Domenica — Restaurant in New Orleans

We recently dined at Domenica in New Orleans, located conveniently in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel where we're staying for the weekend. Unfortunately, our experience left much to be desired. We arrived at around 3 p.m. and found the restaurant nearly empty. Despite this, the hostess informed us with noticeable attitude that there were no tables available and that bar seating was first-come, first-serve. While we understood this could be due to Valentine's Day staffing challenges, the dismissive tone set the wrong impression from the start. Once seated at the bar table, we waited over 15 minutes before anyone acknowledged us--managers and staff passed by without offering menus, water, or even a glance. When we were finally handed menus, another 10-15 minutes went by before the manager himself brought water and took our drink order. However, the manager failed to communicate the order to the bartender, delaying our drinks further. It was the bartender who eventually checked on us and prepared our drinks, but his demeanor raised concerns--he seemed incoherent and gave the impression of not being fully sober. Our food order took another 30 minutes, during which we had to request bread just to tide us over. When the food finally arrived, it was okay, but nothing special--certainly not worth the disorganized service and extended wait times. The final frustration came when we paid. After running our credit card, the bartender returned it as we were leaving, saying, "I think you forgot this." Confused, we checked the table and saw our signed check still sitting there--he had forgotten to give the card back when he returned the bill. This not only added to the overall poor service but raised concerns about the handling of our credit card. Mistakes happen, but this incident felt careless and unprofessional. Overall, while Dominica is in a convenient location and the food was passable, the service was unacceptable from start to finish. The combination of inattentiveness, long waits, and unsettling behavior from staff left us deeply disappointed. We'd rate this experience 2 to 2.5 stars at most. Dining here felt more like a hassle than an enjoyable meal, and we cannot recommend it based on...

We came this past month. Stopped in before our reservation for a little pre dinner drink. The two gentlemen behind the counter were a highlight from the moment we sat down. Charming, deft, and clearly in their element. Their recommendations were spot-on, their energy, easy and warm. If the night had ended there, I might’ve walked away floating.

Soon after, we were shown to our table, where we were greeted by a waitress who felt like a burst of color. She had a way of making each moment feel like a celebration. From her thoughtful pacing, to the ease with which she handled every detail, she was the kind of server who elevates a whole evening. I genuinely can't speak enough of the attention to detail and joy she had. Which makes it all the more disappointing that the food didn’t rise to meet them.

The menu aimed at the classics, but somehow didn’t land. The other options give you a sense that they want to do a lot, but nothing quite pulls the attention or plays the flavor how they deserve. The menu plays it safe, and yet somehow still misses the mark. The classics lacked the kind of authentic charm, quality, and flavor that should transport you whether to a childhood table or a memory worth recreating. They didn’t feel nostalgic or refined …kinda just felt flat.

I'd wish I'd seen something either take real swings with bold, inspired flavor or pare back and focus on doing a few things incredibly well. When you're working with familiar staples, every detail matters, seasoning, balance, intention. These are the things that anchor these flavors in our memory and keep people coming back. All of which were lacking.

There was a lack of inspiration. Nothing was bad, exactly, but everything felt like it missed its full potential by enough to notice. For a place in a city that claims a high level, you want a kitchen to stand out. It didn't.

I’d come back for a drink and smile from the incredible team in a heartbeat. But if I came other than hungry, and wanted a memorable culinary experience, I’d probably make...

The atmosphere lends itself to an almost industrial theme but is softened by whimsical chandeliers and vibrant paintings along the walls that blend somehow, but also catch the eye in a pleasing manner.

The staff are highly efficient and wonderfully attentive, and when one is busy serving another table, others step in to ensure that everyone is taken care of in a very timely manner. Quick to offer an additional drink or possible dessert option as well as any advice on menu items that you may have.

Now, the food. In a word: delightful. Fresh foccia bread as a table offering with a slightly spicy (the barest hint of a chili spice to add intrigue) olive oil. I had the crispy squash blossoms that were fried to perfection and bursting with flavor. The creamy filling of the blossoms paired exceedingly well with the heirloom tomatoes and marinara based sauce, creating a lovely balance of acidic and cream. My entrée was the Garganelli, which had a lovely basil pesto that was supported by the perfect al denté pasta and enhanced the roasted summer Squash. The pistachios added a subtle layer of flavor and a lively crunchy texture.

As I neared the end of my dining experience, I was given, no request made, a small sample of one of their desserts. Now, I am unaware if this is standard practice because it is a rather good marketing tactic for their desserts. But it was a delightfully soft chocolate cookie type. Melted and coated the tongue and had a deep, rich dark chocolate flavor tempered by a dusting of powdered sugar. Unfortunately for them, I was quite pleasantly full and didn't wish to make myself miserable no matter the delight of my tastebuds.

All in all a wonderful experience and one I would highly recommend to...