Cochon Restaurant — Restaurant in New Orleans

My preference is always to post reviews that have given me a positive experience when I go to an anticipated dining spot. But, on occasion the experience is so disappointing, in ways that small changes could have made a difference, that it is worth noting publicly. Such was my experience with a visit to Cochon when Sis and I were in NOLA recently. We had made reservations a month early after reading reviews and the mouthwatering menu. But, ours was not this experience. We started with the specialty drink of the night, which was not memorable. We opted for the Fried Boudin balls and the House Boucherie selection, which included mixed meats, pickled vegetables and creole mustard. I expected that the Boudin would be spiced up with the unmistakable flavors that said “Tchoupitoulas baby”. They did not. But the biggest disappointment between the two starts was the boucherie selection. All the meats were pork, but I thought they may have been sliced a bit early, and many of the thinner sliced pieces seemed to have started drying out. The pickled vegetables were better than the meats. But, these are small matters. Let’s get to the real reason for my rating, the entrees. I fully expected that the fresh pork hock pictured on their menu website would be one of their selections. That option was nowhere to be seen. Instead, what was offered as their Louisiana cochon for the evening was a pork patty that was fried and served atop some sauce, as described to us. The interesting thing is that it was listed as “market price (MP)”. Unless the pork they were serving was a Berkshire or some other limited breed, we couldn’t understand the MP pricing. And if it was such a product I’m certain they would have listed it as such, but they definitely would not have served it as a fried “patty”. We didn’t understand! Instead of taking the chance on something that neither of us could have appreciated, I opted for the Wood fired Gulf Fish, which was excellent. Sis ordered the smoked and braised brisket with potato salad. We should have known better. In a Pork house, why would you order any other type of meat? But, pork was not in the cards for us this night. Unfortunately, there was nothing inspiring about the beef dish. It was regular Sunday night pot roast, and never as good as granny’s. We didn’t even bother to try the potato salad, which is usually a dish of much debate in southern community households. Rather than politely suffer through it Sis decided to send it back and order the fish, which again, was excellent. This is where things took a turn for the better. Rather than challenge us about our decision, the wait staff immediately apologized for us having a dissatisfying experience, they removed the dish from our table and bill and gladly served us with a second choice. The hostess and the wait staff could not have been more genial and apologetic. For this we were grateful, and we vowed to give Cochon another chance at a later date. Don’t let my experience guide you away from this highly touted restaurant. Anyone can have an off night, including the diners. This experience was definitely shaded by our anticipation to dine on a dish we expected to be a signature dish and it was not there for us. You may find something quite different. If so,...

Our Uber driver told us about this restaurant. They had great reviews so we checked them out and made a reservation. The place is quite large, but doesn’t appear that way upfront. When you walk in you smell the wood fire and it is unique and makes you hungry Lol. Make reservations if you can as it was packed on a Tuesday night. Very nice hostess and Brad was a great server. Nice restrooms and clean establishment. Drinks solid.

Wow-just wow. I believe all of my food was exceptional. I was trying to find negatives, but couldn’t find anything anywhere to complain about every bite we took we looked at each other because we knew it was perfect. The menu seem small at first but when you reread it, there was plenty of items. We loved the daily specials also. Nothing was overseas, but nothing was under seasoned. Everything was hot that was supposed to be hot and cold that supposed to be cold. The food came out timely with no mistakes. Our server went above and beyond when we wanted to try something we saw on someone else’s table. He also did a great job detailing the menu items as if he was the chef. Another waiter continue to check on us, refilled our drinks, and confirmed our great food choices. This speaks a lot about this establishment.

Gator bites- Best I ever had crispy and delicious almost like popcorn, chicken with fresh herbs and a delightful sauce. It’s a winner at a great price.

Beef Pie- Best I ever had. At $12 I was hoping it would be this good and it exceeded my expectations. It was filled so much that it filled me up and it was just an appetizer. I couldn’t finish it had to take some home. Look at the filling inside. Oh my goodness. Truly, the best I ever eaten. Most beef pies are very thin with a paste filling. This one is unbelievable.

Collard greens side- my mother makes the best collard greens. These greens are on the same level as my mother. I almost asked to meet the chef these greens are so good. I almost drunk the collard green juice/pot liquor, but I didn’t want to embarrass myself with a couple sitting next to us. The collard greens are cut larger than I prefer as my mother usually cuts them small which is harder to do and takes longer. For these greens to be cut large they were equally as soft as small cut greens. When they are larger, Sometimes you have to work your mouth to get all the greens in after loading ‘em on my fork, but this is no complaint at all. Those $8 greens are heavenly and worth every penny.

Beef short ribs with potatoes-Great price and again, utterly delicious and savory. I couldn’t wait to tell you about this place.

Pineapple upside down cake with coconut sorbet. I almost didn’t get the sorbet because I was trying to avoid dairy but this survey is dairy free and I’m glad it is because I can’t believe coconuts or bake taste so good. I’ve never had such delicious sorbet. The pineapple upside down cake looks small but it was mighty. Delicious and perfect. I enjoyed myself so much at this place, we went home to talk about the food and our experience. Keep up the good work. Highly recommend anyone to visit this place anytime they are open. This is not a fried chicken/fried fish place like the rest of the Bourbon Street restaurants. This is cleaner food with a great date night feel that’s not on...

I can’t say enough how absolutely AMAZING Cochon is! To try and put it into words would not be enough on how it made me feel! I felt over come with joy and a feeling of happiness. It was delicious! I closed my eyes with every.single.bite! Upon entering it is large nezzled quaint space. The fragrance was breath taking! Cozy firewood, and smoked pork belly filled the air. The layout of the food and tables and just the ambience was extremely romantic and jaw dropping! Our waitresses were absolutely amazing! Mrs.Julie and another lady who had glasses, really pretty set of nails and a nose ring, was absolutely the sweetest and best! They delivered our food with comfortable welcoming smiles and laid out our food for us including our utensils and everything else and was available anytime we needed, actually we needed and wanted for nothing! They were amazing!!! I truly can’t, and will never get over this establishment! I am from deep down south and cook authentic Cajun and creole dishes on a daily basis, and this God sent 5 star establishment blew me out of this universe and pleased ever single sense! I had sausage and chicken gumbo, my husband ordered the pork with broccoli, and Mac n cheese. We also ordered hog head cheese, and fried boudin balls. The layout of the hog head cheese came with crackers, and absolutely delicious pickled sides, and Dijon mustard. My mouth waters as we speak. And I still long for the smell of the restaurant. I told my husband they need to make a candle scented of the restaurant! I totally without a second thought would have bought multiples of the candle! Every single bite through dessert which we chose a pineapple upside down cake, with caramel sauce, and ice cream/sorbet that tasted of a soft possibly lemon(?) I couldn’t help but close my eyes, and bask in all and everything! This made my whole trip and experience to New Orleans. The best gumbo at any establishment I’ve ever had in my life. We will visit New Orleans just to experience Cochon again, from 3 hours away! Will be more then well worth the drive there and back. An absolutely once in a lifetime experience you must go and experience yourself! I would have had Cochon for breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack, and dinner! It was fabulous!! Food and an atmosphere that made you feel! I thanked God for this place! I used to despise the smell of burning wood, and on the way back home smelled the same fragrance and closed my eyes and it took me back to this restaurant, and I loved it! It’s like a warm, snowy Tennessee cabin, cozy, with a romantic view, and fresh fire wood in the fire place going, with smoked pork roasting over the fire grill, an ambience and fragrance I’ll never want to forget!! I get chills thinking about it, and the feeling of joy and happiness rushes all back swelling deep inside and feeling up my soul! To experience Cochon, is to experience life and all it has to offer, in all it’s marvelous ways!!! (P.s. they have complimentary bread and butter, and Godsmacked delicious as well, so fresh and exquisite like...