AGUASANTA — Restaurant in New Orleans

First thing's first: Everything we ate was outstanding. We weren't disappointed by anything we ordered, but special recognition is due to the sauces, which were the highlight of every dish. The mole under the dumplings, the smoked chile broth with the ceviche, the bright and spicy sauce under the pork terrine and the deep, rich gravy with the birria lamb were all absolutely luscious!

The cocktail program also impressed. The specialty menu leans into tequila and mezcal as one would expect, but everything is innovative and original, incorporating house-made purees, herbal infusions and liqueurs. Our drinks were made with subtlety and care, were not overly sweet, and were beautiful to look at as well as to taste.

Atmosphere is modern, clean, and very spacious, and there's a (for me at least) lovely prevailing aroma of subtle campfire smoke, which we learned was coming from the oyster plates that arrive with a smoking rosemary ember. But we did feel like the atmosphere was a bit generic modern, and failed to live up to the enormous character and the sense of place and heritage in the food. The presence of TVs above the bar in a place of this calibre was especially disappointing, and there were also some kinks to be worked out with lighting. But again, none of this is bad enough that it should dissuade you from visiting.

Service was perfectly fine, albeit a bit over-attentive and nervous. Someone came along to ask us if we were enjoying everything about once every ten minutes, which is too often. But staff were polite, eager, helpful and knowledgeable, and everything we ordered arrived in a good amount of time.

The minor hiccups in the service and atmosphere should not keep you away from this place. The food is thoroughly remarkable, and the cocktails are professional-grade and exciting....

During our visit to New Orleans, we had the pleasure of dining at Aguasanta, and it quickly became the highlight of our trip. The food was nothing short of incredible, with each dish surpassing the last. The arancini were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside, while the salmon tartar was a revelation—an absolute must-try. Their burger was bursting with authentic flavors, and the lamb shank was so tender and flavorful that it left an unforgettable impression. And then there was the tres leches dessert—wow, I honestly can’t express in words how amazing it was. Every bite was pure bliss! As for the drinks, they were so delicious that we couldn’t resist ordering them again and again. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or simply enjoying a night out, Aguasanta’s vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service make it the ideal spot for any occasion. After our experience, I can confidently say that this restaurant will become a favorite for anyone who visits. If you're in NOLA, don’t miss out on the chance to dine at Aguasanta—it’s an experience you’ll rave...

My son and I were in New Orleans for the Blues & BBQ fest. We had planned to dine at a famous nearby place on Oak Street, but there was an hour wait for a table. Instead, we chose Aquasanta, and we very happy that we did. Chef Luis' culinary skills thrilled us with one of the best meals we have had in North America. I chose as my entree the redfish -- a generous piece of perfectly grilled fish, covered by an indescribably delicious sauce containing spices, pistachios and just the right amount of heat. My son had the suckling pig, which was very tender and flavorful, and enhanced by a delightfully piquant chili sauce. We also both enjoyed the soup of the day, a memorable legume soup flecked with crunchy smoked and grilled chili shreds -- wow! The service was first-rate; prices were reasonable; ambience upbeat. And Chef Luis worked the tables while we eating like a true professional who was proud of his craft. I will return to this place the next time...