Étoile — Restaurant in New Orleans

A Transformative Dining Experience at Etoile 5*

Wow—Chef Dupont has done it again. This was my first visit to Etoile, but having experienced his exceptional cuisine at Café DuPont in Birmingham, AL, I had high expectations. Etoile exceeded them all.

After reflecting, I can confidently say this was my top dining experience of the year. It’s a shame that only 24 guests can dine here on the limited nights they are open, but perhaps that exclusivity is part of what makes the experience so special. The service was personal, warm, and nearly flawless. I would compare it to renowned establishments like Eleven Madison Park, Addison, and AbaC. Every dish was beautifully crafted, and the cocktails, mocktails, and wine pairings were carefully curated to elevate the meal into something truly unforgettable.

Etoile is more than just a restaurant—it’s an orchestrated experience. Our group of eight felt as though we were part of something greater than a simple dinner. With a single seating and a meticulously planned tasting menu (including a well-thought-out vegetarian option), the evening felt intimate and immersive. The “cocktail hour” before dinner was a welcoming touch, seamlessly drawing us into the experience. We weren’t just customers; we were guests in a home filled with warmth and camaraderie.

One of the most memorable moments of the night was when three different birthday celebrations happened in perfect harmony. Without any of us realizing it, the staff synchronized the presentation of three candlelit cakes, filling the room with joyous singing. Those small yet thoughtful details made the night feel magical.

Now that word is spreading, reservations will soon be impossible to secure. I feel privileged to have dined at Etoile and hope nothing changes—except my ability to snag a table the next time I’m in town.

Don’t overthink it—just book your reservation at Etoile. You won’t be...

Étoile is the kind of restaurant that feels as though it’s designed for meaningful occasions. Set in a historic house, the space was intimate yet lively. The single-seating, farm-to-table approach gave the evening a sense of intention and care. Every detail of the experience felt deliberate, from the seven-course menu to the warmth of the staff.

The meal itself was a journey. It began with playful and inventive dishes like a pulled pork profiterole that paired savory and sweet in a way I wouldn’t have expected. A snapper course, accompanied by pomegranate, stood out as one of the most balanced plates of the evening, with its clean flavors cutting through the richness of the earlier dishes. And then came the short rib—a bold, indulgent choice that brought the meal to a satisfying peak. A small sorbet intermezzo provided a thoughtful pause, refreshing and resetting us for the second half of dinner and dessert.

The evening ended with an aptly named dish “Cake on a Plate,” served with a candle to mark the occasion. The sommelier’s thoughtful wine pairings elevated each course, while the espresso martini—Tori’s favorite of the night—was a perfect close. The chef even took the time to share insights into the concept of the restaurant, which added a personal touch to an already meaningful experience.

It wasn’t just the food, though. The communal vibe of the evening, with other guests celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, created an atmosphere of shared joy. The whole night felt like a celebration not just of my birthday, but of the city itself—a place that continues to hold so many...

This place has lots of positives that should be celebrated, but it wasn't a perfect meal. The atmosphere is fantastic. They did a great job converting this old home on Magazine into a restaurant. The bar is beautiful. The light fixtures are fantastic. The food was delicious, too. Everything we had through entrees was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The caviar with quail egg was amazing. The fish and root chips was perfectly executed. The catfish was great. Dessert was a bit of a disappointment, unfortunately. I got one of the dessert cocktails that made mention of banana. It was astringently bitter and very off putting; a fat cry from the previous drinks I'd had that were so good. The wife got an espresso martini. It was fine, but nothing to remember. The desserts were just ok. They presented well, but didn't deliver. One thing I think needs a bit of attention is the service. Did we get bad service? No. Not at all. It's just that it wasn't polished, and in some instances, seemed to be a little too nonchalant. Seems like a silly critique, except that when you're spending several hundred on a meal for two, then you expect everything to be dialed in and sharp. It wasn't.

Would I go back? Absolutely. And I think it's 100% worth you visiting. I just want to be completely honest with my review. We take our restaurants seriously here in...