The Oldest Family Run Restaurant In The Country Is Right Here In New Orleans And You’ll Want To Visit

Antoine's. It's been a New Orleans institution for over 150 years. Generations of families have dined here, and it's one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. Let's take a look at one of the Grand Dame restaurants of the Crescent City to find out what makes this place so special.

Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest family run restaurant in the country.

A young, 18-year old Antoine Alciatore opened the restaurant just one block away from its current site. They quickly outdrew their small space, and moved to their current location in 1868.

Antoine and his wife ran the restaurant until he fell ill in 1874.

He wanted to be buried in his birthplace in France, so he spent his final days in Marseilles, dying within the same year. His son Jules eventually took over and became a chef.

Jules’ legacy was his genius invention of Oysters Rockefeller, and it’s what the restaurant is most known for.

Named for the richness of the sauce, the recipe remains a closely-guarded secret of Antoines. Often imitated but ever duplicated, this is a must-try the next time you visit Antoine’s.

Each of the fourteen rooms has its own elegant yet historic atmosphere, and each room has an interesting story to tell.

Private tours are available on request.

Each room has a charming theme that ties into the history of the city and you’ll find unique memorabilia in each room, from historic photographs to Mardi Gras crowns.

From large dining rooms to smaller, more intimate rooms, no matter what the occasion, Antoine's will take care of you.

The Mystery Room in particular has a fascinating story.

During Prohibition, you could go through a door in the women’s restroom to a secret room where you’d be given a coffee cup full of alcohol. If you were asked where you got it, a standard reply was "It’s a mystery to me." Well, the name stuck and almost a century later, the room still goes by The Mystery Room.

You can find Antoine's at 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

Join them for lunch Monday-Saturday: 11:30am-2pm, dinner Monday-Saturday 5:30pm-9pm or for Jazz brunch on Sundays from 11am-2pm.

Have you ever been? Let us know in the comments below!