Gautreau’s Restaurant Review: A Taste of New Orleans Elegance
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By: Liz Wegerer
Gautreau’s Restaurant, an elegant establishment in New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood, has captivated diners with its exquisite French-inspired cuisine and impeccable service for over three decades. This former pharmacy has earned its reputation as one of the city’s most beloved fine dining destinations.
In This Article
TL;DR
Gautreau’s Restaurant exemplifies New Orleans dining elegance, blending local ingredients with French techniques.
Award-winning chefs have contributed to the restaurant’s reputation for culinary excellence.
The intimate ambiance, attentive service, and sustainable practices make Gautreau’s a premier dining experience.
Historical Significance of Gautreau’s
Established in the early 1980s, Gautreau’s has been a fixture in the New Orleans dining scene for over 30 years. Under the guidance of owner Patrick Singley, who became a partner in 1993 and sole owner in 1994, the restaurant has consistently maintained its commitment to excellence. Throughout its history, Gautreau’s has been a launching pad for several notable chefs, including John Harris (Lilette), John Currence (City Grocery), and Sue Zemanick (Zasu), who have gone on to make their mark in the culinary world.
Architectural and Interior Design
Gautreau’s is housed in a charming, vine-covered building that once served as a neighborhood pharmacy. The restaurant’s exterior is unassuming, with only the well-dressed patrons greeting each other outside hinting at the culinary delights within. Upon entering through the frosted doors, guests are transported to an elegant dining room adorned with burnished burgundy woodwork and pressed tin ceilings. The intimate space, with its bentwood chairs and crisp white tablecloths, exudes a cool elegance that perfectly complements the refined cuisine.
Culinary Excellence at Gautreau’s
The menu at Gautreau’s showcases the restaurant’s commitment to blending classic French techniques with the freshest local ingredients. Executive Chef Nick Fry and Chef de Cuisine Brandon Canizaro, both trained under former chef Baruch Rabassa, have crafted a menu that pays homage to the restaurant’s roots while incorporating modern twists.
Signature dishes include the foie gras torchon, a decadent treat served with poached pears, frisee, and date chutney, and the textbook roasted chicken, a nod to the classic French culinary tradition. The menu also features innovative creations like scallop crudo with lemongrass vinaigrette and watermelon radish, and pork belly with clams, a savory dish brimming with umami flavor.
Dining Experience
Dining at Gautreau’s is an experience steeped in New Orleans hospitality and elegance. The restaurant’s intimate setting and attentive service create an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming. Diners can expect to be greeted by the ever-present proprietor, Patrick Singley, who ensures that every guest feels like a valued member of the Gautreau’s family.
The wine list, curated to complement the menu, offers a diverse selection that changes frequently. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to guide diners in selecting the perfect pairing for their meal.
Awards and Recognitions
Gautreau’s has garnered numerous accolades over the years, cementing its status as one of New Orleans’ premier dining destinations. The restaurant has been named a Top 10 restaurant in New Orleans eight times since 2003 by Brett Anderson, a respected local food critic. Additionally, three of Gautreau’s chefs have been named Best New Chefs in the country by Food & Wine magazine, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing culinary talent.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customers consistently praise Gautreau’s for its exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and romantic atmosphere. On platforms like Yelp, diners rave about the restaurant’s ability to deliver a truly memorable dining experience. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the caramelized banana split, and the staff’s attention to detail in ensuring that every aspect of the meal is perfect.
Comparison with Other High-End New Orleans Restaurants
While New Orleans boasts an abundance of fine dining options, Gautreau’s stands out for its unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to maintain a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. Compared to other upscale restaurants in the area, Gautreau’s distinguishes itself through its consistently exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and understated elegance.
Future and Sustainability
As Gautreau’s looks to the future, the restaurant remains dedicated to sustainable practices and continual evolution. The culinary team, led by Chef Nick Fry and Chef de Cuisine Brandon Canizaro, continues to innovate and refine the menu, ensuring that each dish showcases the best of local, seasonal ingredients.
Owner Patrick Singley and his wife, Rebecca, are committed to maintaining the restaurant’s legacy of excellence while adapting to the changing culinary landscape. With their guidance and the talent of the culinary team, Gautreau’s is poised to remain a beloved fixture in the New Orleans dining scene for years to come.
Liz Wegerer is a highly experienced writer and editor with a diverse background that spans several industries. At Inside NOLA, Liz brings her exceptional writing skills and thorough research capabilities to create engaging content about New Orleans. Her global experiences, including serving as editor-in-chief of a digital magazine in London and covering international events, have shaped her into a well-rounded storyteller.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the unique character of New Orleans, Liz covers a wide range of topics from the city's famous attractions to its distinctive neighborhoods. Her deep understanding of the local culture and history, combined with her ability to craft compelling narratives, makes her a trusted authority on the Crescent City. When not writing, Liz enjoys traveling and exploring new culinary delights, which fuels her appreciation for the vibrant and diverse food scene in New Orleans. Her commitment to delivering top-quality content ensures that readers get an authentic and enriching experience of the city.
