9 Scenic Louisiana Restaurants That Might Delight Your Eyes
Louisiana’s restaurant scene offers more than just mouthwatering cuisine many establishments serve up feasts for the eyes too.
From historic buildings with old-world charm to waterfront spots with breathtaking views, the Pelican State knows how to combine good food with gorgeous surroundings. Let’s explore nine Louisiana restaurants where the scenery is just as impressive as what’s on your plate.
1. Commander’s Palace – A Garden District Gem
Hidden behind a wall of greenery in New Orleans’ Garden District stands the iconic turquoise Victorian mansion known as Commander’s Palace. The 130-year-old restaurant combines elegant architecture with whimsical touches that capture the spirit of the Big Easy.
Inside, sunlight streams through stained glass windows, illuminating the bright white tablecloths and vibrant blue walls. The upstairs dining room offers a treetop view of the historic neighborhood and nearby Lafayette Cemetery.
Many regulars claim the best visual experience comes during jazz brunch when the space transforms with live music and festive energy. The restaurant’s distinct turquoise exterior has become one of the most photographed culinary landmarks in the South.
2. Restaurant August – Refined French Quarter Elegance
Walking into Restaurant August feels like stepping into a 19th-century French Quarter mansion frozen in time. Crystal chandeliers hang from ornate medallion ceilings, casting a warm glow over the rich mahogany paneling and white tablecloths below.
The restaurant occupies a historic four-story building on Tchoupitoulas Street with exposed brick walls and original architectural details preserved throughout. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the bustling French Quarter streets, creating a perfect contrast between the serene interior and lively New Orleans street life.
My favorite visual element is the dramatic open wine room where rare bottles are displayed like precious artifacts. Chef John Besh’s restaurant manages to feel both grandly sophisticated and warmly intimate at the same time.
3. The Blue Dog Cafe – Where Art Meets Cuisine
If you’re fascinated by local art, The Blue Dog Cafe in Lafayette delivers a one-of-a-kind visual feast. The walls showcase dozens of the late George Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog paintings, creating a gallery-like atmosphere that celebrates Louisiana’s artistic heritage.
Bright splashes of color from the artwork contrast beautifully with the restaurant’s rustic wooden tables and exposed brick walls. Large windows flood the space with natural light during daytime hours, making the vibrant paintings practically glow.
When night falls, carefully positioned spotlights illuminate each piece while the rest of the dining room remains softly lit for a more intimate feel. The restaurant perfectly balances being a serious art space and a comfortable dining environment where Cajun cuisine takes center stage.
4. Cochon – Industrial Chic in the Warehouse District
Housed in a renovated warehouse in New Orleans’ arts district, Cochon transforms industrial elements into visual art. Massive wooden beams stretch across high ceilings while exposed brick walls tell stories of the building’s past life.
What makes this space truly special is the open kitchen concept where diners can watch chefs work their magic around a wood-fired oven. The golden flames create a warm focal point that contrasts beautifully with the restaurant’s cool concrete floors and metal accents.
Large windows frame views of the neighborhood’s historic architecture, connecting the indoor experience to the city beyond. During evening hours, the space transforms as strategically placed lighting creates pools of warmth around each table, making the vast space feel surprisingly intimate.
5. Antoine’s – A Step Back in Time
Stepping through Antoine’s doors means entering America’s oldest family-run restaurant and a living museum of New Orleans history. Established in 1840, this French Quarter institution spans 14 dining rooms, each with its own distinctive character and story.
The Mystery Room (named for its speakeasy past during Prohibition) features walls lined with photographs of famous guests spanning nearly two centuries. Meanwhile, the Japanese Room showcases hand-painted murals created in the 1940s.
My favorite space is the Rex Room with its dazzling collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia and carnival crowns displayed like royal treasures. Antoine’s doesn’t just serve classic Creole cuisine it offers a visual journey through New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry, all within walls that have witnessed nearly 180 years of history.
6. Galatoire’s – Classic French Quarter Splendor
Though lacking scenic views of nature, Galatoire’s offers something equally captivating a perfectly preserved slice of 1900s New Orleans elegance. The main dining room dazzles with its mirrored walls, mosaic tile floors, and high ceilings adorned with slowly spinning ceiling fans.
White tablecloths and bentwood chairs create a timeless backdrop for the restaurant’s greatest visual attraction its clientele. On Fridays, local characters dressed in their finest create a lively scene that’s been compared to theater.
Where else can you witness multi-generational families celebrating special occasions alongside politicians making deals and tourists soaking it all in? The restaurant’s no-reservations policy for the downstairs dining room ensures a democratic mix that represents the true spirit of New Orleans. This human tableau makes Galatoire’s one of the most visually fascinating dining experiences in Louisiana.
7. Emeril’s Delmonico – Streetcar Line Sophistication
Perched on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, Emeril’s Delmonico occupies a stunning 1895 Italianate mansion that commands attention from first glance. Through tall windows, diners can watch the iconic green streetcars rumble past while enjoying refined Creole cuisine.
The interior preserves many original architectural elements including ornate crown moldings, crystal chandeliers, and a sweeping staircase that would look at home in a Southern Gothic novel. Each dining room features a slightly different color palette, creating distinct atmospheres throughout the restaurant.
When evening falls, the building’s facade is dramatically uplit, highlighting its architectural details against the night sky. This restaurant doesn’t just offer a meal it provides a quintessential New Orleans visual experience combining historic architecture, modern elegance, and the unique charm of the Garden District.
8. Brennan’s – Pink Palace Perfection
Known affectionately as the “Pink Palace,” Brennan’s vibrant exterior is just the beginning of its visual delights. The restaurant’s most celebrated space is undoubtedly the lush courtyard, where tropical plants surround a bubbling fountain and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere.
Each dining room inside offers its own distinct personality through thoughtful color schemes and artwork. The Chanteclair Room dazzles with hand-painted murals depicting pastoral scenes, while the Queen’s Room showcases portraits of Mardi Gras royalty against rich burgundy walls.
Don’t miss the legendary turtle soup finished tableside with sherry a performance as visually engaging as it is delicious. After your meal, ask to peek into the wine cellar built within a former carriage house, where thousands of bottles rest in a space that feels like stepping back in time.
9. Palace Café – Riverfront Grandeur
Housed in the historic Werlein’s music store building at the gateway to the French Quarter, Palace Café greets guests with a stunning curved staircase that spirals dramatically through the center of the restaurant. This architectural showpiece is topped by a domed ceiling adorned with a hand-painted mural.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer glimpses of the Mississippi River and the vibrant street life along Canal Street. The second-floor balcony provides an even better vantage point for people-watching while enjoying classic Creole cuisine.
Though thoroughly modernized, the restaurant preserves touches of the building’s musical heritage through subtle decorative elements and occasional live piano performances. With its prime location at the intersection of the French Quarter and downtown, Palace Café offers not just excellent food but a visual introduction to New Orleans’ distinctive architectural character.
