Irene's — Restaurant in New Orleans

From the moment we waltzed into Irene's Italian Restaurant in New Orleans, it was clear we were in for a treat that would tantalize our taste buds and charm our hearts. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Irene's stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, a place where the aroma of garlic and oregano greets you like an old friend.

Enter Sugar Bear, our waiter for the evening, not just a server but a maestro of dining delight. With a smile as warm as freshly baked bread and a personality that could outshine the candlelight, Sugar Bear guided us through our culinary journey with the grace of a Venetian gondolier. His recommendations were spot on, his timing impeccable, and his flair for storytelling kept us entertained and engaged throughout the evening.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the Chicken Parmesan. Calling it "to die for" would be an understatement; this dish was a resurrection of all that is holy in Italian cuisine. The chicken, succulent and tender, was encased in a golden, crispy breading that crunched in harmony with each bite. The marinara sauce, a secret family recipe no doubt, was a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate, bold yet comforting. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella that stretched into eternity, this Chicken Parmesan didn't just hit the spot; it created a whole new spot.

But Irene's is more than just food; it's an experience. The ambiance, with its rustic charm and cozy corners, made us feel like we were dining in a friend's home – if our friend happened to be a world-class chef with impeccable taste in decor.

In a city known for its culinary prowess, Irene's Italian Restaurant shines as a gem that not only serves food but serves memories. Thanks to Sugar Bear and the entire staff, our evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, and moments that will be savored long after the last bite.

If you're in New Orleans and looking for an unforgettable dining experience that combines the best of Italian cuisine with the charm of Southern hospitality, Irene's is your destination. And if you're lucky enough to have Sugar Bear as your waiter, you're in for a night that's as sweet as his name suggests. Five stars aren't enough for this culinary treasure; Irene's deserves a...

I went to Irene’s last night. Eager to narrow down potential bday restaurants. Sat at the bar. Beautiful scene, gorgeous wood all over, and actual candles offering lighting. The staff that passed by was nice and courteous. The hostess appeared and guided me to a dirty bar. 3 spots not clean and he apologized and minimally cleared the middle one. He didn’t even wipe it with a towel. 1st strike. I’m optimistic, I’m in a gorgeous dress and gold heels. I’m doing a staycation, so I’m thinking it can only get better. Nope, got suggestions from the bartender, Robert , on what to order, HUGE mistake. Meatballs were dry, no bread, and I quickly asked for Parmesan and any bread. There is an order to service, I’m used to. The server brings the food and the waiter taking care of you checks in and makes sure things are good and to see if you need anything. I had to get his attention and the wait excessively considering it’s the bar. I just quietly stopped eating waiting on the Parmesan I asked for. Salad came, I asked for more fresh Parmesan. Was told there is some on there. I like extra Parmesan. I didn’t even bother asking for the black pepper. The salad was horrible. Full of the ridges in the salad, minimal dressing and it’s flavorless. Strike 2. Main course came and I was disappointed. The highlight on the plate was the yam and the green beans. The fish almondine was so dry and flavorless. I’m raised on clearing my plate, I left most of the food on the plate. It was disgusting, so disappointed. The highlight were the people eating at the bar and the other servers passing you by, the were so friendly and made you feel noticed. My meal was $82, I tipped $15 and left. Never again. You want good Italian, go to Vincent’s in Metairie or Tana on Metairie Rd. Great experience and...

I found this restaurant on a list of the most romantic restaurants in New Orleans. Let me tell you it did NOT disappoint! This place has beautiful curb appeal and is decorated elegantly inside. The service was impeccable and the food… honey, this is something you will want to write a letter to mom about! Literally the best meal I may have had in my life, and I’ve dined in some elegant places. We had the Paneed Oysters and the crab gratin for appetizer. I’ve never had oysters before this was definitely the place to be brave and give them a shot. They were covered in bacon and cheese and the flavor was dynamite! The crab gratin is chocked full of lump crab meat and coated in melts cheeses. Then I had the Ossobuco for my main dish, and let me tell you it literally melted in my mouth with every single bite. I could’ve cut that meat with a spoon. It was so buttery soft and packed with flavor, it was almost better than sex! I definitely had a moment or two when indulging in it. It was served with a side of cheesy risotto and paired with a delicious Chianti that complemented it well. My husband had the duck and loved it. For dessert we had the homemade in house Tiramisu, and it was the BEST! I paired that with an espresso martini and it was the perfect way to cap off the meal. Most of what we had was not listed on the menu and was a special of the day. Those run out really fast, so it’s best to fine earlier. We went at 530pm and were sat in the piano lounge with live music while we dined. The tables are set elegantly with white linen, a fresh flower and candlelight. To sum it all up, Irene’s ranks 100 out of 10 on my list, and I...