Founded in 1905 by Jean Galatoire, this infamous address distinguished itself on Bourbon St. from its humble beginning.

From the small village of Pardies, France, Jean Galatoire brought recipes and traditions inspired by the familial dining style of his homeland to create the menu and ambiance of the internationally-renowned restaurant.

In its fifth generation, it is the Galatoire family and descendants who have carried the tradition of New Orleans’ fine dining restaurants and influenced its evolution.

The main entrance, a French door, leads into the first-floor dining room. The first-floor dining room is a mix of high ceilings, slow-moving paddle fans, and mirrored opposing walls, maintaining much of the look of a mid-19th century restaurant. The second-floor dining rooms, opened in 1999, comprise smaller rooms overlooking Bourbon Street.

In 2004, Galatoire’s was cited by the James Beard Foundation as the “outstanding restaurant” in America.

As in almost all upscale restaurants in New Orleans there is a dress code. At lunch, men may dress casually, although after 5:00 PM, and all day on Sundays, men must wear a jacket. Check the website for more info. Reservations are not accepted in the main dining room. You must wait in line like everyone else.

One Friday then-President Ronald Reagan placed a call to then retired U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston, who happened to be waiting in line for a table. After the President’s call had ended, Senator Johnston graciously returned to his position in line.

The newest addition right next door is Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak, the premier destination in the Vieux Carré for enjoying the finest cocktails and traditional steakhouse fare in a restored historic building that begins a new chapter in Galatoire’s storied history.

Galatoire’s Restaurant New Orleans (galatoires.com)