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