New Orleans Other Cities

Welcome to Citysearch!

Find what you were looking for? (Hint: You can use the search box in the upper left-hand corner to track down anything you want. We're here to help, so click around.)
 | close

Best of Citysearch

New Orleans Shopping 2007

More

Vote Sponsored By

My Summary

Recently viewed

Recommended for you

More

Irene's Cuisine

539 Saint Philip St
New Orleans, LA 70116-3322
Phone: (504) 529-8811
Citysearch
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.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

To 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 Sit

If 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 Go

House 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

Citysearch (25), Dine.com (3 ), Fodor's (6 ), AOL CityGuide (6 ), Trip Advisor (19 ), All (59)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/28/2007 Posted by dcata25

Irene’s. Top notch for food and service as usual. We come down to NOLA about every 3 to 4 months and always eat here. It is nice that the waiters treat you like you come there more often than that and that they even remember what you drink. We return again and again always on Thursdays as this is when Irene makes her veal Osco Buco and my hubby must have it! I had the chicken rosé Marino, wonderful as usual. For dessert, we split her wonderful Creole cream cheese cake.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/13/2007 Posted by the_phararoh

If you dine at Wendy's when you are in New Orleans, please skip Irene's cuisine at the corner of St. Phillip and Chartres. But, if you are staying at Le Provincial, you cannot skip it. The aroma of garlic will draw you in. My date and I enjoyed a great meal at Irene's last Saturday night, August 11th. The buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes started it off. The shrimp corn bisque followed nicely. The Black Angus filet was perfectly grilled to medium rare. The highlight was the fresh strawberry cheese cake. Our server, Seth, knew everything about Irene's and her menu. [We were not curious about her personal life.] We recommend Irene's with four stars. It has carved out a place as one of New Orleans great restaurants. The Phararoh Man

Pros: Knowledgeable wait staff/great food

Cons: Long wait/a little crowded

Users Like You Also Viewed

Olivier's Creole Restaurant
204 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Mother's Restaurant
401 Poydras St
New Orleans, LA 70130-3207

Related Searches

Editor's Review

Cozy, romantic Quarter spot packs in adoring locals with a menu of Italian influences paired with hints of southern France.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

To 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.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • No

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm

Dress Code

  • Casual

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Travelers Check
  • Visa

Cuisines

  • Italian

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Local Favorites
  • Romantic Dining

Recognition for Irene's Cuisine

2006 Editorial Winner - Italian Food
2007 Audience Winner - Italian Food
2006 Audience Winner - Italian Food
2005 Audience Winner - Romantic Dining

Site Links:

Citysearch is a registered trademark of Bluefoot Ventures Inc., and is used under license.
© 2008 Citysearch.com All rights reserved.

Partner Sites: