Restaurant August
New Orleans, LA 70130-2408
Phone: (504) 299-9777
03/19/2008 Posted by mu83
Restaurant August is quite possibly the best fine dining experience in New Orleans. This is one of the few restaurants I have been to in recent years that lives up to its five-star reputation in service, food and ambiance. Requesting a table in the wine room will give you the best seat in the house, with a wonderful view of the beautiful second floor wine racks, and even with a packed restaurant, the acoustics are just right for a private dinner conversation. The wait staff is courteous and formal without being pretentious, and is eager to accommodate diners. The overall experience is that of a guest in someone’s impeccably decorated dining room, not of a paying customer. On our most recent visit, two of our party had dietary restrictions, and our waiter’s exact words were “Describe to me what your dream meal would be, and I’m sure we can make it happen tonight.” And lo and behold, he did. They put you at ease, and even the pickiest of eaters is sure to have an excellent meal. This brings me to the absolute best part of Restaurant August—the food. We were a hard-to-please bunch, but Restaurant August succeeded and then some. In fact, they surpassed my expectations a bit this go around—during my previous dinner there, I was pleased with everything, but underwhelmed by my dessert in comparison. But not this time—The entire meal was a feast for the eyes, nose, and most importantly the mouth, from start (beet salad) to finish (“candy bar” dessert). And the highlight of the meal was still the sugar and spice duckling. If you love duck, this restaurant is a must. Actually, if you love food, this restaurant is a must. I’ve been to more than a few of the other “fine-dining” restaurants of New Orleans: K-Pauls, Commanders, Ralph’s on the Park, Herbsaint, Arnaud’s, etc. all with their own unique offerings that make them wonderful. But on my list there is only one top spot, and it goes hands down to Restaurant August and Chef John Besh.
Pros: Food, Ambiance, Wait Staff are all five-star
Cons: None! Can't wait to go back.
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