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(504) 529-8811
539 Saint Philip St
New Orleans,
LA
70116
29.9596
-90.061
Neighborhoods: French Quarter - CBD, French Quarter
Years in business
Established in 2003
Price:
$$
Last updated 8.23.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
What People Are Saying About Irene's Cuisine
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
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…
Editor's 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.
08/22/11
One of The Best
by carfrench at Citysearch
Walk around the Quarter about 2 blocks from the Square toward the Market on Chartres follow your nose - it is one of the best smells you will get! They make you feel good and you do - you just feel good eating at Irene's. You say in business since 2003 I really think she has been around the Quarter so much longer - it is well worth it - what can you say it is just yummy good. We eat there everytime we are in New Orleans - it is one of our pleasures! Go for the specials they are always oh so good!!!!
06/22/11
Always a Favorite
by Haden Hughes at Citysearch
You can get reservations now, and it's so good you'll need them. This restaurant is delightful--excellent wait staff, charming intimate decor, and always delicious food--from the Rosemary Chicken to the duck to the fish of the day. Did I include the Soft Shell Crab? You will love Irene's.
01/24/11
Not so fast
by Assedo at Citysearch
We read in one of the New Orleans magazines that no reservations are required. We were so wrong! We were taken to a back room, no larger than a boxcar, were we were seated and listen to a wonderful piano player. The maitre d' was grand. He was on top of his job, acting as maitre d' and bar server. We waited 2 hours and 45 minutes before service. The maitre d' did tell us the approximate wait, but we wanted to listen to music and drink a bottle of wine before dinner. The maitre d’ kept or party informed of the status of our table. The waiting area became very crowded and there was standing room only for late comers.
At dinner, we were lead into another crowded room, with only a narrow aisle for patrons and the waiter to move about. We were placed at a corner table and immediately served with water and bruschetta toast. The noise level was off the chart. We could not hear one another at our own table. The bruschetta was warm, but not hot. I ordered a Caesar salad. The Romaine lettuce was aged and was mostly firm ribs instead of leafy greens. The salad dressing was excellent. My entrée of garlic and rosemary was swimming in oil and was very tough. I asked for a doggy box and fed the chicken to my dog the next day.
11/08/10
Super food!
by EY33EY at Citysearch
On our first try we came too early and met Michael outside who was super nice and directed us to another great place that was open for lunch... We came back for dinner
Wow, what an amazing experience.. This is Italian Cooking.. Not Italian American, but, Italian Italian..
Before the food, the room is beautiful.. The service is high end, white glove, and beautiful.. it's first class all the way..
I was very happy to finish my visit to the big easy with dinner at Irene's.
08/05/10
Yummy
by ooosugardumplin at Citysearch
If I'm craving Italian food, this is where I go. It's definitely worth the wait. The best pasta's ever. So good. When it comes to picking out an Italian restaurant, I don't even have to chose. Irene's just does it best.
