Delacroix Restaurant — Restaurant in New Orleans

Two weeks into October, Delacroix hasn't been open for quite a month, but I found myself back for a second visit already.

Chef Besh, Chef Wiley, and GM Roger Eyles have given New Orleans the most perfect, elevated, Cajun dining experience. So much about Delacroix feels "down home." And the food will make you wish you could move in.

The location is unexpectedly amazing. Now that (hopefully not fake) fall has set in, I cannot wait to go back and dine outside, riverside. However, the wrap around windows allow for a great view from anywhere within. The decor is authentic not kitschy. The warmth of the wood balances the deep blues. It feels comfortable and welcoming, the way any Cajun would want you to feel in their kitchen or dining room.

I feel like I've tried nearly everything on the menu now, but I know that isn't true. I'll just provide a list of my favorites: Seafood Plateau (best way to do the raw bar), Crispy Snapper Collars, Crabby Rice, Seafood Salad, Momma's Drum Almandine, and the Grilled Redfish. Honorable mention: Cajun Pistolettes and Shrimp Creole. Curious to try next time: Turtle Sauce Piquante. I haven't tried the buns yet, but I sat next to someone with the softshell crab, and it looked amazing.

What about dessert, you say? Well, they're all so good that dessert needed its own paragraph. On our first visit we had the Baked Bismarck, Lemon Tart, and an ice cream sandwich that isn't on the menu now. All three were delicious, but the tart was my winner - and I don't eat lemon desserts. The wild berry compote balanced the tartness of the lemon perfectly. I really thought I would be getting it again, but there is now bread pudding as an option. Bread pudding is my favorite dessert. And my favorite bread pudding already belongs to Besh. So, I had to try this one. It is unlike any BP I've had before. Texturally it is perfection. But the addition of satsuma and butterscotch to the flavors is new and exciting. It doesn't beat my other Besh favorite (it's at Lüke btw), but it absolutely is one I will recommend. I'll probably alternate it with the tart on all future visits.

As I try to wrap up what may be my longest review ever, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their cocktails. The menu has lots of interesting flavors and combinations - my favorite is the Marsh Fire. It's the perfect pre-dinner cocktail. Refreshing, but spirited enough to lift the weight of the day from your shoulders.

All of the above said, I think it's pretty clear that I think John Besh has absolutely knocked his return out of the park. There's nothing I don't love about this place... other than how close it is to work and how much I might spend there. I can't wait to go back. And I can't wait to see what...

This place is incredible!! We’re visiting from Texas, and wanted something awesome, but a step off the beaten path. Boy did we get a helluva recommendation!!

At first it came off as a little intimidating - I didn’t realize it was a more upscale spot. It’s elegant, without being pretentious. People are in casual attire and sports jackets. Once I got comfortable, it was nothing but amazing.

David A was our server. What a wonderful, authentic contribution to our experience!! He had excellent suggestions for each of us. A great blend of confidence, humor, and wit made for a perfect fit. I can’t speak highly enough of how he influenced our evening!! His humor and charm were truly a blessing. He single-handedly turned our evening around!

We had the boudin balls - the sauce is great, but leave it alone - these are sooo much better on their own merits!!

Our vegetarian had the (off-menu, what a shame!) ratatouille. It was a pasta dish, but the flavor was perfection! Lightly sauced, everyone enjoyed it.

We also tried the red fish. It was light, and paired with a delicious corn chutney/salsa... Delicious!!!

Lastly the fried chicken, beans and rice. Admittedly, I was playing it safe. If you’re from NOLA, perhaps the beans will be familiar. I’m not... They were LIFE CHANGING! Best beans I’ve ever had in my life. I could’ve eaten those alone and been happy. The fried chicken was outstanding. It was crunchy, moist, and there was a sneaky heat - not the uncomfortable burning heat, but that pleasant back of your throat heat.

Pushing our experience over the top was a surprise appearance from Chef Wiley. What a humble, gracious, grateful woman! She was so appreciative of the feedback, and our choice to choose her establishment.

It’s rare to get a truly great meal AND great service. But to get those and meet the chef - it was such a cool evening.

If you want an elevated experience, or some a straight up meal from your southern grandma, give...

It’s about time we have an upscale restaurant on the river! Amazing food, beautiful views, and a staff that sincerely enjoys their job!

The experience:

We sat at the bar. Started with several cocktails. All were great with colorful, Instagram worthy garnishes. Kendra, the bartender was very attentive and kept the drinks flowing!

Raw oysters for appetizers. They were a little on the smaller side but I only mention that because they were so good, I wanted bigger!

While enjoying the oysters, one of the servers walked by with a salad that caught my attention. On her way back to the kitchen, I stopped her to ask about it. It was the Seafood Salad topped with Tabasco shoe string onions. Since she spoke so highly about it, I ordered it. Did not disappoint! Thanks Melanie, for making it a point to personally deliver my salad!

Next up, the Shrimp Stuffed Pork Chop. This was personally recommended by Chef Matt & I can see why! I’ll be talking about this pork chop for a looooong time! So good! I highly recommend!

Delacroix & team, thanks for an amazing date night! We...