Jacques-Imo's — Restaurant in New Orleans

A 6-Star Experience in a 4-Dimensional World!

If you’re looking for a dining experience that goes beyond delicious food and enters a whole new dimension of flavor, hospitality, and celebration, Jacques-Imo's Cafe is the place to be. I recently had the honor of celebrating my graduation from Tulane University School of Social Work and my birthday here, and it was a night I will never forget.

I’ve been a loyal customer of Jacques-Imo’s for 27 years, and somehow, the food still manages to surprise and impress me. No matter how many times I’ve had it, the flavors, quality, and heart that go into each dish remain unmatched. Every visit feels like a new experience, and that’s a testament to the love and consistency that define this iconic spot.

From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family — royal family, to be exact. Despite knowing we’d have to wait (since reservations are only for parties of five or more), the team worked their magic and got us seated in half the expected time. What made it even more special was when Jacques himself came to check in on us, ensuring we were comfortable and happy. It’s rare for an owner to be so involved, and that personal touch was deeply appreciated.

The food? Out of this world. If you know, you know — and if you don’t, the alligator cheesecake will change your life. This is not just an appetizer; it’s an experience in itself. As a surprise gesture to celebrate my graduation, the staff graciously gifted us a cheesecake to start the night. This was followed by my own bold choice to order two more cheesecakes as my main course (yes, I love it that much). I only managed to finish one, which meant I had another to savor later during this milestone in my life. Honestly, having that second cheesecake waiting for me felt like a gift from my past self to my future self. And after 27 years, I can confidently say that the cheesecake still impresses me like it did on day one.

Then came dessert — and WOW. The staff, once again, went above and beyond. They surprised us with both bread pudding and crème brûlée to mark my special occasion. The bread pudding was heavenly — rich, warm, and loaded with that signature NOLA flavor. The crème brûlée had that perfect crackly sugar top that shatters into creamy goodness with every spoonful. It was the ideal grand finale to a night that already felt magical.

Jacques-Imo’s is more than a restaurant — it’s a spiritual experience where the feelings and passion of Jacques himself are made manifest through the food. Come for the food and leave with the gift. Every flavor tells a story, every dish holds a meaning, and every bite feels like a communion with something greater. It’s an experience that transcends taste and touches the soul, making you feel a part of something timeless and essential.

But, as much as I rave, there is one thing I must warn you about: Jacques-Imo's Cafe is only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. So, if you’re planning a visit, make sure you lock in one of those evenings. And trust me on this — if you have friends or family coming into town to experience "authentic New Orleans," make Jacques-Imo's their last stop. After tasting this level of flavor, everything else will pale in comparison. It’s like eating at a 6-star restaurant in a 5-star world.

I’ll leave you with this final thought: There will be no leftovers for your dog — I guarantee it! (Read that in Cajun French for full effect.) Every bite is sacred, and once you’ve tasted the 5th-dimensional flavor of Jacques-Imo's, you’ll understand.

Much gratitude to my favorite little place on Earth. For 27 years, Jacques-Imo’s has been a cornerstone of my love for New Orleans cuisine, and it continues to raise the bar with every visit. Their attention to detail, their generosity, and their love for the community are unmatched. This place isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Yes, I’m giving it 6 stars. This is a 5th-dimension experience in a 4-dimensional world, and if you...

I was really hopeful of this place but left feeling drastically underwhelmed with a huge dent in my pocket from the over priced food.

When you first sit down they come out with cornbread muffins that have a garlic butter sauce on them. It was an interesting combination. The cornbread was nice and sweet and the fresh, the (not cooked) garlic made it into a weird flavor, I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.

We tried the shrimp & alligator sausage cheesecake and it was by far a let down. It was covered with thick pieces of some chesse and a almost tomato basil tasting sauce? With a few pieces of shrimp thrown on top. It's served room temperature. I was expecting to have some sort of seafood flavor to this but it completely lacked that and can be compared to a mid level quiche. It's better if you take it home and heat it up.

Next up we tried the panned rabbit, I would skip this dish if I were you. The only good part of the dish was the pasta with shrimp which they should just sell seperately because it was delicious. The rabbit is smashed thin, breaded then deep fried with absolutely no seasoning at all, so expect it to have no flavor and be chewy. The only saving grace for that dish is having to dunk the rabbit in the sauce.

The fried chicken was good, the outside was very crispy and seasoned with a juicy inside. But the chicken itself was bland and for $25 for 3 pieces and two of the smallest sides I have ever seen in my life, I would just skip this.

For the sides we tried the sweet potato mash and it was good overly very sweet. The shoe string french fries are basically chips just shaped like fries. The red beans and rice were lacking flavor. The sides are very very tiny I'm talking less than a handful of anything.

If you have vertigo or are unsteady I do not recommend this places as the floor goes up and down in random spots. If you don't like being a foot away from other patrons this place is not for you. If you can't see in low light, do not come here. If you are hard of hearing know that this place is extremely loud. After the high prices, mediocre food, and cramped space I recommend skipping this place and...

A Hidden Gem in New Orleans: Jacques-Imo's Restaurant, located at 8324 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA.

If you're heading to New Orleans, you absolutely have to check out Jacques-Imo's! I recently had a layover in this vibrant city before boarding a cruise, and I stumbled upon this delightful spot that was highly recommended for an authentic New Orleans meal. Let me tell you, the advice was spot on!

When I arrived at Jacques-Imo's, I was greeted by a charming little building tucked away on Oak Street. Despite its unassuming exterior, there was a lively line stretching out the door—always a good sign! I waited for about an hour to get in, and honestly, it was worth every minute. Once I stepped inside, I was taken by the unique and picturesque decor. The walls and ceilings are adorned with framed photos, giving the place a cozy, eclectic feeling that immediately made me think I was inside a museum.

After being seated in a connected area of the restaurant, I was ready to dig in. We started with their cornbread muffins, and let me just say, they were the best I've ever had! I had to ask for a second & third rounds because they were that good—warm, fluffy, and perfectly sweet.

For my main course, I went with the blackened redfish served with mashed sweet potatoes, red beans, and a house salad. Wow! The flavors were divine; the fish was perfectly seasoned, and the sides complemented it beautifully. The presentation was top-notch too, making it almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

A word of advice: if you're planning to dine here, make a reservation! They recommend booking at least a month in advance for groups of five or more. If you're a smaller party of four or fewer, it's still a good idea to reserve ahead of time, as walk-ins can face long waits. As proof of waiting.

Getting to Jacques-Imo's from downtown New Orleans took me about 40 minutes by Uber, but the journey was well worth it for such an incredible meal.

In short, I can’t recommend Jacques-Imo's enough! Whether you're a local or just passing through, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic New Orleans cuisine....