what it said on the menu, but I think a few elements were changed) Well you can't really go wrong with Seared Scallops.. perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked.. the salad was a nice compliment. The Caramelized Wahoo with mirliton slaw and soy butter sauce was quite refreshing. The fish was very fresh and seasoned to my liking (the picture doesn't do it justice) This item was also off their specials menu. I'm definitely a fan of this restaurant!
(4)P. T. B.
Had an excellent meal here. Service was spot-on. Do not miss the "chicken under a brick" dish!
(5)Armand A.
It was six of us for brunch, and we all loved our food. I had the veggie omelette, which was light and delicious. The hash browns were also very tasty. My husband had the alligator sliders with jalapeño jelly, which was surprisingly very spicy and not just sweet. The food is reasonably priced but they will get you with the drinks, which are overpriced. Great atmosphere, though, and our server was knowledgeable and efficient. Will definitely come back and sample their dinner menu.
(4)Lisa B.
AMAZING!! I went here for sunday brunch and was quite pleased with the delicious food! I decided to get the special...boudin cakes with poached eggs with a side of grits. It was oh so yummy!!! The grits are some of the best I have ever tasted!! Also, the biscuits are some of the best around. I will def. be back soon!!
(5)Leigh S.
I love love love this restaurant! Went to Dante's New Year's Day with a date that was in from out of town. His first 2 picks were closed so I suggested Dante's. Neal, the manager, was awesome! We didn't have reservations, but he worked things out for us anyway. Bless him for it! Cozy table in the first room, watched the bartender artiste, & listened to quiet classic rock. Date was already thrilled....and then we saw the menu! Holy cow! I love that it changes, the "No cell phones & diets" request is perfect! We went nuts: shrimp & grits (almost too gorgeous to eat, but we gave in!), pork steak w/ collard greens (no need for a knife-heaven!) & trois mignons (delicious, savory, perfect!)! Mexican chocolate cup for desert...nectar of the gods! So not only was the meal A-mazing! It was the best first date ever, nothing like fantastic food & ambiance to get the ball rolling. So...Dante's...do you do wedding receptions?!?
(5)Zachary A.
While i note comments from other reviewers about small portions, this has never been my experience. Even dining as a gluttonous, obese, out of control mouth-cramming flavor savorer my portions while never causing me to beg fro a doggie bag have never left me asking for more either. Sounds like some people have fallen prey to nights of bad management with a kitchen spread too thin. Various local artists hang on the walls of Dante's, for better or worse depending on taste, accompanying a menu that is never better-or-worse, and never fails at filling my hankerings, even if before receiving the menu that hanker is a mysterious vacuum-shaped question-mark. Grits with duckfat. Oyster stew thick as pudding. Friends stabbing each other over the last bite of spoonbread. Obviously it's diet food. sidenote: there is a private room available for parties.
(4)T B.
I'm not sure what the rave is all about with this chicken under the brick thing... but I did not like it. It was loaded with salt; and it was pretty much a half of a whole chicken--way too big; and I like my portions big. I really liked my friend's red fish. It was delish and perfectly cooked; did not taste like fish at all. Service was good, but I took a hit with going with what everyone else was raving about here on Yelp... not doing the chicken brick thang when I go back.
(3)Jennifer M.
I live around the corner and eat here all the time. I have never been disappointed for brunch or dinner. The restaurant is quaint and comfortable. You can dress up or go in jeans and well the food is always amazing.
(5)Ben L.
They were close here. We first went to Dooky Chase's. Closed. Then all the way over the Jacques-Imo's. Not quite what I had hoped -- that is, self-consciously cajun. And the wait was an hour and a half (Friday night). So, we drove down the street to third option, Dante's Kitchen. We got a table right away. Granted, it was right next to the door, but given the circumstances... I love converted houses as restaurants. Part of the add-on here didn't quite fit with the remainder of the structure, though. And maybe that's a summary of the whole experience -- it was just not quite there. Good, but not great. Redfish was good. Poached fish, eh. Barbecued shrimp, good. Sauce for dipping bread in, better. Potatoes au gratin, good. Vanilla bean pudding with creole cream cheese, weirdly okay. The alpha male of foods were the grits. I've always chalked up the champions of grits as sentimentalists, partaking in a pre-modern southern custom as much as eating food. But these grits, oh these were good grits. Kissable grits. They put grits on my radar. If a place elevates a food type, it deserves four stars, certainly.
(4)faine g.
Dante's Kitchen is a laid-back little place in New Orlean's river-bend, tucked back at a safe distance from the always rocking Daiquiri Cafe, facing the train tracks. Situated in an old house, Dante's has developed a reputation in town for serving high-end New Orleans and Southern specialities at unusually reasonable prices (with an emphasis on local ingredients,) and it seems like mostly locals occupy the tables inside and the garden eating area outside. So how's the food? Every table is started off with a cast iron pot of spoonbread with honey butter, that intoxicating Southern speciality that resembles a warm and gooey corn souffle. This stuff was downright delicious - like a semi-liquid corn cake (and I very much like my corn cakes.) It was snarfed down with unusual speed, which may explain why I have no photo. We sampled the shrimp and grits with andouille red eye gravy ($9.00), a house speciality and a truly fine specimen of a classic Southern dish. Nice, char-grilled (or so it seemed) shrimp topped a healthy portion of slightly cheesy and pleasantly buttery grits, topped off with a fine gravy. A must order. The cauliflower salad was less successful: an apparent riff on New Orleans's classic olive salad, this had a decent vinegary, peppery flavor but became overwhelming and entirely too oily as a starter-size salad. This pickled cauliflower concoction would work much better as a condiment. I had the roasted seabass with preserved meyer lemon, roasted squashes, slow roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, red kale, wild mushroom jus ($23.00.) Let's start with the good: the seabass was delicious, with a crispy, savory skin and a buttery and fork-tender interior. The other components of the dish weren't as successful: the combination of all those strongly flavored ingredients made for a vinegary and rather powerful combination, which served to overpower the subtly flavored fish. The combo of kale, wild mushroom, tomato and olive (and whatever other stuff) would suit a muscular slab of beef or another full-flavored red meat a whole lot better. Charlotte, one of my dining companions, had Bell & Evan's chicken roasted under a brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg, ($22.00). Huge portion and it looked pretty darn delicious: apparently she orders this all the time. I also got to take a look at the Daily Preparation of Local Farm Vegetables, served with a goat cheese and caramelized onion croquette ($20.00). The verdict from my dining companion? Decent flavors, but the presentation - note the vivid pink and green on that there plate (and no, you don't need to adjust your monitor) was nothing if not lurid. She also noted that this dish too suffered from the addition of strongly flavored greens: it overpowered the roasted beets and caramelized onions that made up the rest of the dish. The goat cheese croquette was pronounced tasty. We also sampled these beet greens, the day's seasonal vegetable. I rather enjoyed these and their pungent and earthy flavor, although they were, once again, not much more then vinegary green vegetables. I am a fanatic collard green fan, a kale aficionado, an ardent supporter of mustard greens and broccoli rabe, but Dante's Kitchen, I implore you, does every single food item on the planet have to involve greens with vinegar? Admittedly this could be due to our ordering choices, but I am not entirely convinced. (Were there greens in the spoonbread? Are there greens in dessert...?) Dessert did not involve greens (to the relief of all) and was nicely presented and tasty: freshly made sorbet came out in a beautiful custom-made compartment dish, and mega-rich chocolate spice cake had a crackly and tasty crust, accompanied by a flavorful scoop of gelato. I didn't sample the strawberry shortcake, but it was both bigger then my head and tasty looking and that sure counts for something. Verdict: Dante's Kitchen serves interesting, tasty, and reasonably priced riffs on Southern and Louisiana cuisine, but could use a less profligate hand with vinegar, oil, and greens in the kitchen. It's definitely a fine addition to New Orlean's bistro restaurant scene, and I'll be returning for another visit - I'll just have to ensure that I don't inadvertently order the Greens with Greens and Green Sauce speciality platter. Shouldn't be difficult. food photos here: teenagechowhound.blogspo…
(4)Justin J.
Man, I really hate to give this place a bad review. It showed so much promise based on the raving yelp reviews. Dante's Kitchen looked like a can't miss spot for us to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. First, the service and everyone who works at the restaurant was great. Our server was fantastic. We told him we wanted to try some of the beers on the menu that were unfamiliar to us. We gave him a brief history of the beers we normally prefer and he made a great recommendation. We started out with the escargot, which were delicious. They weren't totally drowning in butter, which at first I thought might be a problem since I love my escargot to swimming in buttery goodness. Then they brought out the Spoon Bread, which left me speechless.... If we had stopped the meal at this point and gone back to the hotel room, I would be writing a 5 star review, have an extra $100 in my wallet, and a big smile on my face. But we didn't, and the Redfish I got was bland, and the potatoes fried in duck fat were way overcooked and therefore bland. But probably the most disappointing was that the Mac N Cheese was so bland and unsatisfying that I will need to start a new paragraph to express my disappointment. Really!?! Dude. Come on. How do you f*#k up Mac N Cheese?? It was like Chef Blandy Blanderson buttered some noodles and threw (1) Kraft Singles into the pot. They need to fly Chef Blandy to Austin, have him talk to the people over at Perla's and then report back to Dante's. Problem solved. If they can somehow get the food up to the same level as the service and ambiance, this place would be perfect. I paid $135 for a dinner for 2. I felt like I got robbed and our Anniversary dinner was a big dud...
(2)Johnathan C.
One of the best of New Orleans. Their stone ground shrimp and grits are about the only grits I like in the city (unless hung over, but the morning after pallet is a funky one indeed) and they have the best egg benedicts EVER! Their take on egg benedicts is truly their own and vastly superior to any other classic translation. Environment is really pleasurable, the bread they start you with is a meal unto itself, the trios mignon is absurd in how good it is. It has been awhile since I was in, so I will leave it at that, for now, but I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to one of the absolute best brunch places on Earth. If you are visiting, this is one place you absolutely must eat at, reservation a must last time I was by for dinner.
(5)Brandie D.
I took my family here for mother's day and we thoroughly enjoyed our first Dante's experience! The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a brunch along the Mississippi....it's like being in someone's house and the patio is beautiful! The entrees were reasonably priced for the selections and the quality. I had no idea what I wanted until I took a closer look at the eggs benedict....it was anything but your usual EB. Carmelized onion biscuit topped with rosemary pork loin, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise and honey! All of these things would have been terrific on their own, but were the flavors went so well together that each bite was perfection. After hearing about the grits, I had to order a side of the highly recommended southern side to see for myself. Don't tell my grandma, but they're better than her's....and all of these years I thought she had the best! They were creamy, not one bit grainy, and I could've eaten the entire bowl as my entree! Best.....grits.....ever.....the end.
(5)Tara S.
I was pleasantly surprised... well not totally surprised, given all the great comments and feedback from my fellow yelpers! But seriously Dante's Kitchen was very nice, from the atmosphere to the food and of course the service, all were great! I will definitely be going back! Also we went for Valentine's Day and they gave me a rose... long stem my FAV!
(4)Chuuk T.
Yet another 5 star review for Dante's kitchen....We visited with friends from Chicago and one of our party was vegetarian. The vegetable selection was delicious. Everyone loved their meal one visitor declared it, "the best food in New Orleans." The reviews inspired us to try the chicken under a brick and the tuna. The tuna may have been, "a bit over -seared," but the over all experience prevents us from knocking off any stars. The service was wonderful and unpretentious and the recommendations for further culinary adventures proved wonderful. We sampled four delicious desserts our favorite being the "coconut blueberry flan."
(5)Lucy M.
Everyone goes on about the dinners, but there's more to this menu of 100% foodly perfection. Before I left New Orleans, my last delicious New Orleans dish was breakfast at Dante's. The brekkie menu is not for indecisive people! After a full 10 minutes of playing a difficult game of elimination, I had narrowed it down to either the Coho Salmon Gravlax w/ Eggs or the French Toast. I wasn't leaving town without getting my last dose of decently made grits, but didn't know what to do! Eenie meenie mynee moe wasn't going to cut the deck here. So we called the waiter over for some advice. And it's true. The service here really is top notch. His guy knew all the business with both dishes and set me straight with the french toast and the side of stone ground grits with added sauteed mushrooms while my friend got the cheese grits and mahi mahi brunch special. Heaven. He waiter's description of it all seemed so mysterious and exciting, like we had been given some stamp of approval in taste. I felt like we had found the best meal combo and for that we should eat grand and drink tea with our pinkies pointing high in the air. Yes, I felt fancy! Of course the food was phenomenal, but I've got a descriptive curve ball to throw. The French Toast is not toast. It's bread pudding dipped in egg with strawberry jammy syrup running down the sides with lightly sprinkled with snow flake sugar...........GOOD GOD it was magnificent. I mean that thing REALLY changes the game. Everyone, try this french toast. It'll knock your socks off! Dante's Kitchen does have a wait list, but it's not usually a long list and it's worth the patience. I'm so glad to have had such a beautiful bon voyage meal!
(5)David M.
One of my all-time favorites in New Orleans. This is an easy-to-miss restaurant (in a coverted house) near Audubon park and the Mississippi River. The food and service are really fabulous, from my point of view. Ingredients are typically local, and they make a lot of their own drinks, sauces, and even sausages/salamis, etc. A friend described it as 'artisanal'. The food is really great. I've been there 5-6 times and never had anything I didn't like. They have a very nice outdoor courtyard area that is pleasant when the weather is not too hot. In my opinion it's comparable to some of the more famous places in the French Quarter, but easily accessible and they do take reservations (which are not hard to get). Great ambience. I will continue to keep going back.
(5)mom k.
Food was fabulous!!! I wonder if they have a garden in the back to grow their own vegetables. Innovative preparation. one issue, we were given a menu of dried meats, asked questions, ordered, and then told they were not available. Not acceptable from the management, or service perspectives. Manager never even came over to explain, just a lame excuse from the waitress. Tainted an otherwise great meal.
(4)Alex L.
Unbelievable service. I went for dinner for two and had one of the best dinners of my life. The menu is seasonal, so I am not sure if they will have this when you go, but the Braised Oxtail was to die for.
(5)Chris B.
I love New Orleans ands I have eaten all over the town, but my last visit at Jazz Fest I went here with 10 people on the boogie bus...bus was fun driver was not..we were an hour late at the busiest time of the year at one of the best places in town...well long and short of is the Manager Neil made room for us on the porch and a half dozen bottles of champagne and a bottle of Patron later = GOOD TIMES, and the best Shrimp and Grits Ever(sorry Crooks Corner, Chapel Hill)...Mr. B's used to be a favorite (it's not as good anymore, go for Lunch). Anyway you will love it it's out of the quarter about 20 minutes and you get to see a part of town most don't see. It's full of little bars and great music. Can't wait to go back to Date's next year.
(5)Richard H.
An great destination restaurant for tourists who want to escape the French Quarter for an excellent meal. We had no trouble getting to the restaurant by taking the St. Charles Streetcar line. I had the roasted duck breast and my wife had the chicken roasted under a brick, both of which were outstanding. We were also very pleased with the service.
(5)Melinda C.
Very disappointed by this place. After seeing the great yelp reviews on this restaurant, decided to try it on our New Orleans trip. First of all, it is OUT there. We stayed in the French Quarter and it was at least a 45 minute street car ride away. I suppose we could have taken a cab and done more research, but I just had no idea it was this far away from the French Quarter. That said, I was prepared to let the distance slide if the food was good. It was OK, not bad, but certainly not great. We started with the pork belly and it was quite literally a big cube of fat. Of course, pork belly is a a fatty cut, but wow, chewing pure fat is not tasty. That said, my gulf fish was pretty good. My boyfriend got the duck, and it was mediocre at best. A real disappointment. Restaurant is cute enough inside and service was fine. My main complaint was about the food.
(2)Anthony C.
I love this place because the food is great, service is exceptional, and the drinks are strong. Well worth the price.
(4)Sharon L.
In about as many weeks, I had but two disappointing meals in NOLA. Sadly, Dante's was one of them. I really wanted to like this place, and we even took our one-day rented car to get there on a Friday night for a change of scenery from the quarter. I almost gave Dante's three stars, because for the most part, it seems to be a decent local slow-food joint, but they served me an entree for which there was NO excuse, which should never have left the line, and which I can only assume escaped from the kitchen on a night when no senior kitchen staff were on. Because no one who cares about this restaurant, and its reputation, its fresh-and-local image, could have served the eggplant napoleon I received, a dish so bad I shudder to think of it, and I just know I won't be able to order eggplant again for a long time. I totally didn't trek here to order eggplant, though -- I came for chicken-fried flank steak. CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK! It was on Dante's online menu, posted right alongside the date we went. When we arrived, however, the menu was a good deal different than the one I had seen. That's lame -- why post a daily menu if it's not accurate? I got teased with chicken-fried steak. There was instead a flank steak piri piri, and to the credit of the server, she tried to steer me that way ... but I really wasn't in the mood for just any steak, but for CHICKEN-FRIED steak. And after eating two weeks of creole cooking, by the time we ordered dinner at nearly 9 this night, I was just not hungry enough to settle for just steak. So I thought the egglant napoleon -- with smoked tomato sauce, heirloom tomatoes, fresh local basil, local mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano would be a fresh, simple, layered dish with just a bit of creole kick. What arrived should have been immediately returned, but I did order it over the server's clear steering away, so I suffered in silence. First, this was no napoleon. The dish was not layered at all, but was instead a large blob of eggplant chunks, grey, lukewarm, and incredibly seedy. So seedy, every bite was crunchy. The smoked tomato sauce wasn't integrated, and the heirloom tomatoes were half-heartedly sauteed, bitter, and set among some flavorless, stiff onions. There were no more than two tablespoons of cheese -- about one of each type -- and these were just sort of embedded in the eggplant. There was zero presentation here, on a dish that everyone knows -- by its very nature -- is supposed to be layered. There was also no basil at all in the dish, as claimed on the menu. Fresh basil should have been featured prominently, considering the menu took the time to note its local origin, and to simply omit it insulted my intelligence. There were instead some fresh snipped chives -- hey, they're green, too! -- which had no business hanging around smoked tomato sauce. Had I made this dish at home, I would have discreetly slid it in the compost bin before anyone could notice my ineptitude. The molasses spoon bread -- a buttery, sweet corn bread -- was really nice, and my guy's chicken cooked under a brick was wonderful (although I thought the sauce was maybe a little too maple syrupy, he dug it despite having a generally French aversion to too much sweet with savory), and our appetizer of shrimp and grits was well-executed, with creamy, stone ground grits and four sweetly charred whole shrimp. As a former trade bartender (and current hobbyist bartender) I was interested in checking out Dante's homemade infusions, but the peach-infused old-fashioned was watery and unsweet, and the cucumber gin and juice lacked any sharpness to its citrus component to balance the cucumber. We had water with our entrees and got the hell out of Dante's Kitchen.
(2)maria w.
A special meal with excellent service and fresh innovative food. We had appetizer shrimp with creamy grits (Cajun shrimp w/heads), fresh & light pepper salad, brick chicken, and sides of eggplant and squash. Splitting the chicken entree was smart because it allowed us to try a greater variety of the small plates and the portion of chicken is almost too large for one person. We also loved the Cuban cocktail & spoon bread. It was $100 for 2 with tip - well worth the money for a special occasion.
(4)Cathy G.
4.5 stars!! Yummy food & comfortable environment. Next time I'm back in NO, I will for sure come back here
(4)Newt L.
New Orleans is unique in that restaurants that would be stellar in most cities come off as being okay here. Dante's is one of these restaurants. The menu offers a small, solid sampling of creole-style dishes, many of the ingredients are local, and the setting is comfortable. I had the shrimp and grits with andouille gravy . This is one of my "last meal" dishes, so I'm insanely particular about it. The flavors were great, the grits were creamy, and the shrimp...were overcooked. My lady-friend ordered the eggs benedict which came served over honey drizzled buttermilk biscuits and a thick cut of ham. Again, the flavors were dynamic and exciting, but the ham was dry and overcooked. The service was congenial but slow and confused. The prices were moderate. We came out of it feeling like Dante's could be great if they would pay more attention to the details and less attention to the image.
(3)Jamie C.
Dante's Kitchen became a brunch staple for my friends and I this year. It is close to our uptown homes and usually the wait is a perfect length for all of our hungover friends to slowly make it there. The menu is terrible for my indecisive tendencies; there are too many descriptions that make my mouth water. The Eggs Benedict with biscuit, honey drizzle and pork is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. A northerner who fear grits, I usually order the hash browns, which are perfectly seasoned and tasty. One special, the Alligator Sausage Sliders, spooked my Californian who thought they were like buffalo wings (not actually made of Alligator) but they were a great size and interesting addition to breakfast. And, despite my resistance, the cheesy grits are heaven. Try the mixed bread or brioche french toast appetizer to get a mix of all the amazing flavors they have to offer.
(5)Joanna C.
I LOVE this place. I have a friend with a house Uptown, and thanks to him I have gotten to know the restaurants and bars along Carrollton and the surrounding neighborhood. Dante's Kitchen has consistently been a great meal. My mother even requested - nay, DEMANDED that we come back here on her second visit to Louisiana. And that was after Katrina - I was so happy to see their doors open. (I know Katrina probably sunk a lot of restaurants in more ways than one). Love the molasses spoon bread, the shrimp and grits kick ass, and pick any of the entrees - you won't get a bad meal here. The service is also great and always willing to chat and give recommendations. I hope this place continues to feed New Orleans.
(5)Alisha R.
I've been here several times and this place is just consistently good. I usually switch back and forth between the redfish and the filets. Both are good, but I think I prefer the filet. It has a nice patio area to sit out on and I've alway gotten great service. There are a million great restaurants in New Orleans, but Dante's is definitely one my favorites.
(5)Andrew L.
Great service. Amazing food especially the chicken and rabbit stew. Nice quaint atmosphere in a neighborhood block near the river.
(4)Aviv G.
Neat little place with attentive, if not slightly hurried service. Reasonably priced wine list. Three of us started with roasted stuffed squid, pork belly, and shrimp n grits followed by drum (yum), duck breast, and trois mignon. Worth a visit.
(4)Joyce S.
We lucked into this restaurant after discovering that the music we'd come for at the Maple Leaf wouldn't be starting for three hours. The bartender at the ML described Dante's Kitchen as a restaurant for people who care where their food comes from. Every morsel was outstanding. We started with the punch of the day--a concoction of gin, ginger liqueur, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, lemon juice and a dash of ginger beer. Complex and delicious. We followed that with a salad of local greens topped with shaved apples and the tuna two ways, char rare over mustard greens and chopped and marinated atop cabbage and carrot shreds. They also gave us some pumpkiny spoon bread that was a perfect complement to both the salad and the tuna. Everything had subtleties of flavor and multiple layers of taste so that each bite was a slightly new experience. The service was great, the ambience homey. We would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Gene P.
We decided to stay away from the over priced and dressy French Quarter restaurants and head in the opposite direction, and boy, am I glad we did.The reviews for Dante's kitchen were spot on. I had the BBQ shrimp over grits which was just heavenly. The chicken cooked under a brick with egg was excellent. The chicken was very moist and the sauce was a combination of sweet ( honey ? ) and some spice that gave it a slight kick. ( which I could not figure out ). The maple honey cornbread was a treat in itself. My wife had the" tres mignons" with a silton sauce and debries ( like a pulled pork ) which she raved about. Our waiter was attentive and service was excellent. I agree with others that this was our best meal in NOLA. Do make a reservation as it is an old converted home and not very large.
(5)Stephanie W.
Just plain amazing. Food tasted great, was interesting and well executed. The restuarant has indoor and outdoor seating - both really great places to sit and have a very nice atomsphere to if for a nice intimate dinner. Had the trois mingnon, chicken under a brick, cauliflower and duck fat smashed potatoes. The portions were good and the service was outstanding.
(5)Justin S.
I went a long long time ago for a fantastic brunch, so when I needed to find a place for a late Valentine's dinner they had openings and a killer looking menu. My girlfriend and I had 4 small plates which were excellent and one which was OK. We also had a few cocktails which were very nice. The problem with everything was the service. Our food came out pretty much on time, but was delivered by everybody but our server. My girlfriend had a prefect view of the bar and our drinks which sat around for a while, once long enough to be re-shaken. We would have ordered another glass of wine with dessert, but considering my dessert cocktail came when we were nearly finished with the apple pie, I'm glad we didn't. Overall, the food was really good, as were the drinks, but it seemed as if it was just our waiter who was off. I may try this place again as I am pretty forgiving of service (as a waiter myself), but it's not high on my priority list at the moment.
(2)Chad C.
We had a great dining experience at Dante's Kitchen. Its a very small place with a nice (other than some road noise) patio to dine on. The food portions were small but the quality was amazing. Lots of incorporation of local produce and fresh ingredients. Nice wait staff and great food. The only reason they're getting 4 stars is because of the small portions.
(4)R T.
I didn't care for this place. My mahi mahi was topped with bbq'd brisket, which wasn't stated on the menu. My fiance's vegetable plate had too many overpowering flavors. The service was good, but the food was pretty bad. Everything was either too salty or too rich and the flavors did not compliment each other.
(1)Renee M.
The Molasses Honey Spoonbread was DIVINE!!! I ordered the chicken cooked under a brick it was delicious. Neil the owner was very cordial and hospitable I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant
(5)Rachel G.
Dante's Kitchen was the surprise food star of this trip. After all the hype around its neighbor, Brigtsen's (see my earlier review), I was expecting a good meal, but nothing over the top. Boy, was I wrong. This place is fantastic! First of all, love the vibe inside - they have an adorable outside patio for warmer weather, and the interior where we dined is in a cute house with a contemporary feeling. Because all of the choices looked so good, we went for a bunch of small plates for dinner. The thing I especially appreciated was how the chef took inspiration from New Orleans cuisine but put his own twist on it. The dish I'm still obsessing over is the kale and lentils - admittedly not a very Southern dish - but he made it so by doing the old trick of putting small pieces of meat in to season the veggies. (Sorry vegetarians.) The cocktails were also excellent - a good selection of specialty drinks from the bar. Dante's Kitchen has easily become a family favorite.
(4)Amy S.
I was just in New Orleans for a conference and someone in our group suggested we go here after she heard about it from a friend. I was so happy that we took a pleasant and senic cab ride through the Garden District (I think) and saw all of the historical homes, Loyola University-New Orleans, etc. Apparently the Dante's is a 1800's home. It was very cute and quaint. The staff was very accomodating to our group of 11--explaining the menu, letting us know their favorites and offered excellent service refilling water glasses. While the menu is small--though I'm not sure if that's because it was a weeknight, it offers traditional Louisiana dishes. The molasses spoon bread that they brought out was delicious and melted in my mouth. I had a pork chop dish that had lyonaise potatoes and some baked apples. It was very tender and juicy. For desert I had the key lime pie that was also good. I did not try them, but one of the women who I was with from Oklahoma had the collared greens and she said they were the best she ever had. The waitress was so nice and was patient while we all figured out our bills and even called us cabs so we could get back to our hotel safely. On our way out, the owner walked us out and was very friendly and gracious. Thank you for your hospitality!
(5)Allison R.
Seriuosly, the absolute best meal I've had in the city, if not my life! The chicken under a brick and macaroni & cheese is masterful. I am so becoming a regular here. Oh, check your diet at the door and indulge.
(5)Nic S.
Hands down, the best restaurant inNew Orleans. We live to eat, and this city surely provides, but nothing compares to Dante's. The staff is amazing, friendly and knowledgable. They have a great cocktail menu and wine list, and if you get a bloody mary at brunch expect it to be full of their house pickled vegetables. If you are visiting, or a local, DON'T pass this place up, you can't be disaapointed.
(5)Sara H.
Fantastic. I'm a newbie when it comes to New Orleans cuisine but my local friends agreed best meal in the city. Our helpful waiter guided us to the best on the food and drinks menu and we ended up with the boar, chicken, and local veggie plate. As he suggested, for drinks try the Argentinian merlot and the pimms cup. It will be hard to find a finer meal. Only advice is it's not purely a Cajun or Creole restaurant so skip this meal if you're dead set on jambalaya. Rather it has heavy Southern influences with a fresh, local agenda.
(5)Dr. D.
I'm not sure if their food is "Cajun/Creole", but my boyfriend and I had a great dinner. Their molasses cornbread is amazing!!!
(5)T e x M o m.
Great food with local ingredients done up in unique ways. I would have given it 5 stars had it not been for the leaky a/c vent over our table and lack of bathroom space (only ONE bathroom). Parking can also be a challenge if you're not familiar with the area.
(4)David C.
I'd actually give it a 4.5 if I could. A smaller restaurant with a great ambiance. Seems to attract a lot of locals due to it's location, but I would definitely recommend trying to this place out (especially if you're a fan of Jacques-Imo's). The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable making the place an overall great experience. The menu is relatively small (BUT delicious), but they change it often so it never really seems to get boring. This is a place I would definitely try again.
(4)Polly C.
i'll tell you exactly what i told the staff at dante's: my bf and i are new yorkers who travel and eat out A LOT and this was THE BEST meal we've had in months. yes, months. everything was perfect, delicious, seasoned well, really just incredible. this restaurant could make me want to live in new orleans.
(5)Sam P.
Superb, superb, superb. Local ingredients. Seasonal. I.e. what you get today may not be there tomorrow. Owner is great and fun to chat with. No tourists in sight, except us... Great neighborhood. Would definetly go back!!!! Easy to get to on the St. Charles line.
(5)D C.
This is one of my favorite breakfast joints in New Orleans. The debris, i think, is the best in New Orleans. I think it's better than Ralph's on the Park. Their cheese grits are also really good...I love adding corn to it! Perfect casual Sunday brunch place. Nice patio to kick back and sip your bloody marys. The biggest downside to this place is the LONG line and if you get there too late...they actually run out of items!!! Very frustrating when you've been waiting just to sit down and they say they are out of your favorite dish. So go early!
(4)Lauren C.
I had an outstanding dinner at Dante's Kitchen to celebrate my graduation. The food was excellent. The service was professional. The patio is small, but private and very nice. This is truly a hidden gem!
(5)Megan C.
The abmiance is nearly as good as the food. The art and colorful walls of this very clean cottage make you ready for a perfect meal. They play perfect dinner music - Modest Mouse was rotated in. All glasses of wine are only $5 and the list compliments the food very well. The mixed drinks are top notch too! Like all NOLA eateries, this one serves up generous portions. I had a terrible time deciding what to get but am very pleased with the scallops. I noticed most other tables in the restaurant ordered the BBQ shrimp so I am going to go back for mine! Oh yeah, most of the ingredients are FRESH AND LOCAL. It's been my favorite meal so far this trip....
(5)K S.
Went for brunch and my meal was so good. I had the corned beef hash which was great, but would have loved some more of that horseradish cream sauce. What can you say about a meal served in an iron skillet - heaven! It went down well with the bubbly satsumosas and the staff was attentive.
(5)Nancy H.
Dante's Kitchen was a wonderful experience! It is further out if you are staying in the french quarter, but still very accessible via the st. charles street car (last stop) or a $15 cab ride. I highly recommend the brick-cooked chicken. It was one of the juiciest and most tender chicken I've had in my life here. Not only is the chicken juicy and sweet, it comes with an egg sunny side up on top! I'm not a fan of the duck pot pie, as it tasted like frozen duck sprinkled with chunky flour crumbles and baked lukewarm. For dessert, the banana parfait was absolutely delicious!! Overall, food here is very well-prepared. The restaurant is cozy, service is attentive and courteous. It's worth the trip out- even if you don't get a table at Dante's Kitchen, the neighborhood has many other cute homey restaurants that seem worth trying!
(4)Greg N.
We had high expectations of New Orleanean cuisine, and Dante's Kitchen exceeded them beyond our imagination. From the spoonbread to the brick roasted chicken we walked out wishing we weren't going home to San Francisco. One of the best meals we've had in North America.
(5)Tim M.
Went there last week for dinner. Very interesting and creative menu - I guess you would call it Nouveau Cajun. Food was tasty and good selection of beers and cocktails - always nice to have a Pimm's Cup. Kind of far from the FQ but I would recommend it for a good New Orleans meal.
(4)tara j.
Exceptional food . Chicken served with a poached egg was really moist and flavorful. The trio of petite tenderloin with root beer mashed potatoes was tasty.Excellent drink special. Would visit again.
(5)Leigh J.
If you need to get out of the fried New Orleans row if the French Quarter, go here! It is in a cute little converted home and I would recommend everything on the menu. Delish!!
(4)Katie B.
My favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Perfect brunch spot! I also love that they use local produce.
(5)Bktwn A.
Seriously, without a doubt the BEST shrimp & grits I've had in NOLA. By a MILE! Oh and the Mexican pots de creme was unctuous. Go now, quickly...
(4)Jennifer L.
Nice little place, good food, but I think the prices are too high for the casual ambience. Outdoor seating available, especially considering all of the other dining options in the River bend area.
(4)Lee K.
My wife and I had dinner at Dante's Kitchen on 11/15/13. We were there to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and this restaurant did not disappoint! I had the chicken under a brick, which was delicious. I rarely order chicken when eating out, but I was glad that I did this time. My wife had the drum, which was wonderful also. If you are looking for a nice place that is a little bit away from the hustle of the French Quarter give Dante's a try.
(5)Sigmund B.
Brunch is outstanding - I had a fluffy omelette with delicious melty cheddar, potatoes, and andouille, wife had a shrimp and chorizo salad with a chile lime vinaigrette that really tied the room together, and we got the bread pudding french toast for "dessert" - all 3 were perfect, but the french toast was truly singular. Bloodys were good and spicy and the patio created the perfect relaxing setting. Good music (Bob Marley) and great service topped off an ideal Saturday morning. Just a few blocks past the end of the St Charles streetcar line, it's great way to start a weekend day and then head over to the Aubudon park and zoo or the garden district. Can't wait to try dinner on our next visit to the big easy.
(5)Sun Y.
I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. I went a couple of weeks ago with my niece who lives in New Orleans. It was a Sunday night after the Mardi Gras Half Marathon and it was hard to find restaurant reservations. I am glad Dante's had an opening! We went based on the Yelp reviews which created really high expectations. Dante's met and exceeded these. We are foodies and have eaten all over the world and I consider this to be one of my top ten meals. We started out with a goji-berry infused vodka cocktail mixed with rasberry and yerba (a south american herb that has a smoky flavor). Delicious. For appetizers we had the bbq shrimp w grits, a side of mac and cheese and a plate of homemade pickles. All were outstanding. For the main courses we tried the rabbit cassoulet with homemade bacon and sausage, the roasted quail with boudin blanc (also homemade) and a side of barq's root beer candied sweet potatoes. We topped it off with a bourbon tasting of four bourbons in these great little half shot glasses. The molasses spoon bread was good like the other reviews. It was a very special meal - was as good as Bouley in NYC (recent meal last Dec for a friend's 40th bday). DIfferent of course because its more casual but the quality of food and drink and friendly service was truly outstanding. I will go back every time I can get to New Orleans. Not typical to find for visitors since it is in the Tulane area and people tend to herd around the French Quarter.
(5)Miriam H.
We came for brunch yesterday and it was wonderful! I had the steak and eggs and I thought it was very tasty! I wish the dish had been a little warmer, but the taste was great. Everyone else with us enjoyed their meals as well.
(5)Theo S.
best meal in years - go there. now!
(5)michael b.
My first New Orleans meal and after four years a foodie in NOLA I still hold Dante's in a high place. The menu is simple as our the dishes, but you will leave satisfied. ASK for two spoon breads and they will give you the recipe. This place destroys so many spots just by having a small well executed menu.
(5)Allison J.
Prior to Katrina, this was *the* place I'd go to for Sunday brunch. They have a HEAVENLY HASH dish that's awesome and the EGGS BENEDICT was fantastic. I don't know if they're open now but if they are, you've got to go. They have a fantastic sunny patio with all kinds of plants so you feel like you're in someone's backyard. The service is friendly and attentive but you may have to wait a little while if you come primetime for brunch. Ahhhh.... to be in that patio with a mimosa right now!
(5)Josh N.
Amazing food. We started with some drinks at the bar which entails on the freshest ingredients and craftsmanship you can find, the drinks are amazing. Once we sat down we ordered some appetizers which were all very tasty and included fresh boiled crawfish and the escargot and house made bacon. There were 4 of us and that was a good start to the meal. We had the trois mignons, red fish, and duck as the main entree. As the sides we ordered the mac and cheese and broccoli. The mignon was absolutely to die for, it the sauce was thick and zesty and the caramelized potatoes were amazing. The redfish was very good with a nice sauteed crust on it. The only item that was not over par was the duck, having grown up hunting and eatin many wild game this was not a great item. The meat was way to gamey and a little too under cooked. Having said that I was the one that ordered and still think this restaurant is 4.5 stars. If I had ordered anything else I believe the would have received that 5th star. The ambiance is amazing. Very romantic and welcoming from the point that you enter the front gate! A definite must have while in new orleans!
(4)Jane L.
Very cute, semi secret location, mostly locals. Very good- but this is Nawlin's ya'll, if it aint slap your momma good, it only gets four stars!
(4)francesca b.
The most amazing meal we have ever had!! Service was fantastic. Started with the grits (off the hook) and a spicy tomato soup that was the best I have ever had. Chicken under brick is an obligation.-the sauce and spices are continuous and wonderful. Don't fill up on the bread, or you will miss the desserts. Peach and blueberry pie was complemented by cream cheese sorbet. Wine selection was good and very well priced . We had three drinks, two apps. Two vegetable sides, two entrees and two desserts for $127. Should have been easily $200 anywhere else. We will be going back for brunch!!
(5)Lauren P.
Great food and great, fresh drinks.
(5)C N.
We were redirected at Dick and Jenny's, as they had an hour wait...so, we had no idea how fabulous dinner would be. From the house made infused spirits that were used in the evening punch (changes nightly), to the ridiculously luscious complimentary molasses spoon bread, to our spectacular meals (duck and gulf fish). There was not one detail that I can take issue with. The service is gracious and the vibe is relaxed. The Pot Likka was outstanding...rich, lusciousness to spread in bread. Mac and cheese with rabbit hotdogs was indulgent and homey. I look forward to eating there again!
(5)Nicole F.
This place was amazing! It's off the beaten path if you're staying in the french quarter BUT you can take the trolly which was fun. I had the cornbeef and potatoes and my boyfriend had the shrimp grits (which he was making fun of me for raving about until he had them). AND WOW! The shrimp grits was so freaking good I think I cried...because as wonderful as the cornbeef was and as perfectly beautiful as my eggs were poached, his dish was truly divine. Lucky for me, we love to share food so I got my fill of both. Oh...and the spicy bloodys were good too!
(5)Patricia C.
Yum! What a cozy, lovely little spot, far off the beaten path of NOLA. A 15+/- cab ride outside of the French Quarter, barely making the Uptown area, brings you to Dantes Kitchen. Warm staff, cute, tiny interior, fresh, locally sourced meat & produce, prepared with care. Fresh, delicious. The spoon bread starter is a killer. We loved the pickle plate too! I went vegetarian that night & had the Cushaw pumpkin soup (lentils were a yummy surprise in the bottom of the bowl) as well as the local fresh farm vegetable platter was delicous! My husband shared the above with me & for a dinner, had several small plates: The Charcuterie (which was good, he said, but the pate was not to die for); the field peas, which he said were really fresh & tasty. Our server was an extremely sweet woman whom we chatted with at length. As we were leaving, one of the owners stood & waited for our cab with us and had a nice long conversation with him as well. A really nice place, super sweet people & great food.
(5)Jelly B.
I do agree with the other reviews that the Molasses Spoon Bread is very good. The shrimp & grits and barbequed shrimp appetizers are both excellent. The entrees are all good, but small. One friend had the redfish on the half shell and it was a small portion and came with no sides. The crabmeat that accompanied it must have been 2 bites worth. A total disappointment. I had the tangerine glazed pork loin with goat cheese grits and collard greens. I really enjoyed my meal and the collard greens were delicious. Others we dined with had the gulf fish amandine and citrus rubbed gulf fish. I think they enjoyed thier meals, but the overall impression was the portions were a little small for the prices they charged. As for the desserts, one guest commented, "Are they dollhouse sized?" They charged around $6+ for teeny, tiny desserts. The molten lava chocolate cake was literally 2 bites of cake with some ice cream on the side. We were shocked because the waitress warned us it would take a little while to prepare since it's served warm, so we expected a nice hearty dessert. Don't bother with dessert at this place and go somewhere else. We're not this giant, obese eaters, but I really felt they overcharged by $5-6 per plate for the portion sizes. I would probably recommend Dick & Jenny's over this place.
(4)Stan F.
Superb food; the shrimp & grit appetizer is amazingly tasty anf huge; four big prawns and great grits. Had the vegetarian entree that was very creative and lovely presentation. The ribs appetizer was OK, not as tender as some I've had, but excellent flavor and quality. The molasses spoon bread that is a freebie is terrific. A great Manhattan and excellent Gruet sparkling rounded out the dinner. Service was fun and knowledgeable, owner pleasant and talkative. At the end of St Charles street carline, but we did the taxi thing from CBD (it was cold and windy) and that was $20, but worth it.
(5)Jason L.
One of the best meals I've had in a long time, SF places included. Our food was phenomenal, just unbelievably good. More details soon...
(5)Debbie Y.
LOVED THIS PLACE! It's very cute and cozy, candle lit spaces. The food was wonderful. The restaurant is all up local, fresh everything. Their vegetable selection is very seasonal and so so good! To start, I had the mussels in green curry, which were amazing. I'm a huge fan of mussels and these hit the spot. I like spicy and the curry added a nice kick. My date had the escargot which was served in a yummy cream sauce with garlic bread. We were given a complimentary sweet, "spoon" bread (?) I believe is what it was called. I had the duck two ways and a side of English Peas. THE PEAS WERE DELICIOUS! So fresh, so flavorful, and perfectly prepared. I have to say that was probably the highlight of my meal, not to undermine the duck, because it was great too. But the peas.. I guess I don't really eat peas that often, and these were just perfect. My date had the pork steak, i stole a bite and it was good. I liked my duck better though :) Of course we couldn't leave without dessert. I had the carrot cake and my date had pumpkin pie. Both are made in-house. Good stuff. Wish the pumpkin pie had a little more spice though. Again, very fresh and "homemade" tasting. This is such a great neighborhood restaurant. I will definitely be returning soon! And am excited to see what new "seasonal" items will come out. The only thing I could complain about was that service was kind of slow.. Although our waitress was very helpful and good, when she came around.
(4)Dwayne H.
Stumbled on this place after finding out that Brigsten's was closed. Soooo glad we did as it was an awesome dinner. Our server John took great care of us and his recommendations were spot on. I always appreciate someone who tells us that it'd be cheaper to buy the bottle of champagne than get it by the glass. We did an array of three appetizers: Escargot ($8), Padron peppers ($7), and pickle plate ($7). The escargot were tasty and tender. LOVED the Padron peppers--they had this light terriyaki glaze and were oh so tasty. Even the pickle plate was great...selection of bread and butter pickles, zucchini, green beans, etc. The tuna entree was perfectly done rare ($23). The chicken under a brick was very tasty and extremely moist ($24). Redfish on the half shell was great ($24). Get a side green beans ($7). Great experience and definitely worth the trip--take the St Charles street trolley and get off at Stop 44.
(4)Rachel H.
This place is amazing! The best meal I've had in ages. Do not miss the shrimp grits with red eye gravy - to die for. I also had the flounder, which was spectacular. The only thing sub par was the peach mojito which was not sweet enough, but that was not enough to mar a 5 star rating. The Mexican Hot Chocolate Pots de Creme was the perfect end to a fabulous meal. Eat here if you want the best in fresh, creative, nola cuisine.
(5)Michelle D.
I've had several wonderful meals at Dantes. The local ingredient board on arrival sets the stage for a great meal of the freshest ingredients. The mussels are to die for. In the summer, their cucumber infused gin makes an incredible gin and tonic. I plan to visit Dantes every time I go to NOLA.
(5)Melissa M.
Wonderful, wonderful meal. Just spent three days in New Orleans and, by far, this was the best meal I had in the city. Granted, I have a very mild palate, so a lot of the spicy food did not appeal to me in general, but this was a top notch meal. I had the chicken roasted under a brick and it was amazing. It came on the bone, which I normally despise. However, it was cut in such a way that it was easy to just eat meat while fiddling with the bone. I don't know exactly how they cook it under a brick (I asked to have the brick, but they said it cost extra ;) ), but it turned out beautifully. I anticipated the egg and hash to give it a breakfasty feel...but it didn't. It was ideal for dinner. The only thing I did not like was the corn and peas with bacon side dish that I got. It was a bit dense and smoky for my taste. That notwithstanding, I highly recommend this restaurant if you're headed to New Orleans and looking for original cuisine.
(5)Amy D.
My friend and I drove down to New Orleans from Atlanta. We were rescuing a dog and cat the following day so we were only staying one night. It was a long drive and a bit stressful anticipating getting the pets, but I wanted to make sure that we had a nice dinner. I always read the reviews on Yelp and the comments for Dante's Kitchen convinced me this would be the perfect place for a lovely dinner. And it was! We ate outside on the patio, had a wonderful waiter and a delicious meal. My friend ordered the Arugula and Heirloom Beet Salad to start and it was a winner! I had a a yummy salad with tomatoes and onions (I can't remember what else was in it) and it was also delicious. For my entree, I had the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. And for dessert we shared a Ricotta Cheesecake. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere was relaxing and the service was outstanding. It's off the beaten path which was perfect. We enjoyed every bit of our evening at Dante's and I'd go back in a minute.
(5)Rick W.
Great food. Yes the Bar-b-que shrimp hands down wip Pascal Manales. Sorry they did not have it for an entre, only appetizer. The skitp steak was great as well.
(5)Janelle L.
Dante's is one of may favorite places in the city. I love how they use local produce with a seasonal menu. The coctails are truly unique. The peach mojito and the cucumber gin are a must! The service is outstanding and timely. The ambience is cozy and romantic. I've eaten here numerous times for dinner and brunch, and would highly recommend either or both. It's hard to find a place that is outstanding in all 3 areas of appetizer, entree and dessert; dante's kitchen definitely hits the mark!
(5)Jennifer B.
I forgot to review Dante's after our brunch last week.. oops! It was my first time there, and it was amazing. They have highchairs and a kids' menu, which is fantastic since I brought along the munchkin. She LOVED the french toast, which was covered in a strawberry sauce (wasn't too heavy). Ok, I loved it too. I had the Dante's Omlette, which was equally delicious. Oh, and of course, the Satsumosas! Awesome. Just awesome. The service was fantastic too, especially considering they had about 15 of us in a group to take care of .
(4)Betsy M.
while the food was good enough, the service was seriously lacking. we were really looking forward to this dinner for our first night in New Orleans and it turned out to be the worst by far. our server was totally detached, socializing with a friend at another table almost the whole time we were there and just seemed uncomfortable in general. I had the red fish, which was excellent, but it came with a salad of mint and dill that was not a match at all. my boyfriend had the duck, which was also excellent but again, the service just took the whole experience way down for us. we had the butterscotch pudding with salted whipped cream for dessert and it was not good. actually tasted like caramel, not even remotely butterscotch, and eaten alone, the whipped cream was completely over whipped to the point of tasting like butter. of all the great options in New Orleans, this isn't worth the money at all. we ate at commanders palace and arnaud's for less and the service was impeccable! the atmosphere is also confused. trying to be traditional/hipster/country garden all at the same time. it just doesn't work.
(2)Carolyn C.
If this place really does serve breakfast I'm going to be in heaven. I went there for a small group dinner and the atmosphere really can't be beat - the restaurant is in an old house so tables are set up in various rooms. The menu is full of yummy looking options, but beware, this is not a cheap dining experience, but if you are craving some quality seafood that isn't your typical fish baked blah - you should stop in.
(5)Christine S.
Wow I think I died and went to heaven! I had the special, and that it was .... fellow foodies. It was brioche bread toasted with melted pimento cheese, shredded moist pork topped with eggs poached to perfection. I was in nirvana and it was the food experience I had come to Nola to have. We had a very nice and attentive waitress to boot. If I had room I would have ordered the applewood bacon on the side. If I were on death row that would certainly round out my last meal request! Ok add the bacon cinnamon roll too for good measure. Would not recommend the Bloody Mary, too much horseradish. Sadly our waitress said they may not ever have that special again, for goodness lip smakin' sake I hope she's wrong!!
(5)Amelia R.
From the very first moment I laid eyes on this place I knew I could be in trouble. Friendly folks cooking up mad food in an old house =Heaven. Just one bite of Dante's buttermilk biscuit....I turned into a pastry crack ho. My text to my man was: "I just had mouth sex with a biscuit." His reply was nasty (that's why I love him) and had something to do with swallowing. Dream on deary. I know, how exciting can a biscuit be? Oh lord. Trust me. Very. So much so that.... I licked the plate. Don't miss out on a delish bloody mary....they are fab. Pickled rhubarb. Olive. Green bean. It makes having "hair of the dog" exciting and new. The shrimp and grits were unflippingbelievable. It's not a question of IF I will ever go back, more like WHEN. But....... I would not change a thing: A bloody. An order of biscuits. Shrimp and grits. An iced coffee for the road. It all equals perfection for this biscuit slut.
(5)Stephanie Y.
Holy Moly this place was amazing!!!!! Hands down the best dinner in NOLA. The Chicken Under the Brick was friggin delicious - the best chicken I have ever eaten - EVER and it wasn't even fried. The Shrimp and Grits were amazing along with the mussels. I loved loved loved this place. Romantic ambience, great food, southern hospitality = 5 stars!
(5)Layla B.
This was a good meal. Our service was truly outstanding, and the food was really good. Ok, that out of the way, let me tell you more. Don't skip this place because it's not a 5 star review. The food was just really well thought out, paired well with sides, and lovingly presented. The chicken under a brick: just order it. Make sure SOMEONE you're with orders it. It's crazy juicy and tender. The smashed roasted potatoes with duck fat was also a winner at our table. The desserts weren't anything special, which was fine by me because I was already stuffed. The service was flawless. Not at all intrusive, very knowledgeable. She helped us pick our cocktails and flights of bourbon and white whiskey (didn't know there was such a thing!). It was very cool. My biggest complaint: When we made our reservation, we made it for my husband's 40th birthday. It was obviously a special occasion, yet they stuck us inside (the patio is definitely the best place to sit here, especially on a gorgeous balmy N.O. night). I asked if we could sit out there and was told no, despite making reservations almost a month in advance. Oh well. It wouldn't have been so bad except that the lighting in the room we were in was so terrible we had to use our iphones to read the menu. Actually, the server suggested we do so and said that so many people need to. Isn't that a hint? My husband was really put off by this, but loosened up as the night went on. All in all, it was a great meal.
(4)Penny K.
Pretty good food, lovely and friendly hostess. Our server was the worst. He made the experience almost painful. Any questions about the dish or amount to order were answered with the fewest words possible. We asked to taste a wine by the glass before ordering and have never seen a smaller amount poured in a glass before. Unfortunately for whomever the owner is, we would never return to this restaurant due to the level of unfriendliness we experienced.
(2)Jessica R.
It had been a year or more since I'd been to Dante's Kitchen when I first reviewed it on Yelp, and last week I had a chance to go back. It is, without a doubt, my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Things I forgot to mention: - Molasses Spoon Bread - Comes out as an appetizer, in the same way a bread basket is an appetizer. The difference is, spoon bread comes to the table in a tiny skillet, drenched in melted honey-butter, and is more magnificent than one might reasonably think. - Awesome Service - This is, without a doubt, a classy establishment. At one point during our meal, I said something about my irritation with something entirely unrelated to our meal, but (unsurprisingly) I was loud enough to be overheard. And the runner who brought us our entrees thought I was complaining about my meal--he stopped in mid-stride, did an about-face, and asked if I wanted him to "dress it up" (it being my plate). I had no idea what he was talking about, but once I understood he thought I was complaining about my food, I realized that Dante's Kitchen is the kind of place where every single employee is not only empowered but truly passionate about making customers happy. No matter what. That is all. The food is amazing, the venue itself is hidden/quaint/gorgeous, the service is top-notch, and I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Molly B.
Definitely in my top 5 favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I came here on a Saturday night around 8pm as a group of three. We were sat right away however to sit outside in the cute courtyard we needed reservations. The inside is really cute and cozy but with the weather so nice why not enjoy it? I had the roasted sweet pepper salad which was delicious! Very fresh and flavorful though for a red pepper salad it was sort of lacking in peppers. One of my friends had the stuffed eggplant. Very good and hearty though not as amazing as my vegetable plate - an eggplant and mushroom dish. The goat cheese and caramelized onion croquettes that come with the dish are phenomenal. They were able to make a vegetable dish as decadent as any other entree on the menu which proves their killer culinary skills. Their vegetable plate is based on the freshest vegetables they have so although the likelihood of them having this dish the next time I go is slim, I'm geeking out about what else they can do. I should mention my friends loved their slow roasted duck and redfish on a half shell. We were all members of the clean plate club.
(5)Daniel M.
Dante's Kitchen, oh how I wanted to love you...alas it wasn't meant to be. Fellow Yelpers have lavished Dante's with great praise and when I saw the number of reviews and they STILL clocked in at 4.5 stars I knew I had to try it (not to mention Scott S. waxed orgasmic all over the place...I decided to go anyway). We came for brunch on pre Mother's Day Saturday. We were greeted cheerfully at the door and were offered a chance to place a drink order. Wifey asked for a drink menu but somehow ended up with the food menu. Mimosas and Bloodies were ordered. Seated outside within 5 minutes, but hadn't received drinks yet (they wouldn't come for another 10). Our table was outside and the ambiance was pleasant. It appears that we were sitting in a filled in pool, which was cool, and there were plenty of lizards running around to entertain us while we waited for a waitress...and drinks. Both took quite some time. The server seemed to be rushed because every time one of us would ask a question she would answer and run off before the next could get their query in. The Gulf Fish Sandwich was tempting. "What kind of fish is the Gulf Fish?" "Catfish" she replied and tried to leave. "But wait...that's not a gulf fish" "That's what it is" and she left. When server returned we ordered Steak Sandwich and Dante's Eggs Benedict. The steak sandwich was sorely disappointing. A sprinkling of sliced steak covered with sautéed onions on bread that was big enough to feed 3. Don't get me wrong, I love bread, but the meat should be proportional and this was not the case. Some will wonder why the steak sandy was ordered when there were so many other things on the menu...well all I can say is "does it have to be a top tier dish to be good"? The eggs benedict was tasty but the eggs were quite small and I didn't taste any of the rosemary, or any flavor other than pork for that matter. All in all the meal was ok but not as good as their Yelp reputation led me to expect. I would like to come back for the dinner menu, but it's gonna be tough to talk my wife into it after the let down we had at brunch.
(3)Kenn P.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The order consisted of Salumi- Salame di Calabria, Saucissson Noix, she had chicken under a brick, which I ate most of and it was delicious. I had Trois Mignons with each one melting in my mouth. Oh and then we had Gingerlime Cake and Chocolate cream pie. Overall we had a blast, we sat outside, place got busy as it got later and everyone was enjoying themselves. Cab ride from the French Quarter is about $25 each way with tip and the above meal runs about $100 with tip. So for $150 it was well worth.
(4)Scott H.
I have mixed feelings about dinner here tonight. There's good and bad, and I'm disappointed that it wasn't the usual stellar experience. First, our waitress was attentive at the beginning of the meal, lackadaisical toward the end, and very bitchy and cold throughout. The four of us dine regularly together and we're not a high maintenance group, so I don't know why she was so bitter. She was rude on several occasions. For instance, I asked about a dish that used to be on the menu- it was a delicious puffed pastry Shepherd's pie- and before I could finish describing it, she interrupted me and said, exasperatedly, "Yes, we still have the spoonbread. I'll get it out to you as soon as I can." We politely let her know that the spoonbread wasn't what I was inquiring about, and proceeded to explain. Later, my friend Rich asked "Would it be possible for us to get any more spoonbread?" She replied, very curtly, "Ok, but it's going to be two dollars and it will take 15 minutes." Ooookay.... I don't need to have my ass kissed, but don't be rude- this isn't exactly Clover Grill and neither are the prices. It's not excusable, especially in a restaurant like this. Appetizers: I had the Dante's Pot Likka which is described as "slow braised beef pan drippings, Ryal's goat cheese curd, grilled bread, fig mustard." This was awesome- bits of very flavorful beef with the goat cheese on top- the grilled bread and fig mustard was on the side. The rest at the table had sea scallops, shrimp and grits, and a charcuterie plate. I'm not sure how to rate those, since I didn't try them. They all said their apps were good. Entrees: Three of us ordered the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick, maple glazed, with a potato and bacon hash cake, topped with a fried farm egg. The chicken was savory, tender, and nicely glazed. The egg was beautiful and was draped over the potatoes, but was completely lacking in seasoning. That was disappointing. James had the Redfish on the Half Shell topped with crabmeat and soft herbs. The presentation was sad, and the fish seemed to be a little overdone. I tasted it- neither of us was impressed. Desserts: One was some sort of a Chocolate cream pie, which was the best of the three. Then there was a peach pie with Creole cream cheese gelato. The gelato was gross. Rich said "it tastes like air freshener." Then there was some super dense ginger cake which was way too sweet. I passed on the coffee, and I'm glad. Tara's coffee came out with... skim milk. Gah! The biggest insult one can hand to a good cup of coffee. We had a good time because we enjoy each others' company and it is a pleasant environment. However, Miss Sunshine, our waitress, let us sit there too long. After we all started to get skin breakdown on our rear ends due to prolonged sitting, we moved the bill to an extreme corner of the table with the cards sticking out to let her know we were ready for her to pick it up. I've had too many good meals here to write Dante's off. Maybe it was bad night. If it happens again, it's over. Miss Personality's attitude didn't help. Nonetheless, she still got her 20%. She certainly didn't deserve it.
(3)Gary R.
What a great brunch place! The service was some of the absolute BEST -- and we ALL know how bad New Orleans service can be!! The debris dish was A-MAZING as were the other 3 dishes at the table. It is a bit of a drive/taxi ride/trolley ride from the French Quarter which is the only reason it got just 4 stars.
(4)Kris S.
If you are looking to get out of the overly touristy areas of NOLA and see where some of the locals hang out, head to Uptown where St. Charles meets South Carrollton - you can take the street car there for $1.25 or a cab for $15. In this particular area, you will find several great restaurants, but for brunch the best one is Dante's Kitchen. Had a friend not recommended it to us and met us there, we would never have discovered this quaint restaurant tucked away in a primarily residential area just north of where the street car drops off. If you desire a bit of Cajun flair, I would encourage anyone to be daring and try something you might not have had before, I had the alligator sausage and eggs Benedict biscuits with a side of cheese grits and they were phenomenal! I had never had alligator sausage but was quite pleased with the taste and texture. The grits were hands down the BEST grits ever and my Momma is from the south, so i know my grits. I also chose to wash it down with a Bloody Mary and was quite pleased to find it was one of the best I have ever had. AJ had the Dante Special, which was an omelette laden with andouille sausage. this was the first time AJ had eaten andouille sausage and he definitely liked it. It actually was something he looked for on the menus at other restaurants ate in NOLA. For his brunch beverage he chose the ever-so-classy mimosa and reported that it was better than most he has had. Again, for getting out of the Quarter and downtown area, Dante's Kitchen is a MUST. With all of the local ingredients this restaurant uses, you will get a true taste of NOLA. This is one restaurant that will have you begging for more after you finish your meal.
(5)Colleen K.
I've had two amazing brunches here and would happily return. The first time, we arrived just before brunch began during Jazz Fest and were seated anyway. Great selection on the brunch menu with Southern Louisiana flair. I thought their grits with cheddar were the best I'd ever had-- until I tried their spicy grits that came with a blackened catfish special. Uh-mazing. I didn't even know I cared much for grits--Now I do. Their yummy bloody Marys feature homemade pickles (which I didn't realize meant pickled okra, which was surprisingly good). Locavore-minded diners will appreciate the chalkboard display listing the dozens of current menu ingredients sourced locally. Prices are good for what you get. Bring a wrap in case you sit n the atrium area--the AC gets chilly.
(5)Sean K.
Incredible service, food, bar. Best meal in years. Does not get better.
(5)P W.
This is exactly the kind of place I wanted to go while in town this year. Insanely creative, energetic, youthful menu, exploring all-new twists on traditional New Orleans fare, with obsessive precision. We came searching for an alternative to the (haughty, gimmicky) Jacques Imo's, and Yelp, as usual, came to the rescue. I remember this place vaguely from before I moved to L.A., but had never made it in. EXCELLENT. This takes our #1 spot (tied with Luke) among the many amazing restaurants we explored. Even my vegetarian gf found stuff to love. Take it from an incorrigible, impossible-to-please New Orleans-raised food SNOB. Insanely creative menu; every bite to die for.
(5)Cindy V.
my husband and i ate here when we were in town (my first visit to NOLA) because of all of the great reviews we read here. we were both very glad we did! the spoon bread was ok - if not for the maple syrup/butter combo, it would've been a little bland. the chicken cooked under a brick was out of this world, seriously. we've never had anything like it - savory, sweet, tender, juicy...perfect. our waiter suggested we try the grits so we did. we live in the south, we've had our fair share of grits. the grits at dante's were, hands down, the best we've ever had. EVER. cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection, super creamy, flat out delicious. don't miss this. i can't even remember what i had for dessert - something with meyer lemons - it was good, i remember that much - but i was so blown away by the chicken and the grits that everything else was a blur.
(4)C s.
So... Being an native of the Houston I am on the hunt for a bottomless mimosa to rival that of Farago for Sunday mornings. Searching online if found Dante's. The mimosa were strong for Sunday brunch. Which was great news since there is ALWAYS over a 30minute wait for a table. The wait is WELL worth it. Even in the hot humid days of the summer in NOLA. I wish someone would tell the owner to start the bottomless mimosa and I would go EVERY Sunday! The bloody mary was just ok and the milk punch was odd The specials are mouth watering! The last special I had was an egg over pork. It was amazing to say the least. The eggs Benedict was wonderful as well. The banana pancakes were tastery with large pieces of fruit and nuts. The biscuts are fluffy and I enjoy that then tend to be the base of some of the most flavorful plates. I would suggest yall to pass on the sausage it was bland and over cooked. The service takes a long while so it is best to go with someone who is a joy to visit with. I was impressed with the overall maintenance of the establishment. The sanitization standards seems to be good however the kitchen is tucked away and I have been unable to investigate further. I have yet to visit to dinner but I plan to soon.
(5)Gloria T.
A bit overrated and over priced. Chicken under a brick was delicious but everything else was mediocre. The potato hash was cold and hubby had the blackened redfish on a half shell, it still has the skin with the scales still on it...but tasty. With a couple of drinks it was well over $100. Although the service was really good, still I was underwhelmed.
(3)Carolyn K.
lived it up here! Amazing food, great staff, definitely not cheap, but it's locally sourced ingredients were absolutely to die for
(5)Mary W.
Atmosphere was very nice. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed it very much. Food was OK; not great. They try to serve unique food that somewhat misses the mark by being too light on flavor. Would probably try another restaurant next time we are in the area.
(2)Joanna G.
Yelp, you did not lead us astray! We found this place a bit off the beaten-tourist track during a recent trip to NOLA. Yelp reviewers were right on with this place's delicious fare, and OpenTable let us make a reservation through my Yelp app. Heracles strengths: Chicken under a brick = life-changing. Truly the most memorable piece of chicken I have ever tasted, my mouth seriously waters just thinking about it. The spoonbread they serve is a delightful Southern treat (and this is coming from someone based in GA). I was expecting something a bit different from the Dante's Pot Likka (again, I'm based in GA), but it was still a nice savory treat. I had the trois mignons while my date was distracted by his chicken under a brick. I have to say, I think it's the first time he's won the dinner wars and hasn't tried to take my food. I told my server I'd never heard of debris before, she explained it was the meaty delicious bits from carving (at least, this is what I remember from a very alcohol-sodden brain). I pray each night that God will somehow bring the deliciousness that is debris back into my life! The caramelized onion mashed potatoes were sweet without being overwhelmingly onion-y; I need to learn how to make these so I can have them in my life FOREVER. We passed on dessert, sadly, having sufficiently engorged ourselves at that point. Achilles heel: For tourists, it's a bit of a cab-ride out from the French Quarter. I'm sure that this is regarded as a strength and not a weakness by the locals Aphrodite factor: Definitely a good date-night spot. We saw local businessmen dining there, 4 tops of couples, and others on dates like ourselves. Hermes factor: Decent pacing to the meal. The service was very good. Libations: It's New Orleans, jerk, of course they have delicious cocktails! Offering: Expensive, but not over-priced for the quality of the meal. Bottom line: An awesome Yelp find, and a place I am sure to recommend to friends traveling to NOLA!
(5)Ryan D.
Simply put, one of the best meals I've ever had. Too bad my date and I could only get one of the drink specials, they all looked great!
(5)Eddie T.
I go for the sunday brunch! It is soooo good and very fresh. The service is a little spotty but the food is great and the only reason I go. I have been about 5 times and only had 1 bad experience but was quickly corrected on a under seasoned dish. You have to experience this place!
(5)Paul K.
Excellent brunch! House made biscuits and preserves are better than my grandma's, nearly impossible I thought but so true here. Can't go wrong with the Steak and Eggs, The Debris abd Eggs or the Alligator Sausage and Eggs. Pancakes were just fine as well. Get some cocktails while enjoying your meal, some good mixology going on!
(5)Peter M.
The place is downright cool and in a part of New Orleans that most tourists would not otherwise venture near. The outside seating is perfect. The food is high end, but the decor is eclectic and casual. The mixed drinks are worth a sample or three. While the main courses are fine, I recommend gorging yourself on several small plates. These are the most interesting and flavorful, and really represent the local southern cuisine. If there are grits in any of the dishes, definitely go for that one. But, in general, you really cannot miss.
(4)Robert B.
Came here with a group of six while in town for New Years. Warning, as Philadelphians we are definitely food snobs. So here it is- Dante's was overall amazing. Literally, everyone enjoyed everything they ordered. 6 different main courses, 3 different vegetable dishes and a couple appetizers and there is nothing we did not love. After reading the reviews on the chicken, I couldn't help but get it for myself. While it was probably the best chicken I've ever had, it was still chicken. I have to say, my girlfriend ordered the better dish, being the duck. And I would recommend the chai infused whiskey. All in all, the reviews for this place are legit. I don't think you can go wrong at Dante's.
(5)Kim G.
If this restaurant wasn't on the freakin moon it would get more stars. Of course, that's not Dante's Kitchen's fault. There are plenty of neighbors who really have a lovely little, special restaurant. I'm writing my experience from a person who was visiting the Quarter, read the reviews and thought I'd enjoy a sweet drive with my honey and snuggle up in a breezy, romantic little out of the way spot with outstanding food and atmosphere. My lame 2 stars are relating to the many many people who gave this place 5. If I lived around the corner, or even within a $5 cab ride I would be giving it 4. I am not. Many reading here on Yelp are not. Many of us are visiting from various parts of New Orleans proper and I can tell you that if you are one of us, It's just not worth it until all other closer places are exhausted. Which sucks to say but is true. Worst, BF called it on the way out there and I would do ANYTHING to prove him wrong. But I couldn't. For starts, it's expensive to be in the middle of nowhere. We ordered a fantastic vegetable platter, a goat cheese croquet which was akin to whipped potatoes, perhaps a sweet one hidden in, with goat cheese, sautéed lightly and served over the freshest most lovely little farm veggies; Carrots, beets. A sprinkling of Brussel sprout and kale leaves. Tossed in something lovely and subtle. They call it an Entree so we were nervous about ordering it as an appetizer but sh+t, there are no freaking vegetables in standard New Orleans so our bodies were BEGGING for something like this. We figured if it was too much we'd bring it back with us and feed off of it when our legs start to bow. Umm. No. A relatively small plate came. The two of us skinny people easily ate the whole thing. It was $23, not painful but definitely a pinch. After it's arrival the wonderful little cast iron pan of freshly made cornbread and melty pat of butter came. Delicious. That was just after we paid $20 for a taxi to get there from the Warehouse district where we idiotically left the likes of Cochon, Emeril's and the outstanding August. Again, NOT the fault of the restaurant. $20 back. $40 in taxi's. Would be kind of more fun if it was closer to the St Charles line and you could make it a whole experience. The taxi took 20 minutes in no traffic. It's a commitment and you better knock me off my attitude when I get there. The decor: whoever calls this place romantic is either very young or very old, or at least has not eaten in tall ceilings, fireplaces, flickery candles and lovely chairs. The lighting wasn't dim, there were no candles, the tables were cafeteria, the color is more like a coffee shop or early Shabby Chic. . It's sweet. Charming. Cottagey, almost bed and breakfast. But you don't walk out of there dry humping in the cab. And, god help Dante, there was a Weird Al YankOnThis movie from the 80's on a tv over the bar, which was my direct point of view over my lover's shoulder. which was the answer to our request for a "perfect romantic table for us to nuzzle. A mullet headed Weird Al and a honking Fran Drescher is not my idea of romantic. We ordered their signature Chicken under a brick which is absolutely outstanding. A mostly boneless and succulent number with a hint of something in the cinnamon family, but not cinnamon roll cinnamon, just a sweet "what is that?" note. Draped over the potato bacon hash cake was a single sunny egg, too overcooked to add anything yolky runny to the dish except that it's a funny riff on the old "which came first" thing. Clever. We also ordered the Redfish on the half shell with crabmeat and soft herbs. Lovely. Not much crabmeat and nothing for the crabmeat to be slippery from except a touch of a vinegary and slight dressing which worked wonders with the soft herbs. The 'Half Shell' that they refer to is actually the thick skin of the fish which is stove top blackened tough and inedible, which is the whole interesting point. It felt a little dry, but a relief from all the saucy sauces New Orleans stuffs your thighs with. . If you are lucky to live near this place or you are out there for some reason you will no doubt be a happy foodie and eat here every night, yelping the deserved 4 stars because I didn't see many other choices.. But if you want to come from the other sections of New Orleans and you have not tried some of the places in the Warehouse district, for instance, pass this up until you are out of options.
(2)Shobelloby S.
I haven't eaten here for dinner, though I really really wanna. The Fam and I typically go for Sunday brunch and we love it. The slices of ham steak are à la Fred Flintstone- brontosaurus like, which pleases my carnivorous husband endlessly. The bloody Mary's are off the chain, and I've never been crazy about them until I tastedof rom Dante's, which as I understand is made with house made tomato juice, pickled okra, etc. After finishing a glorious cup of ice coffee and my meal, I really wanna rub my belly, grab a few of the jars with pickled condiments that they have on the shelves everywhere and dash for the car. Seriously.
(4)Stacey C.
This place is amazing! It is in an old shotgun house which gives it such a nice homey feel. The service was terrific and the food was that much better! Kuddos to the chef :) The manager brought us a jello shot...yes a jello shot. It wasn't store made jello from a box, it was such a nice treat that was just as good as it was creative! We had the escargot which was a very nice treat with bone marrow. We then had pork belly lettuce wraps which were light and tasty. For the entrée we shared the pork steak that came with pickled beets & garlic mashed potatoes. We had "liquid dessert" that had Pimm's and coffee with a few other ingredients. It was a nice way to wash everything down. Definitely a great spot if you're looking for a nice fresh dinner.....a lot of their ingredients come from local growers and wow can you tell!!!!
(5)Anthony V.
One of the best meals we ever ate. We had their shrimp and grits, pumpkin soup, pot likka and the gulf fish with grape oxtail sauce. Everything was amazing, but especially the pot likka. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting and everyone who worked their was nice and helpful. Wish we could bring Dante's back to Chicago with us! A must try!!!!
(5)Mr X.
This place didn't answer the phone at 4:30 PM on a Saturday when we called to make reservations, even though their phone message stated that they would answer after 4 PM for that purpose. Decided to stop by anyway just before opening to see about reservations, and inside we encountered an angry, very rude bearded individual cutting lemons. Even through the lemon smell, the stench of his B.O. was overpowering, and we decided to go to Cafe Granada nearby instead, where the food was superb and the staff was nice (and didn't reek of B.O....gross).
(1)Anna T.
oh so goood. I started off with a strawberry mojito -- heaven. Apps were better than the entrees in my opinion. We had shrimp and grits (yuuuum) and escargot (garlic-goodness) and of course the maple spoon bread dripping in sweet butter. For entrees, we had the filet and the chicken, both good, but in both cases, the sauces overpowered some of the ingredients. Good sauce though, just got too be a little much toward the end. Both chicken and filet were cooked to tender perfection. Wish I would have had room for dessert. Ambience is original and intimate. I really wanted to eat outside, but all full-up with reservations, so we had a table in the back blue room that was actually right next to the kitchen. Was afraid it would be a bumpy meal because of our table location, but was quite cozy. Can't wait to go back and try more of the apps and small plates!
(4)Laura R.
We trekked here from Frenchmen for NYE dinner, and are very glad we made the trip. The restaurant itself is unique and charming, the service was outstanding, and the food was just amazing. We started with the charcuterie, which came with a yummy pepper jelly sauce. They brought over complimentary spoon bread for the table. The appetizers were very good, but the main course was just phenomenal. I had the gulf fish on the half shell with lump crabmeat and softened herbs which was cooked just perfectly - crusted with spices on the outside and juicy on the inside. I also got to tried the chicken under a brick which had the most amazing flavor. My husband could not get over his trois mignons, they had a wonderful color and the sauces were to die for. My favorite was probably the duck, which melted in your mouth. We also had brussel sprouts with pancetta and shaved parmesan, which is exactly how they should always be served if you ask me! This place is well worth the cab ride from the FQ, and it was refreshing to be around more locals.
(5)Emily J.
My birthday brunch at Dante's Kitchen was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip to New Orleans. We slept in so my party got there about 30 minutes before closing and we were told we were the last table of the morning and the gate was closed behind us (just fyi for those trying to slide in at the last minute!) We had to wait about 25 minutes to be seated but we had some mimosas on the patio and thought nothing of it. The restaurant is an incredibly charming home that has been converted into a cozy restaurant that makes you feel like you have found a gem tucked in this equally adorable neighborhood! The walls are brightly splashed with paint and all the servers are cute, urban kids with tattoos. There are two large chalkboards when you walk in, one with all the local places they get their goods and another with their drink menu- get their bloody mary, it's only amazing. I had the crabmeat and brie omelet, which is making my mouth water as I type it. We also tried the brioche french toast, the grilled shimp and grits (oh my god good), debris and poached eggs, and the daily special of alligator sliders. Everything was served with a side of fresh fruit and it was the perfect brunch. Then out of nowhere our server told us they took our drinks off our tab due to the wait-- which hadn't even bothered us! Now that is some pretty awesome service. Loved it, will undoubtedly be back every time I am in New Orleans!
(5)Jeremy G.
If you don't already live there: 1) Go to New Orleans - It is a truly magical city and the people truly appreciate your tourist dollars. 2) Get out of the French Quarter and explore! 3) Take the St. Charles street car all the way through the Garden District to see some of the most romantic looking homes you've ever seen. 4) Get off at the end of the end of the line and have a meal at Dante's Kitchen. There is a ton of tasty food in New Orleans, especially if you like heavy fried foods; however, there are a smaller number of newer restaurants that tap in to New Orleans' culinary heritage while offering the palate something slightly different. Dante's Kitchen is one of those places. Located in what feels like a house in the River-bend area of town, Dante's Kitchen is warm and inviting. Eat inside and you feel like you are in someones living room. Eat outside and feel like you are their garden party guest. The menu changes regularly but a few items tend to remain that are worth recommending heartily: 1) The shrimp and grits appetizer. A must try. I didn't like grits until I had this dish. 2) The chicken cooked under a brick. I NEVER have had chicken this tender. It is served in some kind of maple sauce that is sweet and complements the chicken superbly. Service was generally fantastic as were the cocktails (they infuse much of their own alcohol on-site). Frankly, if our waiter hadn't dropped my camera in my wife's Cosmo I wouldn't hesitate to give Dante's five stars.
(4)Robert F.
I went to Dante's Kitchen with an open mind. I don't tend to try venison, turtle, escargo and bone marrow, and such dishes often but I really wanted to try this place. I got the much talked about chicken and brick as an entree and mussels and a citrus salad to start. These dishes had a great taste and was a perfect sized portion. The chef sent out a complimentary corn bread that had no taste and was covered in butter. The mussels had an amazing flavor and was coated with a braised beer broth. The drinks were "exotic" with regards to the mixture and ingredients and were unimpressive. The bartender thought he was a mixologist god, and yet the drinks were average at best. I would highly recommend Dantes Kitchen for someone who is exploratory with their choices of food and would also highly recommend the dishes I ordered. Please also take note the restaurant is located at the end of the st Charles streetcar line and easily accessible if you didn't want to take a car.
(4)Lyle D.
the food was ehhhhh... for the money its so not worth it. i ate here about 3 days ago and the food vs all the good reviews this place got was just a disappointment. the night before we went to jaques-imo and the food there was phenominal!! i guess we might of been spoiled!! but i dunno i would check out jawues-imo before this place,. i think it's over-rated! actually the chicken was reeeally good. the other dishes were ok. there was 4 of us and we ordered the red fish, pork somthing and the chicken!! and a bunch of appetizers!! bleh.. bleh.. bleh.. except the chicken!!
(2)Hayden B.
A friend and I just had a nice meal at Dante's Kitchen over Mardi Gras. A small restaurant (I recommend having a reservation) in Uptown New Orleans, brings forth a warm welcoming feel with brightly painted walls and semi secluded sections of the restaurant. Very nice patio area although we ate inside because of the weather. Full Bar with top shelf liquor. The complementary "spoon" cornbread comes hot in a skillet and is delicious to the last bit. Appetizers are rather large, yet my entree (the Redfish with crabmeat) was on the smaller side. Service was very good, especially considering it was Mardi Gras. Would definitely go back.
(4)Andy M.
The Wife and I went here for an early Valentine's day celebration. Located close to where St. Charles and Carrolton meet just off the River Road. A really good Restaurant with some unusual items on the menu. We started off with the Boudin Rouge or Blood Sausage and white beans. Seasoned well and goes good with the beans. Intense flavors that carried well in to the next morning. Next were the entree's - Chicken Under a Brick was outstanding and hands down the best chicken dish I have ever had. If you order this they tell you up front it takes about 35 minutes to prepare. I wouldn't have cared if it took 1 hour and 45 minutes . . . . well worth the wait. The wife got the Trois Mignons which was just ok judging by her eating a good portion of my dish. As a side we split the stone ground grits and we both agreed that this was Grits at an entirely different level - best grits I have ever eaten. My wife has not eaten grits in about 7 years but ate the majority of what we ordered. Dessert we got the Walnut Apple Pie with Chai Gelato which was good. The Bar - Sazerac . . . . The drink looks, smells and tastes like something you would put in an F1 Ferrari on the Grand Prix Circuit. First sip is intense but it grows on you and as I was the designated driver for the night I was limited to a couple of sips. Drinks are steep and strong, but good and the service was excellent.
(4)Amanda C.
Dante's was probably my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. The shrimp and grits are insanely delicious (NO ONE has even come close)... in general, breakfast/brunch is wonderful and dinner is equally fantastic if not greater. They give you this spoon bread at dinner that comes in mini cast iron pans and it is exactly as all gratis-beginning-of-the-meal-carbs should be: hot, freshly made, delicious, and so good you want more. Everything I've ever had here is delicious, so recommendations are moot. Just come here.... the restaurant is so beautiful (located in an old house) and on a sunny day, the patio cannot be beat.
(5)Pauline N.
I was a fan of the food, not a fan of the ambiance. The actual building itself is so cute, sweet, and intimate, but the staff and diners really give the restaurant a pretentious and stuffy vibe. Our server was on the less friendly side. Now to the food. The complimentary bread (honey molasses served with butter, I believe) was so good! I got the chicken roasted under a brick, and wow it was the best chicken I have ever had in my LIFE! The sweet sauce is really what made the dish. I had a bite of my boyfriend's trois mignons, and honestly you can get better steak at a steakhouse. I would definitely order the chicken if you go here.
(4)Abigail M.
As I mentioned earlier when reviewing Clancy's - I love a restaurant where I can find parking! You won't know that you have arrived at Dante's until you are right up on it, because it is set in a quiet, quaint neighborhood. I had a nice, low key brunch here the day I left New Orleans. (sniff sniff) The service was great, the dress was casual, and the place was not your typical "touristy" NOLA restaurant. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs and horseradish cream sauce - YUM. If you love corned beef and horseradish the way I do, you can't go wrong with this dish. Corned beef isn't your thing? They have many different breakfast and lunch options. As far as drinks go (because it's not brunch without a drink) they have your typical mimosa's, bloody mary's, etc. But I was in the mood to try something new (to me, anyway) so I ordered the brandy milk punch. It was really good, and reminded me of eggnog without the thickness. All in all, I had a really great experience here, and will return.
(3)Jonathan C.
I was in New Orleans for a conference and needed a reservation on short notice to take clients to dinner. I wanted authentic Southern cooking at a place the locals love but that tourists may not know about. A friend's son (a foodie who is a junior at Tulane) recommended Dante's Kitchen. Total hit! The scallops appetizer is to die for, the venison chili pot pie is truly memorable, and the sides (we had collard greens, grits, and roasted beets) are plentiful and yummy. Price are very fair. Service was just a tick off (that's why only 4 stars). It's a a cab ride from the Central Business District/French Quarter, but well worth it. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)Colleen D.
If you have a bad meal in New Orleans, it's your own damn fault. For a killer brunch, this is a great choice. Showed up at 1 PM on a Sunday and got right in. Split the Pot Likka (grits, beef drippings, pickled tomato and poached eggs) and the Debris & Eggs. Damn! Two Southern dishes I have never tried, check and check.
(4)Karen S.
Went to this place on Mother's Day and it was awesome... they offer so many unique choices- combinations I would have never thought of but were delicious... the alcohol drink offerings were to die for.... Can't wait to go back.
(5)G Z.
I really enjoyed Dante's. Our server was very sweet and obvious has a lot of love for food and the chef he works with. Just as I sat down, he swung by with dishes for another table so I could get a preview of the food. Nice touch! It certainly whet my appetite. The vibe of the restaurant is awesome. It's nice to eat in an old house and still have classy, local fare. The cuisine is modern Southern/Cajun. The drinks were great. Good wine list. If I lived in New Orleans, I would be here a lot.
(5)Emily S.
YUM! I'd read reviews on yelp and decided this place needed to be added to the itinerary...and I'm so glad that I did. I was craving scallops so I loved that they offered them on their "small plates" menu so we had them as an appetizer. They hit the spot. They were seasoned wonderfully with this sweet salsa of some sort that balanced the flavors nicely. We also enjoyed the hyped up molasses spoon bread which was perfectly sweet and buttery with nice whole grain texture - def. met expectations. Although, I wish I would have asked for extra butter! I have a hard time ordering chicken at nice restaurants because I always go for fish or steak but luckily the Chicken Roasted Under a Brick caught my boyfriend's eye (I was dying to taste this based on the reviews I had read). The chicken was so perfectly moist and saturated in maple flavor that I couldn't believe that I was simply eating chicken! It was wonderful...get it if you are intrigued and craving chicken! I had the Baked Stuffed Flounder with crawfish and andouille stuffing. This was the perfect balance of just darn good baked fish and creole/New Orleans flair! My boyfriend grew up in North Carolina and he's always looking for good grits so we also shared the stone ground grits - WOW! Dishes like this define southern comfort food. It was so creamy with the right amount of peppery flavor. The restaurant itself was very charming and quaint. It's an old house with nice outdoor seating. It was nice to get away from the French Quarter for a change. The only complaint was that I didn't like the wine recommendation...but that can happen ANYWHERE...so all in all this place met my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone looking for great food in a charming venue.
(4)George S.
So I haven't written in quite a long time but coming to Dante's Kitchen has inspired me to tell the world just how truly AMAZING it is. My friends and I went to NOLA for Jazz fest and we decided to try several of the top spots to eat (as we were all foodies) including some of the most famous and luxurious spots NOLA has to offer. I can honestly say our meal at Dante's Kitchen was hands down the most memorable. To me that's how I know when a restaurant is special: When it perfectly sears a culinary memory into my head. Dante's Kitchen did just that... So the 5 of us came here for Brunch. As someone who has enjoyed some fantastic brunches in my life, I can't tell you how remarkable it is when I say it's in the top 3 brunches of my life. One quick piece of advice: It opens up for Brunch at 10:30 a.m. Make sure to get there no later than 10:10 because there was already a line down the street waiting for the doors to open when we arrived at 10:15. Oh and they only serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Now onto the brunch... We all started out with freshly squeezed OJ which was delicious as well as some of their house coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but was told by my brunch mate it was fantastic. Next we decided to start out with some of their famous biscuits and a mixed breakfast bread basket. The mixed bread basket was great but Ooooooohhhhh the biscuits... Seriously... if they make biscuits in heaven, they use this recipe. They were warm and flaky, buttery and delicious just as it. They were hearty but light at the same time if that makes any sense. Not only were they great on their own but they even served them with some fresh house made jams and hand churned butter. The strawberry jam and butter together in one bite of biscuit was like tasting happiness. So GET THE BISCUITS when you go. Now onto the meal... Eggs Benedict is hands down my favorite breakfast meal and I use it to gauge most restaurants I go to. And Dante's Did not disappoint. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked and runny when cutting into them mixing the delicious yoke with the hollandaise (which kicked some serious brunch ass). Underneath the eggs was a rosemary rubbed pork loin, juicy and tender served on top of a biscuit with honey (that's right the same ones from before). I can tell you that the combination of the hollandaise, pork, honey, and biscuit hit every sense and taste bud with a symphony of savory, and a hint of sweet with the perfect layer of textures. Seriously, this eggs benny was awesome. My partners in dine also had the "Debris and Poached Eggs" (poached eggs on biscuits with hollandaise on a bed of pulled pork), bread pudding french toast (with a seasonal fruit sauce and powered sugar) all of which were fantastic. But the true star of the brunch was "The Special". This was a their seasonal eggs benny. Poached eggs on top of their ridiculously good biscuits but this time served on top of a perfectly cooked, flaky blackened flounder on a bed of blue cheese and bacon grits all covered by a crawfish hollandaise. I would never have considered that much seafood for brunch but I can tell you this: we each had a bite at the table, and each one of us took turns, slowly closing our eyes, savoring the delicious mouthful, and getting our brains seared with that beautiful life altering memory of a bite that none of us will ever forget. The only sad part is that the special will probably not be there again. But paraphrasing a quote from Red from the movie Shawshank Redemption: "Sometimes it makes me sad, though... *The Special* being gone. I have to remind myself that some Specials aren't meant to be put on a menu. Their flavors are just too good. And when they go away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to keep them around DOES rejoice. But still, the meals you eat are that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss that special..." If you go to NOLA. Do yourself a favor. Grab some brunch at Dante's Kitchen. And before you enter their doors close your eyes and tell yourselves this: "Time to make a memory".
(5)Jennifer F.
All I can say is WOW!! From the time I got to Dante's Kitchen to the end, it was fantastic! I had no idea what to get when looking at the menu so I had the waitress (who was great) do a lot of the choosing for me. She started me off with her favorite drink called the Plantation. Yum! While I was waiting for the appetizer they gave me their spoon bread slathered in honey butter. I wish it was a bigger portion because it was delicious, but then I wouldn't eat the rest of my food. As for appetizers, I got the grilled shrimp and stone ground grits. This was amazing! The flavors coming through were just fantastic! Then I moved on to the dinner. I got the chicken under a brick. I have to say I have never in my life tasted such a moist chicken. Absolutely delicious with amazing flavors. By the time I finished dinner though, there just wasn't anymore room for dessert. Everything about this place was wonderful. The waitress was very informative and was even helping with things that I had to do and other types of food I had to try while down in NOLA. Loved it!
(5)Katherine M.
Love this place! We always try new restaurants in New Orleans and leave wishing we were at Dante's. At this point, I think we have tried everything on the dinner menu, and it is always fantastic. The creative cocktails, vegetable plate, chicken under a brick and trois mignons are all highlights. Plan ahead because you definitely need reservations for dinner.
(5)Steve S.
Really let down on the Bloody Mary. Ordered a "spicy" & a "hottie" both were okay at best. Lovely patio though. Might have to try again, but we'll have the bloodies somewhere else.
(2)