Irene's Cuisine
New Orleans, LA 70116-3322
Phone: (504) 529-8811
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Chartres Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2007, Italian Food 2006, Italian Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Irene's Cuisine – by Pableaux Johnson
The Scene
Finding this always-crowded French Quarter standby might take some work, but once you're through the door, you're caught up in a familial vibe that's simultaneously swirling and relaxed. Snappy, well-rehearsed waitstaff and the ever-charming Irene DiPietro preside over three kitschy yet romantic dining spaces--parlor, library, and wine cellar.
The Food
Irene's dishes up classic Creole-Italian cuisine--the love child of Sicilian immigrant cuisine and buttery French-inspired sauces native to the city. Shellfish dominate the starter list, with the eponymous oyster dish--baked half-shells with savory pancetta-romano topping--taking well-deserved top billing. A shortish list of entrees mixes continental metaphors with excellent results. The trademark rosemary chicken packs a subtly sweet punch of roasted garlic. End with another hybrid knockout, a Foster-sauced bread pudding with sauteed bananas and ice cream, or a letter-perfect tiramisu.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoTo say that the lighting at Irene's is muted would be a near-laughable understatement. If you can't read the menu, don't despair--all waiters carry pocket flashlights.
Where to SitIf you're in the mood for live music, jockey for a table in the cellar-themed dining room, where a piano player tickes the ivories most nights.
When to GoHouse tradition forbids small-table reservations, so show up early (well before 7pm) or collect a group of five or more to guarantee a timely seating.
User Reviews for Irene's Cuisine
01/19/2009 Posted by CSMobileUser
A great spot for a romantic evening. The food was spectacular and the service was great. I had crabcakes that were full of fresh crabmeat that was homemade. Can't wait to go back
12/30/2008 Posted by amanda2011
Had a wonderful meal at Irene's. Waited a little while for a table with friends but it was worth it. Love the duck, the garlic chicken and the fish was amazing. Just a great place to dine in the quarter.
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