We had to wait a bit even with a reservation but the drink list was great. I enjoyed a Hemingway and my husband a great Manhattan while we waited. The service was very attentive though they did mess up my husband's order. I had the degustation tasting menu and wine flight which was fun. The highlight was the main dish - a pork dish with sweet caramelized onion and salty pork belly. My husband's dessert was also that wonderful sweet and salty combo - the toffee ice cream napoleon. It was a solid dining experience but with so much good food in Nola, I'm not sure that it's worth a repeat visit.
(4)
Vlad G.
definitely in my top 3 new orleans restaurants. along with commander's palace and cochon. weird how 2 out of 3 are new but both have great local chefs. sorry arnaud, gallatoire, antoine...
(5)
Rob T.
Went with my wife in March of 2011. Thoroughly enjoyed the "degustation" (tasting menu). The roast pork "crackling" with ramen noodles and poached duck egg is absolutely a 5-star dish. Also a sucker for blood oranges, of which Chef Besh made excellent use. Is it the best restaurant I've ever been to? No. But would I recommend August to anyone? And would I return? Absolutely yes.
(4)
Brittany N.
Wow! I would seriously give this place 10 stars if I could! This might possibly one of the best meals (experiences) I've ever had. SERVICE: The service was impeccable, and I do not say that lightly. The entire "experience" flowed seamlessly. The waiters and sommelier were very knowledgeable and helpful FOOD: We were started off with an egg filled with fish foam, caviar, and truffles. (These came out without request) Apps: Foie Gras prepared three ways and the Blue Crab Truffle Gnocci. Main: I had the duckling (the waiter said is their signature dish) served with greens and the best grits I've ever had! I also tried the venison tenderloin and redfish, which were equally amazing. Dessert: Goat Cheese Cheesecake served w/ Algiers honey ice cream. To end, the waiter brought out an assortment of sweets (pralines, truffles, and some gelle dessert). All amazing again! Everything was amazingly prepared, presented, and perfect portions. Thanks Restaurant August! I shall return.
(5)
Mike H.
Very good restaurant. Servers were knowledgeable but a little stiff. Gnocchi with blue crab and truffles was excellent, duck breast was good, a little over done for my taste. Whiskey list was impressive, highlighted by some excellent bourbons. Trio of Foie Gras was definitely the highlight of the menu
(4)
P B.
The meal my friends and I enjoyed at Restaurant August in July 2012 was, quite simply, one of the best meals of my life. August is an expensive experience, but my everyone agreed the meal was an excellent value for the quality, and a better meal than even French Laundry and Per Se. My friends and I enjoy wine and found the wine list to be overpriced, but August is one of the few restaurants without a corkage fee. This was a huge plus for us as we were able to enjoy two bottles of our own favorite wine at no charge. Like many other reviewers, our meal started with a seafood custard amuse bouche and house-baked fresh bread and local butter. The perfect start to the meal. Who ever gives caviar as a free amuse bouche? A chef who clearly trusts his patrons to enjoy their meals. The rest of our meal continued with starters: - Spaghettini negro with lump crab and an olive oil parmesan sauce - Crab and pork dumplings in a curry sauce - Gnocchi in a cream and parmesan sauce with blue crab and truffle - Oysters in a bacon broth with basil Followed by entrees: - Seared trout with dill and a cream foam - Crispy pork belly with a garlic cherry reduction and smashed peas - Lamb belly with stone fruit, tarragon, and citrus And ending with dessert: - Buttermilk lime cake with watermelon and mango - Corn pudding with berries and sweet corn ice cream - Chocolate nougatine with salted toffee ice cream If anything was a "disappointment", it was the corn pudding dessert - it just didn't shine like the rest of the meal - but everything was excellent. The seared trout with dill and cream foam was a complete surprise in a good way - strong, fresh, unique flavors. The garlic cherry reduction with the pork belly was phenomenal, and the crab and pork dumplings in a curry sauce were moist, fresh, and delicious. In all, the meal was about $100 per person including tax and tip, which for us was really a steal. If you're someone who enjoys this kind of dining experience, August is the place for you in New Orleans. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Tony S.
NYC quality dining in NO. Dine here. You won't regret it.
(5)
TopCat W.
What a disappointment. Our favorite chef in San Francisco recommended this place. The service started off okay, then we had to pour our own wine; luckily we were seated near the ice bucket. The whole evening you see and feel all the waitstaff running back and forth right by your table. Very strange setup where we were seated. The best thing we had was the gift from the kitchen; fish mousse with truffled foam served in an eggshell. Sweetbread and crawfish were unremarkable, and the gnocchi with black truffle had way too much cream. The main entrees got worse. The saddle of lamb was so tough that we couldn't eat it, and the filet mignon was gamy and dry, even though we ordered it medium rare. The wine list was good and some are reasonably priced. But, With the high prices as you would pay for at restaurants in New York and San Francisco, this place is definitely not worth it. Will not return.
(2)
Beavan B.
I love this place, I try and go every time I'm in New Orleans, the cocktails are delicious and the food is even better, a wonderful romantic atmosphere, great for dates, It definitely earns its "$$$$" rating though, for a great meal for two with drinks and dessert you're easily looking at dropping about $200. It's well worth it in my opinion!
(5)
Mauricio V.
This is everything a french-nola-noveau restaurant should be (not to say there are many). It is elegant but relaxed. The decor is very stylish but at the same time cozy. The staff is very professional to say the least with an impeccable knowledge of every plate and how it's made. And finally the food... John Besh takes his creativity and detail to a different level of complexity; superb! If you want to go out to in New Orleans and have a very nice evening with amazing food, this is the place to go. First we started with a Amuse bouche wonderfully plated inside an egg shell. Its a delicate custard infused with seafood broth and topped with a brioche and caviar. As appetizer i had the Gnocchi with Crab and Black Truffles which was excellent. It was creamy and rich in flavor but the texture of the Gnocchi (little clouds) was so delicate it's even hard to describe. For the main course i had Pork Belly which was done to perfection. It was infused with a delicate broth. The pork belly was sitting on a bed of greens that just gave more depth to an already superb dish. I had the intention to photograph every plate but i was so mesmerized with the presentation and smell that i totally forgot. For desert I had the Napoleon of Nougatine with Valhrona chocolate bavarois and salted toffee ice-cream which was out of this world. I would have had two of these but we had to catch the flight back to Miami. Sommelier Michelle Gueydan's wine list is impressive with a wide variety of selections in the $100+ range and some lower price option that are great. We had a Taft Street Zin 2007 from the Russian River. One of the best meals I've ever had.
(5)
Greg B.
Restaurant August is not exactly a place I can afford to visit on a regular basis. I wish I could afford it, however, because this place is amazing. The food is stellar, and the service and ambiance are first class all the way. August does not have a completely set menu, although you can expect to find offerings very similar to their sample menu. They also have one or two five-course tasting menus, which you can either order complete, or a la carte, as you prefer. I have to recommend the P&J oysters to anyone who goes there, they were simply amazing when I had them. The service was great every time I have been here. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the menu and the origins of the dishes, many of which feature local produce in them. They were happy to accommodate my wife when she wanted something that wasn't exactly on the menu, and they were extremely responsive whenever we needed anything. I will definitely be visiting again - the food reminded me of why it is so worth it to step out and get a world class meal every now and again.
(5)
Melissa D.
Simply the best meal in terms of service, atmosphere, food, and value that we've had in New Orleans--possibly anywhere. This is not an exaggeration. We loved our lunchtime visit here so much. Every bite of food was to-die-for delicious, and beautiful. Our server was awesome. Add to that the fact that we ate here for $20 a person, and it's pretty much too good to be true. If I could give them ten stars, I would.
(5)
Rockit O.
Yea this was the best restaurant that we visited in NOLA! We didn't do the tasting menu because my wife is vegetarian. I would eat the testicles of a goat if it was part of a cultural experience, but my wife will not eat anything that came from something that had a face. It's a problem in our marriage, but we have been married for 16 years, so I guess it will be a battle for the rest of our lives! Sometimes I carve faces on carrots to make her feel guilty. I don't know where I'm going with this... Anyway, the chef prepared a special vegetarian meal for her and it was awesome. Three tastings on one plate. An Herby gnocchi, a chick pea polenta with figs, and a corn custard with fennel. I tasted all of them and was very impressed. I had a crusted snapper with crab, it was very nice. They started the meal with an amuse bouche of spicy watermelon soup which was surprisingly delicious. Desert was a chocolate layered thing that was also very good. I would really love to go back and try the 12 course tasting menu, but that's not going to happen anytime soon :(
(5)
Theo S.
Top favorite flavourfull experience Worths every (and that's a lot) penny. I had the eggplant gazpacho with lemon oil sorbet and crab (blew my mind) I also had the 3 way cooked pork with figs and sweetcorn puree. Well, i am just amazed.
Came here in October with my sis-in-law for our first meal in NOLA -- what a fabulous experience we had! When we walked in for our 8:30pm dinner reservation, I felt like I walked into what I imagine John Besh's home to be like -- high ceilings, dim lighting, gorgeous decor and Besh's books displayed at the entrance. We were seated in the back room where we were greeted by our somewhat snotty waitress, but she didn't ruin our experience one bit. For drinks, we had a glass of champagne and some red wine to accompany our meal -- great suggestions from our waitress. + Foie Gras; I'm not a fan, but my sis-in-law insisted we try it. I'm no expert on foie, but flavor was smooth and didn't have that strange texture that I usually hate so much -- each bite was a party in my mouth. + Handmade Potato Gnocchi: holy amazeballs! I expected the gnocchi to be amazing but words can't explain what the truffle did to escalate the flavors. Must get this dish! + Hangar Steak: such great flavors and meat was cooked perfectly medium. + Trout: So delicious. Seafood here was so incredibly fresh. We passed on dessert, but I loved the little chocolates and candies they gave as the perfect sweet ending to our meal. I appreciated how they split each dish for us and everything was beautifully presented. I knew August would be good, but this meal was probably one of my top 5 best meals, ever. Don't think about it, just come here and splurge on a wonderful experience!
(5)
Sareena N.
Finally got to do a Friday $20.15 lunch at August! The space is gorgeous but comfortable and the service was great, but not too stuffy. They started with a small shrimp amuse bouche, with a salsa verde so delicious I wanted to lick the plate. I had the crawfish bisque, which was presented with the crawfish and a little ball of cream in a bowl, then the server poured the bisque over it, allowing the cream to blend in. It was rich, but not overly heavy. I chose the sheepshead fish with andouille and it was again, sauced beautifully. The fish was delicate and I got a lesson in fish cutlery from the server, which was nice because I have never has so many fork changes in my life! For dessert, I chose the panna cotta and it was yummy and lightly sauced with Louisiana strawberries. The meal ended with a tiny dessert plate of post meal amuse bouche of lavender chocolates and pralines. A lovely sweet way to end a great lunch! I'd definitely recommend reservations for lunch on Fridays, as the restaurant was full by the time we finished.
(5)
Michelle K.
Unfortunately, we went for Happy Hour before dinner so I was not too hungry by the time we had dinner. We kind of shared everything at our table, and the items with the stars are the ones that I would order if I were to go back with an empty stomach: They gave us an amuse bouche which was a creamy Parmesan whipped thing in an empty eggshell. It was so creamy and tasty, like butter! Appetizer *foie gras - I was only able to have a little bite, but it was delicious, as all foie gras is. The only reason why I didn't order this is because I was already so full potato crisp P & J oysters - I should have asked, I didn't know that they were deep fried, but they were still good (I was in a "raw oysters" type of mood) salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, Benton's bacon - nice and refreshing *handmade potato gnocchi - the sauce was creamy and flavourful, but I was already so full that I couldn't eat more than half a piece Main grilled pompano - the blue crab on the fish was a nice touch and the grilled cabbage stole the show, it almost tasted like meat, it was great! (and I usually don't like cabbage) scallop & oxtails - scallops were cooked to perfection, but it was a bit salty *roasted duckling - the duck was cooked wonderfully and the sauce it was in was flavourful and paired wonderfully with the duck Wagyu hangar steak - steak done perfectly, so soft and delicious. I am not a kimchi fan and I'm not into spicy. The vegetables had a kimchi taste without the spice, but I found it a bit too salty and once again, I'm not a fan of kimchi. Dessert The only one I tried was the banana pudding...SO GOOD. It had a light pocket of peanut butter with a charred marshmallow puddle...ooh so yummy
(4)
Eli C.
My husband and I popped in early on a Friday with no reservations, and were seated in the bar. Servers were very attentive despite the location, and the food was excellent, as to be expected in a Besh restaurant. Surprising favorite of the meal? the complimentary corn mousse (yes, corn mousse) given to us as an appetizer. At $20 per person for lunch, you can't beat the price, but come early (we showed up at 11:15 and ended up in the bar!) or better yet, make a reservation as Friday is the ONLY day August does lunches.
(5)
Joshua D.
We're locals and this was the best meal we've had in New Orleans. Highly highly recommended!
(5)
Ryan L.
Utterly amazing. Strongly recommend. I was afraid I'd be underdressed in a polo shirt and jeans, but as I was dining alone, sat at the bar/lounge where I blended in fine, especially for Friday lunch. Ordered prix fixe for $20.15 -- a great bargain for 3 courses anywhere, let alone a restaurant of this caliber. Walked away leaving $120 and still felt I got a great deal. In addition to gazpacho with crab (my favorite part of the prix fixe) and an amazing amuse bouche with cheese in an eggshell, there was a flounder entree (good, but not particularly remarkable) and a chocolate torte (also very solid, but not beyond expectations). However, a few add ons made the meal one of my favorite ever: * crab gnocchi; probably the signature appetizer. Amazing. * stormy cocktail, with house made ginger beer and rum -- hit me like a triple, thanks to the wonderful bartender, Vanessa * a $25 beer from vaguely near my home -- horchata style beer from the Bruery! * another great cocktail involving aperol. I'd recommend the prix fixe menu for Friday lunch (their only lunch day), but definitely get some extra appetizers. My impression is appetizers are the strongest course here; entrees and desserts are solid, too, but you are missing out if you don't have a couple appetizers and cocktails.
(5)
Kevin N.
I came here upon the recommendation of a friend, and I'm so glad I did because it was definitely the best meal I had during my time in NOLA and a highlight of my trip. If you're in the area for Friday lunch, definitely stop by for their prix fixe; the value you get out of this meal can't be beat. To put it simply, it's the best I've ever had for $20. It's a three course meal and we also received an egg amuse bouche. The starting egg dish was absolutely phenomenal, ours was a squashed based custard. The waiter told us they change this egg dish quite often and experiment a lot with different flavors and techniques. He said the weirdest one he's seen chef Besh make was a cold, fish custard one that didn't turn out to be very successful with the majority of diners -although 1 out of 10 people thought it was the best thing they ever ate so maybe Besh was onto something... One of the first things we noticed were the beautifully illustrated menus. The menu offers 2 choices per course: We both ordered the pate de campagne which was served with housemade pickles and marmalades with toasted brioche. They also had a few different types of mustard on the plate. Portions were quite generous; gf didn't finish hers cause she wanted to save space for the next course so I ate hers and mine. :P Next up was the ginger braised beef cheeks served with sticky rice and kimchee and HOLY BALLS was it amazing! Beef cheeks were cooked perfectly tender and the sticky rice had a nice, crispy exterior making for great textural balance. All of it was served in a delicious sauce packed with flavor. Dessert is where we decided to go our separate ways on the menu. I got the grapefruit pudding cake with roasted pine nuts, landrem citrus, and rosemary ice cream. The girlfriend got the dark chocolate chiboust served with clove cream, crunchy chocolate, and candy cane ice cream. I'm not a big dessert guy but this was one was pretty good, quite light and not too sweet. They also threw in some pralines and chocolates afterwards as a mini bonus dessert. If someone were to ask me for recommendations to eat at in NOLA, August would be at the top of my list.
(5)
Amy C.
Why You Should Go To August: 1) When I asked former N'awlins folks for recs they ALL mentioned August. 2) An elegant, old fashioned vibe complete with suits, sparkly chandeliers, huge floral arrangements and an expansive wine room. 3) Attentive, friendly service. (Though a bit hover-y at times). 4) A flexible, seasonal and creative menu. For example, the tasting menu did not have to be ordered by the entire table and any of the items can be ordered a la carte. #ChooseYourOwnAdventure 5) A delicious and cleverly presented cheesy, eggy, crunchy amuse bouche. 6) A crazy delicious trio of lightly tempura fried stuffed squash blossoms with fresh corn kernels and pea puree. 7) A gorgeous representation of spring in salad form. Sunchokes, beet cubes, pickled watermelon, strawberry slices, pea and asparagus slivers, and mini mint sprigs lightly dressed with a champagne vinaigrette. 8) Lamb prepared three ways (although the sausage and pulled lamb were too salty for me). 9) A cornmeal covered and pan fried Soft Shell Crab with almonds, tomatoes, leeks and lima beans. The bright orange, nutty pepper sauce it came with was creative deliciousness. 10) A Meyer Lemon Tart (unsuccessfully paired with cayenne ice cream). 11) A deconstructed Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with unique sassafras ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream, chocolate slivers and a buttery crumble to die for. 12) A cup of rich, French pressed decaf coffee. 13) A little plate with a citrus gelee, slightly limey chocolate, a chocolate dipped macaroon and mini sugary sweet praline.
(4)
Eat S.
Wonderful experience! Steep pricing ( but appropriate ) for a fine meal. Try the economy lunch on Friday.
(5)
Diane Z.
$20.14 for a three-course lunch on weekdays! It's a great deal, but they sat us all the way in the back dining room and the food was just ok. The shrimp bisque had a good shrimpy flavor, but was VERY salty. The pate tasted like country ham in a good way. The potato crusted drum was a good portion and nicely crisp. A tad overcooked though. The lemon mousse was very tart. The service was fine, a bit stuffy.
Was in town on business, came in for an early solo meal. Beautiful restaurant, amazing food and drink from start to finish. Exceptional, professional service. One of the best experiences I have had in a long time.
(5)
Audra B.
Five stars! Five stars! Can I say six stars? After having a spectacular meal at Borgne in January, I decided to try another John Besh restaurant on my most recent trip to NOLA. Restaurant August is a class act in all aspects of the restaurant world. Not only is the food spectacular and inventive, but the service and ambiance is top notch. My sister and I opted for the tasting menu with wine pairings. My sister got the vegetarian tasting menu and I got the regular one, which was mostly fish courses and one chicken course. Both tasting menu items were great. We had five courses and five glasses of wine that were full 4 ounce pours! You will definitely leave happy and content after eating a spectacular meal here. Be sure to come hungry and thirsty. I'll be back to try another John Besh restaurant next time I'm in NOLA!
(5)
Michael K.
This place gets five stars for menu, creativeness, atmosphere, outstanding service, and some of the best desserts in New Orleans. It is outside of the French Quarter nonsense and riff raff, located just inside the CBD across from the famous Windsor Court Hotel (tip: valet your car at Windsor Court and give the valet $5 to hold your car while you dine). The soups are well seasoned, some creamy, some not so creamy. The entrees are of varying types of meats, vegetable, and fish, none of which will fail to satisfy. Huge thumbs up to August for offering the $20+ 3 course meal for Friday lunch (make reservations early). This is one of the top restaurants in the city for good reason. Nice little bar for pre-dining libations as well, with a wonderful wine selection (bottles and by the glass).
(5)
David W.
The food was incredible; exceptionally prepared, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, that wasn't nearly enough to make me want to return. We arrived early. We walked down Tchoupitoulas from Canal, so the first sign we had of the restaurant was the sign on the side of the building. We walked right up to the entrance and walked in. No fault of theirs, but we discovered we had walked into the kitchen entrance. No worries, though! One of the waiters smiled and offered to take us through the staff area, up to the hostess. We arrived at the hostess stand to find her eating. Apparently, we were interrupting her snack. The waiter got a dirty look and we got a glance and a sigh/flounce, followed by a baring of teeth that may have been intended to pass for a smile. She said, "Right this way!" and shouldered her way past the waiter. The restaurant was empty, so it was completely natural that she seated us right outside the kitchen exit, right? We asked to be moved. That merited another look (no teeth this time). We still ended up on an inside wall, but at least it was out of the way of the impending traffic - or so we thought at the time. Tim introduced himself and brought us menus and water. We had eaten way too much the night before at Commander's Palace, so we decided to go easy this evening. The comparison between the wonderful service there really cast August in a poor light, but it seemed as though they didn't even make the effort. Little things, like the complete disconnect between the three people who ended up serving us that evening or crashing the dishes and silverware as they bussed tables, all added up to a disconcerting experience. As I said, the food was wonderful, which made the experience even more jarring. If the food had been average, or even as bad as the service, we wouldn't have been put off and would have dismissed it as nothing more than a bad experience. The fact that the food was so extraordinary really points to a disconnect between the front and back of the house. If they can fix it, I'm sure this would be a great place. We won't be back to give them a chance, though... Anyway, after Tim's introduction and distribution of menus, another fellow, Zeke, came over and let us know he would be doing... something. I don't think we ever figured out the difference between Tim's, Zeke's, and the unnamed third person's roles. Tim answered any questions we had, kept our water glasses filled, and hovered discretely, keeping an eye on us. Zeke appeared at every inopportune time to ask us how we liked the dinner - usually while we had our mouths full. The third person brought us our food and explained what was being served. After we had ordered our first course, Zeke escorted a couple in behind us. They were seated at the table behind us and were obviously well known to the staff. That's the point when the real disconnect became obvious. Not more than 60 seconds passed after seating this couple when the server brought out an amuse bouche for the couple and Zeke presided over the explanation while the server distributed plates. That's how I normally expect service to work, so it was a bit odd. Zeke went on to apologize that the restaurant was out of one item and they'd have to wait for another - a whole 5 minutes. Our service wasn't slow at all, so I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining about that. It was, however, a striking contrast between the proper - not exceptional in any way, just correct - service that this couple received and the bizarre service to which we were subjected. After we finished our meal, my wife ordered a decaf cappuccino and I asked Zeke if they could do an Americano. He assured me they could, but as he was walking off, I heard him say "black coffee" to someone in the hall. I flagged down Tim and asked him to be sure I got an Americano rather than a black coffee. He assured me they'd get it right. They didn't. Later that evening, as my wife was tossing and turning while trying to get to sleep at our hotel, we had to guess that she didn't get decaf. To be clear, what we experienced were many little things that wouldn't have been an issue in 95% of the restaurants in the world. The fact that this is one of the top-rated restaurants in New Orleans just made it a really disconcerting experience. We won't be back, but I wish them the best.
(2)
Valarie G.
The premiere dining experience in New Orleans. The staff goes above and beyond to make everyone feel special and the food is just mind blowing. Incredible attention to detail and perfect wine pairings. Just perfect in every way.
(5)
Lloyd A.
I recently moved here from Boston and am a foodie. I am a big fan of Commanders Palace and have eaten there over 20 times with not one disappointment. We went there the night before and decided that we would try another place. I had read great reviews about Restaurant August and planned to go there for my 50th wedding anniversary. What a disaster. The food was inedible. I ordered lamb only to find out it was done in vinegar. It was terrible. Not to be outdone my wife ordered octopus and it was also done with some type of vinegar sauce. My daughter who is also an excellent cook was extremely disappointed with her fish dish. The portions are small and I don't have a problem with that but the three of us did not finish our meals. Listen I know that most of the world can't deliver food the way that St. Barts does. To me one of the key things of having a good restaurant is to have good recipes. I have never cooked or served either lamb or octopus in a vinegar sauce. To top it off we had a waitress who was trying to be the next Bob Hope; she very annoying and had inappropriate comments throughout the evening. For example when my wife and daughter went to the rest room the waitress come buy to tell myself and the gentlemen with me that we shouldn't steal the desserts from the women when they were away from the table. The desserts,however, were A+ and the ambiance of the room was magnificent. The gentlemen who was overseeing the dining room was outstanding and a gentlemen. It turned out to be one of the most embarrassing eating experiences of my life and when it's on your 50th wedding anniversary it made it even worse.
(1)
Duane D.
We had several large group dinners in New Orleans, but the food at August was the best of the bunch. We had a great gumbo, followed by a fantastic salad topped with a shaving of peanut brittle. Just awesome. The main course was both a shrimp and grits and a small steak with mash potatoes. Both were awesome. The finishing touch was a banana flavored desert that was amazing. We had the entire second (third?) floor room to ourselves, so we didn't experience the dining room. However, the food and service was excellent -- I would definitely go back for the full dining experience.
(4)
Teresa K.
One of nicest dining experiences we've had in NoLa. We went for the Friday prix fixe, which is one of the best deals in town: three courses plus an amuse bouche and tiny samples of post-dessert chocolates and pralines. All for twenty bucks! The service is outstanding; very attentive and not the least bit snooty, which I really appreciate considering we were there almost an hour an a half, taking up valuable real estate and not spending much money. Because we had overindulged during the week, we ordered no alcohol, just iced tea for him and sparkling water for me, yet the waiters attended to us as though we had ordered a bottle of their most expensive wine. This is one of the rare times when even a 30% tip doesn't seem sufficient. The ambiance is old-world, old-money, but relaxed and unpretentious. High ceilings, fresh-cut flowers, large windows, fine linens. On the way up to the restrooms, you'll see an impressive wine vault and can take a peek into the bustling second-floor kitchen. One rudesby was standing at the kitchen door taking multiple photos with his phone. A little tacky maybe, but nobody stopped him. To be honest, I might have done the same if I could have done so unnoticed. The ladies' room has cute wallpaper made out of French menus. Individual, rolled washcloths are provided instead of paper towels. Nice touch, but the towels were as rough as burlap! My hands got an unplanned exfoliation. But I quibble. . . The amuse bouche is always an egg dish, with slight variations, served in half a shell. The presentation is nice and it's tasty but not earth-shattering. Mini loaves of fresh bread are served - three at a time - with a ramekin of soft butter, and more is offered so you don't have to feel stupid if you want more. Not the tastiest bread, but it's fresh. There were only two choices for each course, but that was okay. I had the spiced butternut squash soup (delicious) while he had the country pate. My fussy husband doesn't even like pate, but he ate it all up. The presentation for both was exquisite. For mains, I had the cannelloni with beef, and he had the swordfish with white beans. Both excellent, if just a tad salty. Portions are small, so these are dishes you savor slowly. You don't leave feeling hungry though, as the food is quite rich. For dessert, I had the carrot cake (my favorite!), and it arrived deconstructed with a somewhat sloppy and amateurish presentation, but hey, it all ended up in my belly and tasted fine! He had some chocolate creamy thing with tiny scoops of very rich ice-cream which he proclaimed to be pretty good. The desserts were the weakest of the three courses, but still a solid "B." The a la carte menu is pricey for lunch, and some of the dinner entrees are quite dear, but we're planning a return trip to order off the regular menu or do the degustation with wine pairings. For a restaurant of this quality, it's worth a splurge.
(5)
Sarah V.
Our service was impeccable. Paired wines with every taste. Great recommendations across the board. Will definitely be back. Our server, Caren was very thoughtful and attentive. We were celebrating our engagement and the complements from the chef were all personalized and delicious. The banana bread pudding desert was delicious! Cheers.
(5)
Rich P.
One of those great food but a little too stuffy places. When the atmosphere gets reserved the fun dies a little. Somehow the amuse bouche and complimentary sweets at end were the low points. If they'd stuck with appetizer, entree and dessert I'd be rating them even higher
(4)
Laura L.
Absolutely stellar service, elegant and stately decor and incredible food! Gorgeous huge rose floral display in the center of the room, stunning crystal chandeliers. The dishes were ALL delicious with so much complexity with the preparation process and various components, sous vide, reductions, concentrated sauces, whipped ricotta, mousse...I couldn't begin to remember every explanation of each plate, but that hardly mattered as each bite of every dish was exquisite. The food experience was further enhanced by the traditional and proper cutlery used for each course as well as the knowledge and effusiveness of our waiter, Captain Robert Kerner. He was a delight and played right into our charade of faux Southern names and gaiety as well as bringing out many special surprises for the birthday lady and gentleman. The cocktails, wine, dessert were also incredible and Captain Robert's vast knowledge of every dish and wine pairing was nothing short of amazing. August was definitely worth every penny and perfect for a special occasion.
(5)
Wayne C.
A true foodies restaurant. From the service to the menu - everything is thought out and very well developed. The best thing - it's just so darn "cool." You really feel like you're dining in a fine restaurant. The bar is a great place to grab a non-reservation table (as they serve the full menu). Equally, the staff (including the great manager - he came to my table and talked with me about Oregon Pinots) really know food and wine. I had the crab cakes. Awesome. I also had the Chop Salad; which was good, but very unconventional. If you're in New Orleans - go to Restaurant August. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Wendy W.
Exceptional service and creative food made this dining experience wonderful. I have never liked oysters or foie gras, so i figured i would give both one last try at this restaurant. I thought if i would ever have them presented in their superior form, it would be at a restaurant like this, and I am so glad I did. The oyster appetizer was sophisticated and smoky, incorporating bacon dumplings and a rich white sauce. We also had the gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle, which was great but not as good as the other menu items we tried. For dinner i had the sugar and spice duck cooked medium rare. This was so tender and juicy, and the accompanying grits, foie gras and fruit compote made for a suprising flavor experience. There were hints of anise and cinnamon, so if you dislike black licorice you might want to avoid this dish. I loved it. The dessert was a banana rum cake with creole cream cheese icing. I have no idea what makes cream cheese icing "creole" but it was exceptional. My husband threatened to stab me to keep the dessert to himself. That was the first time he has ever threatened violence for food, which is a pretty good indication of the quality. The service was better than I've had anywhere else in New Orleans. Instead of the snobby attitude I expected from this type of establishment, they staff was attentive, funny and helpful. When my husband inquired about the etiquette of "sopping up sauce" with bread, the waiter encourage him to go ahead and lick the plate if he wanted, saying "anything goes!" I would highly recommend this restaurant, but be prepared to spend A LOT of money. We spent over 120 per person, but fully knew this would happen before we went, so it only hurt a little.
(5)
Joanna K.
They say the portions are small. Let me be explicit. The gnocchi appetizer had 5 pieces of gnocchi; the carrot soup had 4 tablespoonful liquid. So one reason everything tasted so fresh, delicate, and clean, was there was so little of it. This place is not about satiety. This is about catering to people who need to impress and be imperssed, like the business woman who's on her 4th business meal for the day, but simply cannot eat anymore and still has to pretend to eat. High end hushed 'transactional' restaurants like this are a dime and dozens in NY and SF but Restaurant August is a subdued knockout in New Orleans. I don't know what they are saying but I want to eavesdrop on every table. I've looked in from the outside like poor Oliver Twist.
(5)
hugh p.
Made a reservation for lunch a few weeks ago so no wait when we showed up on Friday around noon. It's a nice looking place. Service was really friendly from the get-go and continued to be great even though we both "only" did the prix fixe lunch (one of the cheaper options on the lunch menu). The food was interesting and tasted excellent.
(5)
Anthony I.
My wife and I have eaten here twice (celebrated our engagement there last time). In a city full of ridiculously good restaurants, this one stands out. High class all the way. Chef Besh always has something interesting going on and the wait staff is world-class. Go!
(5)
James W.
Overall the food was very good and the wait staff extremely conscientious. This is one of the few places in NOLA or most other cities for that matter that serves mangalista pork (the others around here being the other four of Chef Bern's restaurant). Very flavorful, even fruity meats. Their fare is lighter so don't go in expecting very bold flavors. We tried their three course lunch (only $20) and actually ordered all three entrees to taste (single entree added even more than the entire one person three course lunch but that's partially it being a very good deal) Aside from the food, it's a comfortable atmosphere and (in the day when we went) an pleasant bright ambiance. Our server was friendly and happily explained each choice in detail. Our water was never empty and all paid very close attention to my girlfriend's allergies. Even the person dedicated to pouring water noted for a moment when it looked like our dessert might have peanuts on it (it didn't). Impressive attention to detail.
(5)
Machelle H.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This: the $20 3-course lunch is the best client/business lunch. Or just any reason lunch. First, most people don't know that August serves lunch, so it's not packed. Second, um, $20 for a three course lunch at August? Um...yeah...we're so foolishly spoiled in New Orleans. It's rediculous. So I can take 2 people out to lunch, three courses plus the little egg-mouse-caviar pre-lunch lagniappe, for nothing. Rediculous, I say again. In a good way, of course. Today I had the little lagniappe, some shrimp pot-stickers in a broth that was presented in a small french press (love their presentation always), the crab ravioli, and a chevre/fig/honey dessert. I could go on and on about each dish, but I think you can get the gist by reading the rest of the reviews on here that I'm only vaguely beginning to tell you about these complexly luscious things. August is perfect.
(5)
L Y.
I came to new Orleans for a 5 day conference. After reading the reviews, I immediately booked this place for the only dinner reservation available. My husband and I had the 5 course tasting dinner! It was definitely the BEST food in NOLA and one of the best restaurants we've ever been to--and we are from LA and have travelled the world. This place was SO good that we came back for their lunch 3 course tasting menu (only $20.12!) which was totally different than the dinner. Each dish was esquisite, complex, and perfectly balanced! Now we are the type of people who love good food ANYWHERE! Love good street food, went on a hunt for the best po boys while in NOLA. Everything here is just perfect. Totally worth the money AND it's a great deal for lunch! One last thing-- the service here is impeccable. This place is perfect for a bday or anniversary celebration...or just to celebrate life!
(5)
Hilary H.
Went on my first date with my future husband here. It was such a magic night. We had dinner while the Bacchus parade rolled by during mardi gras. Our meal was so romantic & the dishes were superb
(5)
Gaddiel T.
We tried the degustation tasting menu. My mom and sister both requested to swap the lamb with steak. I swapped my red velvet with the souffle. The food were great! The steak was terrific! The quail was great as well as the dessert. The seafood salad was also great!
(5)
Hanna H.
I love shelling out for good food, and I will literally throw my money at this restaurant -- IT'S JUST THAT AMAZING. Our service was flawless. Granted, you're paying top dollar to eat here and you most likely booked your reservation weeks in advance. But, they treat you like a king/queen/prince/princess because of those reasons. Located in a beautifully elegant hotel, Restaurant August creates an amazing experience of art with their food, while still incorporating traditional New Orleans cajun/creole/French culture. I don't even need to write down what I ordered because A) I ordered a ton, and the review would be too long and B) it's all worth ordering. Hands down, the best meal I have ever eaten in my life. Every dish is crafted to perfection and these chefs pay high attention to detail. John Besh, you have my heart and my stomach. A trip to New Orleans would be INCOMPLETE without a trip to Restaurant August.
(5)
Cindy B.
I don't deal well in these sorts of "fancy" restaurants .. The tables were so close to one another I felt as if I was in the neighboring tables conversation all night, listening to the guy yap on and on about how smooth the wine is going down his throat -- as if I cared!!! The sourdough bread -- was WAY chewy. And we got some kind of egg appetizer that was filled with what tasted like flufffed mayo. My entree was delicious, I had yummy duck .. couldn't go wrong. My fiance' had the rabbit which was overpowered by bacon. The wine he ordered us was great and I don't even drink!! Overall my experience was just ok ...
(3)
Tasha A.
Green goddess was so much better than Augusts. I think the upscale decor and large prices can influence a customers experience more than the food at times, and this would be one of those. I also think that the amuse-bouche at the beginning of the meal probably makes customers give better reviews. However, I thought it was a bit sour, and felt a little contrived. If you like upscale, and big prices and decent food, it's good. If you expect the food to be the headliner than I thin you're better off somewhere else.
(2)
Neil B.
Very similar to the great dining experience we had at Emerils. This is a fancy place and they like it if you keep up with the theme of the restaurant but they still made us feel very welcome and accommodating. It was mid 90's and all humidity in NOLA so we were dressed pretty casual and have kids but it didn't feel pretentious. They even sat us next to a window so that means they weren't embarrassed to have us dining there :) We did the price fixe lunch. The food was delicious. Drinks were delicious. The staff made for a great dining experience. Our food server was very attentive and kept coming back to make sure we were doing well. She even suggested some other good places to eat. We even ran into Chef Besh a couple days later outside the restaurant and he stopped to chat. Overall it was a pretty good experience that added to our wonderful time in New Orleans. We would definitely go back.
(5)
Ben B.
Food was great--wine service was very poor- you apparently have to beg to get wine with dinner if you don't order it before they set water on the table--We then had to pour refills ourselves despite it not being busy in the restaurant that evening. It seemed like we were being punished for not ordering wine before we saw the menu. I would not go back because of this--too many other good choices in NOLA.
(2)
Jeremy S.
After an amazing lunch at Commander's Palace, dinner at Restaurant August was a bit of a letdown. We opted to share a few small plates rather than getting entrees or trying the degustation menu (if there's something you want on the degustation menu, you will probably be able to order it a la carte). We had the foie gras three ways, crab gnocchi, curry dumpling soup, and shrimp risotto. The foie gras was very nice, with a great mix of preparations. The gnocchi had a wonderful texture, but seemed rather blandly seasoned, and I couldn't taste any black truffle in the dish. The dumplings and veggies in the curry soup were delicious, but the soup itself tasted like a very standard thai curry with an overabundance of lemongrass. It also had a lot of whole peanuts in it, which was a very poor choice - the nuts completely overwhelmed all other flavors in the dish and the crunchy texture was unappealing. The shrimp risotto (an item from the degustation menu) was good with interesting flavors and perfectly grilled shrimp, but the portion of risotto was so tiny that it was basically lost in its sauce. Overall, it was a good meal, but at the extremely high prices charged (our four small plates totaled almost $90) I would expect much better.
This absolutly the place to go if you are trying to impress someone or make-up with you wife or husband. hint hint. August is the place to go to celebrate yoru anniversary or engagement or just a great night out to eat. You will love the service and presentation of the food. Have fun and enjoy.
(5)
Joe C.
The service is to die for. Oh yea..so is the food... Take your time and enjoy...these guys really know how to treat a guest!!
(5)
Bart H.
The lunch special is a great value and they throw in lots of tasty little extras. The service was fantastic.
(5)
William D.
true old school new orleans fine dining, world class service, celebrity chef, james beard awards, what more could you want...very expensive but well priced in class, worth it for that special event or business dinner, this is the type of place where you close the deal.
(5)
Jen C.
Went for lunch and WOW, what a meal. The service was top notch; very professional and genuinely friendly! Would love to go back; next time for dinner! John Besh is da' man!!
If the thought of gambling a fortune on dinner at August is giving you anxiety attacks, then test the waters during lunch. However, if you go during lunch, don't fall prey to their $20 prix fixe. Definitely spend the extra coin and order from their regular lunch menu. Visited August for lunch with two other friends. Two of us ordered from the prix fixe menu while the third one ordered from the regular menu. We collectively sampled each dish. The consensus was that while all the dishes were okay, the best ones came from the regular menu. You really do get what you pay for. Staff was courteous and did their jobs. For a few moments, I felt uneasy as two to three waitstaff stood four feet from our table just watching us eat. Although, that came in handy when I dropped my spoon, and literally within seconds, another spoon was placed in front of me, and the dropped spoon whisked away. Impressive. I don't normally like helicopter service, but hey, if that's the game they want to play, then that's the game we'll play. After having tested August's lunch menu, I would consider heading back for dinner if I'm ever in NOLA again. Others might feel differently, but we should all judge for ourselves.
(4)
Reina G.
Being the obsessive trip planner that I am, I knew the $20.11 prix fixe lunch at Restaurant August was a MUST for my first trip to NOLA. Sometimes at fancy establishments such as these, ordering the cheapo lunch deal gets you second class service. Not so at Restaurant August. Everyone was so welcoming and gracious and we were seated in what I think was the best area of the gorgeous main dining room- a corner table with a view of the entire restaurant. First, we were treated to a complimentary amuse bouche of quite possibly the best thing I have ever tasted. After one bite of that egg/truffle/caviar concoction in the eggshell I wanted to approach all the other diners in the restaurant to bribe them for theirs. Money, sexual favors, my first born, whatever. So f-ing good. The strawberry and arugula salad with goat cheese croquette that followed was tasty. I went with the sheepshead fish entree with farro and an incredible sweet/savory acorn squash puree with a lemony olive oil. This was probably the best piece of fish I had in New Orleans, and it was so pretty I felt bad about demolishing it like a burly lumberjack. Dessert was a strawberry tartlet with ripe, succulent strawberries and I also tasted a magnificent dessert called a "creamsicle" that rocked my socks. Cocktails were also well-executed (the Homage a Vieux Carre is a must for apple-lovers) and the whole experience was pretty much perfect. Best meal in NOLA by a mile. Go now!
(5)
Jamie P.
I LOVED August, one of my favorite fine dining experiences in New Orleans. I had the biggest piece of meat of my life. Really great meals.
(4)
Kevin T.
Fantastic. The trout was amazing. A overall great dinner experience for some fine-dining in New Orleans.
(4)
Kelly G.
Part II, Interested in reading Part I look up Borgne. We arrived around 8:45 last Wednesday evening without a reservation and were pretty tired as we had a failed experience at another restaurant. Our options did not look particularly positive as there were a couple of conventions in town and everything seemed to be booked and it was drizzling rain at this point...not good. Reluctantly and desperate we entered and asked if we could dine in the bar...and have mercy, that's what we did. All I can say is that having dined at some very fine (actually the finest ) in major cities in the Western world I rank this one up there...way up there. Service is non-solicitous, warm and charming, delicate and sure footed. This is a fairly dressy affair and rightfully so but with no pretentiousness or nonsense. And now for the food. EXCELLENT, elegant and multi dimensional. It is very very skillful I might also add. We had two very different entrees and each had its own sophistication and breadth that makes this restaurant so spectacular. I will only describe my dish here but I tasted the striped bass with Merguez and Moroccan spices and it was beautiful. I ordered the tout with a thin cornbread layer topped with wild mushrooms laced with bits of dill. This is a particularly interesting point in this Chet's cooking. Some bites I was waxing about the amazing crispness of the cornbread layer, sometimes over the rich earthiness of the trout and mushrooms and then I would get a small sprig of the dill. This small sprig of dill is a detail that should not go without notice and mention in this review. It added a freshness and way of awakening the palette. It was a sort of spark against that earthy richness I mentioned earlier. A brief word about the wine. We ordered a French Chardonnay ($34)unbelievable bargain for a really quality wine. By the way we were also served very cold ice water when we were seated and my glass never stayed empty for more than a second and I consumed a lot of it. The interior is beautiful as well. The lighting is the perfect level. Gorgeous flowers abound. Don't miss out on dining here.
(5)
Courtney A.
John Besh earns his title as culinary king with Restaurant August. The four-couse tasting menu with a wine pairing for $82 was well worth the splurge. In NYC, the cost would have been double. The dinner started with a complementary light wine and an egg custard amouse bouche presented inside an egg shell. The wines paired with our courses always complemented the dish to perfection. I liked that the wines were never the typical pinot or cab. For the dessert course, the red wine was incorporated into the dish to give a PB&J taste. I loved it! Overall each course was flavorful and perfectly portioned. I did not walk out of the restaurant feeling like I added 5 pounds, but was not wanting to swing by Rally's to fill up. My favorite course was the appetizer pork belly. The entree dish could have included more meat, but was delicious nonetheless. Restaurant August is comparable to the $$$$ restaurants in NYC. If you are looking for a gimmicky New Orleans meal with the usual crawfish etouffe, oysters, etc., then look elsewhere. The food Restaurant August is modern, fresh, and will maintain NOLA's relevance in the culinary world of fine dining.
(5)
Madeleine S.
I'm from California. I am used to eating in 5 star restaurants in a casual dining room. Not so at August. My husband and I found the whole atmosphere and wait staff stuffy and impersonal. Attentive and professional - Yes! We ordered the vegetarian tasting menu paired with wine by mistake. Nowhere on the menu did it say 'vegetarian tasting menu' it did say 'farmers market tasting menu' - which to me means lots of fresh, local, organic vegetables - yum! It also said 'cauliflower steak' - I actually thought that meant steak with cauliflower! And the price at $88 per person for a 4-course tasting menu spoke of expensive proteins to come! Not so! The food was delicious, flavorful, beautiful prepared and perfectly paired with the wines. Textures and surprising flavor combinations continued to impress our palates throughout the dinner. The cauliflower steak was the best cauliflower I've ever had in my life - and I still missed the steak - especially when the most enormous steak I ever saw arrived for the lady at the table next to me. I would love to come back and try dinner with friends and meat or fish!
(4)
Morgan P.
I'm reviewing the lunch, not the dinner. Came here yesterday while in town for a conference. Everything about the lunchtime dining experience was terrific. First off, the staff was the most attentive and friendly of any restaurant I've visited in ages. The $20.11 prix fixe at lunch is a stupendous value. Each item was really beautifully crafted and presented, and both my dining partner and I were amazed at the value. My veal was the most tender I've ever had, and the chocolate/peanut/caramel dessert was sinful and perfect. They also gave us little amuse bouches and extra desserts, which were terrific. So it was really five courses! I would go back in a heartbeat, and might even splurge on a dinner if it were a really special occasion.
(5)
Melissa M.
They really nailed it! The food and service were simply perfect. We felt attended to, without being bothered. Zeke and Carter and the rest of the front of the house were warm, kind, and really helped us to feel celebrated on our anniversary. And the food... A stunning 7 courses all paired with wine that showcased local ingredients and a LOT of creativity. My favorite was the squash blossom stuffed with corn pudding, served on a basil aioli and roasted heirloom tomates. It was cooked perfectly. It is so rare (as a professional cook myself) that I am blown away by a dish, but this really was a little taste of perfection. The wine selections were thoughtful and fun. A fabulous evening! Well done August!
(5)
Greg S.
Great service, elegant, great food. Expensive but for special occassions its perfect.
(5)
Madison K.
My boyfriend and I went here while we were vacationing in the big easy. Tired and sore from so much fried food and heavy drinking, this restaurant was a true culinary oasis. All I can say is go here and get the mother-effing gnocci. We hail from NYC and haven't ever eaten anything as close to perfection as those bites of truffled heaven. Or maybe don't (unless you live in NOLA) because then you know you'll never eat anything as good ever again. Sigh.
(5)
Emerson A.
Great place and great experience. Service is 5 star. a bit expensive but good food and service.
(4)
Su Jin K.
My family and I had gone to Luke (another John Besh place) for dinner the previous night and felt that it was good, but nothing spectacular. We went to Restaurant August and were immediately impressed with the warm and inviting decor (similar to Muriel's) and the very attentive service. It was my parents' first time to a "nice" restaurant where we were served complimentary amuse bouche (which was fantastic) and chocolate truffles. The staff was extremely accommodating, because I wanted to switch out one of the items on the prix-fixed menu in favor of the gnocchi with blue crab and black truffles (delicious). It was no problem, and I had no issue with paying the difference between one of the original items and the more expensive gnocchi. Presentation/plating was beautiful, the food was delicious all around, and the lunch prix-fixed price ($20.10) made it more than reasonable. No need to wait for a Restaurant Week here, folks. So, along with the gnocchi, I had the pork belly over grits and the chocolate torte. Everything was great! My mom's duck confit salad appetizer was her favorite dish of the meal, but I think the award for best dish has to go to my brother's selection: the goat curry and roti bread. Unbelievable. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Jody H.
One of the top 5 eating experiences in my life. Arrived with no reservation & told we could be seated then ( about 5:30) or @ 9:30. Not properly dressed and carrying plastic hurricane glasses. They treated us very well and never snubbed us. Try the oysters 3 ways or the gnocchi with blue crab starters. Oysters were baked, sauted, & fried. All in sauces to die for. I had veal chop on creamy polenta with broccolini. Heaven. My friend had trout with crab & a balsamic reduction. These were good portions. She had a cheesecake dessert & I had an amazing napoleon nougatine. We had a very nice bottle of Napa viognier. CA wines are expensive in NOLA but we have had exceptional recommendations at local restaurants. I definitely left the restaurant replete with food and wine. I found the appetizers to be right sized for starters. Five gnocchi is a good portion when served with the blue crab and shaved parmesan. The entree was impressive in size, and I don't just mean in visual proportions. And dessert was also a large serving. I'm not a small eater and I was completely happy with meal. This is a splurge restaurant and I paid more than I normally would expect. However, that was true of all the evening meals I had in New Orleans. I eat in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa and eating in NOLA was on a par with the finest dining I've experienced. I was content to pay for this, as it was a vacation. If I lived there, I would plan this as a yearly pilgrimage, not a weekly stop. Ah, but I would go back when I could.
(5)
Scotty S.
i dont know what to say. awesome. my only complaint is that i'm a complete fatass who expects to be absurdly stuffed when he leaves. I was perfectly FULL. should have eaten more bread.... BTW: the duck was incredible. the stuffed softshell crab too. don't order lamb if the only time you've ever had lamb was stuffed in a gyro... you really might end up disliking a perfectly great dish just because your not a lamb fan. PS: everyone who works there is asian.
(5)
kim b.
the cuisine is great, but the cleanlinest of the place is questionable. i saw a few roaches.freaked me out. to say the least ,i lost my apetite
(2)
Clarence J.
Restaurant August is a very fancy place with outstanding food. It's dressy but there's definitely some leeway, probably because of the amount of tourists without dress clothes. Most men were in shirts and ties or shirts with blazers, but plenty were simply in nice shirts and I saw a couple in Hawaiian shirts and nice slacks . . . and one in shorts. And it is pricey...very pricey. But definitely worth it. The food is outstanding! Flavor-wise definitely, as well as the presentation. In my case, my favorite dish remains a toss up between the best scallops I've ever eaten and the best gnocci I've ever eaten. (And the latter with crab!) The menu isn't huge, but there seemed to be a wide variety of offerings to please most palates. Also, they serve good-sized, filling proportions -- neither too much nor too little (the latter being my fear at any fancy restaurant). The restaurant's a beautiful, relatively small place. The exposed brick walls go nicely with other walls that are wallpapered (I think) in dark browns and greens, and all this sets an elegant mood with the candlelight and subdued electrical lights. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. And if you can't get reservations, it's worth dropping by to see if there is available seating in the bar, where you still have access to the full menu. I look forward to trying Restaurant August again someday . . . and wrestling with whether to try new appetizers and entreee or again happily let the gnocci and scallops duel it out...
(4)
Douglas C.
Went here for dinner with some friends and had a very nice time, although it was not AMAZING in my humble opinion. The gnocchi with crab meat appetizer I had was the standout. The gnocchi was light and fresh and the crab meat was tender and sweet. A crawfish soup and salad rounded out the other appetizers and the soup was the more memorable of the two. The duck I had was good, but not the best I have ever had (see Chez Jean Pierre review). It was cooked medium rare and it was assumed I wanted it that way as I was not asked. The raspberry sauce it was served with was delicious. The pork three ways my friend had was also medium rare, which to me was a bit off putting. Steak, yes I like it medium rare, but not pork. My other friend's steak was good but a bit too overly sauced in his opinion. Service was good. Overall a good place.
(3)
Michael A.
My wife and I dined at Restaurant August on 4/14. Dinner was great. We ate ala carte because neither of the menus really stood out to us personally. I had the gnocchi with crab and truffle which was INCREDIBLE. My wife selected the oysters with bacon that she cleaned the plate better than Cascade could have. I had the Tempura Soft Shell for dinner was done perfectly. My wife had the trout with crab. The only problem was that there were two bones in her dish. Although it didn't ruin the meal, it did kind of tarnish the experience. overall I would go again, hell I would go monthly if I live in the NOLA area.
(4)
Monica B.
Whenever anyone asks me about the best restaurant meal I've ever eaten, I respond, in a reverent tone, with my experience at August. To me, August is a culinary holy place. Service/ambiance are great too, but this review is all about the food. Detailed reviews of each dish I ate, all appetizers: AMUSE: Seafood custard sabayon with bonefish caviar and a crunchy stick of brioche. This was gorgeous - a foamy pale yellow served in an eggshell and topped with black specks of caviar and a bit of chervil with the brioche stick sticking out of the top. The dish was rich but not heavy; there was a light seafood flavor throughout that was accentuated with bites of caviar or with the creaminess of the fish. If I have any criticism of the amuse, I think it could use a bit more textural complexity. I know that's the purpose of the crunchy brioche stick, but there's a disproportionate amount of custard to get through with only a teensy piece of brioche. HEIRLOOM BEET SALAD WITH CRAB, MIZUNA, QUAIL EGGS, BACON & BLACK-EYED PEA CROUTONS. Fantastic. It was hard to stop eating it. However, I'm not sure why they call this a "beet salad." There were beets, but beets were not predominant; there were just as many pieces of egg and bacon on the plate as there were beets, and there was a big spoonful of crab salad too. I would call this salad a play on a classic chef's salad, which traditionally has ham, turkey, bacon, egg, croutons, etc. My favorite ingredient was the black-eyed pea croutons. They are basically black-eyed peas that have been fried until very crispy. They were flavorful and imparted wonderful crunch. Overall, however, the salad was more than the sum of its ingredients. There was nothing particularly special about the flavor of any individual ingredient except the croutons. The lump crab was very subtle and had been dressed with some sort of mayonnaise-like sauce. The beets and quail eggs were subtly seasoned as well--thankfully, because if each ingredient had been seasoned to death, the salad would have been chaotic. Very harmonious. My only minor criticism of the beet salad was the bacon. If you added a bite of the bacon it overwhelmed the delicate flavor of everything else on the plate. I could not taste the beet at all when I had it with the bacon and the mizuna. I would have preferred the bacon to be less plentiful and diced more finely. FOIE GRAS 3 WAYS The three ways were: (1) Pastrami foie gras served with a tomato salad; (2) German-style foie gras wrapped in Baumkuchen spongecake with champagne gelee and balsamic reduction; (3) Foie gras crème caramel with blackberry caramel. Unexpectedly, my favorite was the Baumkuchen. It was sweet, but not overly so, and I enjoyed the way the sour champagne gelee and the balsamic reduction balanced the sweetness of the cake and the richness of the foie gras. First runner-up was the pastrami foie gras. Nothing thoughtful to say here; it just tasted good. My least favorite was the dessert foie with the blackberry caramel. The caramel, for me, was fine but not special. TRUFFLE-LARDED VEAL SWEETBREADS Exquisite. This was my favorite dish, and that's saying a lot. This dish was reminiscent of particularly moist fried chicken, or perhaps chicken-fried steak with a beautiful lemony sauce replacing the nasty thick white gravy that usually accompanies that dish. The sweetbreads were simultaneously upscale and homey. ACORN SQUASH "MEZZE LUNA" WITH SATSUMA, CHESTNUTS, AND FENNEL Sublime. This is basically acorn squash ravioli with a better sauce than normal, full of butter, Parmesan, and laced with satsuma. The squash's flavor really shined, a testament to the expertise of these chefs. The parmesan and satsuma, which I would have thought an odd pairing, melded beautifully. The chestnuts were rich and creamy in texture. What made this really special, however, was the fennel. I didn't see them on my plate, but I noticed the taste of fennel and asked the waitress if the dish contained fennel or star anise, and she confirmed that at some point, fennel fronds were in the dish. This addition added complexity to the dish; definitely saved it from being your everyday squash ravioli.
Delicious food with perfectly adequate service. In my book, it fell just short of "wow." Given the expectations (not to mention the prices), it would've had to have been a "wow" evening in order to earn 5 stars. They didn't get there. In this class of restaurants, I felt Stella! delivered the exceptional experience I was hoping for from August.
(4)
Davy W.
I had high hopes for this place because of the reviews. When we had called the restaurant, we found out they had no corkage fee, which was great. That's Southern Hospitality to me! We had a reservation and they placed us in the back wine cellar room. At the back of my mind, I wondered why they didn't seat us in the first room, where it was beautifully lit with crystal chandeliers and windows. There were under 10 people sitting in that room too. Part of me wanted to push aside the fact that we were Asian and everyone in that room was white, but I'd like to give people the benefit of the doubt. My husband ordered the the brown sugar spiced duck confit and I had the halibut. the stars are for the duck confit, as it was very flavorful and melts-in-your-mouth. It had strawberry remoulade on the side, which had a slow-cooked strawberry jam consistency. The halibut had a nice presentation, but it was just okay. The creamy sauce was tasty, but the fish was nothing special. We ordered the salted toffee ice cream as it had excellent reviews, but I wasn't very impressed. Maybe because the toffee crisps were a lot sweeter than I had expected? All in all, the place had a fancy ambience (personally it felt a little too quiet and awkward at times) and the servers were polite and helpful. For the price, the food wasn't totally amazing. The duck was the main dish I remembered and the rest will soon be forgotten. I have to say I like John Besh's other cafe restaurant, Luke's better.
(3)
Tonya R.
Come hungry, and ready to indulge. Everything we ate was rich and delicious, and Once we were seated we were welcomed with cocktails, an amuse-bouche: seafood and egg custard with a hint of truffle and topped with "local" caviar placed inside a hollowed out egg shell..it was sweet and delicious with also a hint of brine (from the caviar.) Based on recommendations from those who came before me, we started with the blue crab and black truffle gnocchi..one order split among two bowls...more than enough to be its own entree, but enjoyed non the less. The entrees as well were sizable when the arrived. The bone in rib-eye was massive and served tomahawk style. (Not sure what that means? Well, its a meat-shaped ax with the bone as a handle!) The sugar and spice duck was not as gargantuan as the rib-eye, but the rich flavors of the seared foie gras and peach reduction sauce gave a bold measure all its own to the dish. Between the entrees, gnocchi and sweet seafood custard, we hardly left room for dessert but enjoyed the small sampling the house provided as we left. The only issue I had with the meal was the service-ware. I know its nitpicky, and I know over time things chip, cracks and that scratches happen...but with a restaurant of this distinction, I'd expect them to be discarded or put to use other than serving an amuse-bouche in an evidently chipped custard cup or perfectly prepared duck on a dinner plate with a crack running from the rim. No, these things did not affect the taste of the dishes, yes I enjoyed my experience and the service was fantastic, this merely held back a fifth star for presentation.
(4)
Bronson M.
I've always been a fan of Besh's work, so I had to go to his flagship. The place has great ambiance. I didn't adorn a jacket, but dressed fashionably and didn't feel too out of place. (Although the majority of my dining peers were older and mostly dressed in suits or jackets.) The service was outstanding (attentive but not ever-present either.) Now about the food. Everything I ordered was delicious and well prepared. My dining partner's was not. I ordered the gnocchi with crab and black truffle. Decadent is the word. My DP had crab bisque and thought it was too "fishy." I'd consider her a bisque expert as it is a favorite of hers. She also lived in Manhattan for about a decade, so I highly regard her opinion. We were served an amuse bouche of a quail egg shell stuffed with a custard topped with caviar. It was a rich mouthful of flavor that I felt more interesting than satisfying. I chose my entree of the prix fixe menue. This is always an option, btw. I ordered a flat iron entree that was perfectly cooked rare to medium rare. The accompanying tête tortelli, pea pesto and sweet corn were delightful companions to the flat iron. I enjoyed every bite. My DP again didn't fair well. She had fish, I believe the trout, but it was so disappointing that she only ate about 1/4. The server came over and she stated it was just fine. He asked her if she would like another entree in substitution, but she declined. He ended up not charging us for the dish. I must note that she did thoroughly enjoy the crab meat that was part of the dish. The end of the dining experience included a dish of four works of art from the pastry chef for each of us. The chocolate truffle was ridiculously amazing. It reminded me of the great chocolates I had in Turin. Overall, a refined dining experience for me and a number of disappointments for my dining partner. I am more adventurous with my food choices and preferred my experience at Borgne, Besh's new restaurant, more than August overall.
(4)
Blaire P.
Our favorite dinner from a recent trip. Everything was perfection - and actually less expensive than expected. Husband loved the grouper and my soft shell crab was fantastic. The drinks were creative and the scene was lively. Highly recommend.
(5)
Eve K.
For my 200th review in just 3 months--yes I'm fully on the yelp obsessed train--it's only fitting that I spend it on the highlight of my NO trip. I didn't plan it to go this way, but it did. Ah, the joys of serendipitous life... (I'm still in a good mood after my trip and this dinner.) Highlights: - I'm a self-proclaimed foodie/fine dining fan/junky and very picky, so I'm often disappointed at highly rated restaurants. I wasn't this time. - This wasn't on my original list to go to, but when I walked by one day on the way to Mother's, I peeked inside and at the menu and had to go there. :-) - Beautiful interior: open, bright brick room up front with lots of tall windows and another darker library-like room in the back. - Extremely professional wait staff: always there when you needed them to fill your water or explain a dish, but never in the way of you enjoying your dining experience. What you expect from a place of this caliber. They even gave girls with black dresses a black napkin instead of white, folded your napkin when you left the table, and the waiter genuinely looked like he was enjoying his job. - 5 course menu: always happy to see one where I like every course. I enjoyed the creativity and thoughtful progression and adored the wine pairings. I'll go into details of each food course below. Pics are also posted if you're interested. - Wine pairings: can be hit or miss but these were all home runs. They really made the whole meal a delectable, wonderful package. The wines were unique to their type and very enjoyable. Ex. a pinot gris that was smooth and not too mineraly or crisp and a french chardonnay that had some full body and butterness to it as well as being light. Complemented the dishes perfectly. Did I mention I'm a wino too? ;-) Price was amazing as well: only $20 extra for all those 5 liberal pours. How can you not add that on? - Salad: just salad to me usually but this was one of my faves. Some random veggies like a green flower like cauliflower thing and a poached egg in the middle sprinkled with sea salt and accompanied with fresh dill. Very tasty, different, and elegant. - Crawfish: not what you'd expect in fine dining. Fun to get a napkin bib with a dentist-like chain, pull off the tails of the big suckers--and they gave us monstrous ones--and dip em in the bath of amazing sauce they were bathing in. - Salt cod in form of mini beignets: gets the most creative award and my favorite dish award. Beautiful presentation in a boat shaped plate as well as perfect flavor. - Dessert: lava cake was pretty standard and good but loved the homemade spiced warm wine in a tall shot glass--that made the dessert and took it to higher level. - We met the chef. As in super star NO chef John Besh who owns 4 restaurants, beat Mario Batalli on Iron Chef, was the runner-up to be the Next Iron Chef, was named Gourmet Mag's best chefs years ago, and got a James Beard award 2 years ago John Besh. My foodie cuz and I were like tweens finding themselves face to face with their favorite boy band. And not only was his food great, but he was such a nice, humble, friendly guy saying how much he appreciated us coming in and asking how the food was. After we asked for a picture he was joking with us that his old frat bro is watching him, inferring he was a bit embarrassed. My husband is now jealous cause I'm still giddy about him days later. Second only to Ron Siegel, he is my new chef idol. Yes, I'm that hard core. Lowlights (my flip side to highlights): - Filet: foie was delicious and melty soft. Steak was cooked well, but was severely lacking salt. Everyone commented on it and I don't even like much salt. - Cockscomb (as in the pointy head part of the chicken) in the chicken and dumplings: random, didn't know what it was, and after we found out everyone was scared to eat it. Overall one of my fave dining experiences: being in my favorite eating town, pretty restaurant environment, superb service, impressive wine, excellent food, and bonus of meeting the chef to top it all off! I'll be back to try the 3 hour degustation menu next. 8-)
(5)
Jon K.
excellent service. food was very decent but in all honesty a little too pricey.
(4)
Jeremiah K.
Not every fine dinning restaurant should have a tasting menu. Tasting menus can be a fun experience and a showcase for a chefs talent and creativity. Unfortunately the 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings manged to only showcase a lack of either. The dishes themselves and the wines lacked balance. A discordant array of flavors and textures when I was expecting a harmonious symphony. The service was polite and attentive, but the best service in the world could not have compensated for the disappointing dishes served that evening.
(2)
G C.
Great service, food, and place to celebrate a birthday. We went for lunch, and it was a brilliant idea that was recommended to us from some friends who frequent NOLA. The food was great, I highly recommend this place for a nice Friday lunch (only day they are open for lunch). Besh has a really good formula brewing...
(5)
Eric L.
Skip the tasting menus if you want to find value. The foie gras 3 ways is good enough. Its hard to go wrong with foie. Venison sausage and white bean cassoulet was good, but unimpressive. Venison is a lean meat, so they could have done something to keep the sausage feeling moist. The cassoulet was a little mushier than I'd want, but very well seasoned. It was topped with panko/pork cracklin mix, but the cracklin was wasted. Good execution, but poor dish design. Sugar and spice duckling was nicely seasoned, but didn't come out as warm as it should have. This is supposedly the signature dish at August, so I'd try it again. We went for a late service, so maybe the kitchen was just being lazy. I suspect this dish could be awesome. The duck came with a canelle of marscapone grits, and a dab of quince jam. The marscapone grits were perfect. Gnocchi with truffle and crab was delicious. The homemade gnocchi was light and excellently crafted. The sauce was rich but not overbearing. The crab seems to have been thrown on because people think crab is expensive and good, but added no value to the dish. Crab in the presence of really rich truffle and cream ended up being just a texture in the mix. Again, I'd say good execution, poor dish design. Pork belly slices on a garlic custard pastry served in an oyster and bacon broth. Too much going on in this dish. Let me preface this with the fact that I LOVE fat. I never shy away from eating fat, but it has to be done well. The pork belly slices were just fat, not no taste or texture. They were served with a rich oyster broth with oysters and bacon on a buttery pastry. It was too many rich elements on the plate for the fat to be just untreated fat. That said, the oyster and bacon soup was outstanding. The bacon pieces were house smoked, in the top 5 bacons I've ever had. Separate that component out and that dish would be awesome. Excellent food, but its always a little disappointing to have a good meal that could clearly be so much more.
(4)
David B.
Had an amazing dinner here. I ordered the lamb and it was prepared like a roast. It was very unique and delicious. The waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. I paired the lamb with a red zin. My buddy had the cobia which was cooked to perfection. Ambiance has an old restorative feel although the actual building isn't more than 10 to 15 years old. It had been rebuilt following a fire.
(5)
Siemny C.
Delish. Started with two-amuse bouches. Proceeded to eat much more. I can't seem to remember everything we ate, but I remember it was all fresh, complex and made me excited for the next dish. We had the foie gras three ways, some other app, and a fish and a meat dish. We ended with the salted toffee ice cream. Service was great -- on top of things, but not too intrusive or pushy.
(5)
Aimee F.
Worst service at an upscale restaurant in many years. Ate here several times on business over the past few months. Entertaining several international clients, with expensive taste and impeccably dressed and polite. Was horrified that I had to get up several times to find a waiter after waiting 30-45 minutes for a drink order (ordering some of the most expensive wines, no less), another 30 to order food, and never being asked about dessert, coffee or dessert wines. Atrocious, not worth it even if the food is fairly good. It's an embarrassment to NOLA which is formerly known for its classical, incredible service. While the food is great, I've had enough bad service to put this restaurant on the permanent black list. Oh where oh were is their management when they need it? A good chef is not enough . . .
(2)
Jeff M.
This is a great high-end restaurant. I went here twice - once for dinner, once for lunch the next day. Dinner was superb. We had a great wine recommendation and plenty of help / advice on the menu selections. We all selected our own courses instead of going the pix fixe route. Three of us had the pheasant breast for the main course. I knew I was taking a risk, being from the Midwest and knowing how easy it is dry-out a pheasant breast. But I figured, hey, this is a high-end place and they should know how to do it right. And they do. The pheasant was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly, and accompanied perfectly. I was very impressed. Salads were delightful, if a tad small. Though certainly they were unique and made with local fresh produce. The goat cheese cheesecake was really unique and tasty - recommended! Wait staff were attentive and helpful, as well as friendly. For dinner, really the only thing on the negative side was the noise. It is an old brick dining room and the sounds bounces around the walls pretty good. I found myself leaning over to hear my clients talk. Lunch the next day was a similar experience - fresh food, cooked perfectly. I'd say that the prix fixe menu left me wanting a little more - I should expect that for $20 at a place like this. But other than the small portions it was really good. Overall, you will pay for the good food and service and Restaurant August make it worth the money. This is a great place to take a prospective client.
(5)
David G.
One of the best dining experiences that I've had. Hard to say what the best of new orleans is, but this might be it.
(5)
Mark B.
Amazing place for lunch. One of the best anywhere. No disappointments with anything we ordered. Had three appetizers plus one main with my wife . Chef has a light hand and multiple flavors wonderfully integrated. Today, had green salad w/ pumpkin brittle and blue cheese, lump crab and pumpkin with peppers, and lobster tempura. Lemon fish main with mushrooms and greens. Just wonderful. Also, great selection of wine. Walked in without reservation and ate at flat top in bar on a Friday at noon. FYI - fixed price lunch will cut your costs about in half.
(5)
Sonya Z.
This review is for the prix fixe lunch I had today with my dear friend Zach. It costs $20.12 (I love that) and it is divine. If you sit in the bar area, you don't need reservations! August in the CBD area, so parking is horrible, and meters have a two hour limit. Your best bet is to find a meter or pay for a parking garage. They gave us these adorable egg amuse-bouches that were some sort of egg/caviar concoction with a "British crouton" - very cute and tasty. My appetizer was an acorn squash soup, my entree was gulf shrimp with andouille crust (I don't usually eat meat, but I will make occasional exceptions for extraordinary dishes!), and my dessert was espresso parfait, which I thought meant I would get a coffee with some sweets on the side but I actually got all sorts of coffee-flavored creamy concoctions. All of it was delicious. It's definitely not a huge meal, but then prix fixes never are. It's a great way to try August without breaking the bank at dinner :)
(5)
Annie B.
Harold and I returned to Restaurant August last night to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We had the four course tasting menu with the wine paring ($85/person--a true bargain). Perhaps it's gauche to mention the cost, but I always appreciate it when other Yelpers do. We were completely amazed by the experience. Michelle was our captain and she was warm and pleasant, she made us feel very comfortable and this made our experience that much more enjoyable. I don't know the name of our server, but he is the same gentleman that served us on Christmas Day, his service was absolutely wonderful as well! We supplemented our four course tasing with the gnocchi with black truffle and blue crab (as I mentioned in my previous review, this is one of the best things I've tasted--yep, it's still incredible), even the aforementioned amuse-bouche tasted great this time. We enjoyed every course and agreed that this was one of the best restaurant meals we've shared! I can't go into detail about the courses, simply because I can't recall every detail and don't want to give too little or incorrect information--trust me--this is one place where you simply can't make a bad choice! Wow, we were treated so well while we were at Restaurant August. As we were leaving, we were invited to take a walk through the kitchen. We were introduced to the chef and the kitchen staff, we were given a round of applause and we of course applauded the staff in return. What a treat! My husband said he felt like Henry Hill--you know, Ray Liotta--in Good Fellas... We love coming to New Orleans and may make dining at Restaurant August an anniversary tradition.
(5)
Kenneth T.
Tried tasting menu with wine pairing- service just average- surprisingly-waiter not knowledgeable about details of food preparation- unacceptable at this level with a tasting menu if you are here as a 'foodie'- perhaps not noticeable if just here for a nice meal. One wine pairing late with a main course- again a major faux pas at this level and for this $. Food good but not competitive with top spots in other major cities- a confit of tuna stood out. nice ambience-we ate in the room with an overhead second floor "wine library" . Surprising variation in dress- most business casual but when did shorts and your backpack become acceptable for dinner?! Bottom line -Good, just not great, and definitely not on the best meals ever list.
(3)
Luisa P.
It would have been nice, but (and this has nothing to do with the food) I was seated next to this CRAZY, LOUDMOUTH, lady who was trying the tasting menu with wine pairings and apparently, she couldn't handle her booze. And this must have been her first time at a fine dining restaurant, because she sounded like she was talking at the bar in some dive on Bourbon street. OMG! She was like, screaming at her dinner guests. I would've liked it if maybe the wait staff had told her to keep it down, but she was like a fucking foghorn. And since i'm Asian and from Los Angeles, I can't stand small-minded racist white people, and she was talking about how Latinos and minorities need help and shit like that. ugh. other than that, food was good. I had the potato gnocchi, with was really heavy and the beef with oxtail marmalade and bone marrow. Dessert was good with the goat cheese cheesecake. But ambience wise, it was really cramped and kind of put a damper on the dining experience.
(4)
Vincent C.
The food was great. Actually one of the best filets ever. But I was eating that filet for about 15 minutes by myself....the other 4 people at the table had already finished their entrees. They had to reheat another entree at the table. Got served seafood silverware with my steak and rabbit appitezer. Consistenly had empty wine glasses. All had tasting menus and foie gras apptz. Little over $200 a person for some of the worst service ever. I would have given this place 5 stars if they just would have done one simple thing.....a sorry or at least comp something......NOTHING!
(1)
Henry F.
I never knew that I could have such a great and affordable dining experience for lunch. My friend and I went there for lunch last week because we had heard of the "pre fix" (fixed price lunch menu). The $22 lunch included an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert, and they were all great. The service was outstanding, and the food was great. I cant wait until my next visit.
(5)
Baking M.
My friend and I dropped in at Restaurant August right before an hour long rain pour. For $20.11 we engaged in a Prix Fixe 3-course lunch. I had heard about Chef John Besh from his efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit and thereafter, when he oozed his Southern charm while competing on Top Chef Masters. The restaurant occupies multiple floors, where the kitchen and restrooms were on a second floor, up a staircase and the dining room is on the main floor. The building has exposed brick throughout and was built in the 1800s. The servers were very kind and presented guests with a complimentary amuse bouche of an egg mouse in an egg shell. It was not something I would order independently, however I liked the presentation. The warm sourdough bread and soft butter was phenomenal. I couldn't stop filling up on the bread. We had bacon, slivers of radish and walnut salad, then the salty and buttery pork belly, soft potato gnocci and wild mushrooms was my favorite dish. Finally, we had for dessert a tart with ice cream and plums. I appreciated the complimentary chocolate and buttery peanut brittle ending
(5)
Angela C.
Another awesome meal at August. This time I brought out-of-towners with me to hype up and showcase a Besh restaurant. I raved about it, and one of them seemed skeptical even when perusing the menu. "Nothing sticks out," she said in an unimpressed tone. But, once the food started arriving at the bar (where we dined, stay tuned) she was singing a different tune. All three of us were in awe - the food here just blows you away. I had the Duckling, again, because it is soooo good. And, I tried the Sweetbreads appetizer this time - not that I've had it many times, but it was the best I've ever had. I hesitate to say this, but you'll have to take it with a grain of salt because I'm not really a dessert fan. From now on, I will pass on the dessert here. It's good, but I think it just doesn't have the same delicate intricacies as the apps and entrees. Maybe it just lacks the Besh touch... does he even do his desserts? I'll take a Besh dish over most things any day.
(5)
Elizabeth T.
I have found my true love. If only it didn't live in another city. . . Visiting New Orleans over my bday with friends, I asked one thing, and one thing only for my birthday. That we sample the pre fixe lunch meal at Besh's August. (Well, that and then dinner of oysters and beer and I think there was some bull-riding involved, but that's beside the point.) We came during lunch, a group of 4, casually dressed as tourists are wont to do, and despite the elegant restaurant, the much nicer dressed clientele, we received a warm welcome and prompt service. We enjoyed our complimentary amuse-buche of egg custard and cavier. I really wish I had taken notes of our trip here. In my mind now, it is merely a mushy memory of complete and utter happiness. One of delicious gluttony, course after course, that took over 2 hours to complete. We ate everything from appetizers to an array of deserts, including the pralines (praaaaah-lines!) and macaroons which they included with a birthday message for me. Service was a bit slowish, but always friendly and incredibly professional. And honestly, we needed a bit of extra time to digest. This was not a meal. It was an experience and a delight.
(5)
Jessica M.
One of my fave meals in all of my 31.5 years! Did a Farmer's Market tasting menu with wine pairings. Amazing veggie meal with fruit compliments. Service was fab. Talked with several of the staff members and tried more of the Besh restaurants because of it. Took photos of every course. Sorry, not posted here.
(5)
Emily W.
One of the best lunches I have EVER had and what a smoking deal - $20.11 - really? Service was great, food was spectacular - I wish I could eat like this every day! You must try it if you are in NO during the week!
I would like to agree with CK's review of Restaurant August. Furthermore I'd like to expand on a point or two. The waitstaff needs to KNOW their food. Robotically answering "salt & pepper" when asked what spices were used on the duck is an INSULT to the hard working kitchen staff. Moreover In my opinion the private room we sat in is TOO FAR away from the kitchen to be able to deliver HOT FOOD without the aid of a hot box or the slow as molasses elevator. I hope these issues are resolved because otherwise the food is top notch and the kitchen staff whom we were honored to meet are incredibly dedicated to their craft.
(1)
AnneMarie C.
Best prix fixe lunch ever. Would have been worth it at twice the price. Considering heading back two days in a row. My favorite place in NOLA hands down.
(5)
Justin W.
This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have had. It's a very modern take on traditional NO food. What did it for me was the service- we ordered one appetizer and because they wanted us to try everything, they brought us out each and every appetizer that we didn't order too. Food was phenomenal, if not a bit rich but that's NO for ya.
(5)
Tee C.
Excellent experience--food, service, wine, company. I called ahead of time to ask if vegan options were available, and I was happy when the waiter acknowledged my dietary restrictions at the beginning of the night. My boyfriend and I each had the tasting menu with wine pairings, and the entire evening was simply wonderful. Our waiter, Zeke, gave us wine descriptions before each course, and our food was promptly served with their accompanying descriptions. Honestly, I didn't even recognize everything they mentioned. Each dish had a beautiful and creative presentation. The only vegan fine dining experience I have to compare to is Millenium of SF (the only vegan fine dining in the Bay Area), and I have to say that August is on another level. My first course was a pear consomme, basically a sweet pear soup with little bits of fruit and a pear sauce on the bottom. I know, I know, my horrible description does the dish no justice. My second course was broccolini. After eating this dish, I'm not sure how I could ever go back to making broccoli myself for dinner. It was so savory and addicting. I felt like they had sprinkled crack on it or something. Next was my favorite. I had a very creamy risotto with fried mushrooms and brussel sprouts sprinkled on top table-side. It was a bit over the top to have another server bring out a little dish of fried veggies to sprinkle slowly in a circle around the risotto, but it was pretty cool to experience the dish being served like that. Dessert consisted of an assortment of fruit with satsuma sorbet. SO yummy! I can't remember the wine, except that it definitely balanced each course. And the amuse-bouche! How could I forget? A little fruit salad, marinated so perfectly and deliciously. Didn't think a couple bites of fruit could taste so good. My boyfriend's dishes consisted of foie gras, oysters, duck, pasta with mushrooms, and a chocolate mousse with sorbet. He said everything but the oysters was very simple, but done extraordinarily well. The oysters, broth, and caviar were all good separately, but competed with each other in that one dish. He also enjoyed the wine pairings. The highlight of the night was when the "checks" came. When my boyfriend was in the bathroom, I asked Zeke to hold onto my credit card because I knew my boyfriend would try to pay even though it was his birthday. Zeke brought two black folders, one for my boyfriend, one for me. Inside my boyfriend's was a piece of paper that said, "Happy birthday!!!" and I got the real check. We were laughing so hard. Apparently when I was in the bathroom after dessert, Zeke had taken my boyfriend's credit card and even swiped it. So funny. Overall, GREAT night, amazing food, especially since they made a vegan tasting menu for me! I was expecting this restaurant to make a really good pasta or vegetable dish, and was blown away by what they created. Expensive, but definitely worth the price.
(4)
A.E. G.
Loved the Chopped salad and 3 amazing appetizers (the gnocci, the oyster trio, and the beet/crabmeat/fried pork belly / fried blackeyed pea salad), but was let down by a tough, bland veal entree and the restaurant's failure to make a vegetable plate on par with the other food we had. Thankfully though, the Southern cheese plate was an interesting, and the Ambrosia Salad, was a delightful, sweet end to our meal. Would like to give it 4.5 stars.
(5)
Deb D.
My husband and I ate here for our 1 year anniversary. My expectations were high, the appetizer was very good - handmade gnocchi, lovely. Dinner was grouper with blue crab and jasmine rice, honestly I could hardly even find rice. No vegetable. My husband had the trout which he enjoyed, but again small portions. I understand small portions with gourmet food, but I also like to feel like I have had dinner when I leave. We were treated to a small plate dessert with anniversary wishes - but overall, I would say for the money I was not impressed. One drink each, one appetizer, each an entree, no coffee or desserts ordered and it was 125.00. Nice, but I can't say I would go back. We ate at Muriels for far less money and it was AMAZING!!
(3)
Amanda D.
A great meal and wonderful atmosphere and service. I don't think I've ever felt so at ease in a restaurant of this caliber before. My friend and I took advantage of Louisiana Seafood Restaurant Week, and did the Prix Fixe menu. With so many options from which to choose, we both knew that we had to taste the salad with grilled peaches, and for dessert the fig tart. While I opted for the pork belly entree, my friend decided to go with the pan-seared sheepshead (delicious fish). The portions may have looked small on the plate, but the flavor of each dish was certainly not lacking, and in the end, we both left feeling fully sated (not over-stuffed). I would love to return for dinner (and maybe the cheese plate, too). Also, for cocktails, I recommend their Pimm's Cup and the Hemingway - refreshing!
(4)
Joanne W.
I had to come into NOLA on business and was perfectly OK with this. Why? Because it meant I'd get to dine at Restaurant August. It was all I thought it'd be and I would not hesitate to come back. Let's get to it, shall we? The service is top notch, which is to be expected. We were greeted with a seafood amuse topped with caviar & served in an eggshell. Delicous. My collegue & I split the trio of oysters - fried, horseradish crusted and truffled. The presentation was lovely and all were tasty. I was really loving the truffled until I tasted the fried...that sauce was heavenly. I had the roasted beet salad served with blue crab, bacon & mustard greens. It was quite good and my collegue was envious of my bacon. He got the orangic greens served with pumpkin brittle & pumpkin vinaigrette. It looked awesome....and apparently was pretty tasty by evidence of his empty plate. I had seared duck breast (cardamon, 5 spice, cinnamon) served with kale, grits and a strawberry glaze. It was divine. My partner had the veal medallions with mustard green infused risotto. It was fantastic. We were pretty full but could not resist the dessert menu. I spotted some salted toffee ice cream that accompanied a napolean and asked if I could just have the ice cream. What a good call that was. Three little scoops served with biscotti - the flavor was truly delightful. It took all that I had not to lick the dish clean. My partner had the ambrosia which was served with blood orange sorbet...uhh, yum! They have tasting menu which seem very reasonably priced. You can do a 4 course for around $40 (more or less) and a 7 course for $75 (with wine pairings around $125). John Besh's restaurant lived up to the hype in my opinion. If you have the opportunity to dine here, DO IT.
(5)
Greg S.
From soup to nuts, an unforgettable meal. The $20.12 lunch prix fixe is a steal at twice the price. Bartender poured a perfect dark and stormy. Felt pampered and yet not stuffy. Get reservations well in advance.
This restaurant is very high class feeling, very dressy, and prim and proper. If you are looking for good food casually, I would not recommend this place, but for a very nice occasion, perhaps with a group, I would recommend this place. I tried foi gras for the first time prepared 3 different ways, interesting, but tasted and textured like peanut butter. From the two fish entrees we tried, I was not over impressed with either, it just didn't hit the spot with me. Perhaps a little bit too much going on with the entree, maybe that was to hide the fish flavor, but I don't know that thats a good thing to do. The presentation was pretty awesome. We did get the cream brulee which came out in egg shells, prepared three different ways, and it was def. the best part of the meal!
(4)
Jennie N.
$20 special 3-course lunch menu from 11am - 2pm. Monday-Friday. I would totally and definitely go back here again! Just thinking about, it was an orgasmic moment! lol. hahahha, yes, I said it. Everything we had was DELISH in every bite. Food: This is the prefix meal that I had that day...1) pate de champagne of La Provence pork (pickled wild mushrooms and wild marmalades), 2) braised chicken agnolotti (braised red cabbage, brussel sprouts, creole mustard, and house cured bacon), 3) dark chocolate s'mores (vanilla marshmallow, graham cracker, and cocoa emulsion). Ambiance: This place is pretty dressy and fancy, I kinda felt out of place coming in with my pants, hoodie and vest. Service: Definitely nice and always making sure you're taken care of.
(5)
Jennifer S.
By far the best dining experience in New Orleans! A coworker and I enjoyed a fantastic, fresh meal this week. I enjoyed the salad with fresh vegetables and champagne vinaigrette and the sweet and spicy duck - it was truly amazing! The restaurant was quaint and appropriately decorated, the service was fantastic and the food amazing! You must check this place out if you enjoy a great dining experience!
(5)
Kelly T.
5-course tasting menu with wine pairings. I had high expectations b/c the Besh is my Food Network and Food+Wine crush, and he did not disappoint. Each course was fabulous, especially the braised pork belly, shrimp carpaccio and the salted toffee ice cream. Oh wait, the kobe short ribs were rockin' as well. Service was a bit rushed--don't bring out the first course til after I've had my pre-dinner champagne, please. We whipped thru the 5 courses tout de suite.
(4)
Jeff S.
I'm not a "foodie", just a New Orleanian...to me that means I like good food and lots of flavors and spend lots of time thinking about eating, and then eating...but like most people I know here, I'm not breaking my bank for a meal when there are just about a zillion options for a tasty dinner that I don't have to drop $150 for 2 on. Enter August's Friday lunch...I'll let others debate the merits of his 3 hour degustation menu with wine pairings...I'll introduce you to the much unheralded $20.09 lunch special served on Friday, I believe the only afternoon the restaurant is open. 3 Courses plus an amooz boosh that I had to ask my lunch partner how we were supposed to eat (she pointed out that they brought out a spoon with the plate for a reason. That did a tad bit better than sucking the egg custard out of the shell like I had wanted). Their are 3 choices each for appetizer, main and dessert; so we lunched as a trio in order to try everything on the menu. The appetizers were just awesome. My Pate was the best I ever ate, a huge chunk served with various jellies and mustards that put Cochon to shame. The pumpkin soup was the absolutely outstanding. I was not ashamed to take the bread and give the bowl a rubbing to make sure I got it all. No need for me to tell you about the dishes, who doesn't like being surprised. I will say it was a top 5 meal for me this year, and I have spent the same $20.99 on far worse while so drunk I couldn't even taste. We dressed up for the occasion; figuring since we didn't know what "business casual" means we would go with 1940's thrift store high fashion; and I was quite surprised that we were the best dressed there. I guess business casual doesn't mean much. For those who want a taste of the high cuisine of the city and live (or are visiting) on a typical NOLA budget, this is probably the top lunch choice in the city, and I will recommend it to any. We did drop a 30% tip because we figured why punish the nice waitress because we like a beer with lunch instead of expensive wine...but at the price we paid in total it was a steal for the quality.
(5)
Eric B.
August was possibly the best meal I've ever had in New Orleans (and I've had a lot)! First of all, DO THE TASTING MENU (pre fixe)!!! If you've already decided to go to a nice restaurant, it doesn't make any sense to order a la carte. My wife and I had heard great things about John Besh, but we were a little skeptical that August could compare to some of the other places we've eaten. We were both pleasantly surprised that August measured up pretty well against any of the top restaurants in New York or Napa. Chef Besh does an excellent job of providing classic French food and techniques mingled with some creole influences, all done impeccably well. From start to finish, it was an outstanding meal. Any serious foodie who lives in or visits New Orleans needs to have August at the top of their list.
(5)
Maria A.
I would have my last meal here.
(5)
Taraneh A.
If u look up yummy in the dictionary, u will find a picture of this restaurant. Service was excellent, food was remarkable, & the restaurant is beautiful!
(5)
Ms. M.
I, too, had the 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings on a recent visit to Restaurant August, and I've gotta say, if it's not the best meal I've had in my life, it's close. The first course was a shrimp remoulade en carpaccio with artichoke, fennel, and citrus -- a perfect starter dish. Given how thinly sliced the shrimp was, I was not at all expecting it to have as much flavor as it did, so that was a very pleasant surprise. It was paired perfectly with a sparkling wine. The second course was a yard egg raviolo with brown butter sauce and chanterelle mushrooms, also paired perfectly with a voignier/marsanne (my favorite wine of the night) that helped lighten up what is otherwise a very heavy dish. I spooned up every last drop of the yolk that oozed out of the raviolo, and I even cleaned up the butter sauce off of my plate with a slice of bread. The third course was a surf-and-turf, with butter poached lobster and a crispy pork belly over fennel choucroute and house-cured bacon, served with bacon chips. This was the most interesting sounding dish, but was also the most disappointing, mostly because the lobster was slightly overcooked and the pork belly was not crispy enough. The house-cured bacon completely stole the show made up for it all though: The same bacon tasted very smoky and salty in the chip (which was two thinner than paper slices of potato sandwiching a small piece of bacon), but was deliciously sweet in the fennel choucroute and went perfectly with the pork belly. The fourth course was the slow-braised Kobe beef shortrib with cauliflower slices and puree, topped with potato gnocchi and a cherry-veal reduction. This dish blew me away because it was the first time that I actually understood why Kobe beef, with all its marbling, is so special. It was also the first time that I understood why people enjoy gnocchi -- this gnocchi had such a surprising bite to it... The final course was a Napoleon Nougatine with Valrhona chocolate bavarois and a flourless chocolate cake, topped with saltwater toffee ice cream and a swirl of Chicory coffee sauce. I cannot rave enough about this dessert -- the saltwater toffee not only made it a sweet-and-salty dish, but it completely changed the taste of the chocolate bavarois and cake when eaten together. The port that accompanied the dessert was the perfect cap on the meal. I even thoroughly enjoyed the mignardise that came with the check -- a refreshing little orange macaroon and some slivers of almond with shavings of dark chocolate with a few sprinkles of salt crystals. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and neither too brisk nor too slow. Overall, I highly recommend Restaurant August.
(5)
Marcus F.
Like all the food I had in New Orleans is was quite rich and quite good. I tried several dishes and my favorites were the beet salad, gnocchi, duck, and oysters five ways. I liked the redfish as well, but my companion did not care for it. We had a soup and a few other things that were also pretty good. The deserts were a bit of a let down after the meal. It was decent I suppose, but not as tasty as the previous courses had been. The service is superb. Every member of the staff I interacted with was pitch perfect. You certainly feel well taken care of the moment you step in the door. The ambiance is really quite romantic and charming. I would certainly return.
(4)
Andrea T.
I went for the prix fixe lunch. Unbelievable. What a deal! You would be foolish not to try it if you're in the area. First of all, the staff is so warm and welcoming, excellent service. For me, this can make or break a restaurant. Second, every dish is presented with such care and beauty. Third, the perfect amount is included (at least in my opinion), so you leave full, but not overly stuffed and feeling weighed down. By the way, this is delicious food, the point is to enjoy it, not gobble it down so quickly you can barely process the taste! The whole experience started off with a complimentary appetizer of amuse bouche that is whipped up, then served in an egg. Wow! I had to order the crab gnocchi in addition to the prix fixe. It's so worth it, I assure you! The prixe fixe options change regularly I think. I had the arugula, chevre and strawberries (so sweet), the sheepshead (a type of fish), and blueberry pavlova. All were delicious. I'm so excited to go back here again now that NOLA is my home!
(5)
Jon P.
for the price .. no thanks. i have a feeling John Besh has never set foot in the place. 1. first course - beet salad with wasabi crab, arugula, bacon, quail eggs, and dill. everything individually was fine. together is was confusing to say the least. 2. oysters - pretty good, i prefer a raw preparation though. but good for cooked oysters. 3. sweetbreads - good. came with bacon ravioli, and some other things that were good. just nothing that blew me away. 4 salted camel ice cream and chocolate napoleon - terrible. napoleon was stale and chewy. the ice cream came out melted completely... sent it back and it came back with ice crystals in it. horrible. sent it back. im pretty sure John Besh knows how to cook for a dude with a pretty face. but it wasn't apparent by my experience. the sazerac was amazing though.
(2)
Kathy L.
The $20 Mon-Fri prix fixe lunch is an incredible way to try this amazing restaurant at budget prices. Hands down the best meal that we have had in New Orleans! We walked into the restaurant at 11:30am on a Friday afternoon and were seated immediately. Before ordering we were given a delectable amuse bouche that consisted of an egg with truffle custard and a light foam. This was followed by fresh bread and butter. For appetizers, I had the puree soup which was delicious and R had the duck confit salad which he thought was very good, but I liked the soup more. I had the ravioli for my main, also a big hit. R had the shrimp on parmesan risotto - we can't decide which one we liked more because both dishes were very very good. My favorite dessert was the butterscotch pot de creme but the milk chocolate pudding was also a winner. Before we left we were given homemade dark chocolates and peanut butter brittle. August is definitely a 5 star restaurant with 5 star service!
(5)
Amy S.
Prix fixe 3 course lunch for $20 and change. Even at reduced rate, the service is superb! And the food divine. Have also been twice for dinner, and was never disappointed.
(5)
Dick G.
Exceptional experience - excellent food, exceptional service. Tasting menu is wonderful, pairings perfect. Exceptional use of local ingredients, wonderful flavors, diverse wine list. Service is top tier. This has to be one of the best - if not the best - restaurants in town for food and service.
(5)
Muli S.
I went to august on a quick lunch referred by my friend. The waiter offered me to have prix fixe menu and she sold me on that one. I tried the pork patte which comes with a bunch of sauces. Superb taste. Then came the Jumbo Shrimp as an entree. The shrimp was juicy and sprinkled with what I think was a bacon chips. Woohoo.. Lastly the dessert was the ricotta custard. In between those meals, they served with you with Artisan breads (just regular) but I really like the Briole bread - hope I spelled it correctly. I ate at fine dining in LA before. But this is definitely better than LA fine dining if you consider the 3 rules that I live with in dining (Cost, Quality, and Quantity) . I think this restaurant deserves full point on 3 of my rules. Good Job Chef John Besh. Keep it up and dont torture your Israeli chef anymore please.
(5)
jay w.
Excellent meal with spectacular service. My wife had the vegetarian tasting menu with the wine pairing and I had the degustation tasting menu with the wine pairing. Overall everything was spectacular. The amuse bouche for each of us set things off on the right track. I loved the soup. The yellowfin was a little uninspired. But rest of menu just blew us away. It was light and flavorful. The wines paired up perfectly with the dishes. Strongly recommend.
(4)
T M.
Best dining experience of our recent trip. This is a must do if your going to visit some of the top end places in nola The three dining roons are all unique, all elegant, and all roomy. We dined in the front room with huge windows, high cieling, and chandeliers. We were lucky to have Robert as our server, he was outstanding. The service here in general is excellent. Great wine list, sommelier, lots by the glass also. The menu contains a degustation, and pairings, all of which was available ala carte too. We decided to create our own three course meal but it was difficult to choose. Great fresh warm sourdough french baguettes to start and an amuse bouche of a custard served in an eggshell, that was very rich and allowed a promise of what was to come.I had a three way foie app that was unique and off the chart in creatvity and taste. My wife had the chop salad which could have been a painting it was so nicely done. Next was peppered oysters and pork belly for me, and i still dream about it. The oysters were soo wonderful and the richness of the pork-Wow. My wife had a carpacio of beef that was melt in your mouth buttery prime beef. The entree's were the signature trout pontchartain for me and again very unique: trout pressed to a thin layer of crisp brioche, toped with sauteed crab and surrounded by hollandaise foam-hello? My wife's spicy duck with more foie was perfectly cooked and the spices were equisite. We had no room for desert, but from the descriptions, you may want to leave room. Lastly we have dined at many, many wonderful top notch restaurants, our experience here stands up to most of them without a doubt. We will be back. Enjoy!
(5)
Van A.
Pros: Great presentation, excellent staff , and value. Cons: Small serving (Ideal for people who wanted fine dinning and not just eating).
(4)
Kathy W.
Eating here was a culinary delight in every way. Bringing my six-year-old daughter could have been disastrous, but the wait staff and chefs were truly exceptional in the way they interacted with her and the meal was a success for all of us. I had the Tasting of Vegetables and cannot recommend it enough. Grilled watermelon, figs with brie, squash blossoms....getting hungry just thinking about the experience and writing this review. The atmosphere was elegant without making one feel constricted by fears of possible dining faux pas'z and the decor was upscale and comfy at the same time. The gnocchi with lump crab and black truffle is to die for and the mashed potatoes and fried chicken fingers they roused up for my little girl were beyond wonderful. Do yourself a huge favor and make your reservation to this lovely place. They create food art, a treat for the senses and stomach:)
(5)
K W.
Loved it! The banana pudding was amazing! Excellent food and excellent service.
(4)
ryan k.
I have to disagree with the five stars, and would have given it 3 1/2 if I could. The appetizers, amuse bouche, dessert and wine list were very impressive, the service was great, and the ambience is top notch. My main complaint was that the entrees were average at best. I thought they were uninspired and not on the same level as the other courses. If you want a very nice restaurant with good food and a good ambience, this is a good choice. However if you want great food, I would recommend going elsewhere, because unless you stick to appetizers (which is always a good idea) I think you will be disappointed.
(4)
Jeb B.
Restaurant August is the reigning culinary monarch in a city of gastronomical stars. John Besh has managed to craft an establishment that somehow seamlessly integrates an atmosphere of a warm cozy family dining room, with one of the very top kitchens in the world. The service is exquisite, the wait staff somehow managing to be inconspicuous yet always there when wanted. As stated earlier, the ambiance makes you feel very warm and comfortable, like a small family owned inn in the Pacific Northwest, coupled with a distinctly unobtrusive theme of elegance. The wine list, though not ridiculously large, is world class with every option imaginable at a very reasonable markup. Chef Evan, who was personally taking care of our table, crafted one delectable masterpiece after the other. Bravo, for August was one of the very best dining experiences of my life.
(5)
Stan L.
bar none the best meal i had in new orleans.. i called in earlier to see if they took reservations.. although they were full... they did suggest going to their full service bar.. thankfully i found the only open seat at the bar.. i would have ordered the degustation menu.. but it would have taken 3 hours.. and i didn't want to miss the pacquiao-cotto fight (great fight btw).. instead.. i opted for the 4 course tasting menu with the accompanying wine flight.. my meal started with an amuse bouche.. it was a seafood egg custard sabayon with truffle foam. although it was a bit too salty... the seafood flavor was infused throughout the custard.. my first course was sweetbreads with hearts of palm.. the crispy breaded sweetbread paired perfectly with the melt in your mouth center.. the hearts of palm were crunch and a perfect companion to the sweetbreads.. the second course was the acorn squash mezze luna... the pasta was rich and buttery.. the acorn was a bit nutty.. and there was also a hint of citrus.. absolutely perfect the third coruse was ragout of wild boar and roasted quince, porcini mushrooms and whipped polenta.. one word.. umami.. the powerful bold flavors of the meat and mushrooms pretty much defines umami.. for dessert.. i had the napoleon of nougatine with salt toffee ice cream.. although the ice cream by itself was a bit too salty.. when paired with the napoleon's chocolate crunch... the combination was heavenly.. as for the wine pairings.. i don't remember them by name.. but each wine selected was perfectly paired to the entree.. btw the bartender is a total hottie.. oh yeah.. donald sutherland was there that night having dinner.. apparently a lot of big wigs come here.. and i'm sure as hell glad i came here too
(5)
I Y.
I was here with my boyfriend for lunch on the last day of our vacation. It was one of the top meals of our trip. We both ordered from the $20 fixed menu. Mine: duck confit salad, grilled veal grillade with creamy grits, and a goat cheese, fig, and honey toast. I was delighted with everything, especially dessert. BF: salad, crab pasta, and butterscotch pots de creme. He liked his courses as well. We would love to come back and try their dinner next time!
(5)
Katherine S.
I've been to August twice. The first time was not overly memorable - that is, I was not wow-ed. I had only two lasting memories: one, the waiter adjusted the temperature in the room after overhearing me mention to my husband that I thought it was cold (which was awesome service), and two, I thought the amuse bouche, while creative, tasted one-dimensional. I left with the impression that John Besh was CLEARLY not in the house that night (which was, sadly, exactly what we experienced at La Provence) The second time knocked my socks off. I was with a large-ish group and I strategically ordered menu items that appeared to be favourites and staples. They gave us a strange table that was kind of popping through their door into another room, but otherwise the experience was wonderful. The amuse bouche was the same as the one I had previously experienced. It was the hollowed out egg shell with caviar and I had the same feeling that it tasted one-dimensional and oddly heavy given that it is clearly going for light. It definitely has a 'wow' factor on presentation (fantastic picture here: forkspoonnknife.com/2010… ). My appetizer was, simply, to die for. I ordered the gnocchi with blue crab and black truffle and I remember thinking part way through that if my entree didn't pan out, I would ask them to bring me another order of the gnocchi. I normally think that gnocchi is too boring to order at a restaurant, and were I paying, I think the price would have stopped me, but man-o-man, I'm so glad I went there! Beautifully balanced dish, lovely textures. My mouth is watering just remembering the elegance of this dish. My entree was also extremely good. I went with the duckling and was not disappointed. The meat was cooked perfectly - just the right amount of pink, seasoned to perfection (unlike at La Provence where my duck was served an un-nerving shade of gray and slathered in salt). I'm not usually a big fan of grits, but this was done really nicely, served in the right proportion, and complemented the duck nicely. The foie gras was wonderful. The only thing I might have changed was that, for me, the dish edged a little too far on the sweet side. That said, it was the diner's option on how much of the peach spread to use...it was really just the sugar on the duckling itself that was a bit too much for me, but again, this is a very subtle note and not all would agree with me. The dish was exquisite. I have a history of having one, maybe even two very good dishes, then having it all ruined by a sub-par dessert, so I was hesitant to even go there considering the fantastic mean thus far. I could not be more happy that I ordered the goat's milk cheesecake and that the waiter seamlessly accommodated my almond allergy. I will be dreaming of this cheesecake for years to come. It was absolute perfection and went wonderfully with my glass of port. Thinking I was done and having had the most wonderful dining out experience I've had in a long time, they brought out the parting dessert bites for the table. I focused my limited capacity on the two that appealed to my tastes: a dark truffle, and a praline. The dark truffle was very good, though probably a mistake to overwrite the cheesecake decadence that was still on my tongue. The pralines, which they claimed to be the best in NOLA, were exquisite. I kinda rolled my eyes when they said it, but the texture was dead on, the pecans very fresh, and they truly did rank in my top 2 praline experiences (my top was purchased from a girl on the street in the ninth ward who had just taken them out of the oven and run out of the house with them...those were probably untoppable) Why the four stars with such an unforgettable meal? The first time I went, it was to celebrate an anniversary, we paid, and the food was forgettable (I don't even remember what I ordered, though I do remember having a slight heart palpitation over the bill - not an unusual experience fine-dining in NOLA). The second time was one of the most wonderful meals I've had. Unfortunately, for the price, I would expect a more consistent experience. That said, I will seek to return to recapture some of the magic. Thank you John Besh for August!
(4)
Marina D.
With all the attention August has been receiving in the press, perhaps my expectations were set too high. I wanted to try the tasting menu, but on the day we were there, it was all vegetarian. I wanted to try a greater range of chef Besh's cooking, so we ordered a la carte. Gnocchi were good, but not memorable. Trout almandine was excellent, but served virtually without sides, save for a smattering of chanterelles and a great heap of aioli sauce. It is one of my biggest restaurant pet peeves when a dish is served with no sides and no warning about that. I was left wondering if I might have done better with a $35 restaurant week menu... My husband fared much better with an heirloom beet salad and kobe beef-wrapped lobster - both amazing.
(3)
Chris B.
Wife and I are foodies and we left Restaurant August completely satisfied. The chefs tasting menu is a must if you are visiting NOLA and want the full August experience. Cost of the meal came as no surprise as I expected to drop a couple of bills so if your not used to spending crazy amounts of money on food I wouldn't dine here. All in all one of the best dining experiences we have had.
(5)
Yan P.
I have to agree with @JessicaO :) Some of the sauces were so good we licked every last drop. I would consider this more of a 'traditional fine dining' place than a place of true innovation. If you come from a foodie city like Chicago, SF or NY, it will probably not blow your mind with something you haven't seen before, however it will be an extremely wonderful experience. Nothing here really surprised me, but it all tasted great (if a little salty on a few dishes), was well presented, and the service left nothing to be desired. It's not cheap but it's not absurdly priced for the quality of food and experience. Taken in the context of NOLA food (fresh seafood, fairly heavy tastes) it is a very good experience.
(4)
Orville S.
I was very impressed with the quality and creativity of this restaurant. The food was delicious. My experience was wonderful and I will return when I'm in the city again.
(5)
Randy S.
And of course, I had to complete my week of all things Chef Besh with an exceptional dinner at August. Joining some out of town friends for a meal they both had high expectations for, I was surprised at how perfectly the evening progressed. I started with the vegetable 'chop' salad. I have never had a more tasty primarily vegetable salad in my life. They used an assortment of pickled and non-pickled veggies with baby spring lettuce and a champagne vinaigrette to wow my palate. Next I had the oysters three ways and each was phenomenal - fried, with a herbsaint sauce, and the third was with some sort of foam, but all were fabulous. Finger-licking good, I tell you! For the entree, I had the seafood stuffed flounder and the it was a hit, from the the presentation (whole fish, head on) to the exquisite taste. I loved this meal. Making it even better was that they had the WillaKenzie "Aliette" pinot noir, one of my absolute favorite pinots!!! This meal was awesome (it exceeded my friends' expectations)!!!
Restaurant Indescribably delicious!!! Okay, I hate fancy pantsy restaurants that try to pass off French appetizers as a meal. I cook at home more often than I eat out, so I respect a hardy down home stew anyday. Such is not the case at Restaurant August. I went here with my co-staff last week and the food was ridiculously good. I ordered a bottle of Orogeny Pinot Noir and that was beautiful - with meat or with fish/poultry. Started off with a nice salad, which wasn't the greatest salad on eart, but it was good. followed that up with an egg-custard-caviar deal served in eggshells, and OH OH OH that BREAD!! The bread really was to die for. I chose grilled sea bass as my entree and I was just a little mad that the perfect little portion wasn't bigger because I couldn't keep my fork out of my mouth. Prior to the meal everyone was quite jovial (well, we had a few rounds of the Orogeny...definitely try that one if you have the chance) but during the main course there wasn't too much talking going on... Round out the night with tasty desserts (peach upside down cake with a berry compote for me) and....another bottle of Orogeny and you have the makings of a wonderfully good gourmet meal. Much to my blue collar chagrin.
(5)
Emily B.
First two of four courses on the price fix meal were great. Last two so-so. Wine poured AFTER warm dish served...not good. That would have given it 2 1/1 stars for 50%. However, the waiter spilled wine all over me. Didn't discount anything on the actual bill. When I escalated the issue to management they said they'd pay for dry cleaning. Really, spill wine all over me and offer to give me $6.00? Absolutely unacceptable with a $200 dinner bill for two. I would NEVER go back there. Plenty of great places to eat.
(2)
James D.
Best meal I had in New Orleans. Definitely worth going back to.
(5)
Cathy M.
Last time we were in NOLA, we had dinner at Besh Steak at Harrahs, and it was the best meal of a trip that included a Commanders Palace brunch and a dinner at Emeril's. So, this dinner was eagerly anticipated. Ate here on a Sunday night with my husband, and I have to say, both of us were a bit disappointed. We opted for the 5-course tasting menu. The price was surprisingly reasonable, even with the wine pairing, but the flavors just didn't wow us the way we'd hoped. Things started off well with an amuse bouche of seafood custard with a dab of caviar, and the cauliflower soup was actually quite nice. I enjoyed the gnocchi more than my husband did, but the pork belly dish and the lamb dish just didn't impress. Dessert was good if a bit too sweet. The wines were uniformly nice, and did compliment the food well. Service was good, though one of the waitstaff was not as good as the others, seeming not to want to be bothered to explain the dishes she was serving us (I swear, she said only "this is the lamb dish" as she served that one). The restaurant itself is beautiful, hard to believe it was a tobacco warehouse. I might be willing to give it another shot next time, but probably for lunch.
(3)
Matt P.
This place is amazing. Let me start by saying the service here is impeccable and the best I've ever had. Robert really knows how to run a dining room floor. We were here in December and I'm just now getting around to this..but..the food was some of the best I've had. Off the top of my head, we had crab gnocci (A+) duck confit salad (A+), shrimp and grits (A), among other things I can no longer remember. Robert saw us taking pictures of the food and invited us back into the kitchen at the end of our meal. Went back there, opened the swinging door, and was greeted by about two dozen people all screaming and applauding my appearance. This place is awesome. We almost considered coming back a couple nights later for their 11 course meal, but opted not to at the last minute considering the $190(pre-tip) per person price tag. Yeah it's expensive, but thats alright, because they actually deliver at August. However, if you were smart like we were, you'd hop in there mon-fri for their lunch deal. Best deal in the city in my opinion. 3 courses (ends up being 5 with the amuse brioche and a plate at the end) for 20 bucks. Can't beat it. If you are in NOLA, come here.
(5)
Beebe G.
my husband and i dined here when we were in town for the jazz fest, second weekend. the food is delicious. but i was not at all captivated with the service. my first impression of the dining captain i found fascinating with his precise description of how each entree is prepared. we also had very good dialogue and then ordered our wine and courses but then that was really it and didn't see him as much as we saw the other wait staff. we ordered a bottle of wine and we had to pour it ourselves after the first pour. i know how this must seem obnoxious and you're thinking that is such a spoiled brat comment. but not really. this is a high-end dining establishment and this type of exceptional service is truly expected. the food to me is out of this world. all our appetizers - fried oysters, gnocchi w/blue cheese sauce and the foie gras were outstanding! i enjoyed every bite of my trout. and my dessert, the napoleon of nougatine, the bomb! the goats milk cheesecake wasn't half bad either. the restaurant's dining room is extremely loud on busy nights. it was hard to hear and talk intimately with each other. hopefully you will have a marvelous dining experience with better quality service. i don't think i'll be back for dinner but probably for lunch!
(3)
Dan W.
Another winner by local superstar chef John Besh. All I have to say is wow, what a meal!! My partner and I both started our gourmet experience with a heirloom beet salad and foie gras 3 ways. They were both magnificent. For our entrees, we had mahi mahi and pork belly with lobster. They both rocked. The service was great, although my partner was a little disappointed, since he had planned with the restaurant to prepare a birthday cake for me, which never arrived. But overall, a tremendous meal with otherwise, great service and I am sure we will not let the "birthday cake incident" keep us away from this delightful place. 4.5 stars:-)!!
(4)
Des Esseintes I.
Best steak I've ever had. I sometimes dream of it.
(5)
Mariah K.
First off, I want everyone to know that the two stars are for the service, otherwise I wouldn't give a half a star. The waiter was awesome! But the food was quite lacking and very, no, extremely disappointing. Lets start with the amuse bouche, seafood custard with a foam, caviar and a piece of brioche toast. It was very pretty to look at, the foam was tasty, but the custard was quite salty. Second, we had the foie gras three ways, which we added on to the five course tasting menu paired with wine that my brother and I ordered. It was the first disappointment of the evening. The wine our waiter paired with it was delicious though. The foie gras itself though was just missing something, oh I know what it is, it was lacking the real taste of foie gras. And one would think that with three ways, one way would be a nicely seared piece of foie. But,alas, there was none to be had. The next course was the first course on our five course tasting. A salad with shaved Christmas goose and foie gras. It was OK. Goose tasted like roast beef, couldn't quite get the flavor of foie, but the dried cherries and apricot were a nice touch. Wine paired with it went well and tasted yummy. After that course, things looked up. We had a delicious ravioli with egg yolk inside and browned butter, black truffle shavings, and parmesan on top. Absolutely fabulous. My brother found it a bit rich, but I found it the highlight of the evening. My shining star on a very dark night. And the wine paired with it was of course magnificent. Then the evening hit a wall. A very confused turtle "soup" was placed before us. After the light courses before it, it just seemed very out of place, and with the extremely Hormel chili taste it would have been more comfortable on a greasy spoon menu paired with a refreshing mug of beer instead of the oaky red wine it was paired with. The wine, although not my favorite, was not bad. The "soup," although my brother and I tried to like it, could not be forced down. Lucky for us, our waiter was awesome, and he brought out a very delightful bowl of pumpkin soup instead. It was a hot appetizer offered on the regular menu and was not a normal course on the tasting menu. It made up for the previous soup. A nice rich and creamy pumpkin base with earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon. Paired very nicely with another wonderful wine. The last savory course was the Kobe short ribs, which, after reading all the great reviews on here, had me greatly anticipating this dish. I just could not wait to take a bite, and after all the disappointments so far in the meal I just really was hoping for no more. Unfortunately, I was very sad, and very let down. The oyster dressing was overly salty, so much so, that I could not finish the small portion on my plate. The short ribs were alright, nothing special, could have been any kind or any cut of beef really, and the baked apple on the plate was whimsical and very holidayish, but not that great to eat. To say that the dessert was also a disappointment would be an understatement. At LEAST the nutmeg ice cream was tasty, although a bit on the icy side. The quince pastry was terrible, before I even took a bite I knew the crust was going to be bad, was just hoping I was wrong. Looked like a whole wheat tortilla, tasted like a whole wheat tortilla. *sigh* Well, at least the cup of coffee at the end was tasty, and it was free. Hah. If you get one thing out of this review, I hope it is this: SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ELSEWHERE. It is just not worth the cost. Just hype is all it is. Save up and go to California for a weekend. Eat at Chez Panisse and make reservations for French Laundry. You wont be disappointed.
(2)
Cassondra V.
There are a lot of reviews so I will keep it short and sweet. At the time, I really enjoyed this meal -- my first in New Orleans. In retrospect, the price tag was about the same as I spent at other high-end places and yet I cannot, for the life of me, remember what I ordered. That can't be a good sign. I distinctly remember everything else I ate that weekend. Even the Lucky Dog consumed at what must have been 2 or 3 am. I think I liked the dessert a lot -- if only I could remember what it was. So, three stars because as far as I can recall I loved all the food at the time and remember the service was good, but the overall experience was (clearly) not memorable. ETA: Looking at their sample menus, I'm pretty sure I got the Banana Rum cake for dessert. I still can't job my memory on the entree.
(3)
LUCRETIA R.
Spectacular in every way. Food- Service- Ambiance. One of the best meals my husband and I ever ate. The menu changes so what I ate probably won't be on the menu when you go- you must go. Granted it is expensive but worth every penny. Amuse bouche was a sabyon filled egg shell, fried crab and red fish stuffed with crab were the main courses. We split a salad with Point Reyes blue cheese and pumkin seed brittle with pumpkin seed oil. Dessert was a napoleon and butterscotch pot a creme(this was the only things that was not my favorite).
(5)
Helen V.
Yukon gold potato gnocchi tossed with lump crab and black truffles Pate de Campagne/Salad with grilled peaches Pan seared Gulf sheepshead/Blanquette de veau Ricotta custard with honey/Fig tart with rum ice cream Celebratory peanut brittle and chocolate ganache squares Dear Mr. John Besh, I am such a big fan of your establishments. I have not been able to see your appearances on Top Chef, but I have been many a time to your establishments in New Orleans. The critics alerted me to your luxurious dining experience at Restaurant August and I knew that I had to have reservations for my 3 year anniversary there. We spent 5 days in New Orleans and having lunch at Restaurant August was a great way to finish our culinary trip. Our server was a delight and the decor was very tasteful (the large bowl of different champagne bottles on ice)! :) Our dishes were beautiful and had great flavors as well. My gnocchi was lavished with generous specks of black truffles and the pate was paired so well with a multitude of jellies/marmelades/spreads. When the pan seared Gulf sheepshead was placed in front of me, I marveled at the piece of art set before me: vibrant colors from sweet vegetables and little flowers to accent the entire piece. It was tasty as it looked. The custard was the perfect dessert to appease my cheese craving and my need for a little sweetness. When you graced us with your presence in the dining room and came to each table to shake your diners' hands, I was enamored by your hospitality and skill. You have an amazing talent! Thank you for the experience and helping to celebrating our anniversary! You left my boyfriend star struck (he has seen you on Top Chef and admires you very much) and our tastebuds wanting more. Best, Helen V.
(5)
Yi C.
Went for lunch and it was great. The prefix lunch was a steal! Highly recommend the deserts too! The complexity of the flavors is hard to find elsewhere
(5)
Jessica M.
I went here for lunch this afternoon. My goodness the food is wonderful! I'm in town for a conference and simply couldn't bear another rubber chicken luncheon. August and its extremely impressive food was a perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of business travel. The room is beautiful and the service was fantastic. I had the carrot soup, the sheepshead, and the panna cotta. I left my table thrilled, recharged and perfectly satisfied. This was by far the best meal I've had in New Orleans.
(5)
Geronimo G.
Modern fancy pants food in a modern space with an old-fashioned theme. Well-trained super nice attractive young professional lifer food service servers that know everything about everything. Dairy fat out the wazoo. 30 dollar+ entrees. Fairly orignal but very delicious.
(5)
Michelle E.
The amuse bouche was magic in a little egg shell. While I was jealous of my boyfriend's pillowy crab/truffle gnocchi, I enjoyed my foie gras (three-ways, including a calf tongue... sassy). The duck... the lobster over pork belly... the cheese plate. It was all so delicious, it's just too hard to write about. Top ten meals that both of us have ever eaten, and we've eaten a lot.
(5)
Andrew R.
I'll start with the good and work my way backwards down the rabbit hole. The service was attentive and both front and back waiters were on our table throughout our dinner. We shared a fine bottle of Rioja that had been accurately described as medium bodied and ready for consumption which it was. OK - so I'm missing the part where Ferran Adria isn't mentioned anywhere on the menu bc every single dish we had was "foamed" (God - hasn't this stupid fuc*&%$ing fad faded yet?) Seriously I have an adequate green salad with mixed greens, candied pistachios & local blue cheese and then they blow 3 loads of blue cheese foam on plate. I don't get it. My wife has the same treatment with an orange foam - sounds appealing doesn't it?? - on a crab salad. It's not mentioned anywhere on the menu either which is annoying at best. Our entrees were good, my trout out-shined the duck, both lacked foam but somehow an egg bathed in an immersion circulator made it on to my wife's sweet potato roesti - once again why? added nothing to dish. Dessert was a goat's cheese cheesecake with balsamic caramel & honey ice cream (covered with honey foam, naturally) the ice cream was below average, the foam took it down a notch. The cheese cake was OK but the whole dessert didn't click. Maybe the foam got in the way. A couple of other things I found really annoying, I ordered a single bottle of bubbly water, they took it upon themselves to keep pouring, opening & charging for additional water which I thought was lame since I dropped $275 for 2 for dinner. Lastly we asked a few times to turn the spotlight that was blaring down on my wife's head to no avail....seriously the entire room is modestly lit except the banquette she is on is like Yankee stadium. All in all, the food was decent, not mind blowing, and the prices are steep - so the rating reflects an overall experience from the viewpoint of value to dining experience.
(3)
Emily G.
This Prix fix lunch may be one of the most fabulous lunches I have had in a very long time, and for $20.12 is a STEAL. It sincerely trumps some of the set course menus at NYC restaurants. First off, the decor is gorgeous. Set in an old building with exposed brick and crystal chandeliers it is very elegant, while at the same time cozy. The wait staff is extremely attentive. More attentive than I'm used to, but I suppose that's a nice touch. My friend and I are big splitters, so we knew everything we tried would be tasted by each of us. She ordered the Pork Pate, Pork Belly, and Eclair; I went with Acorn squash soup, Panseared Sheepshead, and strawberry dessert. The savory dishes were each a standout! The Pork pate had so much flavor and paired very well with the toasted brioche and mustards. The Pork Belly was pretty much perfect. Being a pork belly virgin, I deferred to my friend for her thoughts and she said it was one of the best cooked she had ever had, with the skin being crispy and a nice layer of meat along with fat. I thought it was quite unique, particularly with the Louisiana smokey bbq flavor. Everyone MUST order the acorn squash soup. From the moment I tasted it, I referred to it as "a bowl of happiness," and my dining partner agreed. It was just so flavorful and the nuts and creme fraiche were fabulous additions. My sheepshead (white fish) was cooked quite well, but the real show stealer was the farro vegetable succotash and corn custard. The broth had so much intensity that permeated the farro and made each bite more and more delicious. And now, unfortunately, we come to dessert. The reason for the lack of a fifth star. The dessert was not very good...like at all. My strawberry dessert was fine and refreshing after all the heavy food, but not particularly memorable. Kind of like a deconstructed strawberry shortcake. On the other hand, the savory eclair was relatively unpalatable. My friend actually returned the dessert because it was just bad (think cheese wrapped up in semi-burnt pastry, with nothing to add any sweetness). We were once again very impressed with the wait staff though, as seeing our reactions, quickly whisked away the plate and brought out the third dessert on the list... a take on "affogato" that was actually very interesting and tasty, but after the eclair disaster, could not really salvage our opinion of the desserts. I do not want to end this review on a bad note, so I will say that all in all, this was a really amazing lunch that surpasses some dinners I have had in my life, I will remember for years to come. Just enjoy the savory and don't expect much from dessert.
(4)
Helen N.
Simply amazing! The best of John Besh's restaurants that I've eaten. We ordered the 5 course tasting menu and it was simply delicious. Portions are perfect and you won't leave disappointed. The dinner started off with first an egg custard amouse bouche presented inside an egg shell. Then we began the tasting menu which was beyond perfect. The short rib was my most favorite out of it. During dessert, they offered us a complimentary glass of their rose wine which was a perfect compliment to the dessert dish. Wait staff is excellent beyond comparison to any other restaurant! They are knowledgeable and attentive. Also, at the end of the night they offered us a plate of peanut brittle and chocolate to top off a great dinner! You can't beat that! Great Dining Experience!!
(4)
Sheena M.
On my 2nd annual trip to New Orleans I was is such desperation to be whisked away by the city's culinary guns after last years Emeril disappointment (see my review of NOLA). Well my verdict is in: Prepare to be blown away New Orleans, John Besh is taking the city by storm! Restaurant August had everything I was looking for. Classic New Orleans charm with an updated twist. The decor was understated yet elegant. The warm hues and drizzling rain outside made for a very romantic evening for my best friend and I. I started the evening with a Ramos gin fizz. I was so pleased by how well it was prepared, pure perfection. Our waiter was wonderful. He obviously took us as "foodies" from the beginning and played along in all of our banter. He never explained dishes in a condescending manner, never interrupted conversation, and never was out of sight for too long. At one point he even over heard me saying I felt the courses were coming out too quickly, and he notified the kitchen and gave us a "breather" in between courses. This also speaks to the skills of Chef de Cuisine Michael Goulatta, who on his first day back at work fresh off his honeymoon, was nervous that he was cooking too slow! Bravo to a wonderful staff! We both partook of the tasting menu, and my date the sommeliers pairings. The amuse bouche was a truffled seafood custard topped with caviar served in an eggshell. Since I do not eat seafood, I skipped it, but I did love the presentation. My dining partner said it was "ethereal" when paired with her wine. The first course was a slow braised Kobe beef short rib rapini. I give this dish 4 stars, it was tender, comforting, and creative at the same time. It had some sort of gelee on the outside, which made for a fantastic texture. Our second course was Mezza Lunas stuffed with acorn squash, local satsuma, fennel, shaved reggiano cheese. This dish gets 5 stars! The flavor blew me out of my chair! The flavor of this dish has stuck with me and even now months later, I crave it. The delicate balance of subtle citrus, sweet acorn squash, and nutty raggiano cheese made for a dish that was perfect. Third, venison, braised cabbage, spaetzle, and a stone fruit compote stuffed lady finger apple arrived on our plates. This dish was the only let down of the night. I give it 3 stars. The venison, although perfectly cooked, had a smokey quality that I found off-putting. Even the sweet braised cabbage wasn't enough to cut through the smokiness, it was over bearing and threw off the balance of the dish. I enjoyed the traditional German spaetzle and the lady finger apple, which was an adorable touch. We both "awed" at the tiny apple. Finally, a immaculate finish to the evening was a napoleon of nougatine with Valrhona chocolate bavarois and salted toffee ice-cream. This dessert was just divine! It had both a crunchy and smooth texture, salty and sweet flavors, and a beautiful presentation. My dining partner pointed out that it tasted like "cocoa pebbles cereal", which it kind of did, in a great nostalgic kind of way. I have become such a huge fan of savory ice creams (other combinations I have tried include: chocolate and tarragon, caramel and sea salt, and tapioca and basil) and this was also a shining example. The salt was so wonderful against the sweetness of the dish. The sauternes I had paired beautifully. As we sat in warm culinary bliss we felt so satisfied that New Orleans had finally impressed us. On our way out, the manager even invited us into the kitchen for a jolly greeting from the whole kitchen staff and the Chef de Cuisine himself. What a special and memorable way to end our evening. Move over Emeril, there is a new king in town.
(5)
Emily D.
I am clearly in the minority, but I wasn't really that impressed with Restaurant August, certainly when you consider how many other awesome restaurants New Orleans boasts. I found the portions to be very small (even by fancy restaurant standards). I ordered an appetizer with fresh, lump crab meat and was pretty disappointed when it came tossed in what appeared to be a creamy (albeit light) mayonnaise-y sauce - something I have a strong aversion to and which was NOT described in the menu. Luckily my husband was willing to swap appetizers with me. We also did not enjoy the wine we choose. It was probably just a bad choice on our part, but it was the first time in my life I met a bottle of wine I didn't like, and despite being very caught off guard and downright displeased when we tasted it, the sommelier let us sit there squirming awkwardly with a "so you gonna let me pour this thing?" look on his face. We didn't have it in us to be snobs and send it back so we suffered through a crappy (and expensive) bottle of wine. I really feel like, for the sake of customer service, the sommelier could have put us out of our awkward misery by offering to let us try something else since we were so visibly displeased with the wine, but instead he just stood there with an impatient look of his face. I've eaten some pretty delicious meals in New Orleans (Commander's Herbsaint, Bistro Daisy, etc.), but August is not a place I'd go back to. Sorry!
(2)
Jennifer W.
This was our first visit and we were able to get a reservation for Friday lunch. Todd and Carrie were our servers, took excellent care of us and we really enjoyed their company. While most in our party of 4 ordered the pre-fixe lunch and thoroughly enjoyed their selections, it was all over-shadowed by the magnificent-ness of the Trout Amandine. This could likely be the best thing I have ever eaten... I feel confident that at least 2 others in our group felt the same. I have a fairly sophisticated palate and I was blown away. The gnocchi appetizer held its own but the trout was the star of the show. With the exception of Irene's Cuisine, the other meals we had while there had the misfortune of coming after that and trying to compete.
(5)
Alicja W.
One of the top two food experiences I've had in New Orleans, and I eat out A LOT. The service is impeccable and the food is exquisite. As I'm sure many others have also said, try the foie gras three ways.
(5)
Ben G.
Just a great dinner overall. The service was top notch the entire time- they really got all the little things right. As for the food, I started with the shrimp bisque. I found the shrimp very good, but something about the bisque didn't quite agree with me. I had the gnocchi next. The crab and chewy gnocchi really mixed well together; a creamy sauce complemented. I had the napoleon for dessert- wow. Crunchy, chewy, and airy chocolate all in one. Not to mention the salted toffee ice cream either- now that was good.
(5)
Sara M.
Quite simply one of the best meals I have ever had. Went with a friend and did the four course tasting menu plus wine pairings. Everything was so flavorful and cooked to perfection. In fact, it was so great that I even loved two items that I never eat (/really, truly dislike...normally): pork belly and lamb. I never thought anyone could get me to eat lamb and love it, but apparently I was wrong. This is the type of place where you need to just go with the experience and try everything; you can trust that you are in good hands. The restaurant itself was formal but cozy. The staff were very polite, unobtrusive, and friendly rather than cold. In fact, our waitress offered us a copy of the menu to take home - which I found very sweet. I especially appreciated it because the dishes had so many subtle flavors and twists to them that I never could have remembered all of the intricacies without a menu in front of me. The prices were definitely fair for the food/experience. $85 for the four courses plus wine pairings. In addition to the four courses, they also brought out a savory amuse-bouche (seafood custard...strangely amazing) and an after-dessert plate of peanut brittle and white chocolate truffle. The wine, by the way, was fantastic and complimented the food flawlessly. If I make it back to NOLA I would certainly splurge on this restaurant again.
(5)
K L.
The food was fantastic. I highly recommend the four course dinner. The place is quite fancy and the number of waiters/sets of silverware can be a little intimidating. Still I highly recommend the food and experience.
(4)
Sean K.
I will join the chorus of the previous reviewers who praised the lunch prix fixe. There is, in my opinion, no better way to $20 in daylight hours in New Orleans. A note for out of town visitors: you will still be seated and will likely still receive excellent service if you arrive wearing shorts and a t-shirt, as did the gentlemen at the table near mine did today. You will, however, appear very much out of place. Proudly, most locals have resisted the encroachment of the pervasive casualness of American dining attire. To a New Orleanian, mid-90s temperatures will not excuse one from wearing a jacket to dinner. Whenever Chef Besh offers a charcuterie dish one would be wise to order it: the pate de campagne served with assorted marmalade, jam and mustard (and a pickled chantrelle!) on offer as a first course was excellent. The Mangalitsa pork belly, mustard greens, and creole cream cheese malfatti (think gnocci but swap the potato for creole cream cheese) was a fine balance of fat and lean, savory, bitter and sour. I really like the way the flavor of the dumpling worked with the mustard greens, one of those ingredients that always triggers a subconscious emotional response in me and perhaps others who grew up with greens growing in the backyard garden. Besh's lasting contribution to our cuisine is his ability to elevate such humble and utilitarian local ingredients seamlessly into a "fine dining" setting. And rightly so -- "fine" should be indicative of the skilled preparation and above all flavor of a dish, not the expensiveness or remote provenance of a dish's ingredients. I'm as impressed as the next guy with beluga caviar or pata negra jamon or whatever the show-off ingredient in vogue may be, but we have an abundance of fine ingredients in South Louisiana and Chef Besh showcases them with aplomb. (Don't try to fault me for inconsistency because I'll bet you that Mangalitsa was raised locally.) August is no doubt deserving of the consistent high praise it receives as being among the best restaurants in New Orleans.
(5)
Noah C.
Really, there was no other way for our week to end. After undergoing one of the great eating binge odysseys of my life, our last restaurant on our last night would turn out to be the best. When we sat down, one word kept drawing my attention. "Degustation". It's all I could focus on. Despite the best efforts of my pal to dissuade me from ordering it, I talked him into it. Ten courses. Ten wine pairings. Three hours. Epic. And the only way I could go home with the knowledge that I had eaten a truly epic meal. So we ordered. Our waiter could only smile - he knew what we were in for. We were asking for it. I'm not going to go into detail about the wines. Frankly, if it weren't for my pictures of the night, I wouldn't remember anything about it, because after the seventh course my brain turned off and I descended into a food-ridden haze that didn't dissipate until I was back in Southern California a few days later, munching absent minded on two pieces of toast. But I digress. The wines were good, and since there were ten of them they got me pretty rip roaringly smashed. They complimented, as far as I remember, each dish as they should have. And speaking of the dishes: We were given an intial, non-menu taste from the kitchen, a seafood and truffle puree topped by caviar. It was delicious, refreshing, and complimented by its mild seafood flavor and the salty bite of the caviar. Our first dish from the degustation menu was an immediate winner, a white asparagus dish with two crawfish tails and a citrus hollandaise. The flavors were off the scale here, with the light taste of the asparagus and crawfish blending well with the creamy and sour nature of the citrus hollandaise. Dish two was a goose and beef tongue terrine, with tarragon vinegar, and cherry marmelade, which was one of the highlights of the night. Again, the flavors were perfectly matched and even here. The next dish was a pasta with cream sauce, and the heavy nature of the meal kicked into its next gear. There was crawfish, bacon, truffle oil and marscapone cheese. Truly impressive, rich flavors. The next was a seared scallop over spring veggies. The scallop was devoid of the rubberiness that dooms so many scallops, and the spring veggies, which are local and extremely fresh, served as perfect compliments. The next dish, miso lacquered salmon over grits, was so good that it defies proper explanation. That's all I can really say about it. Next up was chef Besh's take on veal milanese, which was on top of a well spiced saffron risotto. The crust on the veal was light enough that the taste of the veal was really able to shine through. Next was a filet mignon, which was topped by a bordelaise. It's around this time I was starting to feel woozy, as the intense flavors were starting to cascade onto each other. Still awesome, though. The cheese course was where I kind of hit the wall. It was deep fried manchego topped by honey, and it would've been awesome had it not been preceded by six intensely rich dishes. The oil that shot out from the cheese when I bit into it almost knocked me out. The last two dishes were desserts, one a strawberry tart, the other a chocolate ganache. I can't really remember them, because at this point I was ready to go to sleep for about two months to get over the food coma that had suddenly descended over me. We left full, and truly impressed by what chef Besh has been able to create here. I don't think I'd survive another degustation menu here, but I'd certainly be back to try other things on the menu.
(5)
patrice c.
Absolutely fabulous experience. I'm a fan of Top Chef and John Besh was one of the masters so what the heck , when in Rome. I was in New Orleans on business I was excited when I had a night free. August was booked solid but me ( in a party of 3) showed up when they opened and were seated right away in the bar area. The wait staff were friendly and informative. The portions small so we ordered no duplicates and shared. We started with the foie gras 3 ways - the sauces with it were unique and complex. The rabbit cassoulet was mouthwatering. My friend had the pork belly and if you have never tried it - its melt in your mouth good. The wine was very nice and of course the desserts were a wonderful ending - chocolate 3 ways. A happier ending ... I left my AE at the restaurant. i called the next day and walked over to get it off hours. They let me, gave me a drink and I sampled the nights specials with the bartender and staff. You don't get that kind of hospitality everyday.
(5)
Judy H.
What a beautiful dining experience to be had at August! Check it: Love: Frisee Salad with Pumpkin Brittle, Crab Gnocchi Enamored: Amuse Bouche of White Truffle Custard with Caviar served in an Egg Shell Love: Filet Mignon with a Potato Funnell imaged to a Bone Marrow Fancied: The Roasted Duck Love: The Vast Selection of Napa Valley Wines Love to Obession: The Banana Rum Cake with White Chocolate Shavings Love: the main dining room with the beautiful exposed bricks and the oppulent chandaliers. This is a very special restaurant.
(5)
Jonathan R.
I had been to August once before a few years ago and had what I recall to be a very enjoyable meal. I went last week for a birthday dinner and was not overly impressed. A few of us arrived first and as we waited for the others the waiter did not bring us menus or offer to open some of the wine that we had brought. I realize that he may have thought we would prefer to wait but he could have asked. Even after the rest of the party arrived it was a while before we got menus and wine glasses. As I reviewed the appetizers nothing really jumped out at me. We tried a number of items including the ravioli (it had a fancier name) which was good and the gnocchi which was tasty but a relatively small portion, especially for the price (18). The gnocchi came with crab and had a flavorful sauce with it. For the entree, I had the trio of venison which had been recommended as one of their signature dishes. It included a sausage, braised version and one that was enclosed in a type of pastry. It came out room temperature at best. I was going to suck it up but when I found out that someone else at the table had the same problem we sent it back. When it returned (with supposedly a new version) it still was not hot but at that point most people were well into their meal so I ate it. It was fine but nothing great. The only entree that really impressed me was the lemon fish. For dessert we tried some homemade ice cream, a chocolate torte and a white chocolate dessert. The torte was pretty good but none were incredible. For the prices, I think there are better places to try although they certainly serve quality food.
(3)
Luke C.
Has the 4 course tasting menu with wine. It was a slightly unusual dining situation because I was dining alone. The waitress was wonderful - she offered great wine pairing and was very attentive. Every dish was devine! It was really great value for fine dining.
(5)
Madam X.
Disappointing. Maybe my mistake was planning the perfect meal, which to quote Anthony Bourdain: "The perfect meal can't be planned -- it just happens, like falling in love". We arrived 10 minutes ahead of our booking, as we were walking from our hotel and not sure of travel times. Front of house staff were friendly and down to earth, and we hung out for a bit in the reception area, and looked at some of John Besh's cookbooks on display. Dining room was beautiful -- most notably the magnificent chandeliers. Since we were early, they decided to seat us at a 4-top, which was nice as we sat side by side and looked out onto the dining room, which was tastefully decorated for the holidays. Right in front of us was an arrangement of Christmas greens, flowers etc. in a huge, clear, vase, about 3 feet high. The one thing that turned me off was the water in the said huge glass vase was dirty, disgusting, and cloudy, with leaves and debris floating in it. Our waiter was slightly sniffy, but his assistant server was a super-nice young guy, maybe in his late teens or early 20's. Now the disappointment begins. Our amuse bouche of truffle custard in an egg arrived quickly. Right after we barely finished it, our appetizers were placed in front of us. Appetizers barely finished, and our entrees arrived. The food was ok, but we've had better and was a let-down after all the glowing reports I've gleaned from the internet. I can honestly say the Pork Three Ways was nicely done. However, my Sugar and Spice Duck Breast was terribly oversalted, sitting on a bed of tasteless grits. I suppose one could say the bland grits is supposed to be eaten with the duck breast to combine the flavors, which I tried, but they just didn't meld. Service was attentive, with water being filled constantly. The bread was fantastic, freshly made. Dessert was another disappointment. We ordered the Banana Rum Cake, which we were told by our waiter was their "signature dessert". The cake was very dry and the dessert, I hate to say, bordered on tasting almost stale. What really struck us was that without dessert, we would have been there 40 minutes tops for dinner, which is inexcusable. Not sure if they had overbooked and given us the 4-top and wanted to get us out before the next party arrived. We have dined in comparable establishments in major cities in North America and I expect a dinner of that class to be paced out at 1 1/2 to 2 hours. One wonders how the kitchen can churn out food that fast; the dining room was full and busy. Honestly, I would not return to Restaurant August. Sadly, we did not enjoy our experience, and felt the food sub-par for what we paid. The food was not terrible, but did not impress. Three stars is an average considering one of our servers, the front of house staff, and the bread.
(3)
Kristen C.
Super delicious! Had the 3 course prix fixe lunch for $20.11 and it really IS the best deal in town! Ordered the butternut squash soup, the shrimp stuffed with mirliton (just another name for chayote squash), and the pear tart. My favorite was probably the soup, but all were divine, as well as the amuse bouche which was some kind of custard served in an eggshell with caviar. The shrimp entree came out breaded which was different than I expected, but the flavors were amazing and I barely minded at all. We ended the meal with the complementary peanut brittle and little chocolate cups -- the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
(5)
Deborah B.
The second night of our trip to New Orleans we were fortunate enough to dine in this amazing restaurant. While a bit off the beaten path, it was a short cab ride from our hotel in the FQ, and is actually walkable, but since it was raining we chose to cab it. We arrived a little early for our reservation and the friendly hostess sat us in the front dining room with no problem. There is a separate bar area, then there are three dining rooms and while I did not see the other two, the room we were in was gorgeous with high ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers, very dimly lit and perfect for a romantic evening. Our waiter greeted us and walked us through the menu and was very helpful in wine selections. I had the trout and lump crab entree which has actually surpassed my beloved Bayona for my favorite meal of our trip! From the amuse bouche, to the apps to dessert, we were just blown away by the culinairy genius that is John Besh, as well as the friendliness of the waiter. THE place I would recommend to anyone at least one high -end dining experience in NOLA. Not too be missed.
(5)
Sandy N.
Went here for lunch. The pre-fixe menu didn't look that great so ordered the blue crab salad and a veal dish. The salad was good but tasted like couple crab salads I've had before. The veal dish was tasty but no wow factor. It was the first time I had veal breast, it was more fatty than I had expected like pork belly. For dessert I had the chocolate napoleon with salty caramel ice cream. The Dessert was my favorite!
(3)
Trevor K.
"I think I cheated on my wife with this meal." - D/P (Shawn) Chef Besh is a true culinary genius. The food, service and attention to detail were beyond expectations. The highlights were the August Barrel Aged Manhattan, the perfect cocktail done one-better and the Foie Gras three ways was life changingly good. The steaks and Lamb were enjoyed for the entree, perfect, but not extraordinary. Although the cheese/mash potato concoction with the Filet was unique and absolutely delicious. Finally the deconstructed banana pudding was whimsical, balanced and just plain delicious. The goat cheese cheesecake deserves an honorable mention also. Chef Besh's Restuarant August is easily one of the best meals of my life and certainly a NOLA shining light. You want to go to here.
(5)
Sharon L.
We'd only planned to dine at the bar but on arrival we were invited into the dining room, which was just the beginning of the fine hospitality we received here. As manager Kimi Kiviranna sat us, she warmly (not forcedly) engaged us in conversation, during which we informed her we were on our honeymoon, and we learned she had recently left the SF Bay Area, where we live, to return to her native New Orleans. Shortly after being seated, two demi-glasses of Cava hit the table, compliments of Ms. Kirivanna. We sat in the back cellar room, which was warm and intimate-feeling. I didn't feel we were given a poor table (as some reviewers have said). Likely the front and back rooms have different servers assigned, and hosts seat in order. The restaurant was busy and festive, so we didn't feel stuck in the back. Moments after being seated, we were shaking hands with a very sweet and gracious Chef John Besh, who was apparently just making the rounds. I have NEVER seen this in any of the celeb-chef restaurants at home. It was a detail that dripped hospitality and personality. Wines by the glass are plentiful and filled with wise selections and smaller houses -- Quintessa Sauvignon Blanc, Thevenet Champagne, etc. There were three Sauternes by the glass (excellent for foie gras)! The amuse bouche was the truffled sabayon served in an eggshell (in an egg cup) that was apparently being served often in 2007 (based on reviews here). We loved it ... it was presented beautifully, was light as air but also large enough to feel substantial. He ordered the Louisiana Crustace for a first course, shrimp & crawfish three ways - two of the ways were delicious, particularly the richly brothed shrimp boil. The third was a cold salad and just didn't hold up well to the spice of the other two ways. I had the foie gras three ways -- a mousse that was airy but served with a two-sweet blackberry compote, en croute, buttery and beautifully presented with cubed Sauternes jelly, and a more traditional whole that was my favorite. Served with brioche -- the right way! As a second course he ordered grilled lemonfish, served in a rich broth poured tableside. I didn't try it but he loved it. I had local softshell crab Grenobloise, a crisp-fried crab topped with lump crabmeat (nice touch) and served among beautiful , buttery freshly herbed vegetables. It was green, bright, and pleasantly salty. The crab was very crisp, a little too large, but overall the dish was a very well-executed example of fresh & local cooking that is common in California, but not as much in New Orleans. For dessert we had the napoleon of nougatine with the salted toffee ice cream that's been reviewed here a good deal. We loved it, and found the chocolate wasn't cloyingly sweet, and the ice cream rather addictive. On top of all this, delicious peanut brittle chips and baby madeleines were served with the check. Were they trying to kill us? Service was lovely. Each staff member announced what was being served, and made sure we were enjoying ourselves throughout. This is a special place.
(5)
Guillermo K.
Excellent service, good cocktail menu. Food tastes tired though.
Wow! My family was in New Orleans on vacation. Walking back from the World War II museum, we searched Yelp for lunch. We found Restaurant August but thought it would be a longsot to get in. We were right, the dining room was completely full...but they were able to seat us in the lounge/bar area. That's where we sat for a prix fixe lunch. That was the best $20.12 that I ever spent on food. Really a bargain for the quality of the food. I had the pate, really yummy and the duck. Wow. And the strawberry dessert was out of this world! If I ever make it back to this town, I am definitely coming back,
(5)
Andy Y.
After booking our flights to New Orleans, my friends and I were extremely excited to try August, as we heard it was the best restaurant in town and looked forward to the great service and southern hospitality. We reviewed the menu for weeks and when the night finally arrived, we were really prepared for a great night out. What we got when we arrived was amongst the worst service we all had ever seen in a high end restaurant of this caliber. It really put a terrible damper on the great food. I am giving this place 2 stars, because the food saved this horrible evening. The Service :: Upon arriving, our sever asked to answer any question about the menu, and we asked if 2 out of the 6 in our party could order the tasting menu, while the others went a la carte. There was a firm NO reply and as we pondered what to do, he just walked away. After drooling over the tasting menu for a few more moments, I signaled to the server and jokingly asked if there was any way to make an exception or to "beg" the chef to let us do it. His reply was "you'll have better luck begging your friends to do the tasting than the chef" then rudely walked away again. At this point we were all in shock at this guy's attitude, and how his comments came with little explanation and a hint of malice as if we were wasting his time or something. I calmly asked the rude sever back a third time and kindly asked to speak with the manager. 10 minutes later, no manager, no more additional service, so I got up and asked another sever for the manager. I asked him his opinion of our treatment and he agreed that it was unacceptable. He said he would personally take care of us for the evening. I asked him if our initial request of two of us doing the tasting was too much to ask at this point, and he "reluctantly" obliged. You would think that the appalling level of service of their staff a manager would try to make the experience better, but the rest of the evening was not that much more encouraging. We decided to order the wine pairing withe the tasting and with each pour the manager would remind us that "it's just a taste" and do short pour, after short pour, about 1 oz per pour. I only truly realized we were being jipped when the very polite sommelier came to serve one round of the wine pairing and she instinctively served us the standard 3oz tasting pour and made the first polite conversation of the evening from anyone on the August staff. The Food: The tasting menu lived up to our expectations and the caliber of skill in the kitchen's execution rivals some of the top resto I've had around the world. I would not penalize these amazing chefs with the missteps of the front of the house. Conclusion: I commend Chef Besh on his amazing recipes and I wish I could recommend August to my friends and fellow Yelpers. However, for a restaurant of this level, I expect a complete meal, including proper service. If I am paying $150 plus per person, I expected at the very least to be treated with some common respect. Overall, I am confused as to why we were treated this way. I certainly hope it's not because we were a table of Asian diners, or that we are in our early 30's. Maybe they thought we didn't belong, who knows? I can say that from our end, we were overly respectful of the August staff even despite our rude service. At the end of the day, I'm disappointed that I had to write this review and would have much rather just had a great night out.
(2)
Scott W.
Like this place needs another great review, but what am I supposed to do, lie? Elegantly cool atmosphere. Friendly staff without being obtrusive. Food is outstanding and nicely balanced. Tight portions that satisfy without making you feel bloated. Started with the gnocchi with blue crab and truffles -- light and flavorful. Main course was pan fried poussin over slow cooked white beans and tomatoes. Succulent and satisfying. Finale was an incredible chocolate nougatine napoleon with salted toffee ice cream. One of my favorite desserts ever! Rich and explosive with flavor but not a gut-buster at all. They thrown in some well-timed amuse bouche appetizers and desserts along with an excellent wine list to make for a truly great dining experience.
(5)
Anna R.
Great service and amazing food!
(5)
G. C.
How can you look at the menu and make a decision? Nearly impossible. Let them do it for you by selecting the tasting menu. Totally worth it. And the wine pairing is spot on.
(5)
Christina R.
We are staying at the Windsor Court Hotel and decided to try August for lunch upon the recommendation of good friends. We were dressed appropriately based on other nice NOLA restaurants we've been to. When we walked into the completely empty restaurant at 11:30am, the hostess said there was nothing available in the dining room for the entire lunch period. It was puzzling, so we returned to our hotel, where the concierge promptly told us there was an available reservation at 11:45am available at August. After being treated this respectfully by the restaurant, we will never bother to try it. Very disappointing, as we dine out all over the country and always promote a good dining and service experience. Thumbs down to this one!
(1)
Rich J.
We ended our week-long trip to Nola with this place, and what a way to go. While not as good as Commander's, which we had done our second night there, it was definitely our second favorite meal. The service was fantastic, and the food was well-executed and flavorful, though portions were on the small side...think New York portions in a southern restaurant. My fav part of the mean was the gnocchi with crabmeat and black truffle...the gnocchi were like pillows and the flavor of truffle combined with crabmeat was ethereal. If I went back to New orleans for a weekend in the future, I would go back here and to Commander's, as every other dinner was a disappointment.
(4)
Meagan B.
I dream about the blue crab gnocchi appetizer. My perfect meal would be a nice stiff drink, which they have plenty of, the fresh table bread and the gnocchi. Awesome. Last time I was here I had all three of those, plus some type of shrimp and crab stuffed fish. I was worried it would be heavy, but it was so nice and light. Worth every penny. The service was excellent and everyone is impeccably trained. I even saw them handle a mishap with a member of my party with grace, even though my party member was clearly in the wrong (it was a business dinner so you cannot choose your friends). The desserts were also perfectly made. The chess pie and the mint foam. So nice. It is pricy though, so don't go expecting a cheap meal!
(5)
Jordana E.
Yes. YES! YES!!! Seriously, I was moaning in ecstasy and tears were streaming down my face as I ate this meal. I was a complete embarrassment. Thank goodness I was dining alone. Loved the prix fixe menu for lunch time. Had fried brussel sprouts, veal and grits, and s'mores. All three were amazing, but the veal... oh tender crunchy breaded goodness, in a broth that complimented the meat perfectly, over grits with a sweetness that complimented every bite... I was having foodgasms galore while I ate, and even had a few knee-dropping aftershocks during the walk back to the hotel. If you're at all a foodie, this place is a must try. A few caveats: Make reservations. I was dining solo so could sit at the bar, but if I'd needed a table I would have been SOL. Expect to enjoy a leisurely dining experience. This is not a meal to rush through; leave yourself enough time to savor each bite, and expect each course to take a little while to arrive. That said... this was, hands down, the best food and best dining experience I've ever had. I would seriously consider moving to New Orleans just so I could come to Restaurant August more often.
Small direct menu, not a lot of faffini. Centers around seafood but with interesting spin, execution was on point really cant say anything bad about the food or service.
(5)
James M.
Amazing food and nice service. A very impressive bourbon selection to boot. Delicious.
(5)
Sandi C.
Our dining experience was sublime. Made all the more memorable by our "Host" Robert. His knowledge and demeanor elevated our experience to a once in a lifetime memory! All the staff were gracious and welcoming including Jenifer Who greeted us at the door. Especially, Chef Trey who I would love to sit and talk food with for hours! My husband and I came there because I'm a John Besh fan but I will be back simply because its the best damn restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of dining in! Thank you and all the amazing staff for a perfect meal!
(5)
Janelle F.
I had an amazing meal at August. I was hyped after reading the reviews and scoring reservations just a few days before I went. (The reservations were for 10pm though!!). Right when we got there, a couple had gotten engaged, so I felt like I was in the right place for a great meal. We did not get the tasting menu because 2 people in my party didn't eat meat. I did, however, take full advantage of their filet mignon served with potatoes stuffed with oxtail - DELISH!!!!! For appetizer we had the gnocchi with crab and lobster which was phenomenal. It was definitely the favorite part of my meal. For dessert, my friends got the tres leches and we had the crepe suzette. The crepe came with the most incredible pistachio ice cream I've ever had! If you want to avoid the Bourbon Street crowds and just have a quiet and tasty meal, you should definitely give August a shot. The service was top-notch and my entire party left completely satisfied.
(4)
a k.
We chose August to do a 5-star 4-course tasting menu and I was very happy with our choice. We were seated immediately at a nice intimate table in the middle room that was designed with honey colored wood and a wine cellar upstairs. The main room was a lovely exposed brick. We did the wine pairings, all of which were excellent. The menu was a little interesting in that you could either do 5 vegetarian courses or 4 meat courses (the last being dessert in both cases). We did the meat selection, but I would have appreciated a salad along the way. Each course was absolutely delicious, great flavor and texture combinations and they built on each other nicely. We had a main waiter in a suit, and then a bus boy type waiter who did most of the clearing and setting. Each course was brought by a different member of the wait or kitchen staff, which was also interesting, and the parade of staff culminated with a visit from the the Chef John Besh, who absolutely could not have been friendlier. When I walked by the open kitchen door on my way back from the bathroom and stopped to peer in, he even invited me into the kitchen and told me about some of the courses. Such a nice treat. The meal wasn't cheap, but it was worth the price, especially with the wine pairings, and was excellent quality and definitely good portion sizes. I didn't leave feeling totally stuffed either (although my friend did help me with a few bites here and there). The most memorable course was definitely the short rib topped with a bone marrow and egg yolk ravioli with slices of silk corn. That ravioli was incredible! The couple next to us got filets and those also looked really good if the tasting menu isn't for you. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend, or a fellow yelper.
(5)
Colleen R.
It took me a while to get around to dining at August, but after our recent visit, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's undoubtedly one of the better restaurants in a city full of great places to eat, yet it lacks the pretension one might expect. I'm fairly certain John Besh wasn't on the premises, as the evening we dined at August was during the opening weekend of Domenica, the newest restaurant in his empire. That's not to say that the menu or the food suffered from any lack of attention or inventiveness; quite the contrary. Our perfectly-paced à la carte selections included a house salad with Point Reyes blue cheese and pumpkin brittle, gnocchi topped with a savory crab and truffle sauce, and a delicious soft shell crab special. Our party had a great table in the middle of the beautiful dining room that managed to retain an intimate feel even as the restaurant grew more crowded. The service was thoughtful and attentive, with a special touch at the end of the meal to recognize a birthday. No detail - even the washcloths in the restrooms - is too small, and it's the accumulation of all the little details that make August a great place to mark a special occasion, or to make a special occasion out of an ordinary evening in New Orleans.
(5)
Carrie C.
Damn. Just damn. this restaurant is everything it is billed to be. Every course was a delight. The sommelier was fun, informative and helpful. The service is excellent. Yes, it is very pricey, but it is worth it. Chef John Besh is clearly attentive to detail. The trout was the favored main course at the table. The gnocchi was exceptional.
(5)
Shin S.
There are very few meals, and I mean singular restaurant experiences that are memorable. This one was fantastic. A game-changer. I am not a food-maniac. I'm not reading the reviews below me. I think I had seen John Besh on Top Chef, but don't remember him. Nor would I recognize him among chefs (although I did Google him afterwards...) But this particular meal was divine. I was in New Orleans for 4 days, and entertained the idea of extending my trip just to eat here again. New Orleans has a ton of great food. Emeril. Bam. Whatever. This guy kicks everyone to the curb. Every single element of the tasting menu was perfect. The chef came out to describe the prep and elements of the food when we had a question. The wait staff was excellent, Knowledgeable, and over the top friendly. Do not pass this one up.
(5)
Jennifer W.
A girlfriend and I took our mother's for the price fixe lunch over the holidays. The food, service and decor are wonderful, and the price is unbeatable for this caliber of meal. Two minor things to be aware of: 1. The wine menu, particularly champagnes/sparking wines, are very high-end with no selection of an affordable pairing with your $20 lunch. We ended up choosing the California Chandon, which was excellent, but $70 a bottle (or $18 a glass). I would have liked to have an option in the $35-45 range, recognizing the quality wouldn't have been as good, but would have kept the overall price of the meal more reasonable. 2. In addition, I had the veal grillades & grits as my entree and I didn't care for the preparation of the veal (it was breaded and fried, while I was expecting it to be slow-cooked). The flavor was good, but not my preference. Due to my babysitter getting sick, I had to bring my kids. The restaurant was very gracious and accomodating which I greatly appreciated. They actually gave my 4 year old son and my mom a tour of both kitchens (pastry on the 2nd floor, main kitchen on the first), which they really enjoyed. I'll be making this my go-to place when I need a high-end but affordable lunch downtown.
(5)
Daniel F.
Went for the $20 set lunch. Redefines my 5 star yelp scale. Best restaurant food I've had anywhere in the country in the past few years. Couple that with impecable service and charming atmosphere and voila, 5 stars.
(5)
Haakon R.
The Handmade Potato Gnocchi was excellent, and somehow the Breaded trout Pontchartrain outdid it. To finish it off we had the Goats Milk Cheesecake, which was also delicious. One of the best dining experiences I have ever had.
(5)
Elaine G.
This is a nice, special occasion restaurant. In fact, we were seated next to a couple who was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary while they waited for their table. (We were seated in the bar because we didn't have reservations-they still serve the full menu in the bar). We had the Foie Gras 3 ways, Gnocchi, Beet Salad and Pork 3 ways. It was nice because I felt like we tasted more because the dishes were prepared in different ways!However, this could have been a nice restaurant anywhere. Since we were in New Orleans, we wanted New Orleans flavor.
(4)
B T.
My review is only for the $20 prix fixe lunch - This is the BEST $20 3-course lunch I've ever had. It's unbeatable for the price. I came back in 2 consecutive days for the same lunch..something I would never do.
(5)
Tricia C.
Heavenly. I don't even feel worthy of writing a review, so I'm going to make it short and sweet because I definitely can't adequately describe all the complexities of the food we had. I was in food wonderland and had a hard time concentrating on what our server was telling us. We started with the amuse bouche, a seafood sabayon served in an eggshell. Amazing. Then we had the housemade sourdough while we waited for our food. Also amazing (I don't know that I liked the pointy shape of it, but the taste was super sour and incredible). After that we had our first (of three! we couldn't decide) appetizers: roasted Louisiana figs three ways: a thai peanut one, a smoky spicy one with almonds, and one with sherry and goat cheese. I love figs, so this was a slam dunk. We split this appetizer, and they brought us each our own separate plate of three figs so we didn't have to fight over them (I would have won, for the record). After that they brought our next two appetizers. The ricotta cavatelli with rabbit sausage and vegetables was set in front of me, and the pork belly in front of my husband. Between the two of us, we couldn't decide which was better. Amayyyyyyzing!!! The cavatelli came in a little ceramic bowl with a lid, and was kind of soupy. I loved how it had a warm cinammony spice to it. The rabbit sausage was divine. The smell and taste just blew me away. The pork belly melted in my mouth. It's always been something I knew my husband would like but wasn't sure what I'd think--well now I know...that we should have ordered two :) At that point, I was ready to shed tears of joy from the food so far. Our entrees came next: I got the bacon wrapped rabbit with white bean puree and vegetables and my husband got the trout with dill and hollandaise sauce. His was buttery, crispy, and DELICIOUS (I don't even like hollandaise sauce). Sadly, I wasn't as big a fan of mine. That night was only the second time I had rabbit so maybe I just can't properly appreciate it yet, but I found it a little dry, and the accompanying veggies kind of boring :( Sniff. Wished I had ordered a giant bowl of the rabbit sausage instead. BUT! All was redeemed at dessert! In a big, big, big way. We again could not decide, so we got the goat cheese cheesecake (a very tasty custardy goat cheese on top of chopped candied almonds, topped with honey ice cream--amazing!) ANDDDDD the piece de resistance...the tomato cake topped with cooked heirloom tomatoes and plums with a side of Thai basil ice cream. Amazing? No. FREAKIN PHENOMENAL. We both wept with every bite. Best dessert I've ever had, for sure. And it was hiding on the vegetarian tasting menu. And the best part? All of that plus my mint julep, plus tax (without tip) was less than $150. If we had realized that we would have probably ordered more!! We spent almost the same amount at Emeril's NOLA ($$$ instead of $$$$) the night before and were far less satisfied. Blast. I realllly wanted to go back the next day just for the cake but we would have missed our flight home. Something about my husband needing to be at work the next day, but I was willing to quit my job to stay and eat tomato cake for the rest of my life. That was not short and sweet, so sorry. Maybe next time.
(5)
Cynthia S.
Came here for the $20 prix fixe menu and had a great experience. There is no better deal for this quality food in New Orleans (at least not that I've found). This menu has 3 choices for appetizer, entree, and dessert, and although the portions are pretty small they were filling, especially with the bread that was provided. The stuffed shrimp I had for my entree was one of my favorite foods I've ever tasted. Also, the service was outstanding - water glass was never less than half full throughout the entire meal. Just a warning though, it's definitely a stuffier atmosphere even at lunch, so if that's not what you're looking for you should avoid this restaurant. However, if you're seeking a classy meal for a great price, definitely try this option.
(5)
faine g.
John Besh is New Orlean's new celebrity chef, supplanting fuzzy little Emeril as the city's darling contemperary chef. He's been on Iron Chef, participated in soft touch Food and Wine articles, and showed up almost everywhere you can in the fine dining world. August is Besh's flagship restaurant in New Orleans, a luxe and classy establishment - and a worthy addition to NOLA's excellent portfolio of cuisine. He might be famous, but he can cook . The restaurant is gorgeous: all wood interior set in a large and high-celinged space, with lovely ambient lighting. It's a classic Fancy Restaurant space, and I salute Besh for sticking to the classics design-wise. August is luxurious and clubby but not over the top. The service reflects that: it's excellent and courteous in an old fashioned way sorely lacking in Californian establishments, but does not venture into snobbiness. We are avowed beet lovers in this family, so we began with the heirloom beet, crab meat, bacon, and quail egg salad (10.00.) This was really quite delightful: fresh picked crabmeat worked well with the earthy flavor of the beets and the bacon, accompanied with a peppery snap from the mustard greens. The black eyed pea croutons were a surprise: fried black eyed peas take on a delightful, edamame esque flavor. New Orleans is an oyster town, and Besh's P&J Oysters three ways seek to highlight the slimy little bastards: one fried with fancy ranch dressing, one served in a a peppery broth, and one horseradish crusted in a creamy, piquant sauce topped with bread crumbs (13.00) . The oyters were presented in three little cylinders and were certainly impressive looking, although I wish there had been more of each flavor. The ranch dressing also was not very much in evidence: I had to look for it at the bottom of the oyster's handy container-tube. The horseradish variant was most sucessful: oysters and cream go together terribly well, and horseradish adds an interesting accent to a familar flavor. August's duck had been recommended to me by two servers at Luke, and since the waterfowl is one of my very favorite things to eat, the choice was easy. August's sugar and spice duckling is served with Anson Mills cheese grits, roasted duck foie gras, and a side of dark and rich braised quail.(28.00) The duck itself was excellent: a big meaty joint, cooked to the correct level of doneness, the spice rub evoking Eastern flavors - star anise was much in evidence. The rich duck meat went well with the cheesy, perfect grits and the greens, but the foie gras really stole the show: its super rich and decadent flavor can elevate even good ol' grits into pure luxury. My mom went with August's interesting trout served three ways: three sections of fish topped with shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops, (22.00) on top of a slab of Besh's superlative bacon. This was served with an excellent New Orleans butter sauce, and was certainly an exciting dish to eat: three distinct flavor combinations coming back to the same theme. I know the Three Ways concept is trendy as hell, but as an avowed grazer, I think it's an excellent concept. Portion size was rather huge, which meant I got to clean her plate. Yay. We finished with the frozen creme fraiche souffle (9.00), served with fresh peaches and blackberry cabernet sorbet - this was excellent, tasting like a large round of truly excellent frozen yogurt, served with lovely summer fruits. I also liked the boozy and dark richness of the sorbet - it's an excellent, light summer dessert. There is no photo because we devoured it too quickly. Whoops. Besh came out to work the room and greet guests during our meal, which I thought was an excellent, homey touch - you rarely actually encounter the celebrity chef in a celebrity chef's restaurant. He was very friendly and gracious, and really does seem to be the nice Southern boy represented in all his media appearances. Props. One lovely note: I have just turned 20 and in this fine US of A, I am not allowed to order (gasp) alcoholic beverages. This really irritates me when I am at a fine restaurant and must order a goddamn Diet Coke while everyone else is drinking fine wines and enjoying the snot out of themselves. At August, I asked for a Diet Coke with an obvious note of rueful disgruntlement, which our server picked up on: he noted (quietly) that Louisana law allows a parent to buy a drink for their underage progeny. Excellent.
(4)
Wayne L.
i was here on a 4 day business trip. as a rule, i never go to the same place twice on short trips. well, i had to break the rule this time for 2 reasons: 1) my experience at commander's palace was SO bad, i had to come back and finish the trip off right. 2) the food is really that great where i craved certain dishes again. ...and to the review: service was great, my friend was cold and as cheesy as it sounds they made her a pashmina out of a table clothe. it looked horrible, but was hilarious. when they said they were going to get something for her, we envisioned a server from per se (thomas keller restaurant in NY) coming out with a box of pashminas to choose from. the service and price is not as up-scale as a thomas keller restaurant, but this john besh guy is the real deal. better take advantage of the low prices now while they are still low. french laundry used to be $50 a person til they got really big. i started with the heirloom beets salad, then moved onto the gnocchi, tried the gumbo, the chef's gift to the table (which was a steamed quail egg with truffle, VERY similar to the one at per se), the lobster and pork belly. - heirloom beet salad, delicious and fresh. the blue crab added the perfect salty flavor and a soft texture to the crunchy beets. - gnocchi was made with blue crab and truffle... wow, the best gnocchi i have ever had. at the end of it i even had to roll one up like a po-boy and soak up all the sauce. the gnocchi had soft exterior and an al dente interior that took full advantage of the white creamy truffle sauce. then you add in the blue crab for the salty flavor and top it off with some shaved parmesan and you have this divine dish that you can eat all day. - truffled and steamed quail egg with a caviar topping, do i need to explain? truffle quail egg and caviar, so many ways to go right with those ingredients. it went right in all categories, soft quail eggs with a pungent truffle aroma topped with the crunchy and salty caviar. wow. - gumbo, it was tough to get even better than the last 2 dishes, so the gumbo was much less impressive to me, though i am sure that if the previous 2 dishes were not so spectacular, the gumbo would have been delicious. - deep fried lobster over a bed of greens with a vinegary dipping sauce. the lobster was prepared as it should be, it was soft to bite into but had the texture of fresh seafood. though the outside was soft, the immediate exterior was slightly crunchy and did not need the sauce. i did try the sauce though and though it did not "need" the sauce, the sauce added a perfect hint of sourness to the sweet and succulent lobster bite. - pork belly dish... i wish i could give a better explanation, but i was so full... all i can really say is soft, tender and nice flavor. no dessert
(5)
Rayleen T.
The BEST gnocchi we have ever had -- my husband looked at me sadly and noted that after this meal, we could never make gnocchi from store-bought bags again... I was also a huge fan of the foie gras prepared 3 ways -- the first was pretty 'normal' and then there were two with a pleasant twist, although you have to be okay with mixing a bit of sweet (e.g. caramel on one; a pastry-like cover on the other) with your foie gras. We shared the duck and pork dishes, both of which were delicious, although the pork was a bit too salty/cured for my taste. The sauce on the duck were heavenly and, surprisingly a perfect accompaniment with strawberries! All in all, this was a great dining experience!
(4)
Marisa G.
Wonderful. I was looking forward to this meal and it did not disappoint. We walked in on a Friday night and grabbed a seat at the bar fairly easily. They have a good amount of seating in the bar area. They have an extensive wine menu, but unfortunately my husband and I were already drunk from all day drinking and did not want to partake in drinking. We were first given delicious bread and homemade butter. I have to admit I am a sucker from bread and butter, but this was freshly baked and the butter was freshly whipped and had this great sour taste. Then we were given a complimentary egg starter. I am honestly not sure exactly what this was, but it was delicious. I think it was whipped egg with caviar on top that gave it this great saltyness. For entrees my husband had the stuffed shrimp with crab that was very good and i had the a fish dish. I am actually forgetting the fish type, but it had a crisp top, I think some type of seared bread with a mushroom and blue crab mixture on top. The topping of the fish was amazing. I did care to much for the fish itself. It was good service and food.
(5)
Syl L.
OMG, Restaurant August was perfection. We went for the $20.10 prix fixe lunch and each dish was surpassed the next.. One of our choices was the pate which came with an assortment of jams and mustards. It was a meal in itself. We also had the fruit pancetta soup which was a much smaller portion but packed with and explosion of flavor. Loved the shrimp stew and the grillades of veal melted in your mouth. Not normally a fan of butterscotch but the butterscotch pots de creme definitely changed our mind about butterscotch. The service was outstanding . The prix fixe lunch is the best deal in town.
(5)
Carmela S.
First I should tell you that if you are walking and using GPS the address takes you to the back side door and not the front door. However, the staff was completely understanding and walked us through to the front of the restaurant. This restaurant interior is absolutely gorgeous with antique classic touches which I thought contrasted nicely to the modern plates, flatware and glassware. The service here is 5 star all the way even though we were dining for lunch. It was the type of silent unobtrusive service that you rarely see executed as well as it was here. My friends did the pre fixe menu and I opted to explore some of the regular lunch menu items. I ordered a glass of wine and asked for a recommendation that would be a good balance between the dishes that I ordered. There wasn't really a set one that she could recommend however, she recommended their Celebrity Rose (as she called it). I didn't know that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pit owned a winery but, this is there wine and I have to admit it was refreshing and a perfect fit for my meal. I can always tell a lot about a restaurant by the bread and butter they bring to the table and I was delighted after tasting it because I knew we were in for a treat. My first course was a grilled broccoli salad: The crunch of the broccoli combined with the sweet/sour of the grapefruit was very complex and not a combination that I would have thought of but, it definitely worked. The onions and cheese added that extra flavor burst right at the end. This item was spectacular and refreshing! My second course was handmade potato gnocchi with Louisiana blue crab and black truffle: Wow do not come here and not order this dish. It was creamy, crab was fresh and sinful, top quality black truffle and the noodles were the perfect light consistency that they should be. I am Italian and I am very picky about my pasta and I have to say this was as good as my noodles. This was hands down my favorite dish. My third course was fried green tomatoes with lobster and shrimp remoulade: I was actually disappointed with this course. The chow chow underneath was overly vinegary and there was way too much of it on the plate. It soaked my fried green tomatoes and it was flavor overload so, I didn't eat them. I attempted to eat the lobster and shrimp remoulade but I felt that it had too much mayo on it and that it could have used some salt, pepper and lemon to give it more flavor. This didn't really affect my overall thoughts of this restaurant because everything else was so amazing! At the end they brought us each a praline and a chocolate which was a nice touch. I really love sitting at a table that your silverware is changed out with each course, fresh plates, etc. It's refreshing to know that places like this still exist without being stuffy.
(4)
Shea B.
The second best restaurant I've ever eaten at. Steak was incredible. The atmosphere is perfect. The service impeccable.
(5)
Christine L.
My husband and I were lucky enough to squeeze in at the end of a lunch rush on a Friday. I had tried to get reservations the whole week before with no luck. We sat at the bar and had the best time. The girls behind the bar were so fun and drinks were creative, delicate, and yes... strong. Goat cheese pear salad, fried green tomatoes and filet were so well executed... we enjoyed every bite. Had to try the banana pudding because, well it's banana pudding... it did not disappoint. We will plan ahead and absolutely make reservations next time we're in NOLA.
(5)
Momo B.
NOW OR NEVER Weekend reservations are almost impossible to come by and so when they said 6:30 Wednesday evening we said "yes ma'am." Otherwise, it's late in the evening during the weekdays. Mark is our primary server and Warren is his assistant. Together they kept us informed and entertained. Towards the end when the restaurant was packed full of diners, their time at our table was drastically curtailed. Table setting was changed for each course which is something you would expect for a restaurant of excellence. We each odered a different prix fixe five course meal of which one was just meats plus seafoods and the other vegetables plus seasonal fruits. Our servers accommodated us by placing appropriate dinnerware which allowed us to share our entrees. If you are a localvoire, you will be in for a gastronomic treat. Yu-go took photos of both menus and all the entrees along with desserts and with sweets. He did not take the photo of the egg shell amuse bouche. Restaurant August is another of John Besh's many fine New Orleans dining establishments.
(4)
Nam P.
My second night in NOLA, decided to make a visit here for dinner. I opted for Degustation menu with the wine pairings. This is one of my decisions in life that I did not regret. By far one of the best meals that I have had in recent memory and probably in my young life. The venison carpaccio paired with a champagne was a very great surprise to start my meal. The shrimp tagliolini with harissa paired with the pinot grigio was my favorite dish of the meal. Afterwards was a grilled octopus with pigtails, I enjoyed how delicate the octupus was and with the farro provided a great contrast in texture. I would say that the pigtails was a bit rich for my tasting but it was still a good dish. Then came the crawfish and guinea hen which was also good and then closed with a dark chocolate mousse. In addition to the food, the server was very knowledgable with all the wines and food and provided great service. If you're looking to splurge on a meal, I would definitely recommend the Degustation Menu.
(5)
Jamie M.
This place was conveniently located across from my hotel the Windsor Court. On our last night in New Orleans together, my sister made a reservation for Restaurant August for 9:00 pm. They were all booked up until then, so if you want to eat earlier, plan accordingly. I will keep this review short because quite frankly, this place left me speechless--in a good way. We opted for the "Tasting of Farmer's Market Vegetables" with sommelier pairing for $122 per person. Everything was so flavorful with the wine. The sommelier must be amazing. Also, the grapefruit cremeux had such a strange assortment of ingredients but somehow came together to form a cohesive and one-of-a-kind taste. After taking a bite, I literally uttered "wow"! The chef is really something. The service was great, and we never felt rushed. We didn't leave until close to 11:30 pm! And I didn't even notice how late it was. I give this place five stars all around.
(5)
Leslie G.
I was just in NOLA for a short vacation, and made a point of coming to August once again (third time here). And once again, I had a truly amazing meal: amuse bouche of cauliflower puree, panko, and caviar served in an eggshell; heirloom beet salad appetizer with crab meat and quail egg; roasted duckling entree with sweet potato, swiss chard, and whipped fois gras; and dark chocolate mousse dessert. Everything was superb.
(5)
Jeremiah C.
We had been anticipating our dinner reservation at this fine restaurant by Chef John Besh for the last couple of months. Finally dined here last Friday evening and it far-surpassed our high expectations! As stated by many, everything at Restaurant August is done to perfection. Each dish is carefully crafted, savory, and delicious to the last bite. Preparation, presentation, and portions were just right. We had the degustation menu with sommelier's pairings. Everything was yum-tastic, but we were particularly amazed with the squid tagliatelle. We've had squid tagliatelle elsewhere; however this is the simply best. Service was impeccable. Genuine Southern hospitality at its finest at every level and with each staff member we encountered. Our waiter was professional, friendly, engaging, and highly knowledgeable with everything. It was also a pleasure meeting and chatting with the sommelier. The ambience is wonderful and it seems that they do not "pack" people into the restaurant so as to keep the atmosphere comfortable and pleasant. It feels like dining in an exquisite restaurant in Paris while, at the same time, being in a stately, but comfy dining room of a family mansion in the South, all without any pretentiousness. If you are looking for a truly memorable and special fine dining experience in New Orleans, then save up and make reservations to Restaurant August!
(5)
John O.
Very good food served in an attractive and comfortable dining room. Service was good not great. Decent wine list for New Orleans.
(4)
Scott B.
Super great lunch for $20.15. Make RSVPs early. We tried at 11:30am and they were full. We were lucky to walk right in at 1:00pm with a party of 3 without a wait at the bar. My prix-fixe appetizer was pate' with some very flavorful dipping sauces. My first time to pate' and it was awesome. The entre' was a shrimp-pork meatball with rice and a creole sauce. Greatness. The dessert was panacotta with chocolate mousse and gnache. Again, super. Try this place for an upscale lunch. Service is unbelievable. Remember: lunch is only on Fridays.
(5)
Danielle F.
August is amazing on all levels, truly a meal I will always remember. The restaurant itself is charming and regal without being over the top. Cosy but elegant just like the food. We started with the pan seared foie gras, yum. The veggie salad was incredible, the gnocchi was small but super rich and tasty. I had the short rib which with was tender and soaked in a sauce that was to die for. My husband did the veggie tasting menu and loved every bite. My friend couldn't stop eating his duck. Now let's talk about the service for a minute- 5 star all the way, attentive without being annoying, I felt that my every need was attended to and it made the experience all the more special. If I had a complaint (and it's not really one because I left a very happy camper) is that the desserts could have been better and that the sommelier could have suggested better wines. The two bottles she suggested we didn't like very much. Lastly, do prepare to pay an arm and a leg for this meal. The price tag is no joke.
(5)
Katie B.
When you're tired of all the fried, heavy options in NOLA, Restaurant August is a welcomed reprieve from the po' boys and beignets of Bourbon St. et al. If you want to sit in the white-tablecloth, button up dining section, a reservation is necessary, however you can also just saunter in off the street and take advantage of the exemplary Friday lunch menu (prix fixe or a la carte) in the bar area. There are seats at the bar, as well as a few high tops and two tops for the taking as well if you prefer to have a more private experience. I didn't go with the $20.14 prix fixe lunch option, but my dining companion did and I enjoyed nibbling off of her selections. Definitely a deal for this kind of establishment, so don't hesitate to opt for that if you're there for lunch on a Friday. Both meals started off with a complimentary amuse bouche, which very much amused our bouches and a great way to kick off the meal. I couldn't resist the salad of goat cheese and peaches ($12), because I go weak in the knees for the stone fruit and buttery dairy delight. The goat cheese was creme bruleed, which added a crisp caramelized exterior that complemented the peaches beautifully. While I definitely could have been done right there and been happy as a clam, I decided the chili crunch shrimp ($15) would give me a little more hearty bounce to my step for a full day's worth of energy. It was a killer dish. A little hint of sweet, the perfect crunch and a glaze of spicy, aioli-like sauce. The pickled green tomato was a nice touch. The bill came with a pralines and chocolate squares, so even if you don't have room for dessert, you'll leave on a sweet note! A sophisticated, splendid lunch date without the hefty price tag (if you do the prix fixe), a NOLA must, indeed!
(4)
Gabrielle M.
We had a delightful meal at August -- from the amuse in an egg and sweetbread appetizer to the grouper and pork belly dinners. The service was timely and attentive; the seating was intimate with nice decor. We would recommend it as a nice treat for a special occasion.
(5)
Linday C.
I flew to NOLA just to eat here. My gal pal had been obsessing about this food since her last trip and for her birthday we came back to eat. Imagine a table of 8 yippity yappy broads. One bite and they finally shut their traps, it was the food extasy flooding their brains into silence. Everything we ate was magic.
(5)
Kayla N.
This is one classy and well executed restaurant! Came here to celebrate our friends parents 66 Anniversary. What an amazing place. Our table of 6 had: We started with a bottle of La Grand Dam champagne. 1. Foie gras three ways paired with Sauternes 2. Watermelon salad 3. sweetbreads paired with wine 4. OMG the gnocchi with shaved truffles are the most amazing I ever had 5. Red Snapper 6. Trout 7. Lamb 8. Sampling of various desserts 9. Coffee (French press) and Latte I bought in a bottle of Kistler Occidental. Everything is amazing. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in New Orleans.
(5)
carol c.
What can I say that has not already been said by myself or another 10000 people. That was another fantastic F'ing meal. From start to finish.
(5)
Andrew W.
Last night and we go all in hoping a big dollar purchase reaps big flavor bites. And F me it certainly did. UNREAL dishes.
(5)
Dennis S.
Beautiful restaurant. Impeccable service. Helpful sommelier and nice wine list. Sat in the wine room, my favorite. Sad to see a diner in shorts and a t-shirt on a Saturday night. No shame. Oyster starter excellent. Crawfish "etoufee" interesting, pretty tasty, but really a little odd. Dumplings were really well constructed, pretty, but the sauce was an odd combination of creole and oriental flavor that really didn't work that well. Same problem, and a little more with the hangar steak. The steak itself was a beautiful cut of beef, perfectly cooked and pre sliced. It had a strong grill flavor that at first was interesting but became overwhelming. It was almost like it had been placed directly on the coals to cook. Rested on a bed of strongly, very strongly, flavored chinese vegetables. The taste was so overwhelming that it spoiled the dish for me. Disappointed it was not a presentation that allowed the wonderful hangar to shine through. This is a 5 star restaurant and I would never hesitate to return. Just surprised this trip at the mis-steps in adventure from the chef. One star down until next time.
(4)
Nancy B.
Super fine dining.... Innovative... Special.... Pretentious... Lovely... And a total steal on Fridays. Here is the secret... Every Friday August serves a lovely prix fixe menu for only $20.15... Yes that is correct! I started with a lavender Tom, as my first course was brought to me... Wait a minute... That is not my first course... That is an amuse bouche in an egg shell! Absolutely delicious and completely reminiscent of john besh's top chef status in regards to innovation. My daughter likened it to bruschetta but in a mousse foam version. Then came a deconstructed gazpacho as my first course. Absolutely sublime. As was my second, which was a shrimp and potato drum with pickled julienned veggies. The dessert course was a cornmeal custard with grilled pineapple... This dessert was amazing! Everything I tasted stretched the boundaries of what I thought they would create... I highly recommend Restaurant August!!
(5)
Destinee W.
I just ate something amazing out of an egg shell. No clue what I was but I had caviar on top and was tasty. The Roast onion and garlic soup was like silk, this soup was delicious. I had the lamb for my entree, It came prepared 3 ways, yes 3, and all perfect. Super tender medium rare lamb loin, spicy lamb sausage and fall apart lamb shoulder, even the pickled beets are worth mentioning. Just amazing. .... This place is fancy and pricy like multiple chandeliers and such fancy but it's totally worth it.
(5)
Barnali D.
We had an amazing dinner here - August lived up to the hype! We started with the cocktails, which were excellent. I loved their take on the Dark and Stormy - the ginger beer was house made and the the drink was beautifully presented. My friend and I shared several dishes - all were great! The gnocchi was incredible, the cauliflower three ways was quite good, and the signature trout dish was amazing! The duckling was very good, though a bit too rich. Pro tip: you can order a la carte off the prix fixe menu. We loved the minted chocolate dessert - it was tasty yet reasonably light. The service was excellent and the ambiance was elegant. Excellent meal!
Well, I'm disappointed in this former favorite in NO. The service was so far superior....accomodating, friendly. The restaurant is really nice, like an old house. But the food fell short. Watermelon and crab salad was almost undetectable, its flavors so subtle. The grouper was so unremarkable and bland. And the truth is I don't recall what I had for dessert. Really nothing was delicious. A shame.
(4)
Morgan F.
Despite being a Yelper, I sometimes find it hard to get out of my shell and try new restaurants when I know the ones I love are so good to me. For my birthday, my man made reservations for us. Initially they only had an opening for 9pm, but we asked to let us know if anything earlier open. We received the call to let us know there was a slot at 6:30pm. I didn't even know where Restaurant August was till we maneuvered around the current construction on the street. Once inside we were directed to the room just past the front dining room, with rich wood paneling and wine racks above us. Next time, I'll need to get the tour for sure because it seems like a labyrinth of rooms. This is going to be an odd thing to say, but in some of the more high end restaurants in New Orleans, sometimes it's about being seen, and I'm not one to turn a deaf ear to conversations overheard at the table next to me. #satelliteears. BUT, that's not what Restaurant August is about, in my opinion, and though it took some getting used to...From where we were seated, it wasn't about the table next to us or even the next room over, it was just about what was going on there thus bringing the focus back to the food, wine, presentation and the restaurant experience, solely for us. Our service was impeccable...formal without being snooty, led by Ryan and Tim. They were able to share the history of the building with us (once a carriage house hence the large windows). I'd share more but when I asked I was in Stage 5 of my food coma. Why this food coma you ask? First it was the Potato Crisp P & J Oysters*. I don't like ordering anything fried at a nice restaurant for fear that it won't taste absolutely amazing. I don't know how they cook these oysters but, it was the best crisp oyster I've ever eaten in my life with the perfect ratio of oyster and crisp. If this is the first "crisped" oyster you ever eat, you'll be spoiled for life. Why can't everything be fried/crisped like this! Word to the wise: The rolls are amazing, but leave room for EVERYTHING ELSE. Only use rolls for dipping!...We had two different kinds of rolls and a bottomless pit of housemade butter. The first one helped me lap up the oyster lagniappe, while the second one (tasted of cornbread without the heavy clumpiness) took care of our complimentary gnocchi* aftermath. The gnocchi was "close your eyes and go mmmm good." Decadent without a heavy hand of truffle oil, and buttery crab meat that just melded into the rest of the dish with such finesse. Can I order a tub of this? For the entree, I went big and got the Slow Cooked and Pecan-Smoked Two Run Farm's Beef. The dishes at Restaurant August don't overpower the plate. Just because it's $55, doesn't mean you're going to have it dripping on the tablecloth it's so big. I asked for Medium Rare, and I will tell you I don't think I've ever seen a steak could so perfectly. I think there were two different types of beef on my plate, but couldn't tell you which is which, but the medallion shaped piece was gone in an instant, with a crisp outer edge, and perfectly pinkish-pinkish red in the middle. The other larger piece was cooked just right with a more smoked sausage flavor. Though we're talking super nice restaurant, they still packaged up the half I couldn't eat as well as Robert's without any sort of judging (like I said, watch your roll intake). We waived off dessert, but because it was my birthday they brought out this delightful Happy Birthday plate (Robert knows somebody who knows somebody) with panna cotta, whipped coconut something, and y'all, I'm telling you food coma, but still filled my belly and wiped the plate clean. If that wasn't enough we received the four complimentary desserts with out check, and I bit into each and every one. The entire time our wait staff was attentive, constantly making sure our table was clean of extraneous dishes without being overpowering. Not once was I wondering where our dishes were. I felt like I was being served food the entire time! My only remiss is the lighting wasn't right to take a TON of photos of every amazing dish. Back to the whole "it's about the food, service, etc."...I only got one shot of my desserts, but sometimes it's good to put away your phone and just go "mmm" and make mental pictures. I will absolutely be back, and this place was worth every penny my man spent on me! ;) *Slow Cooked and Pecan-Smoked Two Run Farm's Beef - mushrooms, roast sunchoke, rapini and marrow dumplings *Potato Crisp P & J Oysters - malt, tarragon, pickle of Covey Rise vegetables *Handmade Potato Gnocchi - tossed with blue crab and black truffle
(5)
Sara B.
Seriously one of the best meals of my life and we had it as TAKE OUT. Not the friendliest staff to people wearing workout clothes and carrying a baby but the food far out weighed the staff. I would 100% come back to NOLA if only to eat here again! Chopped Salad Gnocchi Ribeye Red Snapper Oh man, my mouth is watering again! Thanks for the treat Mr. W
(5)
Sonu M.
aah was dying to try this place out but was disappointing. We were expecting so much more than what we got. The food was underwhelming. We didn't bother ordering the desert. Above all ..very pretentious aura..the staff though smiling were ummm yeah pretentious..was a bit awkward. ...we couldnt wait to leave. We love fine dining and expect much better food and experience. We would rather go back to Commanders and Emeril's over this.
The food the atmosphere the staff five star! Wow... And yummy is a starting place when it comes to taste of the food. Come and dine and be ready to fall in love!
(5)
Andrew J.
My wife and I had the 3 course prix fixe lunch. This is absolutely the best deal in town. If you can refrain from ordering cocktails, your bill will be under $50. The food is what you'd expect from a 5 star restaurant. The portions were a little on the small side, but I felt satisfied after dessert. My only gripe was that the bisque was more broth and less cream, but otherwise very tasty. We will definitely be returning.
(5)
Henry C.
Overall 4.5 stars, bumped it up instead of down. Service: was great at the tables, the bar in the front was OK but bar tenders were not attentive. Considering there was only about 10 people in the bar/waiting area and 2 bar tenders, service should of been awesome but it wasn't. The dining area had a main server and another person that helped and they were awesome, from recommendations, making sure wine and spirits were always flowing. Food: We ordered almost every appetizer and everything was good but there were a few stars. Appetizers: Foie Gras: made three ways and each had its own distinct take on the traditional, they were all delicious but the PB&J was not my liking only because I am not a fan of sweets. Potato Gnocchi: That was smooth silky and delicious, one of my favs. Crawfish "touffe": A great take on the traditional, they were wrapped in wonton skins and sat in the eetoufee broth, one of the best eetoufee or toufees I had in NOLA. Agnolotti: Rabbit was moist and flavorful without any gaminess at all. Entrees: Breaded Flounder: delicious and very balanced, it was light and delicate inside and crispy on the outside. Roasted Duckling: Duck was flavorful and moist, the foie gras and tomatillo went well together, the tartness of the tomatillo cut through the richness. Lamb: This was the only disappointing dish, the lamb was a little overdone which made it a little chewy to eat, it was not horrible but it was not on the same level as the rest of the meal. Overall: Strong 4.5 Stars, if it weren't for the overdone Lamb and mediocre service in the bar, the solid 5 stars!
This was a really excellent meal -- truly fine dining by John Besh. I can see why it's one of the top rated places in NOLA. We had the tasting menus and they were super flexible with substitutions for all of us. Everything was presented beautifully and the food was innovative, tasty, and just gorgeous. Highlights included the amuse bouche which was some kind of egg custard in the shell, the crispy trout, gnocchi, and lamb 3 ways. Cocktails were delicious and desserts were unbelievable (loved the banana/peanut butter dessert + there was a special pumpkin dessert too for fall.) We had a lovely red Priorat from Spain that was recommended and perfect with the food. The only complaint was our table was seated near the kitchen doors and our server was not the most friendly. The other waitstaff were excellent so perhaps this was an anomaly. Allow time for the meal as it's a nice pacing but a good 2.5-3 hours.
(4)
Todd B.
Another solid choice in NOLA after weeks of research. Not my favorite, but you can't deny taste and class. This was my girlfriend's choice for her birthday and it was a good one. Like I said, not my favorite out of the restaurants we visited, but still excellent. Start with the service - superb. The service was handled by two servers, though one looked like a front of the house manager. Anyway, he knew everything and anything about the food and wine menu. My girlfriend had a few questions and we got intricate details into how everything was prepared. Ambiance is next - very very classy. We told them when we made the reservation that it was her birthday, and we got an excellent table in their main dining room. A beautiful restaurant - I actually would have preferred their wine room as it looks like a library you'd see in a big fancy mansion, but the main dining room is a beautiful place to eat. I uploaded a photo or two, I think. Food - well, here, my girlfriend was happier than I was. Mine was delicious. Scallops and pork tenderloin over some side - rice, maybe potatoes. I don't recall. My problem was not the taste, but the portion. My girlfriend's dinner was a reasonably sized dinner. And I know when you order scallops to not expect more than 3 or 4, but that's why I got something that had pork, too. Instead, it was 3 scallops each on top of a small piece of pork tenderloin. Essentially, it was 3 scallops. Even with trying to take my time, I finished it in about 10 minutes and was still hungry. So, the portion was disappointing, but the taste was phenomenal. Scallops mixed with pork - I mean, I've had bacon wrapped scallops before, and those are excellent, but this was tender and juicy pork tenderloin with perfectly baked scallops. A terrific combination. Besides the portion size, the other reason I can't give it 5 stars was because they brought a chef's special out to each table. Within half an egg shell, there was onion mousse (yes, you read that right) with some green creme substance on top. They told us what it was, but I don't recall. I figured heck, we're in NOLA and at a fine dining (and expensive) restaurant, this weird stuff is probably awesome. Not awesome. Not awesome at all. I took one bite, then gave it another try, then gave up. My girlfriend did like it, and had hers as well as the rest of mine, and then proceeded to have an upset stomach for 2 days (and no, it had nothing to do with the beignets - how dare you suggest that, what are you, an alien? communist? Canadian?). It started after eating this stuff and didn't go away. So, I can't give August 5 stars, thought I do understand why so many people did. It just wasn't 5 stars for me.
Restaurant August is the best dining establishment I've ever patronized. The only eatery that comes remotely close is green goddess, which focuses almost exclusively on vegetarian food. August's decor is immaculate, the waiters are all attentive, polished and personable and the general vibe is wealth. However, it all pales in comparison to the food. The five course meal that is the vegetarian tasting menu is, without a doubt, the greatest meal I've ever eaten. Frankly, I'm not a good enough writer to describe the tastes, smells and textures that made up this fine meal, so I'm not even going to try. The dishes served were beyond food. Most of the time I had no idea what I was eating, just that it was delicious and often contained tomatoes. All five courses were distinct yet somehow perectly melded. It would be impossible for me to choose a favortie. The only word to describe the food and the dining experience is perfect. From the time we walked in the door, until the time we left, everything was the best it could have possibly been. If you're a vegetarian this place undoubtedly the finest in New Orleans.
(5)
Kathleen M.
Amazing! We took our three adult children for a celebration and it was the best!
(5)
Christopher J.
Came for a work event and dinner was D-E-Licious! There was an open bar cocktail hour before dinner with hors d'oeurvres. The best ones were the duck and fig egg roll and the shrimp spring roll. Oh man, we had to stop ourselves because we knew a big dinner was coming. When we finally sat down, our wine glasses were filled with our choice of red or white, and bread and butter was immediately set in front of us. The meal started off with a crab bisque that was off the chain good. I mean lick the bowl in a formal restaurant good. Fresh ingredients, perfect flavor, temperature, texture, everything. The next course was a mixed green salad with bleu cheese, a berry vinaigrette, and a pumpkin seed brittle. I don't like bleu cheese, so that was a turn off, and my SO doesn't like salad in general, but we were both BLOWN AWAY by the pumpkin seed brittle. It was all the best things from a caramel brittle and toasted/candied pumpkin seeds combined into one delicious piece of heaven. Then came the first (first!) entree - shrimp stuffed flounder. The stuffing had an odd flavor, but it wasn't off-putting. They also put some sort of pickled vegetable mix on top, which wasn't all that great. But the fish was very good - seasoned and cooked excellently. The second (second!) entree was a filet on a bed of smashed potatoes with asparagus. The filet was cooked rare. I prefer medium rare, but I was perfectly pleased with such a beautiful cut of meat cooked rare. My SO prefers her steaks on the medium well side, so she wasn't super happy with the temperature. And the steak was a bit heavy on the salt as well. But the cut was so nice that it practically melted in my mouth, and it's hard to not love that about a steak. The potatoes and asparagus were cooked perfectly, and seasoned simply but perfectly. The dessert course was a bread pudding type thing with chunks of vanilla wafer ice cream, a marshmallow crisp, and peanut butter powder. I loved it, because I love peanut butter and bananas. My SO wasn't a fan, because she isn't a fan of either of those ingredients. The only knock I have is the marshmallow crisp thing. It was just weird. It had the texture of styrofoam. It tasted ok, I just don't know how much I liked it. All in all, the whole dinner experience was very nice. The waiters never let our waters or wines get empty, and we barely noticed they were around us. And besides the few nitpicky items I pointed out above, I thoroughly enjoyed the meal as a whole (it didn't hurt that it was free!).
(5)
Monika M.
Went here back in the days after Katrina. Even in a world with no servers, they managed to offer impeccable service and amazing food.
(5)
Congyi F.
A habit, a tradition, simply the best. Good enough for any important moments of your life.
(5)
Liliane L.
I decided to try August after Andy Cohen said it was one of his favorite restaurants in Nola. We came here for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. August was definitely impressive from the beautiful, immaculate building to the service and decadent food. The details are whimsical and make the day even more special.
(5)
Jimmy B.
I arrived in New Orleans on a Friday morning, and after a stressful departure from Chicago, decided to treat myself to lunch at August. Lunch is only available on Friday, and I highly recommend it! I walked in without a reservation and easily found a seat at the bar which offers full-service. Friday lunch includes a three-course prix-fixe menu for a very reasonable price of $21.50; however, I opted to order my three-courses from the full lunch menu. I started with an "Always October" cocktail - a Manhattan-esque cocktail made with their house infused satsuma-coriander bourbon - and the heirloom tomato salad (with tempura avocado and house smoked bacon). Both were fantastic, the salad was light and refreshing with a great saltiness from the bits of bacon. As an appetizer, I went big with the house speciality: breaded "trout Pontchartrain" which is served with shrimp, blue crab and wild mushrooms with a delicious cream sauce. Probably a bit too decadent and rich for a lunch entree, but I had no problem finishing every bite! Dessert was a highlight for me. I went with the banana pudding. The bartender said that it was recently named best dessert in the south - they were correct! This dessert was life changing. A bit of a deconstructed dish, the banana pudding is served with a scoop of vanilla-wafer ice cream,a few bruleed bananas, and a couple bites of banana bread. Then they add some spots of toasted marshmallow and a delicious peanut butter "dust". I would have licked this place if I wasn't afraid of being tossed out of the place. Every dish was phenomenal, but if you were looking for a quick bite to satisfy your sweet tooth, highly recommend you stop by here and grab a cocktail and the banana pudding. You won't regret it.
We had a great dining experience at August, everything was extremely well thought out and each ingredient worked together nicely. I started off with the crawfish and sweetbreads and it was fantastic. I ended up ordering the softshell crab for dinner which again was fantastic and then ended with the banana pudding which has won many awards and deserved every one of them. Others got the gnocchi, trout, and steak and had no complaints about any of them. The house made ginger beer is great so you should order a cocktail that requires its use. We will be returning to August the next time that we are in town.
(5)
Allison Y.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice, but service was brisk and unimpressive. We did reserve the last seating of the day, but that should be not be an excuse. The bread to start was just okay. However, the egg and pumpkin mousse amuse bouche was really light and delicious, with just a hint of pumpkin flavor with the texture of whipped cream. It was a fun way to start our meal. We also started with the black truffle homemade gnocchi with blue crab. The black truffle shavings on top gave the dish that nice additional crunchy texture and the homemade gnocchi was seriously so amazing. The truffle wasn't overpowering and the blue crab was plentiful, FRESH, and delicious. Our second appetizer was equally if not more mind blowing.. the FOIE GRAS 3 WAYS. I'm not going to talk about each one cause you just have to try it for yourself. All 3 were soooo amazing. It's served with a fat and buttery slice of toasted brioche bread. perfection. Our entrees, especially following the appetizer, were disappointing. I ordered the trout with a hollandaise foam, blue crab, shrimp, and wild mushrooms. The mushrooms were way too salty and the fish a little dry. The hollandaise foam sauce was tangy and yummy, but was just way too salty with the mushrooms. My boyfriend ordered the soft shell crab with brown butter. Needless to say, this was a super heavy dish. It was tasty but not amazing. We finished our meal with a complimentary dessert sampler, all of which were really good
From food to service to ambiance - August gets 5 stars all around! It was a total splurge, but worth it for a wonderful place to spend our 8 year anniversary. Rivals the experience at Alan Wong's where they made us a personalized menu. The amuse bouche was a perfect way to start the evening. I wish I knew how to make that creamy-whatever-was-inside-that-eggshell filling. Seriously, I would try to make that all the time and bring it to literally every party... We split the beet/crab salad for the appetizer. They were very kind and split it in 1/2 for us without extra charge. Delicious and highly recommended salad! Mains: I got the snapper, bf got the beef. Both were just superb. I mean super amazing, delicious, wonderful and perfect dishes. Seriously, I think I'm in love. The worst part of the evening was when we were driving home and I remembered I had left my box of tiny leftovers, thus disabling me from eating the last bits of my dish. Get the snapper. Dessert was perfect. We shared the award winning banana pudding deconstruction and chocolate mint dessert thing. Please eat both of these if you go. They are must-no-miss desserts! + the kitchen was so sweet and wrote "Happy Anniversary" on both plates + comped paired wines with both plates. How wonderful and a perfect touch of kindness to round out the meal. Only complaints: they put us at a table for 4 although the reservation was for 2. This made for a fun evening of people watching, but was a little strange. The waitress was very nice, but just a bit too much in your face. She actually even apologized one time for standing so closely. She also kept asking if I was ok and that my face looked tired. Yes - I was super tired (worked all day and couldn't get reservations until 830p). Thank you for pointing out that I looked so sad and drained multiple times. Ps please stop speaking to us like we are visitors. Just ask where we were from so we could have skipped all the "how we do it in New Orleans" comments.
(5)
Jeffrey Q.
Absolutely wonderful restaurant! The food and service is truly five star. I had the chicken there and words cannot describe how perfectly it was cooked. The inside was soft and tender while the outside was thin and cripsy. I can safely say that was the best chicken I have ever had in my entire life.
(5)
John C.
FOOD: I went for brunch. The menu was limited with only 6 entree options from which to choose. I had the pan seared Trout Pontchartrain which is topped with shrimp and crab meat. It was perfectly prepared. I definitely recommend it. SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: I had the Brandy Milk Punch. It was semi-sweet, milky and just a tad light on brandy. I would suggest requesting an extra shot of brandy with yours. AMBIENCE The restaurant is very classy, complete with wooden walls and white linen on each table. The service was impeccable.
(5)
Ben P.
Very very good food. Extremely expensive. If your in the mood for a longer dinner I would recommend the degostino. It's a very cool dinner that has a ton of courses with wine.
(4)
Abby S.
After a week's worth of eating my way through the south, the first review I must write is for Restaurant August. #1 favorite meal, hands down. Thank you to all of the recommendations to dine here for lunch. The $20.12 prix fixe menu can't be beat. And no, you don't need reservations if you don't mind sitting at the bar. They serve the exact same menu, it's just not as fancy. You can make a rezie on the Yelp app, by the way, so technology is on your side in this case ;) First off, start the experience with a cocktail. Or a glass of sparkling wine. Who cares if it's lunch, you're in New Orleans. Since it was still kind of early, went with the Pimm's Cup. Not my normal choice, but I'd heard that they make some of the best in town. Was not disappointed, it was light/refreshing and had just the right amount of booze. Of course I went with the prix fixe, and feeling slightly adventurous made it a point to order items that I normally wouldn't, including: + Pate plate: A very large portion with cornichons, a few types of mustard and toast. Would have gladly eaten the whole thing, but other food was on its way. + Shrimp crusted Louisiana fishL Crispy and salty on the outside, moist and perfectly cooked on the inside. + Buttermilk chess pie: God I love rhubarb! Combined with the amuse bouche and mini chocolates at the end, left here stuffed to the brim! Though the gal who waited on us seemed shocked that I didn't finish every last morsel, it wasn't for lack of trying. The food was amazing, I just wasn't going to get too gluttonous on Day #1 of vacation. So good! Will be coming back for another meal when in NOLA. If someone were to ask for recommendations in this fine city, Restaurant August would be the top choice, hands down.
(5)
Karolyn S.
My husband and I drive to New Orleans every year, and this time we wanted to experience August. I made lunch reservations online a few days prior (surprised we could get in) as they have their lunch prix fixe menu on Fridays. About 20 bucks for lunch. We were seated immediately and greeted quite nicely by everyone: hostess, water man, waiter. We ordered a glass of wine each, recommended by the waiter (wish I could remember his name...he was just wonderful). We also ordered the gnocchi with truffles off the regular menu. BEST taste I've ever had. Worth the 18 bucks it cost and more. Everything we had from the pate to the crawfish bisque to the sheepshead fish to the country chicken to the angel food cake dessert was exquisite. Service doesn't get any better than this. Never were our water glasses even near empty, but the people working there weren't pretentious at all. They engaged in conversation with us and were just so very kind. I got to meet one of the chefs who couldn't have been happier to come out of the kitchen to talk to me. I believe her name was Stephanie (?). She and her husband moved from New York and both work here. Anyhow, make reservations, order the gnocchi, and be prepared to be wowed. Bravo August.
(5)
Bea S.
The best dining experiences in New Orleans hands down. From the service, the ambiance, to most importantly the exquisite food. This place can contend on a national level for new french fare. Came as a party of 4 and experienced southern etiquette at its finest. (Reservations are recommended) We were greeted with a warm welcome from every server passed. The staff may have been a little overly friendly for my New York hardened taste, but they really seem to care that every little thing is up to par - which it was and beyond! I doubt you can go wrong with anything you order. The menu is seasonal. We were given a complimentary amuse bouche served in a eggshell which was light, cheesy, and fluffy. I started with the potato gnocchi appetizer portion. These tasty handmade pillows were topped with truffle and blue crab meat. The flavors were subtle and delicious. I had the roasted duckling for the main coarse. The duck was incredibly tender and cooked perfectly. I am still craving the additional whipped foie gras that was part of duck dish. Great wine list albeit pricey. Dessert (even if you just order one) is a necessary indulgence to end a incredibly decadent meal. Definitely a spot for a special occasion or to treat yo'self. The flavors will not disappoint!
(5)
Age D.
Hands down this was easily one of the best fine dining experiences, if not the best, on all accounts. The food, the service, the ambiance, everything! I went all out and got the degustation menu with the paired wines Not cheap ($147) but totally worth it I would pay for it again just to have the first course over venison carpaccio with onion aioli Our server Jane was super nice, knowledgeable and even recommended more places for us Don't sleep on this one
(5)
Lauren B.
So on our last night in New Orleans we really wanted an awesome meal. We had eaten at some of the typical NOLA classics like Galatoire's and Antoine's. But we wanted something a little less "classic" and a little more...new? trendy? high-end? I think we wanted something a little more "New York". We were at the Hotel Monteleone having afternoon cocktails and asked our waitress her recommendations. She said Restaurant August, without a doubt. I had heard of it and a colleague back home who is from New Orleans had recommended it, but because it wasn't one of the tried and true NOLA classics, I didn't pay much attention. Obviously I opened my Yelp app and checked it out. Solid reviews, people raving about the food, service, atmosphere. A few photos of the food and interior confirmed that it was, indeed, what we were looking for. I made a reservation and all they had left was 9PM. No problemo, we are New Yorkers, after all, we are used to eating mad late. We walked over from our hotel on Bourbon Street to the restaurant. It was in what I suppose you would call the business part of town. Much quieter than Bourbon Street, people dressed nicer, ect. We walked in and were seated immediately. The space is beautiful. The enormous vintage style crystal chandeliers, wood paneled walls, everything was high end and a lot of thought went into it. It was exactly the sort of more modern and trendy version of what those old New Orleans restaurants looked like inside. Our server came over immediately to take our drink order. Because I am a complete and total sucker for martinis, I went with that. They were not even close to disappointing. I was swooning over them in minutes. The menu was awesome, we had such a hard time choosing what to have. The waiter was very helpful with this. He asked us what jumped out at us and then went through the composition, cooking method and ingredients in each dish and why he thought they were special. It was incredible to hear about the preparation, each dish had a special twist to it, making it far and away different than that same dish at another restaurant. We decided to share appetizers. First, we ordered the Foie Gras prepared three ways. Three small portions of foie gras (which is one of my favorite things) all cold or slightly warmed, each composing their own little dish, completely different from each other, yet tying together nicely. We also had the handmade potato gnocchi, tossed with blue crab and black truffle. It was some of the most perfect gnocchi I have ever had. Substantial, but still light and fluffy. The sauce mixed with the crab and truffles...divine. Another round of martinis later, and I was all jazzed up for our entrees. But first! An amuse bouche. A half quail egg shell stuffed with a Parmesan mousse and topped with an avocado custard...sounds weird, it was amazing and decadent. For my main, I ordered the Chappapeela Farms Duckling, with silver queen corn, buttered radish and blackened foie gras. It was SO GOOD. I have recently discovered that I enjoy duck and August did it right. slightly crispy skin, tender meat, the sauces perfectly complimenting the duck, and enough foie gras to have some with each bite of duck. Really, an incredible dish. When they offered us dessert, I was a little hesitant because I was so, so full already. But once again, our waiter went through how each dessert is composed and what ingredients are used, so once again we were pumped and all ordered a dish. I had the Banana Pudding and OHMYGODDDDDD. You best book your tickets to NOLA for this dish alone. It came with peanut butter, marshmallow and nila wafer ice cream. I was legit licking my plate clean at the end. Everyone at the table said it was amazing. I want more! Help! All throughout the meal the waiter was attentive and friendly, informative and we never wanted for anything. I was sad to go at the end, but so pleased we took the chance on something in the business district. When you are in New Orleans, do yourself a favor and try our John Besh's Restaurant August for an amazing fine dining experience that's full of flavor and skill.
(5)
Laurie V.
Second visit here. Great experience both times. The first time I was here, I was with girlfriends and we shared the Foie prepared 3 ways and we were disappointed (although in all fairness, we had just been to Jean Georges and had the best foie we've ever tasted in our lives.) But this time at August the foie gras 3 ways was FANTASTIC. I was with my favorite guy, and we loved every bite. Way to turn it around! It was slightly different, so I believe they change it up seasonally. The sweetbreads were delightful. For our entrees we had the soft shell crab and the lamb. I was so full that I couldn't finish the lamb, but it made a great 2 AM snack after returning from the bars! :) The service was fantastic. Ambiance was cozy. Drinks were right on-par. We received the Hilton 20% off deal (I am a Hilton Honors member and was so excited to get this discount, since we had planned on eating here ANYHOW!) If you stay at a Hilton property from now to September, be sure to look this up- it's good for any John Besh establishment.
(4)
Jason V.
Amazing dinner. The tasting menu offered several courses with wine pairings. Everything was well prepared, presented, and tasted amazing. I would come back here again in a heartbeat. My new favorite spot in NOLA.
(5)
Kim B.
I didn't want to eat here while in New Orleans. I read the Yelp and Chowhound reviews praising the restaurant but I didn't believe it. The only "fine dining" establishment I planned to try in the city was Commander's Palace. But by some magical twist of fate, my boyfriend and I were pretty much forced to come here for dinner one night. Our original reservation at Domenica was cancelled at the last-minute due to a kitchen fire. Since it was a Sunday night at 9:45pm, the only other Besh restaurant options were Luke or Restaurant August. One guess which of the two was able to squeeze us in for the last seating of the evening? My boyfriend and I arrived at Restaurant August and both of us didn't really want to be there. We didn't want to spend the money and didn't think the food would be worth it. Well, Chef John Besh proved us wrong. The food was amazing -- probably our best meal while in New Orleans. I highly recommend the beet/crab/bacon salad, handmade potato gnocchi, breaded trout Ponchartrain, and banana pudding.The only reason this restaurant doesn't get 5 stars is because the service was lacking. It took 10 minutes just to get water in our glasses, and we spent much of the evening waiting for our waitress to show up.
(4)
Kelley K.
I would have gave it a 5 star review, but the matredee kept coming over and talking to us. Dishes were spectacular! Pairings were spot on. Atmosphere quite lovely.
(4)
Jason K.
Flagship restaurant of Chef John Besh's empire, this place did not fail to impress. We gave them advanced warning that we were bringing our four-year-old...the email reply was so nice and welcoming, we almost did not feel bad at foisting her upon them (actually, she did amazingly well, especially considering dinner lasted almost three hours!). When we arrived, our waiter Mark and his assistant were incredibly friendly and accomodating. They were enthusiastic and provided detailed explanations of the dishes...they also explained that Chef Besh has four (I think) kids of his own thus their welcome. Pretty much everything was delicious, but his signature gnocchi with crab and truffle was absolutely amazing. The gnocchi were pillowy light, the sauce was wonderously rich and full-flavored, and everything was perfumed by earthy truffles. WOW. Another standout was off the degustation menu, the squid-ink tagliatelle. This was served with saffron aioli and the most tender baby squid I have ever had. Mmmm...it was all we could do to keep from licking our plates. It was pricey, but not ridiculously so for a fine dining emporium. Dinner was worth every penny...we will definitely be back.
(5)
Renee S.
We went for my birthday and were treated like royalty! Plus everything we ate was fantastic! Highly recommended!!!
(5)
Mas B.
Had dinner there this past Sunday for our 10th anniversary. One of the best dining and eating experiences. To say the least the service was top notch and we felt well cared for and the wine recommendations were spot on. My wife chose the squash blossom dishes from the vege fixed side and that was fantastic. I had the foie app and it was great, though I was not a fan of the peanut butter and jelly creation. The peanuts over powered the foie and it just tasted like P&J which I wasn't expecting. I had the lamb and my wife the Wagyu dish. Both were amazing but the Wagyu was the best dish Ive ever tasted.
(5)
Cody H.
I can't believe that it took us this long to make it to this restaurant. We loved it. We sat down and immediately had a great time. I ordered the tasting menu with the pairings and it was perfect. She had the chopped salad and I believe the toasted trout for her entree. This place was so good that she and I discussed having our rehearsal dinner here. Once we told the waiter that we would like some info on the available space, the captain came over and told us about the place, gave us some cards of people to talk to and asked if we wanted to see the room. We were having such a good time at dinner that we really didn't want to. I told them we will be back and can check it out next time. So we have to go back....and we really want to go back. This place is awesome. The only thing I would do differently is change our table location. Every time someone would open the doors to the restaurant, you'd get a huge amount of hot, outside air hitting you. Next time we will ask for table 34, 43 or 63. I was told these are the best tables by the waiter.
(5)
Sophia C.
Came here during our visit to New Orleans for my boyfriend's birthday, I had to find a fancier establishment to celebrate this special occasion. We loved the food in New Orleans and Restaurant August was a standout. We're New Yorkers and coming from a city full of fancy, expensive, upscale spots, Restaurant August was a strong contender for top marks. The food was delectable, I think our favorites were the Foie Gras prepared three ways and sea scallops. Their menu changes regularly but I have no doubt that all their dishes will at least satisfy if not impress. What made this place stand out to me was their service. We were checked on regularly... made us feel like our experience was really a top concern for them. They were friendly and personable (don't undervalue how much a smile and laugh can boost a dining experience). Oftentimes fancier establishments can have a stiff or entitled air, but this was not the case here. Since it was my boyfriend's birthday, I sneakily asked one of the staff (not even someone who was working at my table since he was in proximity of our table and I didn't want my bf to overhear) if they could do something special at the end of our meal. He reassured me not to worry and that he would see to it, and I continued on my way to the bathroom. Through the rest of the meal, I did worry. I worried that I had not been more explicit in my request since I didn't point out our table and that he would forget (seeing that he wasn't even serving our table and I was rushed in my request so it wouldn't seem suspicious to my bf). But lo and behold, at the end of our meal, a plate of dessert scrawled with Happy Birthday in chocolate arrived before our check. It was so discreet that my bf was genuinely surprised. There was no cheesy happy birthday singing involved, just a hearty wish for him to have a happy birthday and enjoy the rest of our night. This was one of our most expensive meals in NOLA but compared to New York prices, I didn't even bat an eye at the check. The price was well-deserved.
(5)
Adrienne G.
Coming back to New Orleans this year, we knew we wanted to make August a return visit & we were completely impressed ( again! ) Vegetarian Tasting Menu WITH Wine Pairing! Perusing the menu, we found we did not completely care for their offerings & they were happy to let us create our own lineup - huge props!! Amuse Bouche - whipped egg w/ mousse-like pea fluff - outstanding! 1st Course - Artichoke & Black Garlic Soup - super tasty & could taste each but nothing overpowering 2nd Course - Strawberry & Rhubarb Salad w Bruleed Goat Cheese. - strawberries macerated in balsamic & the rhubarb in brown sugar. Soooooo delish! 3rd Course - Pea & Carrot Raviolio w/ Manchego Cheese. Baby carrots all around & an egg yolk had been flash poached in marscapone to give it a creamy richness. Could've had like 12 of these! 4th Course - Gnocchi w/ Morels & Truffled Goat Butter w/ Fava Bean Pesto. You put gnocchi & truffles with anything & I'm going to love it! Then add fave beans? Look out! At first I thought I tasted mint in the mix & that was a show stopper for me b/c who would have mixed mint w truffles & mushrooms? But after that 1st taste, couldn't taste it again & the dish mellowed out.....this dish was especially created at our request & we totally appreciated their flexibility & willingness to create something off-menu! Desserts included the banana pudding ( just like last yr ) & a 3 chocolate cake. The cake was little cubes of a coffee-infused variety, choc mousse cinnamon mousse thing & little balls of white milk & dark choc. Yummy! Wine pairings were all kinds of spectacular & our evening divine! Can't wait to do it again!!
(5)
Patty S.
I wanted a fine dining experience in New Orleans and was between Commander's Palace and August. I am so glad I chose August. My favorite dishes of the night included the gnocchi, agnolotti and foie gras. The market vegetable degustation didn't wow me, but the three appetizers were so absolutely delicious that I would go back in a heartbeat. This is what I would expect from a John Besh restaurant.
(4)
Jessica M.
We were a party of 7 that was coming to dine for lunch at August, and we were set up nicely at a round table. We initially came in through the wrong door, but employees were there to guide us the host area, and on our way through, every staff member we encountered was very pleasant saying hello as we passed. The establishment was very nice with wood throughout and a nice view of all the wines they held upstairs. We were welcomed with bread and a complimentary amuse bouche, and it was divine. All of the food was delicious. Along with the menu they offer a prix fixe meal for 20.15 and it includes and appetizer, entree and dessert. I decided to go with the prix fixe, and I was happy and my stomach was definitely satisfied with the decision. Even though the portions are small, everything was so decadent that you filled full. All of us ladies sat there after the meal with a food coma stare in our eyes. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys great food and ambiance.
(5)
Ithaca P.
What can I say... best meal I've had in the last 10 years. Starting from the amuse bouche, to the entree and then the dessert, every detail of each dish was thoughtful and carefully put together. We had two fish entree dishes that were both excellent. My only regret is that I didn't do the degustation menu instead. It's expensive, but I came away thinking that it was so worth it. Service was excellent and setting was romantic.
(5)
Adam A.
Yea, it was really that good. Delicious Bourbon Old Fashioned to get things started. An amazing Cauliflower amuse boche, followed by a delicate and succulent pork pate. Lunch continued with an awesome Sheepshead for me, and a Duck Confit Cavatelli for my lady. We diverged once again on desserts with Bourbon Chocolate Tart for me and the Meyer lemon cake for her. A bite of peanut brittle and white chocolate truffle for the road, and we were all set. DELICIOUS, and we'll definitely be back.
(5)
Thomas B.
Excellent venue, the service was outstanding, the food fantastic. I was told that portions would be small and expensive but found this to be not true. The portions were more than adequate and I was delighted with the quality and value. Yes Restaurant August is certainly not inexpensive but that level of quality, service and style is not cheap! I eat out constantly and found Restaurant August to be my best overall meal during my four days in New Orleans. I highly recommend this establishment. Business or social it is a winner any way you look at it. Restaurant August "blew away" old favorites like Commanders Palace, there was no comparison!
(5)
Colleen B.
Loved it. Portions were perfect so I wasn't stuffed by the end of the night. Ambience was great and service was impressive. Sommolier's recommendations were excellent. Highlights: Handmade potato gnocchi, breaded trout Pontchartrain & goat's milk cheesecake. Sounded better than it was: hot buttered crab & warm burrata corn bread tart and the banana pudding. Go and enjoy.
(4)
Mimi D.
Wow....that was a total fail for me!! Made reservations for my birthday at 8:00 pm for 2 then changed it to 4. It was nice of them to be able to change it last minute for me. That's a plus. Arrived there shortly before 8:00 and we had to wait. That's fine with me to wait a couple minutes, 15 max. BUT! OMG we waited for 43 minutes to be exact, thanks to the host for letting us know. She seemed to feel horrible to make us wait that long. Another plus. Started off dinner with a complimentary egg custard amouse bouche inside of an egg shell. It was cute and cool looking, but it wasn't as tasty as it looked, too rich tasting for my taste. We also ordered the gnocci and the shrimp bisque. The gnocci was okay. The shrimp bisque was fishy tasting. I didn't enjoy it at all. Then for entrees, I decided to go with the sweet and savory duck. Sounded delicious. My sister and everyone else ordered the steak. Fail again!! My duck was not good at all! And the steak that everyone else ordered also fell flat! We were all so disappointed! After we finished our entrees, we were ready for the cake that my sister brought. They also presented us with a complimentary dessert. That dessert was pretty good, but it doesn't make up for the rest of the failed dinner. So sad! Maybe I'll give it another try...maybe.....
(2)
Mike S.
$20 fix price 3 course lunch at a great restaurant. YEAH! Our visit: They take our jackets and seat us immediately Menu is ala carte or the price fix We order the price fix 0) Amuse bouche Sabayone, egg froth, topped with caviar and brioche crouton serverd in an egg shell. Three wonderful bites with each bite being different due to the layering. 1) Pork pate with toasted brioche points (Wife: Salad topped with duck confete) 2) Homemade cheese stuffed pasta with micro greens 3) Butterscotch flan (chocolate cake with ice cream) *) Homemade brittle and chocolate truffle with the bill Amuse bouche was amazing. The portion of the pate was probably larger then needed for a three course lunch but was very tasty. The portion of the entree was small by American standards but perfect for three courses. The sauce, greens, pasta, vegetables made each bite different and exciting. Anyone interested in exploring the idea of layering flavours would find the perfect subject in this dish. Each component was seasoned well and stood on its own. But in any combination was elevated. Some insane chef was at work in creating the dish and the execution was done by someone with great skills and a good palette. The dessert was rich, full flavour and the right portion. I was just two spoons past satisfied (one to the spouse and one last bite to finish the meal so PERFECT). If you want a fine dinning experience, great food, a change from new orleans country cooking and creole then you MUST have lunch here.
(5)
Mitch N.
A very enjoyable dinning experience. The number of delicious flavors in each dish is amazing. Service was very good, but lead waiter could have been a bit more personable. All other staff were very friendly and not pretentious. Started with cocktails. The Old South Smash was refreshing and perfectly blended. We chose foie-gras three ways, gnocchi app split, spouse-soft shell crab me-filet, banana pudding. The final sweets with bill included a mini praline that is best I have ever had; would buy them in bulk. When you book NOLA, book your table here and enjoy!
(5)
Lorraine F.
Wine and food pairings were perfect. Pasta with garlic and tomatoes and mushrooms was best ever eaten. Congrats to all the staff and chefs!'
(5)
Cary L.
My two star rating is relative to expectation and the fine dining level of August. That being said, we were all very disappointed. Its not that the food wasnt good, but when you spend $100 for the 6 course chefs tasting, it better be amazing. A couple of the courses were great, but not amazing and I have to say I wouldnt go back. there are just too many other restaurants to try at this same level. August is experiencing what many other celebrity chef restaurants have when the chef is no longer there on a regular or even occasional basis. And then there was the waiter screw up. We ordered the wine pairing with the chef tasting. I ordered the tasting because I knew a few of the wines and they were great. When our saddle of lamb was served I was looking forward to the Stags Leap Artemis, which the waiter didnt serve. I then simply asked him for the menu, which when he brought over he said there were some last minute changes on the wine pairing by the Sommelier, So why not tell us that when we ordered it? Anyway...it was HIS mistake, they had the Stags Leap and Sommelier compted our wine pairing and poured us a generous glass of Stags Leap and a chardonnay we didnt get either. At least they took care of the problem, but this shouldnt happen for a $150 meal.
(2)
Sonia M.
Great food and service. The lunch prix fixe menu is the best deal in town. The chocolate hazelnut tart will be on my lifetime lust of best ever dishes.
(5)
Madz P.
Hands down, one of the best dinners I've ever had. As a vegetarian foodie (self proclaimed) it takes a lot to impress me. The vegetarian tasting menu here was truly phenomenal. If we ever go back to NoLa, we will definitely be splurging here again.
(5)
Angela S.
we spent 3 days in NO recently, showing our friends from overseas and taking them to top notch restaurants. W tried GW Fins, NOLA, August. All were great , but we all felt that August was the best of all. Th duck was one of the best and ou friends tried th steak which wa awesome. Excellent service too.
(5)
EricaLynn J.
An evening at August had me slipped into one of the most delicious food comas I've ever had. Absolutely spectacular food with a menu so diverse that even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love. And if for some reason they can't (such as my sister, for instance), the chef will make something for you, no questions asked. You don't get that kind of treatment all too often - even in frou-frou gourmet high-priced places. It's refreshing to know that New Orleans has a hidden gem such as August. I will certainly return - hopefully sooner rather than later.
(5)
Shannon D.
New Orleans is beyond description, as is August. I loved my time here. It was rich, relaxed and satisfying, August and Trashy Diva are top of mind when I remember one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you and we will be back... Galactic at Tippin Tina's was ok too :-) ie the reason for the trip. P.S Thanks for kicking my ass previous NOLA yelpers. I get it. Cheers Shannon
(5)
David C.
Ah, Restaurant August. This was to be the highlight of our trip (eating-wise) in New Orleans. Both Zagat and Gayot have it rated higher than anything we have here in Houston (although honestly who really cares or can trust Zagat and Gayot) and it is headed by a celebrity chef of national proportions: John Besh. So we were both very excited to compare some of the best New Orleans has to offer with our best experiences in Houston. I can say the space is pretty nice. The main dining room is a lot smaller than I would have thought but it was very nice and spacious. Very dark and romantic with candle light, etc. The restaurant itself is just right on the corner of some old building-- very historical. Now, we started off with two of the most disappointing appetizers in the history of disappointing appetizers: some sort of scattered chop salad with champagne vinaigrette and a gnocchi with blue crab meat. The salad just looked ridiculous. I don't know what to say. Maybe I can put up a picture of it, if my girlfriend took a picture of it. It looked like they got all the leftover vegetables in the back of the kitchen and scattered it on a large plate. It wasn't like a regular salad because the greens weren't stacked on each other: it was just a very wide, flat salad. Absolutely absurd. The gnocchi was okay, but slightly under flavored. Clearly handmade pasta as my grandmother makes something similar to it. Very moist. Crab meat was okay but easily could have come from jumbo lump crab in a plastic can at Whole Foods. Entrees were much, much better. At least mine was. I had sugar and spice duckling with duck foie gras, stone grits, and a strawberry jam-like thing. This duck was unlike anything I have ever eaten in my life. It was unbelievably tender and moist and just perfectly cooked. The foie gras went perfectly with the duck and stone grits, they were pretty good, I guess. I can't imagine how people eat grits for breakfast. This description probably hasn't done the entree (their signature entree, according to our waiter) justice, but bottom line, I have dreamed about the duck dish for the last two days... and it has only been two days since we ate here. Last note on the dessert: a modern take on a napoleon with layers of chocolate and salted toffee ice cream on top-- best dessert ever. Our waiter was pretty good, pretty professional. Either they don't have specials here or he didn't mention them. My ginger ale wasn't refilled but Esther had three re-fills on her iced tea. Weird. John Besh was definitely in the house but in the back because I could hear clapping and cheering from inside the kitchen. An older, much more sophisticated couple, was led to the kitchen by their waiter but I felt like I wasn't cool enough to pull that off. Overall, not a disappointment and a great experience.
(4)
Doug W.
Ok. It should probably get 2 stars. But it is so over-priced for what it is. I would never think of going back - unless someone I didn't like was paying for it... Servers were a little arrogant. Why bother with this place?
(1)
Marcus A.
Coming to New Orleans, my restaurant must was Restaurant August and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately my family is not the foodie that I am and therefore I had to venture here solo. I came for the the prix fixe lunch menu and not a day too soon. My cost $20.10, as of tomorrow (January 1, 2011) the price jumps to $20.11. Regardless of this exorbitant price change, this three course meal is a steal. The amuse bouche was a seafood custard topped with caviar and brioche. It was the highlight for me, creamy and richly textured. Next was the veloute of celery root with apples and home cured bacon. The sweet apples with the smokey bacon and creamy veloute was absolutely fabulous. My main course was the jumbo shrimp and okra over grits. Let me say this, I am not a fan of okra, but in combination with the other ingredients it provided a nice texture to the meal. The meal closed out with a cream cheese tartlet topped with homemade strawberry sorbet and fresh strawberries and elderberries. A nice palette cleanser. One of the best overall "tasting" experiences to date for me. The check arrived topped with homemade peanut brittle and I believe an orange/mango gelatin. A sweet little goodbye if you will. My "captain" was Robert and he was extremely attentive and helpful and provided me with some much welcomed light conversation on my solo excursion. I leave New Orleans glad to have experienced Chef John Besh and if I return to NOLA, look forward to trying out the dinner options.
(5)
Megan M.
This review is for LUNCH. Stopped in for the prix fixe lunch at August, and boy was I impressed! Three fabulous courses for $20, wow! Service was on point. When we walked into the restaurant, literally every person who worked there stopped and greeted us as we made our way to the table. The meal went uphill from there. For my meal, I got the pate plate (I'd had fois gras here in the past and been uber impressed), the shrimp stew and some sort of dessert sandwich with berries, goat cheese and toast. The pate was great. Flavorful, not too gamey and served with an array of interesting accompaniments. The shrimp stew was like a fancy schmancy gumbo served over parmesan risotto. It was packed with shrimp, fresh okra and a wonderfully flavorful broth. My dessert course was rich, buttery, salty, cheesey and good. I loved the drizzle of peppered honey that accompanied it. My dining partner chose three different dishes (a duck salad, veal grillades and caramel pot de crème) and loved them all as well. We both couldn't believe the portion sizes for the price. My pate was more than I've gotten at much worse restaurants, I couldn't finish my stew, and the dessert was double the size I would have expected. Plus you get to enjoy it all in August's chic atmosphere. All I can say is wow. I think this just may be the best lunch deal in town!
(5)
Laurie P.
Simply wonderful! We started with a complimentary amuse bouche of cauliflower puree served in a delicate egg shell which set the tone perfectly. Then an appetizer of crab & black truffle gnocchi and fresh and outstanding sour dough bread. The main entree was 48 hour braised short rib with wild mushroom. Definitely on my "last meal" list. Everything was sublime...impeccable service and cozy setting. This Minneapolis girl will be going back to NOLA again and this will be my first stop. Thank you Mr. Besh and crew!
(5)
Jessica O.
We had reservations here for Thanksgiving dinner. :) Not too shabby. I ordered the vegetable tasting menu and my beau ordered the fish. I accidentally was served the first course of the regular tasting menu. I mean, I like when mistakes like this happen. :) That crab appetizer was delicious, a little salty, but very good. My vegetable tasting menu was very very good. All of the food here was very very good. The desert course was a little rich for my taste after all of the goodness that we were served, but delicious nonetheless. Honestly even the pricing was fair, especially considering we had some wine from their very impressive looking wine cellar. The reason I'm keeping one star off was because it was very very good, but at no point in the evening was I flo'ored with an incredible combination of tastes or textures. It need a little extra umph" to get that extra star. Also, if you get the soup or anything with a creamy sauce, watch out for the sauce spoon/knife you get served. THAT was something that totally stumped me.
(4)
Gustavo P.
We were processed by the over caffeinated Maitre'D. The flounder was very dry. The sommelier was knowledgeable but disappeared after I commented that the Rully (Cote Cahalonnaise) was corky. After dropping nearly US$500 for three people I would say it was not worth it. Return? may be for lunch or on someones expense account. I have seen enough to know what I like and what I consider good.
(2)
Vincent H.
I highly recommend this restaurant for the food, experience, ambiance and especially the service. Met someone for lunch here on Wednesday, 10/12/2011, as our original choice of NOLA's was closed for lunch that day. Beautiful main dining room sitting on the corner of Tchoupitoulas Street and Poydas? Dinning room had a very cool early 1900's feel, much like you are going to a nice Sunday dinner, although not too much over the top. Menu doesn't have too many choices, but the choices it does have are off the hook. I couldn't decide between the lamb or the flat iron steak initially, however went with the steak. If you are real hungry, order appetizers, salad and soup, because the portion size was about 6 oz. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and the accompaniments were flavorful I started my meal with what is called a chopped salad, however nothing appeared chopped, more like dropped on the plate or should I say sprinkled. Not a huge salad, although the champagne dressing was light and flavorful. Our waiter was awesome and allowed us to talk business and did not interrupt our meal. Waiter brought a chardonnay and Cabernet wine (by the glass) and both wines were perfect. For dessert I had to go with the bread pudding, which was again perfect. The reason for not awarding five stars is for the food portions. I recommend increasing them 25%, even if they charged 25% more. I will be back on my next trip.
(4)
Yvonne D.
Just not liking this place. The ambiance and service is top notch but this review is about the food. My husband did the tasting menu and I did the shrimp stuffed flounder. Mine was small a bit tasty but just a bit. My husband was very dissatisfied with his meal. The pork was all fat. White gushy fat. He couldn't eat it. There was a sliver not even a bite a meat attached to the belly fat which he said was great but the pure fat almost made him gag! The strip steak was nothing special at all a few small slices. And desert peppermint foam. Yuck who wants to eat foam? Beet sorbet sound interesting but surprisingly yuck.
(2)
Scott S.
Restaurant August was very good, but missed "great". I must say that the staff did an outstanding job with service. Our needs were met and we were often asked if how we were enjoying ourselves. (Perhaps a bit too often) Our meal began with an egg custard with caviare. This was an unexpected treat from the kitchen, It was a pleasant surprise, unique and tasty. I then moved on to the mangalitsa pork belly with wild mushrooms, blueberries and spiced creme fresche. This was delicious and the various toppings were truly outstanding. However, the pork belly needed a little bit more texture to it. For the mail course, I had the Redfish "Court Bouillion". This was a round of redfish, topped with crab. Overall, it was ok. The texture in the center of the fish round was a little off-putting and there was shell in the crab. The dessert was outstanding. A napoleon with salted toffee ice cream. YUM! For the money spent, I honestly feel the experience should have been better. I will remember other meals I've had here much longer than I will remember Restaurant August.
(3)
Mike C.
The best foie gras dish ever!! Every component was so one of a kind. My favorite entree was the grouper with the fresh shrimp sauce. It tasted like uni soup!!!! The desserts were also incredible!!!
(5)
Dave C.
I was expecting this to be good, but not THIS good. This easily rivaled fine-dining in NYC. I had the degustation with pairings. The amuse was an eggy, fishy pudding which, I grant, sounds gross, but it was delicious. Up first was a lemonfish, very lightly seared, and perfectly prepared. The fish was meaty, but still melted in my mouth. Next was a red snapper dish containing many ingredients I don't particularly care for. It was AMAZING. The ingredients elevated the fish and the entire thing was great. The main was a short-rib with dumplings. Short-ribs are hard to screw up, but this dish brought them to a new level. The short-rips at Gordon Ramsay's At The London is one of the best things I've eaten, and these rival it. The dumplings were awesome. The dessert was a chocolate something that I really enjoyed. I'm not much of a dessert person and I scarfed this down. The wine pairings worked very well and were quite generous. If you are a lightweight, you might want to go easy on finishing them. This is on par with much fancier and more expensive restaurants in NYC and Chicago.
(5)
Patrice R.
We read reviews of restaurants prior to our trip to NOLA. We were looking for a nice, romantic setting. This restaurant did not fail us. It was interesting that when we checked about the dress recommendations my husband was told coat and tie preferred. Looking at the other patrons and they way they were dressed, I think we were the only ones who actually asked ahead of time. Lots of people in very casual dress. We both enjoyed our meals--my steak was cooked perfectly. We were interested in taking a dessert back to eat later but all of the desserts had ice cream as part of them and there was no way that would transport easily. When the bill was presented, there was also a plate of small sweets which was a perfect ending to the meal.
(5)
Jezebelly H.
Visiting from STL. Whenever we travel, we try to hit at least one 5 star restaurant....... Since we had no reservations, we decided to arrive as soon as then opened and were able to get a table in the bar, which did NOT detract from the experience in any way. The service was outstanding and the food was out of this world......the flavor, the presentation......they even gave my husband & I free deserts because my husband wasn't thrilled with his appetizer (which I warned our server because he doesn't care for seafood, perhaps we shouldn't order it---but she really pushed it because it is John Besh's signiature dish---she also took 1/2 price off app because hubby didn't eat it----his loss, it was divine). I didn't realize it, but John Besh has 6 restaurants in NOLA. We will try another on our next visit. We dropped about $125, including mimosa, beer, app & 2 entrees. Lunch is best way to go to some of these 5 stars, in order to save a little $$$ and atmostphere is bit more casual. Staff was charming & accomidating, above & beyond, regardless of being heavily tattooed......exceptional.
(5)
Rich S.
Pretty pricey but pretty damn good! Our host was superb, he knew the menu inside and could recite the entire menu and how it was prepared like an eloquent song. Usually I'm pretty leery of places that are expensive because I always leave still hungry. In August's case, I'd say go for it. It isn't THAT pricey to NYC standards and food was well worth it! I'd even say it was up there with Per Se in NYC. I had the short ribs entree and pork belly appetizer. Oh man it was soooo yummy!
(5)
PJ M.
The service here was phenomenal! I ordered off the prix fixe menu the butternut squash soup, the pork belly and the eclaire. The soup was light but very flavorful. The walnuts gave it that extra texture to take it to the next level. The pork belly was very good, but I think the fatty goodness was a little too much for me. The eclaire with Manchego cheese is quite good but is more savory than sweet so it doesn't deliver on its "desserty" promise. The waiter noticed my lack of enthusiasm and asked me if I would like to switch it out with another dessert. Not wanting to be a bother, I told him it was okay. No big deal. He still got me a new dessert unprompted. That's service! A chocolate mouse-like cake with salted caramel at the bottom served with malt-flavor infused ice cream. It was delicious. My wife was very curious about their "pho" so she had to try their $20 pho. The broth was very flavorful but had a unique taste I couldn't place. Served with thin slices of sirloin and flour noodles and cabbage in place of bean sprouts, my wife and I both thought it was interesting. I personally wouldn't order it again, but it's worth a try for the pho connoisseur. All in all, we had a very nice lunch experience there and if you're in town for a few days, I'd definitely recommend a visit.
(4)
Fernando V.
Whimsical experience. One of the best (if not the best) meal I ever had. Impeccable execution...superb.
(5)
Beach M.
After all the stellar reviews I expected so much more. We went with 2 other couples and ate just about everything and nothing was even more than mediocre. The gnocchi was mush and my redfish was mealy. The only reason I am rating it even a 3 was because the service was stellar and it is an incredibly beautiful interior. Sooo disappointed.
(3)
John C.
The food here is AWESOME. John Besh did a great job on the menu in this Restaraunt. The service was awesome, the waiter was outstanding. Giving us our food, making sure we had water and beverages. This place may be pricey but its well worth it. If your gonna come here to eat, you need to go all out and go for the gusto.....
(5)
Shirley L.
Wow. My tastebuds are still thanking me. This was the only place my friend and I reserved at before we hit it up in NOLA. We arrived about 30 minutes earlier than our reserved time...because the humidity outside was just killing us! The host sat us right away anyway. The decor was formal, but not highty tighty. The staff was very helpful and very nice. Our waitress made a good recommendation on which type of red wine (because I wanted red wine) I should pair with my meal. And the meal I chose was...cochon de lait! It was ah-mazing! MELTS in your mouth. And the flavors are so wonderful and not overwhelming but it definitely pops! On the side, there was a chunk of fat that was presented so beautifully that it would be a very sad story if you do not eat it!! And on to the dessert. I got Pere Roux's banana rum cake. Holy moly. The Creole cream cheese icing was absolutely heaven. The white chocolate shavings was so yummy. I cleaned both my entree and dessert plates off to a sparkle. And I was stuffed! I've been to a lot of "nice/upscale" restaurants but this one is a definite "lets go back" and "worth the splurge" restaurant. Next time I'm in town...preferably when its not disgustingly humid...I'm going back! To try the duckling!
(5)
Melissa B.
Looking forward to my meal at August, I have to admit being a little worried. Chef Besh is known for his locally sourced, seasonal offerings and let's face it, with the Gulf of Mexico now quickly becoming a cloud of oil, the Louisiana seafood was a huge question mark. Nevertheless, I found myself giddy with anticipation at the meal to come and I was not disappointed. The 7 course degustation menu was all vegetarian and highlighted fresh produce from a farm about 50 miles North of New Orleans. While I did not choose this for my meal, I do appreciate the care that went into maintaining Besh's standard of using local ingredients. The meal started with a wonderful amuse-bouche sent out as a gift from the chef. Tucked inside a delicate egg shell was a seafood sabayon topped with crème fraiche and caviar. It was, in a word, sublime. I have spent many quiet moments reveling in this most pleasurable bite of food. The next course was braised pork belly. In an effort for full disclosure, I can tell you that there is more than a bit of bias on my part toward this dish; as bacon, in any form, is one of my most favored things on this planet. (Sorry swine!) Restaurant August did justice to the noble pig when it created this dish. The pork belly was perfectly moist and tender. The dish was complimented with fresh peaches and thinly sliced, pickled jalapeno peppers. The sweetness of the peaches and the tangy bite of the peppers were the perfect players to accompany the fatty richness of the pork. My third course was a dry-aged, wagyu beef filet with oxtail marmalade and ox marrow jus. Do I even need to say anything else?!?! The beauty of this dish goes beyond all words, so I will not even try. I'll just say, Go There! Order This Dish! Today! If not sooner! You have my word that you will not be sorry. August seems to be the kind of place where the staff would make you feel welcome whether you were wearing a sun dress or a ball gown. Speaking personally, I like to take advantage of the occasion and doll it up a little for a fine dining restaurant but one would be completely comfortable if they chose not to do so. The building itself is quite striking with its high ceilings, twinkling chandeliers, ornate wood work and soft tapestries adorning the walls. Between the beautiful building, the attentive staff and the lovely meal, August seems to have all the momentum toward becoming of those old, beloved New Orleans institutions and has impressed me as a place that I definitely hope to visit again.
(5)
Joe H.
From the attentive and friendly service, the knowledgeable and engaging sommelier, to the beautifully prepared and presented food, this is a great restaurant. We checked out the menu earlier in the day on the recommendation of a local friend and our hotel concierge and it excited us enough to call and make a reservation for that evening. Highlights: Crispy squash blossom tempura appetizer is a light, savory treat. La Provence Mangalista pork is pork three ways, crispy tenderloin with Chanterelles, a pork cheek ravioli, and a slow-cooked pork shoulder...a lovely combination of textures and flavors. Sugar and spice duckling was moist, full of flavor and not at all fatty. We finished with the goats milk cheesecake which was light and not too sweet and served with a subtle honey ice cream. They did not have the vintage of the wine we selected but brought the next year's for us to taste with an offer to replace it if we weren't satisfied. Service throughout was attentive and polite. Overall, a great and highly recommended dining experience.
(5)
Esther Y.
We chose this restaurant since we had such a great dining experience at one of John Besh's other restaurants, Luke. The restaurant is enormous and the dining rooms are spectacular. This is fine dining to its best! Each table is assigned 2 servers to attend to our every desire. If you have a sip of water, they are there to refil it in the next 5 minutes. I wish we were hungrier so we could have opted for the 4-course tasting menu, but we just were not hungry enough. He started with shrimp shu-mai, basically shrimp potstickers. The consumme was amazing and brimming with seafood flavor. I started with the local chop salad, filled with all sorts of local vegetables and fruits. I thoroughly enjoyed the salad and savored every bite. Some of the included items were pomegranate seeds, cauliflower, pear, and carrots. He ordered the redfish and I ordered sugar and spice duckling. The redfish was perfectly cooked and the broth was savory as well. The duck was flavored just like how duck is often cooked in Chinese restaurants. The foie gras was a delectable treat on the dish. The grits were not too flavorful on their own, but it was good to soak up the sauce. We normally share one dessert, but we each had to order our own dessert since everything looked good. He ordered the ambrosia, filled with fruit perfectly in season, such as figs and berries. They even included tiny mini marshmallows scattered between fruit. I ordered the goat milk cheesecake. It was a light cheesecake on top of a crunchy almond crust and topped with a piece of white chocolate. There was a streak of balsamic caramel across the plate, which added some acidity to cut through the cheesecake. Dessert was one of the best parts of the meal The bill came with pieces of chocolate truffles and peanut brittle. They were both unspeakably decadent.
(5)
Foodie N.
I'm not going to detail the nine course tasting I had here. What I will tell you is that this is a must if you plan to visit New Orleans. It will be the best meal you have. Name the big restaurants and chefs, I have hit them, come here. boringmac.com/2012/01/th…
(5)
Rachel P.
I'd be a total asshole to say the food wasn't good. It was. But when I am paying this much for food and wine flights I want my wine to get there before my food. So you know, my food doesn't have to get cold while I wait for my wine. That being said, our server was nice but apparently he had more important guests which doesn't make us feel too "special". Which is exactly how the hostess made us feel, not so special. For 500 bucks for three people I'd like to feel well SPECIAL. One of the food runners was a bit sloppy, while the other poured the soups in with such care and poise. I just didn't understand the inconsistency. I hope Besh Inc...I just made that up...still cares about those special touches. Although our food was pretty good I felt that no one really cared if we enjoyed it or not. I am also not so sure if they cared if we felt special. I think losing that is a fatal mistake. I feel as if good service and pride in that good service is the benchmark of a not just good but a great and maybe even epic restaurant. I would go to Stella a million times over. I would not come back to August.
(4)
Tri D.
I would return to Restaurant August just to have their duck again. I love duck and it is the best I've ever had. Everything else was good to very good, but not great considering the price. There was a loud group in the middle of the dinning room that was quite distracting. They should have a private dinning room for such groups.
(4)
scott d.
Fixed lunch menu superb!
(5)
Lynn C.
We came here for X-mas Eve dinner. $58 for a vegetarian tasting menu, which tasted divine. Unfortunately, I was sick that night and the next two days but I think that was more from a stomach bug since my husband ate the same things and was fine. I'm not somebody who cares about fine dining (we were the only ones there not dressed up and clueless about which forks to use) but the experience was not at all intimidating. It was also my birthday, and they brought out dessert with a beautiful message - no crazy fanfare, though I could've used a candle!
(4)
Zoe B.
On our last night at NOLA, we decided to try something nice and after reviewing many places, my husband suggested trying a John Besh restaurant (especially after we saw John Besh at Angelo Brocato couple nights before). So we made reservation right away and dined at Restaurant August that night. First the restaurant is nice and clean, second everyone there was sincere and courteous. Our server was very very helpful in telling us about the food to help us decide on what we really want to try for our first visit. My husband got a steak with a something mamalade, and I got redfish (with blue crab and shrimp). Before the entrees came, we got a complimentary starter, which is in an egg shell. They explained what it was but I can't remember the details, I only know that it's great and tasty! And the entrees came and they were so tasty so good. And we also got our desserts which were great too! Everything was great and tasty, and the meal was ended with complimentary sweets, which included pecan praline, dark chocolate truffle and passion fruit jelly. They were made in house and tasted so so so so.....good! The best pecan praline I've ever had. Oh my, it was a great meal and we are so glad we made the right choice for our last dinner at NOLA. We definitely recommend this place to others.
(5)
Susan K.
I was seriously disappointed with this restaurant. The front door staff was nice and seated us right away (we had a reservation). The waiter's assistants (food runners, etc) were super nice and responsive, but the service from waiter was terrible. His entire focus was on a big table of 6 next to us, likely assuming their bill would be much bigger than our table of only 2 people. We sat for about 10 -15 mintues before anyone came over to offer us drinks, and it was a food runner not the waiter. We ordered a bottle of wine, which finally came after another 10-15 minutes. It was not cold enough for a bottle of white. Meanwhile the waiter, who still has not come to our table, is bringing out bottles of wine to the table of 6 right next to us. It's not like he didn't see us, so it was clear we were simply not his priority. During the meal, we literally had to ask a food runner for a refill of our glasses which would go empty for 5-10 minutes. Again, the food runner came to the rescue-- zero attention from the waiter. It was really ridiculous. We were actually laughing about how bad it was. We both found the food to be way oversalted, from the egg amuse bouche to the redfish served in the shape of a cylinder with crab meat stuffed inside. The black truffle gnocchi appetizer had no more than 8 tiny pieces of the blandest gnocchi I've ever tasted and hardly any truffle flavor. The beet and bacon salad which I was pretty excited about (expecting a super-gourmet version of a salad with pretty simple ingredients) was just an o.k. salad with simple ingredients. Nothing to write home about. Needless to say we passed on dessert and I don't plan on returning.
(2)
Kate H.
Oh, how I really wanted to like Restaurant August. Really, who doesn't like Chef John Besh? Handsome and a native to Louisiana, I was looking forward to visiting one of his restaurants ever since we made ressies months ago. But....I realized that Restaurant August is kinda like a fancy Disney of the NOLA restaurant scene. We started with a complimentary Amuse Bouche of a Truffle Sabayon. It was quite tasty with a rich creaminess and a subtle truffle flavor. I ordered the Organic Green Salad with Pumpkin Brittle, Bleu Cheese and Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette for my starter. And it was the best part of the meal. A bit over-dressed, it was a great combination of sweetness in the Vin and savory in the Greens. The Pumpkin Brittle itself was amazing, but it was quite a large hunk to start off the meal. I ordered off one of the tasting menus for my entree and had the Sablefish in Puff Pastry. It was average. The fish was unusually, well, fishy, and the Puff Pastry really added nothing to the dish. I was disappointed and did not finish my meal. So here's the thing. This place was ultra fancy. But a few things were just....off. We were seated around the corner from the kitchen, which was not a bad thing. Until we kept hearing cheering and clapping every few minutes. We discussed it at the table and figured maybe they were watching a basketball game in the kitchen. No biggie. And we were excited when one of our servers offered us a tour of the kitchen after dinner....we kinda felt like rock stars! Until we realized that all the cheering and clapping coming from the kitchen was all of the other tables getting a tour of the kitchen before us. Great in concept, but it really took the special-ness out of the evening. Also, our front server pretty much disappeared....after I ordered one of the lesser expensive wines. I would say that the service was ruined except for the back server who was personable and really took time with our table. I'm glad I tried Restaurant August, but I'll never go back. There's way too much great food in NOLA to waste a night at this overly priced restaurant.
(2)
Erin B.
Restaurant August was simply amazing. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was very reasonably priced, and honestly I can say that this was one of my favorite meals to date - better than Michael Minna, Redd, and Fleur de Lys by far! My husband and I can be pretty critical when it comes to food, but at August each dish was executed to perfection. The portion sizes were perfect, the flavors were so well-balanced, and the wine pairings were unique and spot on. My favorite dishes had to be the grouper and the duo of pork (pork belly and the most amazing braised pork shoulder, accompanied by bacon kale that would make any kid eat his vegetables!) The Tuscan blend that was served with the pork was really rich and earthy, but my favorite pairing was the dessert wine. I'm not a fan of the types of wines that are typically paired with desserts - they are usually too heavy, sweet, and syrupy for my taste. August paired their chocolate peanut butter crunch bar and brown sugar ice cream with "black bubbles" (sparkling Shiraz), which I had never had before, and it was a fantastic surprise and great play on the peanut butter and jelly theme. Not only was the food great, but the service was wonderful too. The coursing was perfect and our waiters were friendly and knowledgeable. All-around it was a really great dining experience (and a nice break from eating fried alligator and oysters). I must admit, I was worried that this could be another over-hyped celebrity chef restaurant, but it definitely was not. I highly recommend it if you're in NOLA.
(5)
Ghazaleh S.
This is only my second review on Yelp in over a year, but I feel compelled to warn my fellow food lovers to STAY AWAY FROM AUGUST. I was in New Orleans with a group of friends and we basically had one night to make the best of it. Bad choice pinning out hopes to August. First off, although we arrived ten minutes early for our 8:30 reservation, we weren't sat until some time past 9pm, and without any apologies or concessions at that. Even worse, we were shuffled past the main dining room with its gorgeous chandeliers and warm atmosphere into a cramped afterthought of a back room, right off the main kitchen. The atmosphere was dull to say the least. As a table, we decided to order the tasting menu (which ran about $150 per person in the end). Of the 6 dishes brought to us over the course of FOUR LONG HOURS, only one (the pumpkin soup with blue crab and truffles) was spectacular. The rest of the dishes were passable at best and forgettable at worst. The wine pairings also lacked any revelations. If you're taking the time to create a degustation, the least you can do is showcase your very best dishes, not a hodgepodge of disharmonious pieces that make for a disjointed meal. The most disappointing part was that after the excruciating time it took to get through the meal, we were so exhausted from the experience that we didn't even have the energy to go out and enjoy the french quarter nightlife. A truly good meal should inspire you to experience more of life - not make you want to sulk home and fume about the money and hours you'll never get back. Final verdict: John Besh may be one of NOLA's culinary princes, but his efforts at August feel pretnetious and strained. For a truly fantastic meal opt for Bayona or Cochon - places that dispense with the stuffy atmosphere and get down to business with truly delicious food.
(2)
MathPrincess L.
I did the tasting menu with my sister and everything was perfect! The pairing were really great and the staff was so knowledgeable and friendly. The dishes were creative and delicious. It was a lot of fun too.
(5)
Daniel O.
Had four courses that included great wines and a healthy bourbon selection. Overall, an excellent experience. Great ambiance, timely and friendly service; combined with superb food, made our visit memorable. The star of my meal was a foie gras, prepared three ways... Off the menu, the chefs created a impromptu delight. Sipping on a vintage pj, I could not have imagined a more sublime culinary experience. The lobster bisque was creamy and flavorful--the table side service was a nice touch. My beef tenderloin was cooked to perfection, the malbec we'd chosen held up to the sauce, and was well priced. Their homemade breads were awesome... I ate nearly everything they served. Dessert was a simple fruit tart with an Irish coffee to end the gluttony. If you're on the fence about august, just go for it, make a late reservation, and enjoy.
(5)
m t.
$20 prefix is an amazing deal. Probably the best food deal I've ever experienced in my life. Everything was beautiful and delicious. Gorgeous restaurant, too.
(5)
bee n.
What a wonderful experience!! Had the gnocchi and it was to die for!!! Service was outstanding. It's a must to eat there when you are in New Orleans
(5)
Gee M.
Everything about this restaurant is superb. The service, decor, and most importantly, the food. Chef John Besh manages to keep the food at August very refined yet casual and down to earth at the same time, a hard balance to strike and the mark of a great chef. The staff of August follows the same mission, exemplifying friendliness and classiness. This meal, as I look back on it, was one of the best meals I've ever had. The first course, a truffled vegetable salad, was flavorful and light, the perfect opening to the meal. Everything was fresh and beautiful. The vegetable risotto was a dish I will never forget. Risotto is so hard to make, but this was perfect. It wasn't heavy, but light and succulent. One of the more superb dishes I've ever had. The dessert was good, maybe not as awe-inspiring as the savory courses, but it was still good. I had the balsamic cheesecake (sounds weird, but it actually worked quite well). There's absolutely nothing bad I can say about Restaurant August. John Besh is one of the best chefs in the country, and probably the best chef in New Orleans. If you happen to be in New Orleans, you'd be a fool not to try this restaurant.
(5)
Robert Y.
I tried the prix fixe lunch, and you can't beat that deal. There were things on the menu that I could not pronounce, but it all tasted great.
(5)
John H.
Exquisite. Great atmosphere, and the food was breathtaking! The staff was great - smiles and attentiveness galore.
(5)
Jane N.
Go for the lunch deal. Excellent food, reasonable portions and great atmosphere. They're definitely not sloppy here. New Orleans is my favorite city for food.
(4)
Thomas L.
Positively one of the best dining experiences, ever.
(5)
Jane Y.
I joined Yelp for the sole purpose of showing my full love and support for August. The food blew my mind, the people are amazing, and the place is beautiful. I was thrilled by my amuse bouche of a little mousse in a hollowed egg-shell topped with bowfin caviar... the local fish yields a caviar with a dark color and distinctive, addictive taste... it was my first time trying it, and flavor kept coming back to my mind throughout the meal. I ordered the chop salad, which sounds unspectacular - farmer's market veggies tossed in a light vinaigrette - but in fact, after the first few tastes, this is now a dish that I dream about on almost a daily basis. Within the chop salad, no two vegetables were the same. The veggies were mostly raw, though a few might have been lightly blanched, and included the most gorgeous assortment of "baby" everything that I had ever seen. Each vegetable took me on a flavor trip. A tiny turnip and sweet purple carrot, a bit of romanesco, a leaf of shiso, a fresh morel . . . I feel dizzy just recalling the memory. Throughout the meal, the waiter urged us to ask for anything we might like - whether what we hoped to get was on the menu or not. I can't remember if I have been asked anything similar at other restaurants in the past. But somehow, at August, a combination of feeling completely safe and trusting in the chef(s) hands and the friendly, open, encouraging manner of the waiter drove me to dream perhaps more than I have ever dared to at a dinner. Finally, when the waiter returned and again entreated us to ask for anything we'd like, I made known my exuberant hope: to have just a little more bowfin caviar. I couldn't believe I continued in my request, but then, there it was: I asked for a little blini. If there was any way . . . if perhaps they had some in the kitchen for any reason. If not . . . maybe I could just have a little crostini . . . or At any other restaurant, if I had begun stammering in this way, I might have begun to feel as if I had made a mistake. Instead, the waiter looked at me, happily, and said "Let me see what we can do." In five minutes, he returned and said "We'll need a few minutes." And my god, I was certainly beset by suspense and confusion about what was happening in the kitchen over the next few minutes. No lie, soon appeared a beautiful plate of five perfect blini. Fresh blini. That is, soft and fluffy inside, almost crisp on the outside, as if each had been made in a tiny blini-skillet. The blini batter was lightly herbed and delightful; each blini was topped with an ethereal creme fraiche with delicately minced onion, and the bowfin caviar rested on top. With one glance, I was already in shock. When I took a bite, I do believe I cried. I shared them with my wonderful company . . . we were all in awe. When the waiter returned, I asked how it was possible . . . he simply said that at August, they were quite "spontaneous." I'm going to perhaps correct him say that they are... unreal. I would venture to guess that few chefs could make - with practice and preparation - a dish perfect enough to match this one made completely on the fly by August. ... I could say more, but I will just end with this... High on dreams of chop salad and faultless blini, I fear that no other meal I have will ever top that dinner - March 8th.
(5)
Steve S.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. A couple friends and I checked out August recently. One ordered the vegeterian tasting menu ($60), the other the regular tasting menu ($82), while I ordered a la carte. I started with the foie gras three ways (two were very good) and the gnocchi (best I have EVER had!), segued into the prime filet (at first came out overdone, but the waiter noticed when I cut into it, and whisked it away and brought me back a perfectly medium rare serving) with oxtail marmalade (I think they are trying too hard to make it look like a bone with marrow inside, it was too dry), and finished with a desert that I no longer recall (mostly due to my general indifference to desserts). There were other items as well, a lovely amuse and beautiful little chocolates. I might normally drop the rating to four stars because of the overdone filet, but the rest of the meal (and the service) was so wonderful I have to give August the full five. Do yourself a favor, and try the gnocchi.
(5)
Andrew J.
Nothin short of amazing. The meal was great and the service was even better. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Melissa D.
By far, hands down, the best meal we have ever enjoyed! We were in town for my 40th Birthday. The concierge warned us it would be impossible to get a reservation. Thankfully he was wrong and the sweetest hostess was able to spare an early table for our celebration. My description will not do the experience justice, but I am going to try! The service was perfect. That is the easy part. Professional, knowledgable, honest, well-trained, timely and not overbearing. Again, perfect! Now, the food. Every bite was an awesome experience. The flavors in every dish were complimentary and creative. It seemed as though every bite had multiple layers of flavor and texture that continued to reveal themselves as you worked through the dish. My husband and I would take a bite and just look at each other as we digested how special this meal was becoming. We have dined all over the country in wonderful restaurants, but never have we had such a memorable meal. If you are in New Oreleans, figure out a way to include this restaurant in your plans. You will not regret it!
(5)
Tom G.
Was in town for a convention and we decided to head to Pat O'Brien's for some hurricanes. Heard about this place from the bartender, and after we finished off a couple hurricanes we headed over here. I felt a bit under dressed wearing khakis and a polo, but since I already had a few I didn't mind. We were seated as soon as we got there which was great. First thing I have to say, the amuse-bouche in the egg was really terrible. I wasn't exactly sure what the server said it was, but I didn't like it at all. All of the other food made up for it though. Everything was great, and the chef cooked something special for my girl since she is a vegetarian. The main server was a great guy and was very helpful. We ended up having such a great time there we were the last people to leave a bit after they were closing down. The staff there didn't mind at all, in fact they even called us a cab and had it wait outside for us. If you want to have a great dinner in New Orleans this should be at the top of the list.
(5)
Tim S.
I was on holiday recently in New Orleans visiting from NYC. One of my favorite things to do is to explore local cuisine and New Orleans is obviously not at a loss for good food. I like to consider myself a foodie, as I dine out 6-7 times per week in a city that boasts some of the best restaurants in the world. I also believe that I'm a fairly good judge of a quality establishment as I used to review restaurants professionally. Sadly, August was what I would like to call a restaurant that simply tries too hard, but woefully fails to deliver. The setting is lovely, but that is all that I convey that is positive. In summary, the service was abysmal and the food, although decent, was nothing special. I think that the hype received over this restaurant is definitely not merited. If you want a wonderful gourmet meal, go to Bayona, where the focus is truly on the food. There are so many wonderful dining options in New Orleans, I would strongly suggest that you pass on this one. Diners Beware!
(1)
tatiana s.
I either hit an unusual night at August or my expectations were extremely high as I was not in rapture with the wine-paired tasting menu. I will try again on some future trip, but with so many places to eat in New Orleans will hit some other spots first! We started with an exquisite amuse bouche of truffled sabayon served in an eggshell. The appetizer was a large portion of housemade semolina spaghetti coated with chili oil and and chunks of blue crab. The wine pairing - a champagne, was a perfect match. This was followed by a a poached red fish, white gulf shrimp soup with pancetta and clarified stock. Unfortunately after this the tasting menu slid downward. We had kobe beef ribs which were ok, and i mean that in the most general terms. The finale - crepes suzette were good but not "wow" and the buttermilk icecream had a grainy unpleasant texture. The alcohol pairing, an orange liquor, was enjoyable which saved the dessert from failure. The service was attentive but had a perfunctory feel. Glaringly, one wine pairing was misnamed (by a few thousand miles) and my dining companion had to correct him, so I got the impression our waiter knew little about wine and cared less about getting it right (didn't seem to know much about how the food was prepared either).
(4)
Danny W.
I recently had lunch at Restaurant August. The restaurant is beautiful and the service was great. There was a price fixe menu for lunch three courses for 20.11. For a restaurant of this caliber it was quite a deal. For the first course I chose a roasted cauliflower salad with a cranberry vinaigrette. It was very tasty. For the second course I had shrimp stuffed with mirliton and andouille sausage. There was also mushrooms and a brown butter sauce. Although the dish had great flavor - the shrimp were on the small side and there were only two. I know this is lunch - but I like a little more for lunch. If the shrimp were bigger or if there were three it would have been much better. The sauce and mushrooms had a nice flavor and the remaining sauce and bits of stuffing were delicious with the fresh bread provided at the beginning of the meal. Of course, I should not complain because there was still the desert course. It consisted of a chocolate chiboust with a malted ice cream and salted caramel sauce. Very yummy!!
(4)
Andy B.
Dined there with friends 3Nov08. Has a large but rather dark bar at the entrance, from where attentive staff serve an excellent range of wines by the glass should you need to sip & wait on chums or just fancy a pre-food drink. The main dining room next door is spacious with the high ceiling characteristic of the older building the restaurant is in. Decor is bare brick. Maitre D' was much to quickly spoken for even the locals to understand, not helped by a (typically these days) high ambient noise level. Being experienced diners we had no problems however, and the menu provided a good ALC choice and a tempting Tasting menu with optional matching wines. Local tax was included in the prices, so they were not that high. I had an 'Acorn' and pasta starters, I thought the description not easy to follow, but the actual dish was a tasty bean mush with ravioli and tiny slices of fresh orange and was delicious. This was followed by Rabbit Cassoulet again very good indeed and a final of satsuma crepe Suzette where the crepe were rather tough but the dish was most enjoyable. All the dishes were very nicely presented. This place takes food seriously. Realistic sized portions thoroughout, though a little larger than you might expect in Europe. Well worth the visit, and the best food I had on this trip.
(5)
john s.
Best meal we had in New Orleans...
(4)
Rebecca T.
We went for the prixe fixe lunch- what a great deal! We had an amazingly attentive waiter who didn't rush us and took the time for small talk, which we enjoyed. The food was superb- flavorful, fresh, local, organic/natural, perfectly executed. As former farmers, we are extremely picky about the quality of our food. I was happy to hear that Chef Besh is raising his own heritage breeds of pigs on pasture and that much of the food was local and organic. Warm, full fat (but not greasy), inventive, fresh Southern cuisine!
(5)
Mark H.
If you want an amazing meal with amazing service, this was the best restaurant we found in NOLA. The wine list will take you a while to digest if you are into that hobby.
(5)
Nobody M.
The staff here was incredible. I have NEVER had dishes that came out more perfectly timed. This was like some very unusually choreographed meal--there was always something being put down right after something else was taken away--how the chef's knew to have the next course ready to be served at the precise moment was almost frightening. Typically you only notice timing when it's poor, but at August the timing was so impeccable you couldn't help but notice that the staff is obsessed with perfection. This was the final dinner of our 3 night stay and it was very memorable. I did want to go with the degustation menu, which, by SF accounts was priced extremely reasonably and looked great. Only problem with that was their regular menu looked awesome, too. In the end they allowed us to pick and choose what we wanted off of all three menus (normal, degustation, chef's), and we didn't hesitate to indulge. If I had to pick one thing that stood out more than anything it would have to be the duck, which tasted like it had been marinated for a week and slow cooked for just as long. Even the cheese was good - and for a fromage hater like me that is saying something.
(5)
Jerrold S.
One of the best all around meals I've had in years from service, interesting menu, execution of dishes, good wine list and atmosphere. I didn't watch the Iron Chef show but there are plenty of articles on the way to the bathroom with high praise all around. We came here with 11 people for a bachelor party so I was able to taste almost everything on the menu that I wanted to try. The best parts of the meal - whole roasted lamb served 3 ways. All of the ways were awesome but the best part was lamb served in crispy egg roll shell. I can't remember what sauce it was in but that was as good of a piece of lamb as I've ever tasted. The lamb chop with mustard crust was also delectable. Great little crust and cooked to perfection. - crab meat agnoloti. Yes thank you may I have another. The sweet peas added a nice sweetness and texture to the dish. - I was able to taste the potato gnocchi with rib meat and marrow. That was a great combination. People were asking for extra bread and dipping into the sauce. - dessert that came out complimentary from John Besh himself because he was trying something out that was ruminating in his head. A mixture of berries, some sort of soaked cake and whip cream foam. It was almost like a fancy deconstrcuted and updated strawberry shortcake. Very lovely indeed. We were drunk, loud and merry. The wait staff was really attentive and didn't mind we were having a good time. We even made friends with a table of older people (probably in their 60s and 70s). We invited them out to Bourbon St but they had their fill that night.
(5)
Andrew O.
Best restaurant in New Orleans. However, if you are looking for something more classic, this isn't the place for you. It has an edge to it and I would consider it "trendy." However, the food was phenomenal. Granted, I could barely walk straight after our three hour meal...but I KNOW that the first half of it was amazing. We get there and obviously have to wait for fifteen minutes before being seated. Of course we do, would it really be a good restaurant if you DIDN'T have to wait fifteen minutes past your reservation time? Before I know it I'm taking down Hurricanes and shots of Patron at the cozy little bar. The night is off to a great start. The first few dishes we got were amazing. Between the third and fourth course stood up to give my party a toast, "Guys, thanks for coming out here with me. Let's have a great time! Here's to Hurricanes in New Orleans!"....silence. The entire restaurant is staring at me...i hear crickets...shit...i meant the rum-filled drink, not Katri...aww too late now. I quickly sit down...unable to tell if I'm rosy from intoxication or from embarrassment...."Waiter! One more round please...this time 151 instead or regular rum please!" Just order the tasting menu or the Degustation. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Beth J.
Absolutely delicious! Best food we had on our trip to New Orleans (and we had a lot of good food). Great atmosphere & very attentive service. Incredible value - had the lunch prixe fixe special - 3 courses for only $20. Was very impressed also to learn that John Besh, owner & chef, broke back into New Orleans 4 days after Katrina to gather food and feed those who were stranded.
(5)
Margaret Farland F.
I was a little bit underwhelmed from what I had heard about this place. I am a huge John Besh fan and I was disappointed to find out that he would not be there, even though I was told that he was supposed to be there that night. The food was great, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't outstanding. The wait staff was very professional and attentive. We had the tasting menu with the wine pairings. This was an endeavor. I am used to very small portions with tasting menus but I promise you wont leave hungry after eating at this restaurant. I will say, one of the courses had grilled watermelon which was yummy! If you go, ask to sit in the wine room. I am not sure exactly what they called this room but the ambiance was much better in there and I was jealous that I wasn't sitting there.
(4)
Andrew M.
I should have known better when I saw the chef had sold out with Besh Steakhouse in the dumpy smoke filled casino. Our server was talking about the French Laundry and Per Se, and John Besh is not remotely on the same planet as Thomas Keller. To be fair, I can see how our experience could have been great. It wasn't. The oysters three ways: one bland in truffle oil foam, one too salty fried, and the third was an overcooked tough landmine that I spent five minutes in bathroom getting out of my molars. The $19 truffle gnochi appetizer was great, but the truffle amuse egg custard tasted exactly the same. My wife's filet was delicious. My first bite of sugar and spice duck was savory. The rest was a beet red, barely seared, inedible, raw bird. Uber expensive wine list. We left debating the distance to CVS on Canal Street so I could get dental floss to dislodge the oyster.
(1)
James D.
lunch 04.25. the dining experience was outstanding. 5 stars 4 ambiance, staff, food preparation and presentation. my guest had prix fixe. i had quail and dessert of goat milk cheese cake. ignore all the pan reviews. just go!
(5)
Brian A.
Best meal I ever had! We had the venicen prepared 3 ways, the rabbit and the gnoki. The food was out of this world but expensive but well worth the price. The service was great and the waiter was polite, knowledgeable and personable. The staff makes You feel welcome. I would eat here without a doubt next time I return. PS the parm regiano is so GREAT!!! ask for extra and the staff will bring you out a plate. If you don't go here your making a big mistake.
(5)
Fancypants J.
I ate here once several years ago and this is still the best meal I have ever had ANYWHERE. I had Moroccan 5 spiced duck, crab & truffle gnocchi appetizer and a dessert plate with a trio of desserts-a little cafe creme mousse, wee cheesecake and what I think was a panna cotta. Total for 2 people including drinks was $120 and the food was absolutely amazing. I dream of coming back to Restaurant August some day.
(5)
Ed W.
After reserving online, I wasn't sure how to pronounce the name of this restaurant. Was it the adjective a-GUST, meaning "marked by majestic dignity or grandeur", or the month AU-gust, which just happens to be the pinnacle of the annual produce harvest? While the pronunciation turns out to be the latter, either derivation would make sense. We were quite fortunate to visit this august establishment in August (actually early Sept., but I couldn't help myself) - when Besh's team had a bounty of summer produce to work with. And while Besh might be a culinary genius, it is the freshness of the ingredients that shines here, along with the excellence of preparation. We were quite pleased that we were able to try both tasting menus, with my wife opting for the vegetarian, and each accompanied with wine pairings. The amuse of truffled sabayon with caviar was fantastically rich. For me, the most delicious dish followed - succulent pork belly with peaches, chanterelles, cilantro, jalapenos and green onion puree. The dish was absolutely bursting with complimentary flavors. This was followed by a lemonfish dish - the fish itself was the one thing I felt wasn't perfect, but the accompanying vegetable medley was again delicious. Next a small serving of beef roast, with more chanterelles and corn - quite succulent. Meanwhile, my wife was served fig salad, wonderfully fried vegetables, a delicious eggplant creation, and another course the specifics of which escape me. This was followed by a savory tomato cake for dessert, which was quite tasty and novel. My dessert course, a glorified peanut butter bar and ice cream, was perhaps the only course I didn't enjoy, but by that time I was far too full to care - maybe I shouldn't have eaten four of the deliciously warm rolls. Meanwhile, we were served four or five wines. I was surprised that the wine pairings were so inexpensive ($25 for my 4-course, $35 for her 5-course), as wine pairings generally run much more than that in New York, but with the exception of a burgundy I was not that impressed with them. I guess you get what you pay for when it comes to wine. Don't get me wrong, they were all quite decent, but they were greatly outmatched by the the food. Finally, I have not yet mentioned how incredibly efficient and helpful the service was. Highly Recommend to any food-lover.
(5)
Julie W.
Wonderful meal from start to finish, and an extensive, varied wine menu as well. You really can't go wrong with anything; we sure didn't.
(5)
Kirun M.
It was fate. We saw John Besh walking through the Saint's Super Bowl Parade and then we ended up at Restaurant August. We were seated immediately. The wait staff was very attentive and our server did a wonderful job of describing dishes and giving us suggestions. The plates came out looking fantastic. My lamb three ways was incredible. Moist, tender, juicy, flavorful, fragrant...lovely. My friend's lobster was also delicious. We shared a wonderful napoleon dessert with salted toffee ice cream. Yum!!! And we saw the Saints passing by on their floats...it couldn't have been a more wonderful experience.
changed my life! okay, thats a little dramatic but seriously. i am a cook and not so happy with where im at and eating at august just fueled so much desire in me to work at a restaurant like august and put out that kind of food. whenever i think of the truffle crusted veal my mouth starts watering [a lot] and my stomach begs me to go back. we had the 4 course tasting [ pork belly, loup de mer, veal, and dessert] plus the lamb 3 ways, and beet salad accompanied by a nice CN de pape, it was awesome! everything was perfect but the veal was like OMG! i really like the decor and vibe of the restaurant. its warm and pretty. the prices were great for the food! i pro bwould have paid more, but im more likey to go back often at the current prices. the chef de cuisine came out to say hi and said he worked there for 7 years. 7 years!! he looked pretty young so thats a long time...but if i worked there, why would i leave? anyways, i LOVED our meal and I got his My New Orleans book and i cant wait to start cooking!!
(5)
Jen L.
We went in for their pre-fixe lunch deal on our New Orleans trip, and months later I still dream of the food. The complimentary amuse bouche of seafood sabayon in a hollowed eggshell topped with a pinch of caviar....ooh la la. The home made pate was perfect and beautiful, and the fish was perfect (I know. I'm over using the word). It was a fantastic deal during lunch. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)
Miriam W.
Once you've experienced fine dining, any other dining experience will seem mediocre. Although this was not my first fine dining experience, I thought I'd mentioned the haughtiness that could ensue. I had the pleasure of having a prixe fixe lunch at one of John Besh's six restaurants while visiting NOLA and it was simply food heaven (if there were such a place). My beau and I did not have reservations on that busy Good Friday afternoon so we gladly sat at the bar to avoid a 30 minute wait. I was given a truffle infused, seafood amuse topped with caviar and cleverly presented in an egg shell compliments of the chef, shortly after I was seated. It was delicious, it set the tone for the rest of my courses. Next, I ordered the savory beignets filled with salted cod and potato and fondue dipping sauce as my appetizer, and I wanted to sing! It was amazing...the codfish was mild and the potato puree just made the beignet filling so smooth; it was served atop a romesco that was divine. For the main course I had the lemonfish which was a fish I had never heard of, but was similar to seabass which I love. The fish was poached in olive oil which made it extremely moist. The fish was served with orzo and all of the flavors in that bowl were a perfect medley. I literally wanted to lick the bowl. My bf who loathes fine dining, because he feels that the portions are smaller (mostly true), and the food is not flavorful, was all over my lemonfish dish and wished he had ordered it himself. What a pity that he thought this place would not be his type, he sat there while I ate and gave him the scraps (j/k) while holding out for Dominoes pizza later. For him to conclude that he would've enjoyed eating here just justifies how superb this restaurant is. Finally for dessert, I completely devoured the chocolate crepes with bittersweet ice cream. I would not change a thing about my dining experience. The wait staff were all friendly, helpful and absolutely professional. I can't wait to return and to try more of Besh's restaurants.
(5)
Lanna K.
Restaurant August has been in my bookmark under "to review" for a few months now. I hesitated to write this review because I still want to like this place more than I actually do. I went to Restaurant August for lunch during my visit to NOLA to see my sister. When we got there, John Besh just happened to be right by the front door. He was very friendly as he said hello. We started with an appetizer gnocchi which was super rich and decadent. It was delicious. Then, I had the three course lunch with a intensely thickly breaded shrimp as my entree. I was underwhelmed with the breaded part. It just tasted like simply seasoned breadcrumbs. I ended up breaking the bread crumbs away and eating only the shrimp. My sister had the speckled trout which was also mediocre and I honestly don't even remember what my husband had. All in all, I left Restaurant August wondering what the big deal (or just the deal) was. I seem to be the deviant here so I would definitely go back to Restaurant August to give it one more try-- maybe for dinner this time.
(2)
Sandy L.
Lunch for $20 was the bet $20 I've spent in a long time. Yum yum. Every bit was amazing! I'm so glad I went. Make sure you make a reservation early or else you won't even get a seat. Though, if you didn't make one, they do have a small bar area you can seat at.
(5)
Marc C.
Wow! Best food I have had in a long time, loved everything about my visit. The Prix Fixe lunch menu was amazing, no compromise on the quality of the ingredients or preparation, so many tastes to savor, and the service was outstanding and made the whole experience even better. I shared dishes with friends at my table so we could each try everything. The soup was great, some kind of white squash or other vegetable base I cannot remember garnished with delicious little pieces of bacon and tiny carmelized apples the size of marbles. The pork belly entree was really good and the shrimp entree my friend got was really good too. The desert with popcorn ice cream was really good. The chef sent out several complimentary tasting items to the tables including a seafood appetizer with caviar and some peanut brittle and chocolates. I have tried a handful of the 5-star type restaurants in New Orleans, this has been my favorite, and I will be back.
(5)
Michelle B.
At dinner last night I had been describing the wonderful yet vulgar praise that I had verbally given to another restaurant. To paraphrase, I had said that the food was so good I was afraid I would leave a stain on the chair. Well, all I can say is that it was a good thing the chair was wood last night, as I certainly would have left a stain. We started off sharing appetizers. A wonderful selection of gnocchi (with truffles!), oysters prepared three ways, and foie gras prepared three ways. All were exceptional to the point of asking the waiter not to take the plates until we had scooped up every last bit of loveliness with the bread. For an entree I had the duck. While I did share bites of my entree, I am not ashamed to tell you that the duck foie gras that accompanied the dish was absolutely "stain inducing" and melt in your mouth wonderfulness. I had bites of the pork belly, which was cooked to perfection, as well as the rabbit, which while very good, actually was not "gamey" enough. It could have just been a well-seasoned (yet tasty!) piece of poultry. While the rest of the table had fits over some awesome dessert, I enjoyed a lovely 20-year old port with a few other people. Expensive? Of course, especially when paired with wine. Worth it? I'm not crying in to my empty wallet this morning, that's for sure!
(5)
Christie W.
Holy what the... We had an incredible dining experience here, so much so that we were delirious when we finally rolled out of here. I've always thought that John Besh should have been the next Iron Chef and I loved watching him on Top Chef Masters (I'm a new Besh groupie I think). I also loooovve foie gras - had it 3ways as an app and with my heavenly duck. I died and went to heaven. My fiance had a modified surf and turf special - also great flavor and perfectly cooked. I find duck can be hit or miss with a lot of places - but here it was done perfectly. We got cheeses, dessert, delicious wine - all incredibly impressive. Great friendly and knowledgable service, everything perfectly timed in service, the decor understated and comfortable yet sophisticated. New Orleans is definitely a foodie town and this place is a must-go for foodies. Trust me on this one.
(5)
Martin W.
Restaurant August is becoming a bit "over-yelped"; hence, I shall limit the scope of my comments. John Besh, superstar chef of New Orleans, has assembled a truly exceptional staff ... a well synchronized kitchen and delightfully professional wait staff. Don't be reluctant to dine in the bar area (which accommodates overflow), when last minute dining room reservations are impossible to obtain. The "oysters prepared three ways" are unique and should not be missed. And, I disagree with Mariah K's negative assessment of the seafood custard amuse-gueule (which is cleverly presented in an egg shell) ... the salty taste is quite appropriate.
(4)
jane t.
After extensive research about where to fine-dine during a girls mini-break to New Orleans, August won out. The menu looked great online, reviews were good. Sadly our experience was like the weather that day - dismal. We arrived on time for our seating (8.30pm) and were told our table wasn't ready - which is perfectly fine, but it would be great to be told how long.. We nabbed a table at the bar and waited. And waited. Finally, we were able to order two glasses of Sancerre. A full 25 minutes after arriving, we were seated. A bottle of the Sancerre (yes we are lushes) was ordered, along with a shared starter of Foie Gras. The Foie Gras was amazing, so we excitedly waited for the next course. Mine was somekind of pulled lamb - lets just say it was a fancy stew, but seemed to have been marinated in salt, to the point that I left most of it and complained to the waiter. To make matters worse, the Sancerre bottle seemed to have disappeared into a black hole. We had to ask the waiter to top up our wine glasses, not once, not twice, but three times. And as the final icing on the cake, when we had finished (or I attempted to finish my sodium stew) we had to askfor our entree plates to be removed twice. Not exactly a fine dining experience. I'm still convinced some of our Sancerre is in the black hole bottle somewhere. The decor of the restaurant is fabulous, the service (when it arrives) is friendly, but after a $75 a head meal (and that was with a shared starter and no dessert), we both left feeling ever so slightly ripped off.
(2)
G C.
I had incredible expecations for Restaurant August coming in. I'm a fan of Chef Besh after seeing him on TV and reading the many reviews. Most have said this is a must eat if in NOLA, which is saying a lot for a city with such amazing food. To be honest it was even more of a 3.5 rather than 4 star personally. Some dishes truly lived up to the hype, but to be completely and utterly honest it fell short in a lot of ways for me. No doubt, the cuisine here is pretty delicious, the room is wonderful, staff is of the utmost professionalism. However, I felt like a lot of the food was not uniquely New Orleans. It seemed like they were trying to hard to be "fine dining" and appeal to the masses, rather than stick to their roots. Lots of Asian influenced dishes which was very surprising. And a lot of plates where I felt I was eating at a restaurant at home in NYC. Now onto the food.. The bread was absolutely delicious. One of my favorites on the trip. I like how they differentiated themselves from the usual french loaf. Two nice sized and fluffy sourdough loaves and sweet butter. First course was the famed gnocchi with crabmeat and truffles. Absolutely incredible! I've had a lot of gnocchi in my experience, and this was among the best. Lots of jumbo crabmeat and the gnocchi were plentiful and perfectly cooked. Such a wonderful starter and really had me excited for the rest of the meal. Second course was the pork belly which came with kimchee, korean pickles, and daikon I believe. I mean you can't go wrong with pork belly and the belly itself was very good. However, I'm not a huge fan of Asian flavored dishes and didn't love the accompaniments. I would have preferred something more New Orleans and have seen previous preps on their menu that included crawfish, which I would have preferred. If I had to do it again I would not have ordered this. Third course- They were nice enough to allow me to order the tasting portion of the short ribs as a mid course from their tasting menu. I was having a hard time deciding between this and the duck for my main so this gave me the opportunity to try both. This was a very strong dish. The short rib was about 3 ounces of tender, juicy meat and was accompanied by some grilled plums and a sweet sauce. Again, it had some kind of Asian inspired glaze on it and wasn't uniquely NOLA. A dish I could very easily get in New York, yet very good though. Fourth course- Duckling with grits, grilled peaches, and some type of greens (tasted like spinach but maybe kale). This was my most anticipated dish and a staple on their menu. You are presented with two thick duck "filets" so to speak. This dish had a very strong North African inspiration and heavily seasoned with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg type spices. The duck tasted very much like Christmas ham. Now I like ham, however I was looking for duck. One of my favorite meats, but I felt the spices were a little too strong and masked the wonderful flavors of the duck. Additionally, it was cooked a little over than my rare request. The grits and greens were UNBELIEVABLE though. Probably my favorite part of the dish. I wish the portion was 10 times larger for them. Still, a decent dish. If I had to do it all over again I probably would have went with the Trout Ponchertrain or Red fish courtboullion. Something true to NOLA. I think Besh does better with fish than meat anyway. I saw those fish dishes at other tables, and they looked and smelled amazing. Immediately I was jealous but now I know for next time. Dessert was one of the best courses of the meal surprisingly. The pere roux cake which was a nice thick circle of banana rum cake covered in cream cheese icing and liberal amounts of white chocolate curls. Absolutely terrific. Service was very good throughout the meal. That was expected at a restaurant of this caliber. Overall, I am glad to have tried it. Honestly, after a week of insane eating Restaurant August was not amont my favorites. It was not as good as Galatoires, Emeril's, Antoine's, Upperline, Commander's, and dare I say I liked Willie Mae's more. I did like it better than Brigtsen's though. I enjoyed it but wasn't floored in any way. Some of it may have been because of my own fault in the ordering. I'd definitely give it another shot though, based on that gnocchi alone.
(4)
Mike O.
My meal at August was excellent, up until the dessert. The desserts were a little dissappointing but overall it was very good. For appatizers we got the gnochi with crab and the crawfish agnolotti which was amazing. I got the rabbit ravoli for my main dish which was also excellend. My girlfriend got the sweet and sour duck as her main, the flavor profile of the dish was really good and the duck was perfectly cooked, unfortunately the dish was overpowered by a salty crust. This dish could have been amazing, if they just cut down on the salt. For dessert we decided to split strawberries three ways. Unfortunately only one of the three ways was good. Overall I recommend going to August for dinner, but go somewhere else for dessert.
(4)
Catherine R.
Had a great brunch here - got my sister, the chef- the cookbook from here. Modern, fun three course lunch during Jazzfest- it was quiet enough for us to have to watch our voices :) but nice and cool. I would definitely like to go back for a long dinner.
(4)
jill j.
The room is beautiful as well as the food and wait staff. The pre fixe lunch for $20 is the best deal in town for a four star restaurant. Our gulf prawns with sausage was way salty and it came with a bone/rock in it. I brought it to the attention of the chef. Although apologetic, nothing was subtracted from the bill.
(3)
mvc j.
Decided to visit the John Besh flagship on a regular visit to NOLA - joined a local friend who works in the PR industry and is familiar with all of the great culture and cuisine in NOLA - decided on the prix fixe lunch to get a taste of a few things - great pate, pork loin, and the slightly sweet ricotta dessert with a variety of garnishes and jams was the star of the show. Of course, had to enjoy an Abita Amber to wash it all down. Service was very good - dessert took some time to come, and the manager made it right in the end. Highly recommended - great quality, service, and (for lunch at least) had that great NOLA tradition of an atmosphere that is both pleasant and semi-formal in a friendly way for a nice lunch.
(5)
Jane V.
We attended a corporate private dinner in a charming room on the third floor. Everything about this experience was superb. We started with shrimp carpaccio in remoulade. Delish! Follow this with a salad consisting of greens, blue cheese and the most fabulous pumpkin seed brittle--to die for with a kick of something interesting., Follow this will breaded trout ---OH so good and different. Only disappointment was the banana rum cake with white chocolate --tasted like it came from Costco. Would def return and have the main dining room experience.
Restaurant August benefits from the famed chef, John Besh, and its beautiful location within an antique townhouse. The multi-level dining space offers customers several quaint rooms in which to enjoy their elaborate meals. The steep prices are offset by the extremely professional and courteous service. However, the food does not live up to expectations. My friend and I began our meal with full-bodied glasses of Savignon Blanc and Cabernet. We also enjoyed crisp, doughy rolls similar to mini-baguettes. Our delightful amuse bouche consisted of a large quail egg stuffed with a creamy foie gras and truffle mousse, all topped with fresh black caviar. For an appetizer, I ordered the Salad of Heirloom Beets, Crab Meat, cherry wood Bacon, Mizuna (mustard greens), and Quail Eggs with Black-Eyed Pea Croutons. The salad was tart and overdressed. The bacon was pure fat and almost impossible to digest. The "crab meat" was more of a salad and was drenched in mayonnaise. The beets provided a necessary crunch and sweetness to the otherwise bitter salad. My friend started with the Hand-Made Potato Gnocchi, which were blended with a creamy blue crab and Perigold truffle sauce. The gnocchi were rich and comforting, though had little shellfish or truffle essence. Our entrees were inspired but poorly executed. My Speckled Trout was breaded and greasily fried. The crisp fish was served among Louisiana crab, white shrimp, toasted almonds, all coated in a sauce mousseline. The dish was very heavy and not my taste. My friend's Kobe Beef Short Ribs were tender and slow-braised. They were plated with rapini, baby root vegetables, and a rösti potato. While the short ribs were an improvement when compared to my seafood meal, they were still unsatisfying. We decided to pass on dessert after such lackluster pre-courses, but were granted some delicious macaroons that were the highlight of the meal. Restaurant August provides a marginal culinary experience, but is over-hyped and over-priced.
(3)
Kim M.
AMAZING French-fare! Not only when my boyfriend and I went there was the service first rate, but also the food surpassed our expectations! Walking in from a rainstorm, we certainly weren't dressed as our jacket-wearing counterparts, but the entire restaurant staff was friendly and made us feel completely welcome. Our cold starter was"the best salad we ever had" (yes, we seriously both turned to each other and said that it was "the BEST salad we ever had"), complete with quail egg and succulent crab at the bottom. Our main courses were the duck and the snow crab and both were PHENOMENAL! We then completed the meal with a goat-cheese cheesecake and a chocolate cake, both of which were so AMAZING and paired very well with a deliciously rich port. The portions were perfect because the food was so rich that we didn't need to stuff ourselves to feel overwhelming satisfaction!! If you want to spurlge on a delicious meal with amazing friendly service, then YOU MUST COME HERE!!!!
(5)
J. P.
I am giving Restaurant August a lower rating because I left the restaurant feeling disappointed with my overall experience. To be honest, you can get much more exquisite food, better service, and better wine pairings elsewhere for a similar price. We arrived on time for our dinner reservation at 8:30 pm and were told our table was not ready. We ended up having to wait at the bar for half an hour before we were seated. Additionally, neither the hostesses nor our waiter made any attempts to make up for that fact. Certainly a place that charges $150 per person for dinner would know how to handle this situation better. It is our experience that restaurants of this caliber would at least offer a free glass of champagne or an appetizer. It would be wrong of me to say the food was bad. We ordered the six course degustation with wine pairings. The food was well prepared, but I expected a much heavier Cajun/Creole influence to make the dishes exceptional. As for the wine, only one of the pairings actually enhanced the flavors of its respective dish. Of all the places we went to during our stay in New Orleans, this was the only place where we felt as though our money would have been better spent elsewhere.
(2)
brian g.
Why do waiters at high end restaurants constantly ask u how u like the food? If I say it sucks will I get it for free? Most of the food was pretty good but my $22 pho was pathetic compared to pho I've had from most Vietnamese restarants. I realize the idea behind it was different but it lacked subtlety and was way too salty.
(3)
Geoff P.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the US. The elements of the various tasting menus are all interchangeable, meaning each person can create their own version depending on what fits their palate! The food is consistently excellent, often sublime, and the wine list is excellent. If you go, BEG the front desk staff to put you in Robert's section. Don't ask--BEG. I have eaten in many great restaurants (Joel Robuchon, Eric Ripert,,etc) and Robert is, without question, the pinnacle of friendliness and service. I can honestly say that I have waited WAY past my reservation time on one occasion just to sit in his section, and it is worth it every time. Finally, if you are a port wine fan, you CANNOT pass up on their port vertical. They have a vertical of 10-20-30-and 40 year old ports... it is to DIE for!
(5)
Josy J.
Fun and delicious but not enough food for this hungry girl...guess I should stay away from French restaurants when in the 'feed me Seymore' zone.
(5)
rongrong z.
The food are so gooooood. They gave a lot of small dishes for free which are not only cute but also tasting. They gave us cannele for free as dessert. It was so delicious, just the same as I had in Bordeaux. It's one of my favorite French restaurant.
(5)
Julia E.
What an amazing meal! Started with trio of foie gras and moved onto duck more foie gras. The service is impeccable also. A must visit.
(5)
Natalie V.
Sublime. I haven't had anything this good since eating at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago. I went for the lunch on Friday and was not disappointed. My friend ordered from the ala carte menu and ended up "helping" me with my prix fixe menu. The dessert was probably one of the top three I've ever had in my life: Cheese Crepes with Cardamom Green Apple Ice Cream. I am obsessed with getting the recipe. There really isn't much to say except eat here if you can. It's fabulous. One of the best meals I've had in a long time and a real treat for the soul.
(5)
Rosie F.
The sommelier was probably one of the better wine stewards I have come across. She really had a handle on whether the wine on hand was ready to drink. For instance, we fancied one particular bottle but she actually told us that while that one was good, she had just tasted it and felt that it really needed some more time. Instead she gave us a beautiful bottle that was not on the list but primed for drinking. In regards to the food. It's good, there's no doubt that John Besh runs a great kitchen. But, we are from San Francisco, so Point Reyes Blue Cheese is literally an hour and a half a way from our house...I think I would have like to see some more local ingredients. The service was good, but the timing was off. We were still enjoying our cocktails when the first course came out, whereas, I like to enjoy my cocktail and have my wine decanted before my first course.
(3)
Mark L.
Consistently great food and outstanding service. My favorite place to visit when I travel to the area and bring my guests. People are very warm and the preparations are done with outmost attention and difference. I love southern hospitality and their welcome!
(5)
steve d.
World class dining on par with any 3 star Michelin restaurants you will ever fall into. Impeccable in every way. But for $20.12? Are you bloody kidding me? What was so amazing is that even on the lunch special we were treated like royalty. There were 2 amuse in the three courses and the service was a perfect blend of NOLA hospitality and old world class. Without a doubt one of the greatest places we have ever been and we have been to a lot of places. Enjoyed a nice dry Provence rose for about $45 that was the perfect compliment to the food and the setting. You could have closed your eyes and thought you were in St Remy but when you hear the booming voice of Mark the head waiter, you knew you were smack dab in the South. And as a Southerner myself, that's were I like to be. The complete pate kit was one of the greatest presentations of the French standard I have ever seen. You can only experience it and really can't explain it. Anyone who knows food must include this spot on their rotation. It is now forever on mine.
(5)
Jamie W.
Hubby and I did the tasting menu. He did it with the wine pairings, I opted not to. I hate to say it, but the food was just so-so for a tasting. I thought it was just me but afterward we discussed the food and agreed that it seemed heavy and uninspired. The were some very, very long pauses between the courses. One more than one occasion we thought they forgot we were still there. Sometimes hubby's wine would come out twenty minutes before the next course. A couple thought it was a brilliant idea to bring a screaming toddler into the restaurant. I'll let that one go... This is the restaurant I most looked forward to trying. I love tastings and saw that August had received some very good reviews. Maybe they were just having an off night. Unfortunately for that kind of price I can't give second chances.
(2)
Jane L.
I've lived in New Orleans (I think that gives me some streed cred) and am chubby (meaning I eat a lot, which gives me a lot of street cred), so believe me when I tell you this is one of the top 10 -- wait, no, top 5 meals of my life. Hands down the most beautiful and gracious service. Perfect, perfect, perfect. This is a MUST for your NOLA trip my friends!
(5)
Donna G.
Rush, rush, rush.....we were in and out within and hour and 15 minutes. The food was lovely but I have had longer meals at our local diner. My husband and I came early for a drink and at the bar. As soon as we sat down the bartender and hostess were moving us to the table. We sat down at 6:03 and for a three course meal the bill arrived at 7:11. BTW, please tell the staff not to stack the dirty plates at the table. Check out the Thomas Keller restaurants on how clearing a table should be done.
(3)
Adrianne T.
Tastes amazing! I was not at all disappointed with my fine-dining experience. We did the special and while the amount of food was not super abundant, it was plenty for lunch.
Rather than spend another $20 at a chain restaurant, mall food court or overpriced poboy shop (I'm looking at you, Mahoney's), I decided to splurge on lunch at August. It was the bargain of a lifetime! The lunch special (not sure if it was just for summer or if it is ongoing) was only $20 for three courses. Lunch started with an amuse bouche of egg custard in a hollowed out egg shell. Neat! For starters, I had a bowl of watermelon gazpacho, which was extremely refreshing on a hot day. Main course was pork belly with cream cheese dumplings over greens. This was so flavorful and fragrant, it had layers upon layers of flavors. The portion size was decent, it left me room to enjoy dessert. Dessert was a small scoop of ice cream with candy bars and caramel popcorn, it was just the thing to finish off the meal. The service was very attentive. My coworker answered a call from her boss and was searching in her purse for a pen to write down his instructions, and suddenly a waiter appeared with a pen for her, without a word. Looking forward to the next visit!
(5)
Jenny K.
Damn near flawless service and food. Very expensive but beautifully prepared, delicious delicious food that captures the best of New Orleans cuisine (fresh local ingredients, amazing flavors) and elevates it to an art form. If you want to experience the decadent, luxurious side of New Orleans cuisine, Restaurant August is a must. I had a red tile and crab entree that blew my mind. We tried three of the desserts and they were honestly some of the best desserts I have tasted. Ever.
(5)
Tom R.
Ate here as part of a conference. Had American "Kobe" wrapped around a lobster tail. I could have use a chain saw to cut it. I like my steaks rare but I think hear this one moo. There has to be better places then this in NOLA.
(2)
Erine K.
This place was fantastic. I had the duck and my husband had the trout and lobster bisque. They offered extras like moussed egg in its shell with caviar and chocolate desserts at the end of our peanut butter dessert that was out of this World! My duck was so divine that even its liver was stupendous, and I have never ever eaten liver in my life. The lobster bisque was really fantastic too; it was sweet and succulent, and you could really taste the sea. Overall this place had great service, attention to detail and food.
(5)
JM R.
Fine dining to the MAX!!! Husband and I are foodies and this dining experience blew our minds. We chose the 5 course meal with wine pairings-not a missed step in the house from the waiter to the Somalia. If you are looking for a pampered night out foodies...this is your place.
(5)
Chie R.
It was difficult to get a table so we ended up in the bar. They offered full menu. I ordered the Duck,,,best one I ever had. The service was excellent.
(5)
Peretz D.
Disappointing. Food ranged from interesting to pedestrian. We were made to wait for dessert for a long time. We were made to wait for the check for a long time.
(3)
Lauren B.
I need to start this review with the following disclaimer: I have never actually been to Restaurant August. That said let me tell you about my experience. I knew in Oct. 2008 that I would be in NOLA in Jan on business & so I make a reservation for my BFF & two friends for the 5 course tasting menu on 1/17/09. We are all excited I was able to score a reservation. So I arrive in NOLA on 1/13/09 excited about all my food choices I have made (the list was long) but alias I am not going to enjoy many of them as on my first night I damage my knee. Thinking it's a sprain I continue to walk/work until I can't take it anymore ending up in minor emergency clinic close the JW Marriott where I am staying only to be told I have a cracked patella. Doc wants to send me for surgery ASAP! I say Doc I can't as I have dinner reservations at Restaurant August at 7pm tonight and I don't live here so I can't have surgery here. Against the Doctors wishes they send me back to my hotel totally drugged up and not able to walk. So devastated that I am not able to go to dinner with my friends upon arriving back to the hotel; Isabelle (Concierge) takes matters into her own hands, as she knows how much I have been looking forward to this dinner as have been talking about it since arriving at the hotel 4 days earlier. (AMAZING - Isabelle) After getting settled in my room & dozing for a while my BFF lets someone into my room - I vaguely remember them, but I do remember them saying they have brought ME dinner. By dinner I mean I have three small white containers from Restaurant August, from what I was told this is not something they do or have done before but this was a special circumstances, I was shocked to say the least! I have to be honest I think I cried for about 10/15 minutes because I was so overjoyed at what had just happened. I was actually getting a taste of the one meal I had been waiting to have for months! That said on to the little containers in front of me: (1) Warm salad of pieds du cochon, veal sweetbreads, hearts of palm and black truffle - SUPERB (2) Handmade potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and Perigold truffle - PUFFS OF HEAVEN and last but certainly not least Sugar and spice duckling with stone ground grits, roasted duck foie gras and candied quince - I would get out of bed for this anyday! I know that I was on meds but, I felt I had died and gone to heaven - How it this possible that I am laying here in my hotel with a cast on my leg from hip down to my ankle and I am eating food like this??? Granted I didn't get the whole restaurant experience but I have to say, NEVER in my life have I had take out like this. I can honestly say this is in the top 5 meals I have eaten in my life. My BFF said some of the words I used to describe this meal were heaven, sensual, perfection on a plate (well white paper container) I can't say enough about the about Restaurant August, John Besh and his staff for doing this for me! I would gladly crack my patella again to have a meal like this.
(5)
David S.
Had a fantastic lunch here. We opted for the prix fixe for $25 and everything was excellent. We disagreed on the fish custard amuse. I thought it was amazing but my partner did care for it. I had the beet salad and the fish and both were excellent. Desserts and nut brittle were also good. I also appreciated that even though it was a pretty fancy restaurant they were willing to seat us wearing shorts as we did not have a chance to return to the hotel to change. I will definitely return if I go back to the Big Easy.
(5)
Erin P.
Considering that this is a John Besh restaurant, I was expecting quite a bit from Restaurant August. However, my experience left much to be desired. We arrived and were seated promptly which is always a plus, standing around waiting when I have a reservation annoys me immensely. Our drinks came quickly but were too much alcohol and not enough "everything else." Appetizers were good and came out quickly. The main course is where we ran into problems. My mother ordered a monkfish dish and I ordered a pompano dish. When I tasted my food, it was overly fishy and somewhat cold. My mother's dish was also fishy and cool and did not have an overall appealing flavor. We spoke with the waiter who sent over a manager to talk to us about our food. He was extremely condescending and rude, telling us that we must not be "used to eating fish" because both of these fish have a "certain taste to them." Let me say, I am familiar with both fish and have eaten them several times before with no problem. I like most seafood and fish and consider myself to have a fairly decent palate. I also have worked in fine dining and my husband is a chef so I have a lot of experience with fish from the other side of the table. I can definitely tell the difference between "this is a bit fishy because it's, you know, a fish" and "omg, this tastes like something that was left out for a day or two and needs to be thrown out." I was insulted by his insinuation that I could not properly determine whether or not my food was good. After a good deal of pseudo-arguing, he agreed to give us free dessert but would not take the entrees off the tab, even when we only took a few bites of them. We left still hungry, extremely disappointed, and frustrated. After the experience we had, I think I can safely say I will never go back to this establishment. I would much rather spend my hard-earned money at restaurants where the food is likely to be good and, if it's not, the staff is going to work to remedy the situation instead of giving me a lecture.
(2)
Regina R.
So amazing. The service was impeccable, the food divine. We came in for their lunch prix fixe and it did not disappoint. We also ordered the gnocci (having seen the Food Network piece on it), and it was superb. We had a carrot soup - fantastic. The gnocci, incredible. The fish was a little too salty for my liking. The desserts were extra special and fun. Just a great, classy experience overall. I can see this being a great way to celebrate something special.
(5)
Kate N.
This was our 2nd time trying out lunch at Restaurant August. We love the prix fixe 3 course lunch menu for $20.00. I have to say this is John Besh's best restaurants. Love the amuse bouche to start. I always enjoy the egg custard. We both did the lunch prix fixe but also ordered some dishes from the regular menu. Dishes that stuck out to me is the Potato Gnocchi from the hot plate appetizer menu. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! The heiloom tomato salad was excellent. I really enjoyed my sheephead entree: cooked to perfection. We always ordered coffee at the end of our meal. I think one of the best cup of freshly brewed coffee I've had at a restaurant. LOVE IT! Overall a great meal. We love the lunch but need to eventually come back for the dinner.
(4)
Dan L.
I was visiting New Orleans last week and we went to restaurant August because of Chef John Besh. we arrived 15 minutes early and had a seat at the bar. It took awhile to get our wine as it seemed like the bartender was scrambling around filling waiter drink orders and bar area tables. wine selection is good though and decently priced. we got our table on time and were greeted right away by our server. We had salads, soups, appetizers and a full meal so it was alot of food but everything was high quality and the presentation was amazing. I have zero complaints about the food. they even bring over small chef's gifts that were a nice touch. The service was something that i wasnt a fan of. it just seemed to take forever to order something and he was a little dry and stuffy. i dont mean to nit pick as we had an amazing dinner, but with faster service we would have been out of there 45min-1hr earlier. I think there was almost an hour between ordering one course and having our next one arrive. anyway, its a great place and if im ever in new orleans again i will go back for sure for the food alone!
(4)
Alice N.
This is by far one of THE BEST MEALS I've ever had. Every mouthful was full of flavor, and every ingredient worked perfectly well with all the rest. The 3 course prix fixe is the best 20$ I ever spent on food. I still can't believe that option even exists for lunch! The sheepshead fish over the corn custard was the right amount of firmness and juiciness. The espresso parfait dessert is to die for. The sorbet that came with it was soft and not too sweet. This was a meal where we all ate as slow as possible, wishing it will never finish. The portions are about the right size, leaving us comfortable but not too full. This restaurant is definitely a must!! The service was excellent, and the drinks were good. RSVP in advance. You won't regret it!
(5)
Bacong F.
Best restaurant service and food that we had in New Orleans. We had lunch there and ordered the prefixe menu and everything the waiter ordered. We enjoyed everything and see why this place is so amazing! Would be back when we are ever in town.
(5)
Greg M.
Great dinner. Really attentive staff.
(4)
Juli M.
I visit New Orleans regularly and love the food. Was looking forward to August with a bunch of friends on Saturday night. However, I did not like the food. Oysters 3 ways was salty and overcooked. Flavors lacked subtlety. Redfish court-bouillon was "meh." Overall, I was underwhelmed. The place is beautiful, though, and I am pleased so many others have loved this place. I am just not one of them.
(2)
Jerry B.
High fives all around at this joint! It was a treat my friends and i highly recommend that you have one meal here while visiting New Orleans. The simplest salad was a work of art. Really, they made a house salad with a few roasted vegetables and some raw. It was great. I had a white fish with crab on top and it ruled. I tasted the duck and it was really interesting. Im glad i got my dish though. The wine that we had was outstanding as well. An ace!
I had a great prix fixe lunch here with a couple ladies from work. I don't think I've found a better way to spend $20...ever. Watermelon gazpacho was beyond amazing! Also, Amber was our bartender and was very knowledgeable and gave us an overall great experience!
(5)
Dalit S.
Bottom line- even with the great impeccable innovative food August restaurant has, the entire experience is heavily impacted by the annoyed, board 'from a script' service they are providing. We had around 20 minutes waiting time for our weeks in advance reservation, so we had time to go over the menu and decide what we want. So... We didn't ask about the other menu items, which was a bad move since the server was very annoyed and barely looked at us the entire evening. We had to learn about our food from explanations he gave to other tables... But- the food was really really good... I guess when you are going to a French place like August, you are expecting to get the whole package... For us- it was not the case...
(4)
Ciara V.
It's really hard to go wrong in New Orleans when it comes to food. But August makes other restaurants look like basic diners. Really. Gnocchi. Trout. Squash Blossoms. Banana Pudding. All perfection. And the sommelier knows her wines--her suggestions will take perfection to a higher level (is that possible? oh yes it is). Go experience August for yourself. Your only regret will be that you didn't make reservations two nights in a row.
(5)
Nancy C.
Yes, yes, yes...omg...yes! Not going to lie; dinner here completely rocked my world! Every dish was creatively presented a-la-Iron Chef style, but then again, it is John Besh's restaurant. My friend and I both had the seafood custard (presented in an eggshell) to start, then I proceeded onto my P&J Oysters, which were oysters prepared in three different ways and presented in tiny white boxes. The menu changes a bit, but the oysters are a must-try if you see it on the menu. The kitchen fudged up a bit on my beet salad by mixing dressing into my baby mustard greens, but they did it so lightly that I was glad they didn't honor my "no dressing" request. Dessert was the crepe suzette with a praline cake and brown butter ice cream. I'm not sure why, but the flavors of this dessert didn't mesh too well for me. Nevertheless... loved the creativity, the attentive service, the perfect timing of every course of the meal, the perfect portion sizes, and the ambience. This makes my list of all-time favorite restaurants.
(5)
MaryLou Z.
Amazing!!! A little worried from some of the other reviews but was soooo happy we decided to go. Had a 10pm reservation and called on the way over that we would be early. We sat for a few minutes in the incredible atmosphere of the bar area while waiting less than 5 minutes for our table. The menu changes nightly, which we were very happily surprised by the menu that was different from the one online. Had the soft-shell crab that was out of this world! The wine list is incredible and the atmosphere is what we came from San Diego to see. Given a tour acted dinner and just had an overall fantastic experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Brian C.
I had to write a review for this one since I am on Yelp Now... Hands Down the Best Restaurant I have ever been to. So I am a foodie and I watch way to much Food Network. I have seen this chef several times and I told myself I will try John Besh's restaurant. Service is A+. However, you would expect service like this when you are spending this much money. You have a manager that is assigned to four tables overviewing the operations. You have a server with an assistant. Ambience A+ The Historical feel with the brick walls with modern twist. Food A++ You can not get any better seafood creations. I always follow the servers suggestions since their tip depends upon your satisfaction. I was led to greatness. I had the best soft shell crab ever with such a complex sauce I could not break down what I was eating nor replicate at home what I had. The appetizer was so good. I had this oyster trio. Each oyster was prepared differently from one another and was served in its own little ramekin. My wife loved the desert. I would go back and push people to enlightenment. New York can not touch this place or replicate the freshness of the seafood. Besh is the Man and I can not get back sooner. If you live in Houston you must take a foodie trip down to NOLA and take advantage of one of the best places in the United States. If you have limited funds, blow it all on August.
(5)
Flore S.
this place is perfect, food is delicious, wait staff is proffessional. i love the brick wall.
(5)
Ron H.
Resturant August was the highlight of our recent trip to New Orleans. One of the best meals I've ever eaten. The Fois Gras 3 ways was divine. We also did the 4 course tasting menu. A few questionable wine pairings, but the food more than made up for it. This will be my first stop on my next trip.
(5)
E S.
I've been meaning to review this place since I ate there over Halloween weekend. I went with a group of friends and dinner was off to a bad start as soon as I sat down. Several people at the table wanted to do the tasting menu. I did not. However, August insists that either EVERYone at the table do the tasting or no one can. But honestly, there are worse things than being forced into a tasting at restaurant with the reputation of August, so I was still hopeful. I could go on a long, course by course rant, but I won't. The bottom line was that the food did not measure up to the the bill. It was too rich, redundant and in a few cases downright mediocre. I'm very willing to shell out good money for food that qualifies as an experience. This did not. I was disappointed in almost everything. Only one course stuck with me, the rest have completely faded from memory. There are so many great places to eat in New Orleans. Save the money you'd spend on one meal here, and have 2, maybe even 3 meals, elsewhere.
(2)
Ryan W.
Ok, I'm a food snob, and I booked a dinner for my wife and me at August just because it had the highest Zagat restaurant rating in the city. After all, I wanted to see (and taste) the best of what NOLA had to offer during a recent weekend trip. On walking in, we were seated by a fairly snooty hostess - the only service hiccup of the evening. The interior is handsome, dimly lit in the wood-panelled, two story "wine gallery" where we were seated. Service was excellent, though a bit impersonal. Despite still being full from a Jazz Brunch we enjoyed at Commander's Palace 8 hours(!) earlier, I still went for broke and ordered the 5 course tasting menu, hold the wine pairings, please. Each dish was tremendous, though my least favorite was probably the shrimp carpaccio, which was so evanescent that it was barely there. The kobe short ribs were extremely memorable, and while the poached lobster on pork belly gave me pause when I read it on the menu, it proved to be delicious as well. The nougatine napoleon with salt water taffy ice cream was unbelievably good. Overall, a highly recommended experience.
(5)
Donna C.
We returned to August on Friday, August 28th. We were a little apprehensive about returning here as our last visit was far from stellar. However, will will return once again on our next visit to NO. We do not like that egg thingy that give you and we told them so. Instead they brought out a fig stuffed with goat cheese on top of some micro greens with a light dressing. Wonderful. I wanted a dozen more. I ordered an appetizer off of the tasting menu, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. However, this wasn't just your run of the mill appetizers. The mozarella was more like a ravoli and when you cut into it, you found a roasted tomato. Divine! As I love the crabmeat gnocchi appetizer, I ordered it as my entree (they just double it). This is one of the best things I have ever eaten anywhere. Hubby got the soup of the day and pasta with crab, mussels and shrimp in a tomato basil sauce off of the tasting menu. He enjoyed both. We did not enjoy the dessert we ordered. When they saw this, they kept bringing out other desserts for us to try. I received a call from the restaurant which went to voice mail that said Chef Besh wanted to thank you for returning to his restaurant. I don't know if this something new the restaurant does, but they have never called us in the past. We will definitely go back again!
(5)
Justin Y.
Anyone reading this is sure to know something about the restaurant and the celebrity chef owner. The food is literally as good as you can imagine it can be. They take simple ingredients and expertly prepare them and elevate them to a level I've seldom seen before. I ate there with a small group and we passed samples to one another so I was able to try a few dishes at once and they were all stellar. One thing I disagree about is the prices there. I think, for the quality of the food/service, that the prices are very reasonable for what you get. Surely if you get the tasting menu or several courses it can get a bit pricey, but the entrees are not extraordinarily expensive, so it's possible to eat there without blowing an entire paycheck and still get the same enjoyment that people a bit more well-to-do get from their 7 course meal. Save up a few dollars, skip a few taco bell meals, and go enjoy dinner at August, it's fantastic. If a poor graduate student can go there an have the best meal of his life, you surely can too.
(5)
Morgan M.
I wanted to like this place. I'll admit the food wasn't bad, just seriously overrated. It wasn't anywhere near the best meal I've had in New Orleans, let alone one of the best meals ever, like some of the reviews make it seem. The problem with August wasn't the food though. It was the service, which was hands-down the worst we've ever had in New Orleans (including Mothers), and the worst I've ever had in a restaurant of this caliber. We had 10pm dinner reservations, which I believe is the latest. (Our server kept reminding us of this by mentioning what a long night he'd had) We were there a few minutes early and got a drink at the bar. We were seated ten or fifteen minutes later. The hostess directs us to the back of the restaurant, to a long, narrow table against the back wall meant to seat 6 or 8 people. There are two place settings seated NEXT to one another on the far right end of the table, facing out to the crowded room of people. I felt like we were the bride and groom at a wedding about to make a toast. People stared, a guy next to us chuckled. It was the most awkward seating arrangement ever, and seemed like overflow. I turned to the hostess and asked if anyone ever complained about being seated like this and she said "some people like to sit this way". She asked if I would like another table, (still cursing myself for this one) and I declined. The waiter then rushed out, and with a seething display of passive-aggressiveness asked, "Is there a problem?". I said that we'd prefer to sit across from one another, not side-by-side, but that I didn't want to limit his walkway. He said, again with an attitude, "That's why I sat you that way. (referring to him wanting a wider walking path) but it that's not fine for you, by all means, put your chair over" He then grabbed my chair and butted it up to the guy behind me. To prove a point? So I moved my chair over toward the center or the table, as a courtesy to him, and he said "Well! Now we want to sit in the middle of the table! That's a new one!" and rolled his eyes. Now, when someone starts referring to to me as "we", it's pretty much over, but the list with this guy could go on and on. We declined the wine pairing, but not surprisingly he didn't listen and brought it anyway. When I reminded him we didn't order it, he said "a little champagne can't hurt you" as if I was stressed out and needed a drink. He was condescending about everything. At one point another gentleman (a manager?) stepped in to help wait on us, and was very friendly and professional, but he even seemed to be butting heads with our jerk of a waiter. One thing after another, and all I could think was how much I wanted to leave. Finally, on top of everything, we got someone else' check. Seriously? If you want to waste your money and feel bad about yourself afterwards, go to Harrrah's.
(1)
lar d.
Awesome food! Had the Duck / Trout, Great dishes full of flavor. Also had the crab appetizer. Would def recommend you try this place if you are in town!
(5)
mahim r.
We are foodies. Wherever we vacation, food is #1. These guys amazed us. We have eaten all around Europe, New York, San Francisco etc. Apart from the food being exceptional, service was amazing. 5 star restaurant, if there ever was one. Ate here one day. Had to come back here before leaving Nola, wife wouldn't leave the city without a second meal here. We told them our flight leaves in 1.5 hours. They went out of their way to make things quick for us. Amazing. Please go here if you are visiting Nola. It's an experience you should not miss. If budget is an issue, eat at McDonald's for the rest of the days to save enough for this place.
(5)
Brian C.
It had been a number of years since I'd eaten at August (although I've sent a few out-of-town friends in the past years and most loved it while one didn't) but I ended up with a perfect opportunity after being there to pour a friend's wine at a trade tasting during Restaurant Week. Perfect timing. I have to say once again that August is excellent, not only the food but especially the service which you just don't get anywhere else in NOLA. Not the old school places, not Commanders, not the new school places - August is fine dining at it's best. If you're wearing black, they swap out your napkin from white to black before you sit down without you even noticing. Water glasses, never remotely close to empty. Silverware, collected after every course and then replaced with the perfect utensils for the next course. Servers, completely knowledgeable about not only every dish but also cocktails and wine for pairing. Bartenders and Sommelier Erin White, simply awesome. Now to the food. Bread & butter to start the meal is delicious, with some of the best butter you'll ever taste. Seriously. Then an amuse bouche, different all the time but a perfect bite packed with flavor. Squash capaletti with a rich oxtail & bone marrow sauce, wow. My wife wouldn't let a drop of the sauce be sent back to the kitchen so the bread once again came in handy. Signature gnocchi with crab and black truffle, pretty darn awesome. Really everything is refined and just about perfectly executed - not all plates have huge flavor (by design) but if you're looking for smaller portions of excellent food this is your place. Even the mignardises to finish the meal are excellent - including a perfect mini-macaron which my wife loved (and she's obsessed with macarons, including a past business in Chicago voted best macarons in the city). Trust me, you will have plenty of food to make you full over a multi-course meal and I'll take quality over quantity any time. If massive portions are required to make you happy, there are plenty of other options in NOLA I guarantee. Now the key to take a very good meal and make sure it's an extraordinary experience is pairing of drinks with your dinner. The wine list is large and includes some astounding wines - with prices to match of course. But there are also some great options at a more reasonable price point and the glass pours are extremely good. Start with a cocktail (outstanding Pimms Cup, and really everything is great) and then either get a bottle of wine or some glass pours to match each course. Your server or sommelier will provide you with great recommendations and the pairings will be beautiful. About the only other place that I would recommend as highly for beverage pairings would be Momofuku Ko in NYC (mind blowing, but also $95) and trust me that you won't go wrong at August and the wines will elevate your meal just as wine is meant to do. Just about perfect. (FYI if you have some great Burgundy or aged wine at home, you can bring it in with $0 corkage. True.) An added bonus to August is a huge number of vegetarian options including an entire tasting menu. I don't tend toward those dishes often myself but for our vegetarian friends we all know how difficult it is to find a restaurant that actually cares enough to do more than put a couple average side dishes on a plate and call it a meal. Restaurant August attempts to think of everything, which is hard to pull off but extremely nice when it's done perfectly. Definitely check it out if you appreciate fine dining - and for those on a budget look for prix fixe menus such as Restaurant Week which makes the bill much smaller and allows a splurge on wine. :)
People use the term "a must" often on Yelp. I'll just say that you really, really should. I had been hearing about what John Besh was doing at August for a while, and when I came to New Orleans for the first time, this place was at the top of the list. Spare no expense! We enjoyed a few drinks at the bar since we arrived early, and when we were seated, I was already impressed with the service which went well with my esteem of the ambiance. The food was exceptional. From the amuse-bouche to the foie gras and gnocchi, we waited eagerly for our entrees, and after sighing and rolling our eyes at the amazing flavors on our plates, tackily and quite happily exchanged them halfway through the meal in order to covet each other's entrees. We would loved to have had dessert, but were quite surprised to be experiencing a rare sensation at a fine dining establishment. We were...FULL! One of the finest meals I've ever eaten, along with one of my greatest dining experiences was at Restaurant August. It is and most likely will continue to be my personal standard by which to compare other fine dining experiences, until such time as it is surpassed. I look forward to that. NOTE: While this is easily the most bourgeoisie review I have ever written on here, the restaurant itself is not nearly so. Don't go in there with jeans on, but don't think you can't enjoy yourself. You will!
(5)
Joi B.
I've found Light in August! Vegetarians everywhere need to worship at the altar of John Besh for there is a tasting menu here just for us and it will rock your world. And there's not a single pedestrian grilled vegetable to be found on it. Because I know when I'm out of my writing league, I'm not going to describe the taste, texture and flavor sensations that I experienced. Similarly, I also don't take photographs of the most beautiful things because I know my photo will never capture it the way I want it to, the way it deserves. I don't want to besmirch the memory. Let's just say you'd be getting 2-dimensional descriptions. Loving, but flawed. I'll go this far. What you may or may not enjoy, depending on the season: a special amuse bouche involving candied figs and what I believe was goat cheese (it not only amused, but thoroughly titillated my bouche, I'll have you know), 3 follow-up courses including exquisite bits of seasonal fruit (figs, watermelon), herbs, vegetables (zucchini blossoms-my favorite thing to eat, eggplant, sweet peas, heirloom tomatoes) and crisp, nutty wafers. It's just as it sounds. Dessert. I never order my own. I'm a "I'll have a bit of yours" kinda gal. Not the case here. Good god, I don't even know what I was eating. A spiced light cake. A tiny scoop of ice cream that tasted like burnt sugar . My date's mint ice cream accompanying his chocolate was like nothing I've ever tasted before. They also give you a complimentary plate of confections that are also worth triggering the sweet tooth out of remission. Although I didn't do the pairings (all I ever needed was that bottle of Montepulicano d'Abruzzo, don't you know), our waiter was kind enough to bring out a dessert wine from some island off of Sicily that complimented the entire shebang with a... bang. (God, I'm classy... I'm gonna go now). But before I go: What makes this more special is that us peasants can finally join in on all the action with our foodie friends! We feel not just acknowledged but honored by that vegetarian tasting menu. At long last, we're not an afterthought, nor an intrusion. John Besh, really, can you do any wrong? I'm going to answer for you. No.
(5)
Robert M.
Service was excellent. From the moment we walked in the door we were greeted cheerfully, seated quickly and lavished with attention. None of the staff were 'hovering', yet we did not have to summon staff for any need. Dishes were explained thoroughly, and served in perfect timing. We were able to order from the menu and the degustation menu as well. My appetite is sometimes extreme - in this case I ordered seven entrees and two deserts. The food was beautifully prepared and the food runner was personable as she explained every dish she delivered. The wait staff was outstanding as with each dish, new silver was placed to accommodate each subsequent dish. We were quite pleased with the entire experience which lasted for about 2-1/2 hours. We were never rushed, nor did we feel rushed. In the past 20 years, I have eaten at more than 2,000 different restaurants. August is one I will recommend and visit again.
(5)
David F.
The food here is great, the staff friendly, and the physical space wonderful. We were extremely happy with the Duck with Swiss chard with fra gras mousse. I'm not sure what the amuse Boucher was, but it tasted like culinary liquid gold. Also, the after dinner plate was brilliant. If you twisted my arm to be critical I would say the entree's plating was a little dated, but it's all about taste, and the taste was excellent. The price is high, but not unfairly so. Well done John Besh.
(5)
Brandon C.
August is a delight. In many ways, it is near perfect. The gnocchi is about the best you will find. The trout and snapper dishes are perhaps the best fish options. The banana pudding has to be an award winner for the unique twist on a classic dish. If you like salad, August is as fresh and inventive with its salads as anything else. If you go to August, here are a few other thoughts...... 1. At lunch the Prix fixe menu is a bargain. Period. 2. Every time I have been, there has been a teaser course to start the meal in an egg shell. This is creative, but not exactly delicious. It is time for a new idea here. 3. Make reservations. With so many conventions and tourism-based events in New Orleans, it is unlikely that you will luck in to an open table. 4. The service is a bit off. There are bursts of almost over-the-top warmth, kindness, and detailed description of menu items followed by delays for refills, more wine, etc. The warmth of the place almost covers the gaps, but not quite. 5. August procures most all of its ingredients locally, which is cool. August is definitely worth the visit. It is in the top echelon of New Orleans eateries.
(4)
ms t.
For my birthday, my hubbie surprised me with a lovely dinner at Chef Besh's Restaurant August. The ambiance was perfect and romantic and the servers were attentive. We started off with an "on the house" caviar egg custard which was delightfully light and tasty. We also ordered the beef cheek raviolo which consisted of one large raviolo stuffed with tender pulled-beef and creamy blue cheese chunks. Then we special ordered their foie gras 3 ways dish requesting that the chef prepares them all savory and hot. The original dish is prepared as sweet and savory cold foie gras. We thoroughly enjoyed this dish the most. It was melt in our mouths delicious. As for entrees, he ordered the grass fed bone-in rib eye with progressive mozzarella whipped potatoes. You all need to see my picture of this entree, it's huge! The rib eye, could have been more tender - it was a bit on the chewier side for our taste. The whipped potatoes, however, was AMAZING and rich. It tasted more like creamed mozzarella than potatoes. We loved it. I had the lamb dish. It came out in two medallions and was half lamb chop and half braised lamb. Very different and not what i expected. I honestly would have enjoyed it more if it was a medium rare lamb chop. The flavors, however, were nice... especially with the roasted cherry tomatoes, olives and basil on the side. We ended our meal with their banana pudding which was very good. I would have loved to give them 4 stars, but the food itself was good - but not excellent. I've had better steaks and lamb at other venues.
(3)
John C.
If the rating was for service and ambience then this place would be hall of fame, but the food was a huge let down. Ill conceived and badly executed dishes. Octopus is a gloppy sweet mess, apples and radish dish was lost, truffle ravioli was sadly served cold and the truffles were as a result, not aromatic. My pork chop was over cooked - well done - and the (sous vide?) duck was kind of gross. Again with the sweet and gloppy. The corn bread puddings ? Not good
(2)
Park W.
The chef is wonderful, BUT AVOID WAITER CHRIS. Elegantly dressed, we arrived on time for our reservation, our first time at August. My favorite wine is a California Chardonay, so I asked out waiter Chris to explain the reason behind August having only two Chardonays by the glass, one for $8 and one for $18. He basically said the restaurant needed one cheap wine, so I ordered the $18. Somehow that must have set him off, for when my wife and I asked him to explain the various nice sounding appetizers/entrees he was snotty, uninformative, condescending, and deliberately unhelpful. We should have stood up then and asked for a different table, but we hate to do so when you're trying to enjoy a nice evening. Nicely Chris drifted off, and Stacy stepped in efficiently, and our two entrees were marvelous. The pork in my wife's opinion was perhaps her best meat dish ever. My pompano, although not my best ever, was scrumptious. The chocolate mint desert was yummy. We will definitely return, and make sure we don't ever again have Chris for a waiter, and you should avoid him also.
We came for the Friday lunch, which (if you get the prix fixe) is easily the best food bargain in New Orleans. Three courses, plus an amuse bouche and a bonus dessert (a chocolate truffle and a praline for each of us) for $20.14. Amazing! We were seated in the wine room, which is lovely and cozy. The meal itself was full of flavor and beautifully presented. If you find yourself in NOLA on Friday, make this your lunch spot.
(5)
Ava R.
Wellllll I'm going to start by saying that this review is going to be very biased, but still completely accurate and reliable. Think 7 o'clock news. This is where my fiance proposed to me so "woo hoo as good as it gets" is putting it mildly. The food here is exquisitely prepared, balanced and presented. Your palate will do back-flips, pirouettes, and jazz hands. Taste the fresh juiciness of seasonal tomatoes kicked up with the punch of pickled melons. Let a perfectly seared duck breast or foie gras melt in your mouth. Seriously. Don't chew, just let it melt. Cut into a tender, perfectly cooked rib eye with the most flavorful marrow-breadcrumb crust and compliment that savory, smoky meatiness with (again) fresh, juicy, sweet tomatoes. Finish it with a devil's food cake that would melt even his heart. Deeply chocolate without being heavy and set off with fresh, juicy cherries. Just divine! The service here is impeccable. August in one of those places that has mastered the art of making you feel informed, taken care of, spoiled, and still left in peace. We had 3 servers and 1 sommelier who were all perfect gentlemen. They kindly answered all our questions, helped us making the perfect choices for the night, and helped my fiance execute a flawless proposal that involved quite a few different roles and responsibilities. The restaurant itself has a simple, classy and understated atmosphere. The lounge/bar area is really nice and would be perfect for a more casual get together with a small group of friends or the start/end of a date. The actually dining rooms a great for larger groups and intimate dinners (obvi!). Thank you Warren, Jeff, Erald and of course John Besh for creating a space where excellent memories are made--even if you're not getting proposed to.
(5)
Michael W.
I don't give a lot of 5 star reviews. August is, hands down, the best restaurant in New Orleans. Everything, and I mean every aspect of our meal, was handled with excellence. The service was exemplary, the food was top notch and the ambiance was perfect. The cuisine is upscale modern Southern, with a New Orleans twist. Every dish was prepared with skill an imagination, from the amuse-bouche to dessert, which was a deconstructed banana cream pie prepared with some molecular gastronomy techniques. On top of it all, they were more than happy to cater to my wife's severe food allergy- something you typically don't find in a fine dining establishment at this level. If you're in town, looking to take in an amazing food experience, go here immediately. August stands as one of our top 5 restaurants of all time.
(5)
Stephen D.
The service alone that you get here is worth the trip in and of itself. They are friendly and well spoken as well as well versed in every ingredient in every dish on the menu. The design of the building is classic but not cold. There's nothing else that needs to be said about the ingredients and presentation that other people haven't said already. The food was incredible and the price was reasonable. We did not want to do a prixe fixe but we decided to order a bunch of plates, and without even having to ask, they divided each dish for us. It was a small gesture but it was great. Chef Besh was actually in the restaurant greeting guests and going from table to table, it's humbling to see that. Just a great experience all around. Would totally recommend this to anyone going out for a top notch meal
(5)
KJ R.
Traveling to NOLA from Boston as a vegetarian was at first a bit daunting, as the city's legendary good eats typically feature at least one kind of meat. I was traveling with another vegetarian and we wanted to try one of NOLA's fine dining establishments. I selected Restaurant August because it is one of the rare restaurants with a world recognized chef that features a vegetable tasting menu. A four course meal that can be easily catered to vegetarians. Each course, from the amuse bouche to the dessert, was inventive and delicious. The service was seamless, with several friendly servers attending to our table. Dishes were presented and explained to us, which definitely enhanced our experience. The cauliflower steak in particular was notable for the texture and flavor achieved. Here's my tip: Make reservations far in advance. I tried to get reservations the day before we left and succeeded in securing a table at 9:30 pm on a Sunday evening.
(5)
Jeff H.
Best vegetarian Prix Fixe yet, and I've had several, mostly in Chicago at Green Zebra. This meal lived up to the reputation for sure, and they even had an anniversary desert presentation after I mentioned it casually.
(5)
Michael P.
Let's just say that this is the kind of place that even your starter salad is gonna have you overwhelmed with awesomeness flavor. The food is great! I was there for an event with a prefixed menu and everything selection was perfect. I only wish there had been more because I couldn't get enough of it. I will have to go back to try more on the menu and I have high hopes based on what I've already had before. As expected, the staff and environment are very nice as well.
(5)
Jules H.
What a lunch deal! $20.13 for a gourmet 3-course meal and amuse. Most guests are quite well dressed, so I would definitely keep that in mind. It's a bit strange when the staff is more formally dressed than the diners! The staff was lovely and efficient. The meal was by far the best that we had in NO. We enjoyed the pork terrine (it's so pretty you almost don't want to eat it), the fish dish (can't remember exactly what type it was), and a lovely rose-pear sherbet with meringues. Everything is very well thought out and executed. We will be back to try some of the other offerings!
(5)
Jon Y.
I want to give August a 4.5!!! Started off with their signature appetizer of the gnocchi with truffles. This dish was simply amazing. Oh, I forgot the amuse-bouche of garlic custard topped with a brown butter crouton which was simply amazing. I was amazed at the quality of a free dish. I then had the signature entree of trout with crab and trout with an aerated Hollandaise sauce. The aeration process made the sauce seem very light. The wife had a lamb dish which was good. Closed the meal with a Meyer Lemon tart which was decadent. This restaurant exudes class like the old restaurants on Nawlins y'all.
(4)
Evangeline L.
Eh. I don't know about this place. The decor is nice, warm and inviting but I came here for the food so lets get down to business. We sat at the bar and waited for an extremely long time for drinks. The bartender was busy and noticeably stressed but seemed to be trying to keep up so we were forgiving. The amuse bouche was, simply put, terrible. It was some kind of fish custard with caviar in an egg shell. The egg shell idea was cute but really, room temperature fish custard? Think about that for a second. Yup, no good. We ordered the gnocchi to start which was fantastic..light and fluffy with a perfect cream and truffle sauce. Delicious. My friend had some questions about the lamb dish...there was a word we didn't know and unfortunately can't remember now. We asked the bartender and she said she didn't know but thought it was the name of the farm it came from. We knew that was incorrect and had an inkling it was the cut of meat so asked her to ask someone else. Turns out we were correct. We then asked if it was similar to a rack of lamb and the bartender again said she didn't know and that she doesn't know what a rack of lamb is. What? I'm sure Josh Besh would flip if he knew that. Then she told us she always orders chicken fingers when she goes out to dinner. Um. Perhaps she should keep that to herself. Ok, back to the food. The whole lamb thing threw us off and I decided to order the white asparagus soup. It was hardly edible and tasted like tangy warm cream and butter. White asparagus isn't exactly the most flavorful veg but I was floored that the chef let that dish come out of the kitchen. I sent it back to the kitchen which is something I rarely do. The manager came over and said sorry, "want me to run across the street and get you some gumbo instead?". What? I told him I didn't like gumbo. Whether he was joking or not it was still extremely unprofessional. I've worked in the business for years and know that you don't handle customers like that. rude. At that point we were turned off by the food and moved on to dessert. The dessert we had was delicious.....toffee/nougat Napoleon with a salted toffee ice cream....it was SUPERB. All in all, I think this place is overrated. The bartenders need a ton more training on food and customer relations. The food is so so but to their credit, I only tried three things and 2 out of three were good. Not great. Good. I don't think I'll be making a return visit any time soon.
"Degustation" tasting menu was mind-blowing. 12 courses over 4.5 hours for our party of 6. Sean, the sommelier, was super nice and informative. The entire staff was great, as one would expect. Favorites included the cucumber soup with lump crab and tomato confit, foie with strawberry coulis, the sugar and spice duck breast with marscapone grits and seared foie, and the slow roasted rabbit loin with creole pasta. As for desserts, the lemon ricotta crepe with berries was simple and executed perfectly.
(5)
kirsten c.
Oh. My. God. Best meal we've ever had!
(5)
Patricia B.
After enduring a couple of tourist traps in NOLA that colleagues had suggested, this was heaven on earth. As good a meal as I have had anywhere - including Chicago where I live. The $20.11 prix fixe lunch is a huge bargain. The service, the ambience, the fantastic food - wow. Everything was superlative!!!
(5)
Colleen H.
This was on my must-do list for my trip. I've only heard good things about Restaurant August and it absolutely lived up to it's reputation. Evening started with a perfect Knob Creek mint julep. After perusing the menu, I was not sure if I wanted to do the Degustation tasting menu or chose a la carte. My absolutely wonderful waiter suggested I create my own tasting menu, including wines to accompany. Every single bite I put in my mouth was delicious. I really didn't think I could get excited by a peach and goat cheese appetizer but the addition of jalapeno and pistachio was genius. I've never had oysters (ever) and I was blown away by the fried oysters, and suspect I'm spoiled forever by them. The Silver Queen corn soup was heaven. I'd absolutely go back for that alone. The Waygu hangar steak melted in my mouth. Dessert was a perfect peanut butter banana pudding. Amazing combination and well prepared. And every single wine presented along the way was a total complement to the dish at hand. This was 100% the best meal I've ever had in my life. It was not just fantastic food but the service was extraordinary, and the evening was an experience not just a meal.
(5)
Yu Z.
This place honestly didn't match up to my expectations. I walked in thinking I'd have a #mindblown moment at some point, and that never happened. The food was merely okay with a big side of pretentiousness. My favorite entree was the wagyu hangar steak. The duck was overwhelmed with ginger. The soft shell crab was a tad salty. The other memorable items were the gnocchi and the deconstructed banana pudding; both of these dishes were solid and delicious. All the others just didn't elicit much food feelings from me. Color me unimpressed.
(3)
Beth M.
Food, service, experience - all exceptional and perfect for a very special evening. If you are going to visit, be brave, try new things and go hungry. I would recommend dishes but I think they change often. Ask your server for suggestions if you need help. Our waiter was excited, professional and helpful. One of the best meals I have ever had. Enjoy! tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(5)
Tatiana H.
Everything was perfect: portions, service, flavor, atmosphere. However, I would have to say that it was the food and service that were the stars. Your waiter in addition to your servers are checking in on you every few moments but not to the point of making you feel uncomfortable or even to your noticing. Not only did my dad and I receive an Amuse-Bouche from the chef but also little treats at the end of our meal: pralines and a pop-corn cup (like a Reese's but with white chocolate and a hint of pop-corn flavoring). You'd think that after the prix fixe lunch you would still be hungry, but we were both stuffed just before dessert, however, I always find room to take in the sweet finale. I was expecting the Blackberry Almond Tartlet to be cold or room temperature, but it tasted like it was just resting from the oven--warm and zingy. This was by far my favorite restaurant in New Orleans.
(5)
Camila M.
As a disclaimer I like to start out by saying that my husband and I travel around food. We are Michelin Star Fanatics, Hardcore Foodies, who typically settle for nothing short of the best. We were in New Orleans for four days his past weekend, from August 14th through the 17th, and we ate at some of the best rated restaurants in town: GW Fins, Commander's Palace, R'evolution, Emeril's, The Grill Room, as well as some of the top rated holes in the wall types, like Alberto's Wine and Cheese Bistro and Cafe Du Monde. In all honesty the food in New Orleans is great everywhere, and we loved each of those places. But NONE OF THEM COMPARED TO AUGUST! If any of you are like me then you know what it is like to have limited time somewhere and plan extremely carefully, reading numerous reviews from several different sources and comparing lists to make sure you choose the best place to go. My preparation for this 4 day trip involved about 48 hours of work, so if you share my taste for class, refinement, small portions that dazzle the palate and exquisite unique cocktails, then look no further than here: August is your restaurant. I can't comprehend how it is not rated number one as it CLEARLY deserves that ranking. I have eaten in some of the world's best Michelin star restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, Alinea, DOM, Daniel, Guy Savoy, Jean Jorges, and Victoria and Albert's just to name a few, and the dessert at August topped them all. I really, honestly, swear to all that is scared have never had better dessert dishes than at August. It is surreal how excellent they are. And they don't leave you feeling disgustingly full, neither do the main dishes, because they are made with natural, fresh ingredients in carefully prepared portions. It's truly refreshing. It was also the first time I decided to try an all vegetarian tasting menu and wow - I thought it was better than most other tasting menus of any kind anywhere. If a chef can make an entirely vegetarian tasting menu taste this superb then you know this is a true chef. The service was also outstanding, attentive but not overbearing, and the bar tenders/mixologists were the best I ever came across. The drinks taste great and are strong enough that you may only need one to be good to go. We went there for lunch on Friday the 14th and loved it so much we re-arranged our schedule and requested a reservation for dinner on Sunday before even leaving the restaurant. We could not forgo the opportunity of coming back for more of that amazing dining experience. Our favorite dishes were the goat cheese and peach salad, the homemade gnocchi, the grouper, and of course the entire vegetarian Chef's tasting. And did I mention what a steal it all was? Honestly, I feel no review can ever do this place justice, and their own Chefs have no idea how talented and superior they truly are. This place is divine and if you go to New Orleans without paying it a visit for a meal then you are missing out in life. Their Banana Dessert is to die for! Note: If you are staying at Windsor Court like we were, the restaurant is literally right across the street from the back entrance. It is SUCH a great location.
(5)
Judy T.
Divine food and superb service. It was definitely a splurge, but the meal was well worth it! We weren't dressed up and were worried we'd be turned away or told to wear something else, but we were treated wonderfully.
***4.5 stars*** No surprise, August is another success story for John Besh. It's a fancy (expensive) dining experience set for a special occasion. Dress up, if you don't want to feel out of place. I couldn't wait to eat here, but needing to book reservations so far in advance didn't seem to work for us (being from out of town) but the last time we were in New Orleans, we made sure to book a reservation well in advance. The meal started with an amuse bouche - Butternut crumble, Parmesan, squash, chives - interesting, to say the least. I wouldn't say that I loved it or wanted to eat more than just a bite of it (it pretty much tasted like butter), but it was a nice amuse bouche. Seared foie gras (off the menu) - This was the highlight of the meal for me. Oddly, they don't have a seared foie on the menu, but when I asked about it she said that they could do it. It was a thick cut, cooked to perfection. Roasted duckling with foie gras cream - Yes, more foie. What can I say, I love it. This was another hit for me. It didn't knock it out of the park like the seared foie did, but that was a hard act to follow. It was very very good. Everything that was placed on the table was beautiful. A very nice experience, but for that price, not one that most can have very often.
(4)
Alex H.
What a spectacular dining experience. The ambiance, service, and especially the food were all impeccable. Chef John Besh got this one right. August came highly recommended by a chef I really admire (Chef Kris Morningstar), so my wife and I went there for a special dinner while in town for her birthday celebration. It was absolutely exquisite. I knew we were in for a treat when the amuse bouche blew my mind (I'll come back to this later). We subsequently indulged in black truffle gnocchi that were incredibly fluffy and delicious--like heavenly little pillows. The truffle flavor was at the forefront of this dish, yet somehow not overpowering as I feel truffles can sometimes be. I suspect this was because the dish was loaded with fresh truffle shavings as opposed to being doused with truffle oil. It was magic. OMG. We also shared an heirloom tomato salad with lump crab meat. I'm not a salad guy, but I could live on this dish alone. So much flavor. So fresh. And the crab was delectable. For the entree, I had the lamb which was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. The accompanying greens were terrific, but if I had criticize anything out of the whole meal, it would be the starch that was served with the lamb. It was good--it just didn't jive with the rest of the dish for me. Regardless, I'd still give the entree 9 out of 10. Service throughout the meal was just right. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable without being intrusive. I asked our server to pair a wine with the lamb, and after consulting with their sommelier, he served me a glass that was just the right flavor for the dish. Besides being an excellent pairing that accented both the dish and the wine itself, there were two things that stood out to me: 1) when given authority to select my wine, he did not stick me with a very expensive choice and 2) he brought out the (still unopened) bottle for me to see and taste before serving my 'by the glass' wine. I've been to a lot of nice restaurants, and I had never experienced this before. I was so caught off guard that I committed a faux pas and tried to clarify that I only ordered a glass. He tactfully said, "Yes sir, I just wanted you to have an opportunity to taste the wine before enjoying it with your meal." First class. At the end of our meal, we sent our compliments to the chef and to the staff for what was a very memorable evening of fine dining. Our server informed us that they had a lunch special the following day that we might enjoy, and though we were only in town for a short time, we were compelled to return and have one more meal at August. Good call. Once again, everything was ridiculously good (especially my soft shell crab). Though we had a different server for our lunch, she recognized that we were in the evening before and asked the kitchen to serve a different amuse bouche (so that we wouldn't have the same one we had the evening prior). Who does that?! Professionalism at its best. If you're in New Orleans, go here and splurge. Don't look at the bill. Just tip big, sign it, and go to bed happy.
(5)
Dwayne J.
A Yelp friend received this restaurant as a recommendation. We ordered several plates to sample as much of the menu as possible. The foie gras prepared three ways was delicious. But the gnocchi was our favorite. Add on top of the the great service and this was by far one of my best dining experiences in New Orleans.
(5)
Maria T.
We tried the tasting menu with paired wine. Everything was mind blowing delicious and the flavors and textures were playful and fun. The only reason I did not give August five stars is one dish just didn't work for me. Lamb three ways. Saddle (yummy) but sweet breads not so much. It could be personal taste issues with me, but the mouth feel was alarming. There was a third presentation that I don't even know what it was but it tasted like an over-breaded over-fried piece of wood. The saddle of lamb was delicious as was the rest of the meal, I just wish the other lamb never made it to my plate.
(4)
Holly B.
Our whole table did the 9 course - not on the menu - tasting dinner with wine pairings and I have to say it was fantastic. From the atmosphere, to the service, to the food to the wine, everything was exceptional and we had a wonderful time. I will never look the same at tomatoes! It is a must try. If you do the tasting menu - go with on an empty stomach- they don't size down the portion sizes which was great and overwhelming all at once.
(5)
Tony K.
Excellent food. The service was polite and attentive but not necessarily friendly. Anyways, I came for the food anyways and was not dissapointed. It's fine dining so expect to pay a bit.
(4)
June W.
Went here for our anniversary dinner a couple of weeks ago.The waitress was great, but I had a slight feeling that the hostess wasn't the friendliest that evening (it seemed that she was the same to the diners at other tables near us as well). Anyhoo... The food was fabulous, and the presentation was to die for! Excellent preparations too! Sorry, no pictures, but I thought it would be gauche to whip out my phone in such a nice place. (Obviously, from the other pictures on Yelp, others don't share this!) The amuse bouche was in an eggshell, forgot what it was, but it was so cute, and very tasty. (I think others had mentioned what it was.) We had a Sazerac and a Hurricane. Neither my husband or I had had either of these iconic New Orleans drinks before. They were pretty good, I think! We had the fois gras 3 ways cold appetizer and the crawfish and crisp lamb belly hot appetizer. Both were very delicious. Entrees were the St. Mary's Parish soft shell crab and the pork, All good! Desserts were the lemon souffle and the chess pie. Perfect! The women's restroom was very nice. And a classy touch - no pedestrian paper towels here - they had a basked of nice rolled up washcloths for use! It was a very nice experience!
(4)
Sandy H.
Best food and service in town. Waiter Mark was very informative about all the dishes and how they were prepared. I will be back when I go to New Orleans again, hopefully soon.
(5)
H C.
We went for the Friday lunch prix-fixe ($20.14). The food was generally good; some dishes were great. I had a fish crusted with shrimp and potatoes that was delicious, and the pate de campagne came with an assortment of sauces and cornichons that was fun. My companion's lamb meatballs were a little gamey and my blueberry dessert (I want to say it was a pavlova) came with a meringue that I found to be inedible, but all in all I think that's fair for the price. I am sure the dinner menu is even better. What upset me was the service. We had a server who either judged us for not dressing to the nines or for not ordering additional items (we didn't want to drink at lunch) and was very curt with us the entire time. I don't understand this--some people were dressed up, but there were others who were dressed more casually for the lunch service. At the end of the meal, the server gave us our petits fours and said, "Here are some cookies." Neither of the petits fours was anything close to a cookie. Meanwhile, the suited gentleman at the next table received a lengthier explanation. My companion thinks we are to blame because we didn't "make enough of an effort," but I think everyone deserves a certain level of service that was just not there.
(4)
Dania M.
Wow, nothing short of amazing. They have a 3 course prix fixe $20.14 lunch for a meal and service that is worth more than a million. I had the pate de champagnes (a beautiful array of sauces that complimented the pate); red fish and hot chocolate torte (for chocolate lovers this is to die for!) Randi was a phenomenal server as I was having lunch alone and she brought excellent recommendations and a warmth that will have me returning the next time in New Orleans.
(5)
Hai L.
I was a little disappointed at my last visit here. It was my girlfriend's birthday. During my call for reservations, I asked if they could do something for birthdays. The person told us yes. I was just hoping for a dessert with a candle on it. We weren't looking for freebies. Just something special for the lady. I reminded them when I got there. Nothing happened. For a fine diner, we expect this place to be on point with service. There was a used napkin next to our chairs, the wine glasses were spotty. Chef Besh would have a fit if he saw that. The waiter didn't converse with us much as he did with the other customers (that doesn't reflect the review). Usually at a nice restaurant, the staffers are really nice and sociable. I've been here many of times and the service was great. I'd give the food 5 stars but the service killed it. This place used to be 10X better than what it is now.
(2)
John S.
Was awesome! Had Trout Pontchartrain. Had while traveling for work but was so good would come back on my own dime. Goes on my top 10 list of yummy dishes and I'm a serious foodie. Highly recommend.
(5)
Jen L.
What a bargain! The lunch prix fixe for $20.12 was a great deal for 3 courses at a super fancy restaurant. Dress was mostly business casual...with a few casual/casual people (yes, I was judging). There were of course selections not on the prix fixe price and though there were only 2 choices for each course, I was more than happy with what I selected. The 3 courses last week were a lovely gazpacho blanco with poached shrimp, a gorgeous piece of fish with a light and tasty corn souffle and then for dessert was a really fancy chocolate pudding. Delicious and a great way to get over the Isaac blahs. Thanks for the great idea @John LH. My 15 year old niece was worried that the food would be too fancy but she loved it all.
(5)
J. S.
After 700+ reviews what is left to say about Restaurant August? My friends and I had a really amazing time over an incredible meal of meals. Some of us ordered the Farmers Market tasting and others ordered the Reveillon menu and everything was coursed out together with symphonic precision. The things they were able to do with and without meat were just stunning. Fun, flavorful, rich, delightful, every bite a celebration followed by another bite to celebrate the bite you just had. The wine list was fascinating and there were some real superstars on there but naturally we included the sommeliers pairings which added a whole new exciting dimension to each course. The service had perfect rhythm, was informative, thoughtful, and friendly. This is the most action my mouth has seen in years. Bring good friends because that's the only thing that can improve your experience at Restaurant August.
(5)
Charlie W.
Glad I didn't have to pay to eat here and that I ate here. All food is good in NOLA.
Very friendly staff. Perfect accommodating special requests. A little funky but good.
(5)
Dean A.
This is an exceptional restaurant. The food met my high expectations, and our waitress was awesome. I told the waitress that I never had crawfish, and I asked for an appetizer with crawfish (if available). The sous chef served the appetizer himself with not one, but TWO crawfish appetizers! We also had the famous blue crab gnocchi, which was delightful as well. Our entrees had surprising components. I ordered the duck-prepared three ways, which had ginger in it. My wife had the fish with lemon grass. We were surprise to see asian flavors at this traditional cajun/creole restaurant but it worked. I wish I lived in New Orleans to eat here more often. The restaurant is pricey but well worth the money.
(5)
Beide Z.
Fabulous Amazing Wonderful~ Fair price and great services The quail is the best, tender, juicy and flavorful! The seafood salad is just ordinary and the preserved radish tasted weird... Calabaza squash cappelletti was a little bit salty for me, but the flavor was still good. The main dish was lamb and it was stunning and well-cooked. I thing this restaurant is far better than the Commander's Palace.
(5)
Blake W.
This place is just perfect. Favorite restaurant in NoLa. Just wow. Sometime we go two days in a row - we are that into the high quality of food, wine and service. If you're lucky you'll get Mark Gruntz to be your waiter. Class act all the way.
(5)
Dave T.
August is what fine dining is all about. A friend and I had the Reveillon dinner with wine pairings last night. Yes, it's pricy but it's worth every dollar. Beyond the perfect, attentive but not smothering, service, two things stand out. One, flavor doesn't have to hit you in the face. In fact, subtlety makes food more interesting. You find yourself thinking "just what is that other ingredient?" Two, letting a professional choose the wine for each course really adds to the experience. The chosen wine is one more ingredient, complementing, contrasting, emphasizing the food.
(5)
Andrew F.
Best meal I had in New Orleans - no question. Anyplace that has bacon-infused bourbon on the same menu with duck confit dirty rice with kimchi, and huitlacoche agnolotti - along with the best truffle gnocchi I've had and a trout ponterdemain that I basically had a fork duel with my buddy over (you're gonna have to google ponterdemain I don't remember anymore what it was but trust me - you should order two of them) - gets my vote for best Nola cuisine. I now know the guy's hair is not the best thing about him - unbelievable experience all around - from the introductory bar to the service in the dining room. Minor points removed for the men's room experience only because it's far - but aside from that - as long as you've got the bucks to handle the bill this is a place you should hit for a special occasion.
(5)
Bridget G.
Restaurant August is perhaps one of the most overrated restaurants in this incredible culinary city! I ate dinner there last night with my husband and a business client of his. Our head waiter had a horrible cough and had to catch his breath 3 times while telling us about the evenings specials. My husband and I split our dishes and boy are we glad we did! While the Ponchitrain trout was delicious, everything else was completely underwhelming! The crab meat in the stuffed blue crab appetizer was rancid and our accompanying sides were void of anything remarkable. For dessert, we ordered the cornbread pudding which was served over cracker jacks( ugh!) and smothered in caramel. Our dinner guest ordered a triple chocolate cake that unfortunately, like our dessert, was ruined by an overkill of sugar! Once we finished our desserts, our sick waiter brought us each a small plate of bite sized pastries. One of my husbands fell off the plate so the waiter rolled it across the table with his fingers and left it next to his plate. Really?? New Orleans is choc full of absolutely fabulous restaurants. Do yourself and your wallet a big favor and don't waste your time here!
(1)
Anthony W.
We had a prix fixe lunch here and it was very good. We didn't get the chance for dinner but would like to return another time for that. We thought the prix fixe lunch was a good deal for what you get and would happily return again. The restaurant is fairly large and decorated well. Everything was very clean and the staff were attentive. White tablecloth service even during lunch. Visited October 2012
(4)
Fran B.
August doesn't need my reviews, but, if you're on the fence about whether or not to go, YOU SHOULD. My husband and I celebrated the end of a long new orleans vacation with a meal there. Robert was our server. He embodied the professional server, incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the menu but never intrusive or stuffy. He beamed communicating his favorite dishes to us; when we took his recommendations, he was invested in whether or not we enjoyed our choices. For the record, we did. I say all this because the service was excellent; the team included Robert, his assistant, a member of the kitchen staff who presented each dish, as well as an interaction with the maitre d. The fine service elevated an already grand experience. To start, we each had a cocktail. Both were strong inventive versions of classic cocktails, each with a decided twist. The flavors were different without being gimmicky. We tried the goat cheese and pear salad, delicious. We also tried the gnocchi - cannot miss this dish. This trio of crabmeat, potato pillows, and black truffle is surely served in heaven. For our entrees, I had the trout ponchartrain (signature dish) and my husband had the roast duckling. Both were outstanding. Our desserts (chocolate/gingerbread pate and cornbread pudding with apples) were again inventive without being gimmicky. August is an upscale restaurant with a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend!
(5)
Joseph W.
Honestly and sincerely the BEST French meal I have ever had. And the desert. Absolutely incredible.
(4)
Joel R.
My wife and I had dinner here for our 1st wedding anniversary. The. meal began with a really delicious champagne, which was selected by our waiter and complimentary, so it was an unexpected and nice way to kick off our night. We went with the chefs tasting and opted for the wine pairing as well. Every course and each wine that we had was absolutely delicious. The first course was some sort of semi sweet, non-dessert custard, I have no idea what it was but it was delicious. Next we had sashimi, followed by an octopus salad, and then a tripe pasta dish. The main course was lamb 3 different ways, all of which were incredible. The dessert was also amazing, but I was fairly drunk by that point as the wine pairing pours were extremely generous. The wine was spectacular throughout the meal. Our service was incredible all night, with the sous chef coming to our table and explaining each course and our sommelier talking us through each wine and why it paired well with each dish. It was exactly the right amount of attention. At the end of our meal we met John Besh who wished us a happy anniversary. He was really cool and very kind. It was an expensive meal (around $400 after tip) but for the level of food and service it was worth it for a special night out that we will remember. I highly recommend August.
(5)
Emily W.
The food here was amazing. Reccommendation - sample more appetizers with your table and maybe share an entree to experience more of the flavors. The truffle gnocchi was the group favorite. Excellent service.
(5)
Ashley D.
Vegetarian foodie heaven! Rarely do I get more than a couple of options at a restaurant of this calibur. The vegetarian tasting menu was mind blowing. The green onion mousse and parmasean custard served in an egg shell was so good I had to refrain from getting all George Jefferson up in there and shaming my son! The apple parsnip soup was perfectly balanced. The charred broccoli was a little bitter but it was supposed to be. I don't even like beets and I enjoyed the beet medallions immensely. My son flipped out over the lemon tart...which was, in fact, the best lemon dessert I've ever had...hyperbole or not. The staff was, of course, supremely friendly, and I will be back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Kaitlin L.
Awesome restaurant in New Orleans. Service was impeccable and the meal was delicious. With I had more time to go there again!
(4)
L Q.
Top 10 restaurant at which I have eaten. Creative, flavorful. Gnocchi with truffles and "poncetrain" trout were spectacular. My wife had beet salad and duck. We both were members of the clean plate club. The staff and service were exceptional. We finished with a deconstructed banana pudding. Desert wines on the house. Sommelier was very helpful. August is worth the expense.
(5)
Tom P.
Beautiful room. Menu is concise with a choice for all. Excellent service. The soft shell crab special was great. A large crab delicately fried with a light sauce. Banana pudding dessert is not to be missed
(5)
Dave G.
Wonderful dinner with fantastic service. Would recommend Restaurant August to anyone visiting New Orleans.
(5)
Sandee L.
Wow! We definitely saved the best for last! Our last meal in NOLA was lunch at August and it wowed our socks off. We all went for the prix fixe lunch (weekdays only) which is a steal at $20.13 for three courses. The amuse bouche is served in an egg shell and is not only the daintiest, cutest thing, it is also mighty tasty. Ours was a cauliflower creme and was the perfect way to whet our appetite. I won't bother with the details of what we ate since it depends on what is fresh at the market that day. Just suffice it to say that everything was phenomenal. The four of us expected at least one dish to be "ok", but that just didn't happen! From the starter to the dessert, everything was fresh, perfectly cooked, and just friggin' amazing! Service, of course, mirrored the food and was top notch. I can not stop raving about this place! If you are in New Orleans, Restaurant August is a must!
What an awesome culinary experience. The food was really top-notch. We came here for the lunch prix-fixe menu for $20. It came with three courses as well as the amuse bouche. Every dish was really fantastic. I had the crawfish bisque, which was so creamy and savory and delicious. Then the sheepshead fish, also incredibly moist and scrumptious. The flavors just popped. I loved the tomatillo! The dessert was a chocolate ice cream dish that just brought the whole thing home. Every dish had at least one flavor I had never tasted before, and I found myself thinking, "I have no idea how to make this." This is a good thing, because that's what we pay for, right? To eat something we couldn't make at home? After leaving the restaurant, I just found myself thinking about the dishes more and more. It really made an impression. I definitely recommend going on a Friday for the prix-fixe, and then returning to treat yourself to something even fancier!
(5)
I Love g.
What a great food and atmosphere. I got gnocchi for my appetizer and a baked oyster main course. Cannot say enough, love John Besh, love his restaurants. Hands down best food in New Orleans, worth every penny.
(5)
Daniel W.
Service: 3.5 First plates: 4.5 Entree: 4.0 Dessert: 5.0 The service was not spectacular for a place of this caliber. This is the restaurant of a nationally renowned chef, you would expect excellent service, especially at this price point and just to be clear, the service was not bad, it just wasn't classic French service. I had the crawfish app. Wife had gnocchi, sister had trio of foie gras, they were all excellent. The lake ponchatrain snapper was to die for, I loved the flavors in that dish, the sauce paired beautifully with the dill, and the fish and buttery sauced went so well together... However the goat curry that my wife and I got were salty and towards the end of the dish, the flavors were washed out by the high amount of salinity in the dish. The deserts, banana pudding & chocolate praline... Amazing... Beautiful presentation and VERY DELISH. Overall, I definitely recommend a visit, but it's not perfect. And if you are limited for time, I would say go to R'evolution instead.
(4)
A. D.
Easy to park, service is top notch, and a really nice, beautiful space. However, my group was a little disappointed with the tasting menu. Not that anything we ate was bad, everything we had was fine. But that was it - the food was fine. I was really excited to eat here, and for what you pay, it was all underwhelming. Our table all agreed the standout dish of the night was the tripe - spicy, flavorful, and really well done. The wine wasn't bad, and they're very generous if you order with the pairing.
(4)
Sean A.
I went to this restaurant a bit under a year ago and was unimpressed. Despite that, owing to their reputation, I decided to try it again. I'm still unimpressed. The appetizer salad was just a random collection of vegetables it seemed. There were few greens on there, and the dressing was underwhelming. For a main dish I had the pork, which was incredibly salty. I realize pork is salty on it's own, but this was pretty pungent. On top of that, it seemed unevenly cooked--most of it was a solid medium-medium rare, but one part of it was quite rare. The accompanying veggies were doused in a sauce that was just overwhelmingly strong. Between that and the dark lighting the restaurant insists on, I wasn't even sure what I was eating. Never a good sign. My date was wondering just what *part* of the venison her dish was. The dessert looked like a 80's vintage Nagel painting, with random triangles of different things with big swooshes of chocolate sauce. It was just very busy, with so many different flavors competing with each other. Brownies, pralines, chocolate, ice cream...it was like they just put everything they had on one plate. I'm also not a fan of the trend in service where the waiter comes out and loudly describes to everyone at the table what they ordered. We ordered it, we read the menu, we know what it is, we don't need you to read it back to us. I was decidedly unimpressed, especially considering the price.
(2)
Paul T.
Restaurant August was my pick for dinner during our recent family vacation. First, when you enter, every one is polite, courteous with plenty of "Good Evenings". and smartly dressed. Our wait staff was actually quite entertaining, something that was missing from some of our other dinners (I like a good laugh). Food...let's start off with the thing that is mentioned in EVERY review, the Amuse Bouche... Holy smokes, it's a little taste of perfection. It's served in an egg shell and has a perfect balance of savory with a hint of sweet at the bottom (make sure you dig down with your spoon so you get all that goodness in one taste). The bread was, 'The best bread I ever had' according to my niece Victoria. I thought it was good, it was crisp on the outside, warm on the inside, served with plenty of warm butter. But only one bread choice option (normally not an issue, but I expect more at $100 a plate). Every single person in my family got a fillet (I kid you not), at varying temperatures. I got the tasting menu ($92), I just had to inform my family (who is new to this kind of "hoy faloy" eating) that I'd be getting courses between their courses :) Okay, so, the two meat courses (Pork, Duck) were exceptional. Cooked to perfection, seasoned beautifully. The dessert, too, was delicious, a chocolate tort with coffee foam, magical. But... oh the Shrimp course on noodles, this is where they lost me. The spicing they used honestly tasted a little dish-soapy to me. Perhaps I don't have a refined palate, but seriously, dish-soapy. The other area that cost August their 5th star... they messed up our fillet placement! So my mom got the well done, and my niece got the medium rare. But because my niece seemed to be enjoying the medium rare, my good natured mom didn't say anything! *sigh* Again, you screw up my order placement at Ruby Tuesdays, no big deal, you screw up my order at a restaurant that could realistically be a two or three star Michelin experience...well, it's a big deal. Summary, when August shines, it's on par with the other amazing eateries I've been to in New York and Vegas, but execution is everything when you're charging the big bucks and August still has some catching up to do to meet the quality of a Daniel's or Joel Robuchon's.
(4)
Billy A.
This was our 2nd visit to August, our last being the precious summer. The good, ambience, and service was top notch. Robert, the maître-d, is possibly the most knowledgable I've ever encountered. His explanation of the dishes were like Shakespearean sonnets. I had the pork dish and we also ordered the trout which never leaves the menu. Desserts were ridiculous good as well. I would choose this place over commanders palace for food and service. Ambience might be better at commanders but not by much.
(5)
Nicole E.
Very good. They may have rushed us through our meal a little but that's what you get when you have a 5:30 reservation and you call to change it to 6:00.. the next table is coming whether you are ready or not. You CAN order a-la-carte from the tasting menu, although I don't know if they tell everyone that.
(5)
Kyle W.
Stupid. Just straight stupid. If I were to have a bro-crush on anyone else besides Justin Timberlake, it might have to be John Besh. He's the man, because he represents a lot of things awesome about my home. Food is awesome in Louisiana and he's a big reason why. He also seems like a down to earth dude on Top Chef. Came here on a trip home back in late December and had the Friday Lunch Menu. The service is what you expect from all New Orleans restaurants at this caliber. The space is also gorgeous. Very high ceilings and old school charm that are in other New Orleans restaurants. This was in the greeting area by the bar too. Imagine sitting in the cellar area or the main dining room. As for the food, it matched the service and atmosphere. Top notch. We had a number of items off of the menu, and shared a lot of it family style. We started off with the salad of crispy bruleed goat cheese and the beet salad. The bruleed goat cheese was amazing. The texture was what you expect of a creme brulee. It was paired perfectly with the apples. Then came probably the highlight. We all each ordered our own gnocchi with blue crab and black truffle. Just STUPID GOOD. One of my favorite things ever eaten. Just so smooth and comforting. I can come back and just eat this dish by itself over and over. The gnocchi was just little clouds of pillow stuffed in your mood. As for the main entrees. I had the risotto and a vegetable soup that was a special of the day. The risotto was silky smooth creamy. The vegetable soup was a very light and clean soup. Overall an awesome afternoon spent at Restaurant August. My first visit to a John Besh restaurant did not disappoint.
(5)
MT M.
I'd heard about the five course vegetarian tasting menu so I had to check it out. It's rare that a veg gets fine dining options so when you get them and they are this good it's truly an amazing thing. I can't say much other than I was knocked out by everything. It was an astonishing meal and the service was impeccable. We ate for two leisurely hours and every member of the staff was helpful and kind. If I lived in NO I'd eat here weekly.
(5)
John H.
We have eaten at August twice, both during lunchtime hours. This time we noticed that lunch is now only served once a week (Fridays), so plan accordingly if visiting from out of town. With a location close to many hotels and a few blocks from Canal and the Quarter, how could one not stop by to try John Besh's original signature restaurant? Our appetizers and entrees were great, but save room for the cheese platter, which dazzled with its combination of hard and soft cheeses, along with complimentary bread and fruit accoutrements. On our way out of town headed towards Houston, we tracked down one cheese that I particularly liked that our waiter noted had been supplied by St. James Cheese Co. Once at the counter, the proprietor mentioned that this nutty-tasting gouda-like specimen had been completely conscripted by August for their use...good to know. I think August shines in the early afternoon, paired with a nice bottle of Chardonnay and sufficient time to savor the architecture and quality cuisine. We will be back on our next trip to New Orleans...
(5)
Marty Z.
It's not quite the French Laundry--but close. The food was impeccable and so was the service. I especially enjoyed the gnocchi with shaved French truffles. The wine list is extensive, but we brought a very special bottle of wine and there was no cork fee.
(5)
Christopher L.
This is a beautiful restaurant, and the service was excellent, but most of the food was pretty meh. For the price it was okay, but not good enough I ever want to go back. We started with a free little appetizer of frothy tomato bisque, garlic, and something pesto-like all in an egg shell. It was appealing looking, but tasted bad. It was just a weird combo, and the frothy bisque tasted more like ketchup. Next dish was a salad of eggplant, grilled watermelon, and some other veggies. The watermelon was very cold, but had grill marks on the outside of it; good. The eggplant was nearly uncooked and very chewy, with very tough skin. It just wasn't cooked well or seasoned. The other person at the table who got the same dish was also unhappy with it and didn't eat theirs. It was very close to uncooked and really tough/chewy. Another person at the table had some kind of seafood soup dish, and they loved it. I tried it and the primary flavor was salt, but it wasn't horrible. It smelled bad, though. That isn't a problem with the food, it was just my taste. Other people in the restaurant seemed to be enjoying it well enough. My next course was a piece of gulf fish. It was cooked nicely and seasoned pretty well. It was perched on top of some delicious couscous. It looked great, but then they poured some salty brown liquid over it at the last minute. The liquid was not good, and it ruined the texture of the couscous. I'm guessing the brown liquid was some kind of beef or chicken stock because of the oil floating in it. It could have been salt water with brown dye for all the flavor it added, though. The fish had a few scales left on it, which was unappealing. I had to pick them out of my mouth after biting them. I don't like fish scales, so this combined with the brown liquid made the main course pretty mediocre. The person eating beside me had ordered the veal, and one of the two pieces of meat in the dish was solid fat. She cut through it and there just wasn't any meat in there. The waiter quickly and politely replaced it with a new one that was still maybe 80% fat, but that was better than the piece that was 100% fat. Next was the dessert. AMAZING! The waiter first brought out a dessert appetizer - some kind of "raspberry cereal"? It was very tasty, whatever it was. Next was the chocolate chiboust, my main dessert. The chiboust was a little waxy, but had an excellent flavor. The ice cream on the side of it was fantastic. I was surprised. The peppermint one was absolutely the best minty flavored ice cream I have ever had. Overall, I was disappointed. John Besh is a great chef, and his other restaurant I went to, Lüke, had great food. PS. The bread, like other reviewers note, was very good. It tasted like it was made with an extremely good quality flour. PPS. I was told that this is the place to go for a good Pimms Cup. I didn't have a chance to try one, but thought I'd pass the recommendation on. There is a bar that is separated from the restaurant area.
(2)
Daniel C.
We at at lots of places in New Orleans, in out week trip, but this was the best lunch we had in out entire trip. Many other great food option are in this great city. Cochon Butcher, see other reviews, but the best meal we had was here, save up and enjoy.
(5)
Eunice K.
Came here with a few coworkers excited to try John Besh's gem! Such a beautiful restaurant - I was grateful to have made reservations weeks in advance. Appetizers We started with a complimentary appetizer: a Quail Egg Amouse Bouche - a seafood + truffle custard topped with caviar. Beautiful presentation! The taste? Musky + seafoody with a runny, goopy texture. I did not enjoy it. I did enjoy the little crunchy stick of brioche! --Beet Salad ($17)-- We ordered this beet salad appetizer which had a beautiful presentation with the quail eggs, bright beets, and black eyed peas. The salad is topped over a scoop of creamy crab salad at the bottom. All the ingredients were top notch quality - and we try to savor each of them individually since they all taste so different on their own. Probably my favorite part was the burnt bacon - which was smokey, flavorful, crunchy - delish! The black eyed peas were fried and added additional texture. --Veal Sweetbreads ($16)-- 3 servings of sweetbread came presented beautifully on a plate of foam. The plate looked very complicated - to a point where I couldn't really identify any individual ingredient. But the server did inform us of the black truffle and heart of palms included in this dish. All I can say is that the dish was lightly fried, very flavorful, and unlike anything I've ever had before - and one of my favorite dishes of the entire night. If you have to order an appetizer - get this one! Entrees --Crusted Red Snapper with Crab ($36)-- I was determined to eat seafood in NOLA and asked my waiter if I should go with the snapper or trout. I should have listened because the snapper was very underwhelming! The fish was nicely cooked - moist inside and yet crunchy and breaded on the outside. What killed this dish for me was the bowl of heavy, salty risotto it was served with. Wow - that cream sauce was salty! --Speckled Trout "Pontchartrain" ($38)-- I should have ordered this dish. Hands down BEST plate of the night. A nice thick, meaty piece of trout , pressed on a thick fried piece of brioche, all topped with sauteed crab and surrounded by a hollandaise foam sauce. The meatiness of the trout and the crunch from the brioche both contributed to a dry/rough texture which went really well with the creamy hollandaise sauce and sauteed crab. Each bite was like heaven! MUST TRY! --Lamb Chops ($39)-- Don't have much to say about the lamb dish - I don't like lamb and REALLY didn't like the raw and fatty lamb chops. Lamb came out with some bacon which was way over salted. Learn from us - order seafood! Dessert --Napoleon of Nougatine ($11)-- Salty sweet combos are the best! This napoleon was salted toffee ice-cream placed in between layers of chocolate. The top chocolate layer had toffee bits as well as salt. Yes, the dessert was sweet - but the salt really helped with the balance. --Banana Pudding ($11)-- Deconstructed banana pudding! YUM! Beautiful presentation of banana/vanilla pudding and marshmallow topped with crunchy peanut butter brittles. My favorite part was the peanut butter brittles and the contrast in texture to the soft pudding. Yes - mediocre, underwhelming, and salty meals can be redeemed by dessert! Sorry! I was expecting more! Service was superb, restaurant was absolutely beautiful, and we even got complimentary appetizer/dessert.. but everything was salty salty salty... of course with a few hidden gems in between! :) GET THE TROUT!
(3)
Aaron S.
I have to say that Restaurant August is the epitome of inconsistant service. The food is always great, no corkage fees, and it is nice to have such a beautiful restaurant close by, but... the rush to turn tables is obnoxious. I have dined here and had one of the most memorable meals of my life, but have also dined on several occasions when I was just being rushed by thier servers. Not only is this offensive and tacky, especially to a local who lives just a few blocks away, it really makes me never want to return again. There is nothing worse than having a server come by on multiple occasions and try to remove food while I am still eating. My wife had to literally tell the server that if he tried to remove her plate again before she was done, that she would stick her fork in his hand (she only said this after he approached our table three times prior and asked if she was done)... I know that this sounds funny, but horrible service can truly ruin a meal, as it did at our last visit to Restaurant August. I understand that this restaurant exists on tourists and conventioneers, but it is the local crowd that can keep a place busy when there is no convention in town. Unfortunatly at August, they haven't figured that out yet. What amazes me is that I can go to any other John Besh restaurant and get better service than I can get at his flagship - Restuarant August. I must say that the food at Restuarant August is consistantly excellent. I have never had anything but great food, however on two of my last three visits the rushed service has negatively overshadowed the excellent cuisine. Part of the dining experience at a restaurant like August, is leisurely enjoying a wonderful multi-course dinner over hours, not minutes. Being rushed really ruins the overall experience. For me, dining out is as much about the experience, as it is the food. This is where Restaurant August comes up short of other great options in the foodie haven that we call New Orleans.
(2)
Caroline G.
Unbelievable. Vegetable and Meat tasting menus are incredible. If you have the money - go. So worth it. Service is amazing as well.
(5)
Steve R.
If you have the chance to dine here and you don't go, you have missed one of the best dining experiences available anywhere. If you are planning a trip to New Orleans, do everything you can to get a good reservation and enjoy. There is not much more that can be said by us mortals on Yelp.
(5)
Christen D.
My husband and I had dinner here a couple of weeks ago, and it was everything we thought it would be! Some places never live up to the hype, but that's not the case with August. Everything we had was delicious! Appetizer- we had the gnocchi, and long story short- it was amazing Entree- I had the trout amandine and it was the best I've ever had. My husband had the steak and it was also really good. Dessert- I had the banana pudding, which just won an award recently for best dessert, and it was hands down the best dessert I've ever had. There were so many different flavors- peanut butter ice cream, banana pudding, vanilla wafers....pure awesomeness.
(5)
Ted S.
A classy place with great ambiance and friendly, but not stuffy, service. To the food... Appetizers: Stuffed squash blossom with feta and I'm not sure what else. Good, but not something I'd order again. Foie gras three ways: A real disappointment. I was looking for strong foie gras flavor, now that I can't get it in California, and didn't get it here. Portion was quite small, and one of the "ways" was layered in sponge cake. That's all I got flavor wise. Gnochi with blue crab and shaved black truffle: Two of us really enjoyed this, but four said it was just "good". Sharing with six people was a no no for this dish. It's a one person appetizer. Also, no flavor of truffle. Entrees: Trout amandine: Three ordered this, and all really liked it, a lot, but did universally prefer K-Paul's pan fried flounder hands down a couple nights later. Grouper: Very good, with a nice presentation. My wife had this, and really liked it. I thought it was nice too, but preferred the trout. Duck: I ordered this. Medium rare delightfully red breast of duck with smoked duck boudin and seared foie gras on greens. As a foodie, I can say this is perhaps the best single plate of food I've ever had. None of the items themselves were the best, but the combination made it a fantastic plate. This was my favorite, and others agreed the duck was great in flavor, although a bit chewy, but what can you do about a rare piece of duck? I would order this again, and again. Egg: This was a free item that came after the appetizers and before the entrees. It was served in an egg shell. The bottom layer was a garlic custard, topped by a pine nut mix of some sort, and again topped by a tomato custard. To say custard is misleading, as they were more of a dense foam. Of all the items we had, this was raved on the most by all six of us. It was one of those "oh my god, what the hell is this" kind of thing. After the let-down of the appetizers, one said, "this just made up for the appetizers." It did in a big way, and the entrees that followed were great too. All six of us really enjoyed the meal. One said good, yes, but had many, many better experiences with better service, the kind of service where they pamper you and hang over your table. This isn't that kind of place. You should dress nice, but I wore a pair of designer jeans, nice italian shoes, and a long-sleeved tommy bahama and felt comfortable. Wouldn't wear a t-shirt though... You'll feel like an ass. For six of us, including a couple of drinks, and one bottle of wine, the bill came to less than $700 with tip and tax. A bargain, and a great meal.
(4)
Thomas G.
Absolutely wonderful food! We did the SEVEN COURSE MEAL with PAIRING! Immediately I must say it's too much wine for both myself and my fiance, but I also must say it was wonderful! Each course was paired with a wonderful wine and every course was well prepared. The waiter explained each wine and each course with a high level or expertise. However, this is by far the most expensive meal I have ever had. After 20% tip it came to $400! I love food but $400 was wayyyyyyyyy too much for any meal for two! Would have been worth it to see Besh....
(5)
Ravi P.
If you are around the area and want some awesome food and service just walk into August. You will love it
Obligatory one star. I ate here once with my mister a couple of years ago when we were young, dumb and wanting to feel fancy. The food was bird portions, though tasty, I suppose. The bill was $100+. We ate at Wendy's on Canal Street after we left Restaurant August because we were so hungry following our three-course meal.
(1)
Amy D.
Our dinner at August was fantastic, but be prepared to spend major $$. A 6-course menu with wine pairing was $125 per person not including tax or tip. With that said, it was the best meal we had in New Orleans. Portion sizes were perfect and our service was outstanding. Our waiter provided a wealth of information on every dish and wine which we greatly appreciated. We felt the wines were paired very well with our dishes and were hard-pressed to find fault with any of the food. Thank you Restaurant August for making our visit so special.
(5)
Emily L.
Restaurant August can make you do crazy things. For starters, how about a dinner reservation at 10 PM? When you make last-minute arrangements to travel to New Orleans, you take what you can get, and we were happy for the chance to try this critics' darling that we had missed on previous visits. After checking into the hotel and enjoying champagne and oysters at Luke, another Besh standby, we arrived 30 minutes early hoping our table might be ready. No sooner had we ordered drinks at the bar, than it was! We took our cocktails to the table and prepared for amazement. First came the characteristic amuse-bouche of an eggshell filled with cauliflower custard, some kind of granola and a saffron foam. Does it sound weird? It was. Not bad, just weird, and definitely not what I expected. Now, more craziness (I did warn you!) My carnivorous husband ordered two salads. First a wintry mix of beets and creamy cheese, and then a springy pairing of shrimp and citrus with Cajun remoulade. He loved both and didn't want anything more. I had two fish courses: crawfish for an appetizer and whitefish for an entree. They were both exquisite. A caveat: we both felt keenly that the food here is so haute cuisine it's flirting with inaccessibility. My perfectly cooked fish, for instance, was served with seven or eight different ingredients, all deconstructed into a beautiful modernist collage. I wasn't sure what to do with the coconut foam (it was a little slimy, so I left it there.) The olives and citrus supremes were nice. But I lost track of all the different tastes and textures and wished for a unifying experience that I could enjoy for more than one bite at a time. We thought we would skip dessert, but the banana pudding sounded intriguing, so we bit -- and then discovered this is the dessert for which their chef is most famous. I thought peanut butter and marshmallow would be a mistake, but O! Happy day! That deconstructivist aesthetic I pooh-poohed just a minute ago may have one redeeming quality. I almost didn't want the plate of homemade candies and cookies that they GAVE us; I had been transported by the experience of a dizzying variety of textures and tastes: cookie-studded ice cream, smooth custard and sticky sauce, all hovering beneath a bright beacon of banana pleasure. Our drinks were great: a Sazerac for my husband, and a house-infused bourbon (satsuma and vanilla) for me. They were both so strong that we sipped them throughout the meal, probably destroying all the careful flavor nuances that would have been perfectly teased out by the sommelier's wine pairings. We enjoyed them anyway!
(4)
Neb A.
Probably the best restaurant I have ever eaten in. The food is out of this world. The service is from another world. The wine collection is extensive. The evening begins with complimentary seafood custard amouse in eggshell. The wait staff efficiently refill our wine glasses and bring us the appetizers. I highly
(5)
Godwin C.
This review is basically for the prix fixe lunch experience ONLY. At $20, it's an unbelievable deal, but undoubtedly very different from a la carte lunch ordering and the dinner experience. While not the best lunch I've had, the quality and effort of cooking evident in our dishes, as well as the excellent service, has definitely convinced me to come back and really see what August has to offer when I can afford to drop serious coinage. THE GOOD Price Point: $20 for a 3-course fine-dining meal, with amuse bouche/lagniappe and bread service as well? I did a happy dance when I saw this deal on Yelp. You really can't beat this price. Ingenious marketing idea by Besh or whoever is in charge of his decision-making nowadays. Appetizers: The highlight of the meal. *Tempura Lobster: we ordered this appetizer off the regular lunch menu and it was where I could truly see the potential of awesomeness from August. Very inspired, extremely tasty, well-executed dish. Loved loved loved it. The best thing we had the entire meal. *Duck Confit Salad: light and flavorful, with roasted pears throughout the plate, which I thought was quite creative. *Pate Plate: MASSIVE, and all the spreads that came with it were delicious. A couple minor gripes: it may have been too large, to the point where I could have stopped eating after the app and been satisfied. Also the spreads, while tasty, were a little too standard. I've had more interesting spreads at St. James Cheese Company. Service: Our server was attentive and well-mannered, even though he wasn't very knowledgeable on wines and didn't know how to up-sell. Fortunately, his runners REALLY made him look good. I don't know how these guys aren't the servers instead of the guy who took care of us (maybe inexperience at the company?) but they were awesome. Very knowledgeable about the food, extremely helpful without being intrusive or crowding. On top of that, the kitchen was very accommodating to dietary issues and even prepared different lagniappes and desserts to help us out. Outstanding service as expected. Trio of Sorbets: Not my favorite flavors, but they were made well and really tasted like what the food runner said they were. Also, this was prepared as an alternative to the three desserts on the prix fixe menu, so kudos to the kitchen for doing that for us as well. Butterscotch Pot-de-Creme: One of the best desserts I've had in a long time. Creamy, smooth, well-balanced flavors. Excellent. If they had just served me this in a dessert, I would have been extremely happy. Apple Foam and Caramel Walnuts: Light, tasty dessert that made me rethink my stance on sour as being completely unconscionable as a dessert flavor. If they had just served me this in a dessert, I would have been happy. THE BAD Butterscotch Pot-de-Creme WITH Apple Foam and Caramel Walnuts: Why the chef thought these would go well together on the same plate, I have no idea. It didn't make sense, not as a complement to each other or as a contrast. It was just off. Just give the customer one or the other. Classic example of a chef thinking too hard. PURGATORY Entrees: Well-executed, but relatively uninspired. Not nearly on the same level flavor-wise and creativity-wise with the appetizers or desserts. *Veal: Execution was there, but it just tasted boring. Nothing special at all about this dish. I felt like it was just a slightly better version of something I could have gotten at Zea's. Good, but could have been a lot better. *Shrimp + Andouille Sausage Stew and Risotto: The stew was creamier than it should have been, thus taking away from the flavor of the shrimp. The andouille sausage had a strange texture, and for some weird reason the shrimp were cut in half along the spine, making them look and taste flimsy. Fortunately, the risotto was done well and the plating was beautiful. I also liked the bonus touch of adding the stew on top of the risotto at the table, even if it took annoyingly long for it to happen. OVERALL I almost feel spoiled giving this experience four stars instead of five. I know there is probably no way I could get the same experience and execution for $20 in other big culinary cities, but I guess we're just lucky like that in New Orleans. Like I mentioned earlier though, this is still a fantastic deal if only for the appetizers, and the one normal-menu item we ordered convinced me that a Restaurant August dinner might be even better. Look for a review update with the extra star soon...hopefully.
(4)
Sara K.
Damn this restaurant is good! Took my husband there to celebrate his birthday and it was an incredible dining experience. The ambiance was warm and inviting, our waitress was super friendly and knowledgeable, and most importantly the food was phenomenal! For appetizers we shared the Potato Gnocchi with Blue Crab & Black Truffle as well as the Persillade crusted P&J oysters with sun drop tomatoes, creole cream cheese and bacon. The minute i took a bite of the Gnocchi I was in heaven! It literally melted in my mouth, My husband and I looked at each other and both did that wide eyed synchronized head nod of approval as we slowly savored every bite. The Oysters were super hearty, flavorful and complex. Totally different flavor profile (yes I watch Top Chef) than the Gnocchi but equally good. Would highly recommend both! For entrees my husband had the Breaded Trout pontchartrain with jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms, and sauce hollandaise. I had the roast breast of Chappapeela Farms duckling with truffled duck confit and foie gras "en croûte" with georgia apples. Both were cooked to perfection and were super flavorful. Portion size was slightly on the smaller size but it didn't matter because both were very filling! We would order them again in a heartbeat! For dessert we shared the Goats Milk Cheesecake with algiers honey ice cream, almonds, and balsamic caramel. This was unlike any other cheesecake I ever had. Super light and airy with a very subtle sweetness. The perfect way to end the perfect meal! Overall our dining experience at August was excellent. Pricey, but worth every penny especially since we were there celebrating a special occasion. It truly was a meal we will never forget and we will definitely be dining there again next time we are in town!
(5)
Elaine O.
Yes, the 3-course lunch is a steal, and they didn't seem to mind that the boys walked in wearing shorts and t-shirts. Brioche bread with the pate was lovely. He couldn't decide if he wanted to add the lump crab but ultimately decided not to. Our server told the chef & we got a bonus gift from the chef in the form of crab & truffle risotto. Score!
(5)
Giang L.
$20 prix fixe lunch is an awesome deal for the service/food/atmosphere that you get here! Not only do you get an appetizer, entree, and dessert, you also get an amuse bouche and petit fours. Whoa. The portions were liberal too. My appetizer was a pork rillette. It came with some yummy brioche too. I felt full just eating the appetizer! I had veal for my entree and it was so moist/juicy. Just to preface, I'm from Los Angeles and there is no way you can get this quantity of quality cooking in LA without some sort of attitude or food snafu. Seriously, go for the lunch.
(5)
Charlie H.
Fantastic. Such hospitality here. Truly a great experience.
(5)
Sasha B.
Came here on a saturday night (last night), our first night in town. We found it on Yelp and called ahead, but they didn't have any tables available. They said if we get there by 730/8:00, we should be good to find a spot at the bar. We arrived about 8:00 and had no problem getting a spot at the bar. THe drinks, appetizers and main course were all great. The prices were fair, comparable to NYC. the "Hemmingway" Mojito was $17. That was the only item that I thought was a bit overpriced... We had: Blue Crab Gnocchi (signature dish) Crawfish and Crete - really good Trout - very good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)
Karen P.
One word - WONDERFUL! We went to Restaurant August with another couple during a long weekend in NOLA. I had made reservations at the restaruant because of all of the glowing Yelp reviews (John Besh who?! I'm not a cooking show groupie). We were told up front that we must have everybody at the table order the tasting menu in order to partake - and were encouraged to pick items from that menu for a la carte. I started with the Beet salad - crab meat topped with dressed arugula, pistachios and goat cheese with beets on the edge. The salad was very good although the crab meat got lost in some of the other delicious flavors. Other table selections were the oyster trio and the yellowfin special from the tasting menu. All were delicious, and we even broke our tradition of eating our own to share around the table. My husband and I had the Veal with polenta while our friends had the yellowtail special (an appetizer that was made into an entree by making it a little bigger) and the tenderloin. Service was impeccable with one exception. We were sitting at a corner table and I was in the corner. While they had room to navigate around the table when the sliding doors were shut, my first course was handed over the person sitting across from me. ...and that's the only complaint that I have! Wine was a bit pricey - we had an 06 Round Pond cab for $125. This is usually a $40-45 bottle so expect to pay a bit more.
(5)
Girl B.
4.5 Fantastic service (Commander's Palace could learn a thing or two) Fantastic food (amuse bouche!!) altho the steak entree was a bit mushy NOLA should be proud.
(5)
Matt S.
What can be said that hasn't already been said about Restaurant August. The service was incredible as was the food. The place has an ambiance that exudes class. The main dining room had a beautiful arrangement of flowers next to a chilled chest of champagne bottles. And the ceilings are so high. A beautiful room. Onto the food. I spoke with a young man at the bar as we were waiting for our table and he said to try the Gnocchi and the speckled trout. We did share the Gnocchi and Foie Gras as an appetizer. The Gnocchi was the very good and the Foie Gras was a work of art. It was a chilled Foie Gras and the presentation was incredible as was the taste. Honestly, the best chilled Foie Gras I have ever tasted. Our main meal consisted of the bone in Rib Eye and the Duck. The rib eye was huge and my wife declared it was the best steak she has ever had and I had to believe her. My duck was very tasty and it came with a great sauce. A real classic dish. We did not have room for dessert but will save some room next time. Oh, I forgot to mention they have an unbelievable wine list which complemented our dinners perfectly. And the wait staff was professional and right on top of all your needs. If you want to go to one of the finest restaurants in New Orleans, do not miss Restaurant August...
(5)
Tu-van L.
During my most recent visit to New Orleans I've heard about the famous chef John Besh and knew I had to visit his best restaurant to experience his best. Restaurant August should be that experience and I was lucky enough to squeeze in a weekday lunch. Fortunately for me I was able to hit up the prix-fixe three-course lunch for $20.10 on my visit (for higher-end places like these I feel it's best to get a multi-course tasting to get a bang for your buck experience). My meal included the following: Amuse bouche: seafood sabayon with fish custard served in a hollowed-out eggshell with a garlic toast fry and a dab of caviar. Tasty and very creamy despite the disturbing though of seafood cream. The caviar was a nice touch to it nevertheless. Appetizer: duck confit and roasted pear salad with frise and aged balsamic. Tasty with the perfect balance with the duck and pear and the perfect amount of drizzled balsamic. Main course: veal grillard (sp?) with local grits. By far the best cooked grits I've had in the one dish of my meal I was most disappointed with. A shame it was overpowered with the tons of jus it was swimming in. If they just drizzled the meat, peppers and roasted tomato jus it would have been just the right amount of richness, but the pool it came in was overpowering. The veal was perfectly lightly breaded and fried and the veal was tender, but my piece had quite a bit of fat that was off-putting. This could be a quality dish but the proportions were off. I expected better than this for a high end restaurant like this. Still tasted good if you picked at the parts in the right amounts. Dessert: I forgot what the dish was called but it was essentially a grilled goat cheese and roasted pears sandwich (with fig and something else in it) drizzled with some infused honey. By far the best grilled cheese type dish I've had and the perfect ending to my meal. Finale: pecan brittle and chocolate truffle. I don't care for brittles in general so my opinion on that doesn't count, but the chocolate truffle was perfect in it's essentially a tiny chocolate mousse in a tiny chocolate cup. Very delicious. Service was impeccable as the staff was very attentive and very friendly. I had some good conversation with my waitress (who was part of the bar staff?) and any hostess or other waiters who were available to talk before the lunch crowd rushed in. It made for an enjoyable experience during my solo lunch visit. Overall a top-knotch restaurant in the service and ambiance, though I expected better with the food. Nevertheless a great lunch deal and you can find something to satisfy your palate here.
(3)
D M.
review of dinner for two: Saturday @ 8 pm ATMOSPHERE: The vibe and feel of the entire restaurant is exactly what I enjoy when it comes to more upscale dining. Elegant but not pretentious or fancy to the point of being stiff. (looking at you, Stella). The main dining room and little off-shoots have a nice comfortable feel and there was fun, upbeat from all the guests and staff. SERVICE: Top notch. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful. He was polite and charming, stemming from his innate relaxed and confident personality. Only hiccup was when they sat in his section an eight-top and another group of four at the same time on top of the tables he was already attending to. This caused a 15-20 minute delay in us being able to order coffee and dessert, but I didn't mind because my wine glass was still full. FOOD: The lady friend opted for the five-course menu. It consisted of the following (descriptions exact per the menu): - Louisiana crawfish tails and house cured ham, blood orange, grilled "shallot" and taggiasche olives ... thought it sounded like a bit of a heavy start to a meal but the portion size was just write and the flavors created by combining these elements were very interesting and quite delicious. - handmade tagliatelle pasta w/ truffle cured yard egg and Progress Dairy butter ... by far the worst dish of the evening. couldn't quite figure out why exactly this didn't work - perhaps too many truffles were the culprit - but it was on the edge of being inedible. the "cured" aka raw egg yolk was not pleasing at all. entire dish just did not work. - gulf yellowfin tuna w/ Gold Rush apple, heirloom beets, fennel, mustard (med rare - per the kitchen) ... it is amazing how flavors change as meat cooks more. the waiter told us the tuna and the steak were both served medium rare. this piece of tuna came out a little on the rare side but had some spots where it was cooked to the right temperature, and those bites, when taken with a little of everything on the plate, were very balanced and deep/rich in flavor. absolutely delicious combinations. - slow roasted strip loin of Two Run Farms beef (med rare - per the kitchen) ... eh, not bad, not great. seasoned and cooked well, but didn't wow me. - "affogato" espresso, dulce de leche and milk sorbet ... didn't get to try this one. My meal was: - fish custard served in an egg ... it's been covered here many times. I'll move on. - an oyster appetizer (description eludes me); believe they were breading and served with lightly fried cream cheese "bulbs", bacon lardons, cous cous, parmesan ... this was one of the best appetizers I have had the pleasure of eating. - salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, La Provence bacon, baby mustards quail eggs with black-eyed pea crouton ... this was alright, but I think the crab/beet appetizer at Bistro Daisy is better. - breaded speckled trout Pontchartrain w/ jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms, and sauce hollandaise ... rich yet subdued (if that makes any sense), basically it was a refined dish that was not over-seasoned. the hollandaise tied the three other components together perfectly. one minor complaint would be I thought the trout was a tad over. either way, it was a mouthwatering dish. - banana pudding w/ peanut butter, marshmallow and "nilla wafer" ice cream ... simple deconstructed banana pudding that featured lightly caramelized bananas, whipped peanut butter and a light whipped cream with delicious ice cream to cool off your palate and a wafer for another good textural element. I'm not a big dessert guy but I would eat this again and again. DRINKS: I had a gimlet to start the meal. Don't know exactly how they make their's, but it was exactly what I had in mind. Refreshing and plenty of gin with the right touch of sour. With dinner I had two glasses of Fevre Chablis Chardonnay which I really enjoyed. Nice and crisp with a bit of oak; not fruit-forward or too buttery like many West coast chardonnays. The lady had a manhattan, a glass of Bachelet-Monnot Pinot and finished up with glass of Duval Leroy champagne. OVERALL: Simply put, the best meal I've had in New Orleans so far. I look forward to dining there again and taking friends and family.
(5)
Meg G.
Our favorite restaurant in town! Love the menu changes so we can visit regularly and have different entrees. Went with another couple and everyone ordered different appetizers and entrees and we all shared and loved every single one of them. Delicious! My in-laws wanted to take our family there when they came to see our new baby so we all went and the staff was awesome and accommodating. Great-grandparents, great food and wine and a new baby made for an awesome evening! Beautiful ambience, welcoming staff and the very best food in town; so a must go for anyone visiting New Orleans.
(5)
Jack S.
The food and service in this place was truly magnificient. Putstanding experience. Little pricy but great quality
(5)
Miriam W.
If you're going to have one big ticket meal in New Orleans, this is a great choice. The dining room is elegant and understated, service is perfection (the captains wear suits and ties...nice!), and the food is delicious. John uses a restrained and expert hand here. I started with beef carpaccio with horseradish, pickled vegetables and herby Creole cream cheese. My entree choice was the trout with crab and hollandaise...a beautiful piece of fish, pan sauteed with a nice, crisp crust, served with a light as air whipped hollandaise...yum. I love ordering trout and crab and knowing that they were pulled from Lake Pontchartrain that day. Doug went with the oysters with pork belly and the rack of lamb, and proclaimed everything perfect. The one sour note was, surprisingly, the desserts. They need a good pastry chef here. I will not dock them an entire star for that flaw, however, and Yelp won't let you give a half star, or I would have gone with 4 and a half. No jackets required here, but come on people...dress up for these lovely surroundings. You'll feel more comfortable, as most guys had jackets on, and the ones who didn't looked a little under-dressed, and probably felt it, too. Ladies, this a great opportunity to pull out that special dress and don a pair of heels. Don't let your waiter be better dressed than you are.
(5)
Sophie B.
Stopped here for lunch on our way to the airport. Needless to say, we were in a hurry. I was extremely impressed with how accomodating the staff were to this need and we had three fabulous courses which came out in under 45 minutes. On to the food.... The food was amazing as well and I will have some wonderful photos to follow. Everything is artfully presented, which I love. We started with a seafood amuse bouche, presented in an eggshell. Tres magnifiique. My next course, which was my favorite, was a pumpkin soup with blue lump crab, which was incredibly delicious and was the highlight of my meal. Entree - salt cod ravioli. My companion's meals were equally as delicious. Oh, I should mention, they have a prix fixe lunch - which is an absolute BARGIN for this quality of food.
(5)
Marek P.
Dined there twice in one week and the food and service are excellent. The last time we had both the tasting menu's with wine pairings and they were outstanding! This is truly a gem of a restaurant. My only criticism is that the hostesses are a bit snobbish, which is totally unnecessary!
(5)
Jason B.
Some of the best food I've ever eaten. Period. Great service, beautiful ambiance and amazing food. It's expensive so get over that fact before you go. Worth every penny in my opinion.
(5)
J C.
chef John Besh creates some awesome dishes. full of flavor but with delicate precision. had a wonderful 5 course lunch, awesome service :)
(5)
Flevoland D.
Lovely. Try the lunch special- a bargain.
(5)
Ken Y.
Our first dinner was an early one at Restaurant August which was around the corner from our hotel (we stayed near the French Quarter and didn't bother w/ a rental car). It started with an amuse bouche of an empty egg shell filled with custard, then topped w/ black jello bubbles of truffle oil and a cracker. We split the gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle shavings (this was excellent). My DC had the redfish topped w/ blue crab and shrimp..she liked it but liked my dish better. I had the pork multiple ways...pork tenderloin in a crispy egg roll over chanterelles, and a pork shoulder in a raviolo over sweet potato chunks(?). The raviolo stuffing unfortunately was mostly the fat part of the pork shoulder instead of the meat...it tasted like the fat chunks in shumai. For dessert, we split the chocolate mousse cake with a piece of flourless chocolate cake, bittersweet swizzle, and mocha(?) ice cream. This was followed up with an amuse bouche plate of pralines, chocolate cake, blueberry cake, and raspberry "jello". Portions we thought were smallish, but given the richness of the dishes, they were probably ok (we ended up a bit hungry afterwards); it probably would be fine if you each order an appetizer and dessert, but we typically split only one or the other when we dine out. The service was a bit odd...the person you thought was the waiter is dressed in a suit and tells you the menu. Then the person you thought was the busboy (not in a suit and dressed more like a waiter) takes care of your dishes (including helping you order dessert) for the rest of the night. Overall a good experience, but we liked Emeril's the best.
(4)
Greg D.
Amazing Soft Shell Crab!
(5)
Donald F.
Cajun chic at its finest. Literally, I did not eat anything at this place where I didn't say "I could eat about 5 more pounds of that." I know - I'm a slob. I've come to terms with it. But I digress... The room breathes southern charm. Your servers are wonderfully knowledgable. And most importantly, your date/guests will forever hold you sacred for taking them there. The most adventurous, yet refined, Cajun cuisine I have had to date.
(5)
Pimp D.
Couldn't make dinner so we went for lunch. Excellent in every way. Really not much to add that hasn't been already. Had the $20.13 price fix - hands down the best bargain in NOLA. For that deal alone, I bumped it from 4* to 5*. Cocktails were excellent. The wine list was very good albeit a tad overpriced. However if you have a great bottle wine that's not on the list...no problem...August will waive the corkage. They even allow you to drop it off earlier to be decanted. Btw for those reviewers who complain the portions are too small for the price, the Acme Oyster House is probably right up your alley. The prep work alone gives August automatically a high food cost.
(5)
Debbie C.
We took advantage of the Friday Fixe Price Lunch. It was an amazing deal!! Food was delicious and the service was outstanding. Will definitely go back to this restaurant again next time we are visiting New Orleans!
(5)
Andreas W.
Located downtown, almost directly across from Harrah's, August is in a beautiful space, with exposed brick, dark wood, ironwork, twenty foot ceilings and matching windows. The bar is small but wasn't busy the Friday night we went (Superbowl weekend) and we were able to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. Once seated in a small wood-paneled dining room with wine stored near the ceiling, the fantastic service began. The restaurant was packed, but the wait staff never seemed rushed and didn't speed us along at any point, which we appreciated. The John Besh experience lived up to our high expectations, from the seafood amuse served in a brown eggshell, to the complimentary sweets to close the meal. The bacon in the beet salad appetizer was heaven. Sing praises to the pig! The gnocchi with truffle was light and another great starter. For dinner, our selections were a lamb roulade and shrimp stuffed with mirliton (a squash). Both meals hit the mark. As we often do, we asked the waiter to surprise us with a perfectly paired glass of wine for our meals. We appreciated that he took that on without hesitation and succeeded with both the white and the red. While we didn't order a bottle, we did note a friendly sommelier flitting among tables, offering assistance. We were too stuffed for a full dessert, lingering instead with coffee and tea respectively. When the chef's sweets arrived, it included four perfect bites for each of us. Would recommend to anyone seeking an elegant night and a great meal in The Big Easy.
(5)
Alexis C.
My husband and I hadn't planned on eating here while in NOLA, but his boss had reservations he couldn't use and offered them to us, so we decided to splurge. O. M. G. We both had the chef's tasting menu with the wine pairings, and they were fantastic. The crispy lamb belly ... wow. I would walk back there all the way from Michigan to eat that again! And the wine pairings were PERFECT. All of the courses were amazing, and they were pretty generous with the wine, too -- by the time we left, we didn't even CARE how much the meal cost ;) The server -- I wish I could remember his name, because he was wonderful -- was exceptional. He was friendly and approachable and still very professional. We ate in a fairly small side room, which I didn't mind; it made it a little cozier. I felt like the atmosphere was really nice -- not snooty at all, even though I was probably somewhat underdressed. (OK, I -was- underdressed.) If we go back to New Orleans, we will definitely, definitely come back to August again. I can't recommend it enough.
(5)
Stephen L.
Great experience with fairly large party in private dining area upstairs. We had prix fixe menu which was fabulous. Although everything was great, standouts include the gnocci truffle dish and breaded trout. Can't wait to try again in regular dining area and a la carte menu.
(5)
Allison E.
I heart Chef John Besh and this place was nothing but spectacular! Delicious, fresh cuisine. The atmosphere wasn't anything spectacular but the food was out of this world and the service impeccable.
(5)
Justin K.
Dear Mr. Besh: What has happened to Restaurant August? We dined there Valentine's Day at 8:30pm. There were three of us. Our trips to New Orleans ALWAYS include a visit to Restaurant August and I have often bragged that it is my favorite restaurant in the US. I've been to August at least 5 times. But sadly I can't recommend it any longer. The special beet carpaccio appetizer, which sounded wonderful, was just ordinary. The poelee of red snapper was very good and incredibly fresh but the almond foam and broccoli competed with the fish rather than complimented it. The banana pudding was the ultimate highlight; we lavished and loved it. My friends both ordered the special blue-cheese crusted filet mignon with cajun risotto. The presentation was sloppy and unappealing and the only resonant note was the blue cheese which, while appealing, was not that innovative. The grilled oysters were good but not overly so. It was the first time we felt disappointed, even slightly, in your restaurant. The standards have slipped, greatly.
(3)
Heather C.
Not worth it, no wow.
(2)
Sara T.
HANDS DOWN one of the best meals I've ever had. If you're heading to New Orleans or live there, definitely hit this place up. Reservations are a must here. I started off with the potato gnocchi with blue crab and Perigold truffle. It came with parmesan shavings on top & it went great with the richness of the gnocchi. And who doesn't love crab and truffles?!? My boyfriend had the foie gras 3 ways & he loved it as well. If you're into foie gras (I'm not), my bf said it's the best he's had so far. For my main dish, I had one of their specials: sablefish wrapped in pork belly w/chanterelle mushrooms and an artichoke puree. There was nothing left on my plate by the time I was done. This item was on the chef's menu, but they allowed us to order anything off it. For dessert, I recommend the napoleon. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Sid R.
Restaurant August serves a three course fixed price lunch with plenty of options. The food was simply spectacular, the service splendid. And to get this quality and this selection for a fixed price of $20.12 is simply amazing. That's not a typo - three course lunch for $20.12. If you want an upscale lunch at the best restaurant in town for the price of a typical tourist trap, this is your place.
(5)
Tamara P.
Beyond delicious. Venison sausage, lamb saddle with house made sausage, duckling with grits, gnocchi like mini clouds and the best butter I have ever had. Great, unpretentious service and reasonable wine prices. Make a ressie and dress it up a bit.
(5)
Alec B.
I've lived here for 4 years. One of the best restaurants I frequent.
(5)
Nicole M.
Stopped in here on my first visit to New Orleans on the recommendation of some colleagues at conference and Yelp reviews. Reservations appear to be required but since I was solo and it was early enough, I was able to snag a spot in the bar area. I was disappointed by the watered down old fashioned I ordered but the colorful, flavorful roasted veg salad was delicious. On the server's recommendation, I ordered the blue crab, truffle gnocchi and it did not disappoint. Don't be deceived by the plating technique - the appetizer portion is plentiful, rich, and well balanced. She also suggested a Chablis which paired nicely, though at $16 a glass, it wasn't overly impressive! However, since the meal was going so well, I decided to try dessert. I got the panna cotta - sesame ice cream, hints of cocoa, sponge cake, apricot caramel. The presentation was slightly deconstructed, but once I got my spoon on all the elements, the flavors blended nicely. The effect was light and sweet but not too heavy. Food wise, I was pleased. Cocktail-wise, not so much. In addition to the aforementioned speciality old fashioned, I also tried the Sazerac, which was mediocre. The cost of these blase drinks was my real issue -- upwards of $12 each. In a restaurant with such exceptional cuisine, I expect the drinks to match up, especially at that price. So, if you're in NOLA and want a place with a elegant but not overly formal setting (still, ditch the jeans and polo and dress up for a night) that serves tasty, thoughtfully prepared food with fresh, seasonal ingredients, give August a try. Steer clear of the cocktails and go with a bottle of wine instead. Or, in order to make your visit a bit more amiable to your wallet, try the lunchtime prix fixe, which many of the other reviewers seem to like.
(3)
Chris T.
I am going to keep this short and to the point. I find this to be the best restaurant in New Orleans! i love it
(5)
Alyssa R.
This place was amazing. Not only was the service impeccable, but the food was more than my foodie little heart had ever thought possible. We started with the Foie Gras three ways, and continued on with the Degustation menu with the Sommelier pairing. Every course was more incredible than the previous, and our plates were empty after each dish. The waitstaff was the perfect balance of non-intrusive and there-when-you-need-them. The atmosphere, service and food made for the most memorable dining experience I've had to date. Highly recommended.
(5)
Steven M.
Had a simply great meal at Restaurant August a few weeks ago. This place deserves its sterling reputation. I won't go into a blow by blow but suffice to say it hit all the high points: Wonderful Decor: Check Classy Ambiance: Check Impeccable Service: Check Robust Winelist: Check Creative menu: Check Perfectly prepared food demonstrating technical excellence: Check and Check I will definitely be coming back again and again to see what's new on their menu. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)
Carrie D.
Stop #1 BeshFest 2011 - Mission: Cocktails and snacks Slightly dazed from our day long, 3000 miles of traveling, Brian V., Larry L., and I crawled into our very first stop on our week long Chef John Besh culinary adventure, August. We arrived at the restaurant in the early evening and were immediately greeted by the warm and friendly hostess. We bellied up to the bar and were greeted by our lovely bartender. As we had dinner reservations at BeshSteak (stop #2 on BeshFest 2011) in a couple of hours our immediate plan was cocktails and a snack. I ordered The Hemmingway - Fresh grapefruit, lime, Covey Farm's Rise mint, New Orleans Crystal Rum, topped with sparkling citrus soda. It was a lovely, balanced and refreshing drink served in a tall glass over freshly crushed ice. Brian V. ordered a martini made with vodka and Satsuma bitters - this was strong but balanced and delicious. Larry L. opted for a bottle of Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale. Shortly after our drinks arrived I ordered my snack, the rabbit sausage appetizer. Our bartender brought out a basket of delicious bread that Brian V. and Larry L. gobbled up with great glee. The rabbit sausage was served in a small casserole dish filled with a delicious broth/sauce/liquid from heaven, wild mushrooms, veggies, and handmade pasta. It was absolutely amazing. Our experience at August was delightful from beginning to end and I cannot wait until BeshFest 2012 to enjoy an entire meal.
(5)
Neel S.
Although I made reservations here for a fun work dinner I was apprehensive since I am vegetarian. We were there on a balmy May evening for dinner and they actually had a full course vegetarian menu since it was spring. Every item on the 6 or was it 7 course menu was a work of art and tasted fantastic. You have to go here if you're ever in New Orleans.
(5)
Holli T.
Amazingly conceptual dishes!
(4)
Linda M.
This restaurant is a John Besh restaurant and a must go if you are in New Orleans. The food looks like a picture. The desserts are to die for, but the people add so much to the ambiance. They are extremely helpful if you have questions with the menu or need modifications to your dish. The wait staff knows the menu extremely well and are very helpful at answering any questions. I LOVED EVERY PART OF MY MEAL!! We always sit in the bar bc it's difficult to get reservations if you don't call ahead.
(5)
Lucy K.
Not necessarily my favorite in NOLA... but just fine, maybe fell a little flat after all the hype.
(3)
Dieu N.
One word sums up my experience: AMAZINGGGGG!!! I loved everything about this place. The beet salad is a must have for starters. I don't even like beets, but the crabmeat and bacon balances the flavors so so well. My date and I ordered a bunch of things and I can't exactly remember what, but the veal chop is definitely worth its price! And as for dessert, well, just order it all like we did. :) If you feel like spoiling yourself, then indulge in August. You won't leave unhappy!
If you are in New Orleans, you should check this place out. The food is very good and the desserts are phenomenal. I had a steak dish which was cocked exactly how I ordered it. The wait staff was well trained , knowledgable and courteous. Great dining experience!
(5)
Mary K.
I am a little late with this review - my husband and I had the prix fixe lunch at Restaurant August in the middle of January. The place itself has been well described by previous reviewers - it is beautiful and very in keeping with New Orleans. I particularly loved the huge windows that run almost floor to ceiling (and the ceilings are HIGH). Lunch started with an amuse-bouche of truffle-whipped savignon topped with bluefin caviar - served in an eggshell. I think I liked the way it looked just as much as the way it tasted. It was really fun to scoop it out of the eggshell. I started with the acorn squash soup - perfect for a chilly January day. My husband had the pate appetizer. Both were perfect, but I think I made the better choice. For main course I had the pork belly - which was a first for me. It was absolutely delicious. Husband had the fish and he cleaned his plate in record time. Dessert was chocolate for me and a pear tart for him. Once again - huge smiles. Service was wonderful too. If you visit New Orleans make sure you have at least one meal at Restaurant August - you won't be sorry!
(5)
Craig S.
Restaurant August is in a beautiful old warehouse, that was converted into a house, and eventually into a restaurant. The building has as much character as any restaurant I have been too. In the main dining room the brick work is incredible, and reminds me of what craftsmanship once was. There are whole floors and rooms that you can explore. It is really an amazing place. The food was worth the price of admission. We had an amazing four course meal. John Besh is an artist. The only downside was our server was completely insincere. He made the meal uncomfortable. Not sure why he feels the need to be constantly smiling, but we would have all been better off if he was more honest with us.
(4)
Saskia S.
What a great way to cap off my first weekend in New Orleans! Very engaging staff and amazing food. I was surprised (but thrilled) that they let us do a split tasting menu--regular for husband, veggie for me--even after I admitted that I wasn't actually a vegetarian. I won't go course by course, but I don't think I took a single bite that I didn't enjoy (ditto fort the bites I stole off the husband's plates). One thing I will say--if you have the chance to order the butternut squash risotto with brussels sprouts in brown butter--DO SO immediately! One of the creamiest most delicious risottos I've ever tried. Creative and impressive food with some serious local flair--what more could you ask for?? ** OK, I thought of something. Literally, the only complaint: the table next to us was HORRIBLY loud, drunk, and inappropriate. I kind of wish the staff had taken a less hands-off approach and considered moving them, moving us, or at least acknowledging/apologizing for the interruptions to our own meal.
(5)
Mike Y.
I'm probably one of a very few people who gave August 3 stars. This is not a reflection of the quality of the service or food. Both were pretty impressive without being overly stuffy. It might've been the high expectations I had coming into here. We've all heard about John Besh and everything he does. People hyped up this place like Y2K. I came all abuzz and left a little disappointed. Again this is my personal opinion of the matter. One of the nicer touches was an amuse that was served inside an egg shell. If i remember correctly it was a fish fume custard with a bit of truffle oil and caviar on top. Decadent is probably the most apt word to describe it. I kind of wish i knew they were going to give us that though because I also ordered an entree that had truffles in it. (I must sound like a complete turd for complaining about having too much truffle) But it really made the entree kind of blah! I still had the remnants of the previous course on my palette. Wow....sounded douchier than I thought.....!! The rest of the meal was kind of a blur.... I should've taken better notes. I just remember leaving August a bit disappointed. I hope I get to go back and try them again.
(3)
Bledi T.
Great restaurant, great food (albeit a bit too southern for my taste). The service was OK, nothing exceptional. I would definitely go again.
(5)
Michael U.
Full review w/ pics in my blog - Positives as below . Greeted by a pair of friendly hosts my reservation was confirmed and I was led to a two-top along the wall of the front dining room - plenty of light, a great view of the street, and isolated from the sounds of the surprisingly loud bar. Water choices (sparkling, tap, bottled) were offered and I selected tap - it is appropriate to note here that twice during the meal I had to raise my glass or ask the server for water refills - a minor thing to some but a mistake that should not happen at a restaurant like August. Arriving only seconds after I finished the amuse was my first course of the evening, for all intents and purposes the dish that has become Restaurant August's signature dish - Potato gnocchi with Blue Crab and Black Truffles in Cream Sauce. Topped with shaved parmigiano-reggiano just prior to service and featuring an ample portion of crab and cream sauce plus small chips of black truffle the gnocchi were pillow-soft and perfectly prepared - the best textured potato gnocchi I've had since the French Laundry. Well complimented by the buttery sauce the crab was delectable and the cheese lent sharpness to the dish as well as some textural variation. If anything were disappointing about this dish it would be the truffles - largely lacking in both aroma and flavor I think the dish would have been just as good without their presence. My second dish of the evening was the ever rotating (and bargain priced at $20) Foie Gras three ways. Another ever-present August item the nightly preparation featured a small dollop of mousse in "crunchy chicory crumbs" over mango puree on the left, a German inspired "Pickled Foie Gras Gateaux" surrounded by sweetened layers of cake and topped with Riesling gelatin cubes in the middle, and a pheasant and Foie pate with fig compote to the right. Served with buttery toasted brioche I absolutely loved the bitter/sweet contrast of the dollop, particularly spread on the bread but also quite liked the Gateaux which my server explained to me was pickled and slow cooked in pear vinegar. While I can't say I loved the pheasant terrine I've never really fancied mixed fowl/foie outside of the version at Guy Savoy - that noted it was definitely as good as the preparations I had at Per Se and Daniel. When the dessert did arrive it was truly worth the wait - a hand-made layer cake fresh from the kitchen. Featuring interspersed layers of creamy banana butter cake soaked in rum with layers of creamy vanilla accented cream cheese icing and paired with white chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and a smear of caramel this dessert was truly beautiful and equally delicious. Making my way out of Restaurant August I have to say that in total I was quite pleased with the meal but in reality it just didn't live up to its (then) reputation as one of Gayot's top 40 restaurants in America. Having had some incredible meals in New Orleans during my stay I guess I went into August expecting to be blown away but what I received was mostly great food, adequate refined service, and a very nice setting at a good price - but then again I received that at every dinner I experienced in New Orleans and in each other case the food was more rustic but just as good, the service more attentive and detailed, and the settings more "old school" but just as pleasant. While I'm glad I experienced August and I certainly respect Chef Besh's culinary skills if I were given the option to relive one meal in New Orleans August wouldn't be my first choice.
(3)
Janet M.
I will keep this short and simple - the food was amazing and this was the best meal I've ever had in New Orleans, and I go there alot. I had the soft shell crab and it was devine. I will be coming back to August Restaurant again !
(5)
Irene H.
I planned a last-minute weekend trip to NOLA which coincided with a medical conference. I could not get a reservation here. We were determined to try this place, so we decided to drop by anyways, and snag seats at the full service bar. We got here around 7pm on a Saturday. The three of us had just sat down in our just vacated seats when the hostess informed us that there had been a cancellation and if we would like a table. Not surprising considering how many empty tables were in the dining room and the medical conference people are flaky. The three of us are girls with decent appetites, but we did not want to do ourselves in at one place. We shared three appetizers and two entrees. They also gave us an amuse bouche of seafood egg custard sabayon with truffle foam. It was very fragrant. Appetizers: - P&J Oysters cooked three ways. Fried with creamy dressing, cooked in a foamy broth, and horseradish crusted in a spicy sauce topped with bread crumb (it looked au gratin). I think this one shouldn't be missed. - Gnocchi in a creamy truffle sauce topped with shaved truffles. This was amazing and a good portion! (I was semi-surprised later to see that it was $19, but I digress.) - Mushroom soup. Asian mushrooms in clear broth. I didn't mind it - it had the Asian medicinal taste. My friends hated it. Definitely an outlier of the meal. Entrees: - Duckling. This was so succulent and well flavored. It came with a side of grits, roasted duck foie gras, and candied quince. I highly recommend this dish. - Scallops. We ordered the scallops from the tasting menu. I thought they were also awesome - they were stuffed with fatty bacon and had a side of bone marrow! My friend didn't like it as much. We later found out that her scallop wasn't as well cooked. Service was attentive. We did not linger too long because we had more places to hit up. The wine list was extensive - we had two glasses of a full bodied Italian red. Our check came with meringue cookies and some brittle. If I visited NO for a longer period of time, I'd visit again and order the degustation menu.
(5)
Vanessa E.
Writing this review makes me want to question every other 5 star rating I have given. This has to be the most incredible meal I have ever eaten. The service was incredible. The waiter described all of the food and wines so well. He was very knowledgeable. I decided to go with the four course meal with wine pairings and I added a fifth course. They started us off with this delicious amuse of seafood custard, then I had the organic greens with pumpkin brittle and blue cheese. The next was the most amazing cauliflower soup with butter poached lobster and lobster caviar. Then They
(5)
Danielle C.
I literally teared up during this meal. Legit had tears coming out of my eyes because the food was so amazingly executed. The fish melted in my mouth. Each course just got better and better. Lovely wine. Great service. The experience was dampened a bit by the loud mardi gras revelers at the next table over, but I was so absorbed in my meal, it was pretty easy to tune them out. If you are trying to decide whether or not you should move heaven and earth to eat at this restaurant, DO IT!
(5)
Alexis C.
I was treated to Restuarant August for lunch this week and it was devine! From the food, to the ambiance, to the service, truly a five star experience. It is pricey, so as a dinner spot, it's more of a very special occassion place. Food - everyone at the table enjoyed their food. To start we had the gnocchi and some type of raviloi with mushrooms. Both were excellent. The bread to start was pretty good too. For entrees, two of us had the trout almondine and it was so very good. The other diners got the duck and short ribs. The person with the short ribs was not overly impressed. Desserts were amazing. We tried the napoleon chocolate dessert, the banana pudding, cheesecake, apples confit. All were really good. The banana pudding stood out as different and delicious. All in all the food quality, taste, and presentation were excellent. Ambiance - elegant, but welcoming. Not stiff or cold. The restaurant is housed in an older building in the CBD, that has a lot of New Orleans charm. Service - excellent! Our server, Randi, was awesome! She was extremely knowledgable about the food and wine. She was also very nice and not pretentious. I find sometimes at restuarants like this the servers are snooty, but not here! Overall I really enjoyed my meal at August. It is a five star experience that you will enjoy! My tips - just be aware that the serving size is "European," meaning small portions. Some might also view this as a "frou frou" eating experience, but I found that since the service and ambiance were so welcoming, I did not mind the dandelion on the plate.
(5)
Natalie V.
Wonderful food and service! had the steak and was beautifully presented and delicious! Highly recommend all of Besh's restaurants!
My wife and I dined at August in 2006--when Chef John Besh had just competed on Iron Chef--and had one of the most ethereal dining experiences we'd ever had. Beats us why he didn't win--some suspect his heart wasn't in the responsibilities he'd have had away from his restaurants if he'd won. Whatever the reason, it was to the benefit of those fortunate enough to have dined at August. We returned for dinner recently, and if anything, the experience was even better than the first time! The atmosphere is elegant and beautiful, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and rich woods. The service is the best we've ever experienced (only Daniel in NYC is on par)--the servers glow with pride and passion about the restaurant and are there seemingly at the moment you become aware that you needed something, but at no other time. The food is sublime--nothing we had was less than this, so I won't go into detail about the dishes--I don't believe you can go wring with anything on the menu. Although it's pricey, it's substantially less than one would pay in, say, New York, at a top of the line restaurant. August is worth flying to New Orleans for all by itself. Seriously. Go!
(5)
Bob W.
One of the very finest restaurants in NOLA. Both my wife and I ordered the tasting menus with wine pairings. The beauty was that we could order both the vegetarian and meat tastings and share. They were magnificent and well paired. The pork belly course with fresh peaches and herbs was probably our collective fav, with the peanut butter chocolate dessert a close second. Other than a bit longish wait to order, service was impeccable but not cloying. I give this establishment my highest endorsement and definitely will return.
(5)
Ann M.
My absolute favorite NOLA restaurant HANDS DOWN. Attentive but discreet waitstaff, beautiful and scrumptious food, elegant romantic surroundings. I wish I could afford to go more often. My suggestion? Do the Chef Tasting Menu. Even if you THINK you won't like one of the courses. They expertly pair a half glass of wine with each course. I can describe a meal I had there three years ago to the detail - that is how good it is.
(5)
Joanna D.
One of the best meals I have ever had! WOW! I went with a couple of friends for my birthday back in August and have not stopped talking about it!
(5)
Robert N.
This was only the second time I had eaten here and it even surpassed the first time which was spectacular. First with Chef Ingram and now with Chef Michael. In both instances they prepared a No sodium tasting menu as I requested paired with wine. The food was awsome, the wines paired perfectly with each course. The staff, all of them are extremely well versed in both the food and the wine and of course the service is excellent. It is expensive but not in context to what you receive. In other words well worth the cost. I feel like family here and I will definately return everytime I get to New Orleans.
(5)
Linda M.
Not sure what the big fuss is about August. It was the worst dining experience in New Orleans. Service was absolutely ridiculous. We made out reservation for 9:15 and showed up around 8:45. They refused to seat us at that time, so we went to the casino across the street. When we returned they made us wait at the bar until almost 10pm. The wait staff was pretentious. Having dined in many upscale NYC and Boston restaurants, I know the difference between great service and waiters with attitude. August had the latter. The food was ok, nothing to write home about. We won't be dining at this establishment again.
(1)
John M.
To ring in 2011 the right way, the girlfriend & I spent the week around New Year's Eve in New Orleans. During that short time, we discovered a historic city with long traditions of great music, outstanding food & continuing perseverance. The girlfriend & I had the $20 Prix Fixe lunch special at Restaurant August & it was easily, by far, the best $20 I've ever spent on a meal. Hell, it still would've been easily, by far, the best for twice as much. Absolutely everything from the moment we walked in until we left was exceptional. Inside & out, Restaurant August is a neat & elegant establishment. Our host & all of our servers (we were well tended to) were warm with plenty of smiles & cheerful banter. What about the food? Salad of Duck Confit & Hedgehog Mushrooms w/ Seckel Pear (nice), Pumpkin Seed & Chicory, Pate de Campagne of La Provence Pork w/ Pickled Wild Mushrooms & Seasonal Marmalades (yum), Slow Cooked Pork Belly Grillades over Creamy McEwen's Grits (OMG, yum, yum, yum), Dark Chocolate Torte w/ Spiced Cherries & Roasted White Chocolate (wow), House-made Ricotta Custard w/ Candied Kumquat, Toasted Brioche, Local Pecans & Aleppo Honey (nice). Yeah, seriously, all of these delicious dishes, carefully crafted & perfectly executed for just 20 bucks a head, in-sane. Even before coming, we had heard praise for the gnocchi here & our host echoed that praise. So, we added an order of Handmade Potato Gnocchi tossed w/ Blue Crab & Black Truffle & a pair of Irish coffees to round out our meal. This gnocchi dish they're serving up at Restaurant August is unquestionably worthy of the singing of praises. By far, the best gnocchi I've ever had, by far. The Irish Coffees were perfect. Taking it all into consideration, the stately decor, the spotless cleanliness, the extremely friendly & conversational service, the fabulous food & the incredible value, this was 1 of the very best meals of my entire life. If I could give Restaurant August a rating of 6 stars, I would.
(5)
Jaw Nelly L.
Again in New Orleans ... exited....happy to try this food again my husband loved this place we order the soft shell crab special was amazing ,for my second course we order the foie gras, lemon fish w/ chili and peanuts was amazing .
(5)
Jerry H.
Best meal ever in NOLA and one of best meals anywhere in 2014. Innovative menu with prices not too high--we had white truffles for the first course and not that expensive. Excellent waitstaff. Very knowledgable sommelier with one of best wine lists in NO. Noise level was moderate so easy to have a conversation. A return visit is in order during my next trip to NO.
(5)
Don C.
OMG - everything here is fantastic!!! Service is way over the top - the food to die for. I would recommend this to everyone. It is not cheap but worth it! Expect 2 people to drop C note for lunch with a modest priced wine - think our lunch ran just under $200 with tip. It was worth it!!!
(5)
Joelle H.
Great food in an environment that I expected to be stuffy, but was definitely not. My husband and I were on a tight budget and decided to share some plates so we could get the most out of the experience. They were extremely polite about this and even split all the dishes in the kitchen for a beautiful presentation. The food was delicious and completely worth the price. The chef came down and said hello to everyone eating (which is usually unheard of in a place like this). The handmade potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle was the best gnocchi i've ever had. We also had some sort of dumpling appetizer which was awesome and the trout entree which was cooked perfectly. Dessert was a goat cheesecake which was also fantastic. I highly recommend checking this out for a high end food experience without the snobbery.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
Not sure why this place gets such great reviews....made a reservation three months in advance and yet we waited for 20 min for a table and were seated in the very back. Our server was curt and seemed in a rush to get us out of there. The bread was stale and the rest of dinner was good but not worth the prices. Won't be back or recommend to others.
(2)
Susan G.
One of the best meals we've ever had! Dining at Restaurant August was incredibly memorable. The restaurant itself is beautiful and the food was spectacular! That said, this is also a very expensive restaurant, but it was worth it. I cannot remember what was exactly in the delightful amuse bouche, but it was served in an egg and was a light, flavorful custard. My husband began with the soup of the day which was a seafood bisque and I had the goat cheese salad. Both were incredible! I had the grilled Pompano and it had just the right blend of seasonings to really bring out the flavor of the fish. My husband had the duck, which is one of his go-to entrees whenever he sees it on the menu and he said it was the best he has ever had. Our waiter recommended wine by the glass to accompany our meals and these were spot on. For dessert my husband enjoyed a glass of the Madeira. We then both had ice cream and an almond tarte for dessert. We were so full that when they brought the small candies when we asked for the bill, we asked them to wrap them up for us and we enjoyed them at our hotel later. Cost per person was about $125 each, but it was well worth it.
(5)
August R.
Had an early dinner tonight, alone. Restaurant August lived up to my expectations. This is my eighth or ninth time here over the years. I can now say I have never had anything less than an excellent dinner. I started with a glass of Duval Leroy champagne in the bar as they opened. Followed with the foie gras three ways, Pecan smoked beef and a glass of J Christopher Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). The foie was delectable! The Pinot was quite good. The beef was fantastic on the unsmoked cut, but over smoked on the other. cutting off the edge diminished the smoke to a great flavor and the beef was fantastic. I ordered another glass of Napa Cabernet which was not good, but when I didn't drink it found it was not on my bill, without saying anything. That is classy! Finished with the banana pudding which was good and a glass of Germain-Robin brandy from California (one of my favorites) and a perfect cup of french press coffee. Only way to finish was a 1.5 mile walk back to the time-share while talking to my wife. What a great night! Don't miss a chance for a real Five Star dinner here.
(5)
Brian R.
Describe perfection in two words? Restaurant August. It's walking distance from the W, Loews or Sheraton, but worth a cab ride from Timbuktu to get there. The dining room is stately without being overstated or stuffy. The wait staff is world class. Now on to the good stuff: The bar and the food. They make the best Sazerac, a New Orleans Old Fashioned, that I've ever had. The tasting was an amazing concoction of tastes served in an egg shell like a 3 minute egg. Even the homemade butter stood out. Our main courses were amazing. The marrow-crusted filet that had been a bust for my wife at Stella (and seems to be the current rage of New Orleans chefs) was a grand slam home run in the hands of chef John Besh's kitchen. I had a trout like I have never had in my life. It left me short of words for the superlatives. Dessert was also just beyond. Some noticeable differences, particularly with restaurants in New York and Miami that should take note: Besh's crew manages to do five star work without a five star ATTITUDE. Everyone was low key, gracious, and exceptional. Truly Balinese, which is a compliment that you would have to go to Bali, a place where to offend a guest is horrible religious karma. It means really "best in the world" as far as I'm concerned. Expensive, and worth every dime. Restaurant August is now one of my all time top 5!
(5)
Stefanie C.
My new favorite restaurant! I had trout ponchatrain for dinner. It was cooked perfectly. The squash blossoms were tasty and well presented. Followed up with delicious banana pudding for dessert. The mayhaw margarita was the best!
(5)
Miguel P.
Since I was traveling for business, without my wife, I decided to try this restaurant based on the recommendations yelp. I went for the available degustation menu for a fixed price. I also order a glass of the recommended Pinot Noir that would go well with most of the menu. Well, what a treat. The chef sent a complimentary appetizer, an egg shell with the top portion removed and filled with an egg mousse. It was superbly done, light in the mouth and as it dissolved it covered my taste buds with multiple flavors, not one of them overpowering, but all of them working in harmony. It just created the anticipation for the multiple courses to come.., They also brought home made French bread with fluffy butter on the side that was very good but I made sure to just have enough of it between courses to wash out the taste buds and be ready for the next plate The salad with asparagus, potatoes and schinken and cure yolk egg was very good to excellent. A real joy to degustate. The next course was excellent. It had mushrooms with crayfish and pea noodles with shaved Parmesan cheese. Then they brought the gulf yellowfin tuna with caramelized onions, apple mustard and boudin noir (blood sausage or what the Spanish call morzilla). This was plainly outstanding. The tuna was perfectly cooked, just seared on the outside, serve in 2 squares of 1.5x1.5 inches, one on top of the other with the onions sandwiched in between. In summary, this is one the best restaurants I have been to. I recommend it. 4.5 to 5 stars
(5)
Erin V.
We came here specfically for the banana pudding. It was one of those random late night adventures, wandering through an unknown city to find an new delicacy. As soon as we walked into this place, we wondered if there was a dress code. I imagine there was, but we squeezed in so late I don't think they bothered to comment on our jeans. A reservation had failed to show, and we got one of the last tables. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, with a full wine cellar above the dining area (beautiful). The waitress was incredibly sweet and funny, making us feel very welcome. The banana pudding was very unique. There was marshmallow, peanut butter, nilla wafer ice cream, perfectly carmelized bananas. It was tame, not a burst of flavor as I expected. We sat with this desert for a while, trying to process what we felt about it. The tastes were muted but complimentary, specifically created to tantalize the tastebuds, and we decided in the end it was a banana pudding unlike we'd ever had before, therefore making the trip worth it.
(5)
Karon R.
This is the ultimate New Orleans dining experience. I love dining in New Orleans, and do so frequently, but had never tried August until last night. I was completely blown away. The goat cheese and peach salad is so complex in taste, it will make you weep. The trout dish has a thin brioche crust and sauce that brings to mind traditional New Orleans fare, but it's much more complex and delicious. My daughter had the soft shell crab and loved it. Oh, and they have a great vegetarian menu! Dining at August is to stop and experience food, to notice it in new ways. The atmosphere is gorgeous, and our waiter Robert knew every ingredient in every dish. He was wonderfully attentive but not intrusive, as was his assistant Anne Marie. The sommelier was spot-on with her suggestions, and the runners described every dish as they served it. All the desserts were fantastic--don't miss the strawberry chess pie or the lemon tart or the blueberry crumble. It was an epic experience in dining.
(5)
Diana F.
Oh, man.... just no. Okay, we did the prix-fixe lunch, so maybe the food gets better at dinner? But it wasn't just the food (and you'd think, among four people dining at such a well-regarded place, at least one dish would be great), a lot of other things were also not right. Service was slightly strange/cold, we had to wait FOREVER for dessert, and I'm sorry, but..... the food was just not impressive! I would describe it as refined, but not particularly enjoyable. There are some foodies in my fam, and let me tell you, they were not pleased. It looks great on paper- John Besh, pretty space, 4.5 stars!!! but in our experience, reality was an inglorious 2.
(2)
P R.
Not a good dining experience and certainly not what is or should be expected from what is supposed to be a fine dining establishment (and ought to be for the prices they charge). I don't usually write reviews but felt compelled to so others would be forewarned. We were a group of 9 in town for the weekend and wanted to try John Besh's restaurant. We ate a prior night at Luke and enjoyed that very much. Both the food and the overall dining experience at August fell far short of what you would and should expect from a fine dining restaurant. We didn't get the waiter's name but you can't miss him as he had very large red glasses on. At first we thought he was a pleasant jovial kind of guy who kept saying "you're going to be very happy" with every choice. We ordered a variety of appetizers. The gnocchi was tiny (about 4-5 small pieces) and the flavor was okay even a little bland but certainly nothing amazing. The pumpkin soup did not taste like pumpkin at all, had more of a citrus flavor, and was served lukewarm. The goat cheese salad was probably the best thing there. Then we waited and waited for the entree. Dinner took forever to come and the waiter came over at least 3 times to say it was coming and then it never came. Finally when the entrees did arrive nothing was hot and again with 9 people we had a variety of entrees from the trout, red snapper, the duck, hanger steak, pork chop, and the cauliflower as an entree on the vegetarian menu. First of all the portions are rather small. The happy go lucky waiter had said the cauliflower was enough for an entree which was definitely not true. It was also rather bland and not at all done in an interesting way which is what you would expect from this type of restaurant. The hanger steak was undercooked but the biggest problem was that my mother-in-law ordered the red snapper and she took one bite and said it felt like they dumped a whole can of pepper on it. She kept drinking water for 15 minutes. We told the waiter and he took it away and said they would redo it. Then we waited again for at least 15 minutes and everyone else was done with their meals. Finally when we asked where it was and they brought it she decided to refuse it since everyone else was done. No one apologized or offered to bring her something else or something in the meantime while she was waiting. It was very odd for them to not try to make some accommodation and then after that it seemed like they tried to avoid us. We weren't rude or anything. Rather it seems like they just didn't know what to do if people didn't just accept their food or service. The final kick in the pants after being there for just shy of 3 hours waiting for our meals was that they brought the bill and the red snapper was still on the bill! What a ridiculous and terrible thing to do! We have never been to an "upscale" restaurant where if something was sent back because it wasn't right that they didn't try and make it right and then they still put it on the bill! That was disgusting!! And no apologies whatsoever!! So with mediocre food, not good service, it really makes it a not very good dining experience.We would certainly not return to pay for an expensive meal for that!
(2)
MIchelle P.
My favorite John Besh restaurant, hands down... Go for the cocktails, stay for the food. They are FAMOUS for their martinis and rightfully so... but they also have another personal favorite, The Hemmingway, which is a little like a better version of a mojito. What can I say about the food? I don't even like caviar (does that make me unrefined), but when it's served with any of his appetizers, it's pure magic! Their Foie Gras is just okay. I can't get enough of their black truffle gnocchi... seriously, and I love both their trout Pontchartrain and their duckling, but I cry tears of "fat kid" joy over their braised short ribs... there I said it. Their desserts are spectacular, although by the time I get to this point, I have had way too much food already... nevertheless, I love their chocolate pate, and most importantly, the little pralines you get along with the check. Great, now I'm hungry, craving August, and miles away from New Orleans.
(5)
Donna B.
Our meal was lovely. The short ribs practically melted in your mouth and they were very accommodating for those with gluten issues.
(4)
Paul H.
*Mobile Review* Came here bc it had an excellent rating. Decor: 4.5/5 -Bar is separated from the main dining area -Classy and upscale, as expected Service: 3.5/5 -Service was good yet probably better if we had sat in the main dining area Food Presentation: 4.5/5 Taste: 4.5/5 -Menu wasn't as extensive as I had thought -Regret not coming at lunch though I didn't know at the time about prix fixe lunch -ricotta cavatelli and house made rabbit sausage: first time having rabbit sausage. Tender, juicy and tasted like... well, sausage. Delectable! -curried white shrimp bisque: This was good too yet I still fear of BP oil seasoning. -Note the above two are hot appetizers priced at $12-13. Main entrees range from $28-42 with some tasting menu of $90-100 per person. I will come back here when I'm not a poor dental student lol
(4)
Marnie N.
Incredible food, lovely atmosphere. We went for the 3-course lunch for $20.14, what a treat to be able to indulge at this incredible restaurant. The waitstaff and kitchen also went above and beyond to make me the most delicious special entree after I failed to make sure what I ordered didnt have meat in it (my fault, not theirs but they made it right anyways). The sticky rice was like nothing I had ever experienced before..risotto-like with delicious bits of crunch at the same time?! Highly recommended!
(5)
Gene S.
We finally had an opportunity to visit Restaurant August on our trip to Nola this weekend. August has been on my bucket list for a long time time, and maybe my expectations were too high because we were a bit disappointed due to the service. The food was amazing as expected and our server was professional and knowledgeable but unfortunately was too busy with too many other tables to give us the attention we deserved, and this was for a 9pm reservation. In contrast, the server assistant was awesome as was the food runner describing our plates as he delivered them.
(3)
Bob H.
TALENTED CHEF, BEAUTIFUL ROOMS The problem I have with many restaurants is that everything on the menu sounds so good I spend valuable time narrowing it down. This is solved at August by the chef's degustation menus, one vegetarian and one with meat and fish. Pairings are available. Among the 10 dishes that hit our table over the almost two hours we were seated two or three were knock-em-out-of-the-park great, another four or five were excellent, and the remainder were very good. The standouts included a crab, jellyfish, and shrimp salad dressed with herbs and nuoc mam, crowder pea tortelli with chanterelles and baby turnips, and a "BBQ" quail with brussels sprouts choucroute, apples, and a tangy bbq sauce. Other courses included calabaza capelletti with oxtail meat and nuggets of bone marrow, a Covey RIse vegetable pot-au-feu with smoked matsutakes, an eggplant gazpacho, goat cheese-stuffed squash blossoms with Mexican flavor accents, and a lamb shoulder & loin combo with cavatelli and chanterelles. Outstanding pairings included a 2010 Girard Savigny-les-Beaune with the quail, and an inky, lush 2011 Mordoree Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blend from Tavel with the lamb course. A Vorberg Pinot Bianco accompanied showed up on both menus. A really attractive bar area greets you when you enter, and you follow the maitre d' into a nicely-proportioned set of rooms with high windows and ceilings and lots of dark-finished wood. Reverse New York bathrooms (i.e. upstairs), and there are function rooms upstairs as well. Attentive and knowledgeable service. Relatively quiet rooms. We'd definitely go back.
(4)
Pooja S.
Restaurant August lives up to the expectation! We were running late for our reservation, and arrived approximately 15 minutes late. We had called to let the restaurant know, and when we reached - they were incredibly accommodating. We apologized for our tour running late, and they politely smiled, said not a problem and brought us to our table. The meal started with warm bread, right from the oven with some of the creamiest butter I have ever tasted. This is a good start. We started with the foie gras prepared three ways - my favorite was the foie gras mousse on top of a sliver of ahi tuna, and a strawberry compote. The foie gras was served with fresh, warm brioche that paired perfectly. We then continued with the gnocchi with crab and truffle - WOW!!! So light, full of flavor and surprising to your tastebud. We absolutely enjoyed this dish. They even split it without our request, as we were sharing appetizers. For our main dishes - I ordered the crusted trout with hollandaise- this is a MUST ORDER! It was divine. The fish was well seasoned, the crust a perfect blend of flavor and crunch, and topped with shrimp and haricot verities. Even after I was full, I couldn't stop eating until every last morsel was gone. My husband ordered the Mahi Mahi, and loved the cajun flavor of the dish. He was really happy with his selection. It had a fantastic flavor, but I couldn't switch plates with him mid-meal - I was hooked on my dish. For dessert - we had the August version of a strawberry shortcake. It was served with a delicious butter cake, strawberry sauce, strawberry sorbet, a bit of white chocolate and a touch of mint - HEAVENLY! Restaurant August knows how to do dessert right, so make sure to save room. I would definitely recommend this place, fantastic food, great service, and you will definitely leave very happy.
(5)
Carol K.
I came, I saw, I wasn't impressed. Maybe it was the build up that this was going to be such a great dining experience that I made my reservation two months in advance. Maybe it was the scores of great reviews on here. Whatever the reason, my experience was just okay. The food was good . . the service was not. We had a reservation for 8:30 on a Friday night. We arrived on time and they told us that the people were just finishing up at our table. At 9:10 they came to the bar and told us it would just be a minute. It was and at 9:15 we sat for our reservation 45 minutes late. And sat is an apt description as no one came to take our drink order for another 20 minutes. What the heck? I get that the place was busy, all the tables were filled and there was a rehearsal dinner or bachlorette party going on upstairs, but this shouldn't happen at a fine dining restaurant. When we finally flagged our server down, and asked for the wine list- that was not forthcoming either. About this point we were starting to have the conversation if we should just go somewhere else as it was closing in on 10pm but we were hungry and I really wanted to eat here given all the accolades this place has received. We were given an amuse bouche to start of an quail egg shell stuffed with a seafood truffle custard topped with caviar which was quite good. I started with the crab soup and my friend had the gnocchi. If you don't like truffle oil don't order the gnocchi as it not only has truffles but plenty of the oil as well. I wanted to go with the stuffed shrimp that my friend ordered but it had an orange sauce which is a no no for me. So I went with the fish of the day which was a Grouper and quite tasty. The wine list finally showed up and we ordered a great bottle of wine called "The Imposter" which was California Zinfandel blend. It was pricey and sadly- we realized how overpriced it was when we found it at another fine dining place a couple of nights later for $20 less for the same year! My favorite part of the meal? Dessert. We had the banana rum cake with cream cheese frosting which was as good as it sounds. While the decor of this restaurant is lovely- crystal chandeliers reflecting off of the tall windows, lovely place settings, tall ceilings and antique pieces, the bathrooms upstairs were a disaster. I really couldn't believe that a restaurant of this caliber would ever let their women's room get so bad. There was no toilet paper, towels all over the floor and just a genuine mess. So unappealing. And gentlemen- while they say they require a jacket- on the night we were there- there were plenty of men in their shirtsleeves so you may want to call before you go to see if it is still required. So if this is the best NOLA has to offer- it has a long way to go. I had dinner at several other fine dining places during my stay (there are no shortage of choices) and had none of these issues. Fine Dining comes with the responsibility of not only excellent food, but the ambiance and service to complement it. And on this night- the final two were in short supply.
(3)
Ian C.
One of the Best meals I ever had in New Orleans.Excellent level of service and food...world class, very French, very perfect.
First let me say this place is gorgeous The service was great but ended up being OVERSERVICE fast Received three menus- very confusing. One had no prices so I did not know what was what....Had the Belgium farmhouse ale- fantastic and cold They brought bread to the table. I love French bread, I love baguettes, but when you bring miniature loaves to the table they are so small that the entire bread is hard as a rock. When you are a senior citizen it is too tough to eat.... Ordered the Apple Parsnip soup with pistachios It was so salty could not eat it. I love salt but this was like eating a bag of salted sunflower seeds. My husband got the oysters with venison sausage and olives. He NEVER sends anything back- his dish was so salty he could not eat it so he got the truffle gnocchi instead which was delicious I got my soup again...again it was inedible. Staff told us the pistachios were salty- great then why add them to the soup?? The combo of oysters and olives and sausage were salty they said- great then why make that combo? With that we said we would not stay as for the price and the selection it was not worth the hassle. New Orleans is packed with the best restaurants in the world -so why bother. The couple next to us loved their meal. I guess we should have asked them what to order. Either way sorry Mr. Besh- "Pack your knives and GO"!
(2)
Christina K.
OH MY GAWD. AHHH-MAAAZING. I am so glad I consulted yelp before my trip! I wanted to feed myself super well, since my first trip to NOLA was less than memorable. Though I'm vegetarian, I decided to eat seafood to taste local NOLA flavor and I was less than impressed. I stuck to my veggie ways this trip, and was not disappointed. I knew I had to come here after reading about the prix fixe meal. My friend and I both ordered the prix fixe. We were presented with an amuse and some beautiful bread. Interestingly, we had a little bit of difficulty getting me a vegetarian option - the waitress said that they could substitute, but it would cost more. That always confuses me - how are my veggies more expensive? But she later came back to say that it would be the same pricing, which is what I would have expected anyway. I opted for the salad with local strawberries. They were extremely flavorful. My entree was a savory flan with a bunch of delicious vegetables. It was extremely flavorful and savory. I can't remember exactly what my dessert was, but it was a cake and a blood orange sorbet. I would, without reservations, recommend this place. The prix fixe was an amazing deal. Every dish is extremely finely crafted. They are small, but you won't leave hungry. I felt just fine, and was so blown away by how well done each dish was, and how tasty each element was. For example, those local strawberries! Oh, to die for. The service was also impeccable. We were certainly catered to and they uphold a fine dining experience. We must have had 5 or so people serve us, including what looked like managers. I just took a peek at the online menu, and my mouth is watering! The menu has already changed from a month ago, which reflects the emphasis on local food.
(5)
Jacqueline C.
I'm a fan of most thing's Besh, with maybe the exception of American Sector, but even on the Besh hierarchy, Luke and Restaurant August reign supreme. August was making weekly originals before seasonal menu changes became "a thing." I guess it was before it's time : )
(5)
California S.
If you are going to eat at only one better restaurant while in town, EAT HERE. My ratings for this restaurant: Food: 28/30 Service: 29/30 Decor: 29/30 Imagination and originality in cuisine: 27/30
(5)
Sandy M.
we celebrated our 58th anniversary at August in March. the meal was outstanding as always, the staff treated us like old friends. exec chef Todd and sous chef Justin came by to say hello. Justin told me how to make the onion soup, which I tried, it was ok, i will leave the cooking to him.Our evening could not have been better. also thanks to Zeke,Taylor and Erin. August isour favorite restaurant anywhere. see you in October for Macs 80th birthday
(5)
Jay C.
I keep dreaming about this place and it dawned on me, I never bragged about being lucky enough to dine with them. Went there spring break 2012 with my lovely wife and it is in the top 10 of my all time best meals of my life (along with Le Cirque, Tony's of Houston. Antoines, Morton's of Chicago, Uchiko and Uchi). Our Sommelier brought us a wonderful pairing with each course (7). Amazing.
(5)
Ryan C.
Ever have one of those meals that, at the end of things, you just leave happy? One where you can't necessarily remember any one moment or bite that made you so, but that you just come away with a grin on your face? That was our lunch at Restaurant August. As we walked in, I noticed that the place was filled with people in suits and crossed my fingers that our daughter would put on her best. I needn't have been concerned; she was her usual angelic self. I would say, though, that the upscale clientele and service may not make this the first place you'd think of when deciding on a family restaurant. We ordered the pork pate and curried cauliflower and pork belly and mirliton stuffed shrimp, both from the $20 prix fixe menu. Glancing at the rest of the prices and considering what we got, I guess if there's a knock on August, it would be that the prices are steep. For $20, though, we had plenty to eat. An amuse-bouche of truffle-whipped savignon topped with bluefin caviar served in an eggshell came to the table. I think that last sentence pretty well sums up elegance and sophistication of the food available at August. As it turns out, my daughter is a huge fan of truffle-whipped savignon and caviar. I can see many expensive grocery bills in my future. Both of the entrees were destroyed in minutes in an absolute bloodbath of French-inspired Louisiana cooking. As noted previously, I don't have any specific memories. I might have blacked out a little it was so good. For dessert, we chose the Valrhona chocolate chiboust, a pear tart and, because we heard it so lovingly described to the table next to us, the rum cake. The chiboust was a beautifully dense pastry cream with very strong chocolate flavor and the clear favorite of the three. It's a good sign when the pastry chef calls out the chocolate manufacturer as an indication that they know their stuff. This didn't taste like one Valrhona's single source chocolates, but was a highly decent blend. The tart was fine, if a bit small. The rum cake was disappointing and, given the fanfare that the server provided for it, must have been having a bad hair day. Not that there was a hair in it. No five star for that. But the cake was a bit dry and light on the rum flavor. Still, total five star review from me.
(5)
C.Rose P.
The Mr. took me for a decadent anniversary evening. A little fancy for my raggedy ass, but we had a lovely time. Considering I am a vegetarian, I just ordered a salad, and we split an app with the meat only on his portion. Before you know it, I got a fleet of little plates just for me! A lovely chop salad, a decadent eggplant dish & a lovely dessert platter with 'Happy Anniversary' scrawled across the plate. So sweet, & such a magical evening!
(5)
Sean M.
This was, without question, one of the top five dining experiences in my life. The service was impeccable, my glass was never even remotely empty. The food was delicious and inventive. In our case we went there for a planned meeting with a set menu, but every course was incredible. The most memorable were the amuse bouche of a "deviled" egg with dill, crabmeat and caviar and the bread pudding with Irish whiskey ice cream.
(5)
Lucey B.
This is a restaurant which maintains the New Orleans tradition of one level of service for New Orleanian locals and another for those of us who make a reservation from out of town. There's a distinct siberia where old fogies, like selves, and out-of-towners and groups of women are seated. You can hear all the noise from the front room, but not enjoy the scene. The waiter was styled after those at Arnaud's and Antoine's of yore, but loud voiced and not a good listener. For every dish, both he and his server recited the entire list of ingredients, even after I explained that it wasn't necessary; we were there to enjoy the food and had read the menu descriptions. And so much unwanted fuss would made about our being from San Francisco, after the sommelier, a woman, who actually spoke meaningfully with us, so informed the waiters. (I'll admit she was fantastic!) And now to the food. I guess for the price of the regular and vegetarian desgustation menus and wine pairings, I hoped for taste epiphanies, like Benu in SF, and they just weren't there. They weren't in the food itself, and they weren't in the pairings. This experience has made me reconsider the whole idea of high end restaurants. Expensive food eaten in conspicuous sonsumption; one thing if it tastes good, stupid and sinful if it doesn't! Would have had more satisfaction donating $500 + to a food pantry. And indeed, the best food we ate in LA were the Po'Boys after we had a flat tire in New Iberia, and the Yakamein from a food booth at the Oyster Fest on Freret Street, and if you must go upscale, at R'evolution in the Hotel Sonesta on Bourbon Street.
(2)
Jim C.
Yes, this is a really good restaurant. In fact, it's exceptional. I had the Foie Gras done four different ways and it was yummy. The other blow us away good dish was the breaded trout. Honestly, this was so good. I don't normally order fish but the waitress told us it's special and she was right. Also, the restaurant was so attractive. I'm from out of town and I still am amazed at how beautiful the restaurants are in New Orleans. While this is clearly a 5 star restaurant, our favorite was R'evolution between the two. The cuisine was a tad more genuine (August makes a bigger attempt at artistry and being chic) and while the wait staff are nice and highly professional, they could loosen up just a bit to be more down home and local. It was fun that we ate next to the UCLA women's golf team (no expense issue for this team!) who had just dominated the field at the Sugar Bowl. This is a great restaurant. You'll have fun in a beautiful atmosphere and the food is marvelous.
(5)
Phuoc K.
3-course prix fix for lunch has to be one of the best deals in America. I certainly thought this to be one of the best meals on my visit to NOLA both in quality and value. While I enjoy the casual service found throughout the rest of NOLA, the white table cloth service found here was a pleasant change. Servers were knowledgeable, portions satisfying and flavor combinations interesting. I'd happily go back here on my next trip to NOLA, which I hope isn't too far in the future.
(5)
Danielle S.
I am gluten free (celiacs), and everyone there knew about what foods I could and couldn't eat. The wait staff had been informed and also informed the kitchen runner who brought out our food. They had several options for me and clearly understood cross-contamination risk. Also the dessert I wanted the meyer lemon desert, but it was not gluten free- so they whipped something up for me that was gluten free. It was amazing. It was lemon curd, meringue, condensed milk sorbet, etc. Overall the meal was fantastic and I felt very comfortable eating the food without any worries of getting sick. Looking forward to coming back when I am back in NOLA in August. Best meal I have had in a long time. My husband (who is not gluten-free) also enjoyed his meal.
(5)
Andrea H.
Overrated, the food here is very ordinary, compared to those served at fine dining restaurants I have been to in SF Bay Area. I don't remember much. Husband ordered the tasting menu, for the prices charged all the dishes was just OK. I ordered a couple menu items, entree and appetizers a la carte. Again, not that flavorful or memorable.
(3)
Jill M.
Rib eye dish was good, except they left thick, hard string around the cut of beef, which I bit into multiple times. Hurt my tooth for hours...The waiter said it should have been taken off before serving, and laughed it off. For a restaurant of this caliber, I would have expected them to acknowledge their mistake, rather than playing it off like it was nothing. I NEVER spend $55 on any dish, but it was a special occasion. I wasn't pleased to have a hurt tooth with that price.
(2)
Tom C.
What the what now?!?!? This is possibly the best restaurant I've eaten at in a LONG time, and in a city like New Orleans, it stands out as absolutely deserving of its reputation as one of the best (which is saying a lot). Where to start? The decor. Classy, elegant, cool, interesting. The noise level is low, even when it's completely full in the dining room. The service, impeccable. Really, it's spot on, with knowledgeable, attentive, polite, professional servers. The food. Holy cow, the food. Everything from the amuse-bouche (foamed cauliflower) to the gnocchi to the grouper is just perfectly done. Creative, yet truly NOLA-inspired and comfortable. You just cant imagine how good the food is. The wine list - oh, the wine list. If only I could afford to do some damage on that wine list. Just plan to spend a bunch on a bottle of wine, because there aren't any cheap options. And, if there were, you wouldn't want to - this is a list to spend a lot of time on. You simply must eat here when you're next in NOLA.
(5)
Michael M.
This place is my favorite restaurant. Period. The degustation is fantastic and the wine pairings are impeccable. Service is over the top amazing; the waiter overheard us talking about how the amuse bouche was presented and promptly went to the kitchen to show us how they cut the eggs so perfect (hint: An egg topper). I've been here twice and will return every trip. Great work, John Besh. As a side note, be prepared to spend some coin, but not regret it.
(5)
Beverly M.
In a city that boasts so many excellent restaurants, how we rate them on Yelp will largely determine where tourists will elect to spend their dollars. In New Orleans, it's important not only to rate a restaurant on its standards, but also how it compares to others. I will also review Commander's Palace and Mr Bs Bistro (two excellent establishments that deserve rave reviews) but there's no doubt in my mind that.... Restaurant August is as rewarding an experience as any of the top Michelin restaurants I've been to in Paris, Lyons, New York, London or anywhere in Italy. In other words, if I could dine at only one restaurant in New Orleans, I wouldn't hesitate. I'd make a beeline to Restaurant August. And the prix fixe lunch is an extraordinary bargain. I doubt - actually I'm certain - that they aren't even covering their costs. $20! The Gods of Olympus are smiling down on us foodies with every morsel. In every possible way, August excels: The room is elegant without feeling stuffy. It's possible to have a conversation without shouting or being overheard. The food is sourced locally whenever possible, and Yelpers, the prix fixe menu created by sous chef Jackie Blanchard simply astonishes. Please refer to their website for sample menus. Each course is the happiest marriage of flavors, ingredients are respected and allowed to shine, cooked within a second of perfection. Importantly, even though I ate every bite and enjoyed four courses while lunching there, I felt great when I got up to enjoy the rest of my afternoon. There's a two story wine room offering simply the best wines to accompany any food selection you might make. The service is friendly, and our every need was anticipated and met with such discretion and care that we felt pampered and at home. Our server was informed and helpful. Restaurant August is within a very short walking distance from the French Quarter.
(5)
Susan N.
We went for the Friday brunch and had excellent service. The 20 dollar 3 course meal was amazing. The dishes are smaller, but flavorful and filling. The shrimp meatballs were amazing and the goats milk cheesecake was to die for.
(5)
Guy C.
(see explanation of ratings below) Might be the best meal I've ever had. Went for the five course degustation menu with wine pairings ($147). Every course was flawless. Each pairing perfect. Service impeccable. My son claimed his banana pudding (deconstructed) was the nest dessert he's ever had--- and he doesn't even like bananas! $180 per person for the prix fixe, about $90 a la carte, gratuity included. About my ratings: Only fine dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food (no table service) 2) casual dining (table service) 3) fine dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, typically more expensive than casual dining) Fine dining can earn a max of five stars. Casual dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars.
August is very good. The chop salad is a thing of beauty; they prepare every component separately and with great care. The seared foie gras is very good, too, as are the roasted duckling and the trout Pontchartrain. A few negatives: * Ritual demi-glace abuse I've had a few plates at August where the sauce is reduced so much it's stuck to the plate and has the texture of a Jolly Rancher. I hope this isn't the intended effect. * Grill problems I had a few grilled dishes there, the short ribs and the pompano. Both were perfectly cooked, but the grill marks tasted like gas, very bitter. I think this is just a mistake, although it was repeated over several occasions. * Portion size I feel the portions are too small for the format of the menu and the prices. This is adjusted for the fact that August is a formal, "fine dining" restaurant. If anything, I think the restaurant would benefit from losing the two-course & dessert format and going for multiple, smaller plates. Or raise prices and serve an extravagant feast. Small-but-perfect works nicely for degustation menus, not so much for a standard three course meal.
(4)
Angela C.
took 4 guests here for dinner and I was very happy with the ambience of the entire restaurant. service was impeccable by all server's and very familiar with the dishes. I have to say I have experienced many world class restaurants but this one had the most creative menu. we were served complimentary appetizers with a mouse in an egg shell. this was not enjoyed by all but I was impressed with the presentation and the unique flavour. keep in mind all portions are quite small but full of flavour. in my opinion this is the best and most creative chef out there. I never had ice cream with chili in it, a must try. the only downfall is if you do not have a creative pallet or open to trying something new then you may be limited with the menu. I am vegetarian and was happy that the server suggested some alterations that could be made to suit me. I enjoyed the experience and recommend this restaurant if you want a posh or impress sort of experience.
(4)
Tiffany C.
Exquisitely-prepared food, delicious flavors, and a minimal frills environment. After a rather disappointing experience at Commander's Palace, Restaurant August brought the redemption. We were not welcomed by a cavalcade of servers but rather promptly ushered to a back room, where our server was attentive, to-the-point, and informative, if just a tad on the cold side. But that was fine; we didn't need a buddy to chat with or a butler to wait on us hand and foot. Taking our lesson from the previous night, my boyfriend and I dialed back on the quantity in favor of quality, and boy did we get quality. Each dish packed the right amount of flavor and was more delicious than the last. Dinner started with an amuse bouche of egg mousse (or something like that), topped with a sprinkle of bacon bits and preciously presented in an eggshell. It was the perfect bite to whet the appetite. The handmade gnocchi with black truffles and blue crab was tasty and surprisingly light. My boyfriend isn't a big fan of truffles but found the flavor to be just right, and the gnocchi were little pillows of goodness. The breaded trout is their signature dish for a reason. The fish itself was light and delicate. The breading formed a very fine, crisp layer on top and tasted buttery like toast. Without the breading the fish was good; with the breading the dish was divine. To end the night we had the banana dessert (I forgot its name), which consisted of banana ice cream, custard, banana bread, toasted marshmallow cream, peanut butter dust, and bruleed banana. The disparate components all came together in a harmonious whole that really worked for me (I love bananas and peanut butter). This was our best meal in NOLA and well worth the price. Thank you, Restaurant August!
(5)
Gerald H.
This place recently started offering brunch so we decided to give it a try. Nothing short of amazing. The place looks big but there's little less than 30 tables in the restaurant There is a banquet room up stairs. Check in was good and off to be seated in a timely manner. This place used to be a tobacco place which is why you see board in between the brick. Anyways, the food was excellent. The trout was amazing. My 9 yr old devoured it, and mean all of it. The chef was impressed and invited us back to see the kitchen. It's the small things that makes the experience memorable. The beet salad with bacon was excellent. The chef went even out of his way to make a noodle dish for our young ones. The best entree was the Beef petite filet with oxtail and wild mushroom. Get it! We ended the meal with the no so traditional banana bread pudding with a meringue wafer. Yum! Our waiter was wonderful, very attentive and very appreciative of us stopping in to have brunch. Spread the word folks. Brunch here is available and it's awesome!! #nola #noladining
(5)
Andy S.
I went here during Restaurant Week In New Orleans, which is where the common folks can eat at a five star restaurant for $35. With that caveat, the experience wasn't exactly five stars, but I am giving them the benefit of the doubt since it was crowded and my menu options were limited. The place definitely had a five star vibe to it, which a fancy, well stocked bar, and a romantic interior inside the restaurant. Both our meals where good with the biggest compliment going to the bread and butter. I don't know what their secret is, but it set a great pace for the rest of the meal.
(5)
Denise B.
I have died and gone to August heaven! Oh my gosh... Saying the food is amazing is an understatement. I had their signature trout dish with shrimp and wild mushrooms. I savored every single bite! My waitress Karen was so incredibly friendly and helpful. Her recommendations were the best. I loved the glass of wine she recommended and the trout dish was her suggestion. The restaurant is very nice but since I was alone, I ate in the bar area, which was very comfortable and welcoming. I wish I could afford to eat here every day that I'm in New Orleans. I'll save up and come back though! Definitely worth every penny!!! My favorite seafood dish, hands down is at August! Walk-ins are allowed in the bar. You get some treats along with your check from the pastry kitchen. I just adore August!!
(5)
Elsie W.
Somebody wise told me once to make a reservation ASAP for a Friday lunch at August. It's $20.14 for the prix fixe menu and it's in a $$$$ restaurant. A John Besh restaurant. Why Friday? I don't know, but it doesn't matter. If you're going to be in NOLA for any reason on a Friday, book this. First, they start you off with an amuse bouche. That's always a good sign. I love their beer list. Get one, any one, to go along with your meal. There are 2 choices to each: appetizer, entree and dessert. We ordered everything off that menu. APPETIZERS: Crawfish bisque was creamy and had 2 little crawfishies swimming in it. Pate de campagne came with lots of pickled things and mustard and marmalades. After that, I was already halfway full. They don't skimp on the pate. ENTREES: He had the beef, I had the shrimp. I liked mine and he liked his. We also ordered a gnocchi dish outside of the menu, which was one of the best we've ever had! DESSERT: (best part of the meal!!!!!) Dark chocolate chiboust with peppermint and feuilletine - amazing!!! The peppermint element was on point. Progress buttermilk panna cotta with strawberry consomme and pistachio - one of the best panna cotta I've ever had, and I've had a lot... WONDERFUL SERVICE! And their restrooms are beautiful...
(5)
Sharon L.
Came here for their Friday Lunch Prix Fixe for $20.15. Yes, only $20.15! I read a lot of reviews saying to try the crawfish bisque, so I did. I thought it was a little bland and my husband and I both agreed that we would have liked it to be a little creamier. However, that is the only bad thing I have to say. Everything else was excellent! The food, the staff, the cocktails, etc. I just love everything about this place. It is a cozy/elegant restaurant, no matter which dining room you sit in. I definitely recommend Restaurant August, especially for their Friday Lunch which is very economical. It was such a Fabulous Friday Lunch!!!
A great fine dining experience. The vegetarian tasting menu is delicious. The cocktail menu is full of unique twists on classic drinks. It's expensive, but no more so than you would expect for this kind of fine dining experience. Definitely worth it for a special occasion.
(5)
Dynamo F.
We had the degustation menu and partook in the sommelier pairings. This is definitely worth the cost. The guinea hen was my favorite serving and each serving built on the last. By the end, we were both full and satisfied. The level of service is beyond reproach and each one was very professional and knowledge of the food and drinks.
(5)
Sean D.
Exceptional. Based on tasting menu experience in January 2011, guess you can say I am slow to post. The attention to detail in every dish and the wine pairing was amazing to me. For that night we were served close to perfection and still searching to repeat the experience. I got prompted to post this as I made my wife bday dinner reservations at melisse in Santa Monica CA and thought which dinner stands out for this yearly tasting menu dinner for us it was our August experience. Looking forward to a trip back out soon.
(5)
Corey S.
My wife and I chose August for our anniversary dinner when we were in New Orleans in late June - yeah, I know, I should have more free time so I can submit my Yelps in a timely manner. It seemed a no-brainer. John Besh is always so nice and quality-driven from what we've seen of him on the TV, and the menu sample looked very appealing, so we were totally stoked to go. Unfortunately when we arrived, we were the only ones stoked to be there. The girl who seated us was indifferent and unwelcoming. Our waiter left us unattended for over 25 minutes, drinkless. When the waiter was kind enough to give us a precious moment of his attention, we were clearly less than pleased and we got condescension from him rather than contrition. Folks, there's tons of great restaurants in NoLa. People choose August because we've got high expectations for a stellar night out and you'd better be up to the task. The gnocchi with truffle was underseasoned and underwhelming. Waiter didn't care. The chop salad is a beautiful dish. The pork was also excellent, although there were temperature inconsistencies between the morsels of belly and loin. The duck was excellent. Dessert wasn't memorable. Basically a 4* dining experience and a 2* service experience. I'm in no hurry to go back. Anniversary dinners should be made and served with love, and we felt none other than our own on this night.
(3)
Lisa W.
I've been intrigued by Josh Besh since I first saw him cooking on all the various TV food programs many many years ago. With his floppy hair, Southern charm, and culinary skills, I thought to myself this is my kind of chef! So when I finally made it out to New Orleans, I knew I had to go to August and it didn't disappoint. The environment was classy and rustic, service was attentive and the food was thoughtfully prepared with quality ingredients. The salad with heirloom beets, crab meat, and bacon was tasty and balanced. The signature potato gnocchi with crab and truffle was creamy and rich yet not overly heavy. For entree, I really enjoyed the duck with the foie gras. The hint of foie in each bite amplified the meaty duck. I split the duck with my friend who got the fish with the crispy bread topper and because of the nature of the way we split (eat half, pass it on), I think she enjoyed her fish more than I did due to temperature and texture once I got a hold of it. But all in all, a really enjoyable meal and a great option in New Orleans for something that feels a little more special occasion.
(4)
Anna J.
I came here for spring break (so it's been awhile between my review), but I still remembered how amazing everything was! The gnocchi appetizer was tear worthy (because of how good). I ordered the oysters as a dinner plate. The desserts were the best I've ever had. The place itself is gorgeous. Check out the bathroom; I felt like I was in France! Wish I could be back!
(5)
Luca V.
Food was delicious, great staff, and a wonderful atmosphere. The portion sizes are perfect. I would recommend the tasting menus.
So we thought service was great, ambiance was great, but the food was over the top. We came here for brunch and it looked like a dinner menu: veal, trout, etc. - but even if it had been dinner, everything was drowning in butter and too many spices for our taste. The dishes didn't get a chance to let their own flavors shine through. And we had to nap all afternoon! Everything here was good - just too much - like wearing your Burberry novacheck dress and your louboutin shoes with your Louis Vuitton bag - it's all great, but it's over done when put together.
(3)
Randall M.
Well I think that their Friday (only) lunch is the best that I have ever had. 3 courses for $20. Maybe the best deal ever. Dinner takes that to the next level. Certainly whenever I am in New Orleans this is one of a few cant miss spots.
(5)
Meg P.
Went there for a special anniversary meal. Everything at the place was fantastic. The free PUMPKIN amuse bouche was so incredible, I could have eaten a pint of it. The Lavender Tom cocktail was very refreshing. The gnocchi appetizer was delicious, and they had the portion split into two plates when we told the server we were going to be sharing it. I really appreciated that to make sure that we both ate our fair shares. I had the snapper which was a nice entree size. The crispy jasmine rice paired well with the sauce poured over the entree. Even if you can't save room for ordering off the dessert menu, they provide you with little cookies treats after your meal. Service was amazing, drinks and food were spot on. Overall a great place if you want to celebrate something special.
(5)
Pamela Z.
The meal and service lived up to our expectations. The space is lovely and elegant. The only problem we had, was that is was very warm where we were seated in the corner. Our head server brought me a cold towel which helped greatly. The handmade gnocchi was best I have ever tasted.
(5)
Lucy N.
My fiance and I came here after dining at one of John Besh's other popular spots, Luke, and being told by the waitress we must go here for dessert while in New Orleans. Needless to say we were excited to try August's award winning banana pudding, which was nothing but spectacular! It melts in your mouth and is beautifully plated. This is fine dining at its best. However it was not the dessert that won us over, it was the impeccable service. We had also ordered a bottle of champagne with our dessert to continue our celebratory engagement weekend, but when it came to the table, the waitress had realized she grabbed the wrong bottle. We did not care one bit. We just wanted to drink and be merry, she could have brought us two beers for all we cared, but the waitress insisted she pay for the bottle and was extremely sorry for her mistake. Amazing service. She did not have to do it and we told her we really did not want her to, but she did. I wish I could thank her all over again for making our experience at August top notch as we celebrated our engagement. She helped to make our weekend even more special than it was. Hopefully we return to New Orleans soon and can come back here for more than just dessert!
(5)
Mark H.
Fabulous food and wait staff. A very elegant dining experience, but the wine list is as usual for the restaurant scene in New Orleans, is way over priced so plan on drinks from the bar which are wonderful especially their signature drink the Dark and Stormy with ginger beer and dark rum. The food is excellent and the right portions and they do allow you to choose from the sampling menu for your aka cart meal. Do dress up. Over 90% of the clientele do wear jackets. The deserts are to die for so do save room and loosen those belts.
(5)
Chad C.
JOHN BESH. You really know what you're doing, man. For the most part, I prefer great food in a casual atmosphere at a medium price. August is an expensive restaurant, but their $20.14 pre-fix lunch menu is a thing of genius. It gives those of us that are afraid to drop big bucks on gourmet food a chance to sample it and see if it might be worth said big bucks. Well, they've hooked me in... as everything on that pre-fix menu was delicious. Let's start with the best soup I have ever had - the Sunchoke soup. I honestly don't know what a Sunchoke is, I just know that there was a lot of complex flavor going on and I never wanted that soup to end. I became a bit depressed when it did. I went with the shrimp dish for my next course. I was still reeling from the incredible soup I had just eaten, but I remember this dish being very balanced and delicious as well. It made me want to try an entree from the regular menu. Dessert was a chocolate pate which included homemade malted milk balls. The main problem with a Whopper or typical malted milk ball is that they're too hard. Well, Mr. Besh has engineered the future here. Just perfect malted milk balls that combined with the dark chocolate in the best possible way. There were some sliced strawberries and other notes of fruit on the plate. Once again, I couldn't identify every single flavor, I could only state that I loved every single flavor. I feel out of place at restaurants like this sometimes, but the waitstaff was anything but stuffy. While I can't afford to eat here regularly, this is certainly in consideration for our "splurge" meal next vacation. At the very least, I will do the lunch special again - as it's probably the best value in New Orleans dining. Thanks, Mr. Besh.
Do not miss the Restaurant August experience. I say experience because it is a full blown flood of the senses. The building is old and wonderful, get up and walk around it and look at the place. The room where we dined was a warm wood lined space that opened to a second floor where the wine was viewable through glass walls. The service was better than anything I have experienced. My meal was 5 courses with wine paired by the sommelier and my girlfriend ordered a la carte. In between each course the staff changed out both my silverware and my girlfriends just in case she wanted to share anything that I was served. I dropped my napkin from my lap and immediately picked it up but before I was able to replace it the service staff laid a new napkin on the table and took my old one. It was that sort of thing all night. But strangely, it wasn't intrusive or distracting it was perfect. As I mentioned above, I chose what they call their degustation with wine pairing. That was a 5 course meal with a glass of wine for each course that is selected to accentuate the food. Before the meal begin we were served an amuse bouche, an amusement of the mouth (I looked it up) that was a delightful concoction served in an egg shell. First course was Gulf Tuna Crudo - a cold appetizer that was as beautiful as it was delicious. It was a tuna tartare served with a chick pea salad. This was served with a sparkling white french wine, not champagne. Second was Fusilli Pasta that was warm and wonderful. Served with a drier french white that when paired made both taste different and better. Third, artichokes mushroom and pork belly. This was melt in your mouth and again paired with a wine that enhanced both the food and the wine. Fourth, Herb roasted lamb loin paired with a delightful red (thank goodness - I prefer reds and was looking forward to a red pairing). By now I have been totally won over. Fifth, steamed dark chocolate torte. I know that sounds good but let me add that it was served with whipped espresso and lemon ice cream. Suffice to say, it was an emotional experience. By the end of the evening, I was ready to quit my job and spend the remainder of my days standing on the street corner and handing out pamphlets extolling the virtues of a life devoted to the study of John Besh but then the check came.
(5)
Rachel M.
Going to the Friday prix fixe lunch ($20.13...WHAT?) is liable to be the best decision you'll ever make. Well, if you're in the habit of making lots of bad life decisions. Anyway...just go. It starts with an amuse bouche of some crazy custardy concoction in an egg shell. That day was garlic on the bottom, something else in the middle, and some pink stuff on top. No idea what it was, except for uniquely delectable. Very strong flavors (boyfriend was too wussy for it), but good. I had shrimp bisque for my appetizer. I died. Just amazing. Boyfriend thought it was too salty, but it was just right for me. They bring out the bowl with just the shrimp and roasted zucchini, then pour in the bisque from a silver coffee pot. Wonderful presentation. My entree was the gulf sheephead - which is fish, not a literal sheep head, because that would be gross. It was lightly sauteed, then placed in a bowl with Israeli couscous and vegetables, then at the table they poured a tangy broth over it. Boyfriend didn't like that, either. Surprise. Before dessert, they brought out a little taster of something they called "cereal," which was like crunchy chocolate puffed rice with a little scoop of ice cream and raspberries. Delicious again. Dessert was chocolate chiboust with mint ice cream. The chiboust had an amazing texture - just the teeniest crisp on the outside and smooth and mousse-like on the inside. The mint ice cream was like none I've ever had. It tasted like the most wonderful, cold, creamy, pepperminty toothpaste ever. That makes it sound weird, but I promise it wasn't. Of course you haven't stuffed your face quite enough, yet, so they give you chocolate-chili truffles and pralines to close out the meal. I shall dream of the pralines for years to come. Finally, our server Robert was just adorable. He was really charming and treated us like royalty. He always had a cute little joke or something sweet to say. My grandma had a complaint about her veal (one of two pieces was 100% fat), so he apologized very graciously and replaced it right away. He was a doll! TL;DR: This gourmet lunch is a steal. Do yourself a big favor and go!
(5)
Jennifer K.
Lunch Special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $20.12 for a 3 course meal! Restaurant August's lunch special is probably my best lunch special to date. Food here is amazing! A culinary experience itself with top notch service! And everything for $20.12?!!!!!!! BTW, we did upgrade some of the dishes and offers a few dishes a la carte. Since the menu changes according to seasons and ingredients availability so it warrants a repeat visit whenever I am in town. We shared: Appetizer: - Salad of caramelized pear and mizuna, walnut butter, and Bayside Bleu cheese - Pate of local pork (house made pickles and marmalades with toasted brioche) - Veloute of acorn squash and apple with Gulf shrimp - Quail Egg Amouse Bouche - a seafood + truffle custard topped with caviar Main: - Alligator confit in "sauce piquante" with ricotta cavatelli, "holy trinity," and pickled peppers - Manchac softshell crab "BLT" with garlicky bread pudding, tomato and bacon vinaigrette - Sauteed Gulf sheepshead with sweet corn custard, succotash and tomato vinaigrette - 48-hour braised beef shortrib with smoked apple, celeriac, roasted turnips, and chanterelles Dessert: - Roasted pumpkin tartlet with caramelized apple, bourbon, and ginger - Devil's food cake with cherry, cocoa, and coconut sorbet - Crispy herb gougeres with apple compote and warm gouda - Goat's milk cheesecake - Complementary peanut brittle and chocolate mousse with pine nut I will be back!! Lunch Specials!
(5)
John L. H.
Restaurant August is one of the best restaurants in New Orleans. It is no wonder that this restaurant is so highly regarded amongst the media as well as the public. My first trip to August was during the aftermath of Hurricane Issac. Power had just been restored to downtown and August was one of the first places to open. What better way to return to normalcy than a fancy meal with friends. I think I am going to make that my new tradition anytime I need a pick me up. While I will always remember that meal, this review will focus on my most recent experience. The prix fixe menu at August may be the best value in the city. I was fortunate enough to experience it last week. It seems that no matter what meal you decide to have, it always begins with a complimentary amuse bouche. On my most recent trip the amuse was housed in a chicken egg with the top removed. It was some sort of cauliflower cream which was absolutely amazing. I hate cauliflower, but loved this dish. The presentation in the egg shell added to the experience. The next course was pork pate with several different sauces. Again, this course was amazing. The pate came with two different mustards, a fennel sauce, pickled mushrooms and garlic. I took small pieces of pate, placed them on the supplied crustini and sampled all of the sauces. My favorite was the creole mustard sauce. Next up was the main course of gulf sheepshead. Again, I was amazed at how wonderful this course was. The fish was perfectly cooked and atop a bed of barley and brown butter. I don't normally think of barley as a high end dish, but the chef's at August made it a perfect match for the fish. Dessert was a chocolate tart with almond and hazelnut ice cream. At this point we were pretty full, but the dessert was worth stuffing ourselves. To add to our fullness, there was even a complimentary praline brought with the bill. Speaking of the bill, this may have been the best value I have ever had in a restaurant. For $20.13 we received first class food and service in a beautiful environment. I would have spent that much or more at many other restaurants and not received half the value. If you haven't been to August, you need to go there as soon as you can get a reservation.
(5)
Tajima D.
This restaurant really deserves more than 5 stars. Our dinner was absolutely amazing. Everything we tried was delicious and had great flavor. The presentation of the food was also a plus!
(5)
Joan L.
Amazing amazing amazing. August lived up to my expectations and then surpassed them. Everything was perfect - ambiance, waitstaff (thanks Mark and Warren!), food, everything! The food was delicious. We started with the squash blossoms, which were fried perfectly, handmade gnocchi in butter sauce, and sunchoke soup (so creamy and perfect). I had the fried flounder, and the crust, hollandaise, shrimp, artichoke, and crab melded perfectly together. And for dessert we had the Meyer lemon tart, also to die for. I will definitely be coming back many many times! Thanks for the great food and fantastic service!
(5)
Christy C.
I can see why people rate August so highly. My husband and I spent a pleasant meal here, but we disagreed on our rating. I thought it was excellent food, good ambiance, and I would recommend it to friends. He thought the food was decent, but not noteworthy in a city with so many amazing options, and he said he would never think "man, I'm craving August, lets go back there!" I'm not sure why we had this disconnect in opinions, as we ate the same foods. For our meal we both enjoyed the amuse bushe that arrived in an egg. It was light and had a slight pumpkin flavor. And complimentary! Then we had the gnocchi, which everyone on yelp raved about, and we both agreed it was delightfully fresh in a heavy cream sauce. For my main meal I had the goat cheese and pear salad and I loved it! He had snapper, and despite him saying that the food was just "decent" he inhaled it and licked his plate clean. For dessert we had cafe au lait and their mint dessert--the mint ice cream was so fresh and minty! Loved it. So overall, I would personally recommend this to friends. I would eat here again. I suspect my husband is a bit cheap and just thought we weren't getting much bang for our buck, but this is a guy who inhales Taco Bell like its the best thing ever. So you be the judge on his reservations towards August.
(4)
Tanna L.
I coulda swore I wrote a review for this place already but I can't find it. I went in Nov 2013 but the memory is still strong. First of all, there is no corkage fee. This automatically makes John Besh a freakin' rock star. I think it's the case with all of his restaurants. I didn't exactly bring the nicest bottle of wine in the world (far from it actually) but hey the corkage fee didn't exist so it was okay! I sat at the bar as I usually do when traveling. Takes a little of the service variable out of play. The bartender was nice. I was served a complimentary quail egg appetizer in shell which was a lovely start. Creamy, tasty. I got the P & J oysters. Whatda. Get this. Delicious, nicely fried with a great taste. Man it was good. Also got the potato gnocchi with blue crab. Not every day I'll be able to come here so had to get a few dishes. Wow. Such a great flavor with a decent amount of blue crab lumps and such well textured gnocchi. Entree was the duckling dirty rice. It was not my favorite dish of the night but still good. As a Korean, kimchi dirty rice is right up my alley but seemed a bit out of place here. Otherwise it was still good but not nearly as much as the other dishes. I don't even remember what I got for dessert but do I need to tell you? This place rocks. Go here if you can.
(5)
Dawn K.
So terribly disappointed. We felt rushed, I barely finished my appetizer when my entree came. Barely hot. Food was ok, not what I anticipated or expected from a world class chef. 3 courses and we were done in an hour. It is a beautiful place though.
(2)
Kellye N.
I came here on a Friday afternoon while visiting the city. Their lunchtime pre-fixe menu was an astonishing $20.14 (I initially thought I read this wrong). To start, we had their amuse bouche. It was not the one with caviar that others seem to post; instead, this one had bacon bits. Next, I had the apple parsnip soup with pistachios, which was amazingly flavorful and refreshing. My boyfriend had the pate campagne with different kinds of pickles and marmalades that was absolutely delicious. For entrees, I had spicy spaghetti with tripe that was really good. My boyfriend had this kimchi-flavored jumbo shrimp dish. Coming from Los Angeles, I thought this play on a traditional Korean dish was very interesting, especially since they seemed to import the kimchi flavor without the typical spice. Their desserts were AMAZING. Their dark chocolate pate was flawless. I almost didn't want to try my boyfriend's dessert since I'm a huge chocolate lover, but I'm glad I had at least a bite. He had some type of raspberry sorbet and I can't remember the other fruity flavor. In sum, it was as equally amazing as the chocolate pate. This restaurant definitely did not seem like your typical, New Orleans type of cuisine, but I don't think that's the point. The food, service, and ambience are amazing. I would definitely recommend this place to others who are looking for a fine-dining experience that is easy on the wallet.
(5)
Liz E.
We went for dinner and I have to say without exaggeration that it was far and away the best meal we've ever had - on par with Guy Savoy in Paris! The appies - The rabbit, the oysters, octopus and crispy pig tails - amazing. Our entrees - duck, lamb (3 ways), pompano, trout - also amazing!! To top it off, the service was through the roof. Our server, Robert, was an encyclopedia of cuisine. His knowledge of the menu was crazy!! His explanation of the food was friendly, fun and borderline poetic. Can't say enough good things about Robert, the food, drinks, wine and atmosphere. We also loved Erin the sommelier who is a genius and absolutely lovely. Her pairings were brilliant! Don't miss this experience!! Worth every dollar and then some.
(5)
Evelyn L.
I remember thinking "I know this restaurant is top rated in New Orleans, but I am from NYC/SF/London. There is no way this restaurant can compare to the top ones in those cities." Man, was I wrong!!! This restaurant is definitely up there with all the top restaurants in the country. The food was delicate and incredibly delicious. Service was top notch too. For all the foodies out there, do NOT miss this restaurant if you are ever in town!
(5)
Shannon B.
Dined here with my parents over Labor Day Weekend. Ate here several years ago with a group of friends and we were blown away by the service, food and the whole experience. So, when planning a trip this time around, this was a must! This experience did not disappoint. We opted not to do the tasting menu, simply because we were stuffed from all the eating we had been doing in New Orleans, over the course of the weekend. First of all, our server was absolute dynamite! I wish I could remember his name in order to give him a shoutout. We started with the salad of bruleed goat cheese and peaches and a salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, Benton's bacon, quail egg and black eyed pea croutons. Both were beautifully plated and were perfectly seasoned and balanced dishes. Now, for our main courses, we each opted for a different entree: - Baked Trout Pontchartrain - according to the waiter, they change their menu regularly, but, this is their signature dish; I can see why! It is to die for! The trout, shrimp, blue crab and mushrooms all play beautifully together. - Fried Green Tomato - Eggplant and Black Eyed Peas - this was offered as one of the courses on the Vegetable Tasting Menu, but, you can order any of the dishes individually; it was delicious; they were tiny friend green tomatoes and was really flavorful - Pork Dish - Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of this dish, but, it was pork done two ways; my dad liked both. We opted out of dessert, as we were way too full, but, the waiter did bring us a little tray with little dessert samplers, which were all quite tasty. All in all, it was an absolutely lovely dining experience. Cannot wait to go again!
(5)
David S.
OK so this place is the real deal, and easily the best restaurant I have been to outside of New York city. It's on par with three-star Michelin restaurants in terms of food. We both had the vegetarian tasting menu. Several times during the meal we stopped to remark that the dish in front of us was one of the best we had ever had. It was expensive but not crazy ($72 for veggie tasting including I believe 5 courses plus tiny amuse). The service was friendly and accommodating and some of the best I have experienced. They initially sat us next to an extremely loud table, which I (discreetly) complained about and we were re-seated promptly. Also, flexibility: Even though we had the tasting menu, they encouraged us to pick any dessert we want (or substitute anything) which was really refreshing given the unwillingness of other places to substitute anything. Also, they let one person do a tasting menu and one go off the a la carte, although we did not do this personally. The fact that they were so cheery and enthusiastic about being accommodating won huge points for me. The closest restaurant I can compare this to is Jean Georges in New York, which is by far my favorite restaurant in the whole world. My wife is a TOUGH critic and hates spending money on fancy restaurants, but afterwards she said, OK, that was really worth it. It is so much better value than Commander's, and the service is friendly and accommodating. This was by far the best restaurant experience we have had in years and really capped off a great vacation. I could not recommend it more highly.
(5)
Gina N.
The "food" highlight of our trip was dining at restaurant August. I've heard such great things about John Besh and had to take the opportunity to dine at one of his restaurants while we were in new orleans. When I walked into a restaurant...it was as if I was transported back into time and instantly the movie "midnite in paris" popped into my head. The decor is very "old paris" and i loved the high ceilings and chandeliers. Service was amazing right from the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant. We came for lunch and we felt almost guilty for paying as little as we did for such an amazing meal! $20 for a 3 course lunch. You cant top this deal for the quality of food you get. (They really have the greatest deals on prefix menu lunches in nola!) It even came with a delicious amouse bouche of a seafood custard encased in a egg shell topped with cavier. It was so rich and buttery, but held the fresh earthy taste of seafood. Mmmmmm so yum. Even the desserts were delicious. And to top it off, we were left with a petite treats. I would definitely come back here.
(5)
MyMy C.
Excellent meal! I had the trout pontchartrain, which was a wonderful entree. Gnocchi was also great. We shared the goat cheese salad, breaded oysters, stuffed squash blossoms; all were good. Drinks and service were as expected for a high caliber restaurant. However, I did have massive heartburn that night from the rich (butter!) foods.
(5)
Abhishek G.
Verdict - beautiful restaurant, exciting food and great service. We went to Restaurant August on 4/19, party of three. The restaurant is beautiful, and as far as I could tell, well laid out - there are few "bad" tables. The service is impeccable - gracious and friendly, with a touch of Southern charm. Our server's recommendations hit the mark - the huitlacoche agnolotti (rabbit and agnolotti pasta) is a delightfully spiced, robust melange of flavors. The duckling was perfectly done - I prefer my meat a little on the rare side, and this was perfect for me. Others might prefer it spend a few extra minutes in the pan. The blackened foie gras was sublime. The radish, essential for their texture in this dish could have used more careful prep - they were rather unevenly cut, which made a couple of pieces unpleasantly hard. Still, that's nothing more than a nitpick and did not detract from an excellent entree. The only (tiny) issue I can think of, was with their vegetarian options. One of our party is vegetarian, and her grilled eggplant, while competently executed, wasn't nearly in the same class as the other entrees. Given the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets in the US, it might make sense for to spend more time and thought on high-quality vegetarian choices. Still, that minor issue isn't enough to cut any stars here - Restaurant August is a wonderful dining experience. I will happily return next time I'm in the Big Easy.
(5)
Asuka N.
For our last night in town, we decided to stick to a restaurant closer to where we were staying, so we came to Restaurant August (which was jam-packed with traffic outside trying to get to the All-Star Game). An ancillary note - I do wish that the dining room had a bit more protection from the outside air, as we got a whiff of cool winter air every time the door was opened (we were pretty much right at the front of the dining room). Our waitress was solid overall, if somewhat clinical in presenting the food and talking about the menu. In all, I'd say August carries itself a bit more formally than some of the other restaurants I visited while I was here. That said, the food here is also NOLA-inspired, but with some interesting inspirations for some of the dishes. The amuse-bouche was some kind of squash custard served in an egg - very cool and delicious, although I must admit that it was the first time I'd had a dish served in an egg that didn't have the egg as the main focus. For the appetizers, we both hit gold in our choices. The homemade gnocchi was phenomenally good, particularly because the combo of the always-fragrant black truffle and the delicious seafood broth, which was infused with the flavor of flaky crab bits. If you're looking for decadent, foie gras three ways is excellent. You effectively get two terrines (one is lined by German sponge cake, which was interesting but didn't move the needle much for me) and one dollop of mousse, which was quite a bit lighter but still maintained the rich flavor of the foie. I was not as big a fan of the main courses, but more because I felt that the chef was getting a bit too ambitious instead of the food tasting bad. I got the dirty rice with duck, which was taking a local dish and putting a bit of an Asian spin on it - the dirty rice was served with kimchi, and a good portion of the rice was crispy - generally a sign it was cooked in a clay or stone bowl of some kind. While the rice on its own was good, it was served with several slices of duck breast - also very good, as it was cooked just the right amount and showcased the smokiness of the meat. However, it was a bit strange to eat the two together, as they're disparate dishes. The same went for my fiancee, who got the breaded trout - it was also very good, with the perfect amount of crispness on the breadcrumbs, but serving it alongside shrimp and crab made it feel like a (very good) generic seafood plate. Dessert was also delicious; I went with the panna cotta, which tastes very good with the tiny bits of pecan and chocolate. My fiancee had the key lime 'pie', which maintains the bright flavor of the inspiration but without as much heaviness. I'd definitely come to August again, as I found just about everything to be delicious. My only real disappointment was the main dishes, which I thought tried to accomplish too much instead of focusing on executing portions of each as a dish unto itself. That aside, though, everything tasted great, and it's a great homage to local cuisine that leans more on NOLA's French heritage.
Restaurant August fulfilled two criteria on my food trip to NOLA. One was a request to dine at a John Besh establishment, also my first. The second to fit in a lunch special for a friend who is no less than a lunch special queen. And I admit this turned out to be the most outstanding lunch special I ever partook in, anywhere, as much a reflection of the quality of the restaurant as it was the value it represented. John Besh's flagship, August, is a refined, fine dining restaurant. Sitting in its airy dining room, framed by picturesque paned windows, one could imagine it was a parlor room of a Southern mansion. You may not need to dress up, but you may wish you did. Service is impeccable and assured. The lunch menu is short and focused. A trio of choices for each category of cold appetizers, hot appetizers, seafood entrees, and meat entrees, priced as expected for a restaurant of this caliber. And then there's the 3-course remarkable prix fixe for $20.12. The trend of having prix fixe menus priced in this fashion, with only an annual price hike of a cent to match the year, is prevalent enough. But at August? With the ambience, service, and complementary fresh baked bread, amuse bouche, and petit fours? An absolute steal. As we were a group of 5, we promptly ordered three prix fixe meals, effectively every choice in the menu, and supplemented from the regular menu. Cocktails from their stately bar were excellent, surprisingly so. As for the food, the details are irrelevant as it changes seasonally and they've likely moved on to newer things since my visit in late October 2012. But suffice to say we left very impressed. From plating, preparation, flavors, colors, and textures, the food was flawless all around. In our veritable parade of dishes, 15 tastes in all, only a handful were less than exceptional, which is to say they were merely good. But especially memorable was a fantastically tender braised short rib, a velvety acorn squash soup cut through with apple, silky smooth foie gras with good brioche, and lovely gougeres served for dessert wonderfully paired with warm gouda and apple compote. Restaurant August was one of the best dining experiences on my latest NOLA trip, and dinner here is a must-have experience for a future trip. But above all, for the overall quality of experience, its lunch special is a stunning deal.
(5)
Diana S.
John Besh, will you have my food baby?! Valerie G. found this absolute GEM in NOLA and made ressies for our girlie lunch during a weekend of debauchery that is Mardi Gras. We came for the prix fixe that is arguably better than most if not all of the lunch prix fixes I've had in NYC during restaurant week. I ordered the acorn squash soup, the pork belly and we split all three dessert options. They started us off with a truffle whipped custard amuse bouche served in a eggshell! Adorbs! All the girls ooohed and ahhed as they brought them out. The squash soup was hearty without being overbearingly heavy. They actually served me the fish rather than the pork belly and gave us the fish dish as a way of apologizing...needless to say it was all gone after the 5 of us girls got to it...even with our own entrees. The star of the meal is the pork belly. Holy crap was it crispy and melt in your mouth delicious. Definitely the best pork belly I've ever had. If you love yourself some pork, do yourself a favor and order this dish! For dessert the eclair is a savory cheese filled eclair that was a little toooo cheesy for me to be classified as a dessert. However if you usually like to order a cheese dish after your meal, this would be a solid choice for you. John Besh, please open a restaurant in NYC!!!
(5)
Christian S.
I thought the food here was good but not great for the price it commanded. I didn't care for the amuse bouche at all. The chopped salad was excellent, it was the perfect amount of vegetables and citrus, I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. We also really enjoyed the gnocchi, it was rich and delicious, I highly recommend ordering this dish. We also enjoyed the trout, it was perfectly cooked and was really delicious. Our server was a bit lack luster, he seemed a bit high brow and not very friendly. Perhaps he was trained this was because of the environment or because my girlfriend and I are in our 20's, but regardless I think he could have been more inviting. The restaurant itself is beautiful and the wine cellar is spectacular. This is certainly a delicious and romantic place to share a meal while in the big easy!
(4)
Jennie A.
Oh Restaurant August, I cannot possibly say enough wonderful things about August and Chef Besh. In addition to numerous amazing meals at August, attending many dinners, friends' receptions, etc here, my husband also proposed to me at August. Everything was amazing. The food, staff, everything. We had our rehearsal dinner at August and, of course, celebrated our first anniversary there. Everything I've ever asked of the staff at August has been done without a problem. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant and the staff behind it!
(5)
Sarah M.
Amazing! This is what fabulous restaurants should be. Went for lunch and everything was delightful-- drinks, gnocchi appetizer, trout pontchatrain, filet, and the banana pudding! Service was knowledgeable, affective, but not smothering. Loved the decor. One of my top 5 restaurants in the world!
(5)
Gillian H.
We booked an early evening reservation as we were bringing the four year old; they were very accommodating and I think we managed to get out of there before the date crowd showed up. They made her a separate dish of pasta and brought it out early, which was appreciated. My husband and I ordered a la carte off the degustation menu and were thrilled with our choices. Our waiters were attentive and friendly; we had two gentlemen who were working very well in tandem. The only thing we were underwhelmed with was the dessert .. We tried the banana pudding and goat cheesecake. We didn't love either one, but will definitely try some of the others on our next trip to August!
Great food experience in NOLA. We'd wanted to eat here for some time, and were very pleased to get a late seating during the '13 French Quarter Festival. Most patrons were dressed in their southern finery. We were a tad below that fine standard, but weren't alone and never felt out of place (no jacket, very casual version of business casual). We greatly appreciated the ambience - a relaxed, elegantly cozy yet open feel. Service was perfect. Great balance between anticipating our needs and giving us our space. There were many specials, and our waiter was artfully concise in explaining each one. The amuse is widely discussed. We liked it; setting up the not infrequent theme of deconstructed meals experienced the rest of the evening. The chilled pea soup was rich and vibrant. The potato gnocchi (with crab, truffle, and rich sauce) were worth the visit alone. We still talk about that simple yet wonderfully warm, delicate, and savory dish. The gumbo was outstanding as well - although took a back seat to the gnocchi. I'm a pork fiend - and ordered their Duroc pork trio. This is why the review is only four stars. Two of the pork entrees were awesome (... how can pork not be?). But, and I can't believe I'm about to type this, the belly was sub-ordinary. Rather than a hand grenade of fatty, savory flavor - the two small strips of pork belly on my plate were tough, chewy, and ... well, ... stood in stunning contrast to the rest of our meal. It detracted from an otherwise perfect meal. J. had the beef - which on this night was a filet - wonderfully prepared and bursting with flavor; exceptionally well marbled to the point it appeared to be Wagyu (but wasn't). Desserts - - we had the banana pudding (not at all what it sounds like), which J. kept to herself. Again with the deconstructed dish - but she was exceptionally happy with it. I had the Napoleon of Nougatine, also a dish served with distinctive components that could be mixed and matched as desired, with each standing well on it's own. The toffee ice cream alone was a strong dessert - yet here it was but a perfect complement to the chocolate and nougat on the plate. I suppose the pork belly was simply a message from the kitchen to eat something more in NOLA's wheelhouse. I'm willing to view it as a one-off problem and would eagerly book a reservation there again, and hope that happens before next April.
(4)
Kris A.
This review is based on a dinner party I attended upstairs. The atmosphere has a fancy feel. The food was delicious and exquisite yet in a basic way. The bathrooms were located on a another floor, no big deal. Only downfall-parking. No valet, you're on your own. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner one night so stay tuned ;)
(4)
Paige C.
What a surprisingly- and disappointingly- bad experience. We arrived at 8:00 to check and see if we were able to snag a table since we had been on a waiting list for a week- no such luck for the dining area but there was a table open in the bar where they serve the same menu- perfect we thought! NOT! This place definitely draws a mixed crowd. I literally saw a woman wearing a ratty old Hane's tshirt and a woman wearing a fur coat and cocktail dress sitting no less than two feet away from each other. Our service was down right appalling, which is all the worse when you consider how much money we spent on this meal. It may be that our waitress was just overwhelmed as she seemed to be the only one working in the bar area, but an apology would have been nice. She took about twenty minutes to get us one drink, we watched the bartender make them and our server walk by them no less than three times. Everyone was offered a complimentary amuse bouche (some sort of chestnut puree served in an egg cup-cute and tasty.) We then ordered the boar sausage and the truffle and crab gnocchi to start. The gnocchi was straight up AWESOME and is the only reason this place earned two stars instead of one. I can't report on the boar sausage because our waitress admitted she totally forgot to place the order. After waiting 45 for the apps to come out we were a little peeved that 50% of them didn't arrive. What's worse is our waitress just had this little dumb smile and laugh about the whole thing. Not even an offer to remedy the situation. Even Chili's at least offers to comp me a dessert! But here where you are easily spending a couple hundred dollars for a meal, I expect service to at least be accomadating if not exceptional. The entrees were just "eh." I had the shrimp stuffed flounder which tasted slightly better than catering food. The fish was dry and the shrimp were overly breaded. It kind of tasted like it had been sitting under a serving lamp. My husband had the venison which was moist and tender but nothing really stood out about it. We waited another twenty minutes for our desserts. We ordered the chess pie (mint and chocolate) and a couple of "Irish" coffees. We had completed finished the dessert when the waitress came back to our table once again sans coffees and with her little smirk and informed us it would be awhile more because the bartender couldn't find any Bailey's. Once again no apologies. We told her just to cancel the order becuase by now we had been there two hours. All in all it was just disappointing- especially because I had heard such rave reviews about this place. Bottom Line: Will not try this place again on my next trip. Way too much money was spent for the quality of the food and the service.
Beautiful dining rooms, and very professional service. I had the degustation menu with wine pairings (5-course prix fixe menu), and my wife had the Farmer's Market 4-course meal with wine pairings. I thought the wine was complimented by the food, though I wasn't estatic with the food selection. The crawfish & country ham salad in the first course used a ham that over powered everything else on the plate - including the wine. Another entree was a flat iron steak which was chewy. The duck was really good (and the pinot noir was off-the-chart); the desert was a chocolate chess pie with mint sorbet that was superb. My wife LOVED her meal including the wines. For what we paid I am a little disappointed, but am thrilled that my wife loved it so much. I think it is a meal worth experiencing, but I do not suggest the degustation menu. I would select the courses individualy and then have the sommelier make the wine recommedations to get the same experience. I probably would nto return the next time we're in NOLA since there are so man y other top notch paces to eat.
(4)
Howard L.
This is a classy, fine dining place, and great for an upscale business dinner. It was also classy enough for Christopher Plummer who happened to be in our dining room on this night. It was a pleasure listening to our server describe the dishes - he used flowery, colorful language, but you could tell he also really knew the courses, and it helped build our appetites too. Their signature gnocchi starter with blue crab and black truffle was sumptuous - small visually, but quite filling and satisfying. I also had their venison main course, medium rare - it was lean meat, but also melted in your mouth. The banana pudding was another delectable treat, and didn't look like anything you've ever seen before called banana pudding (see photo). I was a guest at this outing, but I do hope to return some day to this historic place for a special occasion. I didn't read up on Chef John Besh, but besides being a fine chef, I hear he is a local guy who really supported the locals during their tough times.
(5)
Sarah O.
The service is great. The food is okay not too special. The potions are amazingly small compare to the price but I guess this is what I have to pay for a fancy restaurant in downtown area. I guess the only thing I can complain here is about the prices
(3)
Cristina T.
Being the huge John Besh fan I am, I was overjoyed when we got a last minute reservation. I had tried a couple months prior with no luck. As soon as I walked in, I knew this restaurant was going to be one to remember. The interior is breathtaking, with a beautiful wine cellar upstairs. We were greeted with the amuse, which was served in a hollowed out egg. We placed orders for drinks as we perused the menu. Our server was quite knowledgeable, yet a little awkward. After we had placed our orders, my friends received their drinks. I waited for mine for about 30 minutes. When I mentioned it to the server she said they were "still working on it". I asked if I could cancel since we were going to split a bottle of wine instead and she unapologetically walked away. Despite my strange encounter, our first course was phenomenal. Our group of 4 split the foie gras that was more than enough for our group. It was served in 3 different preparations and I enjoyed each buttery bite that touched my lips. We also ordered the boar sausage which was my favorite because of its complex flavors. The potato gnocchi was also amazing. We also split our entrees and my hands-down favorite was the marrow crusted filet. It had to have been one of the best pieces of meat I have ever tasted. The venison was also unique and flavorful while the duck was the perfect combination of ingredients. We also ordered the flounder, which was perfectly cooked, but not my favorite of the meal. We ended our deal with some mini cream puffs and other misengardes(sp?). I think by the end of our 3 hour meal our server began to warm up to us. August is a once and a lifetime dining experience that I will never forget.
(4)
Sandy W.
The prix fixe lunch is an amazing deal, at 3 courses for $20.12. The meal is also accompanied by an amuse bouche in an eggshell (what's in it is different by the day), and followed by several one bite sweet treats with your check. I had the salad, Gulf sheepshead poele, and meyer lemon mousse. The salad was beautifully arranged, tasty, and well balanced. I enjoyed the poele, but thought it was heavy handed on the butter. The mousse was refreshing, but I didn't enjoy the candied cranberries and felt like the dish could have done without them. Another thing that I will mention is that my friend ordered the pate for her appetizer, and I thought it was such an inviting and beautifully plated dish. You get a huge hunk of pate and several different condiments/accompaniments. It is a lovely place to have a meal. I highly recommend trying it!
(5)
Leilane V.
What an absolute treat! The ambiance, the service, the creative spirit, the quality of the food....It just does not get any better than this! Wow!
(5)
Candice M.
People have ranted and raved about the food at this restaurant and I've been to a couple John Besh places. I refused to go anywhere else for my birthday. I was somewhat disappointed with the flavors of the food. I really was trying to love it and I didn't. Also, we were probably the youngest couple in the restaurant because of the menu prices a little awkward.
(3)
Jackie A.
Came here for my anniversary and had a great time. The atmosphere is nice and not as stuffy as I predicted. I had 2 amazing cocktails and a great glass of wine, I REALLY appreciate having a decent wine by the glass selection since my guy doesn't drink wine; definitely didn't expect that at such an upscale place. As for the food: the gnocci and the oysters were amazing- some of the most tasty dishes I've had. As was our desert - the banana pudding. Our entrees were good, but not mind blowing. I tried both the duck and the filet and was a little underwhelmed. Four stars because I really really enjoyed the experience - my appetizers, drinks, and desserts were outstanding. I must go back and try the lunch special some time.
(4)
Jorge L.
Had a reservation at 9:45 so we couldn't resist and had oysters again at Felix around 6pm. We got to restaurant august a little early but they were able to sit us immediately and everyone was super nice. We decided to have a light dinner and shared the crab and burrata tart which was creamy, sweet and salty because of the fish roe on top. I had the octopus appetizer as my main dish and it was one of the best cooked octopus I have had. My wife had the gnocchi with shaved black truffle and crab also an appetizer as a main dish, she said they were very good and the waitress mentioned they were one of the best dishes on the menu. The restaurant is elegant and classic without being stuffy or pretentious. The food was great and totally worth the visit.
(4)
Chris D.
Restaurant August was a breath of fresh air. Beautifully decorated, great service, not stuffy but not informal and of course the food was absolutely incredible. My girlfriend and I split the appetizer; potato gnocchi with blue crab and truffle. It was hot and perfectly seasoned. For entrees we shared the pho and the trout with wild mushroons, crab and hollandaise. Amazing. Savored every single bite. For dessert we had the chocolate napoleon with salted toffee ice cream: another homerun. Afterwards, they took us back to the kitchen and the kitchen crew gave us a standing ovation. I haven't had a better meal or experience in quite a long time. Will return when I come back to NO. Food : A+ Service : A+ Ambience : A Cleanliness : A Value : A Go here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
John S.
I was in town on business, and so I ate here alone. While the rest of the conference attendees were tucking into a steak, I sat at my table at August, and was served brilliant food by attentive staff. From ambiance to ingredients to preparation, Restaurant August succeeded on all points. I started with an amuse-bouche (custard and foam served in an egg shell) that was so well-balanced and savory that I actually audibly exhaled after the first bite. My main course was a trio of pork - a brilliant sausage, a magnificently tender shoulder and a ravioli filled with (I believe) pork cheek. All three were excellent, and sat well together both on the plate and in my stomach. I finished my meal with a goat cheese cheesecake that was strongly goaty, but still delicately composed. Overall, it was a magnificent meal - maybe one of the finest I've ever eaten. If only I got my company to pay for it.
(5)
Erica L.
Nice ambience, great service, delicious food. This place reminds me of somewhere you'd find in SF - it's prob the French cuisine and therefore it's much more "foo foo" and upscale w/ a modern feel than what you'd expect in New Orleans. Despite the small portions, we had a great meal, which included: -french bread - you expect any French restaurant to have bomb ass bread and butter, and Restaurant August did not disappoint -chop salad - a various mix of vegetables vs. leafy greens. beautiful presentation and absolutely delicious and super fresh (This dish was very San Franciscan to me; tasted very "farm to table" as if the ingredients were picked outside in a garden that day) -blue crab gnocchi - solid, but i prefer my gnocchi to be more dense than pillowy/light as these were. The blue crab and the sauce were fantastic, though. -duck - BOMB.COM. wish it were double in size but this was amaaaaazing and prob some of the best duck I've ever had. The flavors were perfect, and the duck breast perfectly cooked -my BF got the venison, which was solid but not as good as the duck (but a bigger portion). -dessert - we didn't get anything from the dessert menu but they gave us complimentary dessert bites (a strawberry jelly and lemon custard tart - both excellent) Highly recommended, but don't come starving if one of your goals is to leave stuffed (or just order more than us).
(4)
Kevin B.
Super fancy dining, this is the type of place where you pull out your phone to google words on the menu. I got the steak and it was awesome. Also the blue crab gnocchi is crazy good. We had a gift card for $150 and we got there real quick just the two of us. Pricey, but real good.
(4)
A K.
I was really excited to go to August for dinner during a recent trip to New Orleans with my sister because I'd heard great things and I'm also a big John Besh fan (because of the Top Chef New Orleans season). Unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed and unimpressed. The best part of the meal was the starter - I ordered the gnocchi and it was pretty delicious. After this, however, things went downhill. For my main course I got the dirty rice and duck, but I found this to be too salty and the flavoring on the rice was overwhelming. I couldn't finish the dish. For dessert I got the banana pudding and it was... well, fine for banana pudding, but nothing special. Aside from the food being average, the most disappointing part of the meal was the service. The maitre d' was so condescending and rude to my sister and I (perhaps because we looked young?) and we felt that he did not take the time to fully explain the menu to us. Later we heard him telling the table next door that they could order individual dishes off the tasting menu, which he did not tell us and which would have changed what we ended up ordering. It seemed as though he was rushing us through the entire dinner and it made for a very unpleasant experience. New Orleans is full of amazing food and restaurant choices and it can be difficult to fit in all the meals you want into the days you have. Because of that, I wish we hadn't wasted a meal on August - we ended up paying a lot for bad service and mediocre food.
(2)
Michael B.
Best restaurant in NOLA. Hands down. The three key dimensions of service, ambiance and food were all sheer perfection. No aspect is overlooked here. Service - Just enough attention and care without it feeling too intrusive or stuffy. Ambiance - I woudl assume that it's typically quieter here normally, but we were here during Final Four weekend, so a lot of roudy fans who have been drinking all day. Great decor though, very inviting and yet elegant atmosphere. Food - Phenomenal. The gnocchi, duck and stuffed trout were unbelievable! Also had the goat cheese cake and deconstructed bread pudding. Everything was prepared masterfully. The combinations of flavors, the quality of the ingredients, the attentiveness to each item on the plate made each dish simply outstanding. Loved, loved, loved this place.
(5)
Sasha B.
Everything at this restaurant is top notch - the food, the service and the atmosphere. While making a lunch reservation, the woman on the phone informed me that they were doing a 3-course lunch for $20.13, to celebrate the end of the year. What an amazing idea, and what an incredible deal! The food was spectacular and the service was classy and very professional. And at the end of the meal they presented us (and everyone else in the restaurant) with a small box containing two truffles!
(5)
Libby V.
Dear John, We saved the best for last, didn't we? It's not that we didn't try before...only to be told you don't serve lunch on Sunday, and don't have happy hour on Monday (or any day for that matter). Bummer. But that didn't turn me of f... quite the opposite. It only made me long for you that much more. I'm not a woman who takes no for an answer. Thursday for lunch it is. We put on our finest...hubby complaining all the way. (We've established he's jealious of our relationship). So happy to finally to be here. First was an amuse bouche. Seafood Custard in an egg shell. yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… Beautiful...but hubby wasn't sure. I asked if it had shell fish in it (he has an allergy), and they assured me it didn't. But waiter came over to inquire about the question so they could take extra precaution. Nice - typical of the extra attention here. We both tasted it. He passed, I was unsure as it tasted of foam (not my favorite.) I didn't give up, and the further down I got the more custard texture and delicious it was. Ate mine and hubby's. i started with a salad of grilled Chilton peaches, aceto balsamico, basil pesto, bacon crisp and whipped ricotta. To say these flavors "work" is an understatement. Just the right amount of foreplay...I was so ready for the encore. Hubby had the market vegetable chop salad with petite herbs and champaigne vinigrette. The market vegetables were plentiful that day...there was everything but the kitchen sink in this salad. Even though he thought the restaurant was "fancy smancy" he couldn't keep the joy off his face while eating this. Life is good! On to the entrees. Hubby had cast iron roast short ribs, and they had black eyes peas with them. He loves black eyed peas. I love it when he's happy. I had blanquette de veau (veal), creole cream cheese malfatti, agrodolce mustard greens, tomato confit. They put this in front of me, and I inhaled it so fast I forgot to take the picture. yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… (That's why the photo is an empty bowl). If there was a top ten list of things I ever put in my mouth, these dumplings would be #1. I can't even find the words to describe them...heavenly, melt-in your mouth, critron flavored, light, explosion in your mouth flavor...take your pick. All true. These are new on the menu. PLEASE KEEP THEM. As if I wasn't sated, dessert started with coffee. OMG. Even this is an event - not just a cup of coffee...it comes in a silver pot that is pressed, sugar cubes with silver tongs and creamer. yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… And dessert. You didn't think I would leave without dessert, did you? Milk Chocolate peanut butter croquant with salted carmel and McEwen's buttered popcorn ice cream. Who is McEwen? You're not cheating on me are you? yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… If you were, I could forgive you for this finale. Hubby and I savored every bite, smiling at one another along the way. And last, but not least, a plate of peanut brittle and chocolates. Perfect finish to a peerfect meal. Color me happy:) Just when I think you can't outdo yourself, you manage to surprise me yet again. It's no wonder I can't stay away...who could? Oh yes, I'll be back...you can count on it. Love, Libby PS - Hubby's favorite Besh Restaurant is Besh Steakhouse, mine is August. Just so you know.
(5)
Jenny M.
I have dreams about this place. I ate here with friends years ago, after visiting Nola for French Quarter Festival. It's beautiful. The food is an experience for all of the senses. The wait staff is attentive and anticipates your every possible need. I want to go to New Orleans again and have my "big budget blow out dinner" here, again. I think it actually made me taller and smarter too.
(5)
Vanessa B.
In town for one night, I decided to check out Restaurant August after reading many people's favorable reviews online. It was delicious! I started with the crab gnocchi with a little bit of truffle - it truly was heaven. I have never had gnocchi as light and fluffy as this, it made me feel like I had never truly had gnocchi until now. I decided to order the snapper for my main course and it was definitely good, very crispy delicious skin, perfectly cooked, but I wasn't amazed. I really wanted the tuna that was on the degustation menu, and it is my fault for not asking if you could order dishes from the menu a la carte, but after I ordered the snapper my server told the party next to me they could order a la carte off of it. I was kind of bummed, but again it was mostly my fault for not asking. I was really impressed with the drinks here and loved the bartender. She made me a fantastic daiquiri and an even better martini (it is called August refresher on the menu). I would definitely go back here, especially now that I know you can order items off of the degustation menu without getting the whole thing!
(4)
Anna H.
I am starting to think my expectations are too high after reading the other reviews here, but to be fair I did give August two tries before I wrote this review. I had the tasting menu paired with wines both times. The first time was during Mardi Gras, so I wrote that off as bad experience during a busy tourist time. I then went back when they weren't as busy. The food was not exceptional and neither was the service. The one exception was the sommelier. I met her the second time. I don't mind paying for a good meal and a great experience, but I really dislike a subpar experience at an establishment that is known for using local, fresh ingredients and during my visits the ingredients were not fresh. Both times August was a huge disappointed. The upside, both times I was able to get same day reservations. So perhaps I hit them at bad times.
(1)
Logan J.
I just finished my second meal at a John Besh restaurant today. The first was American Sector, the second was here, August. The first meal was fantastic. The second one, at August, not so much. The food averaged 4/5. The free homemade sourdough and local butter was okay. The bread was no better than the par-baked loaves you can get at decent grocery stores. Our starters were good. Quite good actually. Our 1st courses were both pretty tasty, even if the fish wasn't the freshest I've ever had. Our entrees were both excellent, on par with some of the best places I've eaten at anywhere. The dessert was mediocre. All in all, the food did not disappoint, even if it didn't dazzle. One of our servers, a young lady, was fantastic. Charming, funny, prompt but not in the way; everything I want in a wait person. The male server was okay. If the above was the full story, the review would be a high four. BUT... As we started on our appetizers a table of ten was seated next to us and from the moment they walked in to the room until the moment we walked out, the only thing we could focus on was their obnoxiously loud story-telling, their horrid, hyena-like laughing and their awfully cliche fist pumping and chants of "Winning!", which in fact, they were not. Why the hell were they not asked to be quiet or leave? When you pay $$$ for dinner, are you not paying for the atmosphere? Does a table full of apes and hyenas not ruin everyone's dinner? We heard some waiters talking about them but no one did anything about it. Get some balls August. Save the dinners of your 100 other patrons by taking away the dinner privileges of the problem ten.
(3)
Nate S.
My girlfriend and I had a spectacular dinner here a few months ago, one of the most memorable meals of our lives. Spring onion soup w/ bacon and a fresh egg was our favorite, but there were many great courses. Our waiter constantly refilled our accompanying wines. Very generous, I had never seen this done with a prix fixe wine pairing before. At the end of the meal we were among the last diners in the restaurant. Our waiter said the pastry chef was working on some new things she wanted us to try. He brought out four different desserts to cap the night. A tremendous, magical meal. Went back recently for the $20 prix fixe lunch. This is really an exceptional value, three courses at one of the best restaurants in the city for a very reasonable price. One nitpick: the amuse bouche was the same both times, a seafood custard in an egg shell. Not my favorite and, in any case, time to switch it up! Go for dinner for a transcendent experience, or for lunch for an outstanding value. Either way you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Shuo H.
This place is actually 3 1/2 for me. I need to stop having high expectations... maybe I'll enjoy my food more if I'm not in a certain mindset before I even eat anything :T I took my bf here for his birthday, and we found the food to be a little underwhelming, sadly to say; not that it was bad, oh no, far from that, but just not the best thing we ever ate. I had the gnocchi appetizer, which was very good, but rich. He had a seasonal salad [which one you ask? he doesn't remember :x haha fail), and it was OK in his book. For the entree, I had the breaded trout, which was really good, but again, very rich. He had the duck, which was amazing actually [so this would be what I recommend to other people]; I asked my bf what was in it again, and he simply said "duck stacked on top of magic" haha... For dessert, we shared the chocolate tart, which again, was good, but not great. Really random, but I liked our waiter's glasses haha.
(3)
John M.
Great food. Good ambiance. Wait staff efficient but decidedly distant. I could have given this restaurant a 5 were it not for the lack of joie de vivre of the wait staff.
(4)
Shannon S.
I've eaten lunch, dinner, and been to some special events at August. I've certainly had some 5 star meals but on average I would say the experience is typically a 4 star for me. The food has generally been very good with the portion size a bit lacking for the price at times. Service has always been outstanding and I've always felt very well taken care of here. The most interesting experience I ever had here was for a special lunch with the featured speaker being none other than that ass clown recovery czar, Ed Blakely. This was very early in the Katrina recovery process and Ed explained to us his main plan for our recovery was centered on the fact that he was a vegetarian and people in New Orleans didn't eat enough vegetables so he believed our recovery should focus on building more green groceries in every neighborhood and riding our bicycles more. At that time he was certainly putting the cart before the horse and I think we had a lot more pressing problems to focus on, like repairing basic services and infrastructure, so that probably explains why he was such a dismal failure. Lunch has seemed to be a pretty simple affair and not at all crowded like some other well known venues in the city. There also never seem to be any great drink specials like other places offer during lunch so generally I wouldn't really recommend this as a "fun" lunch spot but they do have a GREAT value with a $20 lunch special but I think to get the full experience dinner is my preferred meal here.
(4)
Patrick B.
Monkey Bread!
(5)
Susan S.
One of the best meals I have ever eaten. Atmosphere. Price. Presentation. Taste. We had prix fixe lunch today, a bargain at $20.12. The amuse Bouche, beautiful subtle flavors. Every course perfection to behold and to eat. As good as any meal I've had in NY, SF or inn at Little Washington. Only complaint: my friend's 3 cups of hot tea cost as much as her meal!
(5)
K B.
OK here we go, if you look at my- who am i, you will understand me when i say i have been their and done that, that would be a good assumption based on my back ground, a lot of gobbly gook to get here, so be patient have some understanding, but the following is a true and a real experience. Everything was going well when we showed up for our 5:30pm reservation. After ordering one bottle of Kosta-Browne pinot at the bar before dinner, plus a "301" for my girl friend, waiting for our table and having an "attitude adjustment hour* before dinner. Then we were informed our table was ready and were seated by the hoatess. The Appetizers were good, pate and oysters after ordering another bottle of Kosta-Browne Pinot, our entrees were served, duck for my son, trout for my girl friend, and grouper for me the big dog. The duck was good according to my Son, and the trout was acceptable as expressed by my girl friend. As for the grouper plain and simple it was so damn salty, I could not choke it down, after two bites. I took two bites because I could not believe my taste buds on the first bite hence two bites. enough said.
(2)
Ellen C.
My companion (a vegetarian) and I (vegan) dined here on my birthday a few weeks ago. I know you're thinking, "Vegans can't dine at finer establishments, pffffttt! What's wrong with you?!" but ohhh au contraire - I thoroughly enjoyed my Restaurant August experience! I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty of the particulars of my dinner because I'm assuming John Besh and his kitchen staff just randomly conjured up creations accommodating our dietary restrictions (I did take some awful photos if you care to look), but it was all rather inventive and delicious. Heck, I am not so sure I completely believe most of my food was vegan because a couple things had a rather creamy consistency, but maybe they were well-versed in the ways of vegan cooking? My companion received a different item from me every course, that was vegetarian, and possibly tastier since it permitted more food options/variety - his food was definitely more attractive, I can say . . . ha ha. Nonetheless I really enjoyed my meal - it was all quite delicious and flavorful. The pairing of wines with each course was fantastic and perfect. I can't recall any other time I've enjoyed a dinner with each course accompanied by a complementary wine. If you have to excuse yourself to attend to um, nature, be sure to note the wine chiller nearby the restrooms - the wines are stored at their meticulous temperatures - some only two degrees apart . . . Restaurant August wine = srs business. Of course, unsurprisingly, the service was impeccable with a place of this caliber. No complaints there. The interior was very elegant as expected and the crowd consisted of older, well-dressed diners - this is definitely not a place to tow along unruly loud children . . . So really, this was a lovely experience, one of the loveliest birthday meals ever . . . five stars well deserved.
(5)
Dan M.
There is a reason that New Orleans is considered the food capital of America.....this is it. If I could give August more than five stars I certainly would. My experience was outstanding from the minute I entered and was presented with an amuse bouche, until I sipped the last drop of moscato and ate the final piece of chocolate chess pie. I was extremely excited to try a John Besh restaurant and knew I had to seize this opportunity when I was in town. First off, I loved the entire atmosphere of this place. It possessed all the old world charm I envision when thinking of classic southern architecture, specifically in New Orleans. It had the feeling of classic southern hospitality embedded with just enough touches of modernity to remind you, that you are seated in a five star restaurant. When going to place such as this I almost feel it a disservice to not try the tasting menu so of course we had the degustation with pairings. The first course was literally one of the best things I've had in my life. In fact I speak so highly of this course I think my family and friends are sick of hearing of it. For being a simple salad it was anything but simple. It was composed of watermelon, smoked lamb bacon, fried peppers and a herbed yogurt sauce. The richness of bacon against the sweetness of the watermelon and tempering of yogurt sauce were the very definition of the characteristic the great Geoffrey Zakarian describes so aptly as "balance". The entire course of the meal was augmented with some of the best service I have ever received. We essentially had an army at our beck and call which was of course not necessary as they anticipated our needs with an almost clairvoyant perception. I can't say enough great things about this restaurant, my only critique is that I came here first which left all other venues under the strong shadow of John Besh.
(5)
Kim-Thao H.
I went to Restaurant August last night for the first time because of the $35 dinner special for We Live To Eat Restaurant Week. I expected A LOT from this place since I've heard so much about it. For my cold app, I got the fromage de tete, which was very different...in a good way. The flavors worked so well with each other and I loved the cherry mustard it came with. For my hot app, I got the sheepshead, which tasted wonderful with the sauce and the greens. As my entree, I got the lamb ravioli , which was so full of flavors! I loved it! My boyfriend got the duckling and I had a small bite and really wished it was my entree! Hahaha. It was fantastic! The only thing I did not like so much was my dessert. It was a peanut butter and chocolate croquant (fancy for candy car) with salted caramel ice cream and caramel popcorn. In my head I'm just like,"Really??! I could make this at home!" It was like they decided to go to a grocery store to pick out a bunch of stuff to create a new dessert. For a dessert lover like me, it was such a huge disappointment. I really wish my dinner didn't end on that bad note. Other than that, everything from the service to the ambience was just splendid! I wish I was able to afford more meals like this more often. Hopefully I could catch the $20 Prix Fixe lunch one day. I'm really interested in trying the pate and the gnocci that I've heard so much about!
(4)
Mona F.
The food was unique and impeccably served. We had a group of seven with everyone having a different appetizer, different entree and different dessert. Even with one person having numerous allergies and intolerances, nobody missed a step. In addition, it was nice to be able to take advantage of any pri-fixe offerings without ordering the pre-fixe menu. We can begin with our server. She was fantastic, let's say amazing... She ran a tight ship catching the one potential allergy issue. She knew more about the menu than any server I've ever had in any other restaurant. If you can only eat in one restaurant in New Orleans and you are not looking for an "oyster house" this is it but I highly recommend that you make a reservation in advance. The atmosphere is elegant without being pretentious. This is definitely fine dining at its best!!!!
(5)
Angelika R.
Amazing food and service, traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, but neither too trendy or too stuffy. Impeccable service.
(5)
Laura B.
Great food always has been.. Unfortunately if you have dietary restrictions is not the place to go as they will not accommodate. I suggest Chef Bash move with the times and consider people do have allergies specially in a world of gluten free. My husband truly enjoy his meal.
(3)
Dennis D.
Best meal in years. Great ambiance, great service, and even better food. Even though the place it quite formal, it still manages to be cozy and comfortable. My lesser half had foie gras three ways (OMG), and I had sweetbread and crawfish angliotti (best sweetbreads EVER). Outstanding duck entree. Killer dessert (kind of a deconstructed banana pudding). A do-not-miss.
(5)
Jae Z.
Sometimes I relish in being a contrarian, but in this instance, I almost regret my dissatisfaction. August was the one thing I had to do according to Peter D, Brooklyn's Finest in Nola recs. I don't do it intentionally or ostentatiously for the sake of being different and against the grain. In a short summary, the food was average, and the overall experience was brought down by the subpar, I mean, shockingly subpar service considering the class of venue this is purported to be. I arrived at 1pm, excited, wearing a fly ass dress for lunch with my boo. I was greeted by a plain blond in a faux Pucci printed shirt in cheap, so naturally I assumed the guy in a white button down was the actual host. It turns out he was a busboy. No, I wasn't drunk yet. I just don't read clothing signals the same way. We were then greeted by our waiter who presented us with menus and asked if we wanted wine or cocktails to go with our lunch. We did. He returned with an extensive wine list, but no cocktail menu. It wasn't until he came back to speak to us about drinks did we even have a chance to ask for this menu. I started with August's "old-fashion" which included blood orange and vanilla bourbon. I don't know why I thought this was a good interpretation, because in hindsight, vanilla bourbon is a terrible idea. He had the Hemingway, which was rather refreshing, ok, we were off on a decent note. The baguettes seemed a bit under baked, or do we just like bread albino down here? In any case, I began with an heirloom tomatoes salad as appetizer - as the tomato festival was to take place that weekend. It was a little delicious. I say a little, because the salad consisted of 4 cubes of fresh tomatoes, 4 leaves of greens, 2 cubes of watermelon, and 2 cubes of cantaloupe. The cubes were the size of standard dice. I did the prix fixe lunch menu. He had a blue crab, truffles gnocchi, infinitely fancier options from the a la carte menu. Blue crab is the business. I liked this dish a lot, but the gnocchi had no bite at all, it was way too mushy. It was over before my tongue even registered its existence. Uh huh, that's what she said. My main was brandade de morue ravioli? First of all, I always thought that brandade de morue was more of an appetizer, but I guess since it's in ravioli, we can call the 4 pieces of baby ravioli a meal. In any context, it was good if a little bland. His short ribs and mixed veggies salad combo was average. Short ribs just aren't the business. Finally for dessert, I got some peanut butter chocolate crispies with "buttered popcorn" ice cream. Took two bites and left it mostly untouched. At this point, we'd been tended to twice by our waiter and not more by the busboys, by contrast, our neighbors, a group of older ladies pretty much had a personal waiter table side from the start to the finish of their meal. Finally, the waiter came around and asked if we enjoyed dessert, consider the miniscule portions, it wasn't uneatened because we were full, don't you think? I don't think at this point, we should've had to outright say, no, this sucked. No, I think for us to say, no, it wasn't what we were expecting, he should've insisted on getting us a replacement to try to salvage the meal. This isn't some random place where any order is a gamble. I really feel like August took advantage of its fame and acclaim too much.
(2)
Katie L.
As soon as I was aware my work was sending me to New Orleans for several days, I knew I had to book a reservation at one of John Besh's restaurants, stat. After a little research, it seemed that Restaurant August was supposed to be the best of the batch. My husband and I booked for a 7 p.m. dinner on a recent Saturday night. The ambiance was right, tables were wonderfully spaced, and the vibe was intimate and quiet, but not stuffy. But we couldn't wait for the amazing food, or so we thought. We split the potato gnocchi with blue crab and truffle appetizer and were off to an excellent start. Our waiter informed us after eating that it was featured on the Food Network show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." I'm reasonably certain it wasn't the best thing I've ever eaten, but I'm positive it was the best thing I ate at Restaurant August that night. We also each ordered an organic greens salad, which came with blue cheese, pumpkin seed brittle and a pumpkin seed oil viniagrette. I enjoyed the combination of flavors in the dish, but felt that the pumpkin seed brittle served more as a distraction than delightful component of the dish. The brittle seemed to interrupt me whenever I got into the groove of eating the salad, not to mention that it didn't stay on the fork or come off the plate with ease. For the entree, I ordered the pork three ways. I loved the textures of my dishes, especially the ravioli parts, but the flavors didn't sing. You could tell a lot of technique went into it, but it wasn't amazing. For dessert, we split the goat's milk cheesecake. It was good, but not great, and had unique flavors. It, coupled with the small complimentary assortment of mini-pralines and truffles, tied the meal on a higher note. The service at Restaurant August was quite good, as were the small touches, like the amuse bouche and mini-dessert sampler. We also were thrilled with the beer we selected, the Southern Pecan from Lazy Magnolia Brewery. All in all, we found the food to be gorgeously executed, but underwhelming on taste. For as much money as we shelled out for the meal, we had hoped we'd enjoy one of the best meals of our trip. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver.
(3)
Peter D.
I feel obligated to update my review of August, as their lunch prix-fixe deserves one of the most emphatic five stars I have ever given. Without question, every meal I have eaten at August has been outstanding, with more than a few mind-blowing moments. I don't plan on describing particular plates, as the menu changes often; suffice is to say that each dish is beautifully plated, thoughtfully composed, and impeccably executed. And as expected, such truly fine dining is accompanied by a hefty price tag. During the week however, they offer three courses at lunch for a mere $20.11.* I cannot stress what an absolutely ABSURD value this is.** In addition to a well-portioned appetizer, entree and dessert of some of the best food you've ever eaten, you will be treated to an amazing amuse bouche, excellent bread, and an all-around world-class dining experience, as the service is perfect. As far as I am aware, you cannot eat like this, for that much money, anywhere else. Do yourself an enormous favor, and go book a table for a weekday lunch now, before they realize that we are basically stealing from them at this price point. It's craziness, and I'm betting it won't last forever. Seriously, what the hell are you still doing here. __________ *The price increases by a cent along with the year. **If you don't believe me, walk around the corner and drop $18.99 on a crappy plate of fried shrimp and fries.
(5)
Siv L.
As other reviews have said, this place is fantastic. Luckily, my large party of 10 was able to get a reservation for a 9:30PM dinner although we had called that same evening around 6PM to make the rezzie. It was very refreshing to see such a classy well decorated place in New Orleans after being ambushed on Bourbon Street! Our server wasn't too friendly but the food was so great that I didn't mind. We started with warm delicious bread. We each received a complimentary truffled seafood custard with caviar served in a little egg shell. It was too soft of a texture for me to love but it was pretty good. For my appetizer, I ordered the pork belly with oysters. It was sooo delicious. I ate it all up. For my entree, I ordered the sugar and spice duckling with duck foie gras. It was so delicious, I loved every bite. One of the best duck dishes I've ever had. I didn't have room for dessert but our table was served a complimentary array of bite-sized desserts. Everything was so delicious, so glad that we were fortunate enough to get a reservation!
I have absolutely NO hesitation giving this restaurant a solid 5 stars! Before going to New Orleans, I did my research of places to eat. Seeing that this restaurant is 4.5 stars, it is a must try on my list. What a pleasant surprise when we found out they have a lunch special: $20.11 for 3 course meal!! :O The service was FLAWLESS, we felt like royalty. The food was A-MAZ-ING. Besides the 3 courses that we picked, we also got complimentary egg custard with caviar before our meal and chocolate truffle after our meal. Hands down, best bang for my buck! If I ever go back to NOLA, this is the first restaurant I'll revisit. This will also be the first restaurant I recommend to anyone going to NOLA. And pleaseeeeeeeeeee, take advantage of their lunch special, you will not regret it :)
(5)
Alexa X.
I had a splendid dining experience here. It's another John Besh restaurant. The cuisine is more like modern/contemporary, but definitely not edgy. Very classy ambiance and fast service.
(5)
Shamik T.
Ate in the bar area, and got a table surprisingly fast. Really great food. I wanted to risotto as a main course, and it was no problem. Caramelized Brussel sprouts were fantastic addition. Nice wine list, great bread and locally sourced butter. Service was top notch.
(4)
Patrick H.
A sublime dining experience. We brought our three children, and they were extremely accommodating. Wine pairings with the tasting menu were superb.
(5)
Sheri G.
I *really* wanted to like August more than I did. I think Chef Besh is pretty darn creative. The biggest reason for my slight disappointment: the service. Our waiter was standoffish and unhelpful. I don't think the man smiled once or even looked us in the eye. This would not have been such a big deal, except for the fact that he gave the table next to us (a couple of similar age who were much less dressed up than us) absolutely stellar service. See, they knew one of the managers or something (we could hear the entire conversation), so the waiter was kissing their ass all night, giving detailed suggestions about the menu, offering to split dishes for them onto 2 separate plates, and giving them free drinks. And his sour face turned all smiley and fun and happy while talking to them. Screw you, buddy. I don't want free stuff, but you need to offer the same level of service to everyone in a restaurant of this caliber. Anyway.... The kitchen sent out a amuse-bouche on the house which was really tasty - I believe it was a fish mouse with caviar that came in an eggshell. We didn't opt for one of the tasting menus, because there's only so much food you can eat and this was day 4 of our culinary adventures. I did get to try a new food for the first time as part of my appetizer - hen's comb (called a crete in French). I'd imagine it was a little like chewing on an earlobe, which is not as bad as you'd imagine, just a little cartilage-like. The popcorn rice in the dish was amazing though. My husband had the oysters prepared 3 ways and he was really happy with it. I tried each one too - they were great, especially the bacon and artichoke one. I had the truffle crusted flounder with Jerusalem artichokes and crab. It was good, but I can't remember it as well as other meals I had in NOLA. Maybe that's because we were miffed about our waiter. Or perhaps it's because we were deep in conversation and didn't pay as close attention to our meal. We skipped dessert in lieu of more drinking around town. I'm hoping our experience doesn't reflect the whole of the restaurant. I'd like an August do-over.
(3)
Jeremy M.
Absolutely everything we had there was fantastic. We started off with the crab tart, fried oysters, and gnocchi with trout. Each item was fantastic and just thinking about the oysters with the fig and mushroom sauce makes my mouth water. The fish entrees were amazing and we ended up getting 5 of the deserts to share. The fig desert was our least favorite but it was still pretty good. It had some tough competition (banana foster, and a deconstructed velvet among others). We liked it so much we almost went back the next night. In addition the service was prompt and out waitress was very friendly. When we come back to New Orleans we are definitely going to visit August again.
(5)
Logan L.
This is a fine dining experience; the wine list is great, the food choices are interesting, and the service is exceptional. I had amuse bouche to start. It was fluffy and light. Fantastic, perfect dish. Then I had crispy fried oysters in a roasted red pepper aioli. I cannot say enough about this dish. The oysters were fried perfectly to a golden crunch, and the sauce had the perfect amount of heat. This was my favorite dish of the night. I then had the mahi with crawfish tails atop sunchoke puree. It was delicious, but i regret not getting something a little bolder after the fried oysters (like the bone marrow or a filet). The fish was cooked perfectly. Overall I would say this lives up to the other Besh joints out there; as close to perfection as it can get without being overly proud of itself.
(4)
Stephen S.
WOW. I'd say the FOOD at this restaurant simply can't be beat. It was extraordinary. I had their two signature aps that seeminly remain fixed on the menu: Heirloom Beet Salad and Potato Gnocchi with Blue Crab. Both included crab. Both were undeniably outstanding masterpieces. HEIRLOOM BEET SALAD: First off: I'm a total BEET WHORE. I love beets, so much. So, keep that in perspective when I lightly criticise that it was a little sparse in the beet category. Quite frankly, it was inappropriately named; it really should have been called a crab salad (given the proportion of crab to beets). But the crab was so fresh and so delicious and the combination of those sweet roasted beets with crab meat, cherry wood bacon, mizuna and quail eggs was simply a creative culinary work of art. Top that with those savory black-eyed pea croutons and OMFG! It was like an orgy on your tongue. The POTATO GNOCCHI will likely leave you with your face in the bowl. Hand-made potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and Perigold truffle in a savory sauce. YUM. YUM. YUMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm. Ambiance was beautiful and stunning. The bar is quite cozy (only a very limited number of seats). The only criticism: I would not give the service at the bar 5 stars. The young lady working there was cute as a button and very nice. But, she really had no clue when it came to the wine or their exemplary bourbon collection. All she could do was hand off a menu with a smile. Given the bartending talent and experience that's in this great city, they need to step that up a bit. In a restaurant of this fine caliber, that is unacceptable. This definitely makes me want to try another John Besh creation.
(5)
Jeremy B.
New Orleans Fine Dining at it's best!!!! Refined food with the great flavors of New Orleans. Great service and ambiance. Upscale & fun at the same time. A really special Restaurant!
(5)
Chrissy G.
YES! Go here. Get the pansotti if it's still on the menu. I almost licked my plate. Great atmosphere, stellar service and all that great stuff.
(5)
J R.
One of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME! The food is amazing. Everything on the menu is delightful. A must to anyone who travels to New Orleans. Service is spectacular and a very reasonably priced menu for what you get. You won't be disappointed. If you could only pick on restaurant in NOLA to go to, this is it!! Every time we're in NOLA this is always on the list.
(5)
Katy H.
Tasting menu with wine pairings. Get it. I swear on my unborn children you won't regret it. August has become the restaurant experience by which all are now compared. It's THAT good!
(5)
Doris D.
We had a fabulous lunch at August. Both food and service was excellent. We will surely go back for their dinner if opportunity arises. You can't beat the prix fixe lunch menu priced at 20.11. I love their pork belly entree and our dessert with fig and brown sugar crust topped with bourbon ice cream was so good that my toddler and I 'polished' the plate:) We tried the potatoes gnocchi too, and it was so creamy and melted in your mouth. Best gnocchi I'd ever had. You need to order this gnocchi dish if you go to August. Chef John Besh is building a culinary empire in LA and he exceeded my expectation as a celebrity chef and indeed a master chef.
(5)
Jinyoung P.
Oh, August. How I love this place. This was my introduction to John Besh. I had been in New Orleans barely a month when the Restaurant Week 2011 happened. I had participated in Restaurant Weeks in Portland and in New York City, and I was not going to let this one go by in this foodie city, despite the fact that I had no friends to go with. I went to August on Tuesday, September 13th. I remember I almost canceled my reservation because the bus I was going to take never came. I'm from Portland. Buses aren't supposed to just not show up! Well, I'm learning. Anyway, I called a cab so I could still make it on time. This was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I arrived for my party of one and was seated promptly. I looked at the menu but I was there for the Restaurant Week prix fixe, which didn't give you any options, and I'm glad it didn't, because if it did, I would've wondered how wonderful the other options would have been. My meal consisted of: - an amuse bouche, which was a custard in an egg shell - Fromage de Tete (Mangalitsa pork with Covey Rise greens and cherry mustard) - Taggiasche olive crusted Gulf sheepshead with roasted eggplant and sweet peppers - slow-cooked breast of veal with Creole cream cheese dumplings, wild mushrooms and baby turnips - Milk chocolate peanut butter croquant with salted caramel and McEwen's buttered popcorn ice cream - and, I got an extra plate of sweets, because I name-dropped someone that I know who works in the kitchen Oh man. Everything was absolutely delicious. So much flavor in just one evening! I was raised on pork, so New Orleans' love for pork makes me happy. The fromage de tete was amazing, the sweet peppers and the fish went together perfectly, the veal was delicious, and the dessert so much better than I had expected. I'm not always a huge fan of peanut butter or popcorn, but it was absolutely delicious. I am a plate cleaner so I leave most restaurants regretting that I ate too much, but the portions were perfect. I left feeling satisfied but not over-stuffed. The restaurant is definitely a little too expensive for me, but I am in love with it and will treat myself once in a while. I would like to go for the lunch prix fixe at some point.
This was easily the best meal of my life! The restaurant was impeccable: style, decor, presentation, the service fantastic! Jesse was on it, anticipating our needs and providing great service and information. We had the five course degustation meal as well as several other items off the menu. John Besh can cook for me anytime!
(5)
Katy W.
Mixed feelings on this one. Brought my mother-in-law for her 60th. She was very impressed which means I should be grateful just for that. She thought it was an 'experience' by which she meant that it was more than just a meal, it was a destination. We both ordered the fried soft-shell crab while my husband had the duck, I believe. We loved the soft-shell crab (although I am convinced it is hard to screw it up). I think it was served with a concoction that was supposed to be reminiscent of a praline but deconstructed. It was tasty, but very very rich. I was busting at the seams and dreaming of the crab I couldn't finish the next day. Our server was like Frankenstein himself though. I believe another reviewer called it 'stilted' which was a very nice way of putting it. I don't enjoy it when servers are awkward making me feel more awkward than I already am. He did have an excellent wine recommendation. He tried his best, honestly, I could see him trying to crack smiles with us, but it was really not in his nature. In general, the food was very, very good, but very, very pricey and the ambiance was very, very stuffy. Not my favorite combination. Not knocking the cooking. It was great. I just don't think August was our 'thing.' Good once, worth it for my mother-in-law, but I don't think we'll be back.
(4)
Teri Y.
Of all the decadent foods that we ate during our trip to New Orleans, August wins hands down as what we think is arguably the best restaurant in the Crescent City. If the amuse bouche was any indication to the level of goodness of the rest of our meal, it certainly was a good way to start us off. The egg shell was filled with fish mouse and topped with black caviar and a tiny sprig of parsley. There was no hint of fishiness in the mousse which should be the way how fresh fish items are. August gets brownie points from us for being flexible with the menu. While the degustation menu looked absolutely amazing, we had just come from happy hour at Luke (another John Besh restaurant) where we ate an obscene amount of raw oysters and therefore would not have been able to stomach a 5-course dinner at August. Our server told us that we could order any of the items from the 5-course degustation menu and make it ala carte style. The sunfish crudo was a winner in its own category. Dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, the sunfish slices were perfect for every bite. The mangalitsa pork belly was amazing in its own right. For pork lovers, the mangalitsa pig breed is one of the most expensive and premium swines around and it is noted for its lard. If there was a category for decadence, the best contender would have to be the duckling breast served with roasted duck foie gras. Dessert was a deconstructed Hummingbird cake. The bite-size sponge cake was lightly seared on one side and it came with a scoop of cream cheese ice-cream. Service was professional throughout. Go put on your dress and pumps (or a blazer, if you are a guy) and head to August for a night of well executed food.
(5)
R C.
As the flagship for a star, the place should have been outstanding. Maybe its just the anticipation, but the reality was dull. The rooms are beautiful and the wine list excellent. In general the service was attentive, but not warm, and there a perod of about 10 min between courses when staff disappeared. Surprisingly, it was the food that was flat. Most dishes had something cute about them (huitlacoche, anyone?), but the flavors were one-dimensional (that dish only tasted of the chili oil). No dish provided the wow that one expects at this level. Amazingly, fish was overcooked (hard not to with such a small piece). Advice - what is on the menu gives little idea as to the actual dish, so discuss it with the staff before ordering.
(3)
Zoe B.
An amazing meal. We had the degustation menu and it was superb. The wine pairings were absolutely perfect and it was an honor to dine. If you are a foodie, you must go here. They have a great and interesting menu that does not disappoint. Yes, pricey, but it is supposed to be one of, if not the best, restaurant in New Orleans. John Besh - you know how to do it right!
(5)
Julia W.
Incredible food but after overhearing the waiter and his girlfriend (who was a patron and with a friend) make a joke about someone's last name being swastika, the entire meal was ruined. The girlfriend asked what another waitresses (not one of the main waiters but someone who helps the main person, who was this man) last name was and the waiter said some long that started with a "S". The girlfriend said "swastika?" and laughed. He said something and included swastika. He then went on his phone and found this waitresses last name. I, of course, am sitting at my table waiting for the other person eating with me to come back to the table form the bathroom, shocked. We told the manager, who was horrified. The manager talked the waiter, who apologized. He said that they were talking about an old waitresses last name that sounded like swastika. The woman (manager?) said I was eavesdropping and misinterpreted the situation. The other manager, who is a man, apologized later and paid for our meal. Of course, this is after I start crying because I am so offended and shocked. The man should never have continued the joke/conversation. He should have said no that is not this woman's last name and looked it up on his phone. Truly disgusting. The waitress they were talking about was incredibly nice and seemed really excited that I had 2 desserts in front of me (banana pudding WAY better than the hot chocolate thing). If we had cash on us/had paid for the meal, we would have given the entire tip to her. I would write her name but I do not want her associated with this horrible conversation. Unfortunately, I do not remember the man's name, but the manager said he is going to get in trouble. I hope he never steps food inside of Chef Besh's restaurant in the WWII museum. Shame on the woman who defended him and shame on that man for continuing such a horrible and offensive joke.
(2)
Suzi S.
We ate here for a celebratory dinner with friends. At any given time, I was unsure of what I was eating. They brought us a complimentary signature in the egg shell amuse bouche that tasted just like a salt lick. Ugh. I love all kinds of food, but this just tasted terrible to me. The main dish consisted of trout topped with a delicious buttery cracker on it. The fish was okay but the cracker was delicious mainly because it was soaked in butter. The dessert was deconstructed banana pudding. As a southern raised person, I found this pretentious and well, pretentious. It was presented skewer style. A piece of banana, a piece of cracker, and a marshmallow or something, not terrible but not wonderful either. We spent tons of money on pretentious, bizarre tiny amounts of food. The champagne was good, but it's usually hard to mess with that!! (One of my friends received some sort of fish buried underneath a bunch of foam, he was not impressed with the flavor and completely freaked out by the presentation) overall, we had a good time, but I felt a bit grossed out by the food. Maybe just not my thing, but as much as I like food, I doubt it. Proceed with caution and a fat wallet.
(2)
Heidi F.
Definitely my favorite meal in New Orleans and up there in one of the best meals I've ever had. While the prices are definitely on the "splurge" end, I had no issue paying what I did for it--in fact, I would have paid more! Service was fantastic, everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful. The food was astounding--the amuse bouche was a nice surprise and the crab and burrata cornbread tart was amazing. I absolutely love the trout Ponchartrain, which has been on the menu since August opened. And the desert I had, the banana pudding, was so good I almost licked the plate clean.
(5)
Jason Y.
My husband and I spent some time in New Orleans recently and our meal at Restaurant August was hands down the most delicious and creative meal we had all week! First we were given an amuse bouche of garlic custard, butternut puree and brown butter crisps all in a little egg shell. Delicious. Next we had the Market Vegetable Chop Salad- which was so beautiful and tasty- the variety of veggies and fruit made for great bites of salty and sweet. I had the Breaded Trout Ponchartrain- which is a lightly breaded trout topped with crab, shrimp, and mushrooms and I think the sauce was a very light version of a Hollandaise. It. Was. Amazing. My husband had a pork dish which I tasted and was also very good but I couldn't be bothered to focus on his meal! :) The meal ended with a couple small sweet bites- chocolate, candied ginger- which was perfect. The service was impeccable and everyone we talked to was so friendly! I wanted to give a shout out to the service manager because he was so friendly but of course I now forget his name... Thanks for a great meal!
(5)
Rob G.
This was my first time visiting August. I have dined at similiar places and have been let down but that was not the case here, the service and the food was fantastic!
(5)
Nikki F.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world (so far) Staff, food, drinks, ambiance, everything is perfect. I am a Chef and Chef John Besh is my idol. We were lucky enough to get to meet him on our last visit to August. He is so sweet and amazing. Our dinner was so great. We had the gnocchi with truffles (OMG YUM) and the Tomahawk Ribeye. It was crusted with this amazing parmesan topping and it all melted in our mouths. Best steak I have EVER had. Chef Besh also sent us out a couple of other courses because he is so awesome. They were all amazing. We had already dined that week at Borgne and Luke and loved those as well. If you have the chance to go to any Besh restaurant. Make sure you do. Your mouth will never be the same.
(5)
Christine P.
My first meal in NOLA during my 4-day trip did not disappoint. I was immediately impressed by the warm and friendly waitstaff, and our waiter made us feel very much at home. We had two amazing appetizers. The foie gras 3 ways was delicious, but the real stunner were the heirloom tomatoes. To understand how good this very simple dish was: my husband dislikes tomatoes; he ate this and was blown away by how good it was; he now likes tomatoes. The main courses were also excellent. My husband had trout, and I also had fish in an amazing blue crab broth. For dessert we had the Napolean of Nougatine, which was an excellent concoction of chocolate and salted toffee ice cream. It's expensive for the area but we're from NYC so we thought it was a good deal for the level of food and service.
(4)
Melanie J.
Definitely not just food...it's an experience. After eating at Luke in San Antonio, definitely had to stop by John Besh's restaurant here in NOLA. Ordered the pre-fixe menu for restaurant week and a couple of other items that were musts to try....Jessica, our waitstaff was wonderful. She definitely contributed to the experience!
(5)
Ane T.
I usually don't give 5 stars but this review deserves each and every one of them. This is THE best meal I've ever paid for(of course, nothing beats a home-cooked meal)! The service was sublime! The food was SPECTACULAR!!!!! DO: -get reservation -get the gnocchi -the duckling with the foie gras DONT: - wait to try this place!!! * another good thing about this place is that their menu changes with the season* WILL RETURN SOON!
(5)
David C.
Fantastic food in a great atmosphere. The gnocchi was outstanding as was the trout! If you are looking for a great meal for a special occasion this is the place.
(5)
JH B.
Elegant dining. I had the three course fixed price $20 lunch. Fantastic. Service, atmosphere, presentation, flavors. This is by far the best place to dine in NOLA. The wines are on the pricey side, so be warned. Coffee and a glass of wine ran me nearly another $20. On the other hand the wine was exquisite and the individual French press coffee was rich and flavorful. I would eat here again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Laila B.
I keep going to these super-hyped up places and feeling a little disappointed. Maybe after I hear all the raves, I expect perfection and that is too high an order. I felt this way at Bayona and Le Foret as well. Anyway, I did enjoy my lunch. We served the ubiquitous amuse bouche of truffled sabayon in an egg. I liked this a lot although I understand my boyfriend's gripe about it having an odd texture. It was sort of like scooping extra-fancy mayonnaise out of the egg and eating it. It was good spread on the bread they served, which was good because the butter tasted not quite right to me. I got the duck salad which was okay, not great, very sparse but to be expected for a pre-fixe meal deal. The duck tasted kind of off, actually the best part was the roasted pears. My boyfriend's pate plate was super, it was HUGE and it came with all kinds of pickled and aspic-ed vegetables. My ravioli were tasty but the pasta was pretty tough. I loved the knobs of crabmeat on top. The boyfriend's shrimp and grits were good, not remarkable, and if I had more than two bites, I suspect I would have gotten sick of the flavor, very rich and salty. Desserts were wonderful. I got a brioche grilled cheese with goat cheese and figs and a spicy honey. The BF got a butterscotch pot-de-creme that was also outstanding. Espresso served with lemon peel without having to ask for it! For what we paid, it was worth it but I was just a little let down since I foolishly went in thinking I was entering food heaven. Very good, not earth-shattering.
I've sat down a few times now to write a review for this place, but haven't been able to finish one because I get too hungry in the process. I'll try to keep it brief: - Foie three ways. Get it. Now. And then wrap it up and bring it to me. Though the accoutrements for the dish vary seasonally (different preserves, different gelees, etc.), the most important part of the dish is an all-the-time foie + oxtail terrine (which I have dubbed "foiextail"). It's salty, savory, a little sweet, and, from the balsamic reduction, a touch tangy... all in all, a culinary masterpiece. I've told my wedding party that I don't give a damn about cake; as long as there is foiextail somewhere in the vicinity, I will be a happy bride. - Blue crab gnocchi. Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth potato pillows with lump crab meat, truffles, and angels tears... that's right, Besh made it, and it was so beautiful, angels wept. - Filet with marrow-filled "bone" and Covey Rise veggies. I'm usually a ribeye girl, but this is the best steak I have ever had. Ever. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, plated with fabulous local baby carrots/squash/haricot vert and a carved potato "bone" filled with saucy, braised meaty goodness... yes, please, and thank you. - TROUT PONTCHARTRAIN: it's the best seafood dish I've ever had - one of the best dishes I've ever had, period - and the hollandaise is Perfect. This has become my go-to entree... I want to branch out, but I just can't - this one is too good. - Courtboullion - surprisingly filling, light, and very fresh tasting... not my favourite thing I've had, but still very good. I've had a few other things there, too, but most everything else was a seasonal special, and to tease you with offerings that may not be available currently would be cruel. If you haven't been to Restaurant August yet, you're missing out. Hell, even their amuse bouche, a seafood mousse topped with caviar and served in a hollowed-out eggshell, is better than most items you'll find in any other restaurant in the city... that, plus unparalleled service, a solid wine list, and an intimate-not-ostentatious atmosphere makes this place the best I've found yet. Go now! Stop reading and start eating! PS - If getting "RESTAURANT AUGUST" tattooed somewhere on my body would guarantee me free eats on the reg, I'd grab a needle and sharpie and do it myself right now. It's that good. EDIT: Foie Three Ways no longer has foiextail... now it's some sort of foie/duck terrine, 'foieck.' Haven't had it yet, but can't wait to try it. Last time I was there, the amuse bouche was a tomato mousse, not the seafood one - very refreshing, but not as heavenly; I miss the former one.
(5)
Bertha K.
Went for the prix fix lunch. Portions small, but very tasty. Was hoping to be blown over, but wasn't. Still it was good.
(4)
Dave K.
As far as ambiance Restaurant August has everything covered. The building is beautifully restored and is worth dining there alone. Also the service was great. My two dining experiences were good but not great with respect to the cuisine.
(4)
Derek R.
My wife took me there for my birthday. It didn't turn out well. Food and service were just not up to John Besh's standards. :( Definitely recommend his other restaurants though. La Provence is our favorite of the bunch.
(1)
Tiffany P.
I was looking forward to this place, but had to deduct a star based on service. We arrived a little early, so we sat at he bar and ordered drinks and an appetizer while we waited for our table. The bar waitress seemed annoyed that we weren't ordering our full dinner, and she gave the impression that we were wasting her time. Sorry honey but we have a table in the restaurant booked - we're going to order our meals at the table. The crab and burrata appetizer was delicious, and the drinks were yummy too. For the actual meal, we had the grouper and agnolotti which could have been wonderful but both plates were barely lukewarm and I need my food hot. I almost considered sending our food back but I figured they would just throw it out and start over, and I didn't want to make a big fuss (plus I was hungry and didn't want to wait). Overall good experience but for a nice restaurant they need to time the service better so that food isn't cold by the time it reaches your table, and the bar waitress needs an attitude adjustment for people who just want a drink and a bite while waiting for the table. On a last note, the decor was lovely and it was refreshing to find a restaurant in the FQ without 20 big screen tvs blaring the game.
(3)
Shelley P.
Everything was amazing. From the host stand to the kitchen. One of the best meals you will ever have.
(5)
Timothy W.
My wife and I ate here with John R earlier this year when we visited New Orleans for a wedding. JR just mentioned that in a recent episode of Treme, the characters have Thanksgiving dinner at August at the same table where we were sitting. That has to be worth 5 stars. In all seriousness, aside from the wedding we were attending, this had to be the highlight of our trip. The tasting menu had some high points and some average points (as with most tasting menus), but was overall pretty fantastic. The service was flawless: attentive, efficient, and welcoming.
(5)
Angelica B.
Hands down one of the best meals of my life. No reservations available so I sat at the bar and had the most amazing 5 course meal with fellow solo travelers. The ambience is just lovely. Classy, friendly, and a real treat. The amuse bouche knocked my socks off and that was just the beginning. I was also treated to a tour of the pastry kitchen and the main kitchen and even recieved applause from the chefs! They are the coolest bunch and ridiculously friendly. They sent out a tray of tiny desserts topped off by a glass of dessert wine that still makes my heart skip a beat remembering. If you are in New Orleans you must go!
(5)
Lisa E.
Goat cheese cheesecake oh my. It brought tears to my eyes. August rivals The French Laundry in Napa.
(5)
Thomas H.
Fantastic service and delicious food. Took advantage of the lunch special, which made this experience such a deal. Looking forward to visiting other Besh establishments.
(4)
Hannah S.
Came here for the $20 lunch pre fixe and wow! What a deal! Seriously, I could hardly even eat the dessert, I was so full by that time. It's quite a bit of food for the amount you pay. I won't go over all the dishes we had, but I will say that the gnocci and the pork pate are every bit as good as people say. The gnocci was the best I've ever had. The pork belly was disappointing however and none of the desserts really stood out. They were all dressed up and pretty, but not very tasty. I did however, LOVE the peanut brittle that came at the very end of the meal. The one thing that struck me was that the service was extremely attentive and professional, but not very friendly if that makes any sense. After our meal when we told our waiter that we had very much enjoyed our meal and we were ready for the check, he just gazed blankly down at us, said very politely, "very good, sir". Oh my. I don't think I've ever heard anyone actually say that phrase in real life. The service was very restrained. I don't think a single person cracked a smile at us, although everyone was so accommodating. A bit strange, but maybe that's just how it is at fine dining restaurants. To be honest, I wasn't a fan. I preferred the wonderfully attentive and friendly service we got at Emeril's restaurant the night before.
(4)
Dian X.
I had very high expectation before coming to dine here. It was definitely a very memorable and romantic night with my bf. We had the 6 course dinner with wine pairings. We were led to a private corner table, which was exactly what we were looking for. You can see the entire wine selections which were just amazing. The staff was very knowledgable when we asked questions on the dishes and wines. The services was exceptional. The food was so good and well presented. Nothing I can complain about - it's perfect!
(5)
Geofrey W.
Terrific service, fairly priced wines, and inventive, beautifully presented food! What a pleasure in a city known too much for its fried, heavy fare.
(5)
Eric L.
Easily one of the best go to restaurants when visiting New Orleans. In my past visits to New Orleans I have had three visits for dinner and one visit for weekend brunch. The cooking is fresh and original. When I order a dish the presentation has been consistently different in a pleasant way that what I expected. Add the excellent attentive service as a bonus and this place is a winner.
(5)
Mallory S.
This is hands down the best meal I have ever had the pleasure of eating in my entire life. There is a reason why Chef John Besh is so esteemed. The amuse-bouche to begin the meal was decadent. It had a Parmesan custard, caramelized onion mousse, and Parmesan crumbs. The creaminess of the mousse and the rich flavor was incredible. Next I had a salad with bruleed goat cheese, rhubarb, and strawberries. This was light and tart and creamy all at the same time. Beautiful and delicious. Then came the main course, potato gnocchi with blue crab and black truffles. It was perfectly proportioned and amazingly rich. This instantly became a comfort food for me. For dessert I ordered a buttermilk chocolate cake with peanut butter pretzel mouse, pretzel icecream, and bits of chocolate covered pretzels. If I could have licked the plate I would have. As of the food wasn't enough to make you absolutely want to eat here, their service was also great. Do yourself a favor and come eat here right away!!!!
(5)
Robert M.
Restaurant August is one of those restaurants that does what it does so perfectly and seamlessly well that you will want to take your time and savor every single bite. I typically devour my food like I was raised by wolves, but even I will slow down here. The prices are reasonable and appropriate for a five-star restaurant and the service is top-notch without the least bit of pretentiousness. It's a favorite place in New Orleans for important evenings.
(5)
Peter S.
Only our second time in this great city of food and music but we hope to repeat that many more times before we die. On the advice of our friend Mike, we made reservations at August for Saturday night after dining at Mr. B's Bistro the night before. as for Ambiance, Mellody and I prefer a little more spunk. August was VERY staid and quite. White table clothes, high ceilings, no music, and all guests in suits and dresses. (we were way under dressed, but to their credit they made us feel very welcome.) Absolute top notch service. They were formal but treated you like humans and didn't behave like robots themselves. First off, let me say that August has better cocktails than Mr. B's. Real Craft cocktails with fresh juice and hand crafted. 1 point August. For appetizers and salads, August won again with creative pairings of beats and bacon or crawfish and lamb belly (yes lamb). But for entrees there was a definite tie with Mr. B's getting the edge for price alone. At August, Mellody ordered the scallops and pork belly but they were kind enough to substitute another scallop for pork belly piece (i know, don't get me started on how i can be married to someone who doesn't like pork belly but after ten years, there isn't much i can do about it). so for $36 Mellody got a grand total of THREE scallops. . . what can i say. I ordered their signature trout dish which was really good and worth the price. the real measure came with the bill. I have no problem paying for quality but August's bill was 50% more than Mr. B's. For us, when you factor in the ambiance, food, service, we'd prefer to spend a little less and have a great meal. So for that reason only, they get four stars and not five. I would definitely return if i was with my parents who like the more staid atmosphere but if dining from friends or just the two of us, Mr. B's is for us.
(4)
Gordon F.
Excellent Service - Brilliant ! All staff from greeter to bus boys totally engaged in customer - waiter was excellent - made menus come alive - thorough understanding and excellent personal style. The Sommelier served our wine and gave great description. Ambiance was perfect. Food - Brilliant we had the degustation (changes daily) - four very unique plates with a dessert - things we may not have ordered but turned out to be fantastic like Hogs head Che's with tempura battered boneless pig tails . All served and presented perfectly - not too much in each course either. If ther were a 6 I'd give it to them - and I'm a hard rater
(5)
V B.
December 2013. This place overall is very classy and the waiters are very knowledgable about the food (other than the one server who apparently thought kimchi was vietnamese). I got a duck confit fusion dish topped with kimchi, which was excellent, but from what I understand their menu keeps changing so they might not have that for long. I'm not giving it a 5 star rating because it was not as good as Joel Robuchon's place in Vegas and that's what I kind of use to rate other French (or French style) restaurants. If you don't want to make a reservation the best thing to do is show up a little after 7 or 8 and sit at the bar. The bartenders are just as knowledgable and the service is a bit faster.
(4)
Judy C.
Dear Everyone at August that Makes it So Special: My husband Victor and our good friends came to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, but I must say the best part by far has been the experience at your restaurant August. It was just our luck that we met Myles, the former GM at your restaurant, the afternoon before we were to come to August for dinner. And when he said we were going to have a great meal, I honestly didn't expect the overwhelmingly awesome service, great meal and the very special treatment. I must RAVE about Rob and Ryan. They make a perfect team and gave us the most memorable service I have ever had at a fine dining establishment or anywhere for that matter. It was an honor to go back into the kitchen to meet the very talented cooks and the geniuses that made the food so delicious. The sous chef did a great job!! I can honestly say August has made it to the top of our list for overall experience. Everyone that works and represents August, should be very proud of what they produce. A very well-oiled machine! Most Memorable Menu Items: Handmade Potato Gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle A MUST - Breaded trout Pontchartrain with jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms, and sauce hollandaise!!! I don't usually like trout but this was the best dish ever! Chestnut Pansotti with cured egg yolk, glazed chestnut, wild Oregon porcini
(5)
Holly M.
We were unable to get a reservation on New Year's Day so we decided to take a local's recommendation "get there early and sit at the bar". We arrived at 6:15 p.m. and we were greeted by a very friendly bar tender. She talked us through the food and wine program and made recommends based on our questions. We decided to start our food journey with the fried P&J oyster accompanied with wild mushroom, beef bacon dried out veal breast and duck fat aioli. We moved to the handmade gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle. This dish is a must if you are a truffle lover. The gnocchi melted in your mouth with each bite. We shared the lightly breaded Trout Ponchartrain topped with blue crab and shrimp. They split the dish for us. This was one of the best fish dishes I have ever had. The trout was light, flaky and scrumptious. Our side dish - medallions of blackened beets with fresh cheese, charred tomatillo and jalapenos. I was expecting sliced jalapenos and whole tomatillos, but the jalapenos and tomatillo were served as a puree. Brilliant idea to blacken red beets! The food is absolutely exquisite and artfully crafted. Those of you that know me know I like walking into the kitchen to observe the very impressive art of cooking. Therefore, I had the utmost pleasure of complimenting the chef as the kitchen is near the restroom. The chef didn't look up at first, but the waiter said "hey chef, she is talking to you". I said, "I just enjoyed one of the best dinners I have ever had." He blushed and said, "thank you". The interior walls of the restaurant are lined w/ traditional mahogany paneling and antique mirrors. The hardwood floors provide the feeling of walking into a 19th century house. Very romantic and definitely a keeper!
(5)
Sarah G.
I was so, so excited abou this meal. But, boy, was I let down. I had heard wonderful things from loads of friends and acquaintances. In my mind, I was expecting an experience similar to that of a world-class restaurant, but with a NOLA twist - one of my very favorite cities with some of my favorite food. What I found was this: Terrific atmosphere and service, so-so food. We started with a lovely garlic mouse amuse (felt like we were off to a strong start), and the P&J fried oysters & lemonfish. The fried oysters were simply just fried oysters, with a little bacon, but the texture of the lemonfish was a little off-putting. For a cold app, it should be a beautiful, buttery, sushi-grade bite, in my opinion. For our mains, I had the trout Ponchartrain and my boyfriend had the pork three ways. The trout came out lukewarm and dry. Very, very dry. This is a city that knows how to do seafood, so I would naturally assume one of its finest restaurants would do it flawlessly. I sent it back, and a new plate was presented in mere seconds (also with dry fish). This was a major red flag that signaled a churn-and-burn kitchen. In my opinion, for how August sells itself, the food should be fired to order with more intimacy and care. The pork was good, but nothing to write home about. Again, the service was great, the space was beautiful, the price was fair, but the food was lackluster. There are loads of wonderful, chef-still-in-the-kitchen restaurants all over New Orleans which are definitely more my cup of tea.
(2)
Scott G.
Excellent. From the service, to the wine pairings, and obviously the food everything met and exceeded expectations. Don't miss the Pontchartrain Trout. Was lighter on the pocket book than I expected as well - although NYC can skew your reality.
(5)
Carl K.
Every thing was perfectly prepared. The snapper with sauce was out of this world. Deserts were also excellent.
(5)
Kate P.
Hands down one of the best meals I have ever had and absolutely the best service I have ever experienced. Our server Robert was fantastic. From the outset he explained the menu in a very friendly way that didn't underestimate our food knowledge. Started with the beet salad with arugula and black eyed pea croutons. I could eat an entire bowl of the black eyed pea croutons with a glass of wine while watching t.v. The duck was perfectly prepared, tender, all the flavor that the fat brings without any actual fat left on the breast. Followed up the entree with the cheese plate and white chocolate panna cota. The coffee was also amazing and served In a nice french press. The wine list was great too with a nice variety of choices and price points. And did I mention Robert? He was attentive without being intrusive, friendly without crossing the line into being over familiar, and just plain charming. He made us feel as though we were his favorite customers of the night and I bet he made every table feel the same. He even gave me a tour of the kitchen. I would have taken pictures had I known that the restaurant policy is take lots of pictures! This was the best restaurant experience I have ever had. Don't miss this New Orleans gem.
(5)
Liza Faye T.
Market Vegetable Chop Salad. Foie Gras. Potato Crisp P & J Oysters. Scallop & Pork Belly. Gulf Snapper. Dark Chocolate Praline. Great Food. Elegant Restaurant. Wonderful Experience.
(4)
Kim N.
Ah - Restaurant August. This was the best meal of our trip - thank goodness I wisely saved it for our last night in NOLA. We had a fabulous meal here - I am still dreaming (and drooling) about it. I will start with my one complaint. I spoke with the hostess a couple days ahead of time and asked to not be seated by the door. She said no problem. When we arrived that night (and were made to wait in the bar for a few minutes despite our table being ready for us) the hostess stated that she was aware of my request, but that our table was, indeed, by the door. (eye roll) Oh well - moving on. The dining room is gorgeous. I love the combination of the exposed bricks with the chandeliers. Very tasteful. Our servers were extraordinary. I can't remember our head server's name, but he was extremely knowledgeable, warm, and gracious. My mother wasn't sure which wine she wanted so he offered to bring her a tasting of the two she had narrowed it down to. Very nice. Our other servers were always right on point - attentive without hovering and really noticing what we needed and what we didn't. First of all, the amuse bouche they serve is adorable. Curried oats topped with custard in an egg shell - so pretty! And tasty! And smart - I loved it. I started with the crawfish bisque and I swear if someone gave me a giant bowl of this I would eat it every single day for the rest of my life. It was absolutely incredible - a delicate, delicious bisque poured over perfectly cooked crayfish tails and the lightest, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. My mom had the shrimp and citrus salad which she loved - huge shrimp beautifully displayed with citrus segments and other items. Very nice. We both had the grouper for our entrees and it was very nice as well. For dessert, I had the goat milk cheesecake and it was divine. My mom had a chocolate dessert and it was amazing as well. If you want a truly wonderful dining experience, THIS is where you need to eat. Forget the touristy places around the French Quarter - this is fine-dining at its best.
(5)
Wyn H.
Big expectations and poor food quality with overwhelmingly strong flavor on a Monday night. We would not return or recommend
(2)
Ted H.
This restaurant was recommended by a friend who is from NOLA. The Chappapeela Farms duckling, Breaded Trout, and handmade potato gnocchi were amazing! Great service, great wine, worth the money!
What a gem this restaurant is. I would never have known about this place if I hadn't done some serious research on NOLA restaurants. Since no one we know has been to a John Besh restaurant, and no one recommended it except every NOLA food critic and legions of locals online, we looked at it as a roll of the dice trying this place- we couldn't have been more wrong. Everything about this place is outstanding- the service (Robert & Ann Marie were exceptional), the elegant atmosphere, and the food, my god, THE FOOD! To begin the meal, they give you a deviled egg in an egg shell, it was delicious. We had the oyster appetizer to start, and it was the best oysters we had the whole trip, and maybe even the best appetizer (though its a close call). I had the salad and it was outstanding. My boyfriend got crab stuffed gulf fish or something like that, it was absolutely divine. I had the pork and it tasted like heaven. I have never had pork prepared that way before, but god it was good. For dessert we had the goat cheesecake and the dark chocolate torte, and they were both mind blowing. My god, they were amazing. We really can't say enough nice things about this restaurant, what we do know is every time we come to NOLA we will be dining at Restaurant August.
(5)
Kathleen D.
*Grabs you by the face* LOOK AT THIS! The weekday three course prix fixe lunch at Restaurant August is $20.12 and it is absolutely outstanding. *Drops your face* Now, I'm sorry to be so forceful but this is an important fact, especially if you care about enjoying a flawlessly prepared, exceptionally delicious meal for what is a crazy great value. It's incredible. I'm sure there are many among us who are woefully aware of prix fixe menus from classy establishments that have dealt out disappointment; triflin', teensy, or what have you. In addition, Lord knows how easy it can be to run up 20 bones on a sloppy crapbasket of a lunch these days. To reiterate, the three courses at August are none of that, and all of excellent. GENEROUS is an adjective which springs to mind, as well. Mad lagniappe from the amuse bouche to the beautiful warm baby baguettes and butter (which kept appearing tucked in their napkin blankets), and then complimentary chocolate truffles and pralines after dessert. First there was the lovely surprise of a truffled custard amuse with caviar. My bouche was definitely amused and the small taste had us really excited for our dishes to come. I know that August's menu changes to suit the seasons and to reflect what's most fresh and perfect, but I still need to tell you about our impeccably concocted courses. Don't worry, I'm not gonna grab yo face again. This time. If the first course pork pate is an option, do it. Do it. I was presented with a hearty bacon-wrapped slab of the most excellent pate of local pork. Luscious, creamy and deeply porky, it was meticulously surrounded by a variety of house-made marmalades, mustards, and pickles, and served with toasted brioche. Besides the supreme and utter tastiness of this dish, what also stood out to me was how even in plating no component seemed an afterthought, down to the leaves of tender lettuce greens scattered artfully around the plate. And I mentioned already those great baby baguettes- The last remnants of pate, preserves and pickles were slathered onto one of them and split with my husband and that's when we composed the song, "I Love You Little Sandwich." But back to the thoughtfulness in cooking here, evident in all well-portioned dishes: My sauteed Gulf Sheepshead with sweet corn custard, succotash and tomato vinaigrette was fresh, clean and light, and truly of of the most expertly prepared pieces of fish that I've ever enjoyed. To repeat myself, as I do, as I do, ever single addition to the dish was so precisely plated down to the translucent slices of radish. My husband ordered the Paneed Porchetta with panko-mustard crust and corn maque choux. Glorious. Desserts were the sweet little roasted pumpkin tartlets with caramelized apple, ginger, and bourbon. For me, I went savory-sweet style with the crispy herb gougeres. The little cheese pastries were served with apple compote and warm gouda. I just did a deep sigh of appreciation just typing that here. Restaurant August is a gorgeous restaurant, wherever you are seated. Pleasant as can be was our corner of the room, gazing up at the walls of the wine room above. Service was beyond top-notch. In particular, steward captain Mark was very gracious and all pro, but also very sweet and smiley, which made us feel even the more comfortable during our meal. I have to add that of course I am a Chef Besh fan after stalking his recipes and PBS show, and I've been wanting to dine at August for years... So it's really very nice when a restaurant that you imagine will be excellent even exceeds your expectations- that's what happened here. Deserving of all accolades, and I only had lunch... And then whadda deal! I can't figure that it's possible to have such a wonderful fine dining experience anywhere for such a straight up bargain. Go! Go now! This is where excellence and value meet for lunch. *Grabs you by the face* DO YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND?!! .
(5)
Smelly C.
A John Besh restaurant. Fine dining. Three dining areas. We were seated in the two-story wine room for dinner. Dim lighting. Very attentive style of service. We were served an amuse bouche in a hollowed egg. Fancy. Several courses followed and the ones we shared came out split. Love. Aaron Sanchez featured the Potato Gnocchi with Blue Crab and Perigold Truffle on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate "in a Bowl" episode. Our server even reminded us of this. I can only describe this gnocchi as PILLOWS OF HEAVEN with chunks of crab. It was all very good food. I liked the menu choices; a la cart or "our degustation" with or without wine pairings.. I liked that things on the tasting menu weren't limited to only those who chose it. The restaurant also offered any individual item from the tasting menu a la cart as well. Good food. Good cocktails. Nice dinner out. Complimentary sweets came with our check.. I like a more relaxed dining setting though.. I appreciate the service but at a point I would just like to enjoy the food without being constantly asked how I liked what I just ate or drank.
(4)
Allen L.
Six of us had lunch here and it was clearly one of the best meals we've ever had in New Orleans. Highllights - perfectly prepared fish; meticulous service (replacing the forks with fish forks, etc.); beautiful dining room; Low points - server often just vanished - took way too long to get a check. At least one of the deserts had clearly just been pulled from the fridge and wasn't fresh.
(4)
Valerie G.
Lovely dining experience! :) The hostess at August was completely understanding when I called to move our ressie twice...and then showed up 40 mins beforehand to attempt to be seated. They were very accommodating and led us to our table. We were seated in a round table, flooded with natural light from their huge windows, tall ceilings, and beautiful chandeliers hanging from the top. We were also able to catch the end of the Orpheus parade through our seats - yay! We ordered from their $20.12 lunch prix fixe menu (a complete steal!). Our waiter was so charming and the service was top notch. They mixed up Diana S.'s order and let her keep her wrong entree and then promptly brought out the correct one within minutes! They started us off with an amuse bouche of seafood custard w/ truffle and topped off with caviar inside an egg shell. Every. single. bite. of this was absolutely divine! And then our orders - We all had either the acorn squash soup or pate for appetizers - the soup was so creamy and hearty; the pate w/ jam was delicious and the cheesy bread that accompanied it was out of this world. Our entrees were either the sheepshead fish - twas okay - or the pork belly - OMG! the skin on this was soo thick and crispy, the body of the meat so luscious and soft. We then ordered an assortment of the prix fixe desserts. The strawberry dessert stands out the most as it was very light and refreshing. We weren't big fans of the eclair dessert bc as our waiter pointed out, it was very very very savory. They rounded out the meal with free peanut/toffee brittle and little chocolate truffles...right after Diana S., another girl, and I swore off sweets for lent and thought our desserts would be the last bite of dessert for us for the next 40 days. Meep. Oh - my girls and I also had a very deep conversation during this meal. And any restaurant that can turn a convo during Mardi Gras from drunk shenanigans to the one child policy in China is top notch ;)
(5)
Michelle A.
After watching Top Chef for a number of years, I was on a mission to try some John Besh restaurants this trip to New Orleans. Dining at August was an excellent experience and one I remember very fondly. I went with my husband and a friend, so we were able to share bites and try several dishes. For starters, we shared potato crisp fried oysters, beet salad, bruleed goat cheese and peach salad, and gnocchi with crab. All were delicious. I especially enjoyed the goat cheese and peach salad, punctuated with chili, which made for an innovative flavor combo while highlighting the seasonal peaches. The mains were also memorable - I had the Gulf snapper courtbouillon (working on my Cajun food fix), my husband had the St. Mary Parish soft shell crab, and our friend had the breaded trout Pontchartrain. Wow, the winner was the trout! It is served with a delicate layer of bread and a lovely creamy sauce without a hint of fishiness. For dessert - no contest, get the banana pudding! While it has an artistic presentation, the taste is straight out of childhood memories - just wonderful. The staff was friendly and helpful. Before we left, we got a quick tour of the kitchen and the pastry kitchen upstairs, and got to meet the chefs. For a special meal in New Orleans, I recommend August highly.
(5)
Shelby H.
I have eaten at Michelin star restaurants all over the world and I can sincerely say this is one of the best meals I've ever had. Flavors so unique my tastebuds could barely process them. Preparations so beautiful they should be displayed in a museum. If you're looking to splurge while in town, this is your place. The portion sizes are pretty small so go for the tasting menu!
Our favorite meal during a one-week vacation (a.k.a. eating tour) in New Orleans was lunch at Restaurant August. From the beautiful setting to the exceptional service to the delicious food, it seems like August has all the bases covered. We specifically went for the Friday lunch pri fixe menu (traveler's on a budget take note: it's only $20.13). And we were not disappointed!
(5)
Chris G.
Amazing food! Beautiful restaurant, roomy and elegant. We got great service. This restaurant has "roll eyes up to the back of ur head" good. Going back again tomorrow. Congrats, Chef Besh on a great retaurant!
(5)
Tony C.
Possibly the best food I've ever had. The peach and goat cheese salad was amazing. Service was outstanding. Best thing is that there was no sense if pretentiousness at a restaurant of this caliber. Highly recommend.
(5)
Cece M.
In my opinion, it was not as expected at all. I had the degustation menu with wine pairing. To be honest, the food was only about average.Those pairing wine alone were tasty, however, they just did not match with the food. When I had the third fish course, the waiter even forgot to serve the wine, seriously? The temperature of some plates were too high, even burnt my hands a bit. Even the dessert was just average, nothing special. August supposed to be one of the top restaurants in the city. But this really is the most disappointed dining experience I have ever had.
(1)
Brandon A.
What a truly great experience. As a New Orleanian you hear about the great restaurants in our city, and usually August ranks at the top of most people's list however up until now I'd never had the experience of coming here. Finally I broke down and came here for lunch with the wife. First of all the restaurant itself is smaller than I expected, which is a good thing, it doesn't feel like you're sitting in a monstrous place like Cheesecake Factory, it definitely feels warm and intimate. Also the staff are top notch (I guess you'd have to be work here right?) We were greeted right away by our waiter who was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. I was extremely tempted to do the pre-fix menu, but I decided to go a la carte and get the shortrib and for appetizer I ordered the alligator confit in "sauce piquante". While waiting between dishes we were treated to complimentary amuse bouches, which were simply fantastic! The instant I took the first bite of the short ribs I was disappointed at the thought that soon this delicious food would be all gone. This was without a doubt the most succulent, well flavored and tender short rib I'd ever eaten. We also ordered a bottle of wine which our waiter graciously helped us choose based on our tastes and price range, while I forget the name of the wine he nailed the choice hands down. I wrapped up my meal with the Goats Milk Cheesecake, being a huge cheesecake fan and all. This may have been the single greatest dining experience of my life and I will definitely return and recommend August to everyone.
(5)
Ray F.
One of the finest dining experiences in New Orleans. If you only eat one fine meal while in the big easy make sure it is at August. From the moment we walked in, we were immediately greeted and seated, the service and attention to detail was flawless. Our steward captain was as professional as they come, and his team worked in tandem to make sure our evening with them was a true dining experience. Each course was a immersion of our senses, always visually engaging followed immediately by amazing aromas and rich, complex overlapping flavors that often left our tastebuds wanting more. There are good meals, great meals and then those ones that make a memorable impression on you - ours was one that we will remember for years to come... When you get to this end of this culinary experience - be sure the leave room for some goat cheese cheesecake - simply phenomenal. The restaurant was packed on the Saturday night we were there so reservations are a must. Dinner for two with an excellent bottle of wine with a 20% gratuity $235 and worth every penny. 00005
(5)
Adrian M.
I couldn't agree more with the review below me. This place is a class act. The chef has something here. The food is exceptional. The fact that this place is far from Bourbon Street adds to the attractiveness. I had the Trout, gnocchi, and banana desert per the recommendations below. These folks' reviews are not wrong!
(5)
Paul S.
Inventive delicious dishes and attentive, professional service. Formal in atmosphere without being stuffy, the diners were more casual which we liked. Had a beet salad with crab and bacon with a wonderful mix of flavors, gnocchi appetizer was light with delicate, melt in your
(5)
Elizabeth S.
I have never had a better experience at a restaurant!! It was hands down the best service I have ever experienced! We did the degustation with the wine pairings. The first course, with the pigs tail was fantastic! I was at first scared if the pigs tail thought, but it was great! Nothing off putting at all. The pickled radish was a great vegetable acid complement. The second course was the oyster with the squid ink pasta. It was SOOO GOOD! I love oysters, but this was by far the best I have eaten. The third course was the rabbit. It was very good. The fourth course was the duck. They prepared it two ways, and both were great! The sweet potatoes with ginger was perfect underneath! I loved the balance of flavors in this dish! The fifth and final course was the chocolate with gelato on top! Wow! Very very rich but perfect! It had mint to help the balance of richness which I thought was a great touch of simple minty goodness! Each wine pairing with each dish was spot on perfect! The balance of each dish was perfection! I would spend double what we spent because it was just that good!! Can't wait to eat here again!!
(5)
Oliver D.
I've been to RA on a few occasions over the last 8 years; never disappointing. Food and service are what you'd expect for an exceptional dinner experience which it absolutely is. I'd opine on what I ordered there but the menu changes so frequently you'll just have to rely on the assurance whatever you pick will delicious. I know we must have sampled about 10 different dishes while we were there and they were all great.
(5)
Shelly S.
Went to nola for 4th of July week 2013 and tried all the local restaurants. I am sorry to say I liked John Besh Steak better than this place. We had the tasting menu and I cant remember specific items but overall just average. service was good
(3)
Linette T.
The best dinning experience I've had in New Orleans! The restaurant is beautiful! The service was outstanding! We had the tasting menu along with the wine pairing and it was superb!
(5)
susan c.
Highly recommend! The food is exquisite but the restaurant isn't stuffy at all. We went in thinking we'd do the tasting menu and the super friendly and knowledgable wait staff helped us craft our own. From the amuse to dessert everything was pretty perfect. Highlights are the black truffle gnocchi and the trout with roasted wild mushrooms. The blonde chocolate cake was one of the top 10 desserts of our lives. Special place perfect for a special occasion. Lovely decor. Go go go!
(5)
Lisa N.
Absolutely wonderful restaurant with exceptional service and beautiful, historic decor. Upon entering the restaurant we were immediately greeted with a warm welcome and first name introductions by many of the staff. We ordered the tasting menu and were able to make customizations as we wanted. The wine pairings were phenomenal. We were treated like VIPs from start to end. Totally agree with the other reviews that if you're looking for something high end, classic but not dated, go here. Everything was perfect. You won't be let down. John Besh doesn't fool around!
(5)
Errol M.
With all due respect, if you come to New Orleans and not take advantage of Mr. Besh's three-course $20 prix fixe luncheon in this restaurant, then you're an idiot. The food is marvelous. The service is impeccable. I don't see how they pull this off.
(5)
Chevonne W.
It was ok, for the price, I feel the food could have been better. I can't even remember what I ordered but it was a fish. It was not so great. This place is in a great location and the service was impeccable as well. Just was expecting the food to be as well.
Restaurant August, from James Beard award-winning chef, John Besh is a swanky eatery that's all the rage in NOLA. Although pricey, we opted for the degustation menu for the most rounded gourmet experience. First course was crabmeat, jellyfish and shrimp salad with fresh herbs and fish sauce. Although my least favorite, it was fine dining in the highest order. Next came calabaza squash cappelletti (pasta) with oxtail and bone marrow. I've never been a fan of bone barrow until this dish when it melted like butter and united with the sauce to become, quite possibly, the best dish of the trip. For the full review, visit: dashofles.com/blog/new-o…
(4)
Tina C.
The building is beautiful! Service top notch. Food presentation was beautiful, almost too pretty to eat. Interesting and delicious flavor combinations, very tasty. Special occasion place for sure! Everything from start to finish was so good!
(5)
Franco N.
A bit over rated and pretentious. The food was good, rich and tasted somewhat processed (in an okay way). Glad we went but not sure I would like to return often.
(3)
Matthew C.
A famous pastry chef friend of mine helped us get a table here on short notice and the meal was truly unforgettable. Should easily become an American classic. I would rather come back here than go back to many of the Michelin 3 stars I have eaten at.
(5)
Missy C.
Was here for a business dinner mid-week. Service was great. Started with goat cheese salad with rhubarb which was fantastic. Gnocchi with truffles was also delicious and the perfect serving size. I got the snapper as an entree and it was ok- a bit simplistic in flavor, my least favorite dish of the night. Also, we were a group of 8 and the table was rather awkwardly situated. We were quite close to surrounding tables and might have been disruptive to our fellow patrons, as we can get a bit rowdy. Otherwise, lovely dinner.
(4)
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Address :301 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA, 70130
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Janene D.
We had to wait a bit even with a reservation but the drink list was great. I enjoyed a Hemingway and my husband a great Manhattan while we waited. The service was very attentive though they did mess up my husband's order. I had the degustation tasting menu and wine flight which was fun. The highlight was the main dish - a pork dish with sweet caramelized onion and salty pork belly. My husband's dessert was also that wonderful sweet and salty combo - the toffee ice cream napoleon. It was a solid dining experience but with so much good food in Nola, I'm not sure that it's worth a repeat visit.
(4)Vlad G.
definitely in my top 3 new orleans restaurants. along with commander's palace and cochon. weird how 2 out of 3 are new but both have great local chefs. sorry arnaud, gallatoire, antoine...
(5)Rob T.
Went with my wife in March of 2011. Thoroughly enjoyed the "degustation" (tasting menu). The roast pork "crackling" with ramen noodles and poached duck egg is absolutely a 5-star dish. Also a sucker for blood oranges, of which Chef Besh made excellent use. Is it the best restaurant I've ever been to? No. But would I recommend August to anyone? And would I return? Absolutely yes.
(4)Brittany N.
Wow! I would seriously give this place 10 stars if I could! This might possibly one of the best meals (experiences) I've ever had. SERVICE: The service was impeccable, and I do not say that lightly. The entire "experience" flowed seamlessly. The waiters and sommelier were very knowledgeable and helpful FOOD: We were started off with an egg filled with fish foam, caviar, and truffles. (These came out without request) Apps: Foie Gras prepared three ways and the Blue Crab Truffle Gnocci. Main: I had the duckling (the waiter said is their signature dish) served with greens and the best grits I've ever had! I also tried the venison tenderloin and redfish, which were equally amazing. Dessert: Goat Cheese Cheesecake served w/ Algiers honey ice cream. To end, the waiter brought out an assortment of sweets (pralines, truffles, and some gelle dessert). All amazing again! Everything was amazingly prepared, presented, and perfect portions. Thanks Restaurant August! I shall return.
(5)Mike H.
Very good restaurant. Servers were knowledgeable but a little stiff. Gnocchi with blue crab and truffles was excellent, duck breast was good, a little over done for my taste. Whiskey list was impressive, highlighted by some excellent bourbons. Trio of Foie Gras was definitely the highlight of the menu
(4)P B.
The meal my friends and I enjoyed at Restaurant August in July 2012 was, quite simply, one of the best meals of my life. August is an expensive experience, but my everyone agreed the meal was an excellent value for the quality, and a better meal than even French Laundry and Per Se. My friends and I enjoy wine and found the wine list to be overpriced, but August is one of the few restaurants without a corkage fee. This was a huge plus for us as we were able to enjoy two bottles of our own favorite wine at no charge. Like many other reviewers, our meal started with a seafood custard amuse bouche and house-baked fresh bread and local butter. The perfect start to the meal. Who ever gives caviar as a free amuse bouche? A chef who clearly trusts his patrons to enjoy their meals. The rest of our meal continued with starters: - Spaghettini negro with lump crab and an olive oil parmesan sauce - Crab and pork dumplings in a curry sauce - Gnocchi in a cream and parmesan sauce with blue crab and truffle - Oysters in a bacon broth with basil Followed by entrees: - Seared trout with dill and a cream foam - Crispy pork belly with a garlic cherry reduction and smashed peas - Lamb belly with stone fruit, tarragon, and citrus And ending with dessert: - Buttermilk lime cake with watermelon and mango - Corn pudding with berries and sweet corn ice cream - Chocolate nougatine with salted toffee ice cream If anything was a "disappointment", it was the corn pudding dessert - it just didn't shine like the rest of the meal - but everything was excellent. The seared trout with dill and cream foam was a complete surprise in a good way - strong, fresh, unique flavors. The garlic cherry reduction with the pork belly was phenomenal, and the crab and pork dumplings in a curry sauce were moist, fresh, and delicious. In all, the meal was about $100 per person including tax and tip, which for us was really a steal. If you're someone who enjoys this kind of dining experience, August is the place for you in New Orleans. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Tony S.
NYC quality dining in NO. Dine here. You won't regret it.
(5)TopCat W.
What a disappointment. Our favorite chef in San Francisco recommended this place. The service started off okay, then we had to pour our own wine; luckily we were seated near the ice bucket. The whole evening you see and feel all the waitstaff running back and forth right by your table. Very strange setup where we were seated. The best thing we had was the gift from the kitchen; fish mousse with truffled foam served in an eggshell. Sweetbread and crawfish were unremarkable, and the gnocchi with black truffle had way too much cream. The main entrees got worse. The saddle of lamb was so tough that we couldn't eat it, and the filet mignon was gamy and dry, even though we ordered it medium rare. The wine list was good and some are reasonably priced. But, With the high prices as you would pay for at restaurants in New York and San Francisco, this place is definitely not worth it. Will not return.
(2)Beavan B.
I love this place, I try and go every time I'm in New Orleans, the cocktails are delicious and the food is even better, a wonderful romantic atmosphere, great for dates, It definitely earns its "$$$$" rating though, for a great meal for two with drinks and dessert you're easily looking at dropping about $200. It's well worth it in my opinion!
(5)Mauricio V.
This is everything a french-nola-noveau restaurant should be (not to say there are many). It is elegant but relaxed. The decor is very stylish but at the same time cozy. The staff is very professional to say the least with an impeccable knowledge of every plate and how it's made. And finally the food... John Besh takes his creativity and detail to a different level of complexity; superb! If you want to go out to in New Orleans and have a very nice evening with amazing food, this is the place to go. First we started with a Amuse bouche wonderfully plated inside an egg shell. Its a delicate custard infused with seafood broth and topped with a brioche and caviar. As appetizer i had the Gnocchi with Crab and Black Truffles which was excellent. It was creamy and rich in flavor but the texture of the Gnocchi (little clouds) was so delicate it's even hard to describe. For the main course i had Pork Belly which was done to perfection. It was infused with a delicate broth. The pork belly was sitting on a bed of greens that just gave more depth to an already superb dish. I had the intention to photograph every plate but i was so mesmerized with the presentation and smell that i totally forgot. For desert I had the Napoleon of Nougatine with Valhrona chocolate bavarois and salted toffee ice-cream which was out of this world. I would have had two of these but we had to catch the flight back to Miami. Sommelier Michelle Gueydan's wine list is impressive with a wide variety of selections in the $100+ range and some lower price option that are great. We had a Taft Street Zin 2007 from the Russian River. One of the best meals I've ever had.
(5)Greg B.
Restaurant August is not exactly a place I can afford to visit on a regular basis. I wish I could afford it, however, because this place is amazing. The food is stellar, and the service and ambiance are first class all the way. August does not have a completely set menu, although you can expect to find offerings very similar to their sample menu. They also have one or two five-course tasting menus, which you can either order complete, or a la carte, as you prefer. I have to recommend the P&J oysters to anyone who goes there, they were simply amazing when I had them. The service was great every time I have been here. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the menu and the origins of the dishes, many of which feature local produce in them. They were happy to accommodate my wife when she wanted something that wasn't exactly on the menu, and they were extremely responsive whenever we needed anything. I will definitely be visiting again - the food reminded me of why it is so worth it to step out and get a world class meal every now and again.
(5)Melissa D.
Simply the best meal in terms of service, atmosphere, food, and value that we've had in New Orleans--possibly anywhere. This is not an exaggeration. We loved our lunchtime visit here so much. Every bite of food was to-die-for delicious, and beautiful. Our server was awesome. Add to that the fact that we ate here for $20 a person, and it's pretty much too good to be true. If I could give them ten stars, I would.
(5)Rockit O.
Yea this was the best restaurant that we visited in NOLA! We didn't do the tasting menu because my wife is vegetarian. I would eat the testicles of a goat if it was part of a cultural experience, but my wife will not eat anything that came from something that had a face. It's a problem in our marriage, but we have been married for 16 years, so I guess it will be a battle for the rest of our lives! Sometimes I carve faces on carrots to make her feel guilty. I don't know where I'm going with this... Anyway, the chef prepared a special vegetarian meal for her and it was awesome. Three tastings on one plate. An Herby gnocchi, a chick pea polenta with figs, and a corn custard with fennel. I tasted all of them and was very impressed. I had a crusted snapper with crab, it was very nice. They started the meal with an amuse bouche of spicy watermelon soup which was surprisingly delicious. Desert was a chocolate layered thing that was also very good. I would really love to go back and try the 12 course tasting menu, but that's not going to happen anytime soon :(
(5)Theo S.
Top favorite flavourfull experience Worths every (and that's a lot) penny. I had the eggplant gazpacho with lemon oil sorbet and crab (blew my mind) I also had the 3 way cooked pork with figs and sweetcorn puree. Well, i am just amazed.
(5)Tara H.
New favorite!!!!! I had the shrimp étouffée, roasted duckling, and the goat cheese cheesecake!!!! My 14 month old daughter even loved the duck! She said mmm yum!!! Takes a lot to impress me since living in New Orleans and this was AMAZING. Even the servers and entire staff were so nice and lovely and it was truly an amazing experience. Not ever annoyed with my kid and they even gave her some complimentary butter noodles and ice cream. I can't say enough good things about this place. Loved everything about it.
(5)Monica B.
Came here in October with my sis-in-law for our first meal in NOLA -- what a fabulous experience we had! When we walked in for our 8:30pm dinner reservation, I felt like I walked into what I imagine John Besh's home to be like -- high ceilings, dim lighting, gorgeous decor and Besh's books displayed at the entrance. We were seated in the back room where we were greeted by our somewhat snotty waitress, but she didn't ruin our experience one bit. For drinks, we had a glass of champagne and some red wine to accompany our meal -- great suggestions from our waitress. + Foie Gras; I'm not a fan, but my sis-in-law insisted we try it. I'm no expert on foie, but flavor was smooth and didn't have that strange texture that I usually hate so much -- each bite was a party in my mouth. + Handmade Potato Gnocchi: holy amazeballs! I expected the gnocchi to be amazing but words can't explain what the truffle did to escalate the flavors. Must get this dish! + Hangar Steak: such great flavors and meat was cooked perfectly medium. + Trout: So delicious. Seafood here was so incredibly fresh. We passed on dessert, but I loved the little chocolates and candies they gave as the perfect sweet ending to our meal. I appreciated how they split each dish for us and everything was beautifully presented. I knew August would be good, but this meal was probably one of my top 5 best meals, ever. Don't think about it, just come here and splurge on a wonderful experience!
(5)Sareena N.
Finally got to do a Friday $20.15 lunch at August! The space is gorgeous but comfortable and the service was great, but not too stuffy. They started with a small shrimp amuse bouche, with a salsa verde so delicious I wanted to lick the plate. I had the crawfish bisque, which was presented with the crawfish and a little ball of cream in a bowl, then the server poured the bisque over it, allowing the cream to blend in. It was rich, but not overly heavy. I chose the sheepshead fish with andouille and it was again, sauced beautifully. The fish was delicate and I got a lesson in fish cutlery from the server, which was nice because I have never has so many fork changes in my life! For dessert, I chose the panna cotta and it was yummy and lightly sauced with Louisiana strawberries. The meal ended with a tiny dessert plate of post meal amuse bouche of lavender chocolates and pralines. A lovely sweet way to end a great lunch! I'd definitely recommend reservations for lunch on Fridays, as the restaurant was full by the time we finished.
(5)Michelle K.
Unfortunately, we went for Happy Hour before dinner so I was not too hungry by the time we had dinner. We kind of shared everything at our table, and the items with the stars are the ones that I would order if I were to go back with an empty stomach: They gave us an amuse bouche which was a creamy Parmesan whipped thing in an empty eggshell. It was so creamy and tasty, like butter! Appetizer *foie gras - I was only able to have a little bite, but it was delicious, as all foie gras is. The only reason why I didn't order this is because I was already so full potato crisp P & J oysters - I should have asked, I didn't know that they were deep fried, but they were still good (I was in a "raw oysters" type of mood) salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, Benton's bacon - nice and refreshing *handmade potato gnocchi - the sauce was creamy and flavourful, but I was already so full that I couldn't eat more than half a piece Main grilled pompano - the blue crab on the fish was a nice touch and the grilled cabbage stole the show, it almost tasted like meat, it was great! (and I usually don't like cabbage) scallop & oxtails - scallops were cooked to perfection, but it was a bit salty *roasted duckling - the duck was cooked wonderfully and the sauce it was in was flavourful and paired wonderfully with the duck Wagyu hangar steak - steak done perfectly, so soft and delicious. I am not a kimchi fan and I'm not into spicy. The vegetables had a kimchi taste without the spice, but I found it a bit too salty and once again, I'm not a fan of kimchi. Dessert The only one I tried was the banana pudding...SO GOOD. It had a light pocket of peanut butter with a charred marshmallow puddle...ooh so yummy
(4)Eli C.
My husband and I popped in early on a Friday with no reservations, and were seated in the bar. Servers were very attentive despite the location, and the food was excellent, as to be expected in a Besh restaurant. Surprising favorite of the meal? the complimentary corn mousse (yes, corn mousse) given to us as an appetizer. At $20 per person for lunch, you can't beat the price, but come early (we showed up at 11:15 and ended up in the bar!) or better yet, make a reservation as Friday is the ONLY day August does lunches.
(5)Joshua D.
We're locals and this was the best meal we've had in New Orleans. Highly highly recommended!
(5)Ryan L.
Utterly amazing. Strongly recommend. I was afraid I'd be underdressed in a polo shirt and jeans, but as I was dining alone, sat at the bar/lounge where I blended in fine, especially for Friday lunch. Ordered prix fixe for $20.15 -- a great bargain for 3 courses anywhere, let alone a restaurant of this caliber. Walked away leaving $120 and still felt I got a great deal. In addition to gazpacho with crab (my favorite part of the prix fixe) and an amazing amuse bouche with cheese in an eggshell, there was a flounder entree (good, but not particularly remarkable) and a chocolate torte (also very solid, but not beyond expectations). However, a few add ons made the meal one of my favorite ever: * crab gnocchi; probably the signature appetizer. Amazing. * stormy cocktail, with house made ginger beer and rum -- hit me like a triple, thanks to the wonderful bartender, Vanessa * a $25 beer from vaguely near my home -- horchata style beer from the Bruery! * another great cocktail involving aperol. I'd recommend the prix fixe menu for Friday lunch (their only lunch day), but definitely get some extra appetizers. My impression is appetizers are the strongest course here; entrees and desserts are solid, too, but you are missing out if you don't have a couple appetizers and cocktails.
(5)Kevin N.
I came here upon the recommendation of a friend, and I'm so glad I did because it was definitely the best meal I had during my time in NOLA and a highlight of my trip. If you're in the area for Friday lunch, definitely stop by for their prix fixe; the value you get out of this meal can't be beat. To put it simply, it's the best I've ever had for $20. It's a three course meal and we also received an egg amuse bouche. The starting egg dish was absolutely phenomenal, ours was a squashed based custard. The waiter told us they change this egg dish quite often and experiment a lot with different flavors and techniques. He said the weirdest one he's seen chef Besh make was a cold, fish custard one that didn't turn out to be very successful with the majority of diners -although 1 out of 10 people thought it was the best thing they ever ate so maybe Besh was onto something... One of the first things we noticed were the beautifully illustrated menus. The menu offers 2 choices per course: We both ordered the pate de campagne which was served with housemade pickles and marmalades with toasted brioche. They also had a few different types of mustard on the plate. Portions were quite generous; gf didn't finish hers cause she wanted to save space for the next course so I ate hers and mine. :P Next up was the ginger braised beef cheeks served with sticky rice and kimchee and HOLY BALLS was it amazing! Beef cheeks were cooked perfectly tender and the sticky rice had a nice, crispy exterior making for great textural balance. All of it was served in a delicious sauce packed with flavor. Dessert is where we decided to go our separate ways on the menu. I got the grapefruit pudding cake with roasted pine nuts, landrem citrus, and rosemary ice cream. The girlfriend got the dark chocolate chiboust served with clove cream, crunchy chocolate, and candy cane ice cream. I'm not a big dessert guy but this was one was pretty good, quite light and not too sweet. They also threw in some pralines and chocolates afterwards as a mini bonus dessert. If someone were to ask me for recommendations to eat at in NOLA, August would be at the top of my list.
(5)Amy C.
Why You Should Go To August: 1) When I asked former N'awlins folks for recs they ALL mentioned August. 2) An elegant, old fashioned vibe complete with suits, sparkly chandeliers, huge floral arrangements and an expansive wine room. 3) Attentive, friendly service. (Though a bit hover-y at times). 4) A flexible, seasonal and creative menu. For example, the tasting menu did not have to be ordered by the entire table and any of the items can be ordered a la carte. #ChooseYourOwnAdventure 5) A delicious and cleverly presented cheesy, eggy, crunchy amuse bouche. 6) A crazy delicious trio of lightly tempura fried stuffed squash blossoms with fresh corn kernels and pea puree. 7) A gorgeous representation of spring in salad form. Sunchokes, beet cubes, pickled watermelon, strawberry slices, pea and asparagus slivers, and mini mint sprigs lightly dressed with a champagne vinaigrette. 8) Lamb prepared three ways (although the sausage and pulled lamb were too salty for me). 9) A cornmeal covered and pan fried Soft Shell Crab with almonds, tomatoes, leeks and lima beans. The bright orange, nutty pepper sauce it came with was creative deliciousness. 10) A Meyer Lemon Tart (unsuccessfully paired with cayenne ice cream). 11) A deconstructed Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with unique sassafras ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream, chocolate slivers and a buttery crumble to die for. 12) A cup of rich, French pressed decaf coffee. 13) A little plate with a citrus gelee, slightly limey chocolate, a chocolate dipped macaroon and mini sugary sweet praline.
(4)Eat S.
Wonderful experience! Steep pricing ( but appropriate ) for a fine meal. Try the economy lunch on Friday.
(5)Diane Z.
$20.14 for a three-course lunch on weekdays! It's a great deal, but they sat us all the way in the back dining room and the food was just ok. The shrimp bisque had a good shrimpy flavor, but was VERY salty. The pate tasted like country ham in a good way. The potato crusted drum was a good portion and nicely crisp. A tad overcooked though. The lemon mousse was very tart. The service was fine, a bit stuffy.
(3)Stefano G.
Last night a friend and I had the chance to enjoy dinner here at August. So many tempting choices and such little time to order them. The amuse bouche was unique and tasty! Garlic custard ,butternut purée & brown butter crisp served in an egg shell. My friend chose the gnocchi as his starter while I opted for the 5 courses. All of my courses were awesome. It's sort of useless for me to describe all of it because by the time you will visit the menu will have changed over & over. Enjoy.
(5)Phil P.
My wife and I dined here on the first night of our honeymoon. We wish we saved it for last, because it just about ruined every other meal we had in NOLA! We wanted to try a John Besh restaurant and when we researched online and in our guidebooks, August looked to be his flagship. We called in the morning and were easily given a dinner reservation for the time we wanted. We walked by around lunch time to look at the menu and a local passerby urged us to eat there - told us every dish on the menu is outstanding. She wasn't wrong. We arrived about 15 minutes early and were seated immediately. The waiter was very helpful and professional. For such an impressive establishment, he did not talk down to us and helped us make some awesome choices. Also helped us with my wife's celiac disease (gluten allergy). We love shows like Top Chef, and the dishes we received were like the ones we've only seen on t.v. Each dish had SO many components that I wish I wrote down so I can remember... They all tasted delicious. The meal was extravagant, but most importantly, it all tasted really good! They started us off with a muse in a half egg shell - garlic custard and tomato foam, mine had Parmesan panko. Really elegant. My wife had the brûléed goat cheese and peach salad. I got the famous handmade potato gnocchi with blue crab and black truffle (melt in your mouth). At our waiters suggestion, my wife got grilled pompano for dinner. It had a squid ink aoli and blue crab (among other components). She loved it. I ordered breaded flounder with shrimp, fennel, and local citrus. The best cooked piece of fish I have ever had. Our waiter paired a couple of wines with dinner at our request (a still rose for my wife and a Chardonnay for me). They paired beautifully. And dessert (we were full but got dessert...). My wife had the chocolate hazelnut dessert and I had banana pudding. Both outstanding. The pudding had gelato, peanut butter powder and about a million other things that worked incredibly well together. We were served house made candies on the house at the end of the night. Our dessert plates read "congratulations". A nice touch :) We've eaten at a lot of fine dining up to this point, or so we thought. This is the nicest, most professional and impressive restaurant we have ever been to. The only thing that would have made it better is if we actually got to meet John Besh! Do yourself a favor and make this a stop when you are in NOLA!!!
(5)Brien W.
Was in town on business, came in for an early solo meal. Beautiful restaurant, amazing food and drink from start to finish. Exceptional, professional service. One of the best experiences I have had in a long time.
(5)Audra B.
Five stars! Five stars! Can I say six stars? After having a spectacular meal at Borgne in January, I decided to try another John Besh restaurant on my most recent trip to NOLA. Restaurant August is a class act in all aspects of the restaurant world. Not only is the food spectacular and inventive, but the service and ambiance is top notch. My sister and I opted for the tasting menu with wine pairings. My sister got the vegetarian tasting menu and I got the regular one, which was mostly fish courses and one chicken course. Both tasting menu items were great. We had five courses and five glasses of wine that were full 4 ounce pours! You will definitely leave happy and content after eating a spectacular meal here. Be sure to come hungry and thirsty. I'll be back to try another John Besh restaurant next time I'm in NOLA!
(5)Michael K.
This place gets five stars for menu, creativeness, atmosphere, outstanding service, and some of the best desserts in New Orleans. It is outside of the French Quarter nonsense and riff raff, located just inside the CBD across from the famous Windsor Court Hotel (tip: valet your car at Windsor Court and give the valet $5 to hold your car while you dine). The soups are well seasoned, some creamy, some not so creamy. The entrees are of varying types of meats, vegetable, and fish, none of which will fail to satisfy. Huge thumbs up to August for offering the $20+ 3 course meal for Friday lunch (make reservations early). This is one of the top restaurants in the city for good reason. Nice little bar for pre-dining libations as well, with a wonderful wine selection (bottles and by the glass).
(5)David W.
The food was incredible; exceptionally prepared, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, that wasn't nearly enough to make me want to return. We arrived early. We walked down Tchoupitoulas from Canal, so the first sign we had of the restaurant was the sign on the side of the building. We walked right up to the entrance and walked in. No fault of theirs, but we discovered we had walked into the kitchen entrance. No worries, though! One of the waiters smiled and offered to take us through the staff area, up to the hostess. We arrived at the hostess stand to find her eating. Apparently, we were interrupting her snack. The waiter got a dirty look and we got a glance and a sigh/flounce, followed by a baring of teeth that may have been intended to pass for a smile. She said, "Right this way!" and shouldered her way past the waiter. The restaurant was empty, so it was completely natural that she seated us right outside the kitchen exit, right? We asked to be moved. That merited another look (no teeth this time). We still ended up on an inside wall, but at least it was out of the way of the impending traffic - or so we thought at the time. Tim introduced himself and brought us menus and water. We had eaten way too much the night before at Commander's Palace, so we decided to go easy this evening. The comparison between the wonderful service there really cast August in a poor light, but it seemed as though they didn't even make the effort. Little things, like the complete disconnect between the three people who ended up serving us that evening or crashing the dishes and silverware as they bussed tables, all added up to a disconcerting experience. As I said, the food was wonderful, which made the experience even more jarring. If the food had been average, or even as bad as the service, we wouldn't have been put off and would have dismissed it as nothing more than a bad experience. The fact that the food was so extraordinary really points to a disconnect between the front and back of the house. If they can fix it, I'm sure this would be a great place. We won't be back to give them a chance, though... Anyway, after Tim's introduction and distribution of menus, another fellow, Zeke, came over and let us know he would be doing... something. I don't think we ever figured out the difference between Tim's, Zeke's, and the unnamed third person's roles. Tim answered any questions we had, kept our water glasses filled, and hovered discretely, keeping an eye on us. Zeke appeared at every inopportune time to ask us how we liked the dinner - usually while we had our mouths full. The third person brought us our food and explained what was being served. After we had ordered our first course, Zeke escorted a couple in behind us. They were seated at the table behind us and were obviously well known to the staff. That's the point when the real disconnect became obvious. Not more than 60 seconds passed after seating this couple when the server brought out an amuse bouche for the couple and Zeke presided over the explanation while the server distributed plates. That's how I normally expect service to work, so it was a bit odd. Zeke went on to apologize that the restaurant was out of one item and they'd have to wait for another - a whole 5 minutes. Our service wasn't slow at all, so I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining about that. It was, however, a striking contrast between the proper - not exceptional in any way, just correct - service that this couple received and the bizarre service to which we were subjected. After we finished our meal, my wife ordered a decaf cappuccino and I asked Zeke if they could do an Americano. He assured me they could, but as he was walking off, I heard him say "black coffee" to someone in the hall. I flagged down Tim and asked him to be sure I got an Americano rather than a black coffee. He assured me they'd get it right. They didn't. Later that evening, as my wife was tossing and turning while trying to get to sleep at our hotel, we had to guess that she didn't get decaf. To be clear, what we experienced were many little things that wouldn't have been an issue in 95% of the restaurants in the world. The fact that this is one of the top-rated restaurants in New Orleans just made it a really disconcerting experience. We won't be back, but I wish them the best.
(2)Valarie G.
The premiere dining experience in New Orleans. The staff goes above and beyond to make everyone feel special and the food is just mind blowing. Incredible attention to detail and perfect wine pairings. Just perfect in every way.
(5)Lloyd A.
I recently moved here from Boston and am a foodie. I am a big fan of Commanders Palace and have eaten there over 20 times with not one disappointment. We went there the night before and decided that we would try another place. I had read great reviews about Restaurant August and planned to go there for my 50th wedding anniversary. What a disaster. The food was inedible. I ordered lamb only to find out it was done in vinegar. It was terrible. Not to be outdone my wife ordered octopus and it was also done with some type of vinegar sauce. My daughter who is also an excellent cook was extremely disappointed with her fish dish. The portions are small and I don't have a problem with that but the three of us did not finish our meals. Listen I know that most of the world can't deliver food the way that St. Barts does. To me one of the key things of having a good restaurant is to have good recipes. I have never cooked or served either lamb or octopus in a vinegar sauce. To top it off we had a waitress who was trying to be the next Bob Hope; she very annoying and had inappropriate comments throughout the evening. For example when my wife and daughter went to the rest room the waitress come buy to tell myself and the gentlemen with me that we shouldn't steal the desserts from the women when they were away from the table. The desserts,however, were A+ and the ambiance of the room was magnificent. The gentlemen who was overseeing the dining room was outstanding and a gentlemen. It turned out to be one of the most embarrassing eating experiences of my life and when it's on your 50th wedding anniversary it made it even worse.
(1)Duane D.
We had several large group dinners in New Orleans, but the food at August was the best of the bunch. We had a great gumbo, followed by a fantastic salad topped with a shaving of peanut brittle. Just awesome. The main course was both a shrimp and grits and a small steak with mash potatoes. Both were awesome. The finishing touch was a banana flavored desert that was amazing. We had the entire second (third?) floor room to ourselves, so we didn't experience the dining room. However, the food and service was excellent -- I would definitely go back for the full dining experience.
(4)Teresa K.
One of nicest dining experiences we've had in NoLa. We went for the Friday prix fixe, which is one of the best deals in town: three courses plus an amuse bouche and tiny samples of post-dessert chocolates and pralines. All for twenty bucks! The service is outstanding; very attentive and not the least bit snooty, which I really appreciate considering we were there almost an hour an a half, taking up valuable real estate and not spending much money. Because we had overindulged during the week, we ordered no alcohol, just iced tea for him and sparkling water for me, yet the waiters attended to us as though we had ordered a bottle of their most expensive wine. This is one of the rare times when even a 30% tip doesn't seem sufficient. The ambiance is old-world, old-money, but relaxed and unpretentious. High ceilings, fresh-cut flowers, large windows, fine linens. On the way up to the restrooms, you'll see an impressive wine vault and can take a peek into the bustling second-floor kitchen. One rudesby was standing at the kitchen door taking multiple photos with his phone. A little tacky maybe, but nobody stopped him. To be honest, I might have done the same if I could have done so unnoticed. The ladies' room has cute wallpaper made out of French menus. Individual, rolled washcloths are provided instead of paper towels. Nice touch, but the towels were as rough as burlap! My hands got an unplanned exfoliation. But I quibble. . . The amuse bouche is always an egg dish, with slight variations, served in half a shell. The presentation is nice and it's tasty but not earth-shattering. Mini loaves of fresh bread are served - three at a time - with a ramekin of soft butter, and more is offered so you don't have to feel stupid if you want more. Not the tastiest bread, but it's fresh. There were only two choices for each course, but that was okay. I had the spiced butternut squash soup (delicious) while he had the country pate. My fussy husband doesn't even like pate, but he ate it all up. The presentation for both was exquisite. For mains, I had the cannelloni with beef, and he had the swordfish with white beans. Both excellent, if just a tad salty. Portions are small, so these are dishes you savor slowly. You don't leave feeling hungry though, as the food is quite rich. For dessert, I had the carrot cake (my favorite!), and it arrived deconstructed with a somewhat sloppy and amateurish presentation, but hey, it all ended up in my belly and tasted fine! He had some chocolate creamy thing with tiny scoops of very rich ice-cream which he proclaimed to be pretty good. The desserts were the weakest of the three courses, but still a solid "B." The a la carte menu is pricey for lunch, and some of the dinner entrees are quite dear, but we're planning a return trip to order off the regular menu or do the degustation with wine pairings. For a restaurant of this quality, it's worth a splurge.
(5)Sarah V.
Our service was impeccable. Paired wines with every taste. Great recommendations across the board. Will definitely be back. Our server, Caren was very thoughtful and attentive. We were celebrating our engagement and the complements from the chef were all personalized and delicious. The banana bread pudding desert was delicious! Cheers.
(5)Rich P.
One of those great food but a little too stuffy places. When the atmosphere gets reserved the fun dies a little. Somehow the amuse bouche and complimentary sweets at end were the low points. If they'd stuck with appetizer, entree and dessert I'd be rating them even higher
(4)Laura L.
Absolutely stellar service, elegant and stately decor and incredible food! Gorgeous huge rose floral display in the center of the room, stunning crystal chandeliers. The dishes were ALL delicious with so much complexity with the preparation process and various components, sous vide, reductions, concentrated sauces, whipped ricotta, mousse...I couldn't begin to remember every explanation of each plate, but that hardly mattered as each bite of every dish was exquisite. The food experience was further enhanced by the traditional and proper cutlery used for each course as well as the knowledge and effusiveness of our waiter, Captain Robert Kerner. He was a delight and played right into our charade of faux Southern names and gaiety as well as bringing out many special surprises for the birthday lady and gentleman. The cocktails, wine, dessert were also incredible and Captain Robert's vast knowledge of every dish and wine pairing was nothing short of amazing. August was definitely worth every penny and perfect for a special occasion.
(5)Wayne C.
A true foodies restaurant. From the service to the menu - everything is thought out and very well developed. The best thing - it's just so darn "cool." You really feel like you're dining in a fine restaurant. The bar is a great place to grab a non-reservation table (as they serve the full menu). Equally, the staff (including the great manager - he came to my table and talked with me about Oregon Pinots) really know food and wine. I had the crab cakes. Awesome. I also had the Chop Salad; which was good, but very unconventional. If you're in New Orleans - go to Restaurant August. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Wendy W.
Exceptional service and creative food made this dining experience wonderful. I have never liked oysters or foie gras, so i figured i would give both one last try at this restaurant. I thought if i would ever have them presented in their superior form, it would be at a restaurant like this, and I am so glad I did. The oyster appetizer was sophisticated and smoky, incorporating bacon dumplings and a rich white sauce. We also had the gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle, which was great but not as good as the other menu items we tried. For dinner i had the sugar and spice duck cooked medium rare. This was so tender and juicy, and the accompanying grits, foie gras and fruit compote made for a suprising flavor experience. There were hints of anise and cinnamon, so if you dislike black licorice you might want to avoid this dish. I loved it. The dessert was a banana rum cake with creole cream cheese icing. I have no idea what makes cream cheese icing "creole" but it was exceptional. My husband threatened to stab me to keep the dessert to himself. That was the first time he has ever threatened violence for food, which is a pretty good indication of the quality. The service was better than I've had anywhere else in New Orleans. Instead of the snobby attitude I expected from this type of establishment, they staff was attentive, funny and helpful. When my husband inquired about the etiquette of "sopping up sauce" with bread, the waiter encourage him to go ahead and lick the plate if he wanted, saying "anything goes!" I would highly recommend this restaurant, but be prepared to spend A LOT of money. We spent over 120 per person, but fully knew this would happen before we went, so it only hurt a little.
(5)Joanna K.
They say the portions are small. Let me be explicit. The gnocchi appetizer had 5 pieces of gnocchi; the carrot soup had 4 tablespoonful liquid. So one reason everything tasted so fresh, delicate, and clean, was there was so little of it. This place is not about satiety. This is about catering to people who need to impress and be imperssed, like the business woman who's on her 4th business meal for the day, but simply cannot eat anymore and still has to pretend to eat. High end hushed 'transactional' restaurants like this are a dime and dozens in NY and SF but Restaurant August is a subdued knockout in New Orleans. I don't know what they are saying but I want to eavesdrop on every table. I've looked in from the outside like poor Oliver Twist.
(5)hugh p.
Made a reservation for lunch a few weeks ago so no wait when we showed up on Friday around noon. It's a nice looking place. Service was really friendly from the get-go and continued to be great even though we both "only" did the prix fixe lunch (one of the cheaper options on the lunch menu). The food was interesting and tasted excellent.
(5)Anthony I.
My wife and I have eaten here twice (celebrated our engagement there last time). In a city full of ridiculously good restaurants, this one stands out. High class all the way. Chef Besh always has something interesting going on and the wait staff is world-class. Go!
(5)James W.
Overall the food was very good and the wait staff extremely conscientious. This is one of the few places in NOLA or most other cities for that matter that serves mangalista pork (the others around here being the other four of Chef Bern's restaurant). Very flavorful, even fruity meats. Their fare is lighter so don't go in expecting very bold flavors. We tried their three course lunch (only $20) and actually ordered all three entrees to taste (single entree added even more than the entire one person three course lunch but that's partially it being a very good deal) Aside from the food, it's a comfortable atmosphere and (in the day when we went) an pleasant bright ambiance. Our server was friendly and happily explained each choice in detail. Our water was never empty and all paid very close attention to my girlfriend's allergies. Even the person dedicated to pouring water noted for a moment when it looked like our dessert might have peanuts on it (it didn't). Impressive attention to detail.
(5)Machelle H.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This: the $20 3-course lunch is the best client/business lunch. Or just any reason lunch. First, most people don't know that August serves lunch, so it's not packed. Second, um, $20 for a three course lunch at August? Um...yeah...we're so foolishly spoiled in New Orleans. It's rediculous. So I can take 2 people out to lunch, three courses plus the little egg-mouse-caviar pre-lunch lagniappe, for nothing. Rediculous, I say again. In a good way, of course. Today I had the little lagniappe, some shrimp pot-stickers in a broth that was presented in a small french press (love their presentation always), the crab ravioli, and a chevre/fig/honey dessert. I could go on and on about each dish, but I think you can get the gist by reading the rest of the reviews on here that I'm only vaguely beginning to tell you about these complexly luscious things. August is perfect.
(5)L Y.
I came to new Orleans for a 5 day conference. After reading the reviews, I immediately booked this place for the only dinner reservation available. My husband and I had the 5 course tasting dinner! It was definitely the BEST food in NOLA and one of the best restaurants we've ever been to--and we are from LA and have travelled the world. This place was SO good that we came back for their lunch 3 course tasting menu (only $20.12!) which was totally different than the dinner. Each dish was esquisite, complex, and perfectly balanced! Now we are the type of people who love good food ANYWHERE! Love good street food, went on a hunt for the best po boys while in NOLA. Everything here is just perfect. Totally worth the money AND it's a great deal for lunch! One last thing-- the service here is impeccable. This place is perfect for a bday or anniversary celebration...or just to celebrate life!
(5)Hilary H.
Went on my first date with my future husband here. It was such a magic night. We had dinner while the Bacchus parade rolled by during mardi gras. Our meal was so romantic & the dishes were superb
(5)Gaddiel T.
We tried the degustation tasting menu. My mom and sister both requested to swap the lamb with steak. I swapped my red velvet with the souffle. The food were great! The steak was terrific! The quail was great as well as the dessert. The seafood salad was also great!
(5)Hanna H.
I love shelling out for good food, and I will literally throw my money at this restaurant -- IT'S JUST THAT AMAZING. Our service was flawless. Granted, you're paying top dollar to eat here and you most likely booked your reservation weeks in advance. But, they treat you like a king/queen/prince/princess because of those reasons. Located in a beautifully elegant hotel, Restaurant August creates an amazing experience of art with their food, while still incorporating traditional New Orleans cajun/creole/French culture. I don't even need to write down what I ordered because A) I ordered a ton, and the review would be too long and B) it's all worth ordering. Hands down, the best meal I have ever eaten in my life. Every dish is crafted to perfection and these chefs pay high attention to detail. John Besh, you have my heart and my stomach. A trip to New Orleans would be INCOMPLETE without a trip to Restaurant August.
(5)Cindy B.
I don't deal well in these sorts of "fancy" restaurants .. The tables were so close to one another I felt as if I was in the neighboring tables conversation all night, listening to the guy yap on and on about how smooth the wine is going down his throat -- as if I cared!!! The sourdough bread -- was WAY chewy. And we got some kind of egg appetizer that was filled with what tasted like flufffed mayo. My entree was delicious, I had yummy duck .. couldn't go wrong. My fiance' had the rabbit which was overpowered by bacon. The wine he ordered us was great and I don't even drink!! Overall my experience was just ok ...
(3)Tasha A.
Green goddess was so much better than Augusts. I think the upscale decor and large prices can influence a customers experience more than the food at times, and this would be one of those. I also think that the amuse-bouche at the beginning of the meal probably makes customers give better reviews. However, I thought it was a bit sour, and felt a little contrived. If you like upscale, and big prices and decent food, it's good. If you expect the food to be the headliner than I thin you're better off somewhere else.
(2)Neil B.
Very similar to the great dining experience we had at Emerils. This is a fancy place and they like it if you keep up with the theme of the restaurant but they still made us feel very welcome and accommodating. It was mid 90's and all humidity in NOLA so we were dressed pretty casual and have kids but it didn't feel pretentious. They even sat us next to a window so that means they weren't embarrassed to have us dining there :) We did the price fixe lunch. The food was delicious. Drinks were delicious. The staff made for a great dining experience. Our food server was very attentive and kept coming back to make sure we were doing well. She even suggested some other good places to eat. We even ran into Chef Besh a couple days later outside the restaurant and he stopped to chat. Overall it was a pretty good experience that added to our wonderful time in New Orleans. We would definitely go back.
(5)Ben B.
Food was great--wine service was very poor- you apparently have to beg to get wine with dinner if you don't order it before they set water on the table--We then had to pour refills ourselves despite it not being busy in the restaurant that evening. It seemed like we were being punished for not ordering wine before we saw the menu. I would not go back because of this--too many other good choices in NOLA.
(2)Jeremy S.
After an amazing lunch at Commander's Palace, dinner at Restaurant August was a bit of a letdown. We opted to share a few small plates rather than getting entrees or trying the degustation menu (if there's something you want on the degustation menu, you will probably be able to order it a la carte). We had the foie gras three ways, crab gnocchi, curry dumpling soup, and shrimp risotto. The foie gras was very nice, with a great mix of preparations. The gnocchi had a wonderful texture, but seemed rather blandly seasoned, and I couldn't taste any black truffle in the dish. The dumplings and veggies in the curry soup were delicious, but the soup itself tasted like a very standard thai curry with an overabundance of lemongrass. It also had a lot of whole peanuts in it, which was a very poor choice - the nuts completely overwhelmed all other flavors in the dish and the crunchy texture was unappealing. The shrimp risotto (an item from the degustation menu) was good with interesting flavors and perfectly grilled shrimp, but the portion of risotto was so tiny that it was basically lost in its sauce. Overall, it was a good meal, but at the extremely high prices charged (our four small plates totaled almost $90) I would expect much better.
(3)John V.
I try a new restaurant every time I visit New Orleans, and I finally got to August. I'm sorry it took me so long. August is now at the top of my favorites list. Dinner Sunday night may have been one of the best meals I have ever experienced. The Oyster appetizer and the Duck entrée both made my personal Hall of Fame. Service was stellar. I'm looking forward to my next trip to New Orleans, which will definitely include a trip back to August.
(5)Kareem P.
This absolutly the place to go if you are trying to impress someone or make-up with you wife or husband. hint hint. August is the place to go to celebrate yoru anniversary or engagement or just a great night out to eat. You will love the service and presentation of the food. Have fun and enjoy.
(5)Joe C.
The service is to die for. Oh yea..so is the food... Take your time and enjoy...these guys really know how to treat a guest!!
(5)Bart H.
The lunch special is a great value and they throw in lots of tasty little extras. The service was fantastic.
(5)William D.
true old school new orleans fine dining, world class service, celebrity chef, james beard awards, what more could you want...very expensive but well priced in class, worth it for that special event or business dinner, this is the type of place where you close the deal.
(5)Jen C.
Went for lunch and WOW, what a meal. The service was top notch; very professional and genuinely friendly! Would love to go back; next time for dinner! John Besh is da' man!!
(5)Linden G.
There are some lines that divide the South. Lines we don't always discuss or acknowledge. But here in New Orleans, it's hard to ignore. It's there, right in your face, and sometimes you have to take sides. I'm talking about Lagasse versus Besh. And I've always been firmly in the John Besh camp. Restaurant August is where it all started for him. Housed in a renovated historic French-Creole building, the restaurant strikes an imposing yet warm presence. It's all high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers, exposed brick and wood floors, mahogany bars and red velvet curtains. It's hard not to feel a sense of occasion walking in. The amuse bouche of fritter of black eyed peas topped with a micro salad was a good start. Deep fried carbs. Can't complain. But A's came out still frozen in the middle. Fine, it's an amuse, they probably go through hundreds of them a night, so they prep and freeze them. But to send it out frozen was a rookie move. We sent it back, the kitchen was suitably apologetic and they promised to make it up to us. We started with one of John Besh's signature dishes. Foie gras three ways. Any dish that combines "foie gras" with "three way", two of life's most essential indulgences, has already won me over. This one included a foie gras "creme caramel", a foie gras "baumkuchen" (a German "tree cake" named for its bark-like rings) and a foie gras "pastrami". The foie gras creme caramel was topped with an elderberry reduction and was my favorite of the iterations. Not too sweet and maintaining a savory palate. The foie gras baumkuchen was a foie gras terrine wrapped in layered sponge cake, accompanied by a champagne gelee and a balsamic reduction. The foie gras was more subtle here, with the sweetness of the cake standing out. The foie gras pastrami, cured, smoked and rolled into a torchon, was more salty with the distinct taste of salt cod, which was used in its preparation. Next up, the kitchen sent out a crab salad to make up for the amuse bouche mishap. The lump crab was served as a napoleon between alternating layers of stewed apple, ringed by a meyer lemon oil and sweet wine reduction, and topped with an apple crisp. The apple nicely tempered the flavor of the crab, adding a subtle sweetness. The kitchen then followed up with another comp. The La Provence farmed yard egg raviolo with fresh Périgord truffle. Deceptive in its simplicity, this was probably the dish of the night. Served as a single large raviolo, this was just pasta, mascarpone to hold the egg in place, an egg cracked in sunny side up, and pasta to close the raviolo, served with shaved truffles and brown butter sauce. Next was another Besh signature dish, P&J Oysters three ways. Any dish that combines "oysters" with... never mind. You really can't dine in New Orleans without eating your fair share of oysters, and these were some of the best we had in NOLA. Crispy fried with Louisiana caviar "ranch dressing", pan seared, and horseradish crusted. If these weren't my favorite bites of the night, they were definitely the most craveable. We followed the oysters with the truffle larded sweetbread "picatta" with romaine lettuce and herbed cream. After the oysters, it was rather plain. From there, we moved onto our tasting portion entrees. The "pot-au-feu" of elk loin en crépin was essentially a loin of elk wrapped in oxtail and wrapped again in caul fat, and served with an elk and veal jus, root vegetables and dried apple slices. I found the elk tough but perhaps that's the inherent texture of elk. But the oxtail was flaky soft and only held in place by the caul fat. This was a gamey, meaty, heavy dish. Great in winter but I'm glad I finished with this. I also tasted the sable fish and honestly didn't really like it. There was an herbal taste, probably the raito sauce, that overwhelmed the fish for me. Lucky for me, this wasn't my dish. The elk loin didn't leave any room for dessert, especially with the two additional courses the kitchen sent out, so we sadly passed on that. But by this time it was well past midnight anyway. Which is early in New Orleans, where liquor licensing laws allow bars to stay open 24 hours, 7 days a week. With that, we'd seen out January 1 with a meal that set a high bar for 2010. I guess this year, the year began in August.
(4)Lily N.
If the thought of gambling a fortune on dinner at August is giving you anxiety attacks, then test the waters during lunch. However, if you go during lunch, don't fall prey to their $20 prix fixe. Definitely spend the extra coin and order from their regular lunch menu. Visited August for lunch with two other friends. Two of us ordered from the prix fixe menu while the third one ordered from the regular menu. We collectively sampled each dish. The consensus was that while all the dishes were okay, the best ones came from the regular menu. You really do get what you pay for. Staff was courteous and did their jobs. For a few moments, I felt uneasy as two to three waitstaff stood four feet from our table just watching us eat. Although, that came in handy when I dropped my spoon, and literally within seconds, another spoon was placed in front of me, and the dropped spoon whisked away. Impressive. I don't normally like helicopter service, but hey, if that's the game they want to play, then that's the game we'll play. After having tested August's lunch menu, I would consider heading back for dinner if I'm ever in NOLA again. Others might feel differently, but we should all judge for ourselves.
(4)Reina G.
Being the obsessive trip planner that I am, I knew the $20.11 prix fixe lunch at Restaurant August was a MUST for my first trip to NOLA. Sometimes at fancy establishments such as these, ordering the cheapo lunch deal gets you second class service. Not so at Restaurant August. Everyone was so welcoming and gracious and we were seated in what I think was the best area of the gorgeous main dining room- a corner table with a view of the entire restaurant. First, we were treated to a complimentary amuse bouche of quite possibly the best thing I have ever tasted. After one bite of that egg/truffle/caviar concoction in the eggshell I wanted to approach all the other diners in the restaurant to bribe them for theirs. Money, sexual favors, my first born, whatever. So f-ing good. The strawberry and arugula salad with goat cheese croquette that followed was tasty. I went with the sheepshead fish entree with farro and an incredible sweet/savory acorn squash puree with a lemony olive oil. This was probably the best piece of fish I had in New Orleans, and it was so pretty I felt bad about demolishing it like a burly lumberjack. Dessert was a strawberry tartlet with ripe, succulent strawberries and I also tasted a magnificent dessert called a "creamsicle" that rocked my socks. Cocktails were also well-executed (the Homage a Vieux Carre is a must for apple-lovers) and the whole experience was pretty much perfect. Best meal in NOLA by a mile. Go now!
(5)Jamie P.
I LOVED August, one of my favorite fine dining experiences in New Orleans. I had the biggest piece of meat of my life. Really great meals.
(4)Kevin T.
Fantastic. The trout was amazing. A overall great dinner experience for some fine-dining in New Orleans.
(4)Kelly G.
Part II, Interested in reading Part I look up Borgne. We arrived around 8:45 last Wednesday evening without a reservation and were pretty tired as we had a failed experience at another restaurant. Our options did not look particularly positive as there were a couple of conventions in town and everything seemed to be booked and it was drizzling rain at this point...not good. Reluctantly and desperate we entered and asked if we could dine in the bar...and have mercy, that's what we did. All I can say is that having dined at some very fine (actually the finest ) in major cities in the Western world I rank this one up there...way up there. Service is non-solicitous, warm and charming, delicate and sure footed. This is a fairly dressy affair and rightfully so but with no pretentiousness or nonsense. And now for the food. EXCELLENT, elegant and multi dimensional. It is very very skillful I might also add. We had two very different entrees and each had its own sophistication and breadth that makes this restaurant so spectacular. I will only describe my dish here but I tasted the striped bass with Merguez and Moroccan spices and it was beautiful. I ordered the tout with a thin cornbread layer topped with wild mushrooms laced with bits of dill. This is a particularly interesting point in this Chet's cooking. Some bites I was waxing about the amazing crispness of the cornbread layer, sometimes over the rich earthiness of the trout and mushrooms and then I would get a small sprig of the dill. This small sprig of dill is a detail that should not go without notice and mention in this review. It added a freshness and way of awakening the palette. It was a sort of spark against that earthy richness I mentioned earlier. A brief word about the wine. We ordered a French Chardonnay ($34)unbelievable bargain for a really quality wine. By the way we were also served very cold ice water when we were seated and my glass never stayed empty for more than a second and I consumed a lot of it. The interior is beautiful as well. The lighting is the perfect level. Gorgeous flowers abound. Don't miss out on dining here.
(5)Courtney A.
John Besh earns his title as culinary king with Restaurant August. The four-couse tasting menu with a wine pairing for $82 was well worth the splurge. In NYC, the cost would have been double. The dinner started with a complementary light wine and an egg custard amouse bouche presented inside an egg shell. The wines paired with our courses always complemented the dish to perfection. I liked that the wines were never the typical pinot or cab. For the dessert course, the red wine was incorporated into the dish to give a PB&J taste. I loved it! Overall each course was flavorful and perfectly portioned. I did not walk out of the restaurant feeling like I added 5 pounds, but was not wanting to swing by Rally's to fill up. My favorite course was the appetizer pork belly. The entree dish could have included more meat, but was delicious nonetheless. Restaurant August is comparable to the $$$$ restaurants in NYC. If you are looking for a gimmicky New Orleans meal with the usual crawfish etouffe, oysters, etc., then look elsewhere. The food Restaurant August is modern, fresh, and will maintain NOLA's relevance in the culinary world of fine dining.
(5)Madeleine S.
I'm from California. I am used to eating in 5 star restaurants in a casual dining room. Not so at August. My husband and I found the whole atmosphere and wait staff stuffy and impersonal. Attentive and professional - Yes! We ordered the vegetarian tasting menu paired with wine by mistake. Nowhere on the menu did it say 'vegetarian tasting menu' it did say 'farmers market tasting menu' - which to me means lots of fresh, local, organic vegetables - yum! It also said 'cauliflower steak' - I actually thought that meant steak with cauliflower! And the price at $88 per person for a 4-course tasting menu spoke of expensive proteins to come! Not so! The food was delicious, flavorful, beautiful prepared and perfectly paired with the wines. Textures and surprising flavor combinations continued to impress our palates throughout the dinner. The cauliflower steak was the best cauliflower I've ever had in my life - and I still missed the steak - especially when the most enormous steak I ever saw arrived for the lady at the table next to me. I would love to come back and try dinner with friends and meat or fish!
(4)Morgan P.
I'm reviewing the lunch, not the dinner. Came here yesterday while in town for a conference. Everything about the lunchtime dining experience was terrific. First off, the staff was the most attentive and friendly of any restaurant I've visited in ages. The $20.11 prix fixe at lunch is a stupendous value. Each item was really beautifully crafted and presented, and both my dining partner and I were amazed at the value. My veal was the most tender I've ever had, and the chocolate/peanut/caramel dessert was sinful and perfect. They also gave us little amuse bouches and extra desserts, which were terrific. So it was really five courses! I would go back in a heartbeat, and might even splurge on a dinner if it were a really special occasion.
(5)Melissa M.
They really nailed it! The food and service were simply perfect. We felt attended to, without being bothered. Zeke and Carter and the rest of the front of the house were warm, kind, and really helped us to feel celebrated on our anniversary. And the food... A stunning 7 courses all paired with wine that showcased local ingredients and a LOT of creativity. My favorite was the squash blossom stuffed with corn pudding, served on a basil aioli and roasted heirloom tomates. It was cooked perfectly. It is so rare (as a professional cook myself) that I am blown away by a dish, but this really was a little taste of perfection. The wine selections were thoughtful and fun. A fabulous evening! Well done August!
(5)Greg S.
Great service, elegant, great food. Expensive but for special occassions its perfect.
(5)Madison K.
My boyfriend and I went here while we were vacationing in the big easy. Tired and sore from so much fried food and heavy drinking, this restaurant was a true culinary oasis. All I can say is go here and get the mother-effing gnocci. We hail from NYC and haven't ever eaten anything as close to perfection as those bites of truffled heaven. Or maybe don't (unless you live in NOLA) because then you know you'll never eat anything as good ever again. Sigh.
(5)Emerson A.
Great place and great experience. Service is 5 star. a bit expensive but good food and service.
(4)Su Jin K.
My family and I had gone to Luke (another John Besh place) for dinner the previous night and felt that it was good, but nothing spectacular. We went to Restaurant August and were immediately impressed with the warm and inviting decor (similar to Muriel's) and the very attentive service. It was my parents' first time to a "nice" restaurant where we were served complimentary amuse bouche (which was fantastic) and chocolate truffles. The staff was extremely accommodating, because I wanted to switch out one of the items on the prix-fixed menu in favor of the gnocchi with blue crab and black truffles (delicious). It was no problem, and I had no issue with paying the difference between one of the original items and the more expensive gnocchi. Presentation/plating was beautiful, the food was delicious all around, and the lunch prix-fixed price ($20.10) made it more than reasonable. No need to wait for a Restaurant Week here, folks. So, along with the gnocchi, I had the pork belly over grits and the chocolate torte. Everything was great! My mom's duck confit salad appetizer was her favorite dish of the meal, but I think the award for best dish has to go to my brother's selection: the goat curry and roti bread. Unbelievable. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Jody H.
One of the top 5 eating experiences in my life. Arrived with no reservation & told we could be seated then ( about 5:30) or @ 9:30. Not properly dressed and carrying plastic hurricane glasses. They treated us very well and never snubbed us. Try the oysters 3 ways or the gnocchi with blue crab starters. Oysters were baked, sauted, & fried. All in sauces to die for. I had veal chop on creamy polenta with broccolini. Heaven. My friend had trout with crab & a balsamic reduction. These were good portions. She had a cheesecake dessert & I had an amazing napoleon nougatine. We had a very nice bottle of Napa viognier. CA wines are expensive in NOLA but we have had exceptional recommendations at local restaurants. I definitely left the restaurant replete with food and wine. I found the appetizers to be right sized for starters. Five gnocchi is a good portion when served with the blue crab and shaved parmesan. The entree was impressive in size, and I don't just mean in visual proportions. And dessert was also a large serving. I'm not a small eater and I was completely happy with meal. This is a splurge restaurant and I paid more than I normally would expect. However, that was true of all the evening meals I had in New Orleans. I eat in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa and eating in NOLA was on a par with the finest dining I've experienced. I was content to pay for this, as it was a vacation. If I lived there, I would plan this as a yearly pilgrimage, not a weekly stop. Ah, but I would go back when I could.
(5)Scotty S.
i dont know what to say. awesome. my only complaint is that i'm a complete fatass who expects to be absurdly stuffed when he leaves. I was perfectly FULL. should have eaten more bread.... BTW: the duck was incredible. the stuffed softshell crab too. don't order lamb if the only time you've ever had lamb was stuffed in a gyro... you really might end up disliking a perfectly great dish just because your not a lamb fan. PS: everyone who works there is asian.
(5)kim b.
the cuisine is great, but the cleanlinest of the place is questionable. i saw a few roaches.freaked me out. to say the least ,i lost my apetite
(2)Clarence J.
Restaurant August is a very fancy place with outstanding food. It's dressy but there's definitely some leeway, probably because of the amount of tourists without dress clothes. Most men were in shirts and ties or shirts with blazers, but plenty were simply in nice shirts and I saw a couple in Hawaiian shirts and nice slacks . . . and one in shorts. And it is pricey...very pricey. But definitely worth it. The food is outstanding! Flavor-wise definitely, as well as the presentation. In my case, my favorite dish remains a toss up between the best scallops I've ever eaten and the best gnocci I've ever eaten. (And the latter with crab!) The menu isn't huge, but there seemed to be a wide variety of offerings to please most palates. Also, they serve good-sized, filling proportions -- neither too much nor too little (the latter being my fear at any fancy restaurant). The restaurant's a beautiful, relatively small place. The exposed brick walls go nicely with other walls that are wallpapered (I think) in dark browns and greens, and all this sets an elegant mood with the candlelight and subdued electrical lights. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. And if you can't get reservations, it's worth dropping by to see if there is available seating in the bar, where you still have access to the full menu. I look forward to trying Restaurant August again someday . . . and wrestling with whether to try new appetizers and entreee or again happily let the gnocci and scallops duel it out...
(4)Douglas C.
Went here for dinner with some friends and had a very nice time, although it was not AMAZING in my humble opinion. The gnocchi with crab meat appetizer I had was the standout. The gnocchi was light and fresh and the crab meat was tender and sweet. A crawfish soup and salad rounded out the other appetizers and the soup was the more memorable of the two. The duck I had was good, but not the best I have ever had (see Chez Jean Pierre review). It was cooked medium rare and it was assumed I wanted it that way as I was not asked. The raspberry sauce it was served with was delicious. The pork three ways my friend had was also medium rare, which to me was a bit off putting. Steak, yes I like it medium rare, but not pork. My other friend's steak was good but a bit too overly sauced in his opinion. Service was good. Overall a good place.
(3)Michael A.
My wife and I dined at Restaurant August on 4/14. Dinner was great. We ate ala carte because neither of the menus really stood out to us personally. I had the gnocchi with crab and truffle which was INCREDIBLE. My wife selected the oysters with bacon that she cleaned the plate better than Cascade could have. I had the Tempura Soft Shell for dinner was done perfectly. My wife had the trout with crab. The only problem was that there were two bones in her dish. Although it didn't ruin the meal, it did kind of tarnish the experience. overall I would go again, hell I would go monthly if I live in the NOLA area.
(4)Monica B.
Whenever anyone asks me about the best restaurant meal I've ever eaten, I respond, in a reverent tone, with my experience at August. To me, August is a culinary holy place. Service/ambiance are great too, but this review is all about the food. Detailed reviews of each dish I ate, all appetizers: AMUSE: Seafood custard sabayon with bonefish caviar and a crunchy stick of brioche. This was gorgeous - a foamy pale yellow served in an eggshell and topped with black specks of caviar and a bit of chervil with the brioche stick sticking out of the top. The dish was rich but not heavy; there was a light seafood flavor throughout that was accentuated with bites of caviar or with the creaminess of the fish. If I have any criticism of the amuse, I think it could use a bit more textural complexity. I know that's the purpose of the crunchy brioche stick, but there's a disproportionate amount of custard to get through with only a teensy piece of brioche. HEIRLOOM BEET SALAD WITH CRAB, MIZUNA, QUAIL EGGS, BACON & BLACK-EYED PEA CROUTONS. Fantastic. It was hard to stop eating it. However, I'm not sure why they call this a "beet salad." There were beets, but beets were not predominant; there were just as many pieces of egg and bacon on the plate as there were beets, and there was a big spoonful of crab salad too. I would call this salad a play on a classic chef's salad, which traditionally has ham, turkey, bacon, egg, croutons, etc. My favorite ingredient was the black-eyed pea croutons. They are basically black-eyed peas that have been fried until very crispy. They were flavorful and imparted wonderful crunch. Overall, however, the salad was more than the sum of its ingredients. There was nothing particularly special about the flavor of any individual ingredient except the croutons. The lump crab was very subtle and had been dressed with some sort of mayonnaise-like sauce. The beets and quail eggs were subtly seasoned as well--thankfully, because if each ingredient had been seasoned to death, the salad would have been chaotic. Very harmonious. My only minor criticism of the beet salad was the bacon. If you added a bite of the bacon it overwhelmed the delicate flavor of everything else on the plate. I could not taste the beet at all when I had it with the bacon and the mizuna. I would have preferred the bacon to be less plentiful and diced more finely. FOIE GRAS 3 WAYS The three ways were: (1) Pastrami foie gras served with a tomato salad; (2) German-style foie gras wrapped in Baumkuchen spongecake with champagne gelee and balsamic reduction; (3) Foie gras crème caramel with blackberry caramel. Unexpectedly, my favorite was the Baumkuchen. It was sweet, but not overly so, and I enjoyed the way the sour champagne gelee and the balsamic reduction balanced the sweetness of the cake and the richness of the foie gras. First runner-up was the pastrami foie gras. Nothing thoughtful to say here; it just tasted good. My least favorite was the dessert foie with the blackberry caramel. The caramel, for me, was fine but not special. TRUFFLE-LARDED VEAL SWEETBREADS Exquisite. This was my favorite dish, and that's saying a lot. This dish was reminiscent of particularly moist fried chicken, or perhaps chicken-fried steak with a beautiful lemony sauce replacing the nasty thick white gravy that usually accompanies that dish. The sweetbreads were simultaneously upscale and homey. ACORN SQUASH "MEZZE LUNA" WITH SATSUMA, CHESTNUTS, AND FENNEL Sublime. This is basically acorn squash ravioli with a better sauce than normal, full of butter, Parmesan, and laced with satsuma. The squash's flavor really shined, a testament to the expertise of these chefs. The parmesan and satsuma, which I would have thought an odd pairing, melded beautifully. The chestnuts were rich and creamy in texture. What made this really special, however, was the fennel. I didn't see them on my plate, but I noticed the taste of fennel and asked the waitress if the dish contained fennel or star anise, and she confirmed that at some point, fennel fronds were in the dish. This addition added complexity to the dish; definitely saved it from being your everyday squash ravioli.
(5)W L.
Not worth the money!!! Unless you want to feel invisible and eat tiny, salty, over cooked & over priced food!!! Two appetizer, two entrée and two drinks = $156, salty food, slow service & inattentive waiters! I don't mind spending $156 on good food but this place is not worth your $$$$$! After reading all the great reviews on Yelp, we were very excited for August. We made the reservation a month in advance & we save it for our last night in New Orleans. It was a disaster from the moment we walked in the door. We had to wait 25min even with a reservation & we can clearly see there were 2 empty tables available.(....maybe they were holding it for someone special.) When we finally got seated our waiter (who I forgot his name) greeted us nicely but left us waiting 15min before taking our orders. We waited another 20min before we got our tiny appetizers. My sweetbread appetizer was over cooked & super salty even for my salty pallet. My husband's gnocchi appetizer consists of 4 quarter size gnocchi. (He ate it in 2 bites!) I felt bad to even ask for a taste since it was so little. Between appetizer and main course we waited another 20min or so. I never got a refill of my water! By this point we're just fed up with waiting... My main course was redfish and it actually have NO taste what so ever...it was bland as eating steamed chicken. Actually the fish was so over cooked and tough I had to cut it with a knife!!! It was chewy with the texture of chicken. My husband had the giant Gulf Shrimp & his dish was extremely salty as well. It consists of 4 heavily breaded salty shrimp. Not to mention, my waiter never refilled my water still!!! It's been empty since my salty sweetbread appetizer. Pure disappointment to us! I didn't even finish my redfish dish. When the assistant waiter asked how was our meal, I told him the truth & that we're still hungry from lack of edible food. He was nice and thanked us for our feedback & cleared our table. We asked for our bill & told him we're not interested in dessert. To be honest, we have no faith in their dessert menu since we had such a horrible dinner experience. We couldn't wait to leave the place to get our dessert from Couchon, another restaurant that we ate at the night before that had an excellent strawberry short cake. We waited and waited for our bill and had to ask the waiter 3 times for the check...after 32 mins the waiter came with complimentary dessert for our poor experience & the check. We were so upset with all the waiting, we just sent back the dessert & paid the $156 check & left. By the time we left it was 10pm!!! No apologies from the management staff! We were invisible to them. By the time we made it to Couchon for dessert they were closed! We were really sad at that point! Last night in New Orleans ruin by August!!!! We ate at so many restaurants in New Orleans on this trip & were blown away with all the wonderful French, Cajun & Creole food. August is the worst restaurant we had in New Orleans & it's the most expensive too! I will NEVER recommend this place nor will I ever revisit!!!
(1)Bill B.
Delicious food with perfectly adequate service. In my book, it fell just short of "wow." Given the expectations (not to mention the prices), it would've had to have been a "wow" evening in order to earn 5 stars. They didn't get there. In this class of restaurants, I felt Stella! delivered the exceptional experience I was hoping for from August.
(4)Davy W.
I had high hopes for this place because of the reviews. When we had called the restaurant, we found out they had no corkage fee, which was great. That's Southern Hospitality to me! We had a reservation and they placed us in the back wine cellar room. At the back of my mind, I wondered why they didn't seat us in the first room, where it was beautifully lit with crystal chandeliers and windows. There were under 10 people sitting in that room too. Part of me wanted to push aside the fact that we were Asian and everyone in that room was white, but I'd like to give people the benefit of the doubt. My husband ordered the the brown sugar spiced duck confit and I had the halibut. the stars are for the duck confit, as it was very flavorful and melts-in-your-mouth. It had strawberry remoulade on the side, which had a slow-cooked strawberry jam consistency. The halibut had a nice presentation, but it was just okay. The creamy sauce was tasty, but the fish was nothing special. We ordered the salted toffee ice cream as it had excellent reviews, but I wasn't very impressed. Maybe because the toffee crisps were a lot sweeter than I had expected? All in all, the place had a fancy ambience (personally it felt a little too quiet and awkward at times) and the servers were polite and helpful. For the price, the food wasn't totally amazing. The duck was the main dish I remembered and the rest will soon be forgotten. I have to say I like John Besh's other cafe restaurant, Luke's better.
(3)Tonya R.
Come hungry, and ready to indulge. Everything we ate was rich and delicious, and Once we were seated we were welcomed with cocktails, an amuse-bouche: seafood and egg custard with a hint of truffle and topped with "local" caviar placed inside a hollowed out egg shell..it was sweet and delicious with also a hint of brine (from the caviar.) Based on recommendations from those who came before me, we started with the blue crab and black truffle gnocchi..one order split among two bowls...more than enough to be its own entree, but enjoyed non the less. The entrees as well were sizable when the arrived. The bone in rib-eye was massive and served tomahawk style. (Not sure what that means? Well, its a meat-shaped ax with the bone as a handle!) The sugar and spice duck was not as gargantuan as the rib-eye, but the rich flavors of the seared foie gras and peach reduction sauce gave a bold measure all its own to the dish. Between the entrees, gnocchi and sweet seafood custard, we hardly left room for dessert but enjoyed the small sampling the house provided as we left. The only issue I had with the meal was the service-ware. I know its nitpicky, and I know over time things chip, cracks and that scratches happen...but with a restaurant of this distinction, I'd expect them to be discarded or put to use other than serving an amuse-bouche in an evidently chipped custard cup or perfectly prepared duck on a dinner plate with a crack running from the rim. No, these things did not affect the taste of the dishes, yes I enjoyed my experience and the service was fantastic, this merely held back a fifth star for presentation.
(4)Bronson M.
I've always been a fan of Besh's work, so I had to go to his flagship. The place has great ambiance. I didn't adorn a jacket, but dressed fashionably and didn't feel too out of place. (Although the majority of my dining peers were older and mostly dressed in suits or jackets.) The service was outstanding (attentive but not ever-present either.) Now about the food. Everything I ordered was delicious and well prepared. My dining partner's was not. I ordered the gnocchi with crab and black truffle. Decadent is the word. My DP had crab bisque and thought it was too "fishy." I'd consider her a bisque expert as it is a favorite of hers. She also lived in Manhattan for about a decade, so I highly regard her opinion. We were served an amuse bouche of a quail egg shell stuffed with a custard topped with caviar. It was a rich mouthful of flavor that I felt more interesting than satisfying. I chose my entree of the prix fixe menue. This is always an option, btw. I ordered a flat iron entree that was perfectly cooked rare to medium rare. The accompanying tête tortelli, pea pesto and sweet corn were delightful companions to the flat iron. I enjoyed every bite. My DP again didn't fair well. She had fish, I believe the trout, but it was so disappointing that she only ate about 1/4. The server came over and she stated it was just fine. He asked her if she would like another entree in substitution, but she declined. He ended up not charging us for the dish. I must note that she did thoroughly enjoy the crab meat that was part of the dish. The end of the dining experience included a dish of four works of art from the pastry chef for each of us. The chocolate truffle was ridiculously amazing. It reminded me of the great chocolates I had in Turin. Overall, a refined dining experience for me and a number of disappointments for my dining partner. I am more adventurous with my food choices and preferred my experience at Borgne, Besh's new restaurant, more than August overall.
(4)Blaire P.
Our favorite dinner from a recent trip. Everything was perfection - and actually less expensive than expected. Husband loved the grouper and my soft shell crab was fantastic. The drinks were creative and the scene was lively. Highly recommend.
(5)Eve K.
For my 200th review in just 3 months--yes I'm fully on the yelp obsessed train--it's only fitting that I spend it on the highlight of my NO trip. I didn't plan it to go this way, but it did. Ah, the joys of serendipitous life... (I'm still in a good mood after my trip and this dinner.) Highlights: - I'm a self-proclaimed foodie/fine dining fan/junky and very picky, so I'm often disappointed at highly rated restaurants. I wasn't this time. - This wasn't on my original list to go to, but when I walked by one day on the way to Mother's, I peeked inside and at the menu and had to go there. :-) - Beautiful interior: open, bright brick room up front with lots of tall windows and another darker library-like room in the back. - Extremely professional wait staff: always there when you needed them to fill your water or explain a dish, but never in the way of you enjoying your dining experience. What you expect from a place of this caliber. They even gave girls with black dresses a black napkin instead of white, folded your napkin when you left the table, and the waiter genuinely looked like he was enjoying his job. - 5 course menu: always happy to see one where I like every course. I enjoyed the creativity and thoughtful progression and adored the wine pairings. I'll go into details of each food course below. Pics are also posted if you're interested. - Wine pairings: can be hit or miss but these were all home runs. They really made the whole meal a delectable, wonderful package. The wines were unique to their type and very enjoyable. Ex. a pinot gris that was smooth and not too mineraly or crisp and a french chardonnay that had some full body and butterness to it as well as being light. Complemented the dishes perfectly. Did I mention I'm a wino too? ;-) Price was amazing as well: only $20 extra for all those 5 liberal pours. How can you not add that on? - Salad: just salad to me usually but this was one of my faves. Some random veggies like a green flower like cauliflower thing and a poached egg in the middle sprinkled with sea salt and accompanied with fresh dill. Very tasty, different, and elegant. - Crawfish: not what you'd expect in fine dining. Fun to get a napkin bib with a dentist-like chain, pull off the tails of the big suckers--and they gave us monstrous ones--and dip em in the bath of amazing sauce they were bathing in. - Salt cod in form of mini beignets: gets the most creative award and my favorite dish award. Beautiful presentation in a boat shaped plate as well as perfect flavor. - Dessert: lava cake was pretty standard and good but loved the homemade spiced warm wine in a tall shot glass--that made the dessert and took it to higher level. - We met the chef. As in super star NO chef John Besh who owns 4 restaurants, beat Mario Batalli on Iron Chef, was the runner-up to be the Next Iron Chef, was named Gourmet Mag's best chefs years ago, and got a James Beard award 2 years ago John Besh. My foodie cuz and I were like tweens finding themselves face to face with their favorite boy band. And not only was his food great, but he was such a nice, humble, friendly guy saying how much he appreciated us coming in and asking how the food was. After we asked for a picture he was joking with us that his old frat bro is watching him, inferring he was a bit embarrassed. My husband is now jealous cause I'm still giddy about him days later. Second only to Ron Siegel, he is my new chef idol. Yes, I'm that hard core. Lowlights (my flip side to highlights): - Filet: foie was delicious and melty soft. Steak was cooked well, but was severely lacking salt. Everyone commented on it and I don't even like much salt. - Cockscomb (as in the pointy head part of the chicken) in the chicken and dumplings: random, didn't know what it was, and after we found out everyone was scared to eat it. Overall one of my fave dining experiences: being in my favorite eating town, pretty restaurant environment, superb service, impressive wine, excellent food, and bonus of meeting the chef to top it all off! I'll be back to try the 3 hour degustation menu next. 8-)
(5)Jon K.
excellent service. food was very decent but in all honesty a little too pricey.
(4)Jeremiah K.
Not every fine dinning restaurant should have a tasting menu. Tasting menus can be a fun experience and a showcase for a chefs talent and creativity. Unfortunately the 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings manged to only showcase a lack of either. The dishes themselves and the wines lacked balance. A discordant array of flavors and textures when I was expecting a harmonious symphony. The service was polite and attentive, but the best service in the world could not have compensated for the disappointing dishes served that evening.
(2)G C.
Great service, food, and place to celebrate a birthday. We went for lunch, and it was a brilliant idea that was recommended to us from some friends who frequent NOLA. The food was great, I highly recommend this place for a nice Friday lunch (only day they are open for lunch). Besh has a really good formula brewing...
(5)Eric L.
Skip the tasting menus if you want to find value. The foie gras 3 ways is good enough. Its hard to go wrong with foie. Venison sausage and white bean cassoulet was good, but unimpressive. Venison is a lean meat, so they could have done something to keep the sausage feeling moist. The cassoulet was a little mushier than I'd want, but very well seasoned. It was topped with panko/pork cracklin mix, but the cracklin was wasted. Good execution, but poor dish design. Sugar and spice duckling was nicely seasoned, but didn't come out as warm as it should have. This is supposedly the signature dish at August, so I'd try it again. We went for a late service, so maybe the kitchen was just being lazy. I suspect this dish could be awesome. The duck came with a canelle of marscapone grits, and a dab of quince jam. The marscapone grits were perfect. Gnocchi with truffle and crab was delicious. The homemade gnocchi was light and excellently crafted. The sauce was rich but not overbearing. The crab seems to have been thrown on because people think crab is expensive and good, but added no value to the dish. Crab in the presence of really rich truffle and cream ended up being just a texture in the mix. Again, I'd say good execution, poor dish design. Pork belly slices on a garlic custard pastry served in an oyster and bacon broth. Too much going on in this dish. Let me preface this with the fact that I LOVE fat. I never shy away from eating fat, but it has to be done well. The pork belly slices were just fat, not no taste or texture. They were served with a rich oyster broth with oysters and bacon on a buttery pastry. It was too many rich elements on the plate for the fat to be just untreated fat. That said, the oyster and bacon soup was outstanding. The bacon pieces were house smoked, in the top 5 bacons I've ever had. Separate that component out and that dish would be awesome. Excellent food, but its always a little disappointing to have a good meal that could clearly be so much more.
(4)David B.
Had an amazing dinner here. I ordered the lamb and it was prepared like a roast. It was very unique and delicious. The waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. I paired the lamb with a red zin. My buddy had the cobia which was cooked to perfection. Ambiance has an old restorative feel although the actual building isn't more than 10 to 15 years old. It had been rebuilt following a fire.
(5)Siemny C.
Delish. Started with two-amuse bouches. Proceeded to eat much more. I can't seem to remember everything we ate, but I remember it was all fresh, complex and made me excited for the next dish. We had the foie gras three ways, some other app, and a fish and a meat dish. We ended with the salted toffee ice cream. Service was great -- on top of things, but not too intrusive or pushy.
(5)Aimee F.
Worst service at an upscale restaurant in many years. Ate here several times on business over the past few months. Entertaining several international clients, with expensive taste and impeccably dressed and polite. Was horrified that I had to get up several times to find a waiter after waiting 30-45 minutes for a drink order (ordering some of the most expensive wines, no less), another 30 to order food, and never being asked about dessert, coffee or dessert wines. Atrocious, not worth it even if the food is fairly good. It's an embarrassment to NOLA which is formerly known for its classical, incredible service. While the food is great, I've had enough bad service to put this restaurant on the permanent black list. Oh where oh were is their management when they need it? A good chef is not enough . . .
(2)Jeff M.
This is a great high-end restaurant. I went here twice - once for dinner, once for lunch the next day. Dinner was superb. We had a great wine recommendation and plenty of help / advice on the menu selections. We all selected our own courses instead of going the pix fixe route. Three of us had the pheasant breast for the main course. I knew I was taking a risk, being from the Midwest and knowing how easy it is dry-out a pheasant breast. But I figured, hey, this is a high-end place and they should know how to do it right. And they do. The pheasant was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly, and accompanied perfectly. I was very impressed. Salads were delightful, if a tad small. Though certainly they were unique and made with local fresh produce. The goat cheese cheesecake was really unique and tasty - recommended! Wait staff were attentive and helpful, as well as friendly. For dinner, really the only thing on the negative side was the noise. It is an old brick dining room and the sounds bounces around the walls pretty good. I found myself leaning over to hear my clients talk. Lunch the next day was a similar experience - fresh food, cooked perfectly. I'd say that the prix fixe menu left me wanting a little more - I should expect that for $20 at a place like this. But other than the small portions it was really good. Overall, you will pay for the good food and service and Restaurant August make it worth the money. This is a great place to take a prospective client.
(5)David G.
One of the best dining experiences that I've had. Hard to say what the best of new orleans is, but this might be it.
(5)Mark B.
Amazing place for lunch. One of the best anywhere. No disappointments with anything we ordered. Had three appetizers plus one main with my wife . Chef has a light hand and multiple flavors wonderfully integrated. Today, had green salad w/ pumpkin brittle and blue cheese, lump crab and pumpkin with peppers, and lobster tempura. Lemon fish main with mushrooms and greens. Just wonderful. Also, great selection of wine. Walked in without reservation and ate at flat top in bar on a Friday at noon. FYI - fixed price lunch will cut your costs about in half.
(5)Sonya Z.
This review is for the prix fixe lunch I had today with my dear friend Zach. It costs $20.12 (I love that) and it is divine. If you sit in the bar area, you don't need reservations! August in the CBD area, so parking is horrible, and meters have a two hour limit. Your best bet is to find a meter or pay for a parking garage. They gave us these adorable egg amuse-bouches that were some sort of egg/caviar concoction with a "British crouton" - very cute and tasty. My appetizer was an acorn squash soup, my entree was gulf shrimp with andouille crust (I don't usually eat meat, but I will make occasional exceptions for extraordinary dishes!), and my dessert was espresso parfait, which I thought meant I would get a coffee with some sweets on the side but I actually got all sorts of coffee-flavored creamy concoctions. All of it was delicious. It's definitely not a huge meal, but then prix fixes never are. It's a great way to try August without breaking the bank at dinner :)
(5)Annie B.
Harold and I returned to Restaurant August last night to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We had the four course tasting menu with the wine paring ($85/person--a true bargain). Perhaps it's gauche to mention the cost, but I always appreciate it when other Yelpers do. We were completely amazed by the experience. Michelle was our captain and she was warm and pleasant, she made us feel very comfortable and this made our experience that much more enjoyable. I don't know the name of our server, but he is the same gentleman that served us on Christmas Day, his service was absolutely wonderful as well! We supplemented our four course tasing with the gnocchi with black truffle and blue crab (as I mentioned in my previous review, this is one of the best things I've tasted--yep, it's still incredible), even the aforementioned amuse-bouche tasted great this time. We enjoyed every course and agreed that this was one of the best restaurant meals we've shared! I can't go into detail about the courses, simply because I can't recall every detail and don't want to give too little or incorrect information--trust me--this is one place where you simply can't make a bad choice! Wow, we were treated so well while we were at Restaurant August. As we were leaving, we were invited to take a walk through the kitchen. We were introduced to the chef and the kitchen staff, we were given a round of applause and we of course applauded the staff in return. What a treat! My husband said he felt like Henry Hill--you know, Ray Liotta--in Good Fellas... We love coming to New Orleans and may make dining at Restaurant August an anniversary tradition.
(5)Kenneth T.
Tried tasting menu with wine pairing- service just average- surprisingly-waiter not knowledgeable about details of food preparation- unacceptable at this level with a tasting menu if you are here as a 'foodie'- perhaps not noticeable if just here for a nice meal. One wine pairing late with a main course- again a major faux pas at this level and for this $. Food good but not competitive with top spots in other major cities- a confit of tuna stood out. nice ambience-we ate in the room with an overhead second floor "wine library" . Surprising variation in dress- most business casual but when did shorts and your backpack become acceptable for dinner?! Bottom line -Good, just not great, and definitely not on the best meals ever list.
(3)Luisa P.
It would have been nice, but (and this has nothing to do with the food) I was seated next to this CRAZY, LOUDMOUTH, lady who was trying the tasting menu with wine pairings and apparently, she couldn't handle her booze. And this must have been her first time at a fine dining restaurant, because she sounded like she was talking at the bar in some dive on Bourbon street. OMG! She was like, screaming at her dinner guests. I would've liked it if maybe the wait staff had told her to keep it down, but she was like a fucking foghorn. And since i'm Asian and from Los Angeles, I can't stand small-minded racist white people, and she was talking about how Latinos and minorities need help and shit like that. ugh. other than that, food was good. I had the potato gnocchi, with was really heavy and the beef with oxtail marmalade and bone marrow. Dessert was good with the goat cheese cheesecake. But ambience wise, it was really cramped and kind of put a damper on the dining experience.
(4)Vincent C.
The food was great. Actually one of the best filets ever. But I was eating that filet for about 15 minutes by myself....the other 4 people at the table had already finished their entrees. They had to reheat another entree at the table. Got served seafood silverware with my steak and rabbit appitezer. Consistenly had empty wine glasses. All had tasting menus and foie gras apptz. Little over $200 a person for some of the worst service ever. I would have given this place 5 stars if they just would have done one simple thing.....a sorry or at least comp something......NOTHING!
(1)Henry F.
I never knew that I could have such a great and affordable dining experience for lunch. My friend and I went there for lunch last week because we had heard of the "pre fix" (fixed price lunch menu). The $22 lunch included an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert, and they were all great. The service was outstanding, and the food was great. I cant wait until my next visit.
(5)Baking M.
My friend and I dropped in at Restaurant August right before an hour long rain pour. For $20.11 we engaged in a Prix Fixe 3-course lunch. I had heard about Chef John Besh from his efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit and thereafter, when he oozed his Southern charm while competing on Top Chef Masters. The restaurant occupies multiple floors, where the kitchen and restrooms were on a second floor, up a staircase and the dining room is on the main floor. The building has exposed brick throughout and was built in the 1800s. The servers were very kind and presented guests with a complimentary amuse bouche of an egg mouse in an egg shell. It was not something I would order independently, however I liked the presentation. The warm sourdough bread and soft butter was phenomenal. I couldn't stop filling up on the bread. We had bacon, slivers of radish and walnut salad, then the salty and buttery pork belly, soft potato gnocci and wild mushrooms was my favorite dish. Finally, we had for dessert a tart with ice cream and plums. I appreciated the complimentary chocolate and buttery peanut brittle ending
(5)Angela C.
Another awesome meal at August. This time I brought out-of-towners with me to hype up and showcase a Besh restaurant. I raved about it, and one of them seemed skeptical even when perusing the menu. "Nothing sticks out," she said in an unimpressed tone. But, once the food started arriving at the bar (where we dined, stay tuned) she was singing a different tune. All three of us were in awe - the food here just blows you away. I had the Duckling, again, because it is soooo good. And, I tried the Sweetbreads appetizer this time - not that I've had it many times, but it was the best I've ever had. I hesitate to say this, but you'll have to take it with a grain of salt because I'm not really a dessert fan. From now on, I will pass on the dessert here. It's good, but I think it just doesn't have the same delicate intricacies as the apps and entrees. Maybe it just lacks the Besh touch... does he even do his desserts? I'll take a Besh dish over most things any day.
(5)Elizabeth T.
I have found my true love. If only it didn't live in another city. . . Visiting New Orleans over my bday with friends, I asked one thing, and one thing only for my birthday. That we sample the pre fixe lunch meal at Besh's August. (Well, that and then dinner of oysters and beer and I think there was some bull-riding involved, but that's beside the point.) We came during lunch, a group of 4, casually dressed as tourists are wont to do, and despite the elegant restaurant, the much nicer dressed clientele, we received a warm welcome and prompt service. We enjoyed our complimentary amuse-buche of egg custard and cavier. I really wish I had taken notes of our trip here. In my mind now, it is merely a mushy memory of complete and utter happiness. One of delicious gluttony, course after course, that took over 2 hours to complete. We ate everything from appetizers to an array of deserts, including the pralines (praaaaah-lines!) and macaroons which they included with a birthday message for me. Service was a bit slowish, but always friendly and incredibly professional. And honestly, we needed a bit of extra time to digest. This was not a meal. It was an experience and a delight.
(5)Jessica M.
One of my fave meals in all of my 31.5 years! Did a Farmer's Market tasting menu with wine pairings. Amazing veggie meal with fruit compliments. Service was fab. Talked with several of the staff members and tried more of the Besh restaurants because of it. Took photos of every course. Sorry, not posted here.
(5)Emily W.
One of the best lunches I have EVER had and what a smoking deal - $20.11 - really? Service was great, food was spectacular - I wish I could eat like this every day! You must try it if you are in NO during the week!
(5)Jason L.
Saturday night (4/10), we made our third visit (fourth?) at Restaurant August and for this evening, we were joined by our friends Sho and Monica (he the Executive Chef at Yoshi's in San Francisco and Oakland), as well as our friend Amy. The room is gorgeous, warm and inviting, a bit formal but in no way stuffy or oppressive. (Still, WTF was with the idiot in the T-shirt and jeans, and his friend with the golf shirt so loud it hurt my eyes?) The egg. The first amuse bouche was Besh's classic egg shell, with a seafood mousse, local caviar and -- like a Mounds Bar -- it's "indescribably delicious!" The second amuse bouche put a satisfied smile on our faces, and isn't that what an amuse bouche is supposed to do? For my first course, I opted for the "Foie Three Ways" -- a terrine en croute served with a champagne gelée, a classic paté, and a truffle -- that was to die for. This was followed by a decadently rich shrimp bisque that was so good I wanted to lick the bowl. For the main course, I opted for the Sugar-and-Spice Duck breast with stone ground grits, roasted duck foie gras, and candied quince. The only negative note -- and it's not really negative, but rather something that could be improved -- is the presentation. The pieces of duck breast are . . . think a petit filet mignon . . . whole rather than sliced. This made it more "work" than it needed to be to slice the breast in order to eat. The flavors were great, and the duckling was delicious. It's just a presentation preference. Other standout dishes were the potato gnocchi appetizer, the raviolo second course, and both the lamb and the pork entrées. The Père Roux's banana rum cake was excellent, as was the pistacio dessert. Even with the "misstep" (if you could call it that) of the duck presentation, Restaurant August remains firmly anchored in the top ranks of restaurants in the (deservedly) food obsessed town.
(5)Ben R.
I would like to agree with CK's review of Restaurant August. Furthermore I'd like to expand on a point or two. The waitstaff needs to KNOW their food. Robotically answering "salt & pepper" when asked what spices were used on the duck is an INSULT to the hard working kitchen staff. Moreover In my opinion the private room we sat in is TOO FAR away from the kitchen to be able to deliver HOT FOOD without the aid of a hot box or the slow as molasses elevator. I hope these issues are resolved because otherwise the food is top notch and the kitchen staff whom we were honored to meet are incredibly dedicated to their craft.
(1)AnneMarie C.
Best prix fixe lunch ever. Would have been worth it at twice the price. Considering heading back two days in a row. My favorite place in NOLA hands down.
(5)Justin W.
This was one of the best restaurant experiences I have had. It's a very modern take on traditional NO food. What did it for me was the service- we ordered one appetizer and because they wanted us to try everything, they brought us out each and every appetizer that we didn't order too. Food was phenomenal, if not a bit rich but that's NO for ya.
(5)Tee C.
Excellent experience--food, service, wine, company. I called ahead of time to ask if vegan options were available, and I was happy when the waiter acknowledged my dietary restrictions at the beginning of the night. My boyfriend and I each had the tasting menu with wine pairings, and the entire evening was simply wonderful. Our waiter, Zeke, gave us wine descriptions before each course, and our food was promptly served with their accompanying descriptions. Honestly, I didn't even recognize everything they mentioned. Each dish had a beautiful and creative presentation. The only vegan fine dining experience I have to compare to is Millenium of SF (the only vegan fine dining in the Bay Area), and I have to say that August is on another level. My first course was a pear consomme, basically a sweet pear soup with little bits of fruit and a pear sauce on the bottom. I know, I know, my horrible description does the dish no justice. My second course was broccolini. After eating this dish, I'm not sure how I could ever go back to making broccoli myself for dinner. It was so savory and addicting. I felt like they had sprinkled crack on it or something. Next was my favorite. I had a very creamy risotto with fried mushrooms and brussel sprouts sprinkled on top table-side. It was a bit over the top to have another server bring out a little dish of fried veggies to sprinkle slowly in a circle around the risotto, but it was pretty cool to experience the dish being served like that. Dessert consisted of an assortment of fruit with satsuma sorbet. SO yummy! I can't remember the wine, except that it definitely balanced each course. And the amuse-bouche! How could I forget? A little fruit salad, marinated so perfectly and deliciously. Didn't think a couple bites of fruit could taste so good. My boyfriend's dishes consisted of foie gras, oysters, duck, pasta with mushrooms, and a chocolate mousse with sorbet. He said everything but the oysters was very simple, but done extraordinarily well. The oysters, broth, and caviar were all good separately, but competed with each other in that one dish. He also enjoyed the wine pairings. The highlight of the night was when the "checks" came. When my boyfriend was in the bathroom, I asked Zeke to hold onto my credit card because I knew my boyfriend would try to pay even though it was his birthday. Zeke brought two black folders, one for my boyfriend, one for me. Inside my boyfriend's was a piece of paper that said, "Happy birthday!!!" and I got the real check. We were laughing so hard. Apparently when I was in the bathroom after dessert, Zeke had taken my boyfriend's credit card and even swiped it. So funny. Overall, GREAT night, amazing food, especially since they made a vegan tasting menu for me! I was expecting this restaurant to make a really good pasta or vegetable dish, and was blown away by what they created. Expensive, but definitely worth the price.
(4)A.E. G.
Loved the Chopped salad and 3 amazing appetizers (the gnocci, the oyster trio, and the beet/crabmeat/fried pork belly / fried blackeyed pea salad), but was let down by a tough, bland veal entree and the restaurant's failure to make a vegetable plate on par with the other food we had. Thankfully though, the Southern cheese plate was an interesting, and the Ambrosia Salad, was a delightful, sweet end to our meal. Would like to give it 4.5 stars.
(5)Deb D.
My husband and I ate here for our 1 year anniversary. My expectations were high, the appetizer was very good - handmade gnocchi, lovely. Dinner was grouper with blue crab and jasmine rice, honestly I could hardly even find rice. No vegetable. My husband had the trout which he enjoyed, but again small portions. I understand small portions with gourmet food, but I also like to feel like I have had dinner when I leave. We were treated to a small plate dessert with anniversary wishes - but overall, I would say for the money I was not impressed. One drink each, one appetizer, each an entree, no coffee or desserts ordered and it was 125.00. Nice, but I can't say I would go back. We ate at Muriels for far less money and it was AMAZING!!
(3)Amanda D.
A great meal and wonderful atmosphere and service. I don't think I've ever felt so at ease in a restaurant of this caliber before. My friend and I took advantage of Louisiana Seafood Restaurant Week, and did the Prix Fixe menu. With so many options from which to choose, we both knew that we had to taste the salad with grilled peaches, and for dessert the fig tart. While I opted for the pork belly entree, my friend decided to go with the pan-seared sheepshead (delicious fish). The portions may have looked small on the plate, but the flavor of each dish was certainly not lacking, and in the end, we both left feeling fully sated (not over-stuffed). I would love to return for dinner (and maybe the cheese plate, too). Also, for cocktails, I recommend their Pimm's Cup and the Hemingway - refreshing!
(4)Joanne W.
I had to come into NOLA on business and was perfectly OK with this. Why? Because it meant I'd get to dine at Restaurant August. It was all I thought it'd be and I would not hesitate to come back. Let's get to it, shall we? The service is top notch, which is to be expected. We were greeted with a seafood amuse topped with caviar & served in an eggshell. Delicous. My collegue & I split the trio of oysters - fried, horseradish crusted and truffled. The presentation was lovely and all were tasty. I was really loving the truffled until I tasted the fried...that sauce was heavenly. I had the roasted beet salad served with blue crab, bacon & mustard greens. It was quite good and my collegue was envious of my bacon. He got the orangic greens served with pumpkin brittle & pumpkin vinaigrette. It looked awesome....and apparently was pretty tasty by evidence of his empty plate. I had seared duck breast (cardamon, 5 spice, cinnamon) served with kale, grits and a strawberry glaze. It was divine. My partner had the veal medallions with mustard green infused risotto. It was fantastic. We were pretty full but could not resist the dessert menu. I spotted some salted toffee ice cream that accompanied a napolean and asked if I could just have the ice cream. What a good call that was. Three little scoops served with biscotti - the flavor was truly delightful. It took all that I had not to lick the dish clean. My partner had the ambrosia which was served with blood orange sorbet...uhh, yum! They have tasting menu which seem very reasonably priced. You can do a 4 course for around $40 (more or less) and a 7 course for $75 (with wine pairings around $125). John Besh's restaurant lived up to the hype in my opinion. If you have the opportunity to dine here, DO IT.
(5)Greg S.
From soup to nuts, an unforgettable meal. The $20.12 lunch prix fixe is a steal at twice the price. Bartender poured a perfect dark and stormy. Felt pampered and yet not stuffy. Get reservations well in advance.
(5)Cindy T.
This was near the convention center so I thought it'd make a good place for lunch, especially after I read about the $20 three-course lunch on Yelp. I decided to eat our last lunch in New Orleans here. We walked in and were seated right away around 1PM on a Thursday. They had a prefixed menu and had three options for each (appetizer, entrée and dessert). The sourdough bread that they brought out was good! I started off with the duck confit salad, which was really good! My entrée was a jumbo shrimp stew and I finished with a chocolate pudding. My bf started off with a pate appetizer, then a pork dish followed by apple dessert. I'm not sure if it's the serious atmosphere or if this type of food not up my alley, but I don't think I would ever return again. But with all new places, I'm happy a tried it.
(2)Kat M.
This restaurant is very high class feeling, very dressy, and prim and proper. If you are looking for good food casually, I would not recommend this place, but for a very nice occasion, perhaps with a group, I would recommend this place. I tried foi gras for the first time prepared 3 different ways, interesting, but tasted and textured like peanut butter. From the two fish entrees we tried, I was not over impressed with either, it just didn't hit the spot with me. Perhaps a little bit too much going on with the entree, maybe that was to hide the fish flavor, but I don't know that thats a good thing to do. The presentation was pretty awesome. We did get the cream brulee which came out in egg shells, prepared three different ways, and it was def. the best part of the meal!
(4)Jennie N.
$20 special 3-course lunch menu from 11am - 2pm. Monday-Friday. I would totally and definitely go back here again! Just thinking about, it was an orgasmic moment! lol. hahahha, yes, I said it. Everything we had was DELISH in every bite. Food: This is the prefix meal that I had that day...1) pate de champagne of La Provence pork (pickled wild mushrooms and wild marmalades), 2) braised chicken agnolotti (braised red cabbage, brussel sprouts, creole mustard, and house cured bacon), 3) dark chocolate s'mores (vanilla marshmallow, graham cracker, and cocoa emulsion). Ambiance: This place is pretty dressy and fancy, I kinda felt out of place coming in with my pants, hoodie and vest. Service: Definitely nice and always making sure you're taken care of.
(5)Jennifer S.
By far the best dining experience in New Orleans! A coworker and I enjoyed a fantastic, fresh meal this week. I enjoyed the salad with fresh vegetables and champagne vinaigrette and the sweet and spicy duck - it was truly amazing! The restaurant was quaint and appropriately decorated, the service was fantastic and the food amazing! You must check this place out if you enjoy a great dining experience!
(5)Kelly T.
5-course tasting menu with wine pairings. I had high expectations b/c the Besh is my Food Network and Food+Wine crush, and he did not disappoint. Each course was fabulous, especially the braised pork belly, shrimp carpaccio and the salted toffee ice cream. Oh wait, the kobe short ribs were rockin' as well. Service was a bit rushed--don't bring out the first course til after I've had my pre-dinner champagne, please. We whipped thru the 5 courses tout de suite.
(4)Jeff S.
I'm not a "foodie", just a New Orleanian...to me that means I like good food and lots of flavors and spend lots of time thinking about eating, and then eating...but like most people I know here, I'm not breaking my bank for a meal when there are just about a zillion options for a tasty dinner that I don't have to drop $150 for 2 on. Enter August's Friday lunch...I'll let others debate the merits of his 3 hour degustation menu with wine pairings...I'll introduce you to the much unheralded $20.09 lunch special served on Friday, I believe the only afternoon the restaurant is open. 3 Courses plus an amooz boosh that I had to ask my lunch partner how we were supposed to eat (she pointed out that they brought out a spoon with the plate for a reason. That did a tad bit better than sucking the egg custard out of the shell like I had wanted). Their are 3 choices each for appetizer, main and dessert; so we lunched as a trio in order to try everything on the menu. The appetizers were just awesome. My Pate was the best I ever ate, a huge chunk served with various jellies and mustards that put Cochon to shame. The pumpkin soup was the absolutely outstanding. I was not ashamed to take the bread and give the bowl a rubbing to make sure I got it all. No need for me to tell you about the dishes, who doesn't like being surprised. I will say it was a top 5 meal for me this year, and I have spent the same $20.99 on far worse while so drunk I couldn't even taste. We dressed up for the occasion; figuring since we didn't know what "business casual" means we would go with 1940's thrift store high fashion; and I was quite surprised that we were the best dressed there. I guess business casual doesn't mean much. For those who want a taste of the high cuisine of the city and live (or are visiting) on a typical NOLA budget, this is probably the top lunch choice in the city, and I will recommend it to any. We did drop a 30% tip because we figured why punish the nice waitress because we like a beer with lunch instead of expensive wine...but at the price we paid in total it was a steal for the quality.
(5)Eric B.
August was possibly the best meal I've ever had in New Orleans (and I've had a lot)! First of all, DO THE TASTING MENU (pre fixe)!!! If you've already decided to go to a nice restaurant, it doesn't make any sense to order a la carte. My wife and I had heard great things about John Besh, but we were a little skeptical that August could compare to some of the other places we've eaten. We were both pleasantly surprised that August measured up pretty well against any of the top restaurants in New York or Napa. Chef Besh does an excellent job of providing classic French food and techniques mingled with some creole influences, all done impeccably well. From start to finish, it was an outstanding meal. Any serious foodie who lives in or visits New Orleans needs to have August at the top of their list.
(5)Maria A.
I would have my last meal here.
(5)Taraneh A.
If u look up yummy in the dictionary, u will find a picture of this restaurant. Service was excellent, food was remarkable, & the restaurant is beautiful!
(5)Ms. M.
I, too, had the 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings on a recent visit to Restaurant August, and I've gotta say, if it's not the best meal I've had in my life, it's close. The first course was a shrimp remoulade en carpaccio with artichoke, fennel, and citrus -- a perfect starter dish. Given how thinly sliced the shrimp was, I was not at all expecting it to have as much flavor as it did, so that was a very pleasant surprise. It was paired perfectly with a sparkling wine. The second course was a yard egg raviolo with brown butter sauce and chanterelle mushrooms, also paired perfectly with a voignier/marsanne (my favorite wine of the night) that helped lighten up what is otherwise a very heavy dish. I spooned up every last drop of the yolk that oozed out of the raviolo, and I even cleaned up the butter sauce off of my plate with a slice of bread. The third course was a surf-and-turf, with butter poached lobster and a crispy pork belly over fennel choucroute and house-cured bacon, served with bacon chips. This was the most interesting sounding dish, but was also the most disappointing, mostly because the lobster was slightly overcooked and the pork belly was not crispy enough. The house-cured bacon completely stole the show made up for it all though: The same bacon tasted very smoky and salty in the chip (which was two thinner than paper slices of potato sandwiching a small piece of bacon), but was deliciously sweet in the fennel choucroute and went perfectly with the pork belly. The fourth course was the slow-braised Kobe beef shortrib with cauliflower slices and puree, topped with potato gnocchi and a cherry-veal reduction. This dish blew me away because it was the first time that I actually understood why Kobe beef, with all its marbling, is so special. It was also the first time that I understood why people enjoy gnocchi -- this gnocchi had such a surprising bite to it... The final course was a Napoleon Nougatine with Valrhona chocolate bavarois and a flourless chocolate cake, topped with saltwater toffee ice cream and a swirl of Chicory coffee sauce. I cannot rave enough about this dessert -- the saltwater toffee not only made it a sweet-and-salty dish, but it completely changed the taste of the chocolate bavarois and cake when eaten together. The port that accompanied the dessert was the perfect cap on the meal. I even thoroughly enjoyed the mignardise that came with the check -- a refreshing little orange macaroon and some slivers of almond with shavings of dark chocolate with a few sprinkles of salt crystals. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable, and neither too brisk nor too slow. Overall, I highly recommend Restaurant August.
(5)Marcus F.
Like all the food I had in New Orleans is was quite rich and quite good. I tried several dishes and my favorites were the beet salad, gnocchi, duck, and oysters five ways. I liked the redfish as well, but my companion did not care for it. We had a soup and a few other things that were also pretty good. The deserts were a bit of a let down after the meal. It was decent I suppose, but not as tasty as the previous courses had been. The service is superb. Every member of the staff I interacted with was pitch perfect. You certainly feel well taken care of the moment you step in the door. The ambiance is really quite romantic and charming. I would certainly return.
(4)Andrea T.
I went for the prix fixe lunch. Unbelievable. What a deal! You would be foolish not to try it if you're in the area. First of all, the staff is so warm and welcoming, excellent service. For me, this can make or break a restaurant. Second, every dish is presented with such care and beauty. Third, the perfect amount is included (at least in my opinion), so you leave full, but not overly stuffed and feeling weighed down. By the way, this is delicious food, the point is to enjoy it, not gobble it down so quickly you can barely process the taste! The whole experience started off with a complimentary appetizer of amuse bouche that is whipped up, then served in an egg. Wow! I had to order the crab gnocchi in addition to the prix fixe. It's so worth it, I assure you! The prixe fixe options change regularly I think. I had the arugula, chevre and strawberries (so sweet), the sheepshead (a type of fish), and blueberry pavlova. All were delicious. I'm so excited to go back here again now that NOLA is my home!
(5)Jon P.
for the price .. no thanks. i have a feeling John Besh has never set foot in the place. 1. first course - beet salad with wasabi crab, arugula, bacon, quail eggs, and dill. everything individually was fine. together is was confusing to say the least. 2. oysters - pretty good, i prefer a raw preparation though. but good for cooked oysters. 3. sweetbreads - good. came with bacon ravioli, and some other things that were good. just nothing that blew me away. 4 salted camel ice cream and chocolate napoleon - terrible. napoleon was stale and chewy. the ice cream came out melted completely... sent it back and it came back with ice crystals in it. horrible. sent it back. im pretty sure John Besh knows how to cook for a dude with a pretty face. but it wasn't apparent by my experience. the sazerac was amazing though.
(2)Kathy L.
The $20 Mon-Fri prix fixe lunch is an incredible way to try this amazing restaurant at budget prices. Hands down the best meal that we have had in New Orleans! We walked into the restaurant at 11:30am on a Friday afternoon and were seated immediately. Before ordering we were given a delectable amuse bouche that consisted of an egg with truffle custard and a light foam. This was followed by fresh bread and butter. For appetizers, I had the puree soup which was delicious and R had the duck confit salad which he thought was very good, but I liked the soup more. I had the ravioli for my main, also a big hit. R had the shrimp on parmesan risotto - we can't decide which one we liked more because both dishes were very very good. My favorite dessert was the butterscotch pot de creme but the milk chocolate pudding was also a winner. Before we left we were given homemade dark chocolates and peanut butter brittle. August is definitely a 5 star restaurant with 5 star service!
(5)Amy S.
Prix fixe 3 course lunch for $20 and change. Even at reduced rate, the service is superb! And the food divine. Have also been twice for dinner, and was never disappointed.
(5)Dick G.
Exceptional experience - excellent food, exceptional service. Tasting menu is wonderful, pairings perfect. Exceptional use of local ingredients, wonderful flavors, diverse wine list. Service is top tier. This has to be one of the best - if not the best - restaurants in town for food and service.
(5)Muli S.
I went to august on a quick lunch referred by my friend. The waiter offered me to have prix fixe menu and she sold me on that one. I tried the pork patte which comes with a bunch of sauces. Superb taste. Then came the Jumbo Shrimp as an entree. The shrimp was juicy and sprinkled with what I think was a bacon chips. Woohoo.. Lastly the dessert was the ricotta custard. In between those meals, they served with you with Artisan breads (just regular) but I really like the Briole bread - hope I spelled it correctly. I ate at fine dining in LA before. But this is definitely better than LA fine dining if you consider the 3 rules that I live with in dining (Cost, Quality, and Quantity) . I think this restaurant deserves full point on 3 of my rules. Good Job Chef John Besh. Keep it up and dont torture your Israeli chef anymore please.
(5)jay w.
Excellent meal with spectacular service. My wife had the vegetarian tasting menu with the wine pairing and I had the degustation tasting menu with the wine pairing. Overall everything was spectacular. The amuse bouche for each of us set things off on the right track. I loved the soup. The yellowfin was a little uninspired. But rest of menu just blew us away. It was light and flavorful. The wines paired up perfectly with the dishes. Strongly recommend.
(4)T M.
Best dining experience of our recent trip. This is a must do if your going to visit some of the top end places in nola The three dining roons are all unique, all elegant, and all roomy. We dined in the front room with huge windows, high cieling, and chandeliers. We were lucky to have Robert as our server, he was outstanding. The service here in general is excellent. Great wine list, sommelier, lots by the glass also. The menu contains a degustation, and pairings, all of which was available ala carte too. We decided to create our own three course meal but it was difficult to choose. Great fresh warm sourdough french baguettes to start and an amuse bouche of a custard served in an eggshell, that was very rich and allowed a promise of what was to come.I had a three way foie app that was unique and off the chart in creatvity and taste. My wife had the chop salad which could have been a painting it was so nicely done. Next was peppered oysters and pork belly for me, and i still dream about it. The oysters were soo wonderful and the richness of the pork-Wow. My wife had a carpacio of beef that was melt in your mouth buttery prime beef. The entree's were the signature trout pontchartain for me and again very unique: trout pressed to a thin layer of crisp brioche, toped with sauteed crab and surrounded by hollandaise foam-hello? My wife's spicy duck with more foie was perfectly cooked and the spices were equisite. We had no room for desert, but from the descriptions, you may want to leave room. Lastly we have dined at many, many wonderful top notch restaurants, our experience here stands up to most of them without a doubt. We will be back. Enjoy!
(5)Van A.
Pros: Great presentation, excellent staff , and value. Cons: Small serving (Ideal for people who wanted fine dinning and not just eating).
(4)Kathy W.
Eating here was a culinary delight in every way. Bringing my six-year-old daughter could have been disastrous, but the wait staff and chefs were truly exceptional in the way they interacted with her and the meal was a success for all of us. I had the Tasting of Vegetables and cannot recommend it enough. Grilled watermelon, figs with brie, squash blossoms....getting hungry just thinking about the experience and writing this review. The atmosphere was elegant without making one feel constricted by fears of possible dining faux pas'z and the decor was upscale and comfy at the same time. The gnocchi with lump crab and black truffle is to die for and the mashed potatoes and fried chicken fingers they roused up for my little girl were beyond wonderful. Do yourself a huge favor and make your reservation to this lovely place. They create food art, a treat for the senses and stomach:)
(5)K W.
Loved it! The banana pudding was amazing! Excellent food and excellent service.
(4)ryan k.
I have to disagree with the five stars, and would have given it 3 1/2 if I could. The appetizers, amuse bouche, dessert and wine list were very impressive, the service was great, and the ambience is top notch. My main complaint was that the entrees were average at best. I thought they were uninspired and not on the same level as the other courses. If you want a very nice restaurant with good food and a good ambience, this is a good choice. However if you want great food, I would recommend going elsewhere, because unless you stick to appetizers (which is always a good idea) I think you will be disappointed.
(4)Jeb B.
Restaurant August is the reigning culinary monarch in a city of gastronomical stars. John Besh has managed to craft an establishment that somehow seamlessly integrates an atmosphere of a warm cozy family dining room, with one of the very top kitchens in the world. The service is exquisite, the wait staff somehow managing to be inconspicuous yet always there when wanted. As stated earlier, the ambiance makes you feel very warm and comfortable, like a small family owned inn in the Pacific Northwest, coupled with a distinctly unobtrusive theme of elegance. The wine list, though not ridiculously large, is world class with every option imaginable at a very reasonable markup. Chef Evan, who was personally taking care of our table, crafted one delectable masterpiece after the other. Bravo, for August was one of the very best dining experiences of my life.
(5)Stan L.
bar none the best meal i had in new orleans.. i called in earlier to see if they took reservations.. although they were full... they did suggest going to their full service bar.. thankfully i found the only open seat at the bar.. i would have ordered the degustation menu.. but it would have taken 3 hours.. and i didn't want to miss the pacquiao-cotto fight (great fight btw).. instead.. i opted for the 4 course tasting menu with the accompanying wine flight.. my meal started with an amuse bouche.. it was a seafood egg custard sabayon with truffle foam. although it was a bit too salty... the seafood flavor was infused throughout the custard.. my first course was sweetbreads with hearts of palm.. the crispy breaded sweetbread paired perfectly with the melt in your mouth center.. the hearts of palm were crunch and a perfect companion to the sweetbreads.. the second course was the acorn squash mezze luna... the pasta was rich and buttery.. the acorn was a bit nutty.. and there was also a hint of citrus.. absolutely perfect the third coruse was ragout of wild boar and roasted quince, porcini mushrooms and whipped polenta.. one word.. umami.. the powerful bold flavors of the meat and mushrooms pretty much defines umami.. for dessert.. i had the napoleon of nougatine with salt toffee ice cream.. although the ice cream by itself was a bit too salty.. when paired with the napoleon's chocolate crunch... the combination was heavenly.. as for the wine pairings.. i don't remember them by name.. but each wine selected was perfectly paired to the entree.. btw the bartender is a total hottie.. oh yeah.. donald sutherland was there that night having dinner.. apparently a lot of big wigs come here.. and i'm sure as hell glad i came here too
(5)I Y.
I was here with my boyfriend for lunch on the last day of our vacation. It was one of the top meals of our trip. We both ordered from the $20 fixed menu. Mine: duck confit salad, grilled veal grillade with creamy grits, and a goat cheese, fig, and honey toast. I was delighted with everything, especially dessert. BF: salad, crab pasta, and butterscotch pots de creme. He liked his courses as well. We would love to come back and try their dinner next time!
(5)Katherine S.
I've been to August twice. The first time was not overly memorable - that is, I was not wow-ed. I had only two lasting memories: one, the waiter adjusted the temperature in the room after overhearing me mention to my husband that I thought it was cold (which was awesome service), and two, I thought the amuse bouche, while creative, tasted one-dimensional. I left with the impression that John Besh was CLEARLY not in the house that night (which was, sadly, exactly what we experienced at La Provence) The second time knocked my socks off. I was with a large-ish group and I strategically ordered menu items that appeared to be favourites and staples. They gave us a strange table that was kind of popping through their door into another room, but otherwise the experience was wonderful. The amuse bouche was the same as the one I had previously experienced. It was the hollowed out egg shell with caviar and I had the same feeling that it tasted one-dimensional and oddly heavy given that it is clearly going for light. It definitely has a 'wow' factor on presentation (fantastic picture here: forkspoonnknife.com/2010… ). My appetizer was, simply, to die for. I ordered the gnocchi with blue crab and black truffle and I remember thinking part way through that if my entree didn't pan out, I would ask them to bring me another order of the gnocchi. I normally think that gnocchi is too boring to order at a restaurant, and were I paying, I think the price would have stopped me, but man-o-man, I'm so glad I went there! Beautifully balanced dish, lovely textures. My mouth is watering just remembering the elegance of this dish. My entree was also extremely good. I went with the duckling and was not disappointed. The meat was cooked perfectly - just the right amount of pink, seasoned to perfection (unlike at La Provence where my duck was served an un-nerving shade of gray and slathered in salt). I'm not usually a big fan of grits, but this was done really nicely, served in the right proportion, and complemented the duck nicely. The foie gras was wonderful. The only thing I might have changed was that, for me, the dish edged a little too far on the sweet side. That said, it was the diner's option on how much of the peach spread to use...it was really just the sugar on the duckling itself that was a bit too much for me, but again, this is a very subtle note and not all would agree with me. The dish was exquisite. I have a history of having one, maybe even two very good dishes, then having it all ruined by a sub-par dessert, so I was hesitant to even go there considering the fantastic mean thus far. I could not be more happy that I ordered the goat's milk cheesecake and that the waiter seamlessly accommodated my almond allergy. I will be dreaming of this cheesecake for years to come. It was absolute perfection and went wonderfully with my glass of port. Thinking I was done and having had the most wonderful dining out experience I've had in a long time, they brought out the parting dessert bites for the table. I focused my limited capacity on the two that appealed to my tastes: a dark truffle, and a praline. The dark truffle was very good, though probably a mistake to overwrite the cheesecake decadence that was still on my tongue. The pralines, which they claimed to be the best in NOLA, were exquisite. I kinda rolled my eyes when they said it, but the texture was dead on, the pecans very fresh, and they truly did rank in my top 2 praline experiences (my top was purchased from a girl on the street in the ninth ward who had just taken them out of the oven and run out of the house with them...those were probably untoppable) Why the four stars with such an unforgettable meal? The first time I went, it was to celebrate an anniversary, we paid, and the food was forgettable (I don't even remember what I ordered, though I do remember having a slight heart palpitation over the bill - not an unusual experience fine-dining in NOLA). The second time was one of the most wonderful meals I've had. Unfortunately, for the price, I would expect a more consistent experience. That said, I will seek to return to recapture some of the magic. Thank you John Besh for August!
(4)Marina D.
With all the attention August has been receiving in the press, perhaps my expectations were set too high. I wanted to try the tasting menu, but on the day we were there, it was all vegetarian. I wanted to try a greater range of chef Besh's cooking, so we ordered a la carte. Gnocchi were good, but not memorable. Trout almandine was excellent, but served virtually without sides, save for a smattering of chanterelles and a great heap of aioli sauce. It is one of my biggest restaurant pet peeves when a dish is served with no sides and no warning about that. I was left wondering if I might have done better with a $35 restaurant week menu... My husband fared much better with an heirloom beet salad and kobe beef-wrapped lobster - both amazing.
(3)Chris B.
Wife and I are foodies and we left Restaurant August completely satisfied. The chefs tasting menu is a must if you are visiting NOLA and want the full August experience. Cost of the meal came as no surprise as I expected to drop a couple of bills so if your not used to spending crazy amounts of money on food I wouldn't dine here. All in all one of the best dining experiences we have had.
(5)Yan P.
I have to agree with @JessicaO :) Some of the sauces were so good we licked every last drop. I would consider this more of a 'traditional fine dining' place than a place of true innovation. If you come from a foodie city like Chicago, SF or NY, it will probably not blow your mind with something you haven't seen before, however it will be an extremely wonderful experience. Nothing here really surprised me, but it all tasted great (if a little salty on a few dishes), was well presented, and the service left nothing to be desired. It's not cheap but it's not absurdly priced for the quality of food and experience. Taken in the context of NOLA food (fresh seafood, fairly heavy tastes) it is a very good experience.
(4)Orville S.
I was very impressed with the quality and creativity of this restaurant. The food was delicious. My experience was wonderful and I will return when I'm in the city again.
(5)Randy S.
And of course, I had to complete my week of all things Chef Besh with an exceptional dinner at August. Joining some out of town friends for a meal they both had high expectations for, I was surprised at how perfectly the evening progressed. I started with the vegetable 'chop' salad. I have never had a more tasty primarily vegetable salad in my life. They used an assortment of pickled and non-pickled veggies with baby spring lettuce and a champagne vinaigrette to wow my palate. Next I had the oysters three ways and each was phenomenal - fried, with a herbsaint sauce, and the third was with some sort of foam, but all were fabulous. Finger-licking good, I tell you! For the entree, I had the seafood stuffed flounder and the it was a hit, from the the presentation (whole fish, head on) to the exquisite taste. I loved this meal. Making it even better was that they had the WillaKenzie "Aliette" pinot noir, one of my absolute favorite pinots!!! This meal was awesome (it exceeded my friends' expectations)!!!
(5)kathy h.
Oh my YUMMM! I had the lunch prix fixe menu and my husband did regular menu so we could get a variety and not break the bank on our first visit. Service is fine dining type exceptional, atmosphere is beautiful, and it was a joy to have this kind of wonderful experience including cocktails for under $100 for two. We had a lovely amuse bouche (for lunch!) in an eggshell topped with a little caviar and I had a wonderful champagne cocktail while my husband had a Sazarec manhattan. The pâté starter with a variety of mustards and conserve from the prix fixe menu is some of the best pâté I've had anywhere and the portion was ample with a good amount of brioche toasts so you weren't stuck with having to ask for more toast. My hubby had the alligator confit that was almost enough for a main dish. It was tasty, with the alligator having a sausage quality so you didn't get chewy chunks, just savory alligator goodness. I had the Drum fish main dish that was more than ample, fresh, delicious, and prepared well, with vibrantly fresh veggies in the succotash. My husband had the parmesan brioche topped speckled trout with a whipped hollandaise and it was also exceptional. The panna cotta dessert that came with my lunch was heavenly. The quality and service came up to the standards of some of the best of the best.... And to do this for a lunch...with the prix fixe lunch for $20, is a very special gift for folks that really love food.
(5)Misi P.
Restaurant Indescribably delicious!!! Okay, I hate fancy pantsy restaurants that try to pass off French appetizers as a meal. I cook at home more often than I eat out, so I respect a hardy down home stew anyday. Such is not the case at Restaurant August. I went here with my co-staff last week and the food was ridiculously good. I ordered a bottle of Orogeny Pinot Noir and that was beautiful - with meat or with fish/poultry. Started off with a nice salad, which wasn't the greatest salad on eart, but it was good. followed that up with an egg-custard-caviar deal served in eggshells, and OH OH OH that BREAD!! The bread really was to die for. I chose grilled sea bass as my entree and I was just a little mad that the perfect little portion wasn't bigger because I couldn't keep my fork out of my mouth. Prior to the meal everyone was quite jovial (well, we had a few rounds of the Orogeny...definitely try that one if you have the chance) but during the main course there wasn't too much talking going on... Round out the night with tasty desserts (peach upside down cake with a berry compote for me) and....another bottle of Orogeny and you have the makings of a wonderfully good gourmet meal. Much to my blue collar chagrin.
(5)Emily B.
First two of four courses on the price fix meal were great. Last two so-so. Wine poured AFTER warm dish served...not good. That would have given it 2 1/1 stars for 50%. However, the waiter spilled wine all over me. Didn't discount anything on the actual bill. When I escalated the issue to management they said they'd pay for dry cleaning. Really, spill wine all over me and offer to give me $6.00? Absolutely unacceptable with a $200 dinner bill for two. I would NEVER go back there. Plenty of great places to eat.
(2)James D.
Best meal I had in New Orleans. Definitely worth going back to.
(5)Cathy M.
Last time we were in NOLA, we had dinner at Besh Steak at Harrahs, and it was the best meal of a trip that included a Commanders Palace brunch and a dinner at Emeril's. So, this dinner was eagerly anticipated. Ate here on a Sunday night with my husband, and I have to say, both of us were a bit disappointed. We opted for the 5-course tasting menu. The price was surprisingly reasonable, even with the wine pairing, but the flavors just didn't wow us the way we'd hoped. Things started off well with an amuse bouche of seafood custard with a dab of caviar, and the cauliflower soup was actually quite nice. I enjoyed the gnocchi more than my husband did, but the pork belly dish and the lamb dish just didn't impress. Dessert was good if a bit too sweet. The wines were uniformly nice, and did compliment the food well. Service was good, though one of the waitstaff was not as good as the others, seeming not to want to be bothered to explain the dishes she was serving us (I swear, she said only "this is the lamb dish" as she served that one). The restaurant itself is beautiful, hard to believe it was a tobacco warehouse. I might be willing to give it another shot next time, but probably for lunch.
(3)Matt P.
This place is amazing. Let me start by saying the service here is impeccable and the best I've ever had. Robert really knows how to run a dining room floor. We were here in December and I'm just now getting around to this..but..the food was some of the best I've had. Off the top of my head, we had crab gnocci (A+) duck confit salad (A+), shrimp and grits (A), among other things I can no longer remember. Robert saw us taking pictures of the food and invited us back into the kitchen at the end of our meal. Went back there, opened the swinging door, and was greeted by about two dozen people all screaming and applauding my appearance. This place is awesome. We almost considered coming back a couple nights later for their 11 course meal, but opted not to at the last minute considering the $190(pre-tip) per person price tag. Yeah it's expensive, but thats alright, because they actually deliver at August. However, if you were smart like we were, you'd hop in there mon-fri for their lunch deal. Best deal in the city in my opinion. 3 courses (ends up being 5 with the amuse brioche and a plate at the end) for 20 bucks. Can't beat it. If you are in NOLA, come here.
(5)Beebe G.
my husband and i dined here when we were in town for the jazz fest, second weekend. the food is delicious. but i was not at all captivated with the service. my first impression of the dining captain i found fascinating with his precise description of how each entree is prepared. we also had very good dialogue and then ordered our wine and courses but then that was really it and didn't see him as much as we saw the other wait staff. we ordered a bottle of wine and we had to pour it ourselves after the first pour. i know how this must seem obnoxious and you're thinking that is such a spoiled brat comment. but not really. this is a high-end dining establishment and this type of exceptional service is truly expected. the food to me is out of this world. all our appetizers - fried oysters, gnocchi w/blue cheese sauce and the foie gras were outstanding! i enjoyed every bite of my trout. and my dessert, the napoleon of nougatine, the bomb! the goats milk cheesecake wasn't half bad either. the restaurant's dining room is extremely loud on busy nights. it was hard to hear and talk intimately with each other. hopefully you will have a marvelous dining experience with better quality service. i don't think i'll be back for dinner but probably for lunch!
(3)Dan W.
Another winner by local superstar chef John Besh. All I have to say is wow, what a meal!! My partner and I both started our gourmet experience with a heirloom beet salad and foie gras 3 ways. They were both magnificent. For our entrees, we had mahi mahi and pork belly with lobster. They both rocked. The service was great, although my partner was a little disappointed, since he had planned with the restaurant to prepare a birthday cake for me, which never arrived. But overall, a tremendous meal with otherwise, great service and I am sure we will not let the "birthday cake incident" keep us away from this delightful place. 4.5 stars:-)!!
(4)Des Esseintes I.
Best steak I've ever had. I sometimes dream of it.
(5)Mariah K.
First off, I want everyone to know that the two stars are for the service, otherwise I wouldn't give a half a star. The waiter was awesome! But the food was quite lacking and very, no, extremely disappointing. Lets start with the amuse bouche, seafood custard with a foam, caviar and a piece of brioche toast. It was very pretty to look at, the foam was tasty, but the custard was quite salty. Second, we had the foie gras three ways, which we added on to the five course tasting menu paired with wine that my brother and I ordered. It was the first disappointment of the evening. The wine our waiter paired with it was delicious though. The foie gras itself though was just missing something, oh I know what it is, it was lacking the real taste of foie gras. And one would think that with three ways, one way would be a nicely seared piece of foie. But,alas, there was none to be had. The next course was the first course on our five course tasting. A salad with shaved Christmas goose and foie gras. It was OK. Goose tasted like roast beef, couldn't quite get the flavor of foie, but the dried cherries and apricot were a nice touch. Wine paired with it went well and tasted yummy. After that course, things looked up. We had a delicious ravioli with egg yolk inside and browned butter, black truffle shavings, and parmesan on top. Absolutely fabulous. My brother found it a bit rich, but I found it the highlight of the evening. My shining star on a very dark night. And the wine paired with it was of course magnificent. Then the evening hit a wall. A very confused turtle "soup" was placed before us. After the light courses before it, it just seemed very out of place, and with the extremely Hormel chili taste it would have been more comfortable on a greasy spoon menu paired with a refreshing mug of beer instead of the oaky red wine it was paired with. The wine, although not my favorite, was not bad. The "soup," although my brother and I tried to like it, could not be forced down. Lucky for us, our waiter was awesome, and he brought out a very delightful bowl of pumpkin soup instead. It was a hot appetizer offered on the regular menu and was not a normal course on the tasting menu. It made up for the previous soup. A nice rich and creamy pumpkin base with earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon. Paired very nicely with another wonderful wine. The last savory course was the Kobe short ribs, which, after reading all the great reviews on here, had me greatly anticipating this dish. I just could not wait to take a bite, and after all the disappointments so far in the meal I just really was hoping for no more. Unfortunately, I was very sad, and very let down. The oyster dressing was overly salty, so much so, that I could not finish the small portion on my plate. The short ribs were alright, nothing special, could have been any kind or any cut of beef really, and the baked apple on the plate was whimsical and very holidayish, but not that great to eat. To say that the dessert was also a disappointment would be an understatement. At LEAST the nutmeg ice cream was tasty, although a bit on the icy side. The quince pastry was terrible, before I even took a bite I knew the crust was going to be bad, was just hoping I was wrong. Looked like a whole wheat tortilla, tasted like a whole wheat tortilla. *sigh* Well, at least the cup of coffee at the end was tasty, and it was free. Hah. If you get one thing out of this review, I hope it is this: SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ELSEWHERE. It is just not worth the cost. Just hype is all it is. Save up and go to California for a weekend. Eat at Chez Panisse and make reservations for French Laundry. You wont be disappointed.
(2)Cassondra V.
There are a lot of reviews so I will keep it short and sweet. At the time, I really enjoyed this meal -- my first in New Orleans. In retrospect, the price tag was about the same as I spent at other high-end places and yet I cannot, for the life of me, remember what I ordered. That can't be a good sign. I distinctly remember everything else I ate that weekend. Even the Lucky Dog consumed at what must have been 2 or 3 am. I think I liked the dessert a lot -- if only I could remember what it was. So, three stars because as far as I can recall I loved all the food at the time and remember the service was good, but the overall experience was (clearly) not memorable. ETA: Looking at their sample menus, I'm pretty sure I got the Banana Rum cake for dessert. I still can't job my memory on the entree.
(3)LUCRETIA R.
Spectacular in every way. Food- Service- Ambiance. One of the best meals my husband and I ever ate. The menu changes so what I ate probably won't be on the menu when you go- you must go. Granted it is expensive but worth every penny. Amuse bouche was a sabyon filled egg shell, fried crab and red fish stuffed with crab were the main courses. We split a salad with Point Reyes blue cheese and pumkin seed brittle with pumpkin seed oil. Dessert was a napoleon and butterscotch pot a creme(this was the only things that was not my favorite).
(5)Helen V.
Yukon gold potato gnocchi tossed with lump crab and black truffles Pate de Campagne/Salad with grilled peaches Pan seared Gulf sheepshead/Blanquette de veau Ricotta custard with honey/Fig tart with rum ice cream Celebratory peanut brittle and chocolate ganache squares Dear Mr. John Besh, I am such a big fan of your establishments. I have not been able to see your appearances on Top Chef, but I have been many a time to your establishments in New Orleans. The critics alerted me to your luxurious dining experience at Restaurant August and I knew that I had to have reservations for my 3 year anniversary there. We spent 5 days in New Orleans and having lunch at Restaurant August was a great way to finish our culinary trip. Our server was a delight and the decor was very tasteful (the large bowl of different champagne bottles on ice)! :) Our dishes were beautiful and had great flavors as well. My gnocchi was lavished with generous specks of black truffles and the pate was paired so well with a multitude of jellies/marmelades/spreads. When the pan seared Gulf sheepshead was placed in front of me, I marveled at the piece of art set before me: vibrant colors from sweet vegetables and little flowers to accent the entire piece. It was tasty as it looked. The custard was the perfect dessert to appease my cheese craving and my need for a little sweetness. When you graced us with your presence in the dining room and came to each table to shake your diners' hands, I was enamored by your hospitality and skill. You have an amazing talent! Thank you for the experience and helping to celebrating our anniversary! You left my boyfriend star struck (he has seen you on Top Chef and admires you very much) and our tastebuds wanting more. Best, Helen V.
(5)Yi C.
Went for lunch and it was great. The prefix lunch was a steal! Highly recommend the deserts too! The complexity of the flavors is hard to find elsewhere
(5)Jessica M.
I went here for lunch this afternoon. My goodness the food is wonderful! I'm in town for a conference and simply couldn't bear another rubber chicken luncheon. August and its extremely impressive food was a perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of business travel. The room is beautiful and the service was fantastic. I had the carrot soup, the sheepshead, and the panna cotta. I left my table thrilled, recharged and perfectly satisfied. This was by far the best meal I've had in New Orleans.
(5)Geronimo G.
Modern fancy pants food in a modern space with an old-fashioned theme. Well-trained super nice attractive young professional lifer food service servers that know everything about everything. Dairy fat out the wazoo. 30 dollar+ entrees. Fairly orignal but very delicious.
(5)Michelle E.
The amuse bouche was magic in a little egg shell. While I was jealous of my boyfriend's pillowy crab/truffle gnocchi, I enjoyed my foie gras (three-ways, including a calf tongue... sassy). The duck... the lobster over pork belly... the cheese plate. It was all so delicious, it's just too hard to write about. Top ten meals that both of us have ever eaten, and we've eaten a lot.
(5)Andrew R.
I'll start with the good and work my way backwards down the rabbit hole. The service was attentive and both front and back waiters were on our table throughout our dinner. We shared a fine bottle of Rioja that had been accurately described as medium bodied and ready for consumption which it was. OK - so I'm missing the part where Ferran Adria isn't mentioned anywhere on the menu bc every single dish we had was "foamed" (God - hasn't this stupid fuc*&%$ing fad faded yet?) Seriously I have an adequate green salad with mixed greens, candied pistachios & local blue cheese and then they blow 3 loads of blue cheese foam on plate. I don't get it. My wife has the same treatment with an orange foam - sounds appealing doesn't it?? - on a crab salad. It's not mentioned anywhere on the menu either which is annoying at best. Our entrees were good, my trout out-shined the duck, both lacked foam but somehow an egg bathed in an immersion circulator made it on to my wife's sweet potato roesti - once again why? added nothing to dish. Dessert was a goat's cheese cheesecake with balsamic caramel & honey ice cream (covered with honey foam, naturally) the ice cream was below average, the foam took it down a notch. The cheese cake was OK but the whole dessert didn't click. Maybe the foam got in the way. A couple of other things I found really annoying, I ordered a single bottle of bubbly water, they took it upon themselves to keep pouring, opening & charging for additional water which I thought was lame since I dropped $275 for 2 for dinner. Lastly we asked a few times to turn the spotlight that was blaring down on my wife's head to no avail....seriously the entire room is modestly lit except the banquette she is on is like Yankee stadium. All in all, the food was decent, not mind blowing, and the prices are steep - so the rating reflects an overall experience from the viewpoint of value to dining experience.
(3)Emily G.
This Prix fix lunch may be one of the most fabulous lunches I have had in a very long time, and for $20.12 is a STEAL. It sincerely trumps some of the set course menus at NYC restaurants. First off, the decor is gorgeous. Set in an old building with exposed brick and crystal chandeliers it is very elegant, while at the same time cozy. The wait staff is extremely attentive. More attentive than I'm used to, but I suppose that's a nice touch. My friend and I are big splitters, so we knew everything we tried would be tasted by each of us. She ordered the Pork Pate, Pork Belly, and Eclair; I went with Acorn squash soup, Panseared Sheepshead, and strawberry dessert. The savory dishes were each a standout! The Pork pate had so much flavor and paired very well with the toasted brioche and mustards. The Pork Belly was pretty much perfect. Being a pork belly virgin, I deferred to my friend for her thoughts and she said it was one of the best cooked she had ever had, with the skin being crispy and a nice layer of meat along with fat. I thought it was quite unique, particularly with the Louisiana smokey bbq flavor. Everyone MUST order the acorn squash soup. From the moment I tasted it, I referred to it as "a bowl of happiness," and my dining partner agreed. It was just so flavorful and the nuts and creme fraiche were fabulous additions. My sheepshead (white fish) was cooked quite well, but the real show stealer was the farro vegetable succotash and corn custard. The broth had so much intensity that permeated the farro and made each bite more and more delicious. And now, unfortunately, we come to dessert. The reason for the lack of a fifth star. The dessert was not very good...like at all. My strawberry dessert was fine and refreshing after all the heavy food, but not particularly memorable. Kind of like a deconstructed strawberry shortcake. On the other hand, the savory eclair was relatively unpalatable. My friend actually returned the dessert because it was just bad (think cheese wrapped up in semi-burnt pastry, with nothing to add any sweetness). We were once again very impressed with the wait staff though, as seeing our reactions, quickly whisked away the plate and brought out the third dessert on the list... a take on "affogato" that was actually very interesting and tasty, but after the eclair disaster, could not really salvage our opinion of the desserts. I do not want to end this review on a bad note, so I will say that all in all, this was a really amazing lunch that surpasses some dinners I have had in my life, I will remember for years to come. Just enjoy the savory and don't expect much from dessert.
(4)Helen N.
Simply amazing! The best of John Besh's restaurants that I've eaten. We ordered the 5 course tasting menu and it was simply delicious. Portions are perfect and you won't leave disappointed. The dinner started off with first an egg custard amouse bouche presented inside an egg shell. Then we began the tasting menu which was beyond perfect. The short rib was my most favorite out of it. During dessert, they offered us a complimentary glass of their rose wine which was a perfect compliment to the dessert dish. Wait staff is excellent beyond comparison to any other restaurant! They are knowledgeable and attentive. Also, at the end of the night they offered us a plate of peanut brittle and chocolate to top off a great dinner! You can't beat that! Great Dining Experience!!
(4)Sheena M.
On my 2nd annual trip to New Orleans I was is such desperation to be whisked away by the city's culinary guns after last years Emeril disappointment (see my review of NOLA). Well my verdict is in: Prepare to be blown away New Orleans, John Besh is taking the city by storm! Restaurant August had everything I was looking for. Classic New Orleans charm with an updated twist. The decor was understated yet elegant. The warm hues and drizzling rain outside made for a very romantic evening for my best friend and I. I started the evening with a Ramos gin fizz. I was so pleased by how well it was prepared, pure perfection. Our waiter was wonderful. He obviously took us as "foodies" from the beginning and played along in all of our banter. He never explained dishes in a condescending manner, never interrupted conversation, and never was out of sight for too long. At one point he even over heard me saying I felt the courses were coming out too quickly, and he notified the kitchen and gave us a "breather" in between courses. This also speaks to the skills of Chef de Cuisine Michael Goulatta, who on his first day back at work fresh off his honeymoon, was nervous that he was cooking too slow! Bravo to a wonderful staff! We both partook of the tasting menu, and my date the sommeliers pairings. The amuse bouche was a truffled seafood custard topped with caviar served in an eggshell. Since I do not eat seafood, I skipped it, but I did love the presentation. My dining partner said it was "ethereal" when paired with her wine. The first course was a slow braised Kobe beef short rib rapini. I give this dish 4 stars, it was tender, comforting, and creative at the same time. It had some sort of gelee on the outside, which made for a fantastic texture. Our second course was Mezza Lunas stuffed with acorn squash, local satsuma, fennel, shaved reggiano cheese. This dish gets 5 stars! The flavor blew me out of my chair! The flavor of this dish has stuck with me and even now months later, I crave it. The delicate balance of subtle citrus, sweet acorn squash, and nutty raggiano cheese made for a dish that was perfect. Third, venison, braised cabbage, spaetzle, and a stone fruit compote stuffed lady finger apple arrived on our plates. This dish was the only let down of the night. I give it 3 stars. The venison, although perfectly cooked, had a smokey quality that I found off-putting. Even the sweet braised cabbage wasn't enough to cut through the smokiness, it was over bearing and threw off the balance of the dish. I enjoyed the traditional German spaetzle and the lady finger apple, which was an adorable touch. We both "awed" at the tiny apple. Finally, a immaculate finish to the evening was a napoleon of nougatine with Valrhona chocolate bavarois and salted toffee ice-cream. This dessert was just divine! It had both a crunchy and smooth texture, salty and sweet flavors, and a beautiful presentation. My dining partner pointed out that it tasted like "cocoa pebbles cereal", which it kind of did, in a great nostalgic kind of way. I have become such a huge fan of savory ice creams (other combinations I have tried include: chocolate and tarragon, caramel and sea salt, and tapioca and basil) and this was also a shining example. The salt was so wonderful against the sweetness of the dish. The sauternes I had paired beautifully. As we sat in warm culinary bliss we felt so satisfied that New Orleans had finally impressed us. On our way out, the manager even invited us into the kitchen for a jolly greeting from the whole kitchen staff and the Chef de Cuisine himself. What a special and memorable way to end our evening. Move over Emeril, there is a new king in town.
(5)Emily D.
I am clearly in the minority, but I wasn't really that impressed with Restaurant August, certainly when you consider how many other awesome restaurants New Orleans boasts. I found the portions to be very small (even by fancy restaurant standards). I ordered an appetizer with fresh, lump crab meat and was pretty disappointed when it came tossed in what appeared to be a creamy (albeit light) mayonnaise-y sauce - something I have a strong aversion to and which was NOT described in the menu. Luckily my husband was willing to swap appetizers with me. We also did not enjoy the wine we choose. It was probably just a bad choice on our part, but it was the first time in my life I met a bottle of wine I didn't like, and despite being very caught off guard and downright displeased when we tasted it, the sommelier let us sit there squirming awkwardly with a "so you gonna let me pour this thing?" look on his face. We didn't have it in us to be snobs and send it back so we suffered through a crappy (and expensive) bottle of wine. I really feel like, for the sake of customer service, the sommelier could have put us out of our awkward misery by offering to let us try something else since we were so visibly displeased with the wine, but instead he just stood there with an impatient look of his face. I've eaten some pretty delicious meals in New Orleans (Commander's Herbsaint, Bistro Daisy, etc.), but August is not a place I'd go back to. Sorry!
(2)Jennifer W.
This was our first visit and we were able to get a reservation for Friday lunch. Todd and Carrie were our servers, took excellent care of us and we really enjoyed their company. While most in our party of 4 ordered the pre-fixe lunch and thoroughly enjoyed their selections, it was all over-shadowed by the magnificent-ness of the Trout Amandine. This could likely be the best thing I have ever eaten... I feel confident that at least 2 others in our group felt the same. I have a fairly sophisticated palate and I was blown away. The gnocchi appetizer held its own but the trout was the star of the show. With the exception of Irene's Cuisine, the other meals we had while there had the misfortune of coming after that and trying to compete.
(5)Alicja W.
One of the top two food experiences I've had in New Orleans, and I eat out A LOT. The service is impeccable and the food is exquisite. As I'm sure many others have also said, try the foie gras three ways.
(5)Ben G.
Just a great dinner overall. The service was top notch the entire time- they really got all the little things right. As for the food, I started with the shrimp bisque. I found the shrimp very good, but something about the bisque didn't quite agree with me. I had the gnocchi next. The crab and chewy gnocchi really mixed well together; a creamy sauce complemented. I had the napoleon for dessert- wow. Crunchy, chewy, and airy chocolate all in one. Not to mention the salted toffee ice cream either- now that was good.
(5)Sara M.
Quite simply one of the best meals I have ever had. Went with a friend and did the four course tasting menu plus wine pairings. Everything was so flavorful and cooked to perfection. In fact, it was so great that I even loved two items that I never eat (/really, truly dislike...normally): pork belly and lamb. I never thought anyone could get me to eat lamb and love it, but apparently I was wrong. This is the type of place where you need to just go with the experience and try everything; you can trust that you are in good hands. The restaurant itself was formal but cozy. The staff were very polite, unobtrusive, and friendly rather than cold. In fact, our waitress offered us a copy of the menu to take home - which I found very sweet. I especially appreciated it because the dishes had so many subtle flavors and twists to them that I never could have remembered all of the intricacies without a menu in front of me. The prices were definitely fair for the food/experience. $85 for the four courses plus wine pairings. In addition to the four courses, they also brought out a savory amuse-bouche (seafood custard...strangely amazing) and an after-dessert plate of peanut brittle and white chocolate truffle. The wine, by the way, was fantastic and complimented the food flawlessly. If I make it back to NOLA I would certainly splurge on this restaurant again.
(5)K L.
The food was fantastic. I highly recommend the four course dinner. The place is quite fancy and the number of waiters/sets of silverware can be a little intimidating. Still I highly recommend the food and experience.
(4)Sean K.
I will join the chorus of the previous reviewers who praised the lunch prix fixe. There is, in my opinion, no better way to $20 in daylight hours in New Orleans. A note for out of town visitors: you will still be seated and will likely still receive excellent service if you arrive wearing shorts and a t-shirt, as did the gentlemen at the table near mine did today. You will, however, appear very much out of place. Proudly, most locals have resisted the encroachment of the pervasive casualness of American dining attire. To a New Orleanian, mid-90s temperatures will not excuse one from wearing a jacket to dinner. Whenever Chef Besh offers a charcuterie dish one would be wise to order it: the pate de campagne served with assorted marmalade, jam and mustard (and a pickled chantrelle!) on offer as a first course was excellent. The Mangalitsa pork belly, mustard greens, and creole cream cheese malfatti (think gnocci but swap the potato for creole cream cheese) was a fine balance of fat and lean, savory, bitter and sour. I really like the way the flavor of the dumpling worked with the mustard greens, one of those ingredients that always triggers a subconscious emotional response in me and perhaps others who grew up with greens growing in the backyard garden. Besh's lasting contribution to our cuisine is his ability to elevate such humble and utilitarian local ingredients seamlessly into a "fine dining" setting. And rightly so -- "fine" should be indicative of the skilled preparation and above all flavor of a dish, not the expensiveness or remote provenance of a dish's ingredients. I'm as impressed as the next guy with beluga caviar or pata negra jamon or whatever the show-off ingredient in vogue may be, but we have an abundance of fine ingredients in South Louisiana and Chef Besh showcases them with aplomb. (Don't try to fault me for inconsistency because I'll bet you that Mangalitsa was raised locally.) August is no doubt deserving of the consistent high praise it receives as being among the best restaurants in New Orleans.
(5)Noah C.
Really, there was no other way for our week to end. After undergoing one of the great eating binge odysseys of my life, our last restaurant on our last night would turn out to be the best. When we sat down, one word kept drawing my attention. "Degustation". It's all I could focus on. Despite the best efforts of my pal to dissuade me from ordering it, I talked him into it. Ten courses. Ten wine pairings. Three hours. Epic. And the only way I could go home with the knowledge that I had eaten a truly epic meal. So we ordered. Our waiter could only smile - he knew what we were in for. We were asking for it. I'm not going to go into detail about the wines. Frankly, if it weren't for my pictures of the night, I wouldn't remember anything about it, because after the seventh course my brain turned off and I descended into a food-ridden haze that didn't dissipate until I was back in Southern California a few days later, munching absent minded on two pieces of toast. But I digress. The wines were good, and since there were ten of them they got me pretty rip roaringly smashed. They complimented, as far as I remember, each dish as they should have. And speaking of the dishes: We were given an intial, non-menu taste from the kitchen, a seafood and truffle puree topped by caviar. It was delicious, refreshing, and complimented by its mild seafood flavor and the salty bite of the caviar. Our first dish from the degustation menu was an immediate winner, a white asparagus dish with two crawfish tails and a citrus hollandaise. The flavors were off the scale here, with the light taste of the asparagus and crawfish blending well with the creamy and sour nature of the citrus hollandaise. Dish two was a goose and beef tongue terrine, with tarragon vinegar, and cherry marmelade, which was one of the highlights of the night. Again, the flavors were perfectly matched and even here. The next dish was a pasta with cream sauce, and the heavy nature of the meal kicked into its next gear. There was crawfish, bacon, truffle oil and marscapone cheese. Truly impressive, rich flavors. The next was a seared scallop over spring veggies. The scallop was devoid of the rubberiness that dooms so many scallops, and the spring veggies, which are local and extremely fresh, served as perfect compliments. The next dish, miso lacquered salmon over grits, was so good that it defies proper explanation. That's all I can really say about it. Next up was chef Besh's take on veal milanese, which was on top of a well spiced saffron risotto. The crust on the veal was light enough that the taste of the veal was really able to shine through. Next was a filet mignon, which was topped by a bordelaise. It's around this time I was starting to feel woozy, as the intense flavors were starting to cascade onto each other. Still awesome, though. The cheese course was where I kind of hit the wall. It was deep fried manchego topped by honey, and it would've been awesome had it not been preceded by six intensely rich dishes. The oil that shot out from the cheese when I bit into it almost knocked me out. The last two dishes were desserts, one a strawberry tart, the other a chocolate ganache. I can't really remember them, because at this point I was ready to go to sleep for about two months to get over the food coma that had suddenly descended over me. We left full, and truly impressed by what chef Besh has been able to create here. I don't think I'd survive another degustation menu here, but I'd certainly be back to try other things on the menu.
(5)patrice c.
Absolutely fabulous experience. I'm a fan of Top Chef and John Besh was one of the masters so what the heck , when in Rome. I was in New Orleans on business I was excited when I had a night free. August was booked solid but me ( in a party of 3) showed up when they opened and were seated right away in the bar area. The wait staff were friendly and informative. The portions small so we ordered no duplicates and shared. We started with the foie gras 3 ways - the sauces with it were unique and complex. The rabbit cassoulet was mouthwatering. My friend had the pork belly and if you have never tried it - its melt in your mouth good. The wine was very nice and of course the desserts were a wonderful ending - chocolate 3 ways. A happier ending ... I left my AE at the restaurant. i called the next day and walked over to get it off hours. They let me, gave me a drink and I sampled the nights specials with the bartender and staff. You don't get that kind of hospitality everyday.
(5)Judy H.
What a beautiful dining experience to be had at August! Check it: Love: Frisee Salad with Pumpkin Brittle, Crab Gnocchi Enamored: Amuse Bouche of White Truffle Custard with Caviar served in an Egg Shell Love: Filet Mignon with a Potato Funnell imaged to a Bone Marrow Fancied: The Roasted Duck Love: The Vast Selection of Napa Valley Wines Love to Obession: The Banana Rum Cake with White Chocolate Shavings Love: the main dining room with the beautiful exposed bricks and the oppulent chandaliers. This is a very special restaurant.
(5)Jonathan R.
I had been to August once before a few years ago and had what I recall to be a very enjoyable meal. I went last week for a birthday dinner and was not overly impressed. A few of us arrived first and as we waited for the others the waiter did not bring us menus or offer to open some of the wine that we had brought. I realize that he may have thought we would prefer to wait but he could have asked. Even after the rest of the party arrived it was a while before we got menus and wine glasses. As I reviewed the appetizers nothing really jumped out at me. We tried a number of items including the ravioli (it had a fancier name) which was good and the gnocchi which was tasty but a relatively small portion, especially for the price (18). The gnocchi came with crab and had a flavorful sauce with it. For the entree, I had the trio of venison which had been recommended as one of their signature dishes. It included a sausage, braised version and one that was enclosed in a type of pastry. It came out room temperature at best. I was going to suck it up but when I found out that someone else at the table had the same problem we sent it back. When it returned (with supposedly a new version) it still was not hot but at that point most people were well into their meal so I ate it. It was fine but nothing great. The only entree that really impressed me was the lemon fish. For dessert we tried some homemade ice cream, a chocolate torte and a white chocolate dessert. The torte was pretty good but none were incredible. For the prices, I think there are better places to try although they certainly serve quality food.
(3)Luke C.
Has the 4 course tasting menu with wine. It was a slightly unusual dining situation because I was dining alone. The waitress was wonderful - she offered great wine pairing and was very attentive. Every dish was devine! It was really great value for fine dining.
(5)Madam X.
Disappointing. Maybe my mistake was planning the perfect meal, which to quote Anthony Bourdain: "The perfect meal can't be planned -- it just happens, like falling in love". We arrived 10 minutes ahead of our booking, as we were walking from our hotel and not sure of travel times. Front of house staff were friendly and down to earth, and we hung out for a bit in the reception area, and looked at some of John Besh's cookbooks on display. Dining room was beautiful -- most notably the magnificent chandeliers. Since we were early, they decided to seat us at a 4-top, which was nice as we sat side by side and looked out onto the dining room, which was tastefully decorated for the holidays. Right in front of us was an arrangement of Christmas greens, flowers etc. in a huge, clear, vase, about 3 feet high. The one thing that turned me off was the water in the said huge glass vase was dirty, disgusting, and cloudy, with leaves and debris floating in it. Our waiter was slightly sniffy, but his assistant server was a super-nice young guy, maybe in his late teens or early 20's. Now the disappointment begins. Our amuse bouche of truffle custard in an egg arrived quickly. Right after we barely finished it, our appetizers were placed in front of us. Appetizers barely finished, and our entrees arrived. The food was ok, but we've had better and was a let-down after all the glowing reports I've gleaned from the internet. I can honestly say the Pork Three Ways was nicely done. However, my Sugar and Spice Duck Breast was terribly oversalted, sitting on a bed of tasteless grits. I suppose one could say the bland grits is supposed to be eaten with the duck breast to combine the flavors, which I tried, but they just didn't meld. Service was attentive, with water being filled constantly. The bread was fantastic, freshly made. Dessert was another disappointment. We ordered the Banana Rum Cake, which we were told by our waiter was their "signature dessert". The cake was very dry and the dessert, I hate to say, bordered on tasting almost stale. What really struck us was that without dessert, we would have been there 40 minutes tops for dinner, which is inexcusable. Not sure if they had overbooked and given us the 4-top and wanted to get us out before the next party arrived. We have dined in comparable establishments in major cities in North America and I expect a dinner of that class to be paced out at 1 1/2 to 2 hours. One wonders how the kitchen can churn out food that fast; the dining room was full and busy. Honestly, I would not return to Restaurant August. Sadly, we did not enjoy our experience, and felt the food sub-par for what we paid. The food was not terrible, but did not impress. Three stars is an average considering one of our servers, the front of house staff, and the bread.
(3)Kristen C.
Super delicious! Had the 3 course prix fixe lunch for $20.11 and it really IS the best deal in town! Ordered the butternut squash soup, the shrimp stuffed with mirliton (just another name for chayote squash), and the pear tart. My favorite was probably the soup, but all were divine, as well as the amuse bouche which was some kind of custard served in an eggshell with caviar. The shrimp entree came out breaded which was different than I expected, but the flavors were amazing and I barely minded at all. We ended the meal with the complementary peanut brittle and little chocolate cups -- the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
(5)Deborah B.
The second night of our trip to New Orleans we were fortunate enough to dine in this amazing restaurant. While a bit off the beaten path, it was a short cab ride from our hotel in the FQ, and is actually walkable, but since it was raining we chose to cab it. We arrived a little early for our reservation and the friendly hostess sat us in the front dining room with no problem. There is a separate bar area, then there are three dining rooms and while I did not see the other two, the room we were in was gorgeous with high ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers, very dimly lit and perfect for a romantic evening. Our waiter greeted us and walked us through the menu and was very helpful in wine selections. I had the trout and lump crab entree which has actually surpassed my beloved Bayona for my favorite meal of our trip! From the amuse bouche, to the apps to dessert, we were just blown away by the culinairy genius that is John Besh, as well as the friendliness of the waiter. THE place I would recommend to anyone at least one high -end dining experience in NOLA. Not too be missed.
(5)Sandy N.
Went here for lunch. The pre-fixe menu didn't look that great so ordered the blue crab salad and a veal dish. The salad was good but tasted like couple crab salads I've had before. The veal dish was tasty but no wow factor. It was the first time I had veal breast, it was more fatty than I had expected like pork belly. For dessert I had the chocolate napoleon with salty caramel ice cream. The Dessert was my favorite!
(3)Trevor K.
"I think I cheated on my wife with this meal." - D/P (Shawn) Chef Besh is a true culinary genius. The food, service and attention to detail were beyond expectations. The highlights were the August Barrel Aged Manhattan, the perfect cocktail done one-better and the Foie Gras three ways was life changingly good. The steaks and Lamb were enjoyed for the entree, perfect, but not extraordinary. Although the cheese/mash potato concoction with the Filet was unique and absolutely delicious. Finally the deconstructed banana pudding was whimsical, balanced and just plain delicious. The goat cheese cheesecake deserves an honorable mention also. Chef Besh's Restuarant August is easily one of the best meals of my life and certainly a NOLA shining light. You want to go to here.
(5)Sharon L.
We'd only planned to dine at the bar but on arrival we were invited into the dining room, which was just the beginning of the fine hospitality we received here. As manager Kimi Kiviranna sat us, she warmly (not forcedly) engaged us in conversation, during which we informed her we were on our honeymoon, and we learned she had recently left the SF Bay Area, where we live, to return to her native New Orleans. Shortly after being seated, two demi-glasses of Cava hit the table, compliments of Ms. Kirivanna. We sat in the back cellar room, which was warm and intimate-feeling. I didn't feel we were given a poor table (as some reviewers have said). Likely the front and back rooms have different servers assigned, and hosts seat in order. The restaurant was busy and festive, so we didn't feel stuck in the back. Moments after being seated, we were shaking hands with a very sweet and gracious Chef John Besh, who was apparently just making the rounds. I have NEVER seen this in any of the celeb-chef restaurants at home. It was a detail that dripped hospitality and personality. Wines by the glass are plentiful and filled with wise selections and smaller houses -- Quintessa Sauvignon Blanc, Thevenet Champagne, etc. There were three Sauternes by the glass (excellent for foie gras)! The amuse bouche was the truffled sabayon served in an eggshell (in an egg cup) that was apparently being served often in 2007 (based on reviews here). We loved it ... it was presented beautifully, was light as air but also large enough to feel substantial. He ordered the Louisiana Crustace for a first course, shrimp & crawfish three ways - two of the ways were delicious, particularly the richly brothed shrimp boil. The third was a cold salad and just didn't hold up well to the spice of the other two ways. I had the foie gras three ways -- a mousse that was airy but served with a two-sweet blackberry compote, en croute, buttery and beautifully presented with cubed Sauternes jelly, and a more traditional whole that was my favorite. Served with brioche -- the right way! As a second course he ordered grilled lemonfish, served in a rich broth poured tableside. I didn't try it but he loved it. I had local softshell crab Grenobloise, a crisp-fried crab topped with lump crabmeat (nice touch) and served among beautiful , buttery freshly herbed vegetables. It was green, bright, and pleasantly salty. The crab was very crisp, a little too large, but overall the dish was a very well-executed example of fresh & local cooking that is common in California, but not as much in New Orleans. For dessert we had the napoleon of nougatine with the salted toffee ice cream that's been reviewed here a good deal. We loved it, and found the chocolate wasn't cloyingly sweet, and the ice cream rather addictive. On top of all this, delicious peanut brittle chips and baby madeleines were served with the check. Were they trying to kill us? Service was lovely. Each staff member announced what was being served, and made sure we were enjoying ourselves throughout. This is a special place.
(5)Guillermo K.
Excellent service, good cocktail menu. Food tastes tired though.
(3)Shannon K.
We arrived on time on Friday, and the folks at Restaurant August generously agreed to move our reservations up by 30 minutes, which was generous, as we were starved. The restaurant is lovely - formal, but not stuffy. We had a waitperson who was competent and friendly, but not overly familiar (a nice combination). For appetizers we had the bisque with wild mushroom dumplings and the pate. I didn't try the pate, but my mom loved it, and the bisque was excellent. Both my mom and husband had wild striped bass, and I had breaded pork fillets with grits (I am a sucker for grits). They won the entrée lottery. The fish was perfection, as were the vegetables that accompanied it. The pork was good, but not extraordinary. I would have better grits twice on our trip (I told you, me = sucker for grits). We each selected a different dessert. Mine was quite unique and delicious - sheep's cheese battered with a champagne tempura and served with strawberries and honey. What isn't to love about this grown-up version of friend cheese? Nothing, that's what. My mom narrowly won the desert lottery with her strawberry ravioli with lemon sauce. The pasta was delicate with a light, citrus flavor. Hub-ster opted for the ricotta filled chocolate crepes with chocolate ice cream. They were delicious, but very, very rich. One bite pretty much overpowered the rest of the desserts, which meant they were a little too rich for me. Still, the meal was a resounding success. We accompanied our meal with one of the best bottles of Prosecco I've ever had, and it was reasonably priced. Paying $21 each for three courses, we felt a little bit like Bonnie and Clyde. I practically robbed them to eat food of that caliber for that price. We'll definitely be making a return trip.
(4)Rick P.
Wow! My family was in New Orleans on vacation. Walking back from the World War II museum, we searched Yelp for lunch. We found Restaurant August but thought it would be a longsot to get in. We were right, the dining room was completely full...but they were able to seat us in the lounge/bar area. That's where we sat for a prix fixe lunch. That was the best $20.12 that I ever spent on food. Really a bargain for the quality of the food. I had the pate, really yummy and the duck. Wow. And the strawberry dessert was out of this world! If I ever make it back to this town, I am definitely coming back,
(5)Andy Y.
After booking our flights to New Orleans, my friends and I were extremely excited to try August, as we heard it was the best restaurant in town and looked forward to the great service and southern hospitality. We reviewed the menu for weeks and when the night finally arrived, we were really prepared for a great night out. What we got when we arrived was amongst the worst service we all had ever seen in a high end restaurant of this caliber. It really put a terrible damper on the great food. I am giving this place 2 stars, because the food saved this horrible evening. The Service :: Upon arriving, our sever asked to answer any question about the menu, and we asked if 2 out of the 6 in our party could order the tasting menu, while the others went a la carte. There was a firm NO reply and as we pondered what to do, he just walked away. After drooling over the tasting menu for a few more moments, I signaled to the server and jokingly asked if there was any way to make an exception or to "beg" the chef to let us do it. His reply was "you'll have better luck begging your friends to do the tasting than the chef" then rudely walked away again. At this point we were all in shock at this guy's attitude, and how his comments came with little explanation and a hint of malice as if we were wasting his time or something. I calmly asked the rude sever back a third time and kindly asked to speak with the manager. 10 minutes later, no manager, no more additional service, so I got up and asked another sever for the manager. I asked him his opinion of our treatment and he agreed that it was unacceptable. He said he would personally take care of us for the evening. I asked him if our initial request of two of us doing the tasting was too much to ask at this point, and he "reluctantly" obliged. You would think that the appalling level of service of their staff a manager would try to make the experience better, but the rest of the evening was not that much more encouraging. We decided to order the wine pairing withe the tasting and with each pour the manager would remind us that "it's just a taste" and do short pour, after short pour, about 1 oz per pour. I only truly realized we were being jipped when the very polite sommelier came to serve one round of the wine pairing and she instinctively served us the standard 3oz tasting pour and made the first polite conversation of the evening from anyone on the August staff. The Food: The tasting menu lived up to our expectations and the caliber of skill in the kitchen's execution rivals some of the top resto I've had around the world. I would not penalize these amazing chefs with the missteps of the front of the house. Conclusion: I commend Chef Besh on his amazing recipes and I wish I could recommend August to my friends and fellow Yelpers. However, for a restaurant of this level, I expect a complete meal, including proper service. If I am paying $150 plus per person, I expected at the very least to be treated with some common respect. Overall, I am confused as to why we were treated this way. I certainly hope it's not because we were a table of Asian diners, or that we are in our early 30's. Maybe they thought we didn't belong, who knows? I can say that from our end, we were overly respectful of the August staff even despite our rude service. At the end of the day, I'm disappointed that I had to write this review and would have much rather just had a great night out.
(2)Scott W.
Like this place needs another great review, but what am I supposed to do, lie? Elegantly cool atmosphere. Friendly staff without being obtrusive. Food is outstanding and nicely balanced. Tight portions that satisfy without making you feel bloated. Started with the gnocchi with blue crab and truffles -- light and flavorful. Main course was pan fried poussin over slow cooked white beans and tomatoes. Succulent and satisfying. Finale was an incredible chocolate nougatine napoleon with salted toffee ice cream. One of my favorite desserts ever! Rich and explosive with flavor but not a gut-buster at all. They thrown in some well-timed amuse bouche appetizers and desserts along with an excellent wine list to make for a truly great dining experience.
(5)Anna R.
Great service and amazing food!
(5)G. C.
How can you look at the menu and make a decision? Nearly impossible. Let them do it for you by selecting the tasting menu. Totally worth it. And the wine pairing is spot on.
(5)Christina R.
We are staying at the Windsor Court Hotel and decided to try August for lunch upon the recommendation of good friends. We were dressed appropriately based on other nice NOLA restaurants we've been to. When we walked into the completely empty restaurant at 11:30am, the hostess said there was nothing available in the dining room for the entire lunch period. It was puzzling, so we returned to our hotel, where the concierge promptly told us there was an available reservation at 11:45am available at August. After being treated this respectfully by the restaurant, we will never bother to try it. Very disappointing, as we dine out all over the country and always promote a good dining and service experience. Thumbs down to this one!
(1)Rich J.
We ended our week-long trip to Nola with this place, and what a way to go. While not as good as Commander's, which we had done our second night there, it was definitely our second favorite meal. The service was fantastic, and the food was well-executed and flavorful, though portions were on the small side...think New York portions in a southern restaurant. My fav part of the mean was the gnocchi with crabmeat and black truffle...the gnocchi were like pillows and the flavor of truffle combined with crabmeat was ethereal. If I went back to New orleans for a weekend in the future, I would go back here and to Commander's, as every other dinner was a disappointment.
(4)Meagan B.
I dream about the blue crab gnocchi appetizer. My perfect meal would be a nice stiff drink, which they have plenty of, the fresh table bread and the gnocchi. Awesome. Last time I was here I had all three of those, plus some type of shrimp and crab stuffed fish. I was worried it would be heavy, but it was so nice and light. Worth every penny. The service was excellent and everyone is impeccably trained. I even saw them handle a mishap with a member of my party with grace, even though my party member was clearly in the wrong (it was a business dinner so you cannot choose your friends). The desserts were also perfectly made. The chess pie and the mint foam. So nice. It is pricy though, so don't go expecting a cheap meal!
(5)Jordana E.
Yes. YES! YES!!! Seriously, I was moaning in ecstasy and tears were streaming down my face as I ate this meal. I was a complete embarrassment. Thank goodness I was dining alone. Loved the prix fixe menu for lunch time. Had fried brussel sprouts, veal and grits, and s'mores. All three were amazing, but the veal... oh tender crunchy breaded goodness, in a broth that complimented the meat perfectly, over grits with a sweetness that complimented every bite... I was having foodgasms galore while I ate, and even had a few knee-dropping aftershocks during the walk back to the hotel. If you're at all a foodie, this place is a must try. A few caveats: Make reservations. I was dining solo so could sit at the bar, but if I'd needed a table I would have been SOL. Expect to enjoy a leisurely dining experience. This is not a meal to rush through; leave yourself enough time to savor each bite, and expect each course to take a little while to arrive. That said... this was, hands down, the best food and best dining experience I've ever had. I would seriously consider moving to New Orleans just so I could come to Restaurant August more often.
(5)Chapman M.
Super pricey, super good.
(5)Tammy J.
Had a bottle of Pinot noir, venison sausage for appetizer and lamb for entrée. It's a great dining experience. Great service. Must try!
(4)brunho j.
Small direct menu, not a lot of faffini. Centers around seafood but with interesting spin, execution was on point really cant say anything bad about the food or service.
(5)James M.
Amazing food and nice service. A very impressive bourbon selection to boot. Delicious.
(5)Sandi C.
Our dining experience was sublime. Made all the more memorable by our "Host" Robert. His knowledge and demeanor elevated our experience to a once in a lifetime memory! All the staff were gracious and welcoming including Jenifer Who greeted us at the door. Especially, Chef Trey who I would love to sit and talk food with for hours! My husband and I came there because I'm a John Besh fan but I will be back simply because its the best damn restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of dining in! Thank you and all the amazing staff for a perfect meal!
(5)Janelle F.
I had an amazing meal at August. I was hyped after reading the reviews and scoring reservations just a few days before I went. (The reservations were for 10pm though!!). Right when we got there, a couple had gotten engaged, so I felt like I was in the right place for a great meal. We did not get the tasting menu because 2 people in my party didn't eat meat. I did, however, take full advantage of their filet mignon served with potatoes stuffed with oxtail - DELISH!!!!! For appetizer we had the gnocchi with crab and lobster which was phenomenal. It was definitely the favorite part of my meal. For dessert, my friends got the tres leches and we had the crepe suzette. The crepe came with the most incredible pistachio ice cream I've ever had! If you want to avoid the Bourbon Street crowds and just have a quiet and tasty meal, you should definitely give August a shot. The service was top-notch and my entire party left completely satisfied.
(4)a k.
We chose August to do a 5-star 4-course tasting menu and I was very happy with our choice. We were seated immediately at a nice intimate table in the middle room that was designed with honey colored wood and a wine cellar upstairs. The main room was a lovely exposed brick. We did the wine pairings, all of which were excellent. The menu was a little interesting in that you could either do 5 vegetarian courses or 4 meat courses (the last being dessert in both cases). We did the meat selection, but I would have appreciated a salad along the way. Each course was absolutely delicious, great flavor and texture combinations and they built on each other nicely. We had a main waiter in a suit, and then a bus boy type waiter who did most of the clearing and setting. Each course was brought by a different member of the wait or kitchen staff, which was also interesting, and the parade of staff culminated with a visit from the the Chef John Besh, who absolutely could not have been friendlier. When I walked by the open kitchen door on my way back from the bathroom and stopped to peer in, he even invited me into the kitchen and told me about some of the courses. Such a nice treat. The meal wasn't cheap, but it was worth the price, especially with the wine pairings, and was excellent quality and definitely good portion sizes. I didn't leave feeling totally stuffed either (although my friend did help me with a few bites here and there). The most memorable course was definitely the short rib topped with a bone marrow and egg yolk ravioli with slices of silk corn. That ravioli was incredible! The couple next to us got filets and those also looked really good if the tasting menu isn't for you. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend, or a fellow yelper.
(5)Colleen R.
It took me a while to get around to dining at August, but after our recent visit, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's undoubtedly one of the better restaurants in a city full of great places to eat, yet it lacks the pretension one might expect. I'm fairly certain John Besh wasn't on the premises, as the evening we dined at August was during the opening weekend of Domenica, the newest restaurant in his empire. That's not to say that the menu or the food suffered from any lack of attention or inventiveness; quite the contrary. Our perfectly-paced à la carte selections included a house salad with Point Reyes blue cheese and pumpkin brittle, gnocchi topped with a savory crab and truffle sauce, and a delicious soft shell crab special. Our party had a great table in the middle of the beautiful dining room that managed to retain an intimate feel even as the restaurant grew more crowded. The service was thoughtful and attentive, with a special touch at the end of the meal to recognize a birthday. No detail - even the washcloths in the restrooms - is too small, and it's the accumulation of all the little details that make August a great place to mark a special occasion, or to make a special occasion out of an ordinary evening in New Orleans.
(5)Carrie C.
Damn. Just damn. this restaurant is everything it is billed to be. Every course was a delight. The sommelier was fun, informative and helpful. The service is excellent. Yes, it is very pricey, but it is worth it. Chef John Besh is clearly attentive to detail. The trout was the favored main course at the table. The gnocchi was exceptional.
(5)Shin S.
There are very few meals, and I mean singular restaurant experiences that are memorable. This one was fantastic. A game-changer. I am not a food-maniac. I'm not reading the reviews below me. I think I had seen John Besh on Top Chef, but don't remember him. Nor would I recognize him among chefs (although I did Google him afterwards...) But this particular meal was divine. I was in New Orleans for 4 days, and entertained the idea of extending my trip just to eat here again. New Orleans has a ton of great food. Emeril. Bam. Whatever. This guy kicks everyone to the curb. Every single element of the tasting menu was perfect. The chef came out to describe the prep and elements of the food when we had a question. The wait staff was excellent, Knowledgeable, and over the top friendly. Do not pass this one up.
(5)Jennifer W.
A girlfriend and I took our mother's for the price fixe lunch over the holidays. The food, service and decor are wonderful, and the price is unbeatable for this caliber of meal. Two minor things to be aware of: 1. The wine menu, particularly champagnes/sparking wines, are very high-end with no selection of an affordable pairing with your $20 lunch. We ended up choosing the California Chandon, which was excellent, but $70 a bottle (or $18 a glass). I would have liked to have an option in the $35-45 range, recognizing the quality wouldn't have been as good, but would have kept the overall price of the meal more reasonable. 2. In addition, I had the veal grillades & grits as my entree and I didn't care for the preparation of the veal (it was breaded and fried, while I was expecting it to be slow-cooked). The flavor was good, but not my preference. Due to my babysitter getting sick, I had to bring my kids. The restaurant was very gracious and accomodating which I greatly appreciated. They actually gave my 4 year old son and my mom a tour of both kitchens (pastry on the 2nd floor, main kitchen on the first), which they really enjoyed. I'll be making this my go-to place when I need a high-end but affordable lunch downtown.
(5)Daniel F.
Went for the $20 set lunch. Redefines my 5 star yelp scale. Best restaurant food I've had anywhere in the country in the past few years. Couple that with impecable service and charming atmosphere and voila, 5 stars.
(5)Haakon R.
The Handmade Potato Gnocchi was excellent, and somehow the Breaded trout Pontchartrain outdid it. To finish it off we had the Goats Milk Cheesecake, which was also delicious. One of the best dining experiences I have ever had.
(5)Elaine G.
This is a nice, special occasion restaurant. In fact, we were seated next to a couple who was celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary while they waited for their table. (We were seated in the bar because we didn't have reservations-they still serve the full menu in the bar). We had the Foie Gras 3 ways, Gnocchi, Beet Salad and Pork 3 ways. It was nice because I felt like we tasted more because the dishes were prepared in different ways!However, this could have been a nice restaurant anywhere. Since we were in New Orleans, we wanted New Orleans flavor.
(4)B T.
My review is only for the $20 prix fixe lunch - This is the BEST $20 3-course lunch I've ever had. It's unbeatable for the price. I came back in 2 consecutive days for the same lunch..something I would never do.
(5)Tricia C.
Heavenly. I don't even feel worthy of writing a review, so I'm going to make it short and sweet because I definitely can't adequately describe all the complexities of the food we had. I was in food wonderland and had a hard time concentrating on what our server was telling us. We started with the amuse bouche, a seafood sabayon served in an eggshell. Amazing. Then we had the housemade sourdough while we waited for our food. Also amazing (I don't know that I liked the pointy shape of it, but the taste was super sour and incredible). After that we had our first (of three! we couldn't decide) appetizers: roasted Louisiana figs three ways: a thai peanut one, a smoky spicy one with almonds, and one with sherry and goat cheese. I love figs, so this was a slam dunk. We split this appetizer, and they brought us each our own separate plate of three figs so we didn't have to fight over them (I would have won, for the record). After that they brought our next two appetizers. The ricotta cavatelli with rabbit sausage and vegetables was set in front of me, and the pork belly in front of my husband. Between the two of us, we couldn't decide which was better. Amayyyyyyzing!!! The cavatelli came in a little ceramic bowl with a lid, and was kind of soupy. I loved how it had a warm cinammony spice to it. The rabbit sausage was divine. The smell and taste just blew me away. The pork belly melted in my mouth. It's always been something I knew my husband would like but wasn't sure what I'd think--well now I know...that we should have ordered two :) At that point, I was ready to shed tears of joy from the food so far. Our entrees came next: I got the bacon wrapped rabbit with white bean puree and vegetables and my husband got the trout with dill and hollandaise sauce. His was buttery, crispy, and DELICIOUS (I don't even like hollandaise sauce). Sadly, I wasn't as big a fan of mine. That night was only the second time I had rabbit so maybe I just can't properly appreciate it yet, but I found it a little dry, and the accompanying veggies kind of boring :( Sniff. Wished I had ordered a giant bowl of the rabbit sausage instead. BUT! All was redeemed at dessert! In a big, big, big way. We again could not decide, so we got the goat cheese cheesecake (a very tasty custardy goat cheese on top of chopped candied almonds, topped with honey ice cream--amazing!) ANDDDDD the piece de resistance...the tomato cake topped with cooked heirloom tomatoes and plums with a side of Thai basil ice cream. Amazing? No. FREAKIN PHENOMENAL. We both wept with every bite. Best dessert I've ever had, for sure. And it was hiding on the vegetarian tasting menu. And the best part? All of that plus my mint julep, plus tax (without tip) was less than $150. If we had realized that we would have probably ordered more!! We spent almost the same amount at Emeril's NOLA ($$$ instead of $$$$) the night before and were far less satisfied. Blast. I realllly wanted to go back the next day just for the cake but we would have missed our flight home. Something about my husband needing to be at work the next day, but I was willing to quit my job to stay and eat tomato cake for the rest of my life. That was not short and sweet, so sorry. Maybe next time.
(5)Cynthia S.
Came here for the $20 prix fixe menu and had a great experience. There is no better deal for this quality food in New Orleans (at least not that I've found). This menu has 3 choices for appetizer, entree, and dessert, and although the portions are pretty small they were filling, especially with the bread that was provided. The stuffed shrimp I had for my entree was one of my favorite foods I've ever tasted. Also, the service was outstanding - water glass was never less than half full throughout the entire meal. Just a warning though, it's definitely a stuffier atmosphere even at lunch, so if that's not what you're looking for you should avoid this restaurant. However, if you're seeking a classy meal for a great price, definitely try this option.
(5)faine g.
John Besh is New Orlean's new celebrity chef, supplanting fuzzy little Emeril as the city's darling contemperary chef. He's been on Iron Chef, participated in soft touch Food and Wine articles, and showed up almost everywhere you can in the fine dining world. August is Besh's flagship restaurant in New Orleans, a luxe and classy establishment - and a worthy addition to NOLA's excellent portfolio of cuisine. He might be famous, but he can cook . The restaurant is gorgeous: all wood interior set in a large and high-celinged space, with lovely ambient lighting. It's a classic Fancy Restaurant space, and I salute Besh for sticking to the classics design-wise. August is luxurious and clubby but not over the top. The service reflects that: it's excellent and courteous in an old fashioned way sorely lacking in Californian establishments, but does not venture into snobbiness. We are avowed beet lovers in this family, so we began with the heirloom beet, crab meat, bacon, and quail egg salad (10.00.) This was really quite delightful: fresh picked crabmeat worked well with the earthy flavor of the beets and the bacon, accompanied with a peppery snap from the mustard greens. The black eyed pea croutons were a surprise: fried black eyed peas take on a delightful, edamame esque flavor. New Orleans is an oyster town, and Besh's P&J Oysters three ways seek to highlight the slimy little bastards: one fried with fancy ranch dressing, one served in a a peppery broth, and one horseradish crusted in a creamy, piquant sauce topped with bread crumbs (13.00) . The oyters were presented in three little cylinders and were certainly impressive looking, although I wish there had been more of each flavor. The ranch dressing also was not very much in evidence: I had to look for it at the bottom of the oyster's handy container-tube. The horseradish variant was most sucessful: oysters and cream go together terribly well, and horseradish adds an interesting accent to a familar flavor. August's duck had been recommended to me by two servers at Luke, and since the waterfowl is one of my very favorite things to eat, the choice was easy. August's sugar and spice duckling is served with Anson Mills cheese grits, roasted duck foie gras, and a side of dark and rich braised quail.(28.00) The duck itself was excellent: a big meaty joint, cooked to the correct level of doneness, the spice rub evoking Eastern flavors - star anise was much in evidence. The rich duck meat went well with the cheesy, perfect grits and the greens, but the foie gras really stole the show: its super rich and decadent flavor can elevate even good ol' grits into pure luxury. My mom went with August's interesting trout served three ways: three sections of fish topped with shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops, (22.00) on top of a slab of Besh's superlative bacon. This was served with an excellent New Orleans butter sauce, and was certainly an exciting dish to eat: three distinct flavor combinations coming back to the same theme. I know the Three Ways concept is trendy as hell, but as an avowed grazer, I think it's an excellent concept. Portion size was rather huge, which meant I got to clean her plate. Yay. We finished with the frozen creme fraiche souffle (9.00), served with fresh peaches and blackberry cabernet sorbet - this was excellent, tasting like a large round of truly excellent frozen yogurt, served with lovely summer fruits. I also liked the boozy and dark richness of the sorbet - it's an excellent, light summer dessert. There is no photo because we devoured it too quickly. Whoops. Besh came out to work the room and greet guests during our meal, which I thought was an excellent, homey touch - you rarely actually encounter the celebrity chef in a celebrity chef's restaurant. He was very friendly and gracious, and really does seem to be the nice Southern boy represented in all his media appearances. Props. One lovely note: I have just turned 20 and in this fine US of A, I am not allowed to order (gasp) alcoholic beverages. This really irritates me when I am at a fine restaurant and must order a goddamn Diet Coke while everyone else is drinking fine wines and enjoying the snot out of themselves. At August, I asked for a Diet Coke with an obvious note of rueful disgruntlement, which our server picked up on: he noted (quietly) that Louisana law allows a parent to buy a drink for their underage progeny. Excellent.
(4)Wayne L.
i was here on a 4 day business trip. as a rule, i never go to the same place twice on short trips. well, i had to break the rule this time for 2 reasons: 1) my experience at commander's palace was SO bad, i had to come back and finish the trip off right. 2) the food is really that great where i craved certain dishes again. ...and to the review: service was great, my friend was cold and as cheesy as it sounds they made her a pashmina out of a table clothe. it looked horrible, but was hilarious. when they said they were going to get something for her, we envisioned a server from per se (thomas keller restaurant in NY) coming out with a box of pashminas to choose from. the service and price is not as up-scale as a thomas keller restaurant, but this john besh guy is the real deal. better take advantage of the low prices now while they are still low. french laundry used to be $50 a person til they got really big. i started with the heirloom beets salad, then moved onto the gnocchi, tried the gumbo, the chef's gift to the table (which was a steamed quail egg with truffle, VERY similar to the one at per se), the lobster and pork belly. - heirloom beet salad, delicious and fresh. the blue crab added the perfect salty flavor and a soft texture to the crunchy beets. - gnocchi was made with blue crab and truffle... wow, the best gnocchi i have ever had. at the end of it i even had to roll one up like a po-boy and soak up all the sauce. the gnocchi had soft exterior and an al dente interior that took full advantage of the white creamy truffle sauce. then you add in the blue crab for the salty flavor and top it off with some shaved parmesan and you have this divine dish that you can eat all day. - truffled and steamed quail egg with a caviar topping, do i need to explain? truffle quail egg and caviar, so many ways to go right with those ingredients. it went right in all categories, soft quail eggs with a pungent truffle aroma topped with the crunchy and salty caviar. wow. - gumbo, it was tough to get even better than the last 2 dishes, so the gumbo was much less impressive to me, though i am sure that if the previous 2 dishes were not so spectacular, the gumbo would have been delicious. - deep fried lobster over a bed of greens with a vinegary dipping sauce. the lobster was prepared as it should be, it was soft to bite into but had the texture of fresh seafood. though the outside was soft, the immediate exterior was slightly crunchy and did not need the sauce. i did try the sauce though and though it did not "need" the sauce, the sauce added a perfect hint of sourness to the sweet and succulent lobster bite. - pork belly dish... i wish i could give a better explanation, but i was so full... all i can really say is soft, tender and nice flavor. no dessert
(5)Rayleen T.
The BEST gnocchi we have ever had -- my husband looked at me sadly and noted that after this meal, we could never make gnocchi from store-bought bags again... I was also a huge fan of the foie gras prepared 3 ways -- the first was pretty 'normal' and then there were two with a pleasant twist, although you have to be okay with mixing a bit of sweet (e.g. caramel on one; a pastry-like cover on the other) with your foie gras. We shared the duck and pork dishes, both of which were delicious, although the pork was a bit too salty/cured for my taste. The sauce on the duck were heavenly and, surprisingly a perfect accompaniment with strawberries! All in all, this was a great dining experience!
(4)Marisa G.
Wonderful. I was looking forward to this meal and it did not disappoint. We walked in on a Friday night and grabbed a seat at the bar fairly easily. They have a good amount of seating in the bar area. They have an extensive wine menu, but unfortunately my husband and I were already drunk from all day drinking and did not want to partake in drinking. We were first given delicious bread and homemade butter. I have to admit I am a sucker from bread and butter, but this was freshly baked and the butter was freshly whipped and had this great sour taste. Then we were given a complimentary egg starter. I am honestly not sure exactly what this was, but it was delicious. I think it was whipped egg with caviar on top that gave it this great saltyness. For entrees my husband had the stuffed shrimp with crab that was very good and i had the a fish dish. I am actually forgetting the fish type, but it had a crisp top, I think some type of seared bread with a mushroom and blue crab mixture on top. The topping of the fish was amazing. I did care to much for the fish itself. It was good service and food.
(5)Syl L.
OMG, Restaurant August was perfection. We went for the $20.10 prix fixe lunch and each dish was surpassed the next.. One of our choices was the pate which came with an assortment of jams and mustards. It was a meal in itself. We also had the fruit pancetta soup which was a much smaller portion but packed with and explosion of flavor. Loved the shrimp stew and the grillades of veal melted in your mouth. Not normally a fan of butterscotch but the butterscotch pots de creme definitely changed our mind about butterscotch. The service was outstanding . The prix fixe lunch is the best deal in town.
(5)Carmela S.
First I should tell you that if you are walking and using GPS the address takes you to the back side door and not the front door. However, the staff was completely understanding and walked us through to the front of the restaurant. This restaurant interior is absolutely gorgeous with antique classic touches which I thought contrasted nicely to the modern plates, flatware and glassware. The service here is 5 star all the way even though we were dining for lunch. It was the type of silent unobtrusive service that you rarely see executed as well as it was here. My friends did the pre fixe menu and I opted to explore some of the regular lunch menu items. I ordered a glass of wine and asked for a recommendation that would be a good balance between the dishes that I ordered. There wasn't really a set one that she could recommend however, she recommended their Celebrity Rose (as she called it). I didn't know that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pit owned a winery but, this is there wine and I have to admit it was refreshing and a perfect fit for my meal. I can always tell a lot about a restaurant by the bread and butter they bring to the table and I was delighted after tasting it because I knew we were in for a treat. My first course was a grilled broccoli salad: The crunch of the broccoli combined with the sweet/sour of the grapefruit was very complex and not a combination that I would have thought of but, it definitely worked. The onions and cheese added that extra flavor burst right at the end. This item was spectacular and refreshing! My second course was handmade potato gnocchi with Louisiana blue crab and black truffle: Wow do not come here and not order this dish. It was creamy, crab was fresh and sinful, top quality black truffle and the noodles were the perfect light consistency that they should be. I am Italian and I am very picky about my pasta and I have to say this was as good as my noodles. This was hands down my favorite dish. My third course was fried green tomatoes with lobster and shrimp remoulade: I was actually disappointed with this course. The chow chow underneath was overly vinegary and there was way too much of it on the plate. It soaked my fried green tomatoes and it was flavor overload so, I didn't eat them. I attempted to eat the lobster and shrimp remoulade but I felt that it had too much mayo on it and that it could have used some salt, pepper and lemon to give it more flavor. This didn't really affect my overall thoughts of this restaurant because everything else was so amazing! At the end they brought us each a praline and a chocolate which was a nice touch. I really love sitting at a table that your silverware is changed out with each course, fresh plates, etc. It's refreshing to know that places like this still exist without being stuffy.
(4)Shea B.
The second best restaurant I've ever eaten at. Steak was incredible. The atmosphere is perfect. The service impeccable.
(5)Christine L.
My husband and I were lucky enough to squeeze in at the end of a lunch rush on a Friday. I had tried to get reservations the whole week before with no luck. We sat at the bar and had the best time. The girls behind the bar were so fun and drinks were creative, delicate, and yes... strong. Goat cheese pear salad, fried green tomatoes and filet were so well executed... we enjoyed every bite. Had to try the banana pudding because, well it's banana pudding... it did not disappoint. We will plan ahead and absolutely make reservations next time we're in NOLA.
(5)Momo B.
NOW OR NEVER Weekend reservations are almost impossible to come by and so when they said 6:30 Wednesday evening we said "yes ma'am." Otherwise, it's late in the evening during the weekdays. Mark is our primary server and Warren is his assistant. Together they kept us informed and entertained. Towards the end when the restaurant was packed full of diners, their time at our table was drastically curtailed. Table setting was changed for each course which is something you would expect for a restaurant of excellence. We each odered a different prix fixe five course meal of which one was just meats plus seafoods and the other vegetables plus seasonal fruits. Our servers accommodated us by placing appropriate dinnerware which allowed us to share our entrees. If you are a localvoire, you will be in for a gastronomic treat. Yu-go took photos of both menus and all the entrees along with desserts and with sweets. He did not take the photo of the egg shell amuse bouche. Restaurant August is another of John Besh's many fine New Orleans dining establishments.
(4)Nam P.
My second night in NOLA, decided to make a visit here for dinner. I opted for Degustation menu with the wine pairings. This is one of my decisions in life that I did not regret. By far one of the best meals that I have had in recent memory and probably in my young life. The venison carpaccio paired with a champagne was a very great surprise to start my meal. The shrimp tagliolini with harissa paired with the pinot grigio was my favorite dish of the meal. Afterwards was a grilled octopus with pigtails, I enjoyed how delicate the octupus was and with the farro provided a great contrast in texture. I would say that the pigtails was a bit rich for my tasting but it was still a good dish. Then came the crawfish and guinea hen which was also good and then closed with a dark chocolate mousse. In addition to the food, the server was very knowledgable with all the wines and food and provided great service. If you're looking to splurge on a meal, I would definitely recommend the Degustation Menu.
(5)Jamie M.
This place was conveniently located across from my hotel the Windsor Court. On our last night in New Orleans together, my sister made a reservation for Restaurant August for 9:00 pm. They were all booked up until then, so if you want to eat earlier, plan accordingly. I will keep this review short because quite frankly, this place left me speechless--in a good way. We opted for the "Tasting of Farmer's Market Vegetables" with sommelier pairing for $122 per person. Everything was so flavorful with the wine. The sommelier must be amazing. Also, the grapefruit cremeux had such a strange assortment of ingredients but somehow came together to form a cohesive and one-of-a-kind taste. After taking a bite, I literally uttered "wow"! The chef is really something. The service was great, and we never felt rushed. We didn't leave until close to 11:30 pm! And I didn't even notice how late it was. I give this place five stars all around.
(5)Leslie G.
I was just in NOLA for a short vacation, and made a point of coming to August once again (third time here). And once again, I had a truly amazing meal: amuse bouche of cauliflower puree, panko, and caviar served in an eggshell; heirloom beet salad appetizer with crab meat and quail egg; roasted duckling entree with sweet potato, swiss chard, and whipped fois gras; and dark chocolate mousse dessert. Everything was superb.
(5)Jeremiah C.
We had been anticipating our dinner reservation at this fine restaurant by Chef John Besh for the last couple of months. Finally dined here last Friday evening and it far-surpassed our high expectations! As stated by many, everything at Restaurant August is done to perfection. Each dish is carefully crafted, savory, and delicious to the last bite. Preparation, presentation, and portions were just right. We had the degustation menu with sommelier's pairings. Everything was yum-tastic, but we were particularly amazed with the squid tagliatelle. We've had squid tagliatelle elsewhere; however this is the simply best. Service was impeccable. Genuine Southern hospitality at its finest at every level and with each staff member we encountered. Our waiter was professional, friendly, engaging, and highly knowledgeable with everything. It was also a pleasure meeting and chatting with the sommelier. The ambience is wonderful and it seems that they do not "pack" people into the restaurant so as to keep the atmosphere comfortable and pleasant. It feels like dining in an exquisite restaurant in Paris while, at the same time, being in a stately, but comfy dining room of a family mansion in the South, all without any pretentiousness. If you are looking for a truly memorable and special fine dining experience in New Orleans, then save up and make reservations to Restaurant August!
(5)John O.
Very good food served in an attractive and comfortable dining room. Service was good not great. Decent wine list for New Orleans.
(4)Scott B.
Super great lunch for $20.15. Make RSVPs early. We tried at 11:30am and they were full. We were lucky to walk right in at 1:00pm with a party of 3 without a wait at the bar. My prix-fixe appetizer was pate' with some very flavorful dipping sauces. My first time to pate' and it was awesome. The entre' was a shrimp-pork meatball with rice and a creole sauce. Greatness. The dessert was panacotta with chocolate mousse and gnache. Again, super. Try this place for an upscale lunch. Service is unbelievable. Remember: lunch is only on Fridays.
(5)Danielle F.
August is amazing on all levels, truly a meal I will always remember. The restaurant itself is charming and regal without being over the top. Cosy but elegant just like the food. We started with the pan seared foie gras, yum. The veggie salad was incredible, the gnocchi was small but super rich and tasty. I had the short rib which with was tender and soaked in a sauce that was to die for. My husband did the veggie tasting menu and loved every bite. My friend couldn't stop eating his duck. Now let's talk about the service for a minute- 5 star all the way, attentive without being annoying, I felt that my every need was attended to and it made the experience all the more special. If I had a complaint (and it's not really one because I left a very happy camper) is that the desserts could have been better and that the sommelier could have suggested better wines. The two bottles she suggested we didn't like very much. Lastly, do prepare to pay an arm and a leg for this meal. The price tag is no joke.
(5)Katie B.
When you're tired of all the fried, heavy options in NOLA, Restaurant August is a welcomed reprieve from the po' boys and beignets of Bourbon St. et al. If you want to sit in the white-tablecloth, button up dining section, a reservation is necessary, however you can also just saunter in off the street and take advantage of the exemplary Friday lunch menu (prix fixe or a la carte) in the bar area. There are seats at the bar, as well as a few high tops and two tops for the taking as well if you prefer to have a more private experience. I didn't go with the $20.14 prix fixe lunch option, but my dining companion did and I enjoyed nibbling off of her selections. Definitely a deal for this kind of establishment, so don't hesitate to opt for that if you're there for lunch on a Friday. Both meals started off with a complimentary amuse bouche, which very much amused our bouches and a great way to kick off the meal. I couldn't resist the salad of goat cheese and peaches ($12), because I go weak in the knees for the stone fruit and buttery dairy delight. The goat cheese was creme bruleed, which added a crisp caramelized exterior that complemented the peaches beautifully. While I definitely could have been done right there and been happy as a clam, I decided the chili crunch shrimp ($15) would give me a little more hearty bounce to my step for a full day's worth of energy. It was a killer dish. A little hint of sweet, the perfect crunch and a glaze of spicy, aioli-like sauce. The pickled green tomato was a nice touch. The bill came with a pralines and chocolate squares, so even if you don't have room for dessert, you'll leave on a sweet note! A sophisticated, splendid lunch date without the hefty price tag (if you do the prix fixe), a NOLA must, indeed!
(4)Gabrielle M.
We had a delightful meal at August -- from the amuse in an egg and sweetbread appetizer to the grouper and pork belly dinners. The service was timely and attentive; the seating was intimate with nice decor. We would recommend it as a nice treat for a special occasion.
(5)Linday C.
I flew to NOLA just to eat here. My gal pal had been obsessing about this food since her last trip and for her birthday we came back to eat. Imagine a table of 8 yippity yappy broads. One bite and they finally shut their traps, it was the food extasy flooding their brains into silence. Everything we ate was magic.
(5)Kayla N.
This is one classy and well executed restaurant! Came here to celebrate our friends parents 66 Anniversary. What an amazing place. Our table of 6 had: We started with a bottle of La Grand Dam champagne. 1. Foie gras three ways paired with Sauternes 2. Watermelon salad 3. sweetbreads paired with wine 4. OMG the gnocchi with shaved truffles are the most amazing I ever had 5. Red Snapper 6. Trout 7. Lamb 8. Sampling of various desserts 9. Coffee (French press) and Latte I bought in a bottle of Kistler Occidental. Everything is amazing. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in New Orleans.
(5)carol c.
What can I say that has not already been said by myself or another 10000 people. That was another fantastic F'ing meal. From start to finish.
(5)Andrew W.
Last night and we go all in hoping a big dollar purchase reaps big flavor bites. And F me it certainly did. UNREAL dishes.
(5)Dennis S.
Beautiful restaurant. Impeccable service. Helpful sommelier and nice wine list. Sat in the wine room, my favorite. Sad to see a diner in shorts and a t-shirt on a Saturday night. No shame. Oyster starter excellent. Crawfish "etoufee" interesting, pretty tasty, but really a little odd. Dumplings were really well constructed, pretty, but the sauce was an odd combination of creole and oriental flavor that really didn't work that well. Same problem, and a little more with the hangar steak. The steak itself was a beautiful cut of beef, perfectly cooked and pre sliced. It had a strong grill flavor that at first was interesting but became overwhelming. It was almost like it had been placed directly on the coals to cook. Rested on a bed of strongly, very strongly, flavored chinese vegetables. The taste was so overwhelming that it spoiled the dish for me. Disappointed it was not a presentation that allowed the wonderful hangar to shine through. This is a 5 star restaurant and I would never hesitate to return. Just surprised this trip at the mis-steps in adventure from the chef. One star down until next time.
(4)Nancy B.
Super fine dining.... Innovative... Special.... Pretentious... Lovely... And a total steal on Fridays. Here is the secret... Every Friday August serves a lovely prix fixe menu for only $20.15... Yes that is correct! I started with a lavender Tom, as my first course was brought to me... Wait a minute... That is not my first course... That is an amuse bouche in an egg shell! Absolutely delicious and completely reminiscent of john besh's top chef status in regards to innovation. My daughter likened it to bruschetta but in a mousse foam version. Then came a deconstructed gazpacho as my first course. Absolutely sublime. As was my second, which was a shrimp and potato drum with pickled julienned veggies. The dessert course was a cornmeal custard with grilled pineapple... This dessert was amazing! Everything I tasted stretched the boundaries of what I thought they would create... I highly recommend Restaurant August!!
(5)Destinee W.
I just ate something amazing out of an egg shell. No clue what I was but I had caviar on top and was tasty. The Roast onion and garlic soup was like silk, this soup was delicious. I had the lamb for my entree, It came prepared 3 ways, yes 3, and all perfect. Super tender medium rare lamb loin, spicy lamb sausage and fall apart lamb shoulder, even the pickled beets are worth mentioning. Just amazing. .... This place is fancy and pricy like multiple chandeliers and such fancy but it's totally worth it.
(5)Barnali D.
We had an amazing dinner here - August lived up to the hype! We started with the cocktails, which were excellent. I loved their take on the Dark and Stormy - the ginger beer was house made and the the drink was beautifully presented. My friend and I shared several dishes - all were great! The gnocchi was incredible, the cauliflower three ways was quite good, and the signature trout dish was amazing! The duckling was very good, though a bit too rich. Pro tip: you can order a la carte off the prix fixe menu. We loved the minted chocolate dessert - it was tasty yet reasonably light. The service was excellent and the ambiance was elegant. Excellent meal!
(5)Paul Y.
Skip it. Don't believe the hype. Here's what you can expect from a visit to August; an expensive night of boring meals with some less than engaged service. How would I describe the food? Underwhelming and lacking imagination. Dishes were small, simple and uniform in flavor. They lacked the innovative opulence and complexity I'd seen at other New Orleans establishments. The food was definitely fresh and well prepared. It wasn't bad, but it was on the boring side. Took no risks, didn't wow and was overall unmemorable. We had the Flounder, potato gnocchi, crawfish "Étouffée", and potato crisp P & J oysters. Of the 4 places we had Oysters in New Orleans, August's were by far the least impressive, and the most expensive. All the cocktails were of the sweeter variety but not necessarily bad. (Someone at our table went as far as to call these Carnival cruise drinks!) We had a Sazerac, a few others I can't remember names to, one that was Bourbon based, Scotch based (Highland something?) and a Brandy. The service did not match the price tag. Nothing egregious but the cocktail menu was taken away after the second round of drinks and our glasses sat empty for what felt like 10 minutes or more. Its hard not feel like we were being rushed along, not exactly the famed New Orleans hospitality everyone brags about... When we asked about the menu items, the responses always seemed to be well-rehearsed and pre-scripted answers about how the dishes were prepared. Not much by the way of flavors, tastes or pairings. I overheard this script repeated at multiple tables. It reinforced my sense that August has a not-so-subtley managed identity that they work hard to maintain. I'd skip August, especially if your in from out of town. There are so many great restaurants in New Orleans, unfortunately this isn't one of them.
(2)gary g.
Well, I'm disappointed in this former favorite in NO. The service was so far superior....accomodating, friendly. The restaurant is really nice, like an old house. But the food fell short. Watermelon and crab salad was almost undetectable, its flavors so subtle. The grouper was so unremarkable and bland. And the truth is I don't recall what I had for dessert. Really nothing was delicious. A shame.
(4)Morgan F.
Despite being a Yelper, I sometimes find it hard to get out of my shell and try new restaurants when I know the ones I love are so good to me. For my birthday, my man made reservations for us. Initially they only had an opening for 9pm, but we asked to let us know if anything earlier open. We received the call to let us know there was a slot at 6:30pm. I didn't even know where Restaurant August was till we maneuvered around the current construction on the street. Once inside we were directed to the room just past the front dining room, with rich wood paneling and wine racks above us. Next time, I'll need to get the tour for sure because it seems like a labyrinth of rooms. This is going to be an odd thing to say, but in some of the more high end restaurants in New Orleans, sometimes it's about being seen, and I'm not one to turn a deaf ear to conversations overheard at the table next to me. #satelliteears. BUT, that's not what Restaurant August is about, in my opinion, and though it took some getting used to...From where we were seated, it wasn't about the table next to us or even the next room over, it was just about what was going on there thus bringing the focus back to the food, wine, presentation and the restaurant experience, solely for us. Our service was impeccable...formal without being snooty, led by Ryan and Tim. They were able to share the history of the building with us (once a carriage house hence the large windows). I'd share more but when I asked I was in Stage 5 of my food coma. Why this food coma you ask? First it was the Potato Crisp P & J Oysters*. I don't like ordering anything fried at a nice restaurant for fear that it won't taste absolutely amazing. I don't know how they cook these oysters but, it was the best crisp oyster I've ever eaten in my life with the perfect ratio of oyster and crisp. If this is the first "crisped" oyster you ever eat, you'll be spoiled for life. Why can't everything be fried/crisped like this! Word to the wise: The rolls are amazing, but leave room for EVERYTHING ELSE. Only use rolls for dipping!...We had two different kinds of rolls and a bottomless pit of housemade butter. The first one helped me lap up the oyster lagniappe, while the second one (tasted of cornbread without the heavy clumpiness) took care of our complimentary gnocchi* aftermath. The gnocchi was "close your eyes and go mmmm good." Decadent without a heavy hand of truffle oil, and buttery crab meat that just melded into the rest of the dish with such finesse. Can I order a tub of this? For the entree, I went big and got the Slow Cooked and Pecan-Smoked Two Run Farm's Beef. The dishes at Restaurant August don't overpower the plate. Just because it's $55, doesn't mean you're going to have it dripping on the tablecloth it's so big. I asked for Medium Rare, and I will tell you I don't think I've ever seen a steak could so perfectly. I think there were two different types of beef on my plate, but couldn't tell you which is which, but the medallion shaped piece was gone in an instant, with a crisp outer edge, and perfectly pinkish-pinkish red in the middle. The other larger piece was cooked just right with a more smoked sausage flavor. Though we're talking super nice restaurant, they still packaged up the half I couldn't eat as well as Robert's without any sort of judging (like I said, watch your roll intake). We waived off dessert, but because it was my birthday they brought out this delightful Happy Birthday plate (Robert knows somebody who knows somebody) with panna cotta, whipped coconut something, and y'all, I'm telling you food coma, but still filled my belly and wiped the plate clean. If that wasn't enough we received the four complimentary desserts with out check, and I bit into each and every one. The entire time our wait staff was attentive, constantly making sure our table was clean of extraneous dishes without being overpowering. Not once was I wondering where our dishes were. I felt like I was being served food the entire time! My only remiss is the lighting wasn't right to take a TON of photos of every amazing dish. Back to the whole "it's about the food, service, etc."...I only got one shot of my desserts, but sometimes it's good to put away your phone and just go "mmm" and make mental pictures. I will absolutely be back, and this place was worth every penny my man spent on me! ;) *Slow Cooked and Pecan-Smoked Two Run Farm's Beef - mushrooms, roast sunchoke, rapini and marrow dumplings *Potato Crisp P & J Oysters - malt, tarragon, pickle of Covey Rise vegetables *Handmade Potato Gnocchi - tossed with blue crab and black truffle
(5)Sara B.
Seriously one of the best meals of my life and we had it as TAKE OUT. Not the friendliest staff to people wearing workout clothes and carrying a baby but the food far out weighed the staff. I would 100% come back to NOLA if only to eat here again! Chopped Salad Gnocchi Ribeye Red Snapper Oh man, my mouth is watering again! Thanks for the treat Mr. W
(5)Sonu M.
aah was dying to try this place out but was disappointing. We were expecting so much more than what we got. The food was underwhelming. We didn't bother ordering the desert. Above all ..very pretentious aura..the staff though smiling were ummm yeah pretentious..was a bit awkward. ...we couldnt wait to leave. We love fine dining and expect much better food and experience. We would rather go back to Commanders and Emeril's over this.
(2)Danielle J.
I was excited to try August when I was in New Orleans for my wedding. We didn't get a reservation but we called and found out that the bar was fairly empty so we walked over and got seated immediately (all 6 of us!). Although I love the flare of local dishes, I was weary of the "same old same old." August truly provides a fine dining experience. We started with the amuse bouche. I honestly cannot remember what was in it but it was delicious and a great introduction to the rest of the meal. We ordered the homemade potato gnocchi for the appetizer. They kindly separated it into 2 plates for us. Plates are small so expect a smaller proportion than the usual Southern portions that feed 3-4 in "1 helping." For my main course, I had the breaded "trout Pontchartrain." It was served with shrimp, blue crab and wild mushrooms. Divine! We shared two desserts: Meyer lemon soufflé tart and blueberry pavlova (blueberries, citrus & whipped ginger). Very light and flavorful! Service is excellent! The staff from hostess, to wait staff, to kitchen staff was so professional and showed true Southern hospitality! The only annoying part unfortunately was a very drunk and annoying woman hovering over our table waiting for us to leave (like knocking knees close to one side). After dropping $500 and barely wrapping up, we were not in a hurry especially since we were in the bar and our table was not expected for the next round of reservations for dinner. She kept asking the hostess about the table, which was obvious. She could barely walk and should have been escorted out the door and to the local daiquiri shop on Bourbon St. (or home) where she belonged. I'd be so disappointed if she had been served alcohol. Luckily, I'll never know.
(5)bertha s.
The food the atmosphere the staff five star! Wow... And yummy is a starting place when it comes to taste of the food. Come and dine and be ready to fall in love!
(5)Andrew J.
My wife and I had the 3 course prix fixe lunch. This is absolutely the best deal in town. If you can refrain from ordering cocktails, your bill will be under $50. The food is what you'd expect from a 5 star restaurant. The portions were a little on the small side, but I felt satisfied after dessert. My only gripe was that the bisque was more broth and less cream, but otherwise very tasty. We will definitely be returning.
(5)Henry C.
Overall 4.5 stars, bumped it up instead of down. Service: was great at the tables, the bar in the front was OK but bar tenders were not attentive. Considering there was only about 10 people in the bar/waiting area and 2 bar tenders, service should of been awesome but it wasn't. The dining area had a main server and another person that helped and they were awesome, from recommendations, making sure wine and spirits were always flowing. Food: We ordered almost every appetizer and everything was good but there were a few stars. Appetizers: Foie Gras: made three ways and each had its own distinct take on the traditional, they were all delicious but the PB&J was not my liking only because I am not a fan of sweets. Potato Gnocchi: That was smooth silky and delicious, one of my favs. Crawfish "touffe": A great take on the traditional, they were wrapped in wonton skins and sat in the eetoufee broth, one of the best eetoufee or toufees I had in NOLA. Agnolotti: Rabbit was moist and flavorful without any gaminess at all. Entrees: Breaded Flounder: delicious and very balanced, it was light and delicate inside and crispy on the outside. Roasted Duckling: Duck was flavorful and moist, the foie gras and tomatillo went well together, the tartness of the tomatillo cut through the richness. Lamb: This was the only disappointing dish, the lamb was a little overdone which made it a little chewy to eat, it was not horrible but it was not on the same level as the rest of the meal. Overall: Strong 4.5 Stars, if it weren't for the overdone Lamb and mediocre service in the bar, the solid 5 stars!
(5)Robert B.
This place never ceases to amaze me. Whenever I eat here, I think that the meal will never be surpassed, ever. And then I go back and have an even better meal. The occasion tonight was my younger daughter's 21st birthday. A great moment in my life. And hers. She specifically requested a Besh restaurant. No place else to go but here. It sort of doesn't make sense to go through the menu items because they change so often. However there are a few staples. The gnocchi and crabmeat is a great appetizer and will always be on the menu. Daughter number one had this and loved it. I had the oyster appetizer. It was one of the better sorry best appetizers I've ever had. Great restaurants are all about sauces. This one was awesome. I cannot even describe what it was made of. Not quite a Hollandaise, not quite a cream sauce. I only wish they would have put more of it on the plate. Trendy pickled vegetables were a great accent. Now the entrées. Another staple is the trout which one of us had and was the usual awesome. I had a duck preparation which was the best preparation I've ever had in my life. Seriously. Daughter number one had the scallops which were incredible. The birthday girl had a unique goat preparation. I loved everything on the plate except the goat which was actually a little undercooked. It was a goat loin Really? Goat loin? Totally over the edge. Next the dessert. I didn't taste anyone's but my own but that's all I needed. Meyer lemon soufflé on one of the best crusts I have ever had in my life. If you want to spend some bucks, come to August. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Tami H.
This was a really excellent meal -- truly fine dining by John Besh. I can see why it's one of the top rated places in NOLA. We had the tasting menus and they were super flexible with substitutions for all of us. Everything was presented beautifully and the food was innovative, tasty, and just gorgeous. Highlights included the amuse bouche which was some kind of egg custard in the shell, the crispy trout, gnocchi, and lamb 3 ways. Cocktails were delicious and desserts were unbelievable (loved the banana/peanut butter dessert + there was a special pumpkin dessert too for fall.) We had a lovely red Priorat from Spain that was recommended and perfect with the food. The only complaint was our table was seated near the kitchen doors and our server was not the most friendly. The other waitstaff were excellent so perhaps this was an anomaly. Allow time for the meal as it's a nice pacing but a good 2.5-3 hours.
(4)Todd B.
Another solid choice in NOLA after weeks of research. Not my favorite, but you can't deny taste and class. This was my girlfriend's choice for her birthday and it was a good one. Like I said, not my favorite out of the restaurants we visited, but still excellent. Start with the service - superb. The service was handled by two servers, though one looked like a front of the house manager. Anyway, he knew everything and anything about the food and wine menu. My girlfriend had a few questions and we got intricate details into how everything was prepared. Ambiance is next - very very classy. We told them when we made the reservation that it was her birthday, and we got an excellent table in their main dining room. A beautiful restaurant - I actually would have preferred their wine room as it looks like a library you'd see in a big fancy mansion, but the main dining room is a beautiful place to eat. I uploaded a photo or two, I think. Food - well, here, my girlfriend was happier than I was. Mine was delicious. Scallops and pork tenderloin over some side - rice, maybe potatoes. I don't recall. My problem was not the taste, but the portion. My girlfriend's dinner was a reasonably sized dinner. And I know when you order scallops to not expect more than 3 or 4, but that's why I got something that had pork, too. Instead, it was 3 scallops each on top of a small piece of pork tenderloin. Essentially, it was 3 scallops. Even with trying to take my time, I finished it in about 10 minutes and was still hungry. So, the portion was disappointing, but the taste was phenomenal. Scallops mixed with pork - I mean, I've had bacon wrapped scallops before, and those are excellent, but this was tender and juicy pork tenderloin with perfectly baked scallops. A terrific combination. Besides the portion size, the other reason I can't give it 5 stars was because they brought a chef's special out to each table. Within half an egg shell, there was onion mousse (yes, you read that right) with some green creme substance on top. They told us what it was, but I don't recall. I figured heck, we're in NOLA and at a fine dining (and expensive) restaurant, this weird stuff is probably awesome. Not awesome. Not awesome at all. I took one bite, then gave it another try, then gave up. My girlfriend did like it, and had hers as well as the rest of mine, and then proceeded to have an upset stomach for 2 days (and no, it had nothing to do with the beignets - how dare you suggest that, what are you, an alien? communist? Canadian?). It started after eating this stuff and didn't go away. So, I can't give August 5 stars, thought I do understand why so many people did. It just wasn't 5 stars for me.
(4)Cheri Y.
I'm not going to waste too much time on this review like a pompous jerk. Last nights dinner at August was terrible. Two years ago hubby took me to August for my birthday. It was fantastic. I LOVED it. One of the best dinners of my life. Last night I returned to August with hubby & two colleagues. All the food was meh at best. First, the restaurant was empty. There was only two other tables & us. I start with the enchanted belle cocktail, it was so bad I sent it back. The waiter fessed up & told me he thought it was a awful concoction as well & he would not even drink it. Why is it on the menu then?! I order a French 75. It was good. Three of us order the foie gras 3 ways. None of us loved it. One was too mushy, one was stale & watery & the blueberry offering was meh. My hubby ordered the gulf snapper & he said he couldn't get over the awful fishy smell. It was not fresh. He left it on the plate. I ordered the duck which came way way undercooked & under seasoned. It was so undercooked that I could not cut it with the knife. I just left the raw bird on the plate. last I order the cheese plate. How can you screw that up right? Again, the plate looked great, however, the cheese pieces were pre cut & dry. Not aged. Sitting out on the counter all day yuck. The confections that were brought out were also meh. Our dinner companions ate the chocolate ones & left the rest. We left. I won't be returning until John Besh himself decides to get back in his kitchen, actually cook his duck dish & serve fresh fish. It's very sad when the amuse bouché of egg custard is the best part of the meal. Very disappointed :(
(1)Paul T.
What can I say; it was pretty much a perfect meal. The wagyu steak was melt in your mouth perfection. They even made fries for my daughter because she is a picky eater. Gnocchi is a must. Skip on the étouffée dumplings. Don't even understand that dish. Foie gras was great. Even though one dish didn't live up to the rest, 5 stars for how good the rest were.
(5)Bryan G.
Restaurant August is the best dining establishment I've ever patronized. The only eatery that comes remotely close is green goddess, which focuses almost exclusively on vegetarian food. August's decor is immaculate, the waiters are all attentive, polished and personable and the general vibe is wealth. However, it all pales in comparison to the food. The five course meal that is the vegetarian tasting menu is, without a doubt, the greatest meal I've ever eaten. Frankly, I'm not a good enough writer to describe the tastes, smells and textures that made up this fine meal, so I'm not even going to try. The dishes served were beyond food. Most of the time I had no idea what I was eating, just that it was delicious and often contained tomatoes. All five courses were distinct yet somehow perectly melded. It would be impossible for me to choose a favortie. The only word to describe the food and the dining experience is perfect. From the time we walked in the door, until the time we left, everything was the best it could have possibly been. If you're a vegetarian this place undoubtedly the finest in New Orleans.
(5)Kathleen M.
Amazing! We took our three adult children for a celebration and it was the best!
(5)Christopher J.
Came for a work event and dinner was D-E-Licious! There was an open bar cocktail hour before dinner with hors d'oeurvres. The best ones were the duck and fig egg roll and the shrimp spring roll. Oh man, we had to stop ourselves because we knew a big dinner was coming. When we finally sat down, our wine glasses were filled with our choice of red or white, and bread and butter was immediately set in front of us. The meal started off with a crab bisque that was off the chain good. I mean lick the bowl in a formal restaurant good. Fresh ingredients, perfect flavor, temperature, texture, everything. The next course was a mixed green salad with bleu cheese, a berry vinaigrette, and a pumpkin seed brittle. I don't like bleu cheese, so that was a turn off, and my SO doesn't like salad in general, but we were both BLOWN AWAY by the pumpkin seed brittle. It was all the best things from a caramel brittle and toasted/candied pumpkin seeds combined into one delicious piece of heaven. Then came the first (first!) entree - shrimp stuffed flounder. The stuffing had an odd flavor, but it wasn't off-putting. They also put some sort of pickled vegetable mix on top, which wasn't all that great. But the fish was very good - seasoned and cooked excellently. The second (second!) entree was a filet on a bed of smashed potatoes with asparagus. The filet was cooked rare. I prefer medium rare, but I was perfectly pleased with such a beautiful cut of meat cooked rare. My SO prefers her steaks on the medium well side, so she wasn't super happy with the temperature. And the steak was a bit heavy on the salt as well. But the cut was so nice that it practically melted in my mouth, and it's hard to not love that about a steak. The potatoes and asparagus were cooked perfectly, and seasoned simply but perfectly. The dessert course was a bread pudding type thing with chunks of vanilla wafer ice cream, a marshmallow crisp, and peanut butter powder. I loved it, because I love peanut butter and bananas. My SO wasn't a fan, because she isn't a fan of either of those ingredients. The only knock I have is the marshmallow crisp thing. It was just weird. It had the texture of styrofoam. It tasted ok, I just don't know how much I liked it. All in all, the whole dinner experience was very nice. The waiters never let our waters or wines get empty, and we barely noticed they were around us. And besides the few nitpicky items I pointed out above, I thoroughly enjoyed the meal as a whole (it didn't hurt that it was free!).
(5)Monika M.
Went here back in the days after Katrina. Even in a world with no servers, they managed to offer impeccable service and amazing food.
(5)Congyi F.
A habit, a tradition, simply the best. Good enough for any important moments of your life.
(5)Liliane L.
I decided to try August after Andy Cohen said it was one of his favorite restaurants in Nola. We came here for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. August was definitely impressive from the beautiful, immaculate building to the service and decadent food. The details are whimsical and make the day even more special.
(5)Jimmy B.
I arrived in New Orleans on a Friday morning, and after a stressful departure from Chicago, decided to treat myself to lunch at August. Lunch is only available on Friday, and I highly recommend it! I walked in without a reservation and easily found a seat at the bar which offers full-service. Friday lunch includes a three-course prix-fixe menu for a very reasonable price of $21.50; however, I opted to order my three-courses from the full lunch menu. I started with an "Always October" cocktail - a Manhattan-esque cocktail made with their house infused satsuma-coriander bourbon - and the heirloom tomato salad (with tempura avocado and house smoked bacon). Both were fantastic, the salad was light and refreshing with a great saltiness from the bits of bacon. As an appetizer, I went big with the house speciality: breaded "trout Pontchartrain" which is served with shrimp, blue crab and wild mushrooms with a delicious cream sauce. Probably a bit too decadent and rich for a lunch entree, but I had no problem finishing every bite! Dessert was a highlight for me. I went with the banana pudding. The bartender said that it was recently named best dessert in the south - they were correct! This dessert was life changing. A bit of a deconstructed dish, the banana pudding is served with a scoop of vanilla-wafer ice cream,a few bruleed bananas, and a couple bites of banana bread. Then they add some spots of toasted marshmallow and a delicious peanut butter "dust". I would have licked this place if I wasn't afraid of being tossed out of the place. Every dish was phenomenal, but if you were looking for a quick bite to satisfy your sweet tooth, highly recommend you stop by here and grab a cocktail and the banana pudding. You won't regret it.
(5)Valerie L.
This meal was perfection. Service was fantastic. Started with the goat cheese and pear salad and the crawfish "étouffée". So fresh and delicious. I nearly licked the plates clean. Next, boyfriend had scallops and I had the duck. Amazing. Simply amazing. Finished with a chocolate martini and two seasonal deserts. Ate it all. Loved it. We had to sit in the bar area because we didn't reserve a table. Understandable, considering Bacchus was rolling outside while we ate. And, because the only table available was right behind the hostess stand, I got to hear the hostesses interact with guests. I found them to be very friendly and could not be more helpful. One of the best dining experiences I've ever had.
(5)Matthew H.
We had a great dining experience at August, everything was extremely well thought out and each ingredient worked together nicely. I started off with the crawfish and sweetbreads and it was fantastic. I ended up ordering the softshell crab for dinner which again was fantastic and then ended with the banana pudding which has won many awards and deserved every one of them. Others got the gnocchi, trout, and steak and had no complaints about any of them. The house made ginger beer is great so you should order a cocktail that requires its use. We will be returning to August the next time that we are in town.
(5)Allison Y.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice, but service was brisk and unimpressive. We did reserve the last seating of the day, but that should be not be an excuse. The bread to start was just okay. However, the egg and pumpkin mousse amuse bouche was really light and delicious, with just a hint of pumpkin flavor with the texture of whipped cream. It was a fun way to start our meal. We also started with the black truffle homemade gnocchi with blue crab. The black truffle shavings on top gave the dish that nice additional crunchy texture and the homemade gnocchi was seriously so amazing. The truffle wasn't overpowering and the blue crab was plentiful, FRESH, and delicious. Our second appetizer was equally if not more mind blowing.. the FOIE GRAS 3 WAYS. I'm not going to talk about each one cause you just have to try it for yourself. All 3 were soooo amazing. It's served with a fat and buttery slice of toasted brioche bread. perfection. Our entrees, especially following the appetizer, were disappointing. I ordered the trout with a hollandaise foam, blue crab, shrimp, and wild mushrooms. The mushrooms were way too salty and the fish a little dry. The hollandaise foam sauce was tangy and yummy, but was just way too salty with the mushrooms. My boyfriend ordered the soft shell crab with brown butter. Needless to say, this was a super heavy dish. It was tasty but not amazing. We finished our meal with a complimentary dessert sampler, all of which were really good
(4)Paul W.
Look for Amber behind the bar...kicking butt and taking names. By that, I mean that she is working super hard to give excellent, speedy, and attentive service, all while mixing up some tasty craft cocktails. The venison carpaccio was probably the best carpaccio dish I have ever had, the shrimp harissa dish was amazing, the crawfish Étouffée (which is served in the form of dumplings) was crazy good, and the grapefruit dessert was creative and top-notch. Love restaurant August!
(5)Naomi L.
From food to service to ambiance - August gets 5 stars all around! It was a total splurge, but worth it for a wonderful place to spend our 8 year anniversary. Rivals the experience at Alan Wong's where they made us a personalized menu. The amuse bouche was a perfect way to start the evening. I wish I knew how to make that creamy-whatever-was-inside-that-eggshell filling. Seriously, I would try to make that all the time and bring it to literally every party... We split the beet/crab salad for the appetizer. They were very kind and split it in 1/2 for us without extra charge. Delicious and highly recommended salad! Mains: I got the snapper, bf got the beef. Both were just superb. I mean super amazing, delicious, wonderful and perfect dishes. Seriously, I think I'm in love. The worst part of the evening was when we were driving home and I remembered I had left my box of tiny leftovers, thus disabling me from eating the last bits of my dish. Get the snapper. Dessert was perfect. We shared the award winning banana pudding deconstruction and chocolate mint dessert thing. Please eat both of these if you go. They are must-no-miss desserts! + the kitchen was so sweet and wrote "Happy Anniversary" on both plates + comped paired wines with both plates. How wonderful and a perfect touch of kindness to round out the meal. Only complaints: they put us at a table for 4 although the reservation was for 2. This made for a fun evening of people watching, but was a little strange. The waitress was very nice, but just a bit too much in your face. She actually even apologized one time for standing so closely. She also kept asking if I was ok and that my face looked tired. Yes - I was super tired (worked all day and couldn't get reservations until 830p). Thank you for pointing out that I looked so sad and drained multiple times. Ps please stop speaking to us like we are visitors. Just ask where we were from so we could have skipped all the "how we do it in New Orleans" comments.
(5)Jeffrey Q.
Absolutely wonderful restaurant! The food and service is truly five star. I had the chicken there and words cannot describe how perfectly it was cooked. The inside was soft and tender while the outside was thin and cripsy. I can safely say that was the best chicken I have ever had in my entire life.
(5)John C.
FOOD: I went for brunch. The menu was limited with only 6 entree options from which to choose. I had the pan seared Trout Pontchartrain which is topped with shrimp and crab meat. It was perfectly prepared. I definitely recommend it. SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: I had the Brandy Milk Punch. It was semi-sweet, milky and just a tad light on brandy. I would suggest requesting an extra shot of brandy with yours. AMBIENCE The restaurant is very classy, complete with wooden walls and white linen on each table. The service was impeccable.
(5)Ben P.
Very very good food. Extremely expensive. If your in the mood for a longer dinner I would recommend the degostino. It's a very cool dinner that has a ton of courses with wine.
(4)Abby S.
After a week's worth of eating my way through the south, the first review I must write is for Restaurant August. #1 favorite meal, hands down. Thank you to all of the recommendations to dine here for lunch. The $20.12 prix fixe menu can't be beat. And no, you don't need reservations if you don't mind sitting at the bar. They serve the exact same menu, it's just not as fancy. You can make a rezie on the Yelp app, by the way, so technology is on your side in this case ;) First off, start the experience with a cocktail. Or a glass of sparkling wine. Who cares if it's lunch, you're in New Orleans. Since it was still kind of early, went with the Pimm's Cup. Not my normal choice, but I'd heard that they make some of the best in town. Was not disappointed, it was light/refreshing and had just the right amount of booze. Of course I went with the prix fixe, and feeling slightly adventurous made it a point to order items that I normally wouldn't, including: + Pate plate: A very large portion with cornichons, a few types of mustard and toast. Would have gladly eaten the whole thing, but other food was on its way. + Shrimp crusted Louisiana fishL Crispy and salty on the outside, moist and perfectly cooked on the inside. + Buttermilk chess pie: God I love rhubarb! Combined with the amuse bouche and mini chocolates at the end, left here stuffed to the brim! Though the gal who waited on us seemed shocked that I didn't finish every last morsel, it wasn't for lack of trying. The food was amazing, I just wasn't going to get too gluttonous on Day #1 of vacation. So good! Will be coming back for another meal when in NOLA. If someone were to ask for recommendations in this fine city, Restaurant August would be the top choice, hands down.
(5)Karolyn S.
My husband and I drive to New Orleans every year, and this time we wanted to experience August. I made lunch reservations online a few days prior (surprised we could get in) as they have their lunch prix fixe menu on Fridays. About 20 bucks for lunch. We were seated immediately and greeted quite nicely by everyone: hostess, water man, waiter. We ordered a glass of wine each, recommended by the waiter (wish I could remember his name...he was just wonderful). We also ordered the gnocchi with truffles off the regular menu. BEST taste I've ever had. Worth the 18 bucks it cost and more. Everything we had from the pate to the crawfish bisque to the sheepshead fish to the country chicken to the angel food cake dessert was exquisite. Service doesn't get any better than this. Never were our water glasses even near empty, but the people working there weren't pretentious at all. They engaged in conversation with us and were just so very kind. I got to meet one of the chefs who couldn't have been happier to come out of the kitchen to talk to me. I believe her name was Stephanie (?). She and her husband moved from New York and both work here. Anyhow, make reservations, order the gnocchi, and be prepared to be wowed. Bravo August.
(5)Bea S.
The best dining experiences in New Orleans hands down. From the service, the ambiance, to most importantly the exquisite food. This place can contend on a national level for new french fare. Came as a party of 4 and experienced southern etiquette at its finest. (Reservations are recommended) We were greeted with a warm welcome from every server passed. The staff may have been a little overly friendly for my New York hardened taste, but they really seem to care that every little thing is up to par - which it was and beyond! I doubt you can go wrong with anything you order. The menu is seasonal. We were given a complimentary amuse bouche served in a eggshell which was light, cheesy, and fluffy. I started with the potato gnocchi appetizer portion. These tasty handmade pillows were topped with truffle and blue crab meat. The flavors were subtle and delicious. I had the roasted duckling for the main coarse. The duck was incredibly tender and cooked perfectly. I am still craving the additional whipped foie gras that was part of duck dish. Great wine list albeit pricey. Dessert (even if you just order one) is a necessary indulgence to end a incredibly decadent meal. Definitely a spot for a special occasion or to treat yo'self. The flavors will not disappoint!
(5)Age D.
Hands down this was easily one of the best fine dining experiences, if not the best, on all accounts. The food, the service, the ambiance, everything! I went all out and got the degustation menu with the paired wines Not cheap ($147) but totally worth it I would pay for it again just to have the first course over venison carpaccio with onion aioli Our server Jane was super nice, knowledgeable and even recommended more places for us Don't sleep on this one
(5)Lauren B.
So on our last night in New Orleans we really wanted an awesome meal. We had eaten at some of the typical NOLA classics like Galatoire's and Antoine's. But we wanted something a little less "classic" and a little more...new? trendy? high-end? I think we wanted something a little more "New York". We were at the Hotel Monteleone having afternoon cocktails and asked our waitress her recommendations. She said Restaurant August, without a doubt. I had heard of it and a colleague back home who is from New Orleans had recommended it, but because it wasn't one of the tried and true NOLA classics, I didn't pay much attention. Obviously I opened my Yelp app and checked it out. Solid reviews, people raving about the food, service, atmosphere. A few photos of the food and interior confirmed that it was, indeed, what we were looking for. I made a reservation and all they had left was 9PM. No problemo, we are New Yorkers, after all, we are used to eating mad late. We walked over from our hotel on Bourbon Street to the restaurant. It was in what I suppose you would call the business part of town. Much quieter than Bourbon Street, people dressed nicer, ect. We walked in and were seated immediately. The space is beautiful. The enormous vintage style crystal chandeliers, wood paneled walls, everything was high end and a lot of thought went into it. It was exactly the sort of more modern and trendy version of what those old New Orleans restaurants looked like inside. Our server came over immediately to take our drink order. Because I am a complete and total sucker for martinis, I went with that. They were not even close to disappointing. I was swooning over them in minutes. The menu was awesome, we had such a hard time choosing what to have. The waiter was very helpful with this. He asked us what jumped out at us and then went through the composition, cooking method and ingredients in each dish and why he thought they were special. It was incredible to hear about the preparation, each dish had a special twist to it, making it far and away different than that same dish at another restaurant. We decided to share appetizers. First, we ordered the Foie Gras prepared three ways. Three small portions of foie gras (which is one of my favorite things) all cold or slightly warmed, each composing their own little dish, completely different from each other, yet tying together nicely. We also had the handmade potato gnocchi, tossed with blue crab and black truffle. It was some of the most perfect gnocchi I have ever had. Substantial, but still light and fluffy. The sauce mixed with the crab and truffles...divine. Another round of martinis later, and I was all jazzed up for our entrees. But first! An amuse bouche. A half quail egg shell stuffed with a Parmesan mousse and topped with an avocado custard...sounds weird, it was amazing and decadent. For my main, I ordered the Chappapeela Farms Duckling, with silver queen corn, buttered radish and blackened foie gras. It was SO GOOD. I have recently discovered that I enjoy duck and August did it right. slightly crispy skin, tender meat, the sauces perfectly complimenting the duck, and enough foie gras to have some with each bite of duck. Really, an incredible dish. When they offered us dessert, I was a little hesitant because I was so, so full already. But once again, our waiter went through how each dessert is composed and what ingredients are used, so once again we were pumped and all ordered a dish. I had the Banana Pudding and OHMYGODDDDDD. You best book your tickets to NOLA for this dish alone. It came with peanut butter, marshmallow and nila wafer ice cream. I was legit licking my plate clean at the end. Everyone at the table said it was amazing. I want more! Help! All throughout the meal the waiter was attentive and friendly, informative and we never wanted for anything. I was sad to go at the end, but so pleased we took the chance on something in the business district. When you are in New Orleans, do yourself a favor and try our John Besh's Restaurant August for an amazing fine dining experience that's full of flavor and skill.
(5)Laurie V.
Second visit here. Great experience both times. The first time I was here, I was with girlfriends and we shared the Foie prepared 3 ways and we were disappointed (although in all fairness, we had just been to Jean Georges and had the best foie we've ever tasted in our lives.) But this time at August the foie gras 3 ways was FANTASTIC. I was with my favorite guy, and we loved every bite. Way to turn it around! It was slightly different, so I believe they change it up seasonally. The sweetbreads were delightful. For our entrees we had the soft shell crab and the lamb. I was so full that I couldn't finish the lamb, but it made a great 2 AM snack after returning from the bars! :) The service was fantastic. Ambiance was cozy. Drinks were right on-par. We received the Hilton 20% off deal (I am a Hilton Honors member and was so excited to get this discount, since we had planned on eating here ANYHOW!) If you stay at a Hilton property from now to September, be sure to look this up- it's good for any John Besh establishment.
(4)Jason V.
Amazing dinner. The tasting menu offered several courses with wine pairings. Everything was well prepared, presented, and tasted amazing. I would come back here again in a heartbeat. My new favorite spot in NOLA.
(5)Kim B.
I didn't want to eat here while in New Orleans. I read the Yelp and Chowhound reviews praising the restaurant but I didn't believe it. The only "fine dining" establishment I planned to try in the city was Commander's Palace. But by some magical twist of fate, my boyfriend and I were pretty much forced to come here for dinner one night. Our original reservation at Domenica was cancelled at the last-minute due to a kitchen fire. Since it was a Sunday night at 9:45pm, the only other Besh restaurant options were Luke or Restaurant August. One guess which of the two was able to squeeze us in for the last seating of the evening? My boyfriend and I arrived at Restaurant August and both of us didn't really want to be there. We didn't want to spend the money and didn't think the food would be worth it. Well, Chef John Besh proved us wrong. The food was amazing -- probably our best meal while in New Orleans. I highly recommend the beet/crab/bacon salad, handmade potato gnocchi, breaded trout Ponchartrain, and banana pudding.The only reason this restaurant doesn't get 5 stars is because the service was lacking. It took 10 minutes just to get water in our glasses, and we spent much of the evening waiting for our waitress to show up.
(4)Kelley K.
I would have gave it a 5 star review, but the matredee kept coming over and talking to us. Dishes were spectacular! Pairings were spot on. Atmosphere quite lovely.
(4)Jason K.
Flagship restaurant of Chef John Besh's empire, this place did not fail to impress. We gave them advanced warning that we were bringing our four-year-old...the email reply was so nice and welcoming, we almost did not feel bad at foisting her upon them (actually, she did amazingly well, especially considering dinner lasted almost three hours!). When we arrived, our waiter Mark and his assistant were incredibly friendly and accomodating. They were enthusiastic and provided detailed explanations of the dishes...they also explained that Chef Besh has four (I think) kids of his own thus their welcome. Pretty much everything was delicious, but his signature gnocchi with crab and truffle was absolutely amazing. The gnocchi were pillowy light, the sauce was wonderously rich and full-flavored, and everything was perfumed by earthy truffles. WOW. Another standout was off the degustation menu, the squid-ink tagliatelle. This was served with saffron aioli and the most tender baby squid I have ever had. Mmmm...it was all we could do to keep from licking our plates. It was pricey, but not ridiculously so for a fine dining emporium. Dinner was worth every penny...we will definitely be back.
(5)Renee S.
We went for my birthday and were treated like royalty! Plus everything we ate was fantastic! Highly recommended!!!
(5)Mas B.
Had dinner there this past Sunday for our 10th anniversary. One of the best dining and eating experiences. To say the least the service was top notch and we felt well cared for and the wine recommendations were spot on. My wife chose the squash blossom dishes from the vege fixed side and that was fantastic. I had the foie app and it was great, though I was not a fan of the peanut butter and jelly creation. The peanuts over powered the foie and it just tasted like P&J which I wasn't expecting. I had the lamb and my wife the Wagyu dish. Both were amazing but the Wagyu was the best dish Ive ever tasted.
(5)Cody H.
I can't believe that it took us this long to make it to this restaurant. We loved it. We sat down and immediately had a great time. I ordered the tasting menu with the pairings and it was perfect. She had the chopped salad and I believe the toasted trout for her entree. This place was so good that she and I discussed having our rehearsal dinner here. Once we told the waiter that we would like some info on the available space, the captain came over and told us about the place, gave us some cards of people to talk to and asked if we wanted to see the room. We were having such a good time at dinner that we really didn't want to. I told them we will be back and can check it out next time. So we have to go back....and we really want to go back. This place is awesome. The only thing I would do differently is change our table location. Every time someone would open the doors to the restaurant, you'd get a huge amount of hot, outside air hitting you. Next time we will ask for table 34, 43 or 63. I was told these are the best tables by the waiter.
(5)Sophia C.
Came here during our visit to New Orleans for my boyfriend's birthday, I had to find a fancier establishment to celebrate this special occasion. We loved the food in New Orleans and Restaurant August was a standout. We're New Yorkers and coming from a city full of fancy, expensive, upscale spots, Restaurant August was a strong contender for top marks. The food was delectable, I think our favorites were the Foie Gras prepared three ways and sea scallops. Their menu changes regularly but I have no doubt that all their dishes will at least satisfy if not impress. What made this place stand out to me was their service. We were checked on regularly... made us feel like our experience was really a top concern for them. They were friendly and personable (don't undervalue how much a smile and laugh can boost a dining experience). Oftentimes fancier establishments can have a stiff or entitled air, but this was not the case here. Since it was my boyfriend's birthday, I sneakily asked one of the staff (not even someone who was working at my table since he was in proximity of our table and I didn't want my bf to overhear) if they could do something special at the end of our meal. He reassured me not to worry and that he would see to it, and I continued on my way to the bathroom. Through the rest of the meal, I did worry. I worried that I had not been more explicit in my request since I didn't point out our table and that he would forget (seeing that he wasn't even serving our table and I was rushed in my request so it wouldn't seem suspicious to my bf). But lo and behold, at the end of our meal, a plate of dessert scrawled with Happy Birthday in chocolate arrived before our check. It was so discreet that my bf was genuinely surprised. There was no cheesy happy birthday singing involved, just a hearty wish for him to have a happy birthday and enjoy the rest of our night. This was one of our most expensive meals in NOLA but compared to New York prices, I didn't even bat an eye at the check. The price was well-deserved.
(5)Adrienne G.
Coming back to New Orleans this year, we knew we wanted to make August a return visit & we were completely impressed ( again! ) Vegetarian Tasting Menu WITH Wine Pairing! Perusing the menu, we found we did not completely care for their offerings & they were happy to let us create our own lineup - huge props!! Amuse Bouche - whipped egg w/ mousse-like pea fluff - outstanding! 1st Course - Artichoke & Black Garlic Soup - super tasty & could taste each but nothing overpowering 2nd Course - Strawberry & Rhubarb Salad w Bruleed Goat Cheese. - strawberries macerated in balsamic & the rhubarb in brown sugar. Soooooo delish! 3rd Course - Pea & Carrot Raviolio w/ Manchego Cheese. Baby carrots all around & an egg yolk had been flash poached in marscapone to give it a creamy richness. Could've had like 12 of these! 4th Course - Gnocchi w/ Morels & Truffled Goat Butter w/ Fava Bean Pesto. You put gnocchi & truffles with anything & I'm going to love it! Then add fave beans? Look out! At first I thought I tasted mint in the mix & that was a show stopper for me b/c who would have mixed mint w truffles & mushrooms? But after that 1st taste, couldn't taste it again & the dish mellowed out.....this dish was especially created at our request & we totally appreciated their flexibility & willingness to create something off-menu! Desserts included the banana pudding ( just like last yr ) & a 3 chocolate cake. The cake was little cubes of a coffee-infused variety, choc mousse cinnamon mousse thing & little balls of white milk & dark choc. Yummy! Wine pairings were all kinds of spectacular & our evening divine! Can't wait to do it again!!
(5)Patty S.
I wanted a fine dining experience in New Orleans and was between Commander's Palace and August. I am so glad I chose August. My favorite dishes of the night included the gnocchi, agnolotti and foie gras. The market vegetable degustation didn't wow me, but the three appetizers were so absolutely delicious that I would go back in a heartbeat. This is what I would expect from a John Besh restaurant.
(4)Jessica M.
We were a party of 7 that was coming to dine for lunch at August, and we were set up nicely at a round table. We initially came in through the wrong door, but employees were there to guide us the host area, and on our way through, every staff member we encountered was very pleasant saying hello as we passed. The establishment was very nice with wood throughout and a nice view of all the wines they held upstairs. We were welcomed with bread and a complimentary amuse bouche, and it was divine. All of the food was delicious. Along with the menu they offer a prix fixe meal for 20.15 and it includes and appetizer, entree and dessert. I decided to go with the prix fixe, and I was happy and my stomach was definitely satisfied with the decision. Even though the portions are small, everything was so decadent that you filled full. All of us ladies sat there after the meal with a food coma stare in our eyes. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys great food and ambiance.
(5)Ithaca P.
What can I say... best meal I've had in the last 10 years. Starting from the amuse bouche, to the entree and then the dessert, every detail of each dish was thoughtful and carefully put together. We had two fish entree dishes that were both excellent. My only regret is that I didn't do the degustation menu instead. It's expensive, but I came away thinking that it was so worth it. Service was excellent and setting was romantic.
(5)Adam A.
Yea, it was really that good. Delicious Bourbon Old Fashioned to get things started. An amazing Cauliflower amuse boche, followed by a delicate and succulent pork pate. Lunch continued with an awesome Sheepshead for me, and a Duck Confit Cavatelli for my lady. We diverged once again on desserts with Bourbon Chocolate Tart for me and the Meyer lemon cake for her. A bite of peanut brittle and white chocolate truffle for the road, and we were all set. DELICIOUS, and we'll definitely be back.
(5)Thomas B.
Excellent venue, the service was outstanding, the food fantastic. I was told that portions would be small and expensive but found this to be not true. The portions were more than adequate and I was delighted with the quality and value. Yes Restaurant August is certainly not inexpensive but that level of quality, service and style is not cheap! I eat out constantly and found Restaurant August to be my best overall meal during my four days in New Orleans. I highly recommend this establishment. Business or social it is a winner any way you look at it. Restaurant August "blew away" old favorites like Commanders Palace, there was no comparison!
(5)Colleen B.
Loved it. Portions were perfect so I wasn't stuffed by the end of the night. Ambience was great and service was impressive. Sommolier's recommendations were excellent. Highlights: Handmade potato gnocchi, breaded trout Pontchartrain & goat's milk cheesecake. Sounded better than it was: hot buttered crab & warm burrata corn bread tart and the banana pudding. Go and enjoy.
(4)Mimi D.
Wow....that was a total fail for me!! Made reservations for my birthday at 8:00 pm for 2 then changed it to 4. It was nice of them to be able to change it last minute for me. That's a plus. Arrived there shortly before 8:00 and we had to wait. That's fine with me to wait a couple minutes, 15 max. BUT! OMG we waited for 43 minutes to be exact, thanks to the host for letting us know. She seemed to feel horrible to make us wait that long. Another plus. Started off dinner with a complimentary egg custard amouse bouche inside of an egg shell. It was cute and cool looking, but it wasn't as tasty as it looked, too rich tasting for my taste. We also ordered the gnocci and the shrimp bisque. The gnocci was okay. The shrimp bisque was fishy tasting. I didn't enjoy it at all. Then for entrees, I decided to go with the sweet and savory duck. Sounded delicious. My sister and everyone else ordered the steak. Fail again!! My duck was not good at all! And the steak that everyone else ordered also fell flat! We were all so disappointed! After we finished our entrees, we were ready for the cake that my sister brought. They also presented us with a complimentary dessert. That dessert was pretty good, but it doesn't make up for the rest of the failed dinner. So sad! Maybe I'll give it another try...maybe.....
(2)Mike S.
$20 fix price 3 course lunch at a great restaurant. YEAH! Our visit: They take our jackets and seat us immediately Menu is ala carte or the price fix We order the price fix 0) Amuse bouche Sabayone, egg froth, topped with caviar and brioche crouton serverd in an egg shell. Three wonderful bites with each bite being different due to the layering. 1) Pork pate with toasted brioche points (Wife: Salad topped with duck confete) 2) Homemade cheese stuffed pasta with micro greens 3) Butterscotch flan (chocolate cake with ice cream) *) Homemade brittle and chocolate truffle with the bill Amuse bouche was amazing. The portion of the pate was probably larger then needed for a three course lunch but was very tasty. The portion of the entree was small by American standards but perfect for three courses. The sauce, greens, pasta, vegetables made each bite different and exciting. Anyone interested in exploring the idea of layering flavours would find the perfect subject in this dish. Each component was seasoned well and stood on its own. But in any combination was elevated. Some insane chef was at work in creating the dish and the execution was done by someone with great skills and a good palette. The dessert was rich, full flavour and the right portion. I was just two spoons past satisfied (one to the spouse and one last bite to finish the meal so PERFECT). If you want a fine dinning experience, great food, a change from new orleans country cooking and creole then you MUST have lunch here.
(5)Mitch N.
A very enjoyable dinning experience. The number of delicious flavors in each dish is amazing. Service was very good, but lead waiter could have been a bit more personable. All other staff were very friendly and not pretentious. Started with cocktails. The Old South Smash was refreshing and perfectly blended. We chose foie-gras three ways, gnocchi app split, spouse-soft shell crab me-filet, banana pudding. The final sweets with bill included a mini praline that is best I have ever had; would buy them in bulk. When you book NOLA, book your table here and enjoy!
(5)Lorraine F.
Wine and food pairings were perfect. Pasta with garlic and tomatoes and mushrooms was best ever eaten. Congrats to all the staff and chefs!'
(5)Cary L.
My two star rating is relative to expectation and the fine dining level of August. That being said, we were all very disappointed. Its not that the food wasnt good, but when you spend $100 for the 6 course chefs tasting, it better be amazing. A couple of the courses were great, but not amazing and I have to say I wouldnt go back. there are just too many other restaurants to try at this same level. August is experiencing what many other celebrity chef restaurants have when the chef is no longer there on a regular or even occasional basis. And then there was the waiter screw up. We ordered the wine pairing with the chef tasting. I ordered the tasting because I knew a few of the wines and they were great. When our saddle of lamb was served I was looking forward to the Stags Leap Artemis, which the waiter didnt serve. I then simply asked him for the menu, which when he brought over he said there were some last minute changes on the wine pairing by the Sommelier, So why not tell us that when we ordered it? Anyway...it was HIS mistake, they had the Stags Leap and Sommelier compted our wine pairing and poured us a generous glass of Stags Leap and a chardonnay we didnt get either. At least they took care of the problem, but this shouldnt happen for a $150 meal.
(2)Sonia M.
Great food and service. The lunch prix fixe menu is the best deal in town. The chocolate hazelnut tart will be on my lifetime lust of best ever dishes.
(5)Madz P.
Hands down, one of the best dinners I've ever had. As a vegetarian foodie (self proclaimed) it takes a lot to impress me. The vegetarian tasting menu here was truly phenomenal. If we ever go back to NoLa, we will definitely be splurging here again.
(5)Angela S.
we spent 3 days in NO recently, showing our friends from overseas and taking them to top notch restaurants. W tried GW Fins, NOLA, August. All were great , but we all felt that August was the best of all. Th duck was one of the best and ou friends tried th steak which wa awesome. Excellent service too.
(5)EricaLynn J.
An evening at August had me slipped into one of the most delicious food comas I've ever had. Absolutely spectacular food with a menu so diverse that even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love. And if for some reason they can't (such as my sister, for instance), the chef will make something for you, no questions asked. You don't get that kind of treatment all too often - even in frou-frou gourmet high-priced places. It's refreshing to know that New Orleans has a hidden gem such as August. I will certainly return - hopefully sooner rather than later.
(5)Shannon D.
New Orleans is beyond description, as is August. I loved my time here. It was rich, relaxed and satisfying, August and Trashy Diva are top of mind when I remember one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you and we will be back... Galactic at Tippin Tina's was ok too :-) ie the reason for the trip. P.S Thanks for kicking my ass previous NOLA yelpers. I get it. Cheers Shannon
(5)David C.
Ah, Restaurant August. This was to be the highlight of our trip (eating-wise) in New Orleans. Both Zagat and Gayot have it rated higher than anything we have here in Houston (although honestly who really cares or can trust Zagat and Gayot) and it is headed by a celebrity chef of national proportions: John Besh. So we were both very excited to compare some of the best New Orleans has to offer with our best experiences in Houston. I can say the space is pretty nice. The main dining room is a lot smaller than I would have thought but it was very nice and spacious. Very dark and romantic with candle light, etc. The restaurant itself is just right on the corner of some old building-- very historical. Now, we started off with two of the most disappointing appetizers in the history of disappointing appetizers: some sort of scattered chop salad with champagne vinaigrette and a gnocchi with blue crab meat. The salad just looked ridiculous. I don't know what to say. Maybe I can put up a picture of it, if my girlfriend took a picture of it. It looked like they got all the leftover vegetables in the back of the kitchen and scattered it on a large plate. It wasn't like a regular salad because the greens weren't stacked on each other: it was just a very wide, flat salad. Absolutely absurd. The gnocchi was okay, but slightly under flavored. Clearly handmade pasta as my grandmother makes something similar to it. Very moist. Crab meat was okay but easily could have come from jumbo lump crab in a plastic can at Whole Foods. Entrees were much, much better. At least mine was. I had sugar and spice duckling with duck foie gras, stone grits, and a strawberry jam-like thing. This duck was unlike anything I have ever eaten in my life. It was unbelievably tender and moist and just perfectly cooked. The foie gras went perfectly with the duck and stone grits, they were pretty good, I guess. I can't imagine how people eat grits for breakfast. This description probably hasn't done the entree (their signature entree, according to our waiter) justice, but bottom line, I have dreamed about the duck dish for the last two days... and it has only been two days since we ate here. Last note on the dessert: a modern take on a napoleon with layers of chocolate and salted toffee ice cream on top-- best dessert ever. Our waiter was pretty good, pretty professional. Either they don't have specials here or he didn't mention them. My ginger ale wasn't refilled but Esther had three re-fills on her iced tea. Weird. John Besh was definitely in the house but in the back because I could hear clapping and cheering from inside the kitchen. An older, much more sophisticated couple, was led to the kitchen by their waiter but I felt like I wasn't cool enough to pull that off. Overall, not a disappointment and a great experience.
(4)Doug W.
Ok. It should probably get 2 stars. But it is so over-priced for what it is. I would never think of going back - unless someone I didn't like was paying for it... Servers were a little arrogant. Why bother with this place?
(1)Marcus A.
Coming to New Orleans, my restaurant must was Restaurant August and it did not disappoint. Unfortunately my family is not the foodie that I am and therefore I had to venture here solo. I came for the the prix fixe lunch menu and not a day too soon. My cost $20.10, as of tomorrow (January 1, 2011) the price jumps to $20.11. Regardless of this exorbitant price change, this three course meal is a steal. The amuse bouche was a seafood custard topped with caviar and brioche. It was the highlight for me, creamy and richly textured. Next was the veloute of celery root with apples and home cured bacon. The sweet apples with the smokey bacon and creamy veloute was absolutely fabulous. My main course was the jumbo shrimp and okra over grits. Let me say this, I am not a fan of okra, but in combination with the other ingredients it provided a nice texture to the meal. The meal closed out with a cream cheese tartlet topped with homemade strawberry sorbet and fresh strawberries and elderberries. A nice palette cleanser. One of the best overall "tasting" experiences to date for me. The check arrived topped with homemade peanut brittle and I believe an orange/mango gelatin. A sweet little goodbye if you will. My "captain" was Robert and he was extremely attentive and helpful and provided me with some much welcomed light conversation on my solo excursion. I leave New Orleans glad to have experienced Chef John Besh and if I return to NOLA, look forward to trying out the dinner options.
(5)Megan M.
This review is for LUNCH. Stopped in for the prix fixe lunch at August, and boy was I impressed! Three fabulous courses for $20, wow! Service was on point. When we walked into the restaurant, literally every person who worked there stopped and greeted us as we made our way to the table. The meal went uphill from there. For my meal, I got the pate plate (I'd had fois gras here in the past and been uber impressed), the shrimp stew and some sort of dessert sandwich with berries, goat cheese and toast. The pate was great. Flavorful, not too gamey and served with an array of interesting accompaniments. The shrimp stew was like a fancy schmancy gumbo served over parmesan risotto. It was packed with shrimp, fresh okra and a wonderfully flavorful broth. My dessert course was rich, buttery, salty, cheesey and good. I loved the drizzle of peppered honey that accompanied it. My dining partner chose three different dishes (a duck salad, veal grillades and caramel pot de crème) and loved them all as well. We both couldn't believe the portion sizes for the price. My pate was more than I've gotten at much worse restaurants, I couldn't finish my stew, and the dessert was double the size I would have expected. Plus you get to enjoy it all in August's chic atmosphere. All I can say is wow. I think this just may be the best lunch deal in town!
(5)Laurie P.
Simply wonderful! We started with a complimentary amuse bouche of cauliflower puree served in a delicate egg shell which set the tone perfectly. Then an appetizer of crab & black truffle gnocchi and fresh and outstanding sour dough bread. The main entree was 48 hour braised short rib with wild mushroom. Definitely on my "last meal" list. Everything was sublime...impeccable service and cozy setting. This Minneapolis girl will be going back to NOLA again and this will be my first stop. Thank you Mr. Besh and crew!
(5)Jessica O.
We had reservations here for Thanksgiving dinner. :) Not too shabby. I ordered the vegetable tasting menu and my beau ordered the fish. I accidentally was served the first course of the regular tasting menu. I mean, I like when mistakes like this happen. :) That crab appetizer was delicious, a little salty, but very good. My vegetable tasting menu was very very good. All of the food here was very very good. The desert course was a little rich for my taste after all of the goodness that we were served, but delicious nonetheless. Honestly even the pricing was fair, especially considering we had some wine from their very impressive looking wine cellar. The reason I'm keeping one star off was because it was very very good, but at no point in the evening was I flo'ored with an incredible combination of tastes or textures. It need a little extra umph" to get that extra star. Also, if you get the soup or anything with a creamy sauce, watch out for the sauce spoon/knife you get served. THAT was something that totally stumped me.
(4)Gustavo P.
We were processed by the over caffeinated Maitre'D. The flounder was very dry. The sommelier was knowledgeable but disappeared after I commented that the Rully (Cote Cahalonnaise) was corky. After dropping nearly US$500 for three people I would say it was not worth it. Return? may be for lunch or on someones expense account. I have seen enough to know what I like and what I consider good.
(2)Vincent H.
I highly recommend this restaurant for the food, experience, ambiance and especially the service. Met someone for lunch here on Wednesday, 10/12/2011, as our original choice of NOLA's was closed for lunch that day. Beautiful main dining room sitting on the corner of Tchoupitoulas Street and Poydas? Dinning room had a very cool early 1900's feel, much like you are going to a nice Sunday dinner, although not too much over the top. Menu doesn't have too many choices, but the choices it does have are off the hook. I couldn't decide between the lamb or the flat iron steak initially, however went with the steak. If you are real hungry, order appetizers, salad and soup, because the portion size was about 6 oz. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and the accompaniments were flavorful I started my meal with what is called a chopped salad, however nothing appeared chopped, more like dropped on the plate or should I say sprinkled. Not a huge salad, although the champagne dressing was light and flavorful. Our waiter was awesome and allowed us to talk business and did not interrupt our meal. Waiter brought a chardonnay and Cabernet wine (by the glass) and both wines were perfect. For dessert I had to go with the bread pudding, which was again perfect. The reason for not awarding five stars is for the food portions. I recommend increasing them 25%, even if they charged 25% more. I will be back on my next trip.
(4)Yvonne D.
Just not liking this place. The ambiance and service is top notch but this review is about the food. My husband did the tasting menu and I did the shrimp stuffed flounder. Mine was small a bit tasty but just a bit. My husband was very dissatisfied with his meal. The pork was all fat. White gushy fat. He couldn't eat it. There was a sliver not even a bite a meat attached to the belly fat which he said was great but the pure fat almost made him gag! The strip steak was nothing special at all a few small slices. And desert peppermint foam. Yuck who wants to eat foam? Beet sorbet sound interesting but surprisingly yuck.
(2)Scott S.
Restaurant August was very good, but missed "great". I must say that the staff did an outstanding job with service. Our needs were met and we were often asked if how we were enjoying ourselves. (Perhaps a bit too often) Our meal began with an egg custard with caviare. This was an unexpected treat from the kitchen, It was a pleasant surprise, unique and tasty. I then moved on to the mangalitsa pork belly with wild mushrooms, blueberries and spiced creme fresche. This was delicious and the various toppings were truly outstanding. However, the pork belly needed a little bit more texture to it. For the mail course, I had the Redfish "Court Bouillion". This was a round of redfish, topped with crab. Overall, it was ok. The texture in the center of the fish round was a little off-putting and there was shell in the crab. The dessert was outstanding. A napoleon with salted toffee ice cream. YUM! For the money spent, I honestly feel the experience should have been better. I will remember other meals I've had here much longer than I will remember Restaurant August.
(3)Mike C.
The best foie gras dish ever!! Every component was so one of a kind. My favorite entree was the grouper with the fresh shrimp sauce. It tasted like uni soup!!!! The desserts were also incredible!!!
(5)Dave C.
I was expecting this to be good, but not THIS good. This easily rivaled fine-dining in NYC. I had the degustation with pairings. The amuse was an eggy, fishy pudding which, I grant, sounds gross, but it was delicious. Up first was a lemonfish, very lightly seared, and perfectly prepared. The fish was meaty, but still melted in my mouth. Next was a red snapper dish containing many ingredients I don't particularly care for. It was AMAZING. The ingredients elevated the fish and the entire thing was great. The main was a short-rib with dumplings. Short-ribs are hard to screw up, but this dish brought them to a new level. The short-rips at Gordon Ramsay's At The London is one of the best things I've eaten, and these rival it. The dumplings were awesome. The dessert was a chocolate something that I really enjoyed. I'm not much of a dessert person and I scarfed this down. The wine pairings worked very well and were quite generous. If you are a lightweight, you might want to go easy on finishing them. This is on par with much fancier and more expensive restaurants in NYC and Chicago.
(5)Patrice R.
We read reviews of restaurants prior to our trip to NOLA. We were looking for a nice, romantic setting. This restaurant did not fail us. It was interesting that when we checked about the dress recommendations my husband was told coat and tie preferred. Looking at the other patrons and they way they were dressed, I think we were the only ones who actually asked ahead of time. Lots of people in very casual dress. We both enjoyed our meals--my steak was cooked perfectly. We were interested in taking a dessert back to eat later but all of the desserts had ice cream as part of them and there was no way that would transport easily. When the bill was presented, there was also a plate of small sweets which was a perfect ending to the meal.
(5)Jezebelly H.
Visiting from STL. Whenever we travel, we try to hit at least one 5 star restaurant....... Since we had no reservations, we decided to arrive as soon as then opened and were able to get a table in the bar, which did NOT detract from the experience in any way. The service was outstanding and the food was out of this world......the flavor, the presentation......they even gave my husband & I free deserts because my husband wasn't thrilled with his appetizer (which I warned our server because he doesn't care for seafood, perhaps we shouldn't order it---but she really pushed it because it is John Besh's signiature dish---she also took 1/2 price off app because hubby didn't eat it----his loss, it was divine). I didn't realize it, but John Besh has 6 restaurants in NOLA. We will try another on our next visit. We dropped about $125, including mimosa, beer, app & 2 entrees. Lunch is best way to go to some of these 5 stars, in order to save a little $$$ and atmostphere is bit more casual. Staff was charming & accomidating, above & beyond, regardless of being heavily tattooed......exceptional.
(5)Rich S.
Pretty pricey but pretty damn good! Our host was superb, he knew the menu inside and could recite the entire menu and how it was prepared like an eloquent song. Usually I'm pretty leery of places that are expensive because I always leave still hungry. In August's case, I'd say go for it. It isn't THAT pricey to NYC standards and food was well worth it! I'd even say it was up there with Per Se in NYC. I had the short ribs entree and pork belly appetizer. Oh man it was soooo yummy!
(5)PJ M.
The service here was phenomenal! I ordered off the prix fixe menu the butternut squash soup, the pork belly and the eclaire. The soup was light but very flavorful. The walnuts gave it that extra texture to take it to the next level. The pork belly was very good, but I think the fatty goodness was a little too much for me. The eclaire with Manchego cheese is quite good but is more savory than sweet so it doesn't deliver on its "desserty" promise. The waiter noticed my lack of enthusiasm and asked me if I would like to switch it out with another dessert. Not wanting to be a bother, I told him it was okay. No big deal. He still got me a new dessert unprompted. That's service! A chocolate mouse-like cake with salted caramel at the bottom served with malt-flavor infused ice cream. It was delicious. My wife was very curious about their "pho" so she had to try their $20 pho. The broth was very flavorful but had a unique taste I couldn't place. Served with thin slices of sirloin and flour noodles and cabbage in place of bean sprouts, my wife and I both thought it was interesting. I personally wouldn't order it again, but it's worth a try for the pho connoisseur. All in all, we had a very nice lunch experience there and if you're in town for a few days, I'd definitely recommend a visit.
(4)Fernando V.
Whimsical experience. One of the best (if not the best) meal I ever had. Impeccable execution...superb.
(5)Beach M.
After all the stellar reviews I expected so much more. We went with 2 other couples and ate just about everything and nothing was even more than mediocre. The gnocchi was mush and my redfish was mealy. The only reason I am rating it even a 3 was because the service was stellar and it is an incredibly beautiful interior. Sooo disappointed.
(3)John C.
The food here is AWESOME. John Besh did a great job on the menu in this Restaraunt. The service was awesome, the waiter was outstanding. Giving us our food, making sure we had water and beverages. This place may be pricey but its well worth it. If your gonna come here to eat, you need to go all out and go for the gusto.....
(5)Shirley L.
Wow. My tastebuds are still thanking me. This was the only place my friend and I reserved at before we hit it up in NOLA. We arrived about 30 minutes earlier than our reserved time...because the humidity outside was just killing us! The host sat us right away anyway. The decor was formal, but not highty tighty. The staff was very helpful and very nice. Our waitress made a good recommendation on which type of red wine (because I wanted red wine) I should pair with my meal. And the meal I chose was...cochon de lait! It was ah-mazing! MELTS in your mouth. And the flavors are so wonderful and not overwhelming but it definitely pops! On the side, there was a chunk of fat that was presented so beautifully that it would be a very sad story if you do not eat it!! And on to the dessert. I got Pere Roux's banana rum cake. Holy moly. The Creole cream cheese icing was absolutely heaven. The white chocolate shavings was so yummy. I cleaned both my entree and dessert plates off to a sparkle. And I was stuffed! I've been to a lot of "nice/upscale" restaurants but this one is a definite "lets go back" and "worth the splurge" restaurant. Next time I'm in town...preferably when its not disgustingly humid...I'm going back! To try the duckling!
(5)Melissa B.
Looking forward to my meal at August, I have to admit being a little worried. Chef Besh is known for his locally sourced, seasonal offerings and let's face it, with the Gulf of Mexico now quickly becoming a cloud of oil, the Louisiana seafood was a huge question mark. Nevertheless, I found myself giddy with anticipation at the meal to come and I was not disappointed. The 7 course degustation menu was all vegetarian and highlighted fresh produce from a farm about 50 miles North of New Orleans. While I did not choose this for my meal, I do appreciate the care that went into maintaining Besh's standard of using local ingredients. The meal started with a wonderful amuse-bouche sent out as a gift from the chef. Tucked inside a delicate egg shell was a seafood sabayon topped with crème fraiche and caviar. It was, in a word, sublime. I have spent many quiet moments reveling in this most pleasurable bite of food. The next course was braised pork belly. In an effort for full disclosure, I can tell you that there is more than a bit of bias on my part toward this dish; as bacon, in any form, is one of my most favored things on this planet. (Sorry swine!) Restaurant August did justice to the noble pig when it created this dish. The pork belly was perfectly moist and tender. The dish was complimented with fresh peaches and thinly sliced, pickled jalapeno peppers. The sweetness of the peaches and the tangy bite of the peppers were the perfect players to accompany the fatty richness of the pork. My third course was a dry-aged, wagyu beef filet with oxtail marmalade and ox marrow jus. Do I even need to say anything else?!?! The beauty of this dish goes beyond all words, so I will not even try. I'll just say, Go There! Order This Dish! Today! If not sooner! You have my word that you will not be sorry. August seems to be the kind of place where the staff would make you feel welcome whether you were wearing a sun dress or a ball gown. Speaking personally, I like to take advantage of the occasion and doll it up a little for a fine dining restaurant but one would be completely comfortable if they chose not to do so. The building itself is quite striking with its high ceilings, twinkling chandeliers, ornate wood work and soft tapestries adorning the walls. Between the beautiful building, the attentive staff and the lovely meal, August seems to have all the momentum toward becoming of those old, beloved New Orleans institutions and has impressed me as a place that I definitely hope to visit again.
(5)Joe H.
From the attentive and friendly service, the knowledgeable and engaging sommelier, to the beautifully prepared and presented food, this is a great restaurant. We checked out the menu earlier in the day on the recommendation of a local friend and our hotel concierge and it excited us enough to call and make a reservation for that evening. Highlights: Crispy squash blossom tempura appetizer is a light, savory treat. La Provence Mangalista pork is pork three ways, crispy tenderloin with Chanterelles, a pork cheek ravioli, and a slow-cooked pork shoulder...a lovely combination of textures and flavors. Sugar and spice duckling was moist, full of flavor and not at all fatty. We finished with the goats milk cheesecake which was light and not too sweet and served with a subtle honey ice cream. They did not have the vintage of the wine we selected but brought the next year's for us to taste with an offer to replace it if we weren't satisfied. Service throughout was attentive and polite. Overall, a great and highly recommended dining experience.
(5)Esther Y.
We chose this restaurant since we had such a great dining experience at one of John Besh's other restaurants, Luke. The restaurant is enormous and the dining rooms are spectacular. This is fine dining to its best! Each table is assigned 2 servers to attend to our every desire. If you have a sip of water, they are there to refil it in the next 5 minutes. I wish we were hungrier so we could have opted for the 4-course tasting menu, but we just were not hungry enough. He started with shrimp shu-mai, basically shrimp potstickers. The consumme was amazing and brimming with seafood flavor. I started with the local chop salad, filled with all sorts of local vegetables and fruits. I thoroughly enjoyed the salad and savored every bite. Some of the included items were pomegranate seeds, cauliflower, pear, and carrots. He ordered the redfish and I ordered sugar and spice duckling. The redfish was perfectly cooked and the broth was savory as well. The duck was flavored just like how duck is often cooked in Chinese restaurants. The foie gras was a delectable treat on the dish. The grits were not too flavorful on their own, but it was good to soak up the sauce. We normally share one dessert, but we each had to order our own dessert since everything looked good. He ordered the ambrosia, filled with fruit perfectly in season, such as figs and berries. They even included tiny mini marshmallows scattered between fruit. I ordered the goat milk cheesecake. It was a light cheesecake on top of a crunchy almond crust and topped with a piece of white chocolate. There was a streak of balsamic caramel across the plate, which added some acidity to cut through the cheesecake. Dessert was one of the best parts of the meal The bill came with pieces of chocolate truffles and peanut brittle. They were both unspeakably decadent.
(5)Foodie N.
I'm not going to detail the nine course tasting I had here. What I will tell you is that this is a must if you plan to visit New Orleans. It will be the best meal you have. Name the big restaurants and chefs, I have hit them, come here. boringmac.com/2012/01/th…
(5)Rachel P.
I'd be a total asshole to say the food wasn't good. It was. But when I am paying this much for food and wine flights I want my wine to get there before my food. So you know, my food doesn't have to get cold while I wait for my wine. That being said, our server was nice but apparently he had more important guests which doesn't make us feel too "special". Which is exactly how the hostess made us feel, not so special. For 500 bucks for three people I'd like to feel well SPECIAL. One of the food runners was a bit sloppy, while the other poured the soups in with such care and poise. I just didn't understand the inconsistency. I hope Besh Inc...I just made that up...still cares about those special touches. Although our food was pretty good I felt that no one really cared if we enjoyed it or not. I am also not so sure if they cared if we felt special. I think losing that is a fatal mistake. I feel as if good service and pride in that good service is the benchmark of a not just good but a great and maybe even epic restaurant. I would go to Stella a million times over. I would not come back to August.
(4)Tri D.
I would return to Restaurant August just to have their duck again. I love duck and it is the best I've ever had. Everything else was good to very good, but not great considering the price. There was a loud group in the middle of the dinning room that was quite distracting. They should have a private dinning room for such groups.
(4)scott d.
Fixed lunch menu superb!
(5)Lynn C.
We came here for X-mas Eve dinner. $58 for a vegetarian tasting menu, which tasted divine. Unfortunately, I was sick that night and the next two days but I think that was more from a stomach bug since my husband ate the same things and was fine. I'm not somebody who cares about fine dining (we were the only ones there not dressed up and clueless about which forks to use) but the experience was not at all intimidating. It was also my birthday, and they brought out dessert with a beautiful message - no crazy fanfare, though I could've used a candle!
(4)Zoe B.
On our last night at NOLA, we decided to try something nice and after reviewing many places, my husband suggested trying a John Besh restaurant (especially after we saw John Besh at Angelo Brocato couple nights before). So we made reservation right away and dined at Restaurant August that night. First the restaurant is nice and clean, second everyone there was sincere and courteous. Our server was very very helpful in telling us about the food to help us decide on what we really want to try for our first visit. My husband got a steak with a something mamalade, and I got redfish (with blue crab and shrimp). Before the entrees came, we got a complimentary starter, which is in an egg shell. They explained what it was but I can't remember the details, I only know that it's great and tasty! And the entrees came and they were so tasty so good. And we also got our desserts which were great too! Everything was great and tasty, and the meal was ended with complimentary sweets, which included pecan praline, dark chocolate truffle and passion fruit jelly. They were made in house and tasted so so so so.....good! The best pecan praline I've ever had. Oh my, it was a great meal and we are so glad we made the right choice for our last dinner at NOLA. We definitely recommend this place to others.
(5)Susan K.
I was seriously disappointed with this restaurant. The front door staff was nice and seated us right away (we had a reservation). The waiter's assistants (food runners, etc) were super nice and responsive, but the service from waiter was terrible. His entire focus was on a big table of 6 next to us, likely assuming their bill would be much bigger than our table of only 2 people. We sat for about 10 -15 mintues before anyone came over to offer us drinks, and it was a food runner not the waiter. We ordered a bottle of wine, which finally came after another 10-15 minutes. It was not cold enough for a bottle of white. Meanwhile the waiter, who still has not come to our table, is bringing out bottles of wine to the table of 6 right next to us. It's not like he didn't see us, so it was clear we were simply not his priority. During the meal, we literally had to ask a food runner for a refill of our glasses which would go empty for 5-10 minutes. Again, the food runner came to the rescue-- zero attention from the waiter. It was really ridiculous. We were actually laughing about how bad it was. We both found the food to be way oversalted, from the egg amuse bouche to the redfish served in the shape of a cylinder with crab meat stuffed inside. The black truffle gnocchi appetizer had no more than 8 tiny pieces of the blandest gnocchi I've ever tasted and hardly any truffle flavor. The beet and bacon salad which I was pretty excited about (expecting a super-gourmet version of a salad with pretty simple ingredients) was just an o.k. salad with simple ingredients. Nothing to write home about. Needless to say we passed on dessert and I don't plan on returning.
(2)Kate H.
Oh, how I really wanted to like Restaurant August. Really, who doesn't like Chef John Besh? Handsome and a native to Louisiana, I was looking forward to visiting one of his restaurants ever since we made ressies months ago. But....I realized that Restaurant August is kinda like a fancy Disney of the NOLA restaurant scene. We started with a complimentary Amuse Bouche of a Truffle Sabayon. It was quite tasty with a rich creaminess and a subtle truffle flavor. I ordered the Organic Green Salad with Pumpkin Brittle, Bleu Cheese and Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette for my starter. And it was the best part of the meal. A bit over-dressed, it was a great combination of sweetness in the Vin and savory in the Greens. The Pumpkin Brittle itself was amazing, but it was quite a large hunk to start off the meal. I ordered off one of the tasting menus for my entree and had the Sablefish in Puff Pastry. It was average. The fish was unusually, well, fishy, and the Puff Pastry really added nothing to the dish. I was disappointed and did not finish my meal. So here's the thing. This place was ultra fancy. But a few things were just....off. We were seated around the corner from the kitchen, which was not a bad thing. Until we kept hearing cheering and clapping every few minutes. We discussed it at the table and figured maybe they were watching a basketball game in the kitchen. No biggie. And we were excited when one of our servers offered us a tour of the kitchen after dinner....we kinda felt like rock stars! Until we realized that all the cheering and clapping coming from the kitchen was all of the other tables getting a tour of the kitchen before us. Great in concept, but it really took the special-ness out of the evening. Also, our front server pretty much disappeared....after I ordered one of the lesser expensive wines. I would say that the service was ruined except for the back server who was personable and really took time with our table. I'm glad I tried Restaurant August, but I'll never go back. There's way too much great food in NOLA to waste a night at this overly priced restaurant.
(2)Erin B.
Restaurant August was simply amazing. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was very reasonably priced, and honestly I can say that this was one of my favorite meals to date - better than Michael Minna, Redd, and Fleur de Lys by far! My husband and I can be pretty critical when it comes to food, but at August each dish was executed to perfection. The portion sizes were perfect, the flavors were so well-balanced, and the wine pairings were unique and spot on. My favorite dishes had to be the grouper and the duo of pork (pork belly and the most amazing braised pork shoulder, accompanied by bacon kale that would make any kid eat his vegetables!) The Tuscan blend that was served with the pork was really rich and earthy, but my favorite pairing was the dessert wine. I'm not a fan of the types of wines that are typically paired with desserts - they are usually too heavy, sweet, and syrupy for my taste. August paired their chocolate peanut butter crunch bar and brown sugar ice cream with "black bubbles" (sparkling Shiraz), which I had never had before, and it was a fantastic surprise and great play on the peanut butter and jelly theme. Not only was the food great, but the service was wonderful too. The coursing was perfect and our waiters were friendly and knowledgeable. All-around it was a really great dining experience (and a nice break from eating fried alligator and oysters). I must admit, I was worried that this could be another over-hyped celebrity chef restaurant, but it definitely was not. I highly recommend it if you're in NOLA.
(5)Ghazaleh S.
This is only my second review on Yelp in over a year, but I feel compelled to warn my fellow food lovers to STAY AWAY FROM AUGUST. I was in New Orleans with a group of friends and we basically had one night to make the best of it. Bad choice pinning out hopes to August. First off, although we arrived ten minutes early for our 8:30 reservation, we weren't sat until some time past 9pm, and without any apologies or concessions at that. Even worse, we were shuffled past the main dining room with its gorgeous chandeliers and warm atmosphere into a cramped afterthought of a back room, right off the main kitchen. The atmosphere was dull to say the least. As a table, we decided to order the tasting menu (which ran about $150 per person in the end). Of the 6 dishes brought to us over the course of FOUR LONG HOURS, only one (the pumpkin soup with blue crab and truffles) was spectacular. The rest of the dishes were passable at best and forgettable at worst. The wine pairings also lacked any revelations. If you're taking the time to create a degustation, the least you can do is showcase your very best dishes, not a hodgepodge of disharmonious pieces that make for a disjointed meal. The most disappointing part was that after the excruciating time it took to get through the meal, we were so exhausted from the experience that we didn't even have the energy to go out and enjoy the french quarter nightlife. A truly good meal should inspire you to experience more of life - not make you want to sulk home and fume about the money and hours you'll never get back. Final verdict: John Besh may be one of NOLA's culinary princes, but his efforts at August feel pretnetious and strained. For a truly fantastic meal opt for Bayona or Cochon - places that dispense with the stuffy atmosphere and get down to business with truly delicious food.
(2)MathPrincess L.
I did the tasting menu with my sister and everything was perfect! The pairing were really great and the staff was so knowledgeable and friendly. The dishes were creative and delicious. It was a lot of fun too.
(5)Daniel O.
Had four courses that included great wines and a healthy bourbon selection. Overall, an excellent experience. Great ambiance, timely and friendly service; combined with superb food, made our visit memorable. The star of my meal was a foie gras, prepared three ways... Off the menu, the chefs created a impromptu delight. Sipping on a vintage pj, I could not have imagined a more sublime culinary experience. The lobster bisque was creamy and flavorful--the table side service was a nice touch. My beef tenderloin was cooked to perfection, the malbec we'd chosen held up to the sauce, and was well priced. Their homemade breads were awesome... I ate nearly everything they served. Dessert was a simple fruit tart with an Irish coffee to end the gluttony. If you're on the fence about august, just go for it, make a late reservation, and enjoy.
(5)m t.
$20 prefix is an amazing deal. Probably the best food deal I've ever experienced in my life. Everything was beautiful and delicious. Gorgeous restaurant, too.
(5)bee n.
What a wonderful experience!! Had the gnocchi and it was to die for!!! Service was outstanding. It's a must to eat there when you are in New Orleans
(5)Gee M.
Everything about this restaurant is superb. The service, decor, and most importantly, the food. Chef John Besh manages to keep the food at August very refined yet casual and down to earth at the same time, a hard balance to strike and the mark of a great chef. The staff of August follows the same mission, exemplifying friendliness and classiness. This meal, as I look back on it, was one of the best meals I've ever had. The first course, a truffled vegetable salad, was flavorful and light, the perfect opening to the meal. Everything was fresh and beautiful. The vegetable risotto was a dish I will never forget. Risotto is so hard to make, but this was perfect. It wasn't heavy, but light and succulent. One of the more superb dishes I've ever had. The dessert was good, maybe not as awe-inspiring as the savory courses, but it was still good. I had the balsamic cheesecake (sounds weird, but it actually worked quite well). There's absolutely nothing bad I can say about Restaurant August. John Besh is one of the best chefs in the country, and probably the best chef in New Orleans. If you happen to be in New Orleans, you'd be a fool not to try this restaurant.
(5)Robert Y.
I tried the prix fixe lunch, and you can't beat that deal. There were things on the menu that I could not pronounce, but it all tasted great.
(5)John H.
Exquisite. Great atmosphere, and the food was breathtaking! The staff was great - smiles and attentiveness galore.
(5)Jane N.
Go for the lunch deal. Excellent food, reasonable portions and great atmosphere. They're definitely not sloppy here. New Orleans is my favorite city for food.
(4)Thomas L.
Positively one of the best dining experiences, ever.
(5)Jane Y.
I joined Yelp for the sole purpose of showing my full love and support for August. The food blew my mind, the people are amazing, and the place is beautiful. I was thrilled by my amuse bouche of a little mousse in a hollowed egg-shell topped with bowfin caviar... the local fish yields a caviar with a dark color and distinctive, addictive taste... it was my first time trying it, and flavor kept coming back to my mind throughout the meal. I ordered the chop salad, which sounds unspectacular - farmer's market veggies tossed in a light vinaigrette - but in fact, after the first few tastes, this is now a dish that I dream about on almost a daily basis. Within the chop salad, no two vegetables were the same. The veggies were mostly raw, though a few might have been lightly blanched, and included the most gorgeous assortment of "baby" everything that I had ever seen. Each vegetable took me on a flavor trip. A tiny turnip and sweet purple carrot, a bit of romanesco, a leaf of shiso, a fresh morel . . . I feel dizzy just recalling the memory. Throughout the meal, the waiter urged us to ask for anything we might like - whether what we hoped to get was on the menu or not. I can't remember if I have been asked anything similar at other restaurants in the past. But somehow, at August, a combination of feeling completely safe and trusting in the chef(s) hands and the friendly, open, encouraging manner of the waiter drove me to dream perhaps more than I have ever dared to at a dinner. Finally, when the waiter returned and again entreated us to ask for anything we'd like, I made known my exuberant hope: to have just a little more bowfin caviar. I couldn't believe I continued in my request, but then, there it was: I asked for a little blini. If there was any way . . . if perhaps they had some in the kitchen for any reason. If not . . . maybe I could just have a little crostini . . . or At any other restaurant, if I had begun stammering in this way, I might have begun to feel as if I had made a mistake. Instead, the waiter looked at me, happily, and said "Let me see what we can do." In five minutes, he returned and said "We'll need a few minutes." And my god, I was certainly beset by suspense and confusion about what was happening in the kitchen over the next few minutes. No lie, soon appeared a beautiful plate of five perfect blini. Fresh blini. That is, soft and fluffy inside, almost crisp on the outside, as if each had been made in a tiny blini-skillet. The blini batter was lightly herbed and delightful; each blini was topped with an ethereal creme fraiche with delicately minced onion, and the bowfin caviar rested on top. With one glance, I was already in shock. When I took a bite, I do believe I cried. I shared them with my wonderful company . . . we were all in awe. When the waiter returned, I asked how it was possible . . . he simply said that at August, they were quite "spontaneous." I'm going to perhaps correct him say that they are... unreal. I would venture to guess that few chefs could make - with practice and preparation - a dish perfect enough to match this one made completely on the fly by August. ... I could say more, but I will just end with this... High on dreams of chop salad and faultless blini, I fear that no other meal I have will ever top that dinner - March 8th.
(5)Steve S.
One of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. A couple friends and I checked out August recently. One ordered the vegeterian tasting menu ($60), the other the regular tasting menu ($82), while I ordered a la carte. I started with the foie gras three ways (two were very good) and the gnocchi (best I have EVER had!), segued into the prime filet (at first came out overdone, but the waiter noticed when I cut into it, and whisked it away and brought me back a perfectly medium rare serving) with oxtail marmalade (I think they are trying too hard to make it look like a bone with marrow inside, it was too dry), and finished with a desert that I no longer recall (mostly due to my general indifference to desserts). There were other items as well, a lovely amuse and beautiful little chocolates. I might normally drop the rating to four stars because of the overdone filet, but the rest of the meal (and the service) was so wonderful I have to give August the full five. Do yourself a favor, and try the gnocchi.
(5)Andrew J.
Nothin short of amazing. The meal was great and the service was even better. We will definitely be back!
(5)Melissa D.
By far, hands down, the best meal we have ever enjoyed! We were in town for my 40th Birthday. The concierge warned us it would be impossible to get a reservation. Thankfully he was wrong and the sweetest hostess was able to spare an early table for our celebration. My description will not do the experience justice, but I am going to try! The service was perfect. That is the easy part. Professional, knowledgable, honest, well-trained, timely and not overbearing. Again, perfect! Now, the food. Every bite was an awesome experience. The flavors in every dish were complimentary and creative. It seemed as though every bite had multiple layers of flavor and texture that continued to reveal themselves as you worked through the dish. My husband and I would take a bite and just look at each other as we digested how special this meal was becoming. We have dined all over the country in wonderful restaurants, but never have we had such a memorable meal. If you are in New Oreleans, figure out a way to include this restaurant in your plans. You will not regret it!
(5)Tom G.
Was in town for a convention and we decided to head to Pat O'Brien's for some hurricanes. Heard about this place from the bartender, and after we finished off a couple hurricanes we headed over here. I felt a bit under dressed wearing khakis and a polo, but since I already had a few I didn't mind. We were seated as soon as we got there which was great. First thing I have to say, the amuse-bouche in the egg was really terrible. I wasn't exactly sure what the server said it was, but I didn't like it at all. All of the other food made up for it though. Everything was great, and the chef cooked something special for my girl since she is a vegetarian. The main server was a great guy and was very helpful. We ended up having such a great time there we were the last people to leave a bit after they were closing down. The staff there didn't mind at all, in fact they even called us a cab and had it wait outside for us. If you want to have a great dinner in New Orleans this should be at the top of the list.
(5)Tim S.
I was on holiday recently in New Orleans visiting from NYC. One of my favorite things to do is to explore local cuisine and New Orleans is obviously not at a loss for good food. I like to consider myself a foodie, as I dine out 6-7 times per week in a city that boasts some of the best restaurants in the world. I also believe that I'm a fairly good judge of a quality establishment as I used to review restaurants professionally. Sadly, August was what I would like to call a restaurant that simply tries too hard, but woefully fails to deliver. The setting is lovely, but that is all that I convey that is positive. In summary, the service was abysmal and the food, although decent, was nothing special. I think that the hype received over this restaurant is definitely not merited. If you want a wonderful gourmet meal, go to Bayona, where the focus is truly on the food. There are so many wonderful dining options in New Orleans, I would strongly suggest that you pass on this one. Diners Beware!
(1)tatiana s.
I either hit an unusual night at August or my expectations were extremely high as I was not in rapture with the wine-paired tasting menu. I will try again on some future trip, but with so many places to eat in New Orleans will hit some other spots first! We started with an exquisite amuse bouche of truffled sabayon served in an eggshell. The appetizer was a large portion of housemade semolina spaghetti coated with chili oil and and chunks of blue crab. The wine pairing - a champagne, was a perfect match. This was followed by a a poached red fish, white gulf shrimp soup with pancetta and clarified stock. Unfortunately after this the tasting menu slid downward. We had kobe beef ribs which were ok, and i mean that in the most general terms. The finale - crepes suzette were good but not "wow" and the buttermilk icecream had a grainy unpleasant texture. The alcohol pairing, an orange liquor, was enjoyable which saved the dessert from failure. The service was attentive but had a perfunctory feel. Glaringly, one wine pairing was misnamed (by a few thousand miles) and my dining companion had to correct him, so I got the impression our waiter knew little about wine and cared less about getting it right (didn't seem to know much about how the food was prepared either).
(4)Danny W.
I recently had lunch at Restaurant August. The restaurant is beautiful and the service was great. There was a price fixe menu for lunch three courses for 20.11. For a restaurant of this caliber it was quite a deal. For the first course I chose a roasted cauliflower salad with a cranberry vinaigrette. It was very tasty. For the second course I had shrimp stuffed with mirliton and andouille sausage. There was also mushrooms and a brown butter sauce. Although the dish had great flavor - the shrimp were on the small side and there were only two. I know this is lunch - but I like a little more for lunch. If the shrimp were bigger or if there were three it would have been much better. The sauce and mushrooms had a nice flavor and the remaining sauce and bits of stuffing were delicious with the fresh bread provided at the beginning of the meal. Of course, I should not complain because there was still the desert course. It consisted of a chocolate chiboust with a malted ice cream and salted caramel sauce. Very yummy!!
(4)Andy B.
Dined there with friends 3Nov08. Has a large but rather dark bar at the entrance, from where attentive staff serve an excellent range of wines by the glass should you need to sip & wait on chums or just fancy a pre-food drink. The main dining room next door is spacious with the high ceiling characteristic of the older building the restaurant is in. Decor is bare brick. Maitre D' was much to quickly spoken for even the locals to understand, not helped by a (typically these days) high ambient noise level. Being experienced diners we had no problems however, and the menu provided a good ALC choice and a tempting Tasting menu with optional matching wines. Local tax was included in the prices, so they were not that high. I had an 'Acorn' and pasta starters, I thought the description not easy to follow, but the actual dish was a tasty bean mush with ravioli and tiny slices of fresh orange and was delicious. This was followed by Rabbit Cassoulet again very good indeed and a final of satsuma crepe Suzette where the crepe were rather tough but the dish was most enjoyable. All the dishes were very nicely presented. This place takes food seriously. Realistic sized portions thoroughout, though a little larger than you might expect in Europe. Well worth the visit, and the best food I had on this trip.
(5)john s.
Best meal we had in New Orleans...
(4)Rebecca T.
We went for the prixe fixe lunch- what a great deal! We had an amazingly attentive waiter who didn't rush us and took the time for small talk, which we enjoyed. The food was superb- flavorful, fresh, local, organic/natural, perfectly executed. As former farmers, we are extremely picky about the quality of our food. I was happy to hear that Chef Besh is raising his own heritage breeds of pigs on pasture and that much of the food was local and organic. Warm, full fat (but not greasy), inventive, fresh Southern cuisine!
(5)Mark H.
If you want an amazing meal with amazing service, this was the best restaurant we found in NOLA. The wine list will take you a while to digest if you are into that hobby.
(5)Nobody M.
The staff here was incredible. I have NEVER had dishes that came out more perfectly timed. This was like some very unusually choreographed meal--there was always something being put down right after something else was taken away--how the chef's knew to have the next course ready to be served at the precise moment was almost frightening. Typically you only notice timing when it's poor, but at August the timing was so impeccable you couldn't help but notice that the staff is obsessed with perfection. This was the final dinner of our 3 night stay and it was very memorable. I did want to go with the degustation menu, which, by SF accounts was priced extremely reasonably and looked great. Only problem with that was their regular menu looked awesome, too. In the end they allowed us to pick and choose what we wanted off of all three menus (normal, degustation, chef's), and we didn't hesitate to indulge. If I had to pick one thing that stood out more than anything it would have to be the duck, which tasted like it had been marinated for a week and slow cooked for just as long. Even the cheese was good - and for a fromage hater like me that is saying something.
(5)Jerrold S.
One of the best all around meals I've had in years from service, interesting menu, execution of dishes, good wine list and atmosphere. I didn't watch the Iron Chef show but there are plenty of articles on the way to the bathroom with high praise all around. We came here with 11 people for a bachelor party so I was able to taste almost everything on the menu that I wanted to try. The best parts of the meal - whole roasted lamb served 3 ways. All of the ways were awesome but the best part was lamb served in crispy egg roll shell. I can't remember what sauce it was in but that was as good of a piece of lamb as I've ever tasted. The lamb chop with mustard crust was also delectable. Great little crust and cooked to perfection. - crab meat agnoloti. Yes thank you may I have another. The sweet peas added a nice sweetness and texture to the dish. - I was able to taste the potato gnocchi with rib meat and marrow. That was a great combination. People were asking for extra bread and dipping into the sauce. - dessert that came out complimentary from John Besh himself because he was trying something out that was ruminating in his head. A mixture of berries, some sort of soaked cake and whip cream foam. It was almost like a fancy deconstrcuted and updated strawberry shortcake. Very lovely indeed. We were drunk, loud and merry. The wait staff was really attentive and didn't mind we were having a good time. We even made friends with a table of older people (probably in their 60s and 70s). We invited them out to Bourbon St but they had their fill that night.
(5)Andrew O.
Best restaurant in New Orleans. However, if you are looking for something more classic, this isn't the place for you. It has an edge to it and I would consider it "trendy." However, the food was phenomenal. Granted, I could barely walk straight after our three hour meal...but I KNOW that the first half of it was amazing. We get there and obviously have to wait for fifteen minutes before being seated. Of course we do, would it really be a good restaurant if you DIDN'T have to wait fifteen minutes past your reservation time? Before I know it I'm taking down Hurricanes and shots of Patron at the cozy little bar. The night is off to a great start. The first few dishes we got were amazing. Between the third and fourth course stood up to give my party a toast, "Guys, thanks for coming out here with me. Let's have a great time! Here's to Hurricanes in New Orleans!"....silence. The entire restaurant is staring at me...i hear crickets...shit...i meant the rum-filled drink, not Katri...aww too late now. I quickly sit down...unable to tell if I'm rosy from intoxication or from embarrassment...."Waiter! One more round please...this time 151 instead or regular rum please!" Just order the tasting menu or the Degustation. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Beth J.
Absolutely delicious! Best food we had on our trip to New Orleans (and we had a lot of good food). Great atmosphere & very attentive service. Incredible value - had the lunch prixe fixe special - 3 courses for only $20. Was very impressed also to learn that John Besh, owner & chef, broke back into New Orleans 4 days after Katrina to gather food and feed those who were stranded.
(5)Margaret Farland F.
I was a little bit underwhelmed from what I had heard about this place. I am a huge John Besh fan and I was disappointed to find out that he would not be there, even though I was told that he was supposed to be there that night. The food was great, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't outstanding. The wait staff was very professional and attentive. We had the tasting menu with the wine pairings. This was an endeavor. I am used to very small portions with tasting menus but I promise you wont leave hungry after eating at this restaurant. I will say, one of the courses had grilled watermelon which was yummy! If you go, ask to sit in the wine room. I am not sure exactly what they called this room but the ambiance was much better in there and I was jealous that I wasn't sitting there.
(4)Andrew M.
I should have known better when I saw the chef had sold out with Besh Steakhouse in the dumpy smoke filled casino. Our server was talking about the French Laundry and Per Se, and John Besh is not remotely on the same planet as Thomas Keller. To be fair, I can see how our experience could have been great. It wasn't. The oysters three ways: one bland in truffle oil foam, one too salty fried, and the third was an overcooked tough landmine that I spent five minutes in bathroom getting out of my molars. The $19 truffle gnochi appetizer was great, but the truffle amuse egg custard tasted exactly the same. My wife's filet was delicious. My first bite of sugar and spice duck was savory. The rest was a beet red, barely seared, inedible, raw bird. Uber expensive wine list. We left debating the distance to CVS on Canal Street so I could get dental floss to dislodge the oyster.
(1)James D.
lunch 04.25. the dining experience was outstanding. 5 stars 4 ambiance, staff, food preparation and presentation. my guest had prix fixe. i had quail and dessert of goat milk cheese cake. ignore all the pan reviews. just go!
(5)Brian A.
Best meal I ever had! We had the venicen prepared 3 ways, the rabbit and the gnoki. The food was out of this world but expensive but well worth the price. The service was great and the waiter was polite, knowledgeable and personable. The staff makes You feel welcome. I would eat here without a doubt next time I return. PS the parm regiano is so GREAT!!! ask for extra and the staff will bring you out a plate. If you don't go here your making a big mistake.
(5)Fancypants J.
I ate here once several years ago and this is still the best meal I have ever had ANYWHERE. I had Moroccan 5 spiced duck, crab & truffle gnocchi appetizer and a dessert plate with a trio of desserts-a little cafe creme mousse, wee cheesecake and what I think was a panna cotta. Total for 2 people including drinks was $120 and the food was absolutely amazing. I dream of coming back to Restaurant August some day.
(5)Ed W.
After reserving online, I wasn't sure how to pronounce the name of this restaurant. Was it the adjective a-GUST, meaning "marked by majestic dignity or grandeur", or the month AU-gust, which just happens to be the pinnacle of the annual produce harvest? While the pronunciation turns out to be the latter, either derivation would make sense. We were quite fortunate to visit this august establishment in August (actually early Sept., but I couldn't help myself) - when Besh's team had a bounty of summer produce to work with. And while Besh might be a culinary genius, it is the freshness of the ingredients that shines here, along with the excellence of preparation. We were quite pleased that we were able to try both tasting menus, with my wife opting for the vegetarian, and each accompanied with wine pairings. The amuse of truffled sabayon with caviar was fantastically rich. For me, the most delicious dish followed - succulent pork belly with peaches, chanterelles, cilantro, jalapenos and green onion puree. The dish was absolutely bursting with complimentary flavors. This was followed by a lemonfish dish - the fish itself was the one thing I felt wasn't perfect, but the accompanying vegetable medley was again delicious. Next a small serving of beef roast, with more chanterelles and corn - quite succulent. Meanwhile, my wife was served fig salad, wonderfully fried vegetables, a delicious eggplant creation, and another course the specifics of which escape me. This was followed by a savory tomato cake for dessert, which was quite tasty and novel. My dessert course, a glorified peanut butter bar and ice cream, was perhaps the only course I didn't enjoy, but by that time I was far too full to care - maybe I shouldn't have eaten four of the deliciously warm rolls. Meanwhile, we were served four or five wines. I was surprised that the wine pairings were so inexpensive ($25 for my 4-course, $35 for her 5-course), as wine pairings generally run much more than that in New York, but with the exception of a burgundy I was not that impressed with them. I guess you get what you pay for when it comes to wine. Don't get me wrong, they were all quite decent, but they were greatly outmatched by the the food. Finally, I have not yet mentioned how incredibly efficient and helpful the service was. Highly Recommend to any food-lover.
(5)Julie W.
Wonderful meal from start to finish, and an extensive, varied wine menu as well. You really can't go wrong with anything; we sure didn't.
(5)Kirun M.
It was fate. We saw John Besh walking through the Saint's Super Bowl Parade and then we ended up at Restaurant August. We were seated immediately. The wait staff was very attentive and our server did a wonderful job of describing dishes and giving us suggestions. The plates came out looking fantastic. My lamb three ways was incredible. Moist, tender, juicy, flavorful, fragrant...lovely. My friend's lobster was also delicious. We shared a wonderful napoleon dessert with salted toffee ice cream. Yum!!! And we saw the Saints passing by on their floats...it couldn't have been a more wonderful experience.
(5)matthew h.
I knew that most of my trip to NOLA would be consumed with consuming traditional NOLA foodstuffs, but for our big splurge dinner i wanted something different. I wanted a fabulous place, where local and traditional Louisiana ingredients were done in an ultra modern style. Cutting edge cuisine with overtones of new Orleans. August fit that bill perfectly. The space itself is lovely and inviting. lots of wood, bar i could see myself being a semi regular at if i were to visit here more often. I loved the wine "cellar" being overhead as a balcony in one of the rooms. the service was perfectly tuned. Available, without being pushy or hovering, patient when patience was called for, helpful when asked. There were 4 of us - I had the tasting menu, every one else had an app and an entree. starting with what i didn't have - for apps there was: hand made potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle P&J Oysters: crispy fried with Louisiana caviar "ranch dressing," pepper seared with truffle spoon bread, horseradish crusted creamy white asparagus soup crispy gulf shrimp, red pepper and garlic --- i didn't taste the soup (and I'm not sure why - i love soup) but was told it was very rich and tasty. the oysters were good, but not to my taste - nothing wrong with them in any way, I'm just not crazy about fried oysters, i find it kills the delicacy of the flesh. The gnocchi was excellent, light and puffy and lifted to a near transcendent state by the truffles and crab meat. entrees: 2 of my friends had the "stuffed" speckled trout with wild onion, crawfish and morel mushrooms - good, although perhaps overly rich. i would have shot for cleaner flavors in the sauce given the ingredients. Not bad enough to dock a star or anything, just not the direction i would have taken the dish, nor what i expected it to be given the description. but delicious so no foul. other friend had prime filet of beefwith oxtail marmalade, porcini mushrooms and smoked marrow. This was truly an excellent dish - i liked how the smoked marrow was served in a faux bone made from potato - the meat was perfectly prepared and flavorful, and oxtail marmalade is exactly as unctuous and delicious as it sounds. seriously. on to my tasting menu: first i did not get it with the wine pairings, as i wanted to share the same wine as the rest of the table. I like that - seems more social. I do not recall what wine we had off hand , if i recall i will edit this review to include it, but it was a lovely red, with complexity and flavor - big enough to stand up to the meat dishes, not so big it killed the seafood. ok tasting menu: 1)warm salad of pieds du veau, veal sweetbreads, hearts of palm and black truffle - i was nervous about this, as i have a thing against sweetbreads, but i know it was conceptual, and a holdover from youth and not based on anything real, and i hate that; so knowing it would be done right here was a place to check an old bias. the end result - bias gone! these were delicious little nuggets of goodness, lightly fried, and full of great flavor. hand made spaghetti alla carbonara house cured guanciale, slow cooked yard egg and sweet peas -this was both amazing, as one of the best pasta dishes i've ever had, and surprisingly one of the places where i might have docked these guys a half a star. Why the contradiction? The pasta - fantastic, with the perfect bit, cooked exactly al dente. a little spring and a little chew to it. the porky goodness and the sweet peas lifted each others flavors through the contrast. The poached egg was the most properly cooked poached egg ever. in the history of poached eggs. a testament to the skill of the kitchen; they ain't easy to get right like that. And it was brilliant to use a poached egg on top to make the sauce, instead of building a sauce in the kitchen to toss the pasta with. texturally a dream, with great rich flavor (can i use the word unctuous again?) swimming with umami. A great dish. but- where was the pepper? carbonara needs little black flecks of pepper to look like the carbon, or it ain't carbonara. I do not know if this was a mistake in the kitchen or if this was a deliberate omission, but it really hurt what was otherwise one of the best dishes i ever had. If you read this, chef besh, your carbonara needs pepper. the flavor would have tied it all together. (and there was no pepper on the table to make up for it) lacquered Berkshire pork belly with Louisiana crawfish, olives and blood orange -do i really need to say how good this was? just read the ingredient list again! slow braised kobe beef short rib ramps, baby root vegetables and leek purée -perfect. seriously. perfect napoleon of nougatine with Valhrona chocolate bavarois and salted toffee ice-cream -this was my least fave thing of the night. too high a nougatine to chocolate ratio, and the salted ice cream was too salted, and didn't really meld w/ the rest of the dish. Ok long story short - don't miss this place.
(5)Delaney P.
changed my life! okay, thats a little dramatic but seriously. i am a cook and not so happy with where im at and eating at august just fueled so much desire in me to work at a restaurant like august and put out that kind of food. whenever i think of the truffle crusted veal my mouth starts watering [a lot] and my stomach begs me to go back. we had the 4 course tasting [ pork belly, loup de mer, veal, and dessert] plus the lamb 3 ways, and beet salad accompanied by a nice CN de pape, it was awesome! everything was perfect but the veal was like OMG! i really like the decor and vibe of the restaurant. its warm and pretty. the prices were great for the food! i pro bwould have paid more, but im more likey to go back often at the current prices. the chef de cuisine came out to say hi and said he worked there for 7 years. 7 years!! he looked pretty young so thats a long time...but if i worked there, why would i leave? anyways, i LOVED our meal and I got his My New Orleans book and i cant wait to start cooking!!
(5)Jen L.
We went in for their pre-fixe lunch deal on our New Orleans trip, and months later I still dream of the food. The complimentary amuse bouche of seafood sabayon in a hollowed eggshell topped with a pinch of caviar....ooh la la. The home made pate was perfect and beautiful, and the fish was perfect (I know. I'm over using the word). It was a fantastic deal during lunch. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)Miriam W.
Once you've experienced fine dining, any other dining experience will seem mediocre. Although this was not my first fine dining experience, I thought I'd mentioned the haughtiness that could ensue. I had the pleasure of having a prixe fixe lunch at one of John Besh's six restaurants while visiting NOLA and it was simply food heaven (if there were such a place). My beau and I did not have reservations on that busy Good Friday afternoon so we gladly sat at the bar to avoid a 30 minute wait. I was given a truffle infused, seafood amuse topped with caviar and cleverly presented in an egg shell compliments of the chef, shortly after I was seated. It was delicious, it set the tone for the rest of my courses. Next, I ordered the savory beignets filled with salted cod and potato and fondue dipping sauce as my appetizer, and I wanted to sing! It was amazing...the codfish was mild and the potato puree just made the beignet filling so smooth; it was served atop a romesco that was divine. For the main course I had the lemonfish which was a fish I had never heard of, but was similar to seabass which I love. The fish was poached in olive oil which made it extremely moist. The fish was served with orzo and all of the flavors in that bowl were a perfect medley. I literally wanted to lick the bowl. My bf who loathes fine dining, because he feels that the portions are smaller (mostly true), and the food is not flavorful, was all over my lemonfish dish and wished he had ordered it himself. What a pity that he thought this place would not be his type, he sat there while I ate and gave him the scraps (j/k) while holding out for Dominoes pizza later. For him to conclude that he would've enjoyed eating here just justifies how superb this restaurant is. Finally for dessert, I completely devoured the chocolate crepes with bittersweet ice cream. I would not change a thing about my dining experience. The wait staff were all friendly, helpful and absolutely professional. I can't wait to return and to try more of Besh's restaurants.
(5)Lanna K.
Restaurant August has been in my bookmark under "to review" for a few months now. I hesitated to write this review because I still want to like this place more than I actually do. I went to Restaurant August for lunch during my visit to NOLA to see my sister. When we got there, John Besh just happened to be right by the front door. He was very friendly as he said hello. We started with an appetizer gnocchi which was super rich and decadent. It was delicious. Then, I had the three course lunch with a intensely thickly breaded shrimp as my entree. I was underwhelmed with the breaded part. It just tasted like simply seasoned breadcrumbs. I ended up breaking the bread crumbs away and eating only the shrimp. My sister had the speckled trout which was also mediocre and I honestly don't even remember what my husband had. All in all, I left Restaurant August wondering what the big deal (or just the deal) was. I seem to be the deviant here so I would definitely go back to Restaurant August to give it one more try-- maybe for dinner this time.
(2)Sandy L.
Lunch for $20 was the bet $20 I've spent in a long time. Yum yum. Every bit was amazing! I'm so glad I went. Make sure you make a reservation early or else you won't even get a seat. Though, if you didn't make one, they do have a small bar area you can seat at.
(5)Marc C.
Wow! Best food I have had in a long time, loved everything about my visit. The Prix Fixe lunch menu was amazing, no compromise on the quality of the ingredients or preparation, so many tastes to savor, and the service was outstanding and made the whole experience even better. I shared dishes with friends at my table so we could each try everything. The soup was great, some kind of white squash or other vegetable base I cannot remember garnished with delicious little pieces of bacon and tiny carmelized apples the size of marbles. The pork belly entree was really good and the shrimp entree my friend got was really good too. The desert with popcorn ice cream was really good. The chef sent out several complimentary tasting items to the tables including a seafood appetizer with caviar and some peanut brittle and chocolates. I have tried a handful of the 5-star type restaurants in New Orleans, this has been my favorite, and I will be back.
(5)Michelle B.
At dinner last night I had been describing the wonderful yet vulgar praise that I had verbally given to another restaurant. To paraphrase, I had said that the food was so good I was afraid I would leave a stain on the chair. Well, all I can say is that it was a good thing the chair was wood last night, as I certainly would have left a stain. We started off sharing appetizers. A wonderful selection of gnocchi (with truffles!), oysters prepared three ways, and foie gras prepared three ways. All were exceptional to the point of asking the waiter not to take the plates until we had scooped up every last bit of loveliness with the bread. For an entree I had the duck. While I did share bites of my entree, I am not ashamed to tell you that the duck foie gras that accompanied the dish was absolutely "stain inducing" and melt in your mouth wonderfulness. I had bites of the pork belly, which was cooked to perfection, as well as the rabbit, which while very good, actually was not "gamey" enough. It could have just been a well-seasoned (yet tasty!) piece of poultry. While the rest of the table had fits over some awesome dessert, I enjoyed a lovely 20-year old port with a few other people. Expensive? Of course, especially when paired with wine. Worth it? I'm not crying in to my empty wallet this morning, that's for sure!
(5)Christie W.
Holy what the... We had an incredible dining experience here, so much so that we were delirious when we finally rolled out of here. I've always thought that John Besh should have been the next Iron Chef and I loved watching him on Top Chef Masters (I'm a new Besh groupie I think). I also loooovve foie gras - had it 3ways as an app and with my heavenly duck. I died and went to heaven. My fiance had a modified surf and turf special - also great flavor and perfectly cooked. I find duck can be hit or miss with a lot of places - but here it was done perfectly. We got cheeses, dessert, delicious wine - all incredibly impressive. Great friendly and knowledgable service, everything perfectly timed in service, the decor understated and comfortable yet sophisticated. New Orleans is definitely a foodie town and this place is a must-go for foodies. Trust me on this one.
(5)Martin W.
Restaurant August is becoming a bit "over-yelped"; hence, I shall limit the scope of my comments. John Besh, superstar chef of New Orleans, has assembled a truly exceptional staff ... a well synchronized kitchen and delightfully professional wait staff. Don't be reluctant to dine in the bar area (which accommodates overflow), when last minute dining room reservations are impossible to obtain. The "oysters prepared three ways" are unique and should not be missed. And, I disagree with Mariah K's negative assessment of the seafood custard amuse-gueule (which is cleverly presented in an egg shell) ... the salty taste is quite appropriate.
(4)jane t.
After extensive research about where to fine-dine during a girls mini-break to New Orleans, August won out. The menu looked great online, reviews were good. Sadly our experience was like the weather that day - dismal. We arrived on time for our seating (8.30pm) and were told our table wasn't ready - which is perfectly fine, but it would be great to be told how long.. We nabbed a table at the bar and waited. And waited. Finally, we were able to order two glasses of Sancerre. A full 25 minutes after arriving, we were seated. A bottle of the Sancerre (yes we are lushes) was ordered, along with a shared starter of Foie Gras. The Foie Gras was amazing, so we excitedly waited for the next course. Mine was somekind of pulled lamb - lets just say it was a fancy stew, but seemed to have been marinated in salt, to the point that I left most of it and complained to the waiter. To make matters worse, the Sancerre bottle seemed to have disappeared into a black hole. We had to ask the waiter to top up our wine glasses, not once, not twice, but three times. And as the final icing on the cake, when we had finished (or I attempted to finish my sodium stew) we had to askfor our entree plates to be removed twice. Not exactly a fine dining experience. I'm still convinced some of our Sancerre is in the black hole bottle somewhere. The decor of the restaurant is fabulous, the service (when it arrives) is friendly, but after a $75 a head meal (and that was with a shared starter and no dessert), we both left feeling ever so slightly ripped off.
(2)G C.
I had incredible expecations for Restaurant August coming in. I'm a fan of Chef Besh after seeing him on TV and reading the many reviews. Most have said this is a must eat if in NOLA, which is saying a lot for a city with such amazing food. To be honest it was even more of a 3.5 rather than 4 star personally. Some dishes truly lived up to the hype, but to be completely and utterly honest it fell short in a lot of ways for me. No doubt, the cuisine here is pretty delicious, the room is wonderful, staff is of the utmost professionalism. However, I felt like a lot of the food was not uniquely New Orleans. It seemed like they were trying to hard to be "fine dining" and appeal to the masses, rather than stick to their roots. Lots of Asian influenced dishes which was very surprising. And a lot of plates where I felt I was eating at a restaurant at home in NYC. Now onto the food.. The bread was absolutely delicious. One of my favorites on the trip. I like how they differentiated themselves from the usual french loaf. Two nice sized and fluffy sourdough loaves and sweet butter. First course was the famed gnocchi with crabmeat and truffles. Absolutely incredible! I've had a lot of gnocchi in my experience, and this was among the best. Lots of jumbo crabmeat and the gnocchi were plentiful and perfectly cooked. Such a wonderful starter and really had me excited for the rest of the meal. Second course was the pork belly which came with kimchee, korean pickles, and daikon I believe. I mean you can't go wrong with pork belly and the belly itself was very good. However, I'm not a huge fan of Asian flavored dishes and didn't love the accompaniments. I would have preferred something more New Orleans and have seen previous preps on their menu that included crawfish, which I would have preferred. If I had to do it again I would not have ordered this. Third course- They were nice enough to allow me to order the tasting portion of the short ribs as a mid course from their tasting menu. I was having a hard time deciding between this and the duck for my main so this gave me the opportunity to try both. This was a very strong dish. The short rib was about 3 ounces of tender, juicy meat and was accompanied by some grilled plums and a sweet sauce. Again, it had some kind of Asian inspired glaze on it and wasn't uniquely NOLA. A dish I could very easily get in New York, yet very good though. Fourth course- Duckling with grits, grilled peaches, and some type of greens (tasted like spinach but maybe kale). This was my most anticipated dish and a staple on their menu. You are presented with two thick duck "filets" so to speak. This dish had a very strong North African inspiration and heavily seasoned with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg type spices. The duck tasted very much like Christmas ham. Now I like ham, however I was looking for duck. One of my favorite meats, but I felt the spices were a little too strong and masked the wonderful flavors of the duck. Additionally, it was cooked a little over than my rare request. The grits and greens were UNBELIEVABLE though. Probably my favorite part of the dish. I wish the portion was 10 times larger for them. Still, a decent dish. If I had to do it all over again I probably would have went with the Trout Ponchertrain or Red fish courtboullion. Something true to NOLA. I think Besh does better with fish than meat anyway. I saw those fish dishes at other tables, and they looked and smelled amazing. Immediately I was jealous but now I know for next time. Dessert was one of the best courses of the meal surprisingly. The pere roux cake which was a nice thick circle of banana rum cake covered in cream cheese icing and liberal amounts of white chocolate curls. Absolutely terrific. Service was very good throughout the meal. That was expected at a restaurant of this caliber. Overall, I am glad to have tried it. Honestly, after a week of insane eating Restaurant August was not amont my favorites. It was not as good as Galatoires, Emeril's, Antoine's, Upperline, Commander's, and dare I say I liked Willie Mae's more. I did like it better than Brigtsen's though. I enjoyed it but wasn't floored in any way. Some of it may have been because of my own fault in the ordering. I'd definitely give it another shot though, based on that gnocchi alone.
(4)Mike O.
My meal at August was excellent, up until the dessert. The desserts were a little dissappointing but overall it was very good. For appatizers we got the gnochi with crab and the crawfish agnolotti which was amazing. I got the rabbit ravoli for my main dish which was also excellend. My girlfriend got the sweet and sour duck as her main, the flavor profile of the dish was really good and the duck was perfectly cooked, unfortunately the dish was overpowered by a salty crust. This dish could have been amazing, if they just cut down on the salt. For dessert we decided to split strawberries three ways. Unfortunately only one of the three ways was good. Overall I recommend going to August for dinner, but go somewhere else for dessert.
(4)Catherine R.
Had a great brunch here - got my sister, the chef- the cookbook from here. Modern, fun three course lunch during Jazzfest- it was quiet enough for us to have to watch our voices :) but nice and cool. I would definitely like to go back for a long dinner.
(4)jill j.
The room is beautiful as well as the food and wait staff. The pre fixe lunch for $20 is the best deal in town for a four star restaurant. Our gulf prawns with sausage was way salty and it came with a bone/rock in it. I brought it to the attention of the chef. Although apologetic, nothing was subtracted from the bill.
(3)mvc j.
Decided to visit the John Besh flagship on a regular visit to NOLA - joined a local friend who works in the PR industry and is familiar with all of the great culture and cuisine in NOLA - decided on the prix fixe lunch to get a taste of a few things - great pate, pork loin, and the slightly sweet ricotta dessert with a variety of garnishes and jams was the star of the show. Of course, had to enjoy an Abita Amber to wash it all down. Service was very good - dessert took some time to come, and the manager made it right in the end. Highly recommended - great quality, service, and (for lunch at least) had that great NOLA tradition of an atmosphere that is both pleasant and semi-formal in a friendly way for a nice lunch.
(5)Jane V.
We attended a corporate private dinner in a charming room on the third floor. Everything about this experience was superb. We started with shrimp carpaccio in remoulade. Delish! Follow this with a salad consisting of greens, blue cheese and the most fabulous pumpkin seed brittle--to die for with a kick of something interesting., Follow this will breaded trout ---OH so good and different. Only disappointment was the banana rum cake with white chocolate --tasted like it came from Costco. Would def return and have the main dining room experience.
(4)Debbie Y.
August was amazing. We ordered the four course tasting menu with the wine pairing at $90 per person. Well worth it. The meal started with a complementary egg, buttery custard(?) not exactly sure what it was.. served in an eggshell, and white wine. The first course was confit of duck leg en gelée, a mushroom salad and duck liver mousse. The second course was my favorite of the four. We had a butter roasted gulf grouper, fresh shell beans in tarragon vinaigrette and candied fennel. The flavors were seemingly very different, but worked so well to make the dish devine! The wine also went extremely well and complemented all the flavors. Our third course was a slow cooked pork, polenta, and braised kale. The pork belly was slightly heavy, but in a small enough portion to enjoy. It was also topped with a citrus salad that made an excellent balance. Our final dish was, of course, dessert! It was bittersweet crème au chocolat, caramelized white chocolate, cocoa meringues and hazelnuts. A possible deconstructed smore, if you will. It was served with a sparkling red wine. Delicious! I'm not particular to very sweet desserts, and this was quite perfect. They also brought out complimentary peanut brittle and chocolate ganache before bringing out the check. My date and I were thoroughly satisfied, with the food, the experience, the service, everything.
(5)Alison C.
Restaurant August benefits from the famed chef, John Besh, and its beautiful location within an antique townhouse. The multi-level dining space offers customers several quaint rooms in which to enjoy their elaborate meals. The steep prices are offset by the extremely professional and courteous service. However, the food does not live up to expectations. My friend and I began our meal with full-bodied glasses of Savignon Blanc and Cabernet. We also enjoyed crisp, doughy rolls similar to mini-baguettes. Our delightful amuse bouche consisted of a large quail egg stuffed with a creamy foie gras and truffle mousse, all topped with fresh black caviar. For an appetizer, I ordered the Salad of Heirloom Beets, Crab Meat, cherry wood Bacon, Mizuna (mustard greens), and Quail Eggs with Black-Eyed Pea Croutons. The salad was tart and overdressed. The bacon was pure fat and almost impossible to digest. The "crab meat" was more of a salad and was drenched in mayonnaise. The beets provided a necessary crunch and sweetness to the otherwise bitter salad. My friend started with the Hand-Made Potato Gnocchi, which were blended with a creamy blue crab and Perigold truffle sauce. The gnocchi were rich and comforting, though had little shellfish or truffle essence. Our entrees were inspired but poorly executed. My Speckled Trout was breaded and greasily fried. The crisp fish was served among Louisiana crab, white shrimp, toasted almonds, all coated in a sauce mousseline. The dish was very heavy and not my taste. My friend's Kobe Beef Short Ribs were tender and slow-braised. They were plated with rapini, baby root vegetables, and a rösti potato. While the short ribs were an improvement when compared to my seafood meal, they were still unsatisfying. We decided to pass on dessert after such lackluster pre-courses, but were granted some delicious macaroons that were the highlight of the meal. Restaurant August provides a marginal culinary experience, but is over-hyped and over-priced.
(3)Kim M.
AMAZING French-fare! Not only when my boyfriend and I went there was the service first rate, but also the food surpassed our expectations! Walking in from a rainstorm, we certainly weren't dressed as our jacket-wearing counterparts, but the entire restaurant staff was friendly and made us feel completely welcome. Our cold starter was"the best salad we ever had" (yes, we seriously both turned to each other and said that it was "the BEST salad we ever had"), complete with quail egg and succulent crab at the bottom. Our main courses were the duck and the snow crab and both were PHENOMENAL! We then completed the meal with a goat-cheese cheesecake and a chocolate cake, both of which were so AMAZING and paired very well with a deliciously rich port. The portions were perfect because the food was so rich that we didn't need to stuff ourselves to feel overwhelming satisfaction!! If you want to spurlge on a delicious meal with amazing friendly service, then YOU MUST COME HERE!!!!
(5)J. P.
I am giving Restaurant August a lower rating because I left the restaurant feeling disappointed with my overall experience. To be honest, you can get much more exquisite food, better service, and better wine pairings elsewhere for a similar price. We arrived on time for our dinner reservation at 8:30 pm and were told our table was not ready. We ended up having to wait at the bar for half an hour before we were seated. Additionally, neither the hostesses nor our waiter made any attempts to make up for that fact. Certainly a place that charges $150 per person for dinner would know how to handle this situation better. It is our experience that restaurants of this caliber would at least offer a free glass of champagne or an appetizer. It would be wrong of me to say the food was bad. We ordered the six course degustation with wine pairings. The food was well prepared, but I expected a much heavier Cajun/Creole influence to make the dishes exceptional. As for the wine, only one of the pairings actually enhanced the flavors of its respective dish. Of all the places we went to during our stay in New Orleans, this was the only place where we felt as though our money would have been better spent elsewhere.
(2)brian g.
Why do waiters at high end restaurants constantly ask u how u like the food? If I say it sucks will I get it for free? Most of the food was pretty good but my $22 pho was pathetic compared to pho I've had from most Vietnamese restarants. I realize the idea behind it was different but it lacked subtlety and was way too salty.
(3)Geoff P.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the US. The elements of the various tasting menus are all interchangeable, meaning each person can create their own version depending on what fits their palate! The food is consistently excellent, often sublime, and the wine list is excellent. If you go, BEG the front desk staff to put you in Robert's section. Don't ask--BEG. I have eaten in many great restaurants (Joel Robuchon, Eric Ripert,,etc) and Robert is, without question, the pinnacle of friendliness and service. I can honestly say that I have waited WAY past my reservation time on one occasion just to sit in his section, and it is worth it every time. Finally, if you are a port wine fan, you CANNOT pass up on their port vertical. They have a vertical of 10-20-30-and 40 year old ports... it is to DIE for!
(5)Josy J.
Fun and delicious but not enough food for this hungry girl...guess I should stay away from French restaurants when in the 'feed me Seymore' zone.
(5)rongrong z.
The food are so gooooood. They gave a lot of small dishes for free which are not only cute but also tasting. They gave us cannele for free as dessert. It was so delicious, just the same as I had in Bordeaux. It's one of my favorite French restaurant.
(5)Julia E.
What an amazing meal! Started with trio of foie gras and moved onto duck more foie gras. The service is impeccable also. A must visit.
(5)Natalie V.
Sublime. I haven't had anything this good since eating at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago. I went for the lunch on Friday and was not disappointed. My friend ordered from the ala carte menu and ended up "helping" me with my prix fixe menu. The dessert was probably one of the top three I've ever had in my life: Cheese Crepes with Cardamom Green Apple Ice Cream. I am obsessed with getting the recipe. There really isn't much to say except eat here if you can. It's fabulous. One of the best meals I've had in a long time and a real treat for the soul.
(5)Rosie F.
The sommelier was probably one of the better wine stewards I have come across. She really had a handle on whether the wine on hand was ready to drink. For instance, we fancied one particular bottle but she actually told us that while that one was good, she had just tasted it and felt that it really needed some more time. Instead she gave us a beautiful bottle that was not on the list but primed for drinking. In regards to the food. It's good, there's no doubt that John Besh runs a great kitchen. But, we are from San Francisco, so Point Reyes Blue Cheese is literally an hour and a half a way from our house...I think I would have like to see some more local ingredients. The service was good, but the timing was off. We were still enjoying our cocktails when the first course came out, whereas, I like to enjoy my cocktail and have my wine decanted before my first course.
(3)Mark L.
Consistently great food and outstanding service. My favorite place to visit when I travel to the area and bring my guests. People are very warm and the preparations are done with outmost attention and difference. I love southern hospitality and their welcome!
(5)steve d.
World class dining on par with any 3 star Michelin restaurants you will ever fall into. Impeccable in every way. But for $20.12? Are you bloody kidding me? What was so amazing is that even on the lunch special we were treated like royalty. There were 2 amuse in the three courses and the service was a perfect blend of NOLA hospitality and old world class. Without a doubt one of the greatest places we have ever been and we have been to a lot of places. Enjoyed a nice dry Provence rose for about $45 that was the perfect compliment to the food and the setting. You could have closed your eyes and thought you were in St Remy but when you hear the booming voice of Mark the head waiter, you knew you were smack dab in the South. And as a Southerner myself, that's were I like to be. The complete pate kit was one of the greatest presentations of the French standard I have ever seen. You can only experience it and really can't explain it. Anyone who knows food must include this spot on their rotation. It is now forever on mine.
(5)Jamie W.
Hubby and I did the tasting menu. He did it with the wine pairings, I opted not to. I hate to say it, but the food was just so-so for a tasting. I thought it was just me but afterward we discussed the food and agreed that it seemed heavy and uninspired. The were some very, very long pauses between the courses. One more than one occasion we thought they forgot we were still there. Sometimes hubby's wine would come out twenty minutes before the next course. A couple thought it was a brilliant idea to bring a screaming toddler into the restaurant. I'll let that one go... This is the restaurant I most looked forward to trying. I love tastings and saw that August had received some very good reviews. Maybe they were just having an off night. Unfortunately for that kind of price I can't give second chances.
(2)Jane L.
I've lived in New Orleans (I think that gives me some streed cred) and am chubby (meaning I eat a lot, which gives me a lot of street cred), so believe me when I tell you this is one of the top 10 -- wait, no, top 5 meals of my life. Hands down the most beautiful and gracious service. Perfect, perfect, perfect. This is a MUST for your NOLA trip my friends!
(5)Donna G.
Rush, rush, rush.....we were in and out within and hour and 15 minutes. The food was lovely but I have had longer meals at our local diner. My husband and I came early for a drink and at the bar. As soon as we sat down the bartender and hostess were moving us to the table. We sat down at 6:03 and for a three course meal the bill arrived at 7:11. BTW, please tell the staff not to stack the dirty plates at the table. Check out the Thomas Keller restaurants on how clearing a table should be done.
(3)Adrianne T.
Tastes amazing! I was not at all disappointed with my fine-dining experience. We did the special and while the amount of food was not super abundant, it was plenty for lunch.
(5)Jarrod M.
While the service was a bit stilted at times, this is one situation where the food and wine trumps any sense of awkwardness brought upon by the servers. My wife and I decided to take a spur of the moment trip to New Orleans for the weekend. With Stella! being completely booked up for Saturday night, we were able to squeeze in a 5:30 reservation at Restaurant August. Lucky us. Located in a central part of town, Restaurant August exudes class the minute you walk in the door. The waitress took our name and quickly ushered us to our table for two. Shortly thereafter, a server/sommelier (it was hard to tell) stopped by and gave us menus before asking us what to drink. Uh oh, I panicked. Drinks? Food? What do I do? "I'll have the tasting menu" I said while pointing to the Farmer's Market tasting menu. The server seemed surprised, and clarified that I had pointed to the vegetarian tasting menu, and not the degustation menu. Slightly embarrassed, for the low price of $90 a plate (a relative steal), I ordered the tasting menu for two. As I discuss this menu, I'll try and remember what is what. I didn't write down the correct name for each course. The bread course. It was good. Someone earlier noted that it was under-baked. I disagree, and thought it had a great flavor to it. I would eat that bread all day long, today and everyday. The vegetarian menu was four courses and an amuse-bouche. Amuse-bouche: The dish was a type of eggplant wrapped around some aged goat cheese. My wife agreed that this wasn't really an amuse-bouche, as it took us three or four bites to get through the dish. That didn't stop us from loving it. The goat cheese had a wonderfully creamy texture and flavor that complimented the egg plant nicely. 1st course: Our favorite course of the meal. It was a melon soup with a white-wine grape foam. It also had a melon gelée and a small, ginger-y, spicy tidbit in it as well. It was perfectly refreshing and one of the best, if not the best, soups I've had in my life. 2nd course: Fried squash blossoms with corn pudding. Another fantastic dish that also ranks up there in the stratosphere for me. Each bite tasted a little bit differently. Just great 3rd course: A pasta dish with a name that I cannot recall. It had two main components: mushrooms and the pasta. My wife and I both agreed that the pasta and the mushrooms tasted best by themselves, but not together. Course four: A blueberry tart with lemon curd and ice cream. It was good, but not breathtaking. I wouldn't order it again. The wine: The wine was good, with an especially fond bent toward the wine paired with the second savory course. My wife commented that it had a similar flavor to the 2003 Silver Oak that we had a few months ago. The service: The service, like I said, was stilted. I got the feeling like we weren't quite as high a priority as certain other tables. I thought it awkward when the waiter asked if we were celebrating a special occasion when he didn't ask anyone else that same question. I was also asked three times in a period of about 5 minutes whether I liked the pasta. I know this doesn't sound horrible, they just made me feel awkward. That said, any service complaints ring hollow when compared to the craftsmanship devoted to the preparation of this food. I can say with little doubt that this is one of the best meals I have eaten in my life and I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Monique L.
Rather than spend another $20 at a chain restaurant, mall food court or overpriced poboy shop (I'm looking at you, Mahoney's), I decided to splurge on lunch at August. It was the bargain of a lifetime! The lunch special (not sure if it was just for summer or if it is ongoing) was only $20 for three courses. Lunch started with an amuse bouche of egg custard in a hollowed out egg shell. Neat! For starters, I had a bowl of watermelon gazpacho, which was extremely refreshing on a hot day. Main course was pork belly with cream cheese dumplings over greens. This was so flavorful and fragrant, it had layers upon layers of flavors. The portion size was decent, it left me room to enjoy dessert. Dessert was a small scoop of ice cream with candy bars and caramel popcorn, it was just the thing to finish off the meal. The service was very attentive. My coworker answered a call from her boss and was searching in her purse for a pen to write down his instructions, and suddenly a waiter appeared with a pen for her, without a word. Looking forward to the next visit!
(5)Jenny K.
Damn near flawless service and food. Very expensive but beautifully prepared, delicious delicious food that captures the best of New Orleans cuisine (fresh local ingredients, amazing flavors) and elevates it to an art form. If you want to experience the decadent, luxurious side of New Orleans cuisine, Restaurant August is a must. I had a red tile and crab entree that blew my mind. We tried three of the desserts and they were honestly some of the best desserts I have tasted. Ever.
(5)Tom R.
Ate here as part of a conference. Had American "Kobe" wrapped around a lobster tail. I could have use a chain saw to cut it. I like my steaks rare but I think hear this one moo. There has to be better places then this in NOLA.
(2)Erine K.
This place was fantastic. I had the duck and my husband had the trout and lobster bisque. They offered extras like moussed egg in its shell with caviar and chocolate desserts at the end of our peanut butter dessert that was out of this World! My duck was so divine that even its liver was stupendous, and I have never ever eaten liver in my life. The lobster bisque was really fantastic too; it was sweet and succulent, and you could really taste the sea. Overall this place had great service, attention to detail and food.
(5)JM R.
Fine dining to the MAX!!! Husband and I are foodies and this dining experience blew our minds. We chose the 5 course meal with wine pairings-not a missed step in the house from the waiter to the Somalia. If you are looking for a pampered night out foodies...this is your place.
(5)Chie R.
It was difficult to get a table so we ended up in the bar. They offered full menu. I ordered the Duck,,,best one I ever had. The service was excellent.
(5)Peretz D.
Disappointing. Food ranged from interesting to pedestrian. We were made to wait for dessert for a long time. We were made to wait for the check for a long time.
(3)Lauren B.
I need to start this review with the following disclaimer: I have never actually been to Restaurant August. That said let me tell you about my experience. I knew in Oct. 2008 that I would be in NOLA in Jan on business & so I make a reservation for my BFF & two friends for the 5 course tasting menu on 1/17/09. We are all excited I was able to score a reservation. So I arrive in NOLA on 1/13/09 excited about all my food choices I have made (the list was long) but alias I am not going to enjoy many of them as on my first night I damage my knee. Thinking it's a sprain I continue to walk/work until I can't take it anymore ending up in minor emergency clinic close the JW Marriott where I am staying only to be told I have a cracked patella. Doc wants to send me for surgery ASAP! I say Doc I can't as I have dinner reservations at Restaurant August at 7pm tonight and I don't live here so I can't have surgery here. Against the Doctors wishes they send me back to my hotel totally drugged up and not able to walk. So devastated that I am not able to go to dinner with my friends upon arriving back to the hotel; Isabelle (Concierge) takes matters into her own hands, as she knows how much I have been looking forward to this dinner as have been talking about it since arriving at the hotel 4 days earlier. (AMAZING - Isabelle) After getting settled in my room & dozing for a while my BFF lets someone into my room - I vaguely remember them, but I do remember them saying they have brought ME dinner. By dinner I mean I have three small white containers from Restaurant August, from what I was told this is not something they do or have done before but this was a special circumstances, I was shocked to say the least! I have to be honest I think I cried for about 10/15 minutes because I was so overjoyed at what had just happened. I was actually getting a taste of the one meal I had been waiting to have for months! That said on to the little containers in front of me: (1) Warm salad of pieds du cochon, veal sweetbreads, hearts of palm and black truffle - SUPERB (2) Handmade potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and Perigold truffle - PUFFS OF HEAVEN and last but certainly not least Sugar and spice duckling with stone ground grits, roasted duck foie gras and candied quince - I would get out of bed for this anyday! I know that I was on meds but, I felt I had died and gone to heaven - How it this possible that I am laying here in my hotel with a cast on my leg from hip down to my ankle and I am eating food like this??? Granted I didn't get the whole restaurant experience but I have to say, NEVER in my life have I had take out like this. I can honestly say this is in the top 5 meals I have eaten in my life. My BFF said some of the words I used to describe this meal were heaven, sensual, perfection on a plate (well white paper container) I can't say enough about the about Restaurant August, John Besh and his staff for doing this for me! I would gladly crack my patella again to have a meal like this.
(5)David S.
Had a fantastic lunch here. We opted for the prix fixe for $25 and everything was excellent. We disagreed on the fish custard amuse. I thought it was amazing but my partner did care for it. I had the beet salad and the fish and both were excellent. Desserts and nut brittle were also good. I also appreciated that even though it was a pretty fancy restaurant they were willing to seat us wearing shorts as we did not have a chance to return to the hotel to change. I will definitely return if I go back to the Big Easy.
(5)Erin P.
Considering that this is a John Besh restaurant, I was expecting quite a bit from Restaurant August. However, my experience left much to be desired. We arrived and were seated promptly which is always a plus, standing around waiting when I have a reservation annoys me immensely. Our drinks came quickly but were too much alcohol and not enough "everything else." Appetizers were good and came out quickly. The main course is where we ran into problems. My mother ordered a monkfish dish and I ordered a pompano dish. When I tasted my food, it was overly fishy and somewhat cold. My mother's dish was also fishy and cool and did not have an overall appealing flavor. We spoke with the waiter who sent over a manager to talk to us about our food. He was extremely condescending and rude, telling us that we must not be "used to eating fish" because both of these fish have a "certain taste to them." Let me say, I am familiar with both fish and have eaten them several times before with no problem. I like most seafood and fish and consider myself to have a fairly decent palate. I also have worked in fine dining and my husband is a chef so I have a lot of experience with fish from the other side of the table. I can definitely tell the difference between "this is a bit fishy because it's, you know, a fish" and "omg, this tastes like something that was left out for a day or two and needs to be thrown out." I was insulted by his insinuation that I could not properly determine whether or not my food was good. After a good deal of pseudo-arguing, he agreed to give us free dessert but would not take the entrees off the tab, even when we only took a few bites of them. We left still hungry, extremely disappointed, and frustrated. After the experience we had, I think I can safely say I will never go back to this establishment. I would much rather spend my hard-earned money at restaurants where the food is likely to be good and, if it's not, the staff is going to work to remedy the situation instead of giving me a lecture.
(2)Regina R.
So amazing. The service was impeccable, the food divine. We came in for their lunch prix fixe and it did not disappoint. We also ordered the gnocci (having seen the Food Network piece on it), and it was superb. We had a carrot soup - fantastic. The gnocci, incredible. The fish was a little too salty for my liking. The desserts were extra special and fun. Just a great, classy experience overall. I can see this being a great way to celebrate something special.
(5)Kate N.
This was our 2nd time trying out lunch at Restaurant August. We love the prix fixe 3 course lunch menu for $20.00. I have to say this is John Besh's best restaurants. Love the amuse bouche to start. I always enjoy the egg custard. We both did the lunch prix fixe but also ordered some dishes from the regular menu. Dishes that stuck out to me is the Potato Gnocchi from the hot plate appetizer menu. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! The heiloom tomato salad was excellent. I really enjoyed my sheephead entree: cooked to perfection. We always ordered coffee at the end of our meal. I think one of the best cup of freshly brewed coffee I've had at a restaurant. LOVE IT! Overall a great meal. We love the lunch but need to eventually come back for the dinner.
(4)Dan L.
I was visiting New Orleans last week and we went to restaurant August because of Chef John Besh. we arrived 15 minutes early and had a seat at the bar. It took awhile to get our wine as it seemed like the bartender was scrambling around filling waiter drink orders and bar area tables. wine selection is good though and decently priced. we got our table on time and were greeted right away by our server. We had salads, soups, appetizers and a full meal so it was alot of food but everything was high quality and the presentation was amazing. I have zero complaints about the food. they even bring over small chef's gifts that were a nice touch. The service was something that i wasnt a fan of. it just seemed to take forever to order something and he was a little dry and stuffy. i dont mean to nit pick as we had an amazing dinner, but with faster service we would have been out of there 45min-1hr earlier. I think there was almost an hour between ordering one course and having our next one arrive. anyway, its a great place and if im ever in new orleans again i will go back for sure for the food alone!
(4)Alice N.
This is by far one of THE BEST MEALS I've ever had. Every mouthful was full of flavor, and every ingredient worked perfectly well with all the rest. The 3 course prix fixe is the best 20$ I ever spent on food. I still can't believe that option even exists for lunch! The sheepshead fish over the corn custard was the right amount of firmness and juiciness. The espresso parfait dessert is to die for. The sorbet that came with it was soft and not too sweet. This was a meal where we all ate as slow as possible, wishing it will never finish. The portions are about the right size, leaving us comfortable but not too full. This restaurant is definitely a must!! The service was excellent, and the drinks were good. RSVP in advance. You won't regret it!
(5)Bacong F.
Best restaurant service and food that we had in New Orleans. We had lunch there and ordered the prefixe menu and everything the waiter ordered. We enjoyed everything and see why this place is so amazing! Would be back when we are ever in town.
(5)Greg M.
Great dinner. Really attentive staff.
(4)Juli M.
I visit New Orleans regularly and love the food. Was looking forward to August with a bunch of friends on Saturday night. However, I did not like the food. Oysters 3 ways was salty and overcooked. Flavors lacked subtlety. Redfish court-bouillon was "meh." Overall, I was underwhelmed. The place is beautiful, though, and I am pleased so many others have loved this place. I am just not one of them.
(2)Jerry B.
High fives all around at this joint! It was a treat my friends and i highly recommend that you have one meal here while visiting New Orleans. The simplest salad was a work of art. Really, they made a house salad with a few roasted vegetables and some raw. It was great. I had a white fish with crab on top and it ruled. I tasted the duck and it was really interesting. Im glad i got my dish though. The wine that we had was outstanding as well. An ace!
(5)Elizabeth L.
Livin' up to the hype Brent and I were fortunate enough to have our first experience at John Besh's flagship restaurant with an actual chef! Brent's friend from Singapore is a representative for Gaggenau kitchenware in his home country. L.T. contacted Mr. Besh before he got here. I mention all this because we had the rare opportunity to try many small plates of some of the best dishes Restaurant August has to offer. First let me say, parking here couldn't be easier, as the covered lot right across Gravier is complimentary. Yay! This has got to be one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. Two story ceilings with walls of old brick, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, old woodwork. Despite all the trappings, this is a comfortable and easy place to dine. The acoustics are perfect. The wait staff is attentive, chatty if you would like, out of your way if not. The bar is comfortable and conducive to conversation. I ordered an Old Fashioned, and I've now finally admitted to myself (and isn't that the first step) that I just don't really like dark liquors. Brent took the Old Fashioned off my hands and I got a Hemingway. This drink is something like the most fabulous Mojito you could imagine, but better. It's a not-to-be-missed item here. Mr. Besh came out to talk to L. T. I was simply amazed that he was there on a Monday night, and told him so. He laughed it off, and talked comfortably with us for more than ten minutes. What a fabulous ambassador for our fine city, our food heritage and its future. And no, I don't have a celebrity crush on John Besh! I could go on about this place, but let me get to the point: I didn't have one bite here I didn't enjoy. The menu changes very often, so meals are hard to duplicate, but, my absolute favorite was called something like Oysters in Three Boxes. Each little box has a different sauce with a few oysters. The bread came in handy for getting that last taste out of the box. Mmmmmmmm!!!! We also had a great roasted beet salad, and I think we had every appetizer offered this day. I didn't have a bite I'd consider less than inspired. Every dish had a surprise of complex flavors; savory with sweet, Asian with traditional Creole, and the like. L.T. was blown away by the complexity of the tastes, and that's saying something considering he is an Asian chef! The weakest part of the meal was my entrée, some forgettable fish dish. However, Brent had pan-fried speckled trout which was superb. L.T. had the quail which was perfect, and the surprise here was a delectable little spring roll with hints of coriander and turmeric. That little fried roll absolutely made this dish. Wow! We ordered desserts, but at this point I was satiated. L.T. loved the goat's milk cheesecake. I thoroughly enjoyed their decaf coffee; it was terrific! Bottom line: We will be back. This place rocks.
(5)Krista J.
I had a great prix fixe lunch here with a couple ladies from work. I don't think I've found a better way to spend $20...ever. Watermelon gazpacho was beyond amazing! Also, Amber was our bartender and was very knowledgeable and gave us an overall great experience!
(5)Dalit S.
Bottom line- even with the great impeccable innovative food August restaurant has, the entire experience is heavily impacted by the annoyed, board 'from a script' service they are providing. We had around 20 minutes waiting time for our weeks in advance reservation, so we had time to go over the menu and decide what we want. So... We didn't ask about the other menu items, which was a bad move since the server was very annoyed and barely looked at us the entire evening. We had to learn about our food from explanations he gave to other tables... But- the food was really really good... I guess when you are going to a French place like August, you are expecting to get the whole package... For us- it was not the case...
(4)Ciara V.
It's really hard to go wrong in New Orleans when it comes to food. But August makes other restaurants look like basic diners. Really. Gnocchi. Trout. Squash Blossoms. Banana Pudding. All perfection. And the sommelier knows her wines--her suggestions will take perfection to a higher level (is that possible? oh yes it is). Go experience August for yourself. Your only regret will be that you didn't make reservations two nights in a row.
(5)Nancy C.
Yes, yes, yes...omg...yes! Not going to lie; dinner here completely rocked my world! Every dish was creatively presented a-la-Iron Chef style, but then again, it is John Besh's restaurant. My friend and I both had the seafood custard (presented in an eggshell) to start, then I proceeded onto my P&J Oysters, which were oysters prepared in three different ways and presented in tiny white boxes. The menu changes a bit, but the oysters are a must-try if you see it on the menu. The kitchen fudged up a bit on my beet salad by mixing dressing into my baby mustard greens, but they did it so lightly that I was glad they didn't honor my "no dressing" request. Dessert was the crepe suzette with a praline cake and brown butter ice cream. I'm not sure why, but the flavors of this dessert didn't mesh too well for me. Nevertheless... loved the creativity, the attentive service, the perfect timing of every course of the meal, the perfect portion sizes, and the ambience. This makes my list of all-time favorite restaurants.
(5)MaryLou Z.
Amazing!!! A little worried from some of the other reviews but was soooo happy we decided to go. Had a 10pm reservation and called on the way over that we would be early. We sat for a few minutes in the incredible atmosphere of the bar area while waiting less than 5 minutes for our table. The menu changes nightly, which we were very happily surprised by the menu that was different from the one online. Had the soft-shell crab that was out of this world! The wine list is incredible and the atmosphere is what we came from San Diego to see. Given a tour acted dinner and just had an overall fantastic experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Brian C.
I had to write a review for this one since I am on Yelp Now... Hands Down the Best Restaurant I have ever been to. So I am a foodie and I watch way to much Food Network. I have seen this chef several times and I told myself I will try John Besh's restaurant. Service is A+. However, you would expect service like this when you are spending this much money. You have a manager that is assigned to four tables overviewing the operations. You have a server with an assistant. Ambience A+ The Historical feel with the brick walls with modern twist. Food A++ You can not get any better seafood creations. I always follow the servers suggestions since their tip depends upon your satisfaction. I was led to greatness. I had the best soft shell crab ever with such a complex sauce I could not break down what I was eating nor replicate at home what I had. The appetizer was so good. I had this oyster trio. Each oyster was prepared differently from one another and was served in its own little ramekin. My wife loved the desert. I would go back and push people to enlightenment. New York can not touch this place or replicate the freshness of the seafood. Besh is the Man and I can not get back sooner. If you live in Houston you must take a foodie trip down to NOLA and take advantage of one of the best places in the United States. If you have limited funds, blow it all on August.
(5)Flore S.
this place is perfect, food is delicious, wait staff is proffessional. i love the brick wall.
(5)Ron H.
Resturant August was the highlight of our recent trip to New Orleans. One of the best meals I've ever eaten. The Fois Gras 3 ways was divine. We also did the 4 course tasting menu. A few questionable wine pairings, but the food more than made up for it. This will be my first stop on my next trip.
(5)E S.
I've been meaning to review this place since I ate there over Halloween weekend. I went with a group of friends and dinner was off to a bad start as soon as I sat down. Several people at the table wanted to do the tasting menu. I did not. However, August insists that either EVERYone at the table do the tasting or no one can. But honestly, there are worse things than being forced into a tasting at restaurant with the reputation of August, so I was still hopeful. I could go on a long, course by course rant, but I won't. The bottom line was that the food did not measure up to the the bill. It was too rich, redundant and in a few cases downright mediocre. I'm very willing to shell out good money for food that qualifies as an experience. This did not. I was disappointed in almost everything. Only one course stuck with me, the rest have completely faded from memory. There are so many great places to eat in New Orleans. Save the money you'd spend on one meal here, and have 2, maybe even 3 meals, elsewhere.
(2)Ryan W.
Ok, I'm a food snob, and I booked a dinner for my wife and me at August just because it had the highest Zagat restaurant rating in the city. After all, I wanted to see (and taste) the best of what NOLA had to offer during a recent weekend trip. On walking in, we were seated by a fairly snooty hostess - the only service hiccup of the evening. The interior is handsome, dimly lit in the wood-panelled, two story "wine gallery" where we were seated. Service was excellent, though a bit impersonal. Despite still being full from a Jazz Brunch we enjoyed at Commander's Palace 8 hours(!) earlier, I still went for broke and ordered the 5 course tasting menu, hold the wine pairings, please. Each dish was tremendous, though my least favorite was probably the shrimp carpaccio, which was so evanescent that it was barely there. The kobe short ribs were extremely memorable, and while the poached lobster on pork belly gave me pause when I read it on the menu, it proved to be delicious as well. The nougatine napoleon with salt water taffy ice cream was unbelievably good. Overall, a highly recommended experience.
(5)Donna C.
We returned to August on Friday, August 28th. We were a little apprehensive about returning here as our last visit was far from stellar. However, will will return once again on our next visit to NO. We do not like that egg thingy that give you and we told them so. Instead they brought out a fig stuffed with goat cheese on top of some micro greens with a light dressing. Wonderful. I wanted a dozen more. I ordered an appetizer off of the tasting menu, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. However, this wasn't just your run of the mill appetizers. The mozarella was more like a ravoli and when you cut into it, you found a roasted tomato. Divine! As I love the crabmeat gnocchi appetizer, I ordered it as my entree (they just double it). This is one of the best things I have ever eaten anywhere. Hubby got the soup of the day and pasta with crab, mussels and shrimp in a tomato basil sauce off of the tasting menu. He enjoyed both. We did not enjoy the dessert we ordered. When they saw this, they kept bringing out other desserts for us to try. I received a call from the restaurant which went to voice mail that said Chef Besh wanted to thank you for returning to his restaurant. I don't know if this something new the restaurant does, but they have never called us in the past. We will definitely go back again!
(5)Justin Y.
Anyone reading this is sure to know something about the restaurant and the celebrity chef owner. The food is literally as good as you can imagine it can be. They take simple ingredients and expertly prepare them and elevate them to a level I've seldom seen before. I ate there with a small group and we passed samples to one another so I was able to try a few dishes at once and they were all stellar. One thing I disagree about is the prices there. I think, for the quality of the food/service, that the prices are very reasonable for what you get. Surely if you get the tasting menu or several courses it can get a bit pricey, but the entrees are not extraordinarily expensive, so it's possible to eat there without blowing an entire paycheck and still get the same enjoyment that people a bit more well-to-do get from their 7 course meal. Save up a few dollars, skip a few taco bell meals, and go enjoy dinner at August, it's fantastic. If a poor graduate student can go there an have the best meal of his life, you surely can too.
(5)Morgan M.
I wanted to like this place. I'll admit the food wasn't bad, just seriously overrated. It wasn't anywhere near the best meal I've had in New Orleans, let alone one of the best meals ever, like some of the reviews make it seem. The problem with August wasn't the food though. It was the service, which was hands-down the worst we've ever had in New Orleans (including Mothers), and the worst I've ever had in a restaurant of this caliber. We had 10pm dinner reservations, which I believe is the latest. (Our server kept reminding us of this by mentioning what a long night he'd had) We were there a few minutes early and got a drink at the bar. We were seated ten or fifteen minutes later. The hostess directs us to the back of the restaurant, to a long, narrow table against the back wall meant to seat 6 or 8 people. There are two place settings seated NEXT to one another on the far right end of the table, facing out to the crowded room of people. I felt like we were the bride and groom at a wedding about to make a toast. People stared, a guy next to us chuckled. It was the most awkward seating arrangement ever, and seemed like overflow. I turned to the hostess and asked if anyone ever complained about being seated like this and she said "some people like to sit this way". She asked if I would like another table, (still cursing myself for this one) and I declined. The waiter then rushed out, and with a seething display of passive-aggressiveness asked, "Is there a problem?". I said that we'd prefer to sit across from one another, not side-by-side, but that I didn't want to limit his walkway. He said, again with an attitude, "That's why I sat you that way. (referring to him wanting a wider walking path) but it that's not fine for you, by all means, put your chair over" He then grabbed my chair and butted it up to the guy behind me. To prove a point? So I moved my chair over toward the center or the table, as a courtesy to him, and he said "Well! Now we want to sit in the middle of the table! That's a new one!" and rolled his eyes. Now, when someone starts referring to to me as "we", it's pretty much over, but the list with this guy could go on and on. We declined the wine pairing, but not surprisingly he didn't listen and brought it anyway. When I reminded him we didn't order it, he said "a little champagne can't hurt you" as if I was stressed out and needed a drink. He was condescending about everything. At one point another gentleman (a manager?) stepped in to help wait on us, and was very friendly and professional, but he even seemed to be butting heads with our jerk of a waiter. One thing after another, and all I could think was how much I wanted to leave. Finally, on top of everything, we got someone else' check. Seriously? If you want to waste your money and feel bad about yourself afterwards, go to Harrrah's.
(1)lar d.
Awesome food! Had the Duck / Trout, Great dishes full of flavor. Also had the crab appetizer. Would def recommend you try this place if you are in town!
(5)mahim r.
We are foodies. Wherever we vacation, food is #1. These guys amazed us. We have eaten all around Europe, New York, San Francisco etc. Apart from the food being exceptional, service was amazing. 5 star restaurant, if there ever was one. Ate here one day. Had to come back here before leaving Nola, wife wouldn't leave the city without a second meal here. We told them our flight leaves in 1.5 hours. They went out of their way to make things quick for us. Amazing. Please go here if you are visiting Nola. It's an experience you should not miss. If budget is an issue, eat at McDonald's for the rest of the days to save enough for this place.
(5)Brian C.
It had been a number of years since I'd eaten at August (although I've sent a few out-of-town friends in the past years and most loved it while one didn't) but I ended up with a perfect opportunity after being there to pour a friend's wine at a trade tasting during Restaurant Week. Perfect timing. I have to say once again that August is excellent, not only the food but especially the service which you just don't get anywhere else in NOLA. Not the old school places, not Commanders, not the new school places - August is fine dining at it's best. If you're wearing black, they swap out your napkin from white to black before you sit down without you even noticing. Water glasses, never remotely close to empty. Silverware, collected after every course and then replaced with the perfect utensils for the next course. Servers, completely knowledgeable about not only every dish but also cocktails and wine for pairing. Bartenders and Sommelier Erin White, simply awesome. Now to the food. Bread & butter to start the meal is delicious, with some of the best butter you'll ever taste. Seriously. Then an amuse bouche, different all the time but a perfect bite packed with flavor. Squash capaletti with a rich oxtail & bone marrow sauce, wow. My wife wouldn't let a drop of the sauce be sent back to the kitchen so the bread once again came in handy. Signature gnocchi with crab and black truffle, pretty darn awesome. Really everything is refined and just about perfectly executed - not all plates have huge flavor (by design) but if you're looking for smaller portions of excellent food this is your place. Even the mignardises to finish the meal are excellent - including a perfect mini-macaron which my wife loved (and she's obsessed with macarons, including a past business in Chicago voted best macarons in the city). Trust me, you will have plenty of food to make you full over a multi-course meal and I'll take quality over quantity any time. If massive portions are required to make you happy, there are plenty of other options in NOLA I guarantee. Now the key to take a very good meal and make sure it's an extraordinary experience is pairing of drinks with your dinner. The wine list is large and includes some astounding wines - with prices to match of course. But there are also some great options at a more reasonable price point and the glass pours are extremely good. Start with a cocktail (outstanding Pimms Cup, and really everything is great) and then either get a bottle of wine or some glass pours to match each course. Your server or sommelier will provide you with great recommendations and the pairings will be beautiful. About the only other place that I would recommend as highly for beverage pairings would be Momofuku Ko in NYC (mind blowing, but also $95) and trust me that you won't go wrong at August and the wines will elevate your meal just as wine is meant to do. Just about perfect. (FYI if you have some great Burgundy or aged wine at home, you can bring it in with $0 corkage. True.) An added bonus to August is a huge number of vegetarian options including an entire tasting menu. I don't tend toward those dishes often myself but for our vegetarian friends we all know how difficult it is to find a restaurant that actually cares enough to do more than put a couple average side dishes on a plate and call it a meal. Restaurant August attempts to think of everything, which is hard to pull off but extremely nice when it's done perfectly. Definitely check it out if you appreciate fine dining - and for those on a budget look for prix fixe menus such as Restaurant Week which makes the bill much smaller and allows a splurge on wine. :)
(5)Michal F.
My friends and I are seated and browsing the menu. Then my friend Kevin says "Umm guys I think I'll join you up later I have some work to do back at the hotel..." Thankfully before he could leave our waiter walks over and explains todays brunch special a 4 course set of dishes for only $20. We were all relieved and happy that August's menu is varied enough to accommodate all sort of budgets from $20-$60. I was relieved to see Kevin saw this as a great deal and stayed. I confronted Kevin later and he confessed that if he had left his destination was going to be a $5 po'boy stand not work at the hotel but that he was glad he stayed. Mouse Bouche (probably misspelled). Deviled egg inside an egg shell. Like everything here, beautiful presentation. I hate deviled eggs, the usually have vinegar, mayo or some other vile concoction however this was a heavenly cloud like froth both sweet and savory. Bravo. Appetizer. Gelatinous/lardy piece of meat. Looks good but is ok. Kevin got a salad that was perfectly seasoned, oily and crunchy with nuts. I would suggest their salads Entrée. - Duck Breast with Pasta(not actual name but that's what it was). Tender and tasty duck breast complemented well with sautéed brussel sprouts and bacon bits. I'm salivating as I write this it was great. One thing could have improved this meal, leaving out the pasta. It had a unique look like small worms and there was a ton of them, it kind of overwhelmed the dish for me and I did the usually unthinkable to me by leaving them on the dish. Substitute that pasta out and I'd recommend it. Kevin got fish with a delicious sauce, amazing. Desert. Mini hazelnut torte with Gelato Size: If you like nutella a lot you'll like this a lot however if you just like a spoonful of nutella you may find this a bit overwhelming. Get only one of these for the group it's big enough for three. Apart from the size it's a great combination, yes I loved that gelato, yes the dark chocolate style of nutella here is both unique and tasty. As always beautiful. You can't go wrong dining anywhere associated with NOLA super Chef John Besch. Every time I've been to NOLA(3 times) I've taken a friend and introduced him to one of John's high class, high service delectable dining experiences. Final Verdict Go here on your NOLA trip! Perhaps more than once it's that good.
(5)Frank G.
People use the term "a must" often on Yelp. I'll just say that you really, really should. I had been hearing about what John Besh was doing at August for a while, and when I came to New Orleans for the first time, this place was at the top of the list. Spare no expense! We enjoyed a few drinks at the bar since we arrived early, and when we were seated, I was already impressed with the service which went well with my esteem of the ambiance. The food was exceptional. From the amuse-bouche to the foie gras and gnocchi, we waited eagerly for our entrees, and after sighing and rolling our eyes at the amazing flavors on our plates, tackily and quite happily exchanged them halfway through the meal in order to covet each other's entrees. We would loved to have had dessert, but were quite surprised to be experiencing a rare sensation at a fine dining establishment. We were...FULL! One of the finest meals I've ever eaten, along with one of my greatest dining experiences was at Restaurant August. It is and most likely will continue to be my personal standard by which to compare other fine dining experiences, until such time as it is surpassed. I look forward to that. NOTE: While this is easily the most bourgeoisie review I have ever written on here, the restaurant itself is not nearly so. Don't go in there with jeans on, but don't think you can't enjoy yourself. You will!
(5)Joi B.
I've found Light in August! Vegetarians everywhere need to worship at the altar of John Besh for there is a tasting menu here just for us and it will rock your world. And there's not a single pedestrian grilled vegetable to be found on it. Because I know when I'm out of my writing league, I'm not going to describe the taste, texture and flavor sensations that I experienced. Similarly, I also don't take photographs of the most beautiful things because I know my photo will never capture it the way I want it to, the way it deserves. I don't want to besmirch the memory. Let's just say you'd be getting 2-dimensional descriptions. Loving, but flawed. I'll go this far. What you may or may not enjoy, depending on the season: a special amuse bouche involving candied figs and what I believe was goat cheese (it not only amused, but thoroughly titillated my bouche, I'll have you know), 3 follow-up courses including exquisite bits of seasonal fruit (figs, watermelon), herbs, vegetables (zucchini blossoms-my favorite thing to eat, eggplant, sweet peas, heirloom tomatoes) and crisp, nutty wafers. It's just as it sounds. Dessert. I never order my own. I'm a "I'll have a bit of yours" kinda gal. Not the case here. Good god, I don't even know what I was eating. A spiced light cake. A tiny scoop of ice cream that tasted like burnt sugar . My date's mint ice cream accompanying his chocolate was like nothing I've ever tasted before. They also give you a complimentary plate of confections that are also worth triggering the sweet tooth out of remission. Although I didn't do the pairings (all I ever needed was that bottle of Montepulicano d'Abruzzo, don't you know), our waiter was kind enough to bring out a dessert wine from some island off of Sicily that complimented the entire shebang with a... bang. (God, I'm classy... I'm gonna go now). But before I go: What makes this more special is that us peasants can finally join in on all the action with our foodie friends! We feel not just acknowledged but honored by that vegetarian tasting menu. At long last, we're not an afterthought, nor an intrusion. John Besh, really, can you do any wrong? I'm going to answer for you. No.
(5)Robert M.
Service was excellent. From the moment we walked in the door we were greeted cheerfully, seated quickly and lavished with attention. None of the staff were 'hovering', yet we did not have to summon staff for any need. Dishes were explained thoroughly, and served in perfect timing. We were able to order from the menu and the degustation menu as well. My appetite is sometimes extreme - in this case I ordered seven entrees and two deserts. The food was beautifully prepared and the food runner was personable as she explained every dish she delivered. The wait staff was outstanding as with each dish, new silver was placed to accommodate each subsequent dish. We were quite pleased with the entire experience which lasted for about 2-1/2 hours. We were never rushed, nor did we feel rushed. In the past 20 years, I have eaten at more than 2,000 different restaurants. August is one I will recommend and visit again.
(5)David F.
The food here is great, the staff friendly, and the physical space wonderful. We were extremely happy with the Duck with Swiss chard with fra gras mousse. I'm not sure what the amuse Boucher was, but it tasted like culinary liquid gold. Also, the after dinner plate was brilliant. If you twisted my arm to be critical I would say the entree's plating was a little dated, but it's all about taste, and the taste was excellent. The price is high, but not unfairly so. Well done John Besh.
(5)Brandon C.
August is a delight. In many ways, it is near perfect. The gnocchi is about the best you will find. The trout and snapper dishes are perhaps the best fish options. The banana pudding has to be an award winner for the unique twist on a classic dish. If you like salad, August is as fresh and inventive with its salads as anything else. If you go to August, here are a few other thoughts...... 1. At lunch the Prix fixe menu is a bargain. Period. 2. Every time I have been, there has been a teaser course to start the meal in an egg shell. This is creative, but not exactly delicious. It is time for a new idea here. 3. Make reservations. With so many conventions and tourism-based events in New Orleans, it is unlikely that you will luck in to an open table. 4. The service is a bit off. There are bursts of almost over-the-top warmth, kindness, and detailed description of menu items followed by delays for refills, more wine, etc. The warmth of the place almost covers the gaps, but not quite. 5. August procures most all of its ingredients locally, which is cool. August is definitely worth the visit. It is in the top echelon of New Orleans eateries.
(4)ms t.
For my birthday, my hubbie surprised me with a lovely dinner at Chef Besh's Restaurant August. The ambiance was perfect and romantic and the servers were attentive. We started off with an "on the house" caviar egg custard which was delightfully light and tasty. We also ordered the beef cheek raviolo which consisted of one large raviolo stuffed with tender pulled-beef and creamy blue cheese chunks. Then we special ordered their foie gras 3 ways dish requesting that the chef prepares them all savory and hot. The original dish is prepared as sweet and savory cold foie gras. We thoroughly enjoyed this dish the most. It was melt in our mouths delicious. As for entrees, he ordered the grass fed bone-in rib eye with progressive mozzarella whipped potatoes. You all need to see my picture of this entree, it's huge! The rib eye, could have been more tender - it was a bit on the chewier side for our taste. The whipped potatoes, however, was AMAZING and rich. It tasted more like creamed mozzarella than potatoes. We loved it. I had the lamb dish. It came out in two medallions and was half lamb chop and half braised lamb. Very different and not what i expected. I honestly would have enjoyed it more if it was a medium rare lamb chop. The flavors, however, were nice... especially with the roasted cherry tomatoes, olives and basil on the side. We ended our meal with their banana pudding which was very good. I would have loved to give them 4 stars, but the food itself was good - but not excellent. I've had better steaks and lamb at other venues.
(3)John C.
If the rating was for service and ambience then this place would be hall of fame, but the food was a huge let down. Ill conceived and badly executed dishes. Octopus is a gloppy sweet mess, apples and radish dish was lost, truffle ravioli was sadly served cold and the truffles were as a result, not aromatic. My pork chop was over cooked - well done - and the (sous vide?) duck was kind of gross. Again with the sweet and gloppy. The corn bread puddings ? Not good
(2)Park W.
The chef is wonderful, BUT AVOID WAITER CHRIS. Elegantly dressed, we arrived on time for our reservation, our first time at August. My favorite wine is a California Chardonay, so I asked out waiter Chris to explain the reason behind August having only two Chardonays by the glass, one for $8 and one for $18. He basically said the restaurant needed one cheap wine, so I ordered the $18. Somehow that must have set him off, for when my wife and I asked him to explain the various nice sounding appetizers/entrees he was snotty, uninformative, condescending, and deliberately unhelpful. We should have stood up then and asked for a different table, but we hate to do so when you're trying to enjoy a nice evening. Nicely Chris drifted off, and Stacy stepped in efficiently, and our two entrees were marvelous. The pork in my wife's opinion was perhaps her best meat dish ever. My pompano, although not my best ever, was scrumptious. The chocolate mint desert was yummy. We will definitely return, and make sure we don't ever again have Chris for a waiter, and you should avoid him also.
(4)Jen W.
We were traveling to NOLA to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and Restaurant August was recommended to us by a few friends, so we decided to give them a try--so glad we did! The restaurant is in an older building, with wonderfully high ceilings and unusual historical features (ie: rounded corners). The front dining room, where we sat, had beautiful chandeliers and a warm buzz. The service was excellent; just what you would expect-attentive, yet subtle, and not rushed. We decided to try their current Degustation menu, complete with wine pairings. This was $140/person and worth every single cent. If you can swing it, do yourself a huge favor and try the Degustation-it's such a great way to really see the talent of a chef. The menu included 5-courses: Salad of local watermelon and roasted plums with house smoked lamb bacon and herbed yogurt Paired with Prosecco & Raboso, Ca'Vittoria Brut Rosé, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy, NV Two Run Farm sweetbread tortellini chanterelles, Aleppo pepper and goat milk Asiago Paired with Pinot Grigio, La Bellanotte, Ramato, "Conte Lucio," Collio, Friuli, Italy, 2009 Grilled jumbo Louisiana shrimp over popcorn rice risotto with baby squash, Progress Dairy Creole cream cheese and house made chorizo Paired with Marsanne, Ferraton Père & Fils, Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Rhone Valley, France, 2010 Chappapeela Farms pork "graton" crushed field peas, bing cherries and cherry pork jus Paired with Pinot Noir, Thierry & Pascale Matrot, Monthélie, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France, 2009 Chocolate "chess pie" Paired with Valrhona feuilletine and peppermint ice cream Moscato di Asti, Elio Perrone, "Sourgal," Piedmont, Italy, 2010 We THOROUGHLY enjoyed each course, with the shrimp and risottto as our favorite, and all made us realize the true excellence of Chef John Besh. I hope someday we'll venture back to NOLA and experience August again-it was simply divine and an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish.
(5)Refugio V.
Great food, great experience.
(5)Krisanne C.
We came for the Friday lunch, which (if you get the prix fixe) is easily the best food bargain in New Orleans. Three courses, plus an amuse bouche and a bonus dessert (a chocolate truffle and a praline for each of us) for $20.14. Amazing! We were seated in the wine room, which is lovely and cozy. The meal itself was full of flavor and beautifully presented. If you find yourself in NOLA on Friday, make this your lunch spot.
(5)Ava R.
Wellllll I'm going to start by saying that this review is going to be very biased, but still completely accurate and reliable. Think 7 o'clock news. This is where my fiance proposed to me so "woo hoo as good as it gets" is putting it mildly. The food here is exquisitely prepared, balanced and presented. Your palate will do back-flips, pirouettes, and jazz hands. Taste the fresh juiciness of seasonal tomatoes kicked up with the punch of pickled melons. Let a perfectly seared duck breast or foie gras melt in your mouth. Seriously. Don't chew, just let it melt. Cut into a tender, perfectly cooked rib eye with the most flavorful marrow-breadcrumb crust and compliment that savory, smoky meatiness with (again) fresh, juicy, sweet tomatoes. Finish it with a devil's food cake that would melt even his heart. Deeply chocolate without being heavy and set off with fresh, juicy cherries. Just divine! The service here is impeccable. August in one of those places that has mastered the art of making you feel informed, taken care of, spoiled, and still left in peace. We had 3 servers and 1 sommelier who were all perfect gentlemen. They kindly answered all our questions, helped us making the perfect choices for the night, and helped my fiance execute a flawless proposal that involved quite a few different roles and responsibilities. The restaurant itself has a simple, classy and understated atmosphere. The lounge/bar area is really nice and would be perfect for a more casual get together with a small group of friends or the start/end of a date. The actually dining rooms a great for larger groups and intimate dinners (obvi!). Thank you Warren, Jeff, Erald and of course John Besh for creating a space where excellent memories are made--even if you're not getting proposed to.
(5)Michael W.
I don't give a lot of 5 star reviews. August is, hands down, the best restaurant in New Orleans. Everything, and I mean every aspect of our meal, was handled with excellence. The service was exemplary, the food was top notch and the ambiance was perfect. The cuisine is upscale modern Southern, with a New Orleans twist. Every dish was prepared with skill an imagination, from the amuse-bouche to dessert, which was a deconstructed banana cream pie prepared with some molecular gastronomy techniques. On top of it all, they were more than happy to cater to my wife's severe food allergy- something you typically don't find in a fine dining establishment at this level. If you're in town, looking to take in an amazing food experience, go here immediately. August stands as one of our top 5 restaurants of all time.
(5)Stephen D.
The service alone that you get here is worth the trip in and of itself. They are friendly and well spoken as well as well versed in every ingredient in every dish on the menu. The design of the building is classic but not cold. There's nothing else that needs to be said about the ingredients and presentation that other people haven't said already. The food was incredible and the price was reasonable. We did not want to do a prixe fixe but we decided to order a bunch of plates, and without even having to ask, they divided each dish for us. It was a small gesture but it was great. Chef Besh was actually in the restaurant greeting guests and going from table to table, it's humbling to see that. Just a great experience all around. Would totally recommend this to anyone going out for a top notch meal
(5)KJ R.
Traveling to NOLA from Boston as a vegetarian was at first a bit daunting, as the city's legendary good eats typically feature at least one kind of meat. I was traveling with another vegetarian and we wanted to try one of NOLA's fine dining establishments. I selected Restaurant August because it is one of the rare restaurants with a world recognized chef that features a vegetable tasting menu. A four course meal that can be easily catered to vegetarians. Each course, from the amuse bouche to the dessert, was inventive and delicious. The service was seamless, with several friendly servers attending to our table. Dishes were presented and explained to us, which definitely enhanced our experience. The cauliflower steak in particular was notable for the texture and flavor achieved. Here's my tip: Make reservations far in advance. I tried to get reservations the day before we left and succeeded in securing a table at 9:30 pm on a Sunday evening.
(5)Jeff H.
Best vegetarian Prix Fixe yet, and I've had several, mostly in Chicago at Green Zebra. This meal lived up to the reputation for sure, and they even had an anniversary desert presentation after I mentioned it casually.
(5)Michael P.
Let's just say that this is the kind of place that even your starter salad is gonna have you overwhelmed with awesomeness flavor. The food is great! I was there for an event with a prefixed menu and everything selection was perfect. I only wish there had been more because I couldn't get enough of it. I will have to go back to try more on the menu and I have high hopes based on what I've already had before. As expected, the staff and environment are very nice as well.
(5)Jules H.
What a lunch deal! $20.13 for a gourmet 3-course meal and amuse. Most guests are quite well dressed, so I would definitely keep that in mind. It's a bit strange when the staff is more formally dressed than the diners! The staff was lovely and efficient. The meal was by far the best that we had in NO. We enjoyed the pork terrine (it's so pretty you almost don't want to eat it), the fish dish (can't remember exactly what type it was), and a lovely rose-pear sherbet with meringues. Everything is very well thought out and executed. We will be back to try some of the other offerings!
(5)Jon Y.
I want to give August a 4.5!!! Started off with their signature appetizer of the gnocchi with truffles. This dish was simply amazing. Oh, I forgot the amuse-bouche of garlic custard topped with a brown butter crouton which was simply amazing. I was amazed at the quality of a free dish. I then had the signature entree of trout with crab and trout with an aerated Hollandaise sauce. The aeration process made the sauce seem very light. The wife had a lamb dish which was good. Closed the meal with a Meyer Lemon tart which was decadent. This restaurant exudes class like the old restaurants on Nawlins y'all.
(4)Evangeline L.
Eh. I don't know about this place. The decor is nice, warm and inviting but I came here for the food so lets get down to business. We sat at the bar and waited for an extremely long time for drinks. The bartender was busy and noticeably stressed but seemed to be trying to keep up so we were forgiving. The amuse bouche was, simply put, terrible. It was some kind of fish custard with caviar in an egg shell. The egg shell idea was cute but really, room temperature fish custard? Think about that for a second. Yup, no good. We ordered the gnocchi to start which was fantastic..light and fluffy with a perfect cream and truffle sauce. Delicious. My friend had some questions about the lamb dish...there was a word we didn't know and unfortunately can't remember now. We asked the bartender and she said she didn't know but thought it was the name of the farm it came from. We knew that was incorrect and had an inkling it was the cut of meat so asked her to ask someone else. Turns out we were correct. We then asked if it was similar to a rack of lamb and the bartender again said she didn't know and that she doesn't know what a rack of lamb is. What? I'm sure Josh Besh would flip if he knew that. Then she told us she always orders chicken fingers when she goes out to dinner. Um. Perhaps she should keep that to herself. Ok, back to the food. The whole lamb thing threw us off and I decided to order the white asparagus soup. It was hardly edible and tasted like tangy warm cream and butter. White asparagus isn't exactly the most flavorful veg but I was floored that the chef let that dish come out of the kitchen. I sent it back to the kitchen which is something I rarely do. The manager came over and said sorry, "want me to run across the street and get you some gumbo instead?". What? I told him I didn't like gumbo. Whether he was joking or not it was still extremely unprofessional. I've worked in the business for years and know that you don't handle customers like that. rude. At that point we were turned off by the food and moved on to dessert. The dessert we had was delicious.....toffee/nougat Napoleon with a salted toffee ice cream....it was SUPERB. All in all, I think this place is overrated. The bartenders need a ton more training on food and customer relations. The food is so so but to their credit, I only tried three things and 2 out of three were good. Not great. Good. I don't think I'll be making a return visit any time soon.
(3)William H.
Very upscale restaurant with classy décor. Appetizers and deserts were beautifully done. Be aware of the lamb chops...very very fatty!
(4)Drinky C.
"Degustation" tasting menu was mind-blowing. 12 courses over 4.5 hours for our party of 6. Sean, the sommelier, was super nice and informative. The entire staff was great, as one would expect. Favorites included the cucumber soup with lump crab and tomato confit, foie with strawberry coulis, the sugar and spice duck breast with marscapone grits and seared foie, and the slow roasted rabbit loin with creole pasta. As for desserts, the lemon ricotta crepe with berries was simple and executed perfectly.
(5)kirsten c.
Oh. My. God. Best meal we've ever had!
(5)Patricia B.
After enduring a couple of tourist traps in NOLA that colleagues had suggested, this was heaven on earth. As good a meal as I have had anywhere - including Chicago where I live. The $20.11 prix fixe lunch is a huge bargain. The service, the ambience, the fantastic food - wow. Everything was superlative!!!
(5)Colleen H.
This was on my must-do list for my trip. I've only heard good things about Restaurant August and it absolutely lived up to it's reputation. Evening started with a perfect Knob Creek mint julep. After perusing the menu, I was not sure if I wanted to do the Degustation tasting menu or chose a la carte. My absolutely wonderful waiter suggested I create my own tasting menu, including wines to accompany. Every single bite I put in my mouth was delicious. I really didn't think I could get excited by a peach and goat cheese appetizer but the addition of jalapeno and pistachio was genius. I've never had oysters (ever) and I was blown away by the fried oysters, and suspect I'm spoiled forever by them. The Silver Queen corn soup was heaven. I'd absolutely go back for that alone. The Waygu hangar steak melted in my mouth. Dessert was a perfect peanut butter banana pudding. Amazing combination and well prepared. And every single wine presented along the way was a total complement to the dish at hand. This was 100% the best meal I've ever had in my life. It was not just fantastic food but the service was extraordinary, and the evening was an experience not just a meal.
(5)Yu Z.
This place honestly didn't match up to my expectations. I walked in thinking I'd have a #mindblown moment at some point, and that never happened. The food was merely okay with a big side of pretentiousness. My favorite entree was the wagyu hangar steak. The duck was overwhelmed with ginger. The soft shell crab was a tad salty. The other memorable items were the gnocchi and the deconstructed banana pudding; both of these dishes were solid and delicious. All the others just didn't elicit much food feelings from me. Color me unimpressed.
(3)Beth M.
Food, service, experience - all exceptional and perfect for a very special evening. If you are going to visit, be brave, try new things and go hungry. I would recommend dishes but I think they change often. Ask your server for suggestions if you need help. Our waiter was excited, professional and helpful. One of the best meals I have ever had. Enjoy! tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(5)Tatiana H.
Everything was perfect: portions, service, flavor, atmosphere. However, I would have to say that it was the food and service that were the stars. Your waiter in addition to your servers are checking in on you every few moments but not to the point of making you feel uncomfortable or even to your noticing. Not only did my dad and I receive an Amuse-Bouche from the chef but also little treats at the end of our meal: pralines and a pop-corn cup (like a Reese's but with white chocolate and a hint of pop-corn flavoring). You'd think that after the prix fixe lunch you would still be hungry, but we were both stuffed just before dessert, however, I always find room to take in the sweet finale. I was expecting the Blackberry Almond Tartlet to be cold or room temperature, but it tasted like it was just resting from the oven--warm and zingy. This was by far my favorite restaurant in New Orleans.
(5)Camila M.
As a disclaimer I like to start out by saying that my husband and I travel around food. We are Michelin Star Fanatics, Hardcore Foodies, who typically settle for nothing short of the best. We were in New Orleans for four days his past weekend, from August 14th through the 17th, and we ate at some of the best rated restaurants in town: GW Fins, Commander's Palace, R'evolution, Emeril's, The Grill Room, as well as some of the top rated holes in the wall types, like Alberto's Wine and Cheese Bistro and Cafe Du Monde. In all honesty the food in New Orleans is great everywhere, and we loved each of those places. But NONE OF THEM COMPARED TO AUGUST! If any of you are like me then you know what it is like to have limited time somewhere and plan extremely carefully, reading numerous reviews from several different sources and comparing lists to make sure you choose the best place to go. My preparation for this 4 day trip involved about 48 hours of work, so if you share my taste for class, refinement, small portions that dazzle the palate and exquisite unique cocktails, then look no further than here: August is your restaurant. I can't comprehend how it is not rated number one as it CLEARLY deserves that ranking. I have eaten in some of the world's best Michelin star restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, Alinea, DOM, Daniel, Guy Savoy, Jean Jorges, and Victoria and Albert's just to name a few, and the dessert at August topped them all. I really, honestly, swear to all that is scared have never had better dessert dishes than at August. It is surreal how excellent they are. And they don't leave you feeling disgustingly full, neither do the main dishes, because they are made with natural, fresh ingredients in carefully prepared portions. It's truly refreshing. It was also the first time I decided to try an all vegetarian tasting menu and wow - I thought it was better than most other tasting menus of any kind anywhere. If a chef can make an entirely vegetarian tasting menu taste this superb then you know this is a true chef. The service was also outstanding, attentive but not overbearing, and the bar tenders/mixologists were the best I ever came across. The drinks taste great and are strong enough that you may only need one to be good to go. We went there for lunch on Friday the 14th and loved it so much we re-arranged our schedule and requested a reservation for dinner on Sunday before even leaving the restaurant. We could not forgo the opportunity of coming back for more of that amazing dining experience. Our favorite dishes were the goat cheese and peach salad, the homemade gnocchi, the grouper, and of course the entire vegetarian Chef's tasting. And did I mention what a steal it all was? Honestly, I feel no review can ever do this place justice, and their own Chefs have no idea how talented and superior they truly are. This place is divine and if you go to New Orleans without paying it a visit for a meal then you are missing out in life. Their Banana Dessert is to die for! Note: If you are staying at Windsor Court like we were, the restaurant is literally right across the street from the back entrance. It is SUCH a great location.
(5)Judy T.
Divine food and superb service. It was definitely a splurge, but the meal was well worth it! We weren't dressed up and were worried we'd be turned away or told to wear something else, but we were treated wonderfully.
(5)Angie T.
Oh, August. You've ruined me. The meal I had here makes all other fine dining establishments I've patronized pale in comparison. I hope I can explain to you how perfect this restaurant is. Actually I wouldn't even call this a resturant. August is an experience. A blissfully perfect experience. I was taken here for my birthday this year, which happened to fall on a Friday, which happens to be the day August has their $20.15 prix fixe lunch. Three courses at this resturant is the best deal in the city, so of course I had to try it. Reservations were made a couple of weeks in advance and we arrived about 15 minutes prior. We were seated right away in the lovely front dining room. The ambiance was perfect...large picture windows to people watch the goings on in the Quarter, huge, fragrant vases filled with beautiful blooms and sparking chandeliers. Our first course was an amuse bouche of a frothy custard made with cauliflower and served elegantly in an eggshell. I really enjoyed this dish. For my appitizer I chose the pâté de champagne with toasted brioche. This wasn't my favorite and next time I'd get the crawfish bisque (which my friend ordered and was delicious). My main entree was flounder grenoblois served with white beans, celery and lemon. This was the most perfect piece of fish I've ever had the pleasure of having in my mouth and I'm still thinking about it months later. It was amazing. For dessert I chose the seasonal ice cream which had myer lemons ice crystals and macaroons. It was delightful. As if that weren't enough, August outdid themselves by bringing some complimentary chocolates and pralines with the check. Of course, service was impeccable and we were treated like royalty. Perfection from start to ending. I'll be back very often. **500** (dedicated to my girl Libby V :))
(5)DineoutGal A.
If you're dining NOLA, you will likely dine at a place that he owns or is involved with. As such, August was definitely a place we were looking forward to. The place is classy and beautiful. I opted for the 5 course tasting menu for $95. The amuse was a beautiful egg dish that came out in a half cut egg shell - delicious and beautiful. 1. Smoked swordfish cru with ramps and créme fraîche - lovely flavours with great texture. 2. Squid tagliatelle with saffron - this dish was a highlight in terms of the squid flavour and who does't love eating black pasta. 3. Crispy branzino with royal red shrimp, spring onion - I love eating branzino and the fish was cooked perfectly. 4. Crawfish and guinea hen with rapini, ricotta, sauce nantua - this was probably the dish that was just ok relative to all the other dishes. 5. Chocolate buttermilk cake with strawberry, vanilla, sassafras ice cream - good safe dessert but I would have preferred something more interesting to taste. I didn't love the sassafras ice cream. Overall the portions are on the smaller size here so even at 5 courses, if you have a bigger appetite you maybe left hanging a little. The portions here would be fine if there were maybe 2 more courses added onto the tasting menu. We even tried the handmade potato gnocchi ($18) tossed with blue crab and black truffle. It's a pricey starter and the portion is very small so hard to share but it was a very good gnocchi dish even if it's really just 3 bites worth! The petit fours were ok, probably the least favourite of mine from all the fine dining tasting menus I've had. Service was very friendly and full of southern charm. What I liked was that it didn't feel stuffy or pretentious as everyone there was genuinely warm towards us. But in terms of knowledge, it was a bit lacking especially when it came to the wine list but I will note that the main sommelier was not present that night. Otherwise, it was a great night.
(4)Flora H.
***4.5 stars*** No surprise, August is another success story for John Besh. It's a fancy (expensive) dining experience set for a special occasion. Dress up, if you don't want to feel out of place. I couldn't wait to eat here, but needing to book reservations so far in advance didn't seem to work for us (being from out of town) but the last time we were in New Orleans, we made sure to book a reservation well in advance. The meal started with an amuse bouche - Butternut crumble, Parmesan, squash, chives - interesting, to say the least. I wouldn't say that I loved it or wanted to eat more than just a bite of it (it pretty much tasted like butter), but it was a nice amuse bouche. Seared foie gras (off the menu) - This was the highlight of the meal for me. Oddly, they don't have a seared foie on the menu, but when I asked about it she said that they could do it. It was a thick cut, cooked to perfection. Roasted duckling with foie gras cream - Yes, more foie. What can I say, I love it. This was another hit for me. It didn't knock it out of the park like the seared foie did, but that was a hard act to follow. It was very very good. Everything that was placed on the table was beautiful. A very nice experience, but for that price, not one that most can have very often.
(4)Alex H.
What a spectacular dining experience. The ambiance, service, and especially the food were all impeccable. Chef John Besh got this one right. August came highly recommended by a chef I really admire (Chef Kris Morningstar), so my wife and I went there for a special dinner while in town for her birthday celebration. It was absolutely exquisite. I knew we were in for a treat when the amuse bouche blew my mind (I'll come back to this later). We subsequently indulged in black truffle gnocchi that were incredibly fluffy and delicious--like heavenly little pillows. The truffle flavor was at the forefront of this dish, yet somehow not overpowering as I feel truffles can sometimes be. I suspect this was because the dish was loaded with fresh truffle shavings as opposed to being doused with truffle oil. It was magic. OMG. We also shared an heirloom tomato salad with lump crab meat. I'm not a salad guy, but I could live on this dish alone. So much flavor. So fresh. And the crab was delectable. For the entree, I had the lamb which was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. The accompanying greens were terrific, but if I had criticize anything out of the whole meal, it would be the starch that was served with the lamb. It was good--it just didn't jive with the rest of the dish for me. Regardless, I'd still give the entree 9 out of 10. Service throughout the meal was just right. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable without being intrusive. I asked our server to pair a wine with the lamb, and after consulting with their sommelier, he served me a glass that was just the right flavor for the dish. Besides being an excellent pairing that accented both the dish and the wine itself, there were two things that stood out to me: 1) when given authority to select my wine, he did not stick me with a very expensive choice and 2) he brought out the (still unopened) bottle for me to see and taste before serving my 'by the glass' wine. I've been to a lot of nice restaurants, and I had never experienced this before. I was so caught off guard that I committed a faux pas and tried to clarify that I only ordered a glass. He tactfully said, "Yes sir, I just wanted you to have an opportunity to taste the wine before enjoying it with your meal." First class. At the end of our meal, we sent our compliments to the chef and to the staff for what was a very memorable evening of fine dining. Our server informed us that they had a lunch special the following day that we might enjoy, and though we were only in town for a short time, we were compelled to return and have one more meal at August. Good call. Once again, everything was ridiculously good (especially my soft shell crab). Though we had a different server for our lunch, she recognized that we were in the evening before and asked the kitchen to serve a different amuse bouche (so that we wouldn't have the same one we had the evening prior). Who does that?! Professionalism at its best. If you're in New Orleans, go here and splurge. Don't look at the bill. Just tip big, sign it, and go to bed happy.
(5)Dwayne J.
A Yelp friend received this restaurant as a recommendation. We ordered several plates to sample as much of the menu as possible. The foie gras prepared three ways was delicious. But the gnocchi was our favorite. Add on top of the the great service and this was by far one of my best dining experiences in New Orleans.
(5)Maria T.
We tried the tasting menu with paired wine. Everything was mind blowing delicious and the flavors and textures were playful and fun. The only reason I did not give August five stars is one dish just didn't work for me. Lamb three ways. Saddle (yummy) but sweet breads not so much. It could be personal taste issues with me, but the mouth feel was alarming. There was a third presentation that I don't even know what it was but it tasted like an over-breaded over-fried piece of wood. The saddle of lamb was delicious as was the rest of the meal, I just wish the other lamb never made it to my plate.
(4)Holly B.
Our whole table did the 9 course - not on the menu - tasting dinner with wine pairings and I have to say it was fantastic. From the atmosphere, to the service, to the food to the wine, everything was exceptional and we had a wonderful time. I will never look the same at tomatoes! It is a must try. If you do the tasting menu - go with on an empty stomach- they don't size down the portion sizes which was great and overwhelming all at once.
(5)Tony K.
Excellent food. The service was polite and attentive but not necessarily friendly. Anyways, I came for the food anyways and was not dissapointed. It's fine dining so expect to pay a bit.
(4)June W.
Went here for our anniversary dinner a couple of weeks ago.The waitress was great, but I had a slight feeling that the hostess wasn't the friendliest that evening (it seemed that she was the same to the diners at other tables near us as well). Anyhoo... The food was fabulous, and the presentation was to die for! Excellent preparations too! Sorry, no pictures, but I thought it would be gauche to whip out my phone in such a nice place. (Obviously, from the other pictures on Yelp, others don't share this!) The amuse bouche was in an eggshell, forgot what it was, but it was so cute, and very tasty. (I think others had mentioned what it was.) We had a Sazerac and a Hurricane. Neither my husband or I had had either of these iconic New Orleans drinks before. They were pretty good, I think! We had the fois gras 3 ways cold appetizer and the crawfish and crisp lamb belly hot appetizer. Both were very delicious. Entrees were the St. Mary's Parish soft shell crab and the pork, All good! Desserts were the lemon souffle and the chess pie. Perfect! The women's restroom was very nice. And a classy touch - no pedestrian paper towels here - they had a basked of nice rolled up washcloths for use! It was a very nice experience!
(4)Sandy H.
Best food and service in town. Waiter Mark was very informative about all the dishes and how they were prepared. I will be back when I go to New Orleans again, hopefully soon.
(5)H C.
We went for the Friday lunch prix-fixe ($20.14). The food was generally good; some dishes were great. I had a fish crusted with shrimp and potatoes that was delicious, and the pate de campagne came with an assortment of sauces and cornichons that was fun. My companion's lamb meatballs were a little gamey and my blueberry dessert (I want to say it was a pavlova) came with a meringue that I found to be inedible, but all in all I think that's fair for the price. I am sure the dinner menu is even better. What upset me was the service. We had a server who either judged us for not dressing to the nines or for not ordering additional items (we didn't want to drink at lunch) and was very curt with us the entire time. I don't understand this--some people were dressed up, but there were others who were dressed more casually for the lunch service. At the end of the meal, the server gave us our petits fours and said, "Here are some cookies." Neither of the petits fours was anything close to a cookie. Meanwhile, the suited gentleman at the next table received a lengthier explanation. My companion thinks we are to blame because we didn't "make enough of an effort," but I think everyone deserves a certain level of service that was just not there.
(4)Dania M.
Wow, nothing short of amazing. They have a 3 course prix fixe $20.14 lunch for a meal and service that is worth more than a million. I had the pate de champagnes (a beautiful array of sauces that complimented the pate); red fish and hot chocolate torte (for chocolate lovers this is to die for!) Randi was a phenomenal server as I was having lunch alone and she brought excellent recommendations and a warmth that will have me returning the next time in New Orleans.
(5)Hai L.
I was a little disappointed at my last visit here. It was my girlfriend's birthday. During my call for reservations, I asked if they could do something for birthdays. The person told us yes. I was just hoping for a dessert with a candle on it. We weren't looking for freebies. Just something special for the lady. I reminded them when I got there. Nothing happened. For a fine diner, we expect this place to be on point with service. There was a used napkin next to our chairs, the wine glasses were spotty. Chef Besh would have a fit if he saw that. The waiter didn't converse with us much as he did with the other customers (that doesn't reflect the review). Usually at a nice restaurant, the staffers are really nice and sociable. I've been here many of times and the service was great. I'd give the food 5 stars but the service killed it. This place used to be 10X better than what it is now.
(2)John S.
Was awesome! Had Trout Pontchartrain. Had while traveling for work but was so good would come back on my own dime. Goes on my top 10 list of yummy dishes and I'm a serious foodie. Highly recommend.
(5)Jen L.
What a bargain! The lunch prix fixe for $20.12 was a great deal for 3 courses at a super fancy restaurant. Dress was mostly business casual...with a few casual/casual people (yes, I was judging). There were of course selections not on the prix fixe price and though there were only 2 choices for each course, I was more than happy with what I selected. The 3 courses last week were a lovely gazpacho blanco with poached shrimp, a gorgeous piece of fish with a light and tasty corn souffle and then for dessert was a really fancy chocolate pudding. Delicious and a great way to get over the Isaac blahs. Thanks for the great idea @John LH. My 15 year old niece was worried that the food would be too fancy but she loved it all.
(5)J. S.
After 700+ reviews what is left to say about Restaurant August? My friends and I had a really amazing time over an incredible meal of meals. Some of us ordered the Farmers Market tasting and others ordered the Reveillon menu and everything was coursed out together with symphonic precision. The things they were able to do with and without meat were just stunning. Fun, flavorful, rich, delightful, every bite a celebration followed by another bite to celebrate the bite you just had. The wine list was fascinating and there were some real superstars on there but naturally we included the sommeliers pairings which added a whole new exciting dimension to each course. The service had perfect rhythm, was informative, thoughtful, and friendly. This is the most action my mouth has seen in years. Bring good friends because that's the only thing that can improve your experience at Restaurant August.
(5)Charlie W.
Glad I didn't have to pay to eat here and that I ate here. All food is good in NOLA.
(4)Barbara B.
This meal was perfection. Service was fantastic.Started with the goat cheese and pear salad and the crawfish "étouffée". So fresh and delicious. I nearly licked the plates clean.I had the duck. Amazing. Simply amazing.
(4)Lyle F.
Very friendly staff. Perfect accommodating special requests. A little funky but good.
(5)Dean A.
This is an exceptional restaurant. The food met my high expectations, and our waitress was awesome. I told the waitress that I never had crawfish, and I asked for an appetizer with crawfish (if available). The sous chef served the appetizer himself with not one, but TWO crawfish appetizers! We also had the famous blue crab gnocchi, which was delightful as well. Our entrees had surprising components. I ordered the duck-prepared three ways, which had ginger in it. My wife had the fish with lemon grass. We were surprise to see asian flavors at this traditional cajun/creole restaurant but it worked. I wish I lived in New Orleans to eat here more often. The restaurant is pricey but well worth the money.
(5)Beide Z.
Fabulous Amazing Wonderful~ Fair price and great services The quail is the best, tender, juicy and flavorful! The seafood salad is just ordinary and the preserved radish tasted weird... Calabaza squash cappelletti was a little bit salty for me, but the flavor was still good. The main dish was lamb and it was stunning and well-cooked. I thing this restaurant is far better than the Commander's Palace.
(5)Blake W.
This place is just perfect. Favorite restaurant in NoLa. Just wow. Sometime we go two days in a row - we are that into the high quality of food, wine and service. If you're lucky you'll get Mark Gruntz to be your waiter. Class act all the way.
(5)Dave T.
August is what fine dining is all about. A friend and I had the Reveillon dinner with wine pairings last night. Yes, it's pricy but it's worth every dollar. Beyond the perfect, attentive but not smothering, service, two things stand out. One, flavor doesn't have to hit you in the face. In fact, subtlety makes food more interesting. You find yourself thinking "just what is that other ingredient?" Two, letting a professional choose the wine for each course really adds to the experience. The chosen wine is one more ingredient, complementing, contrasting, emphasizing the food.
(5)Andrew F.
Best meal I had in New Orleans - no question. Anyplace that has bacon-infused bourbon on the same menu with duck confit dirty rice with kimchi, and huitlacoche agnolotti - along with the best truffle gnocchi I've had and a trout ponterdemain that I basically had a fork duel with my buddy over (you're gonna have to google ponterdemain I don't remember anymore what it was but trust me - you should order two of them) - gets my vote for best Nola cuisine. I now know the guy's hair is not the best thing about him - unbelievable experience all around - from the introductory bar to the service in the dining room. Minor points removed for the men's room experience only because it's far - but aside from that - as long as you've got the bucks to handle the bill this is a place you should hit for a special occasion.
(5)Bridget G.
Restaurant August is perhaps one of the most overrated restaurants in this incredible culinary city! I ate dinner there last night with my husband and a business client of his. Our head waiter had a horrible cough and had to catch his breath 3 times while telling us about the evenings specials. My husband and I split our dishes and boy are we glad we did! While the Ponchitrain trout was delicious, everything else was completely underwhelming! The crab meat in the stuffed blue crab appetizer was rancid and our accompanying sides were void of anything remarkable. For dessert, we ordered the cornbread pudding which was served over cracker jacks( ugh!) and smothered in caramel. Our dinner guest ordered a triple chocolate cake that unfortunately, like our dessert, was ruined by an overkill of sugar! Once we finished our desserts, our sick waiter brought us each a small plate of bite sized pastries. One of my husbands fell off the plate so the waiter rolled it across the table with his fingers and left it next to his plate. Really?? New Orleans is choc full of absolutely fabulous restaurants. Do yourself and your wallet a big favor and don't waste your time here!
(1)Anthony W.
We had a prix fixe lunch here and it was very good. We didn't get the chance for dinner but would like to return another time for that. We thought the prix fixe lunch was a good deal for what you get and would happily return again. The restaurant is fairly large and decorated well. Everything was very clean and the staff were attentive. White tablecloth service even during lunch. Visited October 2012
(4)Fran B.
August doesn't need my reviews, but, if you're on the fence about whether or not to go, YOU SHOULD. My husband and I celebrated the end of a long new orleans vacation with a meal there. Robert was our server. He embodied the professional server, incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the menu but never intrusive or stuffy. He beamed communicating his favorite dishes to us; when we took his recommendations, he was invested in whether or not we enjoyed our choices. For the record, we did. I say all this because the service was excellent; the team included Robert, his assistant, a member of the kitchen staff who presented each dish, as well as an interaction with the maitre d. The fine service elevated an already grand experience. To start, we each had a cocktail. Both were strong inventive versions of classic cocktails, each with a decided twist. The flavors were different without being gimmicky. We tried the goat cheese and pear salad, delicious. We also tried the gnocchi - cannot miss this dish. This trio of crabmeat, potato pillows, and black truffle is surely served in heaven. For our entrees, I had the trout ponchartrain (signature dish) and my husband had the roast duckling. Both were outstanding. Our desserts (chocolate/gingerbread pate and cornbread pudding with apples) were again inventive without being gimmicky. August is an upscale restaurant with a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend!
(5)Joseph W.
Honestly and sincerely the BEST French meal I have ever had. And the desert. Absolutely incredible.
(4)Joel R.
My wife and I had dinner here for our 1st wedding anniversary. The. meal began with a really delicious champagne, which was selected by our waiter and complimentary, so it was an unexpected and nice way to kick off our night. We went with the chefs tasting and opted for the wine pairing as well. Every course and each wine that we had was absolutely delicious. The first course was some sort of semi sweet, non-dessert custard, I have no idea what it was but it was delicious. Next we had sashimi, followed by an octopus salad, and then a tripe pasta dish. The main course was lamb 3 different ways, all of which were incredible. The dessert was also amazing, but I was fairly drunk by that point as the wine pairing pours were extremely generous. The wine was spectacular throughout the meal. Our service was incredible all night, with the sous chef coming to our table and explaining each course and our sommelier talking us through each wine and why it paired well with each dish. It was exactly the right amount of attention. At the end of our meal we met John Besh who wished us a happy anniversary. He was really cool and very kind. It was an expensive meal (around $400 after tip) but for the level of food and service it was worth it for a special night out that we will remember. I highly recommend August.
(5)Emily W.
The food here was amazing. Reccommendation - sample more appetizers with your table and maybe share an entree to experience more of the flavors. The truffle gnocchi was the group favorite. Excellent service.
(5)Ashley D.
Vegetarian foodie heaven! Rarely do I get more than a couple of options at a restaurant of this calibur. The vegetarian tasting menu was mind blowing. The green onion mousse and parmasean custard served in an egg shell was so good I had to refrain from getting all George Jefferson up in there and shaming my son! The apple parsnip soup was perfectly balanced. The charred broccoli was a little bitter but it was supposed to be. I don't even like beets and I enjoyed the beet medallions immensely. My son flipped out over the lemon tart...which was, in fact, the best lemon dessert I've ever had...hyperbole or not. The staff was, of course, supremely friendly, and I will be back next time I'm in town.
(5)Kaitlin L.
Awesome restaurant in New Orleans. Service was impeccable and the meal was delicious. With I had more time to go there again!
(4)L Q.
Top 10 restaurant at which I have eaten. Creative, flavorful. Gnocchi with truffles and "poncetrain" trout were spectacular. My wife had beet salad and duck. We both were members of the clean plate club. The staff and service were exceptional. We finished with a deconstructed banana pudding. Desert wines on the house. Sommelier was very helpful. August is worth the expense.
(5)Tom P.
Beautiful room. Menu is concise with a choice for all. Excellent service. The soft shell crab special was great. A large crab delicately fried with a light sauce. Banana pudding dessert is not to be missed
(5)Dave G.
Wonderful dinner with fantastic service. Would recommend Restaurant August to anyone visiting New Orleans.
(5)Sandee L.
Wow! We definitely saved the best for last! Our last meal in NOLA was lunch at August and it wowed our socks off. We all went for the prix fixe lunch (weekdays only) which is a steal at $20.13 for three courses. The amuse bouche is served in an egg shell and is not only the daintiest, cutest thing, it is also mighty tasty. Ours was a cauliflower creme and was the perfect way to whet our appetite. I won't bother with the details of what we ate since it depends on what is fresh at the market that day. Just suffice it to say that everything was phenomenal. The four of us expected at least one dish to be "ok", but that just didn't happen! From the starter to the dessert, everything was fresh, perfectly cooked, and just friggin' amazing! Service, of course, mirrored the food and was top notch. I can not stop raving about this place! If you are in New Orleans, Restaurant August is a must!
(5)Rick R.
To start, we visited immediately attending the Endymion parade, so we felt a tad underdressed. The staff treated us very well and provided an outstanding dose of southern hospitality. For the food, my wife and I each ordered the vegetarian tasting menu with a few tweaks. We both had gnocchi, which was truly beautiful-wonderfully paired with crab meat and perfectly cooked. My wife had the spaghettini with tripe, which was delicate and well balanced. I had crawfish & lamb belly-the richness of both elements played nicely on each other. My only complaint was that the portioning wasn't quite right-I had a full bite of no lamb with the crayfish, but outside of that element, it was a very successful dish. For the main, we had a roasted beet dish with a carrot ginger purée, rice cracker, tomatillo purée, and creme fraiche. This is the best thing I have eaten in quite some time. The tastes were perfectly balanced and interesting, the textures were nice and the portion was just right. In short, the wait staff was professional and attentive, the food was very nice, and the atmosphere was intimate.
(5)Linda C.
What an awesome culinary experience. The food was really top-notch. We came here for the lunch prix-fixe menu for $20. It came with three courses as well as the amuse bouche. Every dish was really fantastic. I had the crawfish bisque, which was so creamy and savory and delicious. Then the sheepshead fish, also incredibly moist and scrumptious. The flavors just popped. I loved the tomatillo! The dessert was a chocolate ice cream dish that just brought the whole thing home. Every dish had at least one flavor I had never tasted before, and I found myself thinking, "I have no idea how to make this." This is a good thing, because that's what we pay for, right? To eat something we couldn't make at home? After leaving the restaurant, I just found myself thinking about the dishes more and more. It really made an impression. I definitely recommend going on a Friday for the prix-fixe, and then returning to treat yourself to something even fancier!
(5)I Love g.
What a great food and atmosphere. I got gnocchi for my appetizer and a baked oyster main course. Cannot say enough, love John Besh, love his restaurants. Hands down best food in New Orleans, worth every penny.
(5)Daniel W.
Service: 3.5 First plates: 4.5 Entree: 4.0 Dessert: 5.0 The service was not spectacular for a place of this caliber. This is the restaurant of a nationally renowned chef, you would expect excellent service, especially at this price point and just to be clear, the service was not bad, it just wasn't classic French service. I had the crawfish app. Wife had gnocchi, sister had trio of foie gras, they were all excellent. The lake ponchatrain snapper was to die for, I loved the flavors in that dish, the sauce paired beautifully with the dill, and the fish and buttery sauced went so well together... However the goat curry that my wife and I got were salty and towards the end of the dish, the flavors were washed out by the high amount of salinity in the dish. The deserts, banana pudding & chocolate praline... Amazing... Beautiful presentation and VERY DELISH. Overall, I definitely recommend a visit, but it's not perfect. And if you are limited for time, I would say go to R'evolution instead.
(4)A. D.
Easy to park, service is top notch, and a really nice, beautiful space. However, my group was a little disappointed with the tasting menu. Not that anything we ate was bad, everything we had was fine. But that was it - the food was fine. I was really excited to eat here, and for what you pay, it was all underwhelming. Our table all agreed the standout dish of the night was the tripe - spicy, flavorful, and really well done. The wine wasn't bad, and they're very generous if you order with the pairing.
(4)Sean A.
I went to this restaurant a bit under a year ago and was unimpressed. Despite that, owing to their reputation, I decided to try it again. I'm still unimpressed. The appetizer salad was just a random collection of vegetables it seemed. There were few greens on there, and the dressing was underwhelming. For a main dish I had the pork, which was incredibly salty. I realize pork is salty on it's own, but this was pretty pungent. On top of that, it seemed unevenly cooked--most of it was a solid medium-medium rare, but one part of it was quite rare. The accompanying veggies were doused in a sauce that was just overwhelmingly strong. Between that and the dark lighting the restaurant insists on, I wasn't even sure what I was eating. Never a good sign. My date was wondering just what *part* of the venison her dish was. The dessert looked like a 80's vintage Nagel painting, with random triangles of different things with big swooshes of chocolate sauce. It was just very busy, with so many different flavors competing with each other. Brownies, pralines, chocolate, ice cream...it was like they just put everything they had on one plate. I'm also not a fan of the trend in service where the waiter comes out and loudly describes to everyone at the table what they ordered. We ordered it, we read the menu, we know what it is, we don't need you to read it back to us. I was decidedly unimpressed, especially considering the price.
(2)Paul T.
Restaurant August was my pick for dinner during our recent family vacation. First, when you enter, every one is polite, courteous with plenty of "Good Evenings". and smartly dressed. Our wait staff was actually quite entertaining, something that was missing from some of our other dinners (I like a good laugh). Food...let's start off with the thing that is mentioned in EVERY review, the Amuse Bouche... Holy smokes, it's a little taste of perfection. It's served in an egg shell and has a perfect balance of savory with a hint of sweet at the bottom (make sure you dig down with your spoon so you get all that goodness in one taste). The bread was, 'The best bread I ever had' according to my niece Victoria. I thought it was good, it was crisp on the outside, warm on the inside, served with plenty of warm butter. But only one bread choice option (normally not an issue, but I expect more at $100 a plate). Every single person in my family got a fillet (I kid you not), at varying temperatures. I got the tasting menu ($92), I just had to inform my family (who is new to this kind of "hoy faloy" eating) that I'd be getting courses between their courses :) Okay, so, the two meat courses (Pork, Duck) were exceptional. Cooked to perfection, seasoned beautifully. The dessert, too, was delicious, a chocolate tort with coffee foam, magical. But... oh the Shrimp course on noodles, this is where they lost me. The spicing they used honestly tasted a little dish-soapy to me. Perhaps I don't have a refined palate, but seriously, dish-soapy. The other area that cost August their 5th star... they messed up our fillet placement! So my mom got the well done, and my niece got the medium rare. But because my niece seemed to be enjoying the medium rare, my good natured mom didn't say anything! *sigh* Again, you screw up my order placement at Ruby Tuesdays, no big deal, you screw up my order at a restaurant that could realistically be a two or three star Michelin experience...well, it's a big deal. Summary, when August shines, it's on par with the other amazing eateries I've been to in New York and Vegas, but execution is everything when you're charging the big bucks and August still has some catching up to do to meet the quality of a Daniel's or Joel Robuchon's.
(4)Billy A.
This was our 2nd visit to August, our last being the precious summer. The good, ambience, and service was top notch. Robert, the maître-d, is possibly the most knowledgable I've ever encountered. His explanation of the dishes were like Shakespearean sonnets. I had the pork dish and we also ordered the trout which never leaves the menu. Desserts were ridiculous good as well. I would choose this place over commanders palace for food and service. Ambience might be better at commanders but not by much.
(5)Nicole E.
Very good. They may have rushed us through our meal a little but that's what you get when you have a 5:30 reservation and you call to change it to 6:00.. the next table is coming whether you are ready or not. You CAN order a-la-carte from the tasting menu, although I don't know if they tell everyone that.
(5)Kyle W.
Stupid. Just straight stupid. If I were to have a bro-crush on anyone else besides Justin Timberlake, it might have to be John Besh. He's the man, because he represents a lot of things awesome about my home. Food is awesome in Louisiana and he's a big reason why. He also seems like a down to earth dude on Top Chef. Came here on a trip home back in late December and had the Friday Lunch Menu. The service is what you expect from all New Orleans restaurants at this caliber. The space is also gorgeous. Very high ceilings and old school charm that are in other New Orleans restaurants. This was in the greeting area by the bar too. Imagine sitting in the cellar area or the main dining room. As for the food, it matched the service and atmosphere. Top notch. We had a number of items off of the menu, and shared a lot of it family style. We started off with the salad of crispy bruleed goat cheese and the beet salad. The bruleed goat cheese was amazing. The texture was what you expect of a creme brulee. It was paired perfectly with the apples. Then came probably the highlight. We all each ordered our own gnocchi with blue crab and black truffle. Just STUPID GOOD. One of my favorite things ever eaten. Just so smooth and comforting. I can come back and just eat this dish by itself over and over. The gnocchi was just little clouds of pillow stuffed in your mood. As for the main entrees. I had the risotto and a vegetable soup that was a special of the day. The risotto was silky smooth creamy. The vegetable soup was a very light and clean soup. Overall an awesome afternoon spent at Restaurant August. My first visit to a John Besh restaurant did not disappoint.
(5)MT M.
I'd heard about the five course vegetarian tasting menu so I had to check it out. It's rare that a veg gets fine dining options so when you get them and they are this good it's truly an amazing thing. I can't say much other than I was knocked out by everything. It was an astonishing meal and the service was impeccable. We ate for two leisurely hours and every member of the staff was helpful and kind. If I lived in NO I'd eat here weekly.
(5)John H.
We have eaten at August twice, both during lunchtime hours. This time we noticed that lunch is now only served once a week (Fridays), so plan accordingly if visiting from out of town. With a location close to many hotels and a few blocks from Canal and the Quarter, how could one not stop by to try John Besh's original signature restaurant? Our appetizers and entrees were great, but save room for the cheese platter, which dazzled with its combination of hard and soft cheeses, along with complimentary bread and fruit accoutrements. On our way out of town headed towards Houston, we tracked down one cheese that I particularly liked that our waiter noted had been supplied by St. James Cheese Co. Once at the counter, the proprietor mentioned that this nutty-tasting gouda-like specimen had been completely conscripted by August for their use...good to know. I think August shines in the early afternoon, paired with a nice bottle of Chardonnay and sufficient time to savor the architecture and quality cuisine. We will be back on our next trip to New Orleans...
(5)Marty Z.
It's not quite the French Laundry--but close. The food was impeccable and so was the service. I especially enjoyed the gnocchi with shaved French truffles. The wine list is extensive, but we brought a very special bottle of wine and there was no cork fee.
(5)Christopher L.
This is a beautiful restaurant, and the service was excellent, but most of the food was pretty meh. For the price it was okay, but not good enough I ever want to go back. We started with a free little appetizer of frothy tomato bisque, garlic, and something pesto-like all in an egg shell. It was appealing looking, but tasted bad. It was just a weird combo, and the frothy bisque tasted more like ketchup. Next dish was a salad of eggplant, grilled watermelon, and some other veggies. The watermelon was very cold, but had grill marks on the outside of it; good. The eggplant was nearly uncooked and very chewy, with very tough skin. It just wasn't cooked well or seasoned. The other person at the table who got the same dish was also unhappy with it and didn't eat theirs. It was very close to uncooked and really tough/chewy. Another person at the table had some kind of seafood soup dish, and they loved it. I tried it and the primary flavor was salt, but it wasn't horrible. It smelled bad, though. That isn't a problem with the food, it was just my taste. Other people in the restaurant seemed to be enjoying it well enough. My next course was a piece of gulf fish. It was cooked nicely and seasoned pretty well. It was perched on top of some delicious couscous. It looked great, but then they poured some salty brown liquid over it at the last minute. The liquid was not good, and it ruined the texture of the couscous. I'm guessing the brown liquid was some kind of beef or chicken stock because of the oil floating in it. It could have been salt water with brown dye for all the flavor it added, though. The fish had a few scales left on it, which was unappealing. I had to pick them out of my mouth after biting them. I don't like fish scales, so this combined with the brown liquid made the main course pretty mediocre. The person eating beside me had ordered the veal, and one of the two pieces of meat in the dish was solid fat. She cut through it and there just wasn't any meat in there. The waiter quickly and politely replaced it with a new one that was still maybe 80% fat, but that was better than the piece that was 100% fat. Next was the dessert. AMAZING! The waiter first brought out a dessert appetizer - some kind of "raspberry cereal"? It was very tasty, whatever it was. Next was the chocolate chiboust, my main dessert. The chiboust was a little waxy, but had an excellent flavor. The ice cream on the side of it was fantastic. I was surprised. The peppermint one was absolutely the best minty flavored ice cream I have ever had. Overall, I was disappointed. John Besh is a great chef, and his other restaurant I went to, Lüke, had great food. PS. The bread, like other reviewers note, was very good. It tasted like it was made with an extremely good quality flour. PPS. I was told that this is the place to go for a good Pimms Cup. I didn't have a chance to try one, but thought I'd pass the recommendation on. There is a bar that is separated from the restaurant area.
(2)Daniel C.
We at at lots of places in New Orleans, in out week trip, but this was the best lunch we had in out entire trip. Many other great food option are in this great city. Cochon Butcher, see other reviews, but the best meal we had was here, save up and enjoy.
(5)Eunice K.
Came here with a few coworkers excited to try John Besh's gem! Such a beautiful restaurant - I was grateful to have made reservations weeks in advance. Appetizers We started with a complimentary appetizer: a Quail Egg Amouse Bouche - a seafood + truffle custard topped with caviar. Beautiful presentation! The taste? Musky + seafoody with a runny, goopy texture. I did not enjoy it. I did enjoy the little crunchy stick of brioche! --Beet Salad ($17)-- We ordered this beet salad appetizer which had a beautiful presentation with the quail eggs, bright beets, and black eyed peas. The salad is topped over a scoop of creamy crab salad at the bottom. All the ingredients were top notch quality - and we try to savor each of them individually since they all taste so different on their own. Probably my favorite part was the burnt bacon - which was smokey, flavorful, crunchy - delish! The black eyed peas were fried and added additional texture. --Veal Sweetbreads ($16)-- 3 servings of sweetbread came presented beautifully on a plate of foam. The plate looked very complicated - to a point where I couldn't really identify any individual ingredient. But the server did inform us of the black truffle and heart of palms included in this dish. All I can say is that the dish was lightly fried, very flavorful, and unlike anything I've ever had before - and one of my favorite dishes of the entire night. If you have to order an appetizer - get this one! Entrees --Crusted Red Snapper with Crab ($36)-- I was determined to eat seafood in NOLA and asked my waiter if I should go with the snapper or trout. I should have listened because the snapper was very underwhelming! The fish was nicely cooked - moist inside and yet crunchy and breaded on the outside. What killed this dish for me was the bowl of heavy, salty risotto it was served with. Wow - that cream sauce was salty! --Speckled Trout "Pontchartrain" ($38)-- I should have ordered this dish. Hands down BEST plate of the night. A nice thick, meaty piece of trout , pressed on a thick fried piece of brioche, all topped with sauteed crab and surrounded by a hollandaise foam sauce. The meatiness of the trout and the crunch from the brioche both contributed to a dry/rough texture which went really well with the creamy hollandaise sauce and sauteed crab. Each bite was like heaven! MUST TRY! --Lamb Chops ($39)-- Don't have much to say about the lamb dish - I don't like lamb and REALLY didn't like the raw and fatty lamb chops. Lamb came out with some bacon which was way over salted. Learn from us - order seafood! Dessert --Napoleon of Nougatine ($11)-- Salty sweet combos are the best! This napoleon was salted toffee ice-cream placed in between layers of chocolate. The top chocolate layer had toffee bits as well as salt. Yes, the dessert was sweet - but the salt really helped with the balance. --Banana Pudding ($11)-- Deconstructed banana pudding! YUM! Beautiful presentation of banana/vanilla pudding and marshmallow topped with crunchy peanut butter brittles. My favorite part was the peanut butter brittles and the contrast in texture to the soft pudding. Yes - mediocre, underwhelming, and salty meals can be redeemed by dessert! Sorry! I was expecting more! Service was superb, restaurant was absolutely beautiful, and we even got complimentary appetizer/dessert.. but everything was salty salty salty... of course with a few hidden gems in between! :) GET THE TROUT!
(3)Aaron S.
I have to say that Restaurant August is the epitome of inconsistant service. The food is always great, no corkage fees, and it is nice to have such a beautiful restaurant close by, but... the rush to turn tables is obnoxious. I have dined here and had one of the most memorable meals of my life, but have also dined on several occasions when I was just being rushed by thier servers. Not only is this offensive and tacky, especially to a local who lives just a few blocks away, it really makes me never want to return again. There is nothing worse than having a server come by on multiple occasions and try to remove food while I am still eating. My wife had to literally tell the server that if he tried to remove her plate again before she was done, that she would stick her fork in his hand (she only said this after he approached our table three times prior and asked if she was done)... I know that this sounds funny, but horrible service can truly ruin a meal, as it did at our last visit to Restaurant August. I understand that this restaurant exists on tourists and conventioneers, but it is the local crowd that can keep a place busy when there is no convention in town. Unfortunatly at August, they haven't figured that out yet. What amazes me is that I can go to any other John Besh restaurant and get better service than I can get at his flagship - Restuarant August. I must say that the food at Restuarant August is consistantly excellent. I have never had anything but great food, however on two of my last three visits the rushed service has negatively overshadowed the excellent cuisine. Part of the dining experience at a restaurant like August, is leisurely enjoying a wonderful multi-course dinner over hours, not minutes. Being rushed really ruins the overall experience. For me, dining out is as much about the experience, as it is the food. This is where Restaurant August comes up short of other great options in the foodie haven that we call New Orleans.
(2)Caroline G.
Unbelievable. Vegetable and Meat tasting menus are incredible. If you have the money - go. So worth it. Service is amazing as well.
(5)Steve R.
If you have the chance to dine here and you don't go, you have missed one of the best dining experiences available anywhere. If you are planning a trip to New Orleans, do everything you can to get a good reservation and enjoy. There is not much more that can be said by us mortals on Yelp.
(5)Christen D.
My husband and I had dinner here a couple of weeks ago, and it was everything we thought it would be! Some places never live up to the hype, but that's not the case with August. Everything we had was delicious! Appetizer- we had the gnocchi, and long story short- it was amazing Entree- I had the trout amandine and it was the best I've ever had. My husband had the steak and it was also really good. Dessert- I had the banana pudding, which just won an award recently for best dessert, and it was hands down the best dessert I've ever had. There were so many different flavors- peanut butter ice cream, banana pudding, vanilla wafers....pure awesomeness.
(5)Ted S.
A classy place with great ambiance and friendly, but not stuffy, service. To the food... Appetizers: Stuffed squash blossom with feta and I'm not sure what else. Good, but not something I'd order again. Foie gras three ways: A real disappointment. I was looking for strong foie gras flavor, now that I can't get it in California, and didn't get it here. Portion was quite small, and one of the "ways" was layered in sponge cake. That's all I got flavor wise. Gnochi with blue crab and shaved black truffle: Two of us really enjoyed this, but four said it was just "good". Sharing with six people was a no no for this dish. It's a one person appetizer. Also, no flavor of truffle. Entrees: Trout amandine: Three ordered this, and all really liked it, a lot, but did universally prefer K-Paul's pan fried flounder hands down a couple nights later. Grouper: Very good, with a nice presentation. My wife had this, and really liked it. I thought it was nice too, but preferred the trout. Duck: I ordered this. Medium rare delightfully red breast of duck with smoked duck boudin and seared foie gras on greens. As a foodie, I can say this is perhaps the best single plate of food I've ever had. None of the items themselves were the best, but the combination made it a fantastic plate. This was my favorite, and others agreed the duck was great in flavor, although a bit chewy, but what can you do about a rare piece of duck? I would order this again, and again. Egg: This was a free item that came after the appetizers and before the entrees. It was served in an egg shell. The bottom layer was a garlic custard, topped by a pine nut mix of some sort, and again topped by a tomato custard. To say custard is misleading, as they were more of a dense foam. Of all the items we had, this was raved on the most by all six of us. It was one of those "oh my god, what the hell is this" kind of thing. After the let-down of the appetizers, one said, "this just made up for the appetizers." It did in a big way, and the entrees that followed were great too. All six of us really enjoyed the meal. One said good, yes, but had many, many better experiences with better service, the kind of service where they pamper you and hang over your table. This isn't that kind of place. You should dress nice, but I wore a pair of designer jeans, nice italian shoes, and a long-sleeved tommy bahama and felt comfortable. Wouldn't wear a t-shirt though... You'll feel like an ass. For six of us, including a couple of drinks, and one bottle of wine, the bill came to less than $700 with tip and tax. A bargain, and a great meal.
(4)Thomas G.
Absolutely wonderful food! We did the SEVEN COURSE MEAL with PAIRING! Immediately I must say it's too much wine for both myself and my fiance, but I also must say it was wonderful! Each course was paired with a wonderful wine and every course was well prepared. The waiter explained each wine and each course with a high level or expertise. However, this is by far the most expensive meal I have ever had. After 20% tip it came to $400! I love food but $400 was wayyyyyyyyy too much for any meal for two! Would have been worth it to see Besh....
(5)Ravi P.
If you are around the area and want some awesome food and service just walk into August. You will love it
(5)Matt S.
I had my best meal of my trip to NOLA at Restaurant August, hands down. Both the food and service was impeccable. I came here for lunch and opted for the $20.13 prefixed meal. At $20, the prefixed menu was practically a steal! Our meal started off with an amuse-bouche (an eggshell filled with an almost custard-y, light egg scramble) the flavor and texture was perfect. For my starter I opted for the pâté served with jam, mustards, pickled veggies, and greens and bread. The portion of pâté was very generous and could easily feed two. For my main course, I choose the sheepshead (a local white fish) The fish was cooked to perfection. It was a buttery perfection. My two friends opted for the alternative dish--a kimchee fried rice with pork belly. I was a bit skeptical about ordering kimchee fried rice at a french? restaurant in new Orleans, but their pork belly was probably the best I've ever sunken my teeth into. It was cooked to a smokey, tender perfection and the texture was the perfect combination of crispy and moist. Finally, we all ordered the chocolate torte with ice cream, which was a decadent and rich. Again, the portion was very very generous and could have easily been shared between two or even three people. But wait, there's more! The server brought out chocolate truffles and mini pralines, one each for us, which was a nice treat to end our meal. Honestly I had to be rolled out of the restaurant. Unlike many of the other dining establishments that I visited while in new Orleans, the food at August tasted fairly light and refreshing. They also went light on the sodium, many of the other restaurants I patroned seemed to douse their dishes in salt. Last but not least, the service was absolutely pronominal! My water and ice tea glasses were never empty. It seemed as if there were two or three servers/hosts constantly bringing us food, filling up our glasses, bussing the table, or switching out the flatware. August is the shining star of my trip, and I definitely recommend that you check it out. I can't speak to their dinner menu, but their lunch was out of this world and an amazing value.
(5)P. T. B.
My wife and I had a lovely lunch at Restaurant August today. The $20.11 price fixed lunch is an amazing value, the food was exquisite, and the service impeccable. My wife was particularly enamored of her heirloom tomato appetizer, as the balsamic pearl provided what she referred to as a taste explosion. I really enjoyed the lamb belly entrée, but it was all good. Highly recommended.
(5)Christine P.
Obligatory one star. I ate here once with my mister a couple of years ago when we were young, dumb and wanting to feel fancy. The food was bird portions, though tasty, I suppose. The bill was $100+. We ate at Wendy's on Canal Street after we left Restaurant August because we were so hungry following our three-course meal.
(1)Amy D.
Our dinner at August was fantastic, but be prepared to spend major $$. A 6-course menu with wine pairing was $125 per person not including tax or tip. With that said, it was the best meal we had in New Orleans. Portion sizes were perfect and our service was outstanding. Our waiter provided a wealth of information on every dish and wine which we greatly appreciated. We felt the wines were paired very well with our dishes and were hard-pressed to find fault with any of the food. Thank you Restaurant August for making our visit so special.
(5)Emily L.
Restaurant August can make you do crazy things. For starters, how about a dinner reservation at 10 PM? When you make last-minute arrangements to travel to New Orleans, you take what you can get, and we were happy for the chance to try this critics' darling that we had missed on previous visits. After checking into the hotel and enjoying champagne and oysters at Luke, another Besh standby, we arrived 30 minutes early hoping our table might be ready. No sooner had we ordered drinks at the bar, than it was! We took our cocktails to the table and prepared for amazement. First came the characteristic amuse-bouche of an eggshell filled with cauliflower custard, some kind of granola and a saffron foam. Does it sound weird? It was. Not bad, just weird, and definitely not what I expected. Now, more craziness (I did warn you!) My carnivorous husband ordered two salads. First a wintry mix of beets and creamy cheese, and then a springy pairing of shrimp and citrus with Cajun remoulade. He loved both and didn't want anything more. I had two fish courses: crawfish for an appetizer and whitefish for an entree. They were both exquisite. A caveat: we both felt keenly that the food here is so haute cuisine it's flirting with inaccessibility. My perfectly cooked fish, for instance, was served with seven or eight different ingredients, all deconstructed into a beautiful modernist collage. I wasn't sure what to do with the coconut foam (it was a little slimy, so I left it there.) The olives and citrus supremes were nice. But I lost track of all the different tastes and textures and wished for a unifying experience that I could enjoy for more than one bite at a time. We thought we would skip dessert, but the banana pudding sounded intriguing, so we bit -- and then discovered this is the dessert for which their chef is most famous. I thought peanut butter and marshmallow would be a mistake, but O! Happy day! That deconstructivist aesthetic I pooh-poohed just a minute ago may have one redeeming quality. I almost didn't want the plate of homemade candies and cookies that they GAVE us; I had been transported by the experience of a dizzying variety of textures and tastes: cookie-studded ice cream, smooth custard and sticky sauce, all hovering beneath a bright beacon of banana pleasure. Our drinks were great: a Sazerac for my husband, and a house-infused bourbon (satsuma and vanilla) for me. They were both so strong that we sipped them throughout the meal, probably destroying all the careful flavor nuances that would have been perfectly teased out by the sommelier's wine pairings. We enjoyed them anyway!
(4)Neb A.
Probably the best restaurant I have ever eaten in. The food is out of this world. The service is from another world. The wine collection is extensive. The evening begins with complimentary seafood custard amouse in eggshell. The wait staff efficiently refill our wine glasses and bring us the appetizers. I highly
(5)Godwin C.
This review is basically for the prix fixe lunch experience ONLY. At $20, it's an unbelievable deal, but undoubtedly very different from a la carte lunch ordering and the dinner experience. While not the best lunch I've had, the quality and effort of cooking evident in our dishes, as well as the excellent service, has definitely convinced me to come back and really see what August has to offer when I can afford to drop serious coinage. THE GOOD Price Point: $20 for a 3-course fine-dining meal, with amuse bouche/lagniappe and bread service as well? I did a happy dance when I saw this deal on Yelp. You really can't beat this price. Ingenious marketing idea by Besh or whoever is in charge of his decision-making nowadays. Appetizers: The highlight of the meal. *Tempura Lobster: we ordered this appetizer off the regular lunch menu and it was where I could truly see the potential of awesomeness from August. Very inspired, extremely tasty, well-executed dish. Loved loved loved it. The best thing we had the entire meal. *Duck Confit Salad: light and flavorful, with roasted pears throughout the plate, which I thought was quite creative. *Pate Plate: MASSIVE, and all the spreads that came with it were delicious. A couple minor gripes: it may have been too large, to the point where I could have stopped eating after the app and been satisfied. Also the spreads, while tasty, were a little too standard. I've had more interesting spreads at St. James Cheese Company. Service: Our server was attentive and well-mannered, even though he wasn't very knowledgeable on wines and didn't know how to up-sell. Fortunately, his runners REALLY made him look good. I don't know how these guys aren't the servers instead of the guy who took care of us (maybe inexperience at the company?) but they were awesome. Very knowledgeable about the food, extremely helpful without being intrusive or crowding. On top of that, the kitchen was very accommodating to dietary issues and even prepared different lagniappes and desserts to help us out. Outstanding service as expected. Trio of Sorbets: Not my favorite flavors, but they were made well and really tasted like what the food runner said they were. Also, this was prepared as an alternative to the three desserts on the prix fixe menu, so kudos to the kitchen for doing that for us as well. Butterscotch Pot-de-Creme: One of the best desserts I've had in a long time. Creamy, smooth, well-balanced flavors. Excellent. If they had just served me this in a dessert, I would have been extremely happy. Apple Foam and Caramel Walnuts: Light, tasty dessert that made me rethink my stance on sour as being completely unconscionable as a dessert flavor. If they had just served me this in a dessert, I would have been happy. THE BAD Butterscotch Pot-de-Creme WITH Apple Foam and Caramel Walnuts: Why the chef thought these would go well together on the same plate, I have no idea. It didn't make sense, not as a complement to each other or as a contrast. It was just off. Just give the customer one or the other. Classic example of a chef thinking too hard. PURGATORY Entrees: Well-executed, but relatively uninspired. Not nearly on the same level flavor-wise and creativity-wise with the appetizers or desserts. *Veal: Execution was there, but it just tasted boring. Nothing special at all about this dish. I felt like it was just a slightly better version of something I could have gotten at Zea's. Good, but could have been a lot better. *Shrimp + Andouille Sausage Stew and Risotto: The stew was creamier than it should have been, thus taking away from the flavor of the shrimp. The andouille sausage had a strange texture, and for some weird reason the shrimp were cut in half along the spine, making them look and taste flimsy. Fortunately, the risotto was done well and the plating was beautiful. I also liked the bonus touch of adding the stew on top of the risotto at the table, even if it took annoyingly long for it to happen. OVERALL I almost feel spoiled giving this experience four stars instead of five. I know there is probably no way I could get the same experience and execution for $20 in other big culinary cities, but I guess we're just lucky like that in New Orleans. Like I mentioned earlier though, this is still a fantastic deal if only for the appetizers, and the one normal-menu item we ordered convinced me that a Restaurant August dinner might be even better. Look for a review update with the extra star soon...hopefully.
(4)Sara K.
Damn this restaurant is good! Took my husband there to celebrate his birthday and it was an incredible dining experience. The ambiance was warm and inviting, our waitress was super friendly and knowledgeable, and most importantly the food was phenomenal! For appetizers we shared the Potato Gnocchi with Blue Crab & Black Truffle as well as the Persillade crusted P&J oysters with sun drop tomatoes, creole cream cheese and bacon. The minute i took a bite of the Gnocchi I was in heaven! It literally melted in my mouth, My husband and I looked at each other and both did that wide eyed synchronized head nod of approval as we slowly savored every bite. The Oysters were super hearty, flavorful and complex. Totally different flavor profile (yes I watch Top Chef) than the Gnocchi but equally good. Would highly recommend both! For entrees my husband had the Breaded Trout pontchartrain with jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms, and sauce hollandaise. I had the roast breast of Chappapeela Farms duckling with truffled duck confit and foie gras "en croûte" with georgia apples. Both were cooked to perfection and were super flavorful. Portion size was slightly on the smaller size but it didn't matter because both were very filling! We would order them again in a heartbeat! For dessert we shared the Goats Milk Cheesecake with algiers honey ice cream, almonds, and balsamic caramel. This was unlike any other cheesecake I ever had. Super light and airy with a very subtle sweetness. The perfect way to end the perfect meal! Overall our dining experience at August was excellent. Pricey, but worth every penny especially since we were there celebrating a special occasion. It truly was a meal we will never forget and we will definitely be dining there again next time we are in town!
(5)Elaine O.
Yes, the 3-course lunch is a steal, and they didn't seem to mind that the boys walked in wearing shorts and t-shirts. Brioche bread with the pate was lovely. He couldn't decide if he wanted to add the lump crab but ultimately decided not to. Our server told the chef & we got a bonus gift from the chef in the form of crab & truffle risotto. Score!
(5)Giang L.
$20 prix fixe lunch is an awesome deal for the service/food/atmosphere that you get here! Not only do you get an appetizer, entree, and dessert, you also get an amuse bouche and petit fours. Whoa. The portions were liberal too. My appetizer was a pork rillette. It came with some yummy brioche too. I felt full just eating the appetizer! I had veal for my entree and it was so moist/juicy. Just to preface, I'm from Los Angeles and there is no way you can get this quantity of quality cooking in LA without some sort of attitude or food snafu. Seriously, go for the lunch.
(5)Charlie H.
Fantastic. Such hospitality here. Truly a great experience.
(5)Sasha B.
Came here on a saturday night (last night), our first night in town. We found it on Yelp and called ahead, but they didn't have any tables available. They said if we get there by 730/8:00, we should be good to find a spot at the bar. We arrived about 8:00 and had no problem getting a spot at the bar. THe drinks, appetizers and main course were all great. The prices were fair, comparable to NYC. the "Hemmingway" Mojito was $17. That was the only item that I thought was a bit overpriced... We had: Blue Crab Gnocchi (signature dish) Crawfish and Crete - really good Trout - very good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
(4)Karen P.
One word - WONDERFUL! We went to Restaurant August with another couple during a long weekend in NOLA. I had made reservations at the restaruant because of all of the glowing Yelp reviews (John Besh who?! I'm not a cooking show groupie). We were told up front that we must have everybody at the table order the tasting menu in order to partake - and were encouraged to pick items from that menu for a la carte. I started with the Beet salad - crab meat topped with dressed arugula, pistachios and goat cheese with beets on the edge. The salad was very good although the crab meat got lost in some of the other delicious flavors. Other table selections were the oyster trio and the yellowfin special from the tasting menu. All were delicious, and we even broke our tradition of eating our own to share around the table. My husband and I had the Veal with polenta while our friends had the yellowtail special (an appetizer that was made into an entree by making it a little bigger) and the tenderloin. Service was impeccable with one exception. We were sitting at a corner table and I was in the corner. While they had room to navigate around the table when the sliding doors were shut, my first course was handed over the person sitting across from me. ...and that's the only complaint that I have! Wine was a bit pricey - we had an 06 Round Pond cab for $125. This is usually a $40-45 bottle so expect to pay a bit more.
(5)Girl B.
4.5 Fantastic service (Commander's Palace could learn a thing or two) Fantastic food (amuse bouche!!) altho the steak entree was a bit mushy NOLA should be proud.
(5)Matt S.
What can be said that hasn't already been said about Restaurant August. The service was incredible as was the food. The place has an ambiance that exudes class. The main dining room had a beautiful arrangement of flowers next to a chilled chest of champagne bottles. And the ceilings are so high. A beautiful room. Onto the food. I spoke with a young man at the bar as we were waiting for our table and he said to try the Gnocchi and the speckled trout. We did share the Gnocchi and Foie Gras as an appetizer. The Gnocchi was the very good and the Foie Gras was a work of art. It was a chilled Foie Gras and the presentation was incredible as was the taste. Honestly, the best chilled Foie Gras I have ever tasted. Our main meal consisted of the bone in Rib Eye and the Duck. The rib eye was huge and my wife declared it was the best steak she has ever had and I had to believe her. My duck was very tasty and it came with a great sauce. A real classic dish. We did not have room for dessert but will save some room next time. Oh, I forgot to mention they have an unbelievable wine list which complemented our dinners perfectly. And the wait staff was professional and right on top of all your needs. If you want to go to one of the finest restaurants in New Orleans, do not miss Restaurant August...
(5)Tu-van L.
During my most recent visit to New Orleans I've heard about the famous chef John Besh and knew I had to visit his best restaurant to experience his best. Restaurant August should be that experience and I was lucky enough to squeeze in a weekday lunch. Fortunately for me I was able to hit up the prix-fixe three-course lunch for $20.10 on my visit (for higher-end places like these I feel it's best to get a multi-course tasting to get a bang for your buck experience). My meal included the following: Amuse bouche: seafood sabayon with fish custard served in a hollowed-out eggshell with a garlic toast fry and a dab of caviar. Tasty and very creamy despite the disturbing though of seafood cream. The caviar was a nice touch to it nevertheless. Appetizer: duck confit and roasted pear salad with frise and aged balsamic. Tasty with the perfect balance with the duck and pear and the perfect amount of drizzled balsamic. Main course: veal grillard (sp?) with local grits. By far the best cooked grits I've had in the one dish of my meal I was most disappointed with. A shame it was overpowered with the tons of jus it was swimming in. If they just drizzled the meat, peppers and roasted tomato jus it would have been just the right amount of richness, but the pool it came in was overpowering. The veal was perfectly lightly breaded and fried and the veal was tender, but my piece had quite a bit of fat that was off-putting. This could be a quality dish but the proportions were off. I expected better than this for a high end restaurant like this. Still tasted good if you picked at the parts in the right amounts. Dessert: I forgot what the dish was called but it was essentially a grilled goat cheese and roasted pears sandwich (with fig and something else in it) drizzled with some infused honey. By far the best grilled cheese type dish I've had and the perfect ending to my meal. Finale: pecan brittle and chocolate truffle. I don't care for brittles in general so my opinion on that doesn't count, but the chocolate truffle was perfect in it's essentially a tiny chocolate mousse in a tiny chocolate cup. Very delicious. Service was impeccable as the staff was very attentive and very friendly. I had some good conversation with my waitress (who was part of the bar staff?) and any hostess or other waiters who were available to talk before the lunch crowd rushed in. It made for an enjoyable experience during my solo lunch visit. Overall a top-knotch restaurant in the service and ambiance, though I expected better with the food. Nevertheless a great lunch deal and you can find something to satisfy your palate here.
(3)D M.
review of dinner for two: Saturday @ 8 pm ATMOSPHERE: The vibe and feel of the entire restaurant is exactly what I enjoy when it comes to more upscale dining. Elegant but not pretentious or fancy to the point of being stiff. (looking at you, Stella). The main dining room and little off-shoots have a nice comfortable feel and there was fun, upbeat from all the guests and staff. SERVICE: Top notch. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful. He was polite and charming, stemming from his innate relaxed and confident personality. Only hiccup was when they sat in his section an eight-top and another group of four at the same time on top of the tables he was already attending to. This caused a 15-20 minute delay in us being able to order coffee and dessert, but I didn't mind because my wine glass was still full. FOOD: The lady friend opted for the five-course menu. It consisted of the following (descriptions exact per the menu): - Louisiana crawfish tails and house cured ham, blood orange, grilled "shallot" and taggiasche olives ... thought it sounded like a bit of a heavy start to a meal but the portion size was just write and the flavors created by combining these elements were very interesting and quite delicious. - handmade tagliatelle pasta w/ truffle cured yard egg and Progress Dairy butter ... by far the worst dish of the evening. couldn't quite figure out why exactly this didn't work - perhaps too many truffles were the culprit - but it was on the edge of being inedible. the "cured" aka raw egg yolk was not pleasing at all. entire dish just did not work. - gulf yellowfin tuna w/ Gold Rush apple, heirloom beets, fennel, mustard (med rare - per the kitchen) ... it is amazing how flavors change as meat cooks more. the waiter told us the tuna and the steak were both served medium rare. this piece of tuna came out a little on the rare side but had some spots where it was cooked to the right temperature, and those bites, when taken with a little of everything on the plate, were very balanced and deep/rich in flavor. absolutely delicious combinations. - slow roasted strip loin of Two Run Farms beef (med rare - per the kitchen) ... eh, not bad, not great. seasoned and cooked well, but didn't wow me. - "affogato" espresso, dulce de leche and milk sorbet ... didn't get to try this one. My meal was: - fish custard served in an egg ... it's been covered here many times. I'll move on. - an oyster appetizer (description eludes me); believe they were breading and served with lightly fried cream cheese "bulbs", bacon lardons, cous cous, parmesan ... this was one of the best appetizers I have had the pleasure of eating. - salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, La Provence bacon, baby mustards quail eggs with black-eyed pea crouton ... this was alright, but I think the crab/beet appetizer at Bistro Daisy is better. - breaded speckled trout Pontchartrain w/ jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms, and sauce hollandaise ... rich yet subdued (if that makes any sense), basically it was a refined dish that was not over-seasoned. the hollandaise tied the three other components together perfectly. one minor complaint would be I thought the trout was a tad over. either way, it was a mouthwatering dish. - banana pudding w/ peanut butter, marshmallow and "nilla wafer" ice cream ... simple deconstructed banana pudding that featured lightly caramelized bananas, whipped peanut butter and a light whipped cream with delicious ice cream to cool off your palate and a wafer for another good textural element. I'm not a big dessert guy but I would eat this again and again. DRINKS: I had a gimlet to start the meal. Don't know exactly how they make their's, but it was exactly what I had in mind. Refreshing and plenty of gin with the right touch of sour. With dinner I had two glasses of Fevre Chablis Chardonnay which I really enjoyed. Nice and crisp with a bit of oak; not fruit-forward or too buttery like many West coast chardonnays. The lady had a manhattan, a glass of Bachelet-Monnot Pinot and finished up with glass of Duval Leroy champagne. OVERALL: Simply put, the best meal I've had in New Orleans so far. I look forward to dining there again and taking friends and family.
(5)Meg G.
Our favorite restaurant in town! Love the menu changes so we can visit regularly and have different entrees. Went with another couple and everyone ordered different appetizers and entrees and we all shared and loved every single one of them. Delicious! My in-laws wanted to take our family there when they came to see our new baby so we all went and the staff was awesome and accommodating. Great-grandparents, great food and wine and a new baby made for an awesome evening! Beautiful ambience, welcoming staff and the very best food in town; so a must go for anyone visiting New Orleans.
(5)Jack S.
The food and service in this place was truly magnificient. Putstanding experience. Little pricy but great quality
(5)Miriam W.
If you're going to have one big ticket meal in New Orleans, this is a great choice. The dining room is elegant and understated, service is perfection (the captains wear suits and ties...nice!), and the food is delicious. John uses a restrained and expert hand here. I started with beef carpaccio with horseradish, pickled vegetables and herby Creole cream cheese. My entree choice was the trout with crab and hollandaise...a beautiful piece of fish, pan sauteed with a nice, crisp crust, served with a light as air whipped hollandaise...yum. I love ordering trout and crab and knowing that they were pulled from Lake Pontchartrain that day. Doug went with the oysters with pork belly and the rack of lamb, and proclaimed everything perfect. The one sour note was, surprisingly, the desserts. They need a good pastry chef here. I will not dock them an entire star for that flaw, however, and Yelp won't let you give a half star, or I would have gone with 4 and a half. No jackets required here, but come on people...dress up for these lovely surroundings. You'll feel more comfortable, as most guys had jackets on, and the ones who didn't looked a little under-dressed, and probably felt it, too. Ladies, this a great opportunity to pull out that special dress and don a pair of heels. Don't let your waiter be better dressed than you are.
(5)Sophie B.
Stopped here for lunch on our way to the airport. Needless to say, we were in a hurry. I was extremely impressed with how accomodating the staff were to this need and we had three fabulous courses which came out in under 45 minutes. On to the food.... The food was amazing as well and I will have some wonderful photos to follow. Everything is artfully presented, which I love. We started with a seafood amuse bouche, presented in an eggshell. Tres magnifiique. My next course, which was my favorite, was a pumpkin soup with blue lump crab, which was incredibly delicious and was the highlight of my meal. Entree - salt cod ravioli. My companion's meals were equally as delicious. Oh, I should mention, they have a prix fixe lunch - which is an absolute BARGIN for this quality of food.
(5)Marek P.
Dined there twice in one week and the food and service are excellent. The last time we had both the tasting menu's with wine pairings and they were outstanding! This is truly a gem of a restaurant. My only criticism is that the hostesses are a bit snobbish, which is totally unnecessary!
(5)Jason B.
Some of the best food I've ever eaten. Period. Great service, beautiful ambiance and amazing food. It's expensive so get over that fact before you go. Worth every penny in my opinion.
(5)J C.
chef John Besh creates some awesome dishes. full of flavor but with delicate precision. had a wonderful 5 course lunch, awesome service :)
(5)Flevoland D.
Lovely. Try the lunch special- a bargain.
(5)Ken Y.
Our first dinner was an early one at Restaurant August which was around the corner from our hotel (we stayed near the French Quarter and didn't bother w/ a rental car). It started with an amuse bouche of an empty egg shell filled with custard, then topped w/ black jello bubbles of truffle oil and a cracker. We split the gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle shavings (this was excellent). My DC had the redfish topped w/ blue crab and shrimp..she liked it but liked my dish better. I had the pork multiple ways...pork tenderloin in a crispy egg roll over chanterelles, and a pork shoulder in a raviolo over sweet potato chunks(?). The raviolo stuffing unfortunately was mostly the fat part of the pork shoulder instead of the meat...it tasted like the fat chunks in shumai. For dessert, we split the chocolate mousse cake with a piece of flourless chocolate cake, bittersweet swizzle, and mocha(?) ice cream. This was followed up with an amuse bouche plate of pralines, chocolate cake, blueberry cake, and raspberry "jello". Portions we thought were smallish, but given the richness of the dishes, they were probably ok (we ended up a bit hungry afterwards); it probably would be fine if you each order an appetizer and dessert, but we typically split only one or the other when we dine out. The service was a bit odd...the person you thought was the waiter is dressed in a suit and tells you the menu. Then the person you thought was the busboy (not in a suit and dressed more like a waiter) takes care of your dishes (including helping you order dessert) for the rest of the night. Overall a good experience, but we liked Emeril's the best.
(4)Greg D.
Amazing Soft Shell Crab!
(5)Donald F.
Cajun chic at its finest. Literally, I did not eat anything at this place where I didn't say "I could eat about 5 more pounds of that." I know - I'm a slob. I've come to terms with it. But I digress... The room breathes southern charm. Your servers are wonderfully knowledgable. And most importantly, your date/guests will forever hold you sacred for taking them there. The most adventurous, yet refined, Cajun cuisine I have had to date.
(5)Pimp D.
Couldn't make dinner so we went for lunch. Excellent in every way. Really not much to add that hasn't been already. Had the $20.13 price fix - hands down the best bargain in NOLA. For that deal alone, I bumped it from 4* to 5*. Cocktails were excellent. The wine list was very good albeit a tad overpriced. However if you have a great bottle wine that's not on the list...no problem...August will waive the corkage. They even allow you to drop it off earlier to be decanted. Btw for those reviewers who complain the portions are too small for the price, the Acme Oyster House is probably right up your alley. The prep work alone gives August automatically a high food cost.
(5)Debbie C.
We took advantage of the Friday Fixe Price Lunch. It was an amazing deal!! Food was delicious and the service was outstanding. Will definitely go back to this restaurant again next time we are visiting New Orleans!
(5)Andreas W.
Located downtown, almost directly across from Harrah's, August is in a beautiful space, with exposed brick, dark wood, ironwork, twenty foot ceilings and matching windows. The bar is small but wasn't busy the Friday night we went (Superbowl weekend) and we were able to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. Once seated in a small wood-paneled dining room with wine stored near the ceiling, the fantastic service began. The restaurant was packed, but the wait staff never seemed rushed and didn't speed us along at any point, which we appreciated. The John Besh experience lived up to our high expectations, from the seafood amuse served in a brown eggshell, to the complimentary sweets to close the meal. The bacon in the beet salad appetizer was heaven. Sing praises to the pig! The gnocchi with truffle was light and another great starter. For dinner, our selections were a lamb roulade and shrimp stuffed with mirliton (a squash). Both meals hit the mark. As we often do, we asked the waiter to surprise us with a perfectly paired glass of wine for our meals. We appreciated that he took that on without hesitation and succeeded with both the white and the red. While we didn't order a bottle, we did note a friendly sommelier flitting among tables, offering assistance. We were too stuffed for a full dessert, lingering instead with coffee and tea respectively. When the chef's sweets arrived, it included four perfect bites for each of us. Would recommend to anyone seeking an elegant night and a great meal in The Big Easy.
(5)Alexis C.
My husband and I hadn't planned on eating here while in NOLA, but his boss had reservations he couldn't use and offered them to us, so we decided to splurge. O. M. G. We both had the chef's tasting menu with the wine pairings, and they were fantastic. The crispy lamb belly ... wow. I would walk back there all the way from Michigan to eat that again! And the wine pairings were PERFECT. All of the courses were amazing, and they were pretty generous with the wine, too -- by the time we left, we didn't even CARE how much the meal cost ;) The server -- I wish I could remember his name, because he was wonderful -- was exceptional. He was friendly and approachable and still very professional. We ate in a fairly small side room, which I didn't mind; it made it a little cozier. I felt like the atmosphere was really nice -- not snooty at all, even though I was probably somewhat underdressed. (OK, I -was- underdressed.) If we go back to New Orleans, we will definitely, definitely come back to August again. I can't recommend it enough.
(5)Stephen L.
Great experience with fairly large party in private dining area upstairs. We had prix fixe menu which was fabulous. Although everything was great, standouts include the gnocci truffle dish and breaded trout. Can't wait to try again in regular dining area and a la carte menu.
(5)Allison E.
I heart Chef John Besh and this place was nothing but spectacular! Delicious, fresh cuisine. The atmosphere wasn't anything spectacular but the food was out of this world and the service impeccable.
(5)Justin K.
Dear Mr. Besh: What has happened to Restaurant August? We dined there Valentine's Day at 8:30pm. There were three of us. Our trips to New Orleans ALWAYS include a visit to Restaurant August and I have often bragged that it is my favorite restaurant in the US. I've been to August at least 5 times. But sadly I can't recommend it any longer. The special beet carpaccio appetizer, which sounded wonderful, was just ordinary. The poelee of red snapper was very good and incredibly fresh but the almond foam and broccoli competed with the fish rather than complimented it. The banana pudding was the ultimate highlight; we lavished and loved it. My friends both ordered the special blue-cheese crusted filet mignon with cajun risotto. The presentation was sloppy and unappealing and the only resonant note was the blue cheese which, while appealing, was not that innovative. The grilled oysters were good but not overly so. It was the first time we felt disappointed, even slightly, in your restaurant. The standards have slipped, greatly.
(3)Heather C.
Not worth it, no wow.
(2)Sara T.
HANDS DOWN one of the best meals I've ever had. If you're heading to New Orleans or live there, definitely hit this place up. Reservations are a must here. I started off with the potato gnocchi with blue crab and Perigold truffle. It came with parmesan shavings on top & it went great with the richness of the gnocchi. And who doesn't love crab and truffles?!? My boyfriend had the foie gras 3 ways & he loved it as well. If you're into foie gras (I'm not), my bf said it's the best he's had so far. For my main dish, I had one of their specials: sablefish wrapped in pork belly w/chanterelle mushrooms and an artichoke puree. There was nothing left on my plate by the time I was done. This item was on the chef's menu, but they allowed us to order anything off it. For dessert, I recommend the napoleon. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Sid R.
Restaurant August serves a three course fixed price lunch with plenty of options. The food was simply spectacular, the service splendid. And to get this quality and this selection for a fixed price of $20.12 is simply amazing. That's not a typo - three course lunch for $20.12. If you want an upscale lunch at the best restaurant in town for the price of a typical tourist trap, this is your place.
(5)Tamara P.
Beyond delicious. Venison sausage, lamb saddle with house made sausage, duckling with grits, gnocchi like mini clouds and the best butter I have ever had. Great, unpretentious service and reasonable wine prices. Make a ressie and dress it up a bit.
(5)Alec B.
I've lived here for 4 years. One of the best restaurants I frequent.
(5)Nicole M.
Stopped in here on my first visit to New Orleans on the recommendation of some colleagues at conference and Yelp reviews. Reservations appear to be required but since I was solo and it was early enough, I was able to snag a spot in the bar area. I was disappointed by the watered down old fashioned I ordered but the colorful, flavorful roasted veg salad was delicious. On the server's recommendation, I ordered the blue crab, truffle gnocchi and it did not disappoint. Don't be deceived by the plating technique - the appetizer portion is plentiful, rich, and well balanced. She also suggested a Chablis which paired nicely, though at $16 a glass, it wasn't overly impressive! However, since the meal was going so well, I decided to try dessert. I got the panna cotta - sesame ice cream, hints of cocoa, sponge cake, apricot caramel. The presentation was slightly deconstructed, but once I got my spoon on all the elements, the flavors blended nicely. The effect was light and sweet but not too heavy. Food wise, I was pleased. Cocktail-wise, not so much. In addition to the aforementioned speciality old fashioned, I also tried the Sazerac, which was mediocre. The cost of these blase drinks was my real issue -- upwards of $12 each. In a restaurant with such exceptional cuisine, I expect the drinks to match up, especially at that price. So, if you're in NOLA and want a place with a elegant but not overly formal setting (still, ditch the jeans and polo and dress up for a night) that serves tasty, thoughtfully prepared food with fresh, seasonal ingredients, give August a try. Steer clear of the cocktails and go with a bottle of wine instead. Or, in order to make your visit a bit more amiable to your wallet, try the lunchtime prix fixe, which many of the other reviewers seem to like.
(3)Chris T.
I am going to keep this short and to the point. I find this to be the best restaurant in New Orleans! i love it
(5)Alyssa R.
This place was amazing. Not only was the service impeccable, but the food was more than my foodie little heart had ever thought possible. We started with the Foie Gras three ways, and continued on with the Degustation menu with the Sommelier pairing. Every course was more incredible than the previous, and our plates were empty after each dish. The waitstaff was the perfect balance of non-intrusive and there-when-you-need-them. The atmosphere, service and food made for the most memorable dining experience I've had to date. Highly recommended.
(5)Steven M.
Had a simply great meal at Restaurant August a few weeks ago. This place deserves its sterling reputation. I won't go into a blow by blow but suffice to say it hit all the high points: Wonderful Decor: Check Classy Ambiance: Check Impeccable Service: Check Robust Winelist: Check Creative menu: Check Perfectly prepared food demonstrating technical excellence: Check and Check I will definitely be coming back again and again to see what's new on their menu. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)Carrie D.
Stop #1 BeshFest 2011 - Mission: Cocktails and snacks Slightly dazed from our day long, 3000 miles of traveling, Brian V., Larry L., and I crawled into our very first stop on our week long Chef John Besh culinary adventure, August. We arrived at the restaurant in the early evening and were immediately greeted by the warm and friendly hostess. We bellied up to the bar and were greeted by our lovely bartender. As we had dinner reservations at BeshSteak (stop #2 on BeshFest 2011) in a couple of hours our immediate plan was cocktails and a snack. I ordered The Hemmingway - Fresh grapefruit, lime, Covey Farm's Rise mint, New Orleans Crystal Rum, topped with sparkling citrus soda. It was a lovely, balanced and refreshing drink served in a tall glass over freshly crushed ice. Brian V. ordered a martini made with vodka and Satsuma bitters - this was strong but balanced and delicious. Larry L. opted for a bottle of Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale. Shortly after our drinks arrived I ordered my snack, the rabbit sausage appetizer. Our bartender brought out a basket of delicious bread that Brian V. and Larry L. gobbled up with great glee. The rabbit sausage was served in a small casserole dish filled with a delicious broth/sauce/liquid from heaven, wild mushrooms, veggies, and handmade pasta. It was absolutely amazing. Our experience at August was delightful from beginning to end and I cannot wait until BeshFest 2012 to enjoy an entire meal.
(5)Neel S.
Although I made reservations here for a fun work dinner I was apprehensive since I am vegetarian. We were there on a balmy May evening for dinner and they actually had a full course vegetarian menu since it was spring. Every item on the 6 or was it 7 course menu was a work of art and tasted fantastic. You have to go here if you're ever in New Orleans.
(5)Holli T.
Amazingly conceptual dishes!
(4)Linda M.
This restaurant is a John Besh restaurant and a must go if you are in New Orleans. The food looks like a picture. The desserts are to die for, but the people add so much to the ambiance. They are extremely helpful if you have questions with the menu or need modifications to your dish. The wait staff knows the menu extremely well and are very helpful at answering any questions. I LOVED EVERY PART OF MY MEAL!! We always sit in the bar bc it's difficult to get reservations if you don't call ahead.
(5)Lucy K.
Not necessarily my favorite in NOLA... but just fine, maybe fell a little flat after all the hype.
(3)Dieu N.
One word sums up my experience: AMAZINGGGGG!!! I loved everything about this place. The beet salad is a must have for starters. I don't even like beets, but the crabmeat and bacon balances the flavors so so well. My date and I ordered a bunch of things and I can't exactly remember what, but the veal chop is definitely worth its price! And as for dessert, well, just order it all like we did. :) If you feel like spoiling yourself, then indulge in August. You won't leave unhappy!
(5)Benjamin R.
Restaurant August definitely stands up to its reputation. I have wanted to dine here for several years now and recently visited NOLA and considered this the main attraction. My wife and I had the tasting menu with wine parings. We also took our 6 and 9 year old kids and the staff was very attentive to their needs. My son, six, had the fried shrimp and I couldn't stop eating off his plate. My daughter had the world renowned crab neoki. Our tasting started with an amuse bouche of tomato bisque with roasted nuts. It was an exciting start and the kids even enjoyed it. The second course was a crudo of red fish (not my favorite). It was a bit disjointed. However, raw fish is not my favorite thing. The second course was a shrimp pasta dish flavored with sea urchin roe. It had an exotic multiple layered flavor and the house made pasta was delicious. This dish is truly something you could only get in a fine dining establishment. The third course was a pork belly dish that was in line with an expertly cooked BBQ sandwich. The fourth course was a lamb dish. This was my wife's first time to try lamb and she did not like it. My son loved it. Honestly, I have had much better. The desert course was seriously the best dessert we have ever had. All four of us got something different. I thought the hazelnut dessert I got was the best. My wife thought the banana pudding was the best. My daughter got a citrus soufflé and it was good but definitely not as good as the other two. My son got ice cream that was delicious. The restaurant was beautiful and the service was what you would expect from a fine dining establishment. However, having eaten at several other fine restaurants in NOLA, overall I was expecting every course to knock my socks off. Unfortunately, I thought several of the courses could be better.
(3)S M.
If you are in New Orleans, you should check this place out. The food is very good and the desserts are phenomenal. I had a steak dish which was cocked exactly how I ordered it. The wait staff was well trained , knowledgable and courteous. Great dining experience!
(5)Mary K.
I am a little late with this review - my husband and I had the prix fixe lunch at Restaurant August in the middle of January. The place itself has been well described by previous reviewers - it is beautiful and very in keeping with New Orleans. I particularly loved the huge windows that run almost floor to ceiling (and the ceilings are HIGH). Lunch started with an amuse-bouche of truffle-whipped savignon topped with bluefin caviar - served in an eggshell. I think I liked the way it looked just as much as the way it tasted. It was really fun to scoop it out of the eggshell. I started with the acorn squash soup - perfect for a chilly January day. My husband had the pate appetizer. Both were perfect, but I think I made the better choice. For main course I had the pork belly - which was a first for me. It was absolutely delicious. Husband had the fish and he cleaned his plate in record time. Dessert was chocolate for me and a pear tart for him. Once again - huge smiles. Service was wonderful too. If you visit New Orleans make sure you have at least one meal at Restaurant August - you won't be sorry!
(5)Craig S.
Restaurant August is in a beautiful old warehouse, that was converted into a house, and eventually into a restaurant. The building has as much character as any restaurant I have been too. In the main dining room the brick work is incredible, and reminds me of what craftsmanship once was. There are whole floors and rooms that you can explore. It is really an amazing place. The food was worth the price of admission. We had an amazing four course meal. John Besh is an artist. The only downside was our server was completely insincere. He made the meal uncomfortable. Not sure why he feels the need to be constantly smiling, but we would have all been better off if he was more honest with us.
(4)Saskia S.
What a great way to cap off my first weekend in New Orleans! Very engaging staff and amazing food. I was surprised (but thrilled) that they let us do a split tasting menu--regular for husband, veggie for me--even after I admitted that I wasn't actually a vegetarian. I won't go course by course, but I don't think I took a single bite that I didn't enjoy (ditto fort the bites I stole off the husband's plates). One thing I will say--if you have the chance to order the butternut squash risotto with brussels sprouts in brown butter--DO SO immediately! One of the creamiest most delicious risottos I've ever tried. Creative and impressive food with some serious local flair--what more could you ask for?? ** OK, I thought of something. Literally, the only complaint: the table next to us was HORRIBLY loud, drunk, and inappropriate. I kind of wish the staff had taken a less hands-off approach and considered moving them, moving us, or at least acknowledging/apologizing for the interruptions to our own meal.
(5)Mike Y.
I'm probably one of a very few people who gave August 3 stars. This is not a reflection of the quality of the service or food. Both were pretty impressive without being overly stuffy. It might've been the high expectations I had coming into here. We've all heard about John Besh and everything he does. People hyped up this place like Y2K. I came all abuzz and left a little disappointed. Again this is my personal opinion of the matter. One of the nicer touches was an amuse that was served inside an egg shell. If i remember correctly it was a fish fume custard with a bit of truffle oil and caviar on top. Decadent is probably the most apt word to describe it. I kind of wish i knew they were going to give us that though because I also ordered an entree that had truffles in it. (I must sound like a complete turd for complaining about having too much truffle) But it really made the entree kind of blah! I still had the remnants of the previous course on my palette. Wow....sounded douchier than I thought.....!! The rest of the meal was kind of a blur.... I should've taken better notes. I just remember leaving August a bit disappointed. I hope I get to go back and try them again.
(3)Bledi T.
Great restaurant, great food (albeit a bit too southern for my taste). The service was OK, nothing exceptional. I would definitely go again.
(5)Michael U.
Full review w/ pics in my blog - Positives as below . Greeted by a pair of friendly hosts my reservation was confirmed and I was led to a two-top along the wall of the front dining room - plenty of light, a great view of the street, and isolated from the sounds of the surprisingly loud bar. Water choices (sparkling, tap, bottled) were offered and I selected tap - it is appropriate to note here that twice during the meal I had to raise my glass or ask the server for water refills - a minor thing to some but a mistake that should not happen at a restaurant like August. Arriving only seconds after I finished the amuse was my first course of the evening, for all intents and purposes the dish that has become Restaurant August's signature dish - Potato gnocchi with Blue Crab and Black Truffles in Cream Sauce. Topped with shaved parmigiano-reggiano just prior to service and featuring an ample portion of crab and cream sauce plus small chips of black truffle the gnocchi were pillow-soft and perfectly prepared - the best textured potato gnocchi I've had since the French Laundry. Well complimented by the buttery sauce the crab was delectable and the cheese lent sharpness to the dish as well as some textural variation. If anything were disappointing about this dish it would be the truffles - largely lacking in both aroma and flavor I think the dish would have been just as good without their presence. My second dish of the evening was the ever rotating (and bargain priced at $20) Foie Gras three ways. Another ever-present August item the nightly preparation featured a small dollop of mousse in "crunchy chicory crumbs" over mango puree on the left, a German inspired "Pickled Foie Gras Gateaux" surrounded by sweetened layers of cake and topped with Riesling gelatin cubes in the middle, and a pheasant and Foie pate with fig compote to the right. Served with buttery toasted brioche I absolutely loved the bitter/sweet contrast of the dollop, particularly spread on the bread but also quite liked the Gateaux which my server explained to me was pickled and slow cooked in pear vinegar. While I can't say I loved the pheasant terrine I've never really fancied mixed fowl/foie outside of the version at Guy Savoy - that noted it was definitely as good as the preparations I had at Per Se and Daniel. When the dessert did arrive it was truly worth the wait - a hand-made layer cake fresh from the kitchen. Featuring interspersed layers of creamy banana butter cake soaked in rum with layers of creamy vanilla accented cream cheese icing and paired with white chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and a smear of caramel this dessert was truly beautiful and equally delicious. Making my way out of Restaurant August I have to say that in total I was quite pleased with the meal but in reality it just didn't live up to its (then) reputation as one of Gayot's top 40 restaurants in America. Having had some incredible meals in New Orleans during my stay I guess I went into August expecting to be blown away but what I received was mostly great food, adequate refined service, and a very nice setting at a good price - but then again I received that at every dinner I experienced in New Orleans and in each other case the food was more rustic but just as good, the service more attentive and detailed, and the settings more "old school" but just as pleasant. While I'm glad I experienced August and I certainly respect Chef Besh's culinary skills if I were given the option to relive one meal in New Orleans August wouldn't be my first choice.
(3)Janet M.
I will keep this short and simple - the food was amazing and this was the best meal I've ever had in New Orleans, and I go there alot. I had the soft shell crab and it was devine. I will be coming back to August Restaurant again !
(5)Irene H.
I planned a last-minute weekend trip to NOLA which coincided with a medical conference. I could not get a reservation here. We were determined to try this place, so we decided to drop by anyways, and snag seats at the full service bar. We got here around 7pm on a Saturday. The three of us had just sat down in our just vacated seats when the hostess informed us that there had been a cancellation and if we would like a table. Not surprising considering how many empty tables were in the dining room and the medical conference people are flaky. The three of us are girls with decent appetites, but we did not want to do ourselves in at one place. We shared three appetizers and two entrees. They also gave us an amuse bouche of seafood egg custard sabayon with truffle foam. It was very fragrant. Appetizers: - P&J Oysters cooked three ways. Fried with creamy dressing, cooked in a foamy broth, and horseradish crusted in a spicy sauce topped with bread crumb (it looked au gratin). I think this one shouldn't be missed. - Gnocchi in a creamy truffle sauce topped with shaved truffles. This was amazing and a good portion! (I was semi-surprised later to see that it was $19, but I digress.) - Mushroom soup. Asian mushrooms in clear broth. I didn't mind it - it had the Asian medicinal taste. My friends hated it. Definitely an outlier of the meal. Entrees: - Duckling. This was so succulent and well flavored. It came with a side of grits, roasted duck foie gras, and candied quince. I highly recommend this dish. - Scallops. We ordered the scallops from the tasting menu. I thought they were also awesome - they were stuffed with fatty bacon and had a side of bone marrow! My friend didn't like it as much. We later found out that her scallop wasn't as well cooked. Service was attentive. We did not linger too long because we had more places to hit up. The wine list was extensive - we had two glasses of a full bodied Italian red. Our check came with meringue cookies and some brittle. If I visited NO for a longer period of time, I'd visit again and order the degustation menu.
(5)Vanessa E.
Writing this review makes me want to question every other 5 star rating I have given. This has to be the most incredible meal I have ever eaten. The service was incredible. The waiter described all of the food and wines so well. He was very knowledgeable. I decided to go with the four course meal with wine pairings and I added a fifth course. They started us off with this delicious amuse of seafood custard, then I had the organic greens with pumpkin brittle and blue cheese. The next was the most amazing cauliflower soup with butter poached lobster and lobster caviar. Then They
(5)Danielle C.
I literally teared up during this meal. Legit had tears coming out of my eyes because the food was so amazingly executed. The fish melted in my mouth. Each course just got better and better. Lovely wine. Great service. The experience was dampened a bit by the loud mardi gras revelers at the next table over, but I was so absorbed in my meal, it was pretty easy to tune them out. If you are trying to decide whether or not you should move heaven and earth to eat at this restaurant, DO IT!
(5)Alexis C.
I was treated to Restuarant August for lunch this week and it was devine! From the food, to the ambiance, to the service, truly a five star experience. It is pricey, so as a dinner spot, it's more of a very special occassion place. Food - everyone at the table enjoyed their food. To start we had the gnocchi and some type of raviloi with mushrooms. Both were excellent. The bread to start was pretty good too. For entrees, two of us had the trout almondine and it was so very good. The other diners got the duck and short ribs. The person with the short ribs was not overly impressed. Desserts were amazing. We tried the napoleon chocolate dessert, the banana pudding, cheesecake, apples confit. All were really good. The banana pudding stood out as different and delicious. All in all the food quality, taste, and presentation were excellent. Ambiance - elegant, but welcoming. Not stiff or cold. The restaurant is housed in an older building in the CBD, that has a lot of New Orleans charm. Service - excellent! Our server, Randi, was awesome! She was extremely knowledgable about the food and wine. She was also very nice and not pretentious. I find sometimes at restuarants like this the servers are snooty, but not here! Overall I really enjoyed my meal at August. It is a five star experience that you will enjoy! My tips - just be aware that the serving size is "European," meaning small portions. Some might also view this as a "frou frou" eating experience, but I found that since the service and ambiance were so welcoming, I did not mind the dandelion on the plate.
(5)Natalie V.
Wonderful food and service! had the steak and was beautifully presented and delicious! Highly recommend all of Besh's restaurants!
(5)Bach H.
My husband & I fly into New Orleans several times a year to drive into Mississippi to see our families. And each time we land, we try a different restaurant in New Orleans. With August being on so many top lists, we eventually made our way here last Thursday. There is complimentary parking across the left side of the street; however, we parked to the right of August for $11.00 for 3 hours. When we walked in, the ambiance of the restaurant was already established. It's beautifully set in the Quarter. We had A LOT of appetizers... the Foie Gras, beet salad with crab, crawfish tart [not sure of the exact name], and the gnocchi. We loved the beet salad; the crab meat was divine. The crawfish was very good. The gnocchi was heaven. I was a bit underwhelmed with the Foie Gras, as I was hoping for something seared but it was more of a pate' style and we just had Texas toast to spread it on... a little different. I had the soft shelled crab for dinner & my husband had the trout. My crab was very good although I would have preferred a little kick in the batter. My husband's trout was okay... but we always compare trout to another New Orleans establishment that begins with a G... and that restaurant wins out for sure. Lastly, we shared a mint chocolate soufflé that was very different, indeed, but tasty. I must also mention the cute little tasty hor d'oeuvres that they brought out in the egg shell... so cute & delicious! All in all, the service was impeccable & August lives up to its reputation.
(5)Ron C.
My wife and I dined at August in 2006--when Chef John Besh had just competed on Iron Chef--and had one of the most ethereal dining experiences we'd ever had. Beats us why he didn't win--some suspect his heart wasn't in the responsibilities he'd have had away from his restaurants if he'd won. Whatever the reason, it was to the benefit of those fortunate enough to have dined at August. We returned for dinner recently, and if anything, the experience was even better than the first time! The atmosphere is elegant and beautiful, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and rich woods. The service is the best we've ever experienced (only Daniel in NYC is on par)--the servers glow with pride and passion about the restaurant and are there seemingly at the moment you become aware that you needed something, but at no other time. The food is sublime--nothing we had was less than this, so I won't go into detail about the dishes--I don't believe you can go wring with anything on the menu. Although it's pricey, it's substantially less than one would pay in, say, New York, at a top of the line restaurant. August is worth flying to New Orleans for all by itself. Seriously. Go!
(5)Bob W.
One of the very finest restaurants in NOLA. Both my wife and I ordered the tasting menus with wine pairings. The beauty was that we could order both the vegetarian and meat tastings and share. They were magnificent and well paired. The pork belly course with fresh peaches and herbs was probably our collective fav, with the peanut butter chocolate dessert a close second. Other than a bit longish wait to order, service was impeccable but not cloying. I give this establishment my highest endorsement and definitely will return.
(5)Ann M.
My absolute favorite NOLA restaurant HANDS DOWN. Attentive but discreet waitstaff, beautiful and scrumptious food, elegant romantic surroundings. I wish I could afford to go more often. My suggestion? Do the Chef Tasting Menu. Even if you THINK you won't like one of the courses. They expertly pair a half glass of wine with each course. I can describe a meal I had there three years ago to the detail - that is how good it is.
(5)Joanna D.
One of the best meals I have ever had! WOW! I went with a couple of friends for my birthday back in August and have not stopped talking about it!
(5)Robert N.
This was only the second time I had eaten here and it even surpassed the first time which was spectacular. First with Chef Ingram and now with Chef Michael. In both instances they prepared a No sodium tasting menu as I requested paired with wine. The food was awsome, the wines paired perfectly with each course. The staff, all of them are extremely well versed in both the food and the wine and of course the service is excellent. It is expensive but not in context to what you receive. In other words well worth the cost. I feel like family here and I will definately return everytime I get to New Orleans.
(5)Linda M.
Not sure what the big fuss is about August. It was the worst dining experience in New Orleans. Service was absolutely ridiculous. We made out reservation for 9:15 and showed up around 8:45. They refused to seat us at that time, so we went to the casino across the street. When we returned they made us wait at the bar until almost 10pm. The wait staff was pretentious. Having dined in many upscale NYC and Boston restaurants, I know the difference between great service and waiters with attitude. August had the latter. The food was ok, nothing to write home about. We won't be dining at this establishment again.
(1)John M.
To ring in 2011 the right way, the girlfriend & I spent the week around New Year's Eve in New Orleans. During that short time, we discovered a historic city with long traditions of great music, outstanding food & continuing perseverance. The girlfriend & I had the $20 Prix Fixe lunch special at Restaurant August & it was easily, by far, the best $20 I've ever spent on a meal. Hell, it still would've been easily, by far, the best for twice as much. Absolutely everything from the moment we walked in until we left was exceptional. Inside & out, Restaurant August is a neat & elegant establishment. Our host & all of our servers (we were well tended to) were warm with plenty of smiles & cheerful banter. What about the food? Salad of Duck Confit & Hedgehog Mushrooms w/ Seckel Pear (nice), Pumpkin Seed & Chicory, Pate de Campagne of La Provence Pork w/ Pickled Wild Mushrooms & Seasonal Marmalades (yum), Slow Cooked Pork Belly Grillades over Creamy McEwen's Grits (OMG, yum, yum, yum), Dark Chocolate Torte w/ Spiced Cherries & Roasted White Chocolate (wow), House-made Ricotta Custard w/ Candied Kumquat, Toasted Brioche, Local Pecans & Aleppo Honey (nice). Yeah, seriously, all of these delicious dishes, carefully crafted & perfectly executed for just 20 bucks a head, in-sane. Even before coming, we had heard praise for the gnocchi here & our host echoed that praise. So, we added an order of Handmade Potato Gnocchi tossed w/ Blue Crab & Black Truffle & a pair of Irish coffees to round out our meal. This gnocchi dish they're serving up at Restaurant August is unquestionably worthy of the singing of praises. By far, the best gnocchi I've ever had, by far. The Irish Coffees were perfect. Taking it all into consideration, the stately decor, the spotless cleanliness, the extremely friendly & conversational service, the fabulous food & the incredible value, this was 1 of the very best meals of my entire life. If I could give Restaurant August a rating of 6 stars, I would.
(5)Jaw Nelly L.
Again in New Orleans ... exited....happy to try this food again my husband loved this place we order the soft shell crab special was amazing ,for my second course we order the foie gras, lemon fish w/ chili and peanuts was amazing .
(5)Jerry H.
Best meal ever in NOLA and one of best meals anywhere in 2014. Innovative menu with prices not too high--we had white truffles for the first course and not that expensive. Excellent waitstaff. Very knowledgable sommelier with one of best wine lists in NO. Noise level was moderate so easy to have a conversation. A return visit is in order during my next trip to NO.
(5)Don C.
OMG - everything here is fantastic!!! Service is way over the top - the food to die for. I would recommend this to everyone. It is not cheap but worth it! Expect 2 people to drop C note for lunch with a modest priced wine - think our lunch ran just under $200 with tip. It was worth it!!!
(5)Joelle H.
Great food in an environment that I expected to be stuffy, but was definitely not. My husband and I were on a tight budget and decided to share some plates so we could get the most out of the experience. They were extremely polite about this and even split all the dishes in the kitchen for a beautiful presentation. The food was delicious and completely worth the price. The chef came down and said hello to everyone eating (which is usually unheard of in a place like this). The handmade potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle was the best gnocchi i've ever had. We also had some sort of dumpling appetizer which was awesome and the trout entree which was cooked perfectly. Dessert was a goat cheesecake which was also fantastic. I highly recommend checking this out for a high end food experience without the snobbery.
(5)Elizabeth K.
Not sure why this place gets such great reviews....made a reservation three months in advance and yet we waited for 20 min for a table and were seated in the very back. Our server was curt and seemed in a rush to get us out of there. The bread was stale and the rest of dinner was good but not worth the prices. Won't be back or recommend to others.
(2)Susan G.
One of the best meals we've ever had! Dining at Restaurant August was incredibly memorable. The restaurant itself is beautiful and the food was spectacular! That said, this is also a very expensive restaurant, but it was worth it. I cannot remember what was exactly in the delightful amuse bouche, but it was served in an egg and was a light, flavorful custard. My husband began with the soup of the day which was a seafood bisque and I had the goat cheese salad. Both were incredible! I had the grilled Pompano and it had just the right blend of seasonings to really bring out the flavor of the fish. My husband had the duck, which is one of his go-to entrees whenever he sees it on the menu and he said it was the best he has ever had. Our waiter recommended wine by the glass to accompany our meals and these were spot on. For dessert my husband enjoyed a glass of the Madeira. We then both had ice cream and an almond tarte for dessert. We were so full that when they brought the small candies when we asked for the bill, we asked them to wrap them up for us and we enjoyed them at our hotel later. Cost per person was about $125 each, but it was well worth it.
(5)August R.
Had an early dinner tonight, alone. Restaurant August lived up to my expectations. This is my eighth or ninth time here over the years. I can now say I have never had anything less than an excellent dinner. I started with a glass of Duval Leroy champagne in the bar as they opened. Followed with the foie gras three ways, Pecan smoked beef and a glass of J Christopher Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley). The foie was delectable! The Pinot was quite good. The beef was fantastic on the unsmoked cut, but over smoked on the other. cutting off the edge diminished the smoke to a great flavor and the beef was fantastic. I ordered another glass of Napa Cabernet which was not good, but when I didn't drink it found it was not on my bill, without saying anything. That is classy! Finished with the banana pudding which was good and a glass of Germain-Robin brandy from California (one of my favorites) and a perfect cup of french press coffee. Only way to finish was a 1.5 mile walk back to the time-share while talking to my wife. What a great night! Don't miss a chance for a real Five Star dinner here.
(5)Brian R.
Describe perfection in two words? Restaurant August. It's walking distance from the W, Loews or Sheraton, but worth a cab ride from Timbuktu to get there. The dining room is stately without being overstated or stuffy. The wait staff is world class. Now on to the good stuff: The bar and the food. They make the best Sazerac, a New Orleans Old Fashioned, that I've ever had. The tasting was an amazing concoction of tastes served in an egg shell like a 3 minute egg. Even the homemade butter stood out. Our main courses were amazing. The marrow-crusted filet that had been a bust for my wife at Stella (and seems to be the current rage of New Orleans chefs) was a grand slam home run in the hands of chef John Besh's kitchen. I had a trout like I have never had in my life. It left me short of words for the superlatives. Dessert was also just beyond. Some noticeable differences, particularly with restaurants in New York and Miami that should take note: Besh's crew manages to do five star work without a five star ATTITUDE. Everyone was low key, gracious, and exceptional. Truly Balinese, which is a compliment that you would have to go to Bali, a place where to offend a guest is horrible religious karma. It means really "best in the world" as far as I'm concerned. Expensive, and worth every dime. Restaurant August is now one of my all time top 5!
(5)Stefanie C.
My new favorite restaurant! I had trout ponchatrain for dinner. It was cooked perfectly. The squash blossoms were tasty and well presented. Followed up with delicious banana pudding for dessert. The mayhaw margarita was the best!
(5)Miguel P.
Since I was traveling for business, without my wife, I decided to try this restaurant based on the recommendations yelp. I went for the available degustation menu for a fixed price. I also order a glass of the recommended Pinot Noir that would go well with most of the menu. Well, what a treat. The chef sent a complimentary appetizer, an egg shell with the top portion removed and filled with an egg mousse. It was superbly done, light in the mouth and as it dissolved it covered my taste buds with multiple flavors, not one of them overpowering, but all of them working in harmony. It just created the anticipation for the multiple courses to come.., They also brought home made French bread with fluffy butter on the side that was very good but I made sure to just have enough of it between courses to wash out the taste buds and be ready for the next plate The salad with asparagus, potatoes and schinken and cure yolk egg was very good to excellent. A real joy to degustate. The next course was excellent. It had mushrooms with crayfish and pea noodles with shaved Parmesan cheese. Then they brought the gulf yellowfin tuna with caramelized onions, apple mustard and boudin noir (blood sausage or what the Spanish call morzilla). This was plainly outstanding. The tuna was perfectly cooked, just seared on the outside, serve in 2 squares of 1.5x1.5 inches, one on top of the other with the onions sandwiched in between. In summary, this is one the best restaurants I have been to. I recommend it. 4.5 to 5 stars
(5)Erin V.
We came here specfically for the banana pudding. It was one of those random late night adventures, wandering through an unknown city to find an new delicacy. As soon as we walked into this place, we wondered if there was a dress code. I imagine there was, but we squeezed in so late I don't think they bothered to comment on our jeans. A reservation had failed to show, and we got one of the last tables. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, with a full wine cellar above the dining area (beautiful). The waitress was incredibly sweet and funny, making us feel very welcome. The banana pudding was very unique. There was marshmallow, peanut butter, nilla wafer ice cream, perfectly carmelized bananas. It was tame, not a burst of flavor as I expected. We sat with this desert for a while, trying to process what we felt about it. The tastes were muted but complimentary, specifically created to tantalize the tastebuds, and we decided in the end it was a banana pudding unlike we'd ever had before, therefore making the trip worth it.
(5)Karon R.
This is the ultimate New Orleans dining experience. I love dining in New Orleans, and do so frequently, but had never tried August until last night. I was completely blown away. The goat cheese and peach salad is so complex in taste, it will make you weep. The trout dish has a thin brioche crust and sauce that brings to mind traditional New Orleans fare, but it's much more complex and delicious. My daughter had the soft shell crab and loved it. Oh, and they have a great vegetarian menu! Dining at August is to stop and experience food, to notice it in new ways. The atmosphere is gorgeous, and our waiter Robert knew every ingredient in every dish. He was wonderfully attentive but not intrusive, as was his assistant Anne Marie. The sommelier was spot-on with her suggestions, and the runners described every dish as they served it. All the desserts were fantastic--don't miss the strawberry chess pie or the lemon tart or the blueberry crumble. It was an epic experience in dining.
(5)Diana F.
Oh, man.... just no. Okay, we did the prix-fixe lunch, so maybe the food gets better at dinner? But it wasn't just the food (and you'd think, among four people dining at such a well-regarded place, at least one dish would be great), a lot of other things were also not right. Service was slightly strange/cold, we had to wait FOREVER for dessert, and I'm sorry, but..... the food was just not impressive! I would describe it as refined, but not particularly enjoyable. There are some foodies in my fam, and let me tell you, they were not pleased. It looks great on paper- John Besh, pretty space, 4.5 stars!!! but in our experience, reality was an inglorious 2.
(2)P R.
Not a good dining experience and certainly not what is or should be expected from what is supposed to be a fine dining establishment (and ought to be for the prices they charge). I don't usually write reviews but felt compelled to so others would be forewarned. We were a group of 9 in town for the weekend and wanted to try John Besh's restaurant. We ate a prior night at Luke and enjoyed that very much. Both the food and the overall dining experience at August fell far short of what you would and should expect from a fine dining restaurant. We didn't get the waiter's name but you can't miss him as he had very large red glasses on. At first we thought he was a pleasant jovial kind of guy who kept saying "you're going to be very happy" with every choice. We ordered a variety of appetizers. The gnocchi was tiny (about 4-5 small pieces) and the flavor was okay even a little bland but certainly nothing amazing. The pumpkin soup did not taste like pumpkin at all, had more of a citrus flavor, and was served lukewarm. The goat cheese salad was probably the best thing there. Then we waited and waited for the entree. Dinner took forever to come and the waiter came over at least 3 times to say it was coming and then it never came. Finally when the entrees did arrive nothing was hot and again with 9 people we had a variety of entrees from the trout, red snapper, the duck, hanger steak, pork chop, and the cauliflower as an entree on the vegetarian menu. First of all the portions are rather small. The happy go lucky waiter had said the cauliflower was enough for an entree which was definitely not true. It was also rather bland and not at all done in an interesting way which is what you would expect from this type of restaurant. The hanger steak was undercooked but the biggest problem was that my mother-in-law ordered the red snapper and she took one bite and said it felt like they dumped a whole can of pepper on it. She kept drinking water for 15 minutes. We told the waiter and he took it away and said they would redo it. Then we waited again for at least 15 minutes and everyone else was done with their meals. Finally when we asked where it was and they brought it she decided to refuse it since everyone else was done. No one apologized or offered to bring her something else or something in the meantime while she was waiting. It was very odd for them to not try to make some accommodation and then after that it seemed like they tried to avoid us. We weren't rude or anything. Rather it seems like they just didn't know what to do if people didn't just accept their food or service. The final kick in the pants after being there for just shy of 3 hours waiting for our meals was that they brought the bill and the red snapper was still on the bill! What a ridiculous and terrible thing to do! We have never been to an "upscale" restaurant where if something was sent back because it wasn't right that they didn't try and make it right and then they still put it on the bill! That was disgusting!! And no apologies whatsoever!! So with mediocre food, not good service, it really makes it a not very good dining experience.We would certainly not return to pay for an expensive meal for that!
(2)MIchelle P.
My favorite John Besh restaurant, hands down... Go for the cocktails, stay for the food. They are FAMOUS for their martinis and rightfully so... but they also have another personal favorite, The Hemmingway, which is a little like a better version of a mojito. What can I say about the food? I don't even like caviar (does that make me unrefined), but when it's served with any of his appetizers, it's pure magic! Their Foie Gras is just okay. I can't get enough of their black truffle gnocchi... seriously, and I love both their trout Pontchartrain and their duckling, but I cry tears of "fat kid" joy over their braised short ribs... there I said it. Their desserts are spectacular, although by the time I get to this point, I have had way too much food already... nevertheless, I love their chocolate pate, and most importantly, the little pralines you get along with the check. Great, now I'm hungry, craving August, and miles away from New Orleans.
(5)Donna B.
Our meal was lovely. The short ribs practically melted in your mouth and they were very accommodating for those with gluten issues.
(4)Paul H.
*Mobile Review* Came here bc it had an excellent rating. Decor: 4.5/5 -Bar is separated from the main dining area -Classy and upscale, as expected Service: 3.5/5 -Service was good yet probably better if we had sat in the main dining area Food Presentation: 4.5/5 Taste: 4.5/5 -Menu wasn't as extensive as I had thought -Regret not coming at lunch though I didn't know at the time about prix fixe lunch -ricotta cavatelli and house made rabbit sausage: first time having rabbit sausage. Tender, juicy and tasted like... well, sausage. Delectable! -curried white shrimp bisque: This was good too yet I still fear of BP oil seasoning. -Note the above two are hot appetizers priced at $12-13. Main entrees range from $28-42 with some tasting menu of $90-100 per person. I will come back here when I'm not a poor dental student lol
(4)Marnie N.
Incredible food, lovely atmosphere. We went for the 3-course lunch for $20.14, what a treat to be able to indulge at this incredible restaurant. The waitstaff and kitchen also went above and beyond to make me the most delicious special entree after I failed to make sure what I ordered didnt have meat in it (my fault, not theirs but they made it right anyways). The sticky rice was like nothing I had ever experienced before..risotto-like with delicious bits of crunch at the same time?! Highly recommended!
(5)Gene S.
We finally had an opportunity to visit Restaurant August on our trip to Nola this weekend. August has been on my bucket list for a long time time, and maybe my expectations were too high because we were a bit disappointed due to the service. The food was amazing as expected and our server was professional and knowledgeable but unfortunately was too busy with too many other tables to give us the attention we deserved, and this was for a 9pm reservation. In contrast, the server assistant was awesome as was the food runner describing our plates as he delivered them.
(3)Bob H.
TALENTED CHEF, BEAUTIFUL ROOMS The problem I have with many restaurants is that everything on the menu sounds so good I spend valuable time narrowing it down. This is solved at August by the chef's degustation menus, one vegetarian and one with meat and fish. Pairings are available. Among the 10 dishes that hit our table over the almost two hours we were seated two or three were knock-em-out-of-the-park great, another four or five were excellent, and the remainder were very good. The standouts included a crab, jellyfish, and shrimp salad dressed with herbs and nuoc mam, crowder pea tortelli with chanterelles and baby turnips, and a "BBQ" quail with brussels sprouts choucroute, apples, and a tangy bbq sauce. Other courses included calabaza capelletti with oxtail meat and nuggets of bone marrow, a Covey RIse vegetable pot-au-feu with smoked matsutakes, an eggplant gazpacho, goat cheese-stuffed squash blossoms with Mexican flavor accents, and a lamb shoulder & loin combo with cavatelli and chanterelles. Outstanding pairings included a 2010 Girard Savigny-les-Beaune with the quail, and an inky, lush 2011 Mordoree Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blend from Tavel with the lamb course. A Vorberg Pinot Bianco accompanied showed up on both menus. A really attractive bar area greets you when you enter, and you follow the maitre d' into a nicely-proportioned set of rooms with high windows and ceilings and lots of dark-finished wood. Reverse New York bathrooms (i.e. upstairs), and there are function rooms upstairs as well. Attentive and knowledgeable service. Relatively quiet rooms. We'd definitely go back.
(4)Pooja S.
Restaurant August lives up to the expectation! We were running late for our reservation, and arrived approximately 15 minutes late. We had called to let the restaurant know, and when we reached - they were incredibly accommodating. We apologized for our tour running late, and they politely smiled, said not a problem and brought us to our table. The meal started with warm bread, right from the oven with some of the creamiest butter I have ever tasted. This is a good start. We started with the foie gras prepared three ways - my favorite was the foie gras mousse on top of a sliver of ahi tuna, and a strawberry compote. The foie gras was served with fresh, warm brioche that paired perfectly. We then continued with the gnocchi with crab and truffle - WOW!!! So light, full of flavor and surprising to your tastebud. We absolutely enjoyed this dish. They even split it without our request, as we were sharing appetizers. For our main dishes - I ordered the crusted trout with hollandaise- this is a MUST ORDER! It was divine. The fish was well seasoned, the crust a perfect blend of flavor and crunch, and topped with shrimp and haricot verities. Even after I was full, I couldn't stop eating until every last morsel was gone. My husband ordered the Mahi Mahi, and loved the cajun flavor of the dish. He was really happy with his selection. It had a fantastic flavor, but I couldn't switch plates with him mid-meal - I was hooked on my dish. For dessert - we had the August version of a strawberry shortcake. It was served with a delicious butter cake, strawberry sauce, strawberry sorbet, a bit of white chocolate and a touch of mint - HEAVENLY! Restaurant August knows how to do dessert right, so make sure to save room. I would definitely recommend this place, fantastic food, great service, and you will definitely leave very happy.
(5)Carol K.
I came, I saw, I wasn't impressed. Maybe it was the build up that this was going to be such a great dining experience that I made my reservation two months in advance. Maybe it was the scores of great reviews on here. Whatever the reason, my experience was just okay. The food was good . . the service was not. We had a reservation for 8:30 on a Friday night. We arrived on time and they told us that the people were just finishing up at our table. At 9:10 they came to the bar and told us it would just be a minute. It was and at 9:15 we sat for our reservation 45 minutes late. And sat is an apt description as no one came to take our drink order for another 20 minutes. What the heck? I get that the place was busy, all the tables were filled and there was a rehearsal dinner or bachlorette party going on upstairs, but this shouldn't happen at a fine dining restaurant. When we finally flagged our server down, and asked for the wine list- that was not forthcoming either. About this point we were starting to have the conversation if we should just go somewhere else as it was closing in on 10pm but we were hungry and I really wanted to eat here given all the accolades this place has received. We were given an amuse bouche to start of an quail egg shell stuffed with a seafood truffle custard topped with caviar which was quite good. I started with the crab soup and my friend had the gnocchi. If you don't like truffle oil don't order the gnocchi as it not only has truffles but plenty of the oil as well. I wanted to go with the stuffed shrimp that my friend ordered but it had an orange sauce which is a no no for me. So I went with the fish of the day which was a Grouper and quite tasty. The wine list finally showed up and we ordered a great bottle of wine called "The Imposter" which was California Zinfandel blend. It was pricey and sadly- we realized how overpriced it was when we found it at another fine dining place a couple of nights later for $20 less for the same year! My favorite part of the meal? Dessert. We had the banana rum cake with cream cheese frosting which was as good as it sounds. While the decor of this restaurant is lovely- crystal chandeliers reflecting off of the tall windows, lovely place settings, tall ceilings and antique pieces, the bathrooms upstairs were a disaster. I really couldn't believe that a restaurant of this caliber would ever let their women's room get so bad. There was no toilet paper, towels all over the floor and just a genuine mess. So unappealing. And gentlemen- while they say they require a jacket- on the night we were there- there were plenty of men in their shirtsleeves so you may want to call before you go to see if it is still required. So if this is the best NOLA has to offer- it has a long way to go. I had dinner at several other fine dining places during my stay (there are no shortage of choices) and had none of these issues. Fine Dining comes with the responsibility of not only excellent food, but the ambiance and service to complement it. And on this night- the final two were in short supply.
(3)Ian C.
One of the Best meals I ever had in New Orleans.Excellent level of service and food...world class, very French, very perfect.
(5)Geoff C.
Let me start this review by saying that I am the kind of guy who likes all kinds of food. I am happy having a couple of dogs at Gray's Papaya or a few sliders at White Castle as well as Prix Fixe at Veritas or a four course meal at Craft. That being said, I don't understand what kind of place August is trying to be. The food is way too rich and all in all it ends up being flavorless. I went with the $97 five course Revillion Menu. It started with Daube Glacé made from Foie Gras and Beef Terrine. It came with a sweet chutney on top which was all you tasted and some oily toasted bread on the side. I did complain about it and to their credit they did not charge me for this. Next was the turtle soup, finished table side with sherry and this was delicious. This was followed by roasted oysters with black pasta with garlic sauce and finished with a Meyer lemon sauce. This was quite delicious but the portion was insanely small. Fourth course was a Rib eye which when they first brought it to me (way out of sync with my spouse's entree) was way too smokey despite no mention of the meat being smoked on the menu. I complained about this as well, it was inedible, and they replaced it with an un-smoked version that was somewhat better but the sides on the plate were disgusting. There was a smoky stuffing concoction that tasted like vomit. No joke. Finally I was delivered a decent dessert, chocolate fig cake which was ok. My wife had a weird overpriced chopped salad and a Trout entree that seemed to be fine save for too much junk piled up on it. Two stars only for the fact they comped my first course although perhaps they should have comped the entire meal. The lesson here kiddies is stay away from restaurants started by TV chefs. See my review of Les Halle's for further clarification.
(2)D W.
First let me say this place is gorgeous The service was great but ended up being OVERSERVICE fast Received three menus- very confusing. One had no prices so I did not know what was what....Had the Belgium farmhouse ale- fantastic and cold They brought bread to the table. I love French bread, I love baguettes, but when you bring miniature loaves to the table they are so small that the entire bread is hard as a rock. When you are a senior citizen it is too tough to eat.... Ordered the Apple Parsnip soup with pistachios It was so salty could not eat it. I love salt but this was like eating a bag of salted sunflower seeds. My husband got the oysters with venison sausage and olives. He NEVER sends anything back- his dish was so salty he could not eat it so he got the truffle gnocchi instead which was delicious I got my soup again...again it was inedible. Staff told us the pistachios were salty- great then why add them to the soup?? The combo of oysters and olives and sausage were salty they said- great then why make that combo? With that we said we would not stay as for the price and the selection it was not worth the hassle. New Orleans is packed with the best restaurants in the world -so why bother. The couple next to us loved their meal. I guess we should have asked them what to order. Either way sorry Mr. Besh- "Pack your knives and GO"!
(2)Christina K.
OH MY GAWD. AHHH-MAAAZING. I am so glad I consulted yelp before my trip! I wanted to feed myself super well, since my first trip to NOLA was less than memorable. Though I'm vegetarian, I decided to eat seafood to taste local NOLA flavor and I was less than impressed. I stuck to my veggie ways this trip, and was not disappointed. I knew I had to come here after reading about the prix fixe meal. My friend and I both ordered the prix fixe. We were presented with an amuse and some beautiful bread. Interestingly, we had a little bit of difficulty getting me a vegetarian option - the waitress said that they could substitute, but it would cost more. That always confuses me - how are my veggies more expensive? But she later came back to say that it would be the same pricing, which is what I would have expected anyway. I opted for the salad with local strawberries. They were extremely flavorful. My entree was a savory flan with a bunch of delicious vegetables. It was extremely flavorful and savory. I can't remember exactly what my dessert was, but it was a cake and a blood orange sorbet. I would, without reservations, recommend this place. The prix fixe was an amazing deal. Every dish is extremely finely crafted. They are small, but you won't leave hungry. I felt just fine, and was so blown away by how well done each dish was, and how tasty each element was. For example, those local strawberries! Oh, to die for. The service was also impeccable. We were certainly catered to and they uphold a fine dining experience. We must have had 5 or so people serve us, including what looked like managers. I just took a peek at the online menu, and my mouth is watering! The menu has already changed from a month ago, which reflects the emphasis on local food.
(5)Jacqueline C.
I'm a fan of most thing's Besh, with maybe the exception of American Sector, but even on the Besh hierarchy, Luke and Restaurant August reign supreme. August was making weekly originals before seasonal menu changes became "a thing." I guess it was before it's time : )
(5)California S.
If you are going to eat at only one better restaurant while in town, EAT HERE. My ratings for this restaurant: Food: 28/30 Service: 29/30 Decor: 29/30 Imagination and originality in cuisine: 27/30
(5)Sandy M.
we celebrated our 58th anniversary at August in March. the meal was outstanding as always, the staff treated us like old friends. exec chef Todd and sous chef Justin came by to say hello. Justin told me how to make the onion soup, which I tried, it was ok, i will leave the cooking to him.Our evening could not have been better. also thanks to Zeke,Taylor and Erin. August isour favorite restaurant anywhere. see you in October for Macs 80th birthday
(5)Jay C.
I keep dreaming about this place and it dawned on me, I never bragged about being lucky enough to dine with them. Went there spring break 2012 with my lovely wife and it is in the top 10 of my all time best meals of my life (along with Le Cirque, Tony's of Houston. Antoines, Morton's of Chicago, Uchiko and Uchi). Our Sommelier brought us a wonderful pairing with each course (7). Amazing.
(5)Ryan C.
Ever have one of those meals that, at the end of things, you just leave happy? One where you can't necessarily remember any one moment or bite that made you so, but that you just come away with a grin on your face? That was our lunch at Restaurant August. As we walked in, I noticed that the place was filled with people in suits and crossed my fingers that our daughter would put on her best. I needn't have been concerned; she was her usual angelic self. I would say, though, that the upscale clientele and service may not make this the first place you'd think of when deciding on a family restaurant. We ordered the pork pate and curried cauliflower and pork belly and mirliton stuffed shrimp, both from the $20 prix fixe menu. Glancing at the rest of the prices and considering what we got, I guess if there's a knock on August, it would be that the prices are steep. For $20, though, we had plenty to eat. An amuse-bouche of truffle-whipped savignon topped with bluefin caviar served in an eggshell came to the table. I think that last sentence pretty well sums up elegance and sophistication of the food available at August. As it turns out, my daughter is a huge fan of truffle-whipped savignon and caviar. I can see many expensive grocery bills in my future. Both of the entrees were destroyed in minutes in an absolute bloodbath of French-inspired Louisiana cooking. As noted previously, I don't have any specific memories. I might have blacked out a little it was so good. For dessert, we chose the Valrhona chocolate chiboust, a pear tart and, because we heard it so lovingly described to the table next to us, the rum cake. The chiboust was a beautifully dense pastry cream with very strong chocolate flavor and the clear favorite of the three. It's a good sign when the pastry chef calls out the chocolate manufacturer as an indication that they know their stuff. This didn't taste like one Valrhona's single source chocolates, but was a highly decent blend. The tart was fine, if a bit small. The rum cake was disappointing and, given the fanfare that the server provided for it, must have been having a bad hair day. Not that there was a hair in it. No five star for that. But the cake was a bit dry and light on the rum flavor. Still, total five star review from me.
(5)C.Rose P.
The Mr. took me for a decadent anniversary evening. A little fancy for my raggedy ass, but we had a lovely time. Considering I am a vegetarian, I just ordered a salad, and we split an app with the meat only on his portion. Before you know it, I got a fleet of little plates just for me! A lovely chop salad, a decadent eggplant dish & a lovely dessert platter with 'Happy Anniversary' scrawled across the plate. So sweet, & such a magical evening!
(5)Sean M.
This was, without question, one of the top five dining experiences in my life. The service was impeccable, my glass was never even remotely empty. The food was delicious and inventive. In our case we went there for a planned meeting with a set menu, but every course was incredible. The most memorable were the amuse bouche of a "deviled" egg with dill, crabmeat and caviar and the bread pudding with Irish whiskey ice cream.
(5)Lucey B.
This is a restaurant which maintains the New Orleans tradition of one level of service for New Orleanian locals and another for those of us who make a reservation from out of town. There's a distinct siberia where old fogies, like selves, and out-of-towners and groups of women are seated. You can hear all the noise from the front room, but not enjoy the scene. The waiter was styled after those at Arnaud's and Antoine's of yore, but loud voiced and not a good listener. For every dish, both he and his server recited the entire list of ingredients, even after I explained that it wasn't necessary; we were there to enjoy the food and had read the menu descriptions. And so much unwanted fuss would made about our being from San Francisco, after the sommelier, a woman, who actually spoke meaningfully with us, so informed the waiters. (I'll admit she was fantastic!) And now to the food. I guess for the price of the regular and vegetarian desgustation menus and wine pairings, I hoped for taste epiphanies, like Benu in SF, and they just weren't there. They weren't in the food itself, and they weren't in the pairings. This experience has made me reconsider the whole idea of high end restaurants. Expensive food eaten in conspicuous sonsumption; one thing if it tastes good, stupid and sinful if it doesn't! Would have had more satisfaction donating $500 + to a food pantry. And indeed, the best food we ate in LA were the Po'Boys after we had a flat tire in New Iberia, and the Yakamein from a food booth at the Oyster Fest on Freret Street, and if you must go upscale, at R'evolution in the Hotel Sonesta on Bourbon Street.
(2)Jim C.
Yes, this is a really good restaurant. In fact, it's exceptional. I had the Foie Gras done four different ways and it was yummy. The other blow us away good dish was the breaded trout. Honestly, this was so good. I don't normally order fish but the waitress told us it's special and she was right. Also, the restaurant was so attractive. I'm from out of town and I still am amazed at how beautiful the restaurants are in New Orleans. While this is clearly a 5 star restaurant, our favorite was R'evolution between the two. The cuisine was a tad more genuine (August makes a bigger attempt at artistry and being chic) and while the wait staff are nice and highly professional, they could loosen up just a bit to be more down home and local. It was fun that we ate next to the UCLA women's golf team (no expense issue for this team!) who had just dominated the field at the Sugar Bowl. This is a great restaurant. You'll have fun in a beautiful atmosphere and the food is marvelous.
(5)Phuoc K.
3-course prix fix for lunch has to be one of the best deals in America. I certainly thought this to be one of the best meals on my visit to NOLA both in quality and value. While I enjoy the casual service found throughout the rest of NOLA, the white table cloth service found here was a pleasant change. Servers were knowledgeable, portions satisfying and flavor combinations interesting. I'd happily go back here on my next trip to NOLA, which I hope isn't too far in the future.
(5)Danielle S.
I am gluten free (celiacs), and everyone there knew about what foods I could and couldn't eat. The wait staff had been informed and also informed the kitchen runner who brought out our food. They had several options for me and clearly understood cross-contamination risk. Also the dessert I wanted the meyer lemon desert, but it was not gluten free- so they whipped something up for me that was gluten free. It was amazing. It was lemon curd, meringue, condensed milk sorbet, etc. Overall the meal was fantastic and I felt very comfortable eating the food without any worries of getting sick. Looking forward to coming back when I am back in NOLA in August. Best meal I have had in a long time. My husband (who is not gluten-free) also enjoyed his meal.
(5)Andrea H.
Overrated, the food here is very ordinary, compared to those served at fine dining restaurants I have been to in SF Bay Area. I don't remember much. Husband ordered the tasting menu, for the prices charged all the dishes was just OK. I ordered a couple menu items, entree and appetizers a la carte. Again, not that flavorful or memorable.
(3)Jill M.
Rib eye dish was good, except they left thick, hard string around the cut of beef, which I bit into multiple times. Hurt my tooth for hours...The waiter said it should have been taken off before serving, and laughed it off. For a restaurant of this caliber, I would have expected them to acknowledge their mistake, rather than playing it off like it was nothing. I NEVER spend $55 on any dish, but it was a special occasion. I wasn't pleased to have a hurt tooth with that price.
(2)Tom C.
What the what now?!?!? This is possibly the best restaurant I've eaten at in a LONG time, and in a city like New Orleans, it stands out as absolutely deserving of its reputation as one of the best (which is saying a lot). Where to start? The decor. Classy, elegant, cool, interesting. The noise level is low, even when it's completely full in the dining room. The service, impeccable. Really, it's spot on, with knowledgeable, attentive, polite, professional servers. The food. Holy cow, the food. Everything from the amuse-bouche (foamed cauliflower) to the gnocchi to the grouper is just perfectly done. Creative, yet truly NOLA-inspired and comfortable. You just cant imagine how good the food is. The wine list - oh, the wine list. If only I could afford to do some damage on that wine list. Just plan to spend a bunch on a bottle of wine, because there aren't any cheap options. And, if there were, you wouldn't want to - this is a list to spend a lot of time on. You simply must eat here when you're next in NOLA.
(5)Michael M.
This place is my favorite restaurant. Period. The degustation is fantastic and the wine pairings are impeccable. Service is over the top amazing; the waiter overheard us talking about how the amuse bouche was presented and promptly went to the kitchen to show us how they cut the eggs so perfect (hint: An egg topper). I've been here twice and will return every trip. Great work, John Besh. As a side note, be prepared to spend some coin, but not regret it.
(5)Beverly M.
In a city that boasts so many excellent restaurants, how we rate them on Yelp will largely determine where tourists will elect to spend their dollars. In New Orleans, it's important not only to rate a restaurant on its standards, but also how it compares to others. I will also review Commander's Palace and Mr Bs Bistro (two excellent establishments that deserve rave reviews) but there's no doubt in my mind that.... Restaurant August is as rewarding an experience as any of the top Michelin restaurants I've been to in Paris, Lyons, New York, London or anywhere in Italy. In other words, if I could dine at only one restaurant in New Orleans, I wouldn't hesitate. I'd make a beeline to Restaurant August. And the prix fixe lunch is an extraordinary bargain. I doubt - actually I'm certain - that they aren't even covering their costs. $20! The Gods of Olympus are smiling down on us foodies with every morsel. In every possible way, August excels: The room is elegant without feeling stuffy. It's possible to have a conversation without shouting or being overheard. The food is sourced locally whenever possible, and Yelpers, the prix fixe menu created by sous chef Jackie Blanchard simply astonishes. Please refer to their website for sample menus. Each course is the happiest marriage of flavors, ingredients are respected and allowed to shine, cooked within a second of perfection. Importantly, even though I ate every bite and enjoyed four courses while lunching there, I felt great when I got up to enjoy the rest of my afternoon. There's a two story wine room offering simply the best wines to accompany any food selection you might make. The service is friendly, and our every need was anticipated and met with such discretion and care that we felt pampered and at home. Our server was informed and helpful. Restaurant August is within a very short walking distance from the French Quarter.
(5)Susan N.
We went for the Friday brunch and had excellent service. The 20 dollar 3 course meal was amazing. The dishes are smaller, but flavorful and filling. The shrimp meatballs were amazing and the goats milk cheesecake was to die for.
(5)Guy C.
(see explanation of ratings below) Might be the best meal I've ever had. Went for the five course degustation menu with wine pairings ($147). Every course was flawless. Each pairing perfect. Service impeccable. My son claimed his banana pudding (deconstructed) was the nest dessert he's ever had--- and he doesn't even like bananas! $180 per person for the prix fixe, about $90 a la carte, gratuity included. About my ratings: Only fine dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food (no table service) 2) casual dining (table service) 3) fine dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, typically more expensive than casual dining) Fine dining can earn a max of five stars. Casual dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars.
(5)Charles H.
WE WERE JUGDISHED*! JUGDISHED*!!! NOTE TO AUGUST: NEVER seat locals with 504 area codes that made reservations over a week in advance for a celebration at your worst cramped center banquette table in that gloomy back room (reminiscent of the old Delta Crown Room at the Minneapolis St Paul airport circa 1994, where I met a very drunk and surly Miss Eydie Gormé), when your restaurant is 80% empty and the front dining room is sprinkled with badly dressed tourists. It's not only insulting, it's bad business. $20.13: 3-COURSE PRIX FIXE LUNCH, FRIDAYS ONLY *JUGDISH, definition "The Urban Dictionary": To pawn off an undesirable person onto someone else. From the film: Animal House. 1. From the film: "Ken, Lonny, l'd like you to meet Mohammet... Jugdish, Sidney and Clayton. Grab a seat and make yourselves at home". 2. "You were totally jugdishing me on that kid with hairy ears last night." ...regardless August is by far the best fine dining experience in New Orleans. A special treat!
(4)J W.
August is very good. The chop salad is a thing of beauty; they prepare every component separately and with great care. The seared foie gras is very good, too, as are the roasted duckling and the trout Pontchartrain. A few negatives: * Ritual demi-glace abuse I've had a few plates at August where the sauce is reduced so much it's stuck to the plate and has the texture of a Jolly Rancher. I hope this isn't the intended effect. * Grill problems I had a few grilled dishes there, the short ribs and the pompano. Both were perfectly cooked, but the grill marks tasted like gas, very bitter. I think this is just a mistake, although it was repeated over several occasions. * Portion size I feel the portions are too small for the format of the menu and the prices. This is adjusted for the fact that August is a formal, "fine dining" restaurant. If anything, I think the restaurant would benefit from losing the two-course & dessert format and going for multiple, smaller plates. Or raise prices and serve an extravagant feast. Small-but-perfect works nicely for degustation menus, not so much for a standard three course meal.
(4)Angela C.
took 4 guests here for dinner and I was very happy with the ambience of the entire restaurant. service was impeccable by all server's and very familiar with the dishes. I have to say I have experienced many world class restaurants but this one had the most creative menu. we were served complimentary appetizers with a mouse in an egg shell. this was not enjoyed by all but I was impressed with the presentation and the unique flavour. keep in mind all portions are quite small but full of flavour. in my opinion this is the best and most creative chef out there. I never had ice cream with chili in it, a must try. the only downfall is if you do not have a creative pallet or open to trying something new then you may be limited with the menu. I am vegetarian and was happy that the server suggested some alterations that could be made to suit me. I enjoyed the experience and recommend this restaurant if you want a posh or impress sort of experience.
(4)Tiffany C.
Exquisitely-prepared food, delicious flavors, and a minimal frills environment. After a rather disappointing experience at Commander's Palace, Restaurant August brought the redemption. We were not welcomed by a cavalcade of servers but rather promptly ushered to a back room, where our server was attentive, to-the-point, and informative, if just a tad on the cold side. But that was fine; we didn't need a buddy to chat with or a butler to wait on us hand and foot. Taking our lesson from the previous night, my boyfriend and I dialed back on the quantity in favor of quality, and boy did we get quality. Each dish packed the right amount of flavor and was more delicious than the last. Dinner started with an amuse bouche of egg mousse (or something like that), topped with a sprinkle of bacon bits and preciously presented in an eggshell. It was the perfect bite to whet the appetite. The handmade gnocchi with black truffles and blue crab was tasty and surprisingly light. My boyfriend isn't a big fan of truffles but found the flavor to be just right, and the gnocchi were little pillows of goodness. The breaded trout is their signature dish for a reason. The fish itself was light and delicate. The breading formed a very fine, crisp layer on top and tasted buttery like toast. Without the breading the fish was good; with the breading the dish was divine. To end the night we had the banana dessert (I forgot its name), which consisted of banana ice cream, custard, banana bread, toasted marshmallow cream, peanut butter dust, and bruleed banana. The disparate components all came together in a harmonious whole that really worked for me (I love bananas and peanut butter). This was our best meal in NOLA and well worth the price. Thank you, Restaurant August!
(5)Gerald H.
This place recently started offering brunch so we decided to give it a try. Nothing short of amazing. The place looks big but there's little less than 30 tables in the restaurant There is a banquet room up stairs. Check in was good and off to be seated in a timely manner. This place used to be a tobacco place which is why you see board in between the brick. Anyways, the food was excellent. The trout was amazing. My 9 yr old devoured it, and mean all of it. The chef was impressed and invited us back to see the kitchen. It's the small things that makes the experience memorable. The beet salad with bacon was excellent. The chef went even out of his way to make a noodle dish for our young ones. The best entree was the Beef petite filet with oxtail and wild mushroom. Get it! We ended the meal with the no so traditional banana bread pudding with a meringue wafer. Yum! Our waiter was wonderful, very attentive and very appreciative of us stopping in to have brunch. Spread the word folks. Brunch here is available and it's awesome!! #nola #noladining
(5)Andy S.
I went here during Restaurant Week In New Orleans, which is where the common folks can eat at a five star restaurant for $35. With that caveat, the experience wasn't exactly five stars, but I am giving them the benefit of the doubt since it was crowded and my menu options were limited. The place definitely had a five star vibe to it, which a fancy, well stocked bar, and a romantic interior inside the restaurant. Both our meals where good with the biggest compliment going to the bread and butter. I don't know what their secret is, but it set a great pace for the rest of the meal.
(5)Denise B.
I have died and gone to August heaven! Oh my gosh... Saying the food is amazing is an understatement. I had their signature trout dish with shrimp and wild mushrooms. I savored every single bite! My waitress Karen was so incredibly friendly and helpful. Her recommendations were the best. I loved the glass of wine she recommended and the trout dish was her suggestion. The restaurant is very nice but since I was alone, I ate in the bar area, which was very comfortable and welcoming. I wish I could afford to eat here every day that I'm in New Orleans. I'll save up and come back though! Definitely worth every penny!!! My favorite seafood dish, hands down is at August! Walk-ins are allowed in the bar. You get some treats along with your check from the pastry kitchen. I just adore August!!
(5)Elsie W.
Somebody wise told me once to make a reservation ASAP for a Friday lunch at August. It's $20.14 for the prix fixe menu and it's in a $$$$ restaurant. A John Besh restaurant. Why Friday? I don't know, but it doesn't matter. If you're going to be in NOLA for any reason on a Friday, book this. First, they start you off with an amuse bouche. That's always a good sign. I love their beer list. Get one, any one, to go along with your meal. There are 2 choices to each: appetizer, entree and dessert. We ordered everything off that menu. APPETIZERS: Crawfish bisque was creamy and had 2 little crawfishies swimming in it. Pate de campagne came with lots of pickled things and mustard and marmalades. After that, I was already halfway full. They don't skimp on the pate. ENTREES: He had the beef, I had the shrimp. I liked mine and he liked his. We also ordered a gnocchi dish outside of the menu, which was one of the best we've ever had! DESSERT: (best part of the meal!!!!!) Dark chocolate chiboust with peppermint and feuilletine - amazing!!! The peppermint element was on point. Progress buttermilk panna cotta with strawberry consomme and pistachio - one of the best panna cotta I've ever had, and I've had a lot... WONDERFUL SERVICE! And their restrooms are beautiful...
(5)Sharon L.
Came here for their Friday Lunch Prix Fixe for $20.15. Yes, only $20.15! I read a lot of reviews saying to try the crawfish bisque, so I did. I thought it was a little bland and my husband and I both agreed that we would have liked it to be a little creamier. However, that is the only bad thing I have to say. Everything else was excellent! The food, the staff, the cocktails, etc. I just love everything about this place. It is a cozy/elegant restaurant, no matter which dining room you sit in. I definitely recommend Restaurant August, especially for their Friday Lunch which is very economical. It was such a Fabulous Friday Lunch!!!
(5)David D.
Outstanding meal. Best dinner in New Orleans, and a massive step up from the overdone, fried creole schtick throughout town. Service is very attentive, and the kitchen is flexible should one wish to go with healthier options than the usual fare. Water was never left unfilled, and the location, just wow! Very...August. ;) Here's a rundown on what I did: 1) Amuse bouche (4/5) -- very creative egg custard served in the shell en Francais style, with a crunchy spicy texture on top 2) Vegetable chopped salad (5/5) -- people sign hymns to this salad. Best chopped salad I've EVER had, and I'm half rabbit. Substantial portion, especially with the root vegetables, and the dressing was light with the ideal touch of sweetness. Vegetables were extremely fresh and varied, which lent the salad a perfect mix of textures, flavors, and healthfulness 3) Grilled pompano (5/5) -- I asked they go light on the sauces, and they certainly did here. Grilled perfectly, which allowed the true taste of the fish to be enjoyed. Excellent blend of vegetables to provide texture and complexity 4) Maitake mushroom side dish (5/5) -- I'm going overboard on the 5s here, but when one asks for simply sautéed without butter or oil, one usually gets sautéed drenched in oil or butter. This was not the case here, where the mushrooms were cooked perfectly and added a wholesome complement to my fish dish 5) Fruit plate (5/5) -- I asked for a healthy dessert, and this is what they did for me with a scoop of strawberry sorbet which they couldn't resist. :) Outstanding freshness and perfect choice of berries, apples, and mandarin orange. As an aside, these were the best blueberries (and largest!) I've ever had. Strange that occurred in New Orleans! 6) Sweets (4/5) -- even I partook in this decadent gift of the chef. The praline was the highlight and more New Orleans than the rest, while the cane-sugar chocolate truffle was more of a B+ Outstanding wine list to cement the occasion.
(5)Christopher H.
A great fine dining experience. The vegetarian tasting menu is delicious. The cocktail menu is full of unique twists on classic drinks. It's expensive, but no more so than you would expect for this kind of fine dining experience. Definitely worth it for a special occasion.
(5)Dynamo F.
We had the degustation menu and partook in the sommelier pairings. This is definitely worth the cost. The guinea hen was my favorite serving and each serving built on the last. By the end, we were both full and satisfied. The level of service is beyond reproach and each one was very professional and knowledge of the food and drinks.
(5)Sean D.
Exceptional. Based on tasting menu experience in January 2011, guess you can say I am slow to post. The attention to detail in every dish and the wine pairing was amazing to me. For that night we were served close to perfection and still searching to repeat the experience. I got prompted to post this as I made my wife bday dinner reservations at melisse in Santa Monica CA and thought which dinner stands out for this yearly tasting menu dinner for us it was our August experience. Looking forward to a trip back out soon.
(5)Corey S.
My wife and I chose August for our anniversary dinner when we were in New Orleans in late June - yeah, I know, I should have more free time so I can submit my Yelps in a timely manner. It seemed a no-brainer. John Besh is always so nice and quality-driven from what we've seen of him on the TV, and the menu sample looked very appealing, so we were totally stoked to go. Unfortunately when we arrived, we were the only ones stoked to be there. The girl who seated us was indifferent and unwelcoming. Our waiter left us unattended for over 25 minutes, drinkless. When the waiter was kind enough to give us a precious moment of his attention, we were clearly less than pleased and we got condescension from him rather than contrition. Folks, there's tons of great restaurants in NoLa. People choose August because we've got high expectations for a stellar night out and you'd better be up to the task. The gnocchi with truffle was underseasoned and underwhelming. Waiter didn't care. The chop salad is a beautiful dish. The pork was also excellent, although there were temperature inconsistencies between the morsels of belly and loin. The duck was excellent. Dessert wasn't memorable. Basically a 4* dining experience and a 2* service experience. I'm in no hurry to go back. Anniversary dinners should be made and served with love, and we felt none other than our own on this night.
(3)Lisa W.
I've been intrigued by Josh Besh since I first saw him cooking on all the various TV food programs many many years ago. With his floppy hair, Southern charm, and culinary skills, I thought to myself this is my kind of chef! So when I finally made it out to New Orleans, I knew I had to go to August and it didn't disappoint. The environment was classy and rustic, service was attentive and the food was thoughtfully prepared with quality ingredients. The salad with heirloom beets, crab meat, and bacon was tasty and balanced. The signature potato gnocchi with crab and truffle was creamy and rich yet not overly heavy. For entree, I really enjoyed the duck with the foie gras. The hint of foie in each bite amplified the meaty duck. I split the duck with my friend who got the fish with the crispy bread topper and because of the nature of the way we split (eat half, pass it on), I think she enjoyed her fish more than I did due to temperature and texture once I got a hold of it. But all in all, a really enjoyable meal and a great option in New Orleans for something that feels a little more special occasion.
(4)Anna J.
I came here for spring break (so it's been awhile between my review), but I still remembered how amazing everything was! The gnocchi appetizer was tear worthy (because of how good). I ordered the oysters as a dinner plate. The desserts were the best I've ever had. The place itself is gorgeous. Check out the bathroom; I felt like I was in France! Wish I could be back!
(5)Luca V.
Food was delicious, great staff, and a wonderful atmosphere. The portion sizes are perfect. I would recommend the tasting menus.
(5)Chuck R.
We mustn't count ourselves among New Orleans's refined diners. The allure of August is lost on us. In other words, the reality of August mismatches the theory of August. Service was efficient and technically flawless. But where was human personality? Everyone with whom we interacted seemed more like emotionless automatons than animated people. And we were rushed through our three-course meal and bottle of wine. In an establishment of this alleged caliber, such a meal would ordinarily occupy at least two hours. Ours? A tad more than an hour, start to finish. At a cost of $250+, we actually felt cheated. Now the food. Solid quality on the beet salad and rabbit ravioli appetizer. Tasty and appealing. And the flash-frozen dark chocolate dessert with coconut sorbet was enjoyable. But the entrées fell far short of high-end restaurant quality. My wife's snapper swam in a sauce so nasty and salty that even as I write this review nearly a day later, the disagreeable taste lingers. She drank water until bedtime and well into the morning just to purge the brine from her tongue. My pompano was bland and overcooked. And both fish portions were ridiculously small even by upper-end eatery standards. I mean really, $38 for a 3-4 oz sliver of fish? Spend your time and money at one of a dozen much better fine New Orleans restaurants.
(2)Lisa N.
So we thought service was great, ambiance was great, but the food was over the top. We came here for brunch and it looked like a dinner menu: veal, trout, etc. - but even if it had been dinner, everything was drowning in butter and too many spices for our taste. The dishes didn't get a chance to let their own flavors shine through. And we had to nap all afternoon! Everything here was good - just too much - like wearing your Burberry novacheck dress and your louboutin shoes with your Louis Vuitton bag - it's all great, but it's over done when put together.
(3)Randall M.
Well I think that their Friday (only) lunch is the best that I have ever had. 3 courses for $20. Maybe the best deal ever. Dinner takes that to the next level. Certainly whenever I am in New Orleans this is one of a few cant miss spots.
(5)Meg P.
Went there for a special anniversary meal. Everything at the place was fantastic. The free PUMPKIN amuse bouche was so incredible, I could have eaten a pint of it. The Lavender Tom cocktail was very refreshing. The gnocchi appetizer was delicious, and they had the portion split into two plates when we told the server we were going to be sharing it. I really appreciated that to make sure that we both ate our fair shares. I had the snapper which was a nice entree size. The crispy jasmine rice paired well with the sauce poured over the entree. Even if you can't save room for ordering off the dessert menu, they provide you with little cookies treats after your meal. Service was amazing, drinks and food were spot on. Overall a great place if you want to celebrate something special.
(5)Pamela Z.
The meal and service lived up to our expectations. The space is lovely and elegant. The only problem we had, was that is was very warm where we were seated in the corner. Our head server brought me a cold towel which helped greatly. The handmade gnocchi was best I have ever tasted.
(5)Lucy N.
My fiance and I came here after dining at one of John Besh's other popular spots, Luke, and being told by the waitress we must go here for dessert while in New Orleans. Needless to say we were excited to try August's award winning banana pudding, which was nothing but spectacular! It melts in your mouth and is beautifully plated. This is fine dining at its best. However it was not the dessert that won us over, it was the impeccable service. We had also ordered a bottle of champagne with our dessert to continue our celebratory engagement weekend, but when it came to the table, the waitress had realized she grabbed the wrong bottle. We did not care one bit. We just wanted to drink and be merry, she could have brought us two beers for all we cared, but the waitress insisted she pay for the bottle and was extremely sorry for her mistake. Amazing service. She did not have to do it and we told her we really did not want her to, but she did. I wish I could thank her all over again for making our experience at August top notch as we celebrated our engagement. She helped to make our weekend even more special than it was. Hopefully we return to New Orleans soon and can come back here for more than just dessert!
(5)Mark H.
Fabulous food and wait staff. A very elegant dining experience, but the wine list is as usual for the restaurant scene in New Orleans, is way over priced so plan on drinks from the bar which are wonderful especially their signature drink the Dark and Stormy with ginger beer and dark rum. The food is excellent and the right portions and they do allow you to choose from the sampling menu for your aka cart meal. Do dress up. Over 90% of the clientele do wear jackets. The deserts are to die for so do save room and loosen those belts.
(5)Chad C.
JOHN BESH. You really know what you're doing, man. For the most part, I prefer great food in a casual atmosphere at a medium price. August is an expensive restaurant, but their $20.14 pre-fix lunch menu is a thing of genius. It gives those of us that are afraid to drop big bucks on gourmet food a chance to sample it and see if it might be worth said big bucks. Well, they've hooked me in... as everything on that pre-fix menu was delicious. Let's start with the best soup I have ever had - the Sunchoke soup. I honestly don't know what a Sunchoke is, I just know that there was a lot of complex flavor going on and I never wanted that soup to end. I became a bit depressed when it did. I went with the shrimp dish for my next course. I was still reeling from the incredible soup I had just eaten, but I remember this dish being very balanced and delicious as well. It made me want to try an entree from the regular menu. Dessert was a chocolate pate which included homemade malted milk balls. The main problem with a Whopper or typical malted milk ball is that they're too hard. Well, Mr. Besh has engineered the future here. Just perfect malted milk balls that combined with the dark chocolate in the best possible way. There were some sliced strawberries and other notes of fruit on the plate. Once again, I couldn't identify every single flavor, I could only state that I loved every single flavor. I feel out of place at restaurants like this sometimes, but the waitstaff was anything but stuffy. While I can't afford to eat here regularly, this is certainly in consideration for our "splurge" meal next vacation. At the very least, I will do the lunch special again - as it's probably the best value in New Orleans dining. Thanks, Mr. Besh.
(5)Lina C.
MUST-EAT in NOLA! We had the pleasure of dining here on the last night of our trip to New Orleans. This elegant restaurant is located off Canal St in the business district. We made a reservation in advance and were promptly seated. The service is excellent, and they were very knowledgeable about how each dish were prepared. When torn between choices, ask your waiter for recommendations. We ordered the famous gnocchi with truffles to share between the two of us. They brought out the dish already split into two plates. This was yummy, but we did not taste any flavor of truffles. The complimentary amuse bouche is served in a hollowed egg shell, and it is creamy goodness with crunchiness. For the entrees, we ordered the house specialty trout and the popular pork. The trout is cooked to perfection and topped with a thin layer of crispy pastry and mushrooms. This is ranked in the top 5 of fish dishes I have had, and I love seafood. You must get the trout!!! The pork is served three ways. One as a tenderloin of sort, sausage, and pork belly. This is also a delicious entree to get. For dessert, we ordered the award winning banana pudding, and it is a very creative dish with crispy meringue, ice cream, and flambé bananas. Overall, one of the best dining establishment in New Orleans with scrumptious food and stellar service.
(5)Donald L.
Do not miss the Restaurant August experience. I say experience because it is a full blown flood of the senses. The building is old and wonderful, get up and walk around it and look at the place. The room where we dined was a warm wood lined space that opened to a second floor where the wine was viewable through glass walls. The service was better than anything I have experienced. My meal was 5 courses with wine paired by the sommelier and my girlfriend ordered a la carte. In between each course the staff changed out both my silverware and my girlfriends just in case she wanted to share anything that I was served. I dropped my napkin from my lap and immediately picked it up but before I was able to replace it the service staff laid a new napkin on the table and took my old one. It was that sort of thing all night. But strangely, it wasn't intrusive or distracting it was perfect. As I mentioned above, I chose what they call their degustation with wine pairing. That was a 5 course meal with a glass of wine for each course that is selected to accentuate the food. Before the meal begin we were served an amuse bouche, an amusement of the mouth (I looked it up) that was a delightful concoction served in an egg shell. First course was Gulf Tuna Crudo - a cold appetizer that was as beautiful as it was delicious. It was a tuna tartare served with a chick pea salad. This was served with a sparkling white french wine, not champagne. Second was Fusilli Pasta that was warm and wonderful. Served with a drier french white that when paired made both taste different and better. Third, artichokes mushroom and pork belly. This was melt in your mouth and again paired with a wine that enhanced both the food and the wine. Fourth, Herb roasted lamb loin paired with a delightful red (thank goodness - I prefer reds and was looking forward to a red pairing). By now I have been totally won over. Fifth, steamed dark chocolate torte. I know that sounds good but let me add that it was served with whipped espresso and lemon ice cream. Suffice to say, it was an emotional experience. By the end of the evening, I was ready to quit my job and spend the remainder of my days standing on the street corner and handing out pamphlets extolling the virtues of a life devoted to the study of John Besh but then the check came.
(5)Rachel M.
Going to the Friday prix fixe lunch ($20.13...WHAT?) is liable to be the best decision you'll ever make. Well, if you're in the habit of making lots of bad life decisions. Anyway...just go. It starts with an amuse bouche of some crazy custardy concoction in an egg shell. That day was garlic on the bottom, something else in the middle, and some pink stuff on top. No idea what it was, except for uniquely delectable. Very strong flavors (boyfriend was too wussy for it), but good. I had shrimp bisque for my appetizer. I died. Just amazing. Boyfriend thought it was too salty, but it was just right for me. They bring out the bowl with just the shrimp and roasted zucchini, then pour in the bisque from a silver coffee pot. Wonderful presentation. My entree was the gulf sheephead - which is fish, not a literal sheep head, because that would be gross. It was lightly sauteed, then placed in a bowl with Israeli couscous and vegetables, then at the table they poured a tangy broth over it. Boyfriend didn't like that, either. Surprise. Before dessert, they brought out a little taster of something they called "cereal," which was like crunchy chocolate puffed rice with a little scoop of ice cream and raspberries. Delicious again. Dessert was chocolate chiboust with mint ice cream. The chiboust had an amazing texture - just the teeniest crisp on the outside and smooth and mousse-like on the inside. The mint ice cream was like none I've ever had. It tasted like the most wonderful, cold, creamy, pepperminty toothpaste ever. That makes it sound weird, but I promise it wasn't. Of course you haven't stuffed your face quite enough, yet, so they give you chocolate-chili truffles and pralines to close out the meal. I shall dream of the pralines for years to come. Finally, our server Robert was just adorable. He was really charming and treated us like royalty. He always had a cute little joke or something sweet to say. My grandma had a complaint about her veal (one of two pieces was 100% fat), so he apologized very graciously and replaced it right away. He was a doll! TL;DR: This gourmet lunch is a steal. Do yourself a big favor and go!
(5)Jennifer K.
Lunch Special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $20.12 for a 3 course meal! Restaurant August's lunch special is probably my best lunch special to date. Food here is amazing! A culinary experience itself with top notch service! And everything for $20.12?!!!!!!! BTW, we did upgrade some of the dishes and offers a few dishes a la carte. Since the menu changes according to seasons and ingredients availability so it warrants a repeat visit whenever I am in town. We shared: Appetizer: - Salad of caramelized pear and mizuna, walnut butter, and Bayside Bleu cheese - Pate of local pork (house made pickles and marmalades with toasted brioche) - Veloute of acorn squash and apple with Gulf shrimp - Quail Egg Amouse Bouche - a seafood + truffle custard topped with caviar Main: - Alligator confit in "sauce piquante" with ricotta cavatelli, "holy trinity," and pickled peppers - Manchac softshell crab "BLT" with garlicky bread pudding, tomato and bacon vinaigrette - Sauteed Gulf sheepshead with sweet corn custard, succotash and tomato vinaigrette - 48-hour braised beef shortrib with smoked apple, celeriac, roasted turnips, and chanterelles Dessert: - Roasted pumpkin tartlet with caramelized apple, bourbon, and ginger - Devil's food cake with cherry, cocoa, and coconut sorbet - Crispy herb gougeres with apple compote and warm gouda - Goat's milk cheesecake - Complementary peanut brittle and chocolate mousse with pine nut I will be back!! Lunch Specials!
(5)John L. H.
Restaurant August is one of the best restaurants in New Orleans. It is no wonder that this restaurant is so highly regarded amongst the media as well as the public. My first trip to August was during the aftermath of Hurricane Issac. Power had just been restored to downtown and August was one of the first places to open. What better way to return to normalcy than a fancy meal with friends. I think I am going to make that my new tradition anytime I need a pick me up. While I will always remember that meal, this review will focus on my most recent experience. The prix fixe menu at August may be the best value in the city. I was fortunate enough to experience it last week. It seems that no matter what meal you decide to have, it always begins with a complimentary amuse bouche. On my most recent trip the amuse was housed in a chicken egg with the top removed. It was some sort of cauliflower cream which was absolutely amazing. I hate cauliflower, but loved this dish. The presentation in the egg shell added to the experience. The next course was pork pate with several different sauces. Again, this course was amazing. The pate came with two different mustards, a fennel sauce, pickled mushrooms and garlic. I took small pieces of pate, placed them on the supplied crustini and sampled all of the sauces. My favorite was the creole mustard sauce. Next up was the main course of gulf sheepshead. Again, I was amazed at how wonderful this course was. The fish was perfectly cooked and atop a bed of barley and brown butter. I don't normally think of barley as a high end dish, but the chef's at August made it a perfect match for the fish. Dessert was a chocolate tart with almond and hazelnut ice cream. At this point we were pretty full, but the dessert was worth stuffing ourselves. To add to our fullness, there was even a complimentary praline brought with the bill. Speaking of the bill, this may have been the best value I have ever had in a restaurant. For $20.13 we received first class food and service in a beautiful environment. I would have spent that much or more at many other restaurants and not received half the value. If you haven't been to August, you need to go there as soon as you can get a reservation.
(5)Tajima D.
This restaurant really deserves more than 5 stars. Our dinner was absolutely amazing. Everything we tried was delicious and had great flavor. The presentation of the food was also a plus!
(5)Joan L.
Amazing amazing amazing. August lived up to my expectations and then surpassed them. Everything was perfect - ambiance, waitstaff (thanks Mark and Warren!), food, everything! The food was delicious. We started with the squash blossoms, which were fried perfectly, handmade gnocchi in butter sauce, and sunchoke soup (so creamy and perfect). I had the fried flounder, and the crust, hollandaise, shrimp, artichoke, and crab melded perfectly together. And for dessert we had the Meyer lemon tart, also to die for. I will definitely be coming back many many times! Thanks for the great food and fantastic service!
(5)Christy C.
I can see why people rate August so highly. My husband and I spent a pleasant meal here, but we disagreed on our rating. I thought it was excellent food, good ambiance, and I would recommend it to friends. He thought the food was decent, but not noteworthy in a city with so many amazing options, and he said he would never think "man, I'm craving August, lets go back there!" I'm not sure why we had this disconnect in opinions, as we ate the same foods. For our meal we both enjoyed the amuse bushe that arrived in an egg. It was light and had a slight pumpkin flavor. And complimentary! Then we had the gnocchi, which everyone on yelp raved about, and we both agreed it was delightfully fresh in a heavy cream sauce. For my main meal I had the goat cheese and pear salad and I loved it! He had snapper, and despite him saying that the food was just "decent" he inhaled it and licked his plate clean. For dessert we had cafe au lait and their mint dessert--the mint ice cream was so fresh and minty! Loved it. So overall, I would personally recommend this to friends. I would eat here again. I suspect my husband is a bit cheap and just thought we weren't getting much bang for our buck, but this is a guy who inhales Taco Bell like its the best thing ever. So you be the judge on his reservations towards August.
(4)Tanna L.
I coulda swore I wrote a review for this place already but I can't find it. I went in Nov 2013 but the memory is still strong. First of all, there is no corkage fee. This automatically makes John Besh a freakin' rock star. I think it's the case with all of his restaurants. I didn't exactly bring the nicest bottle of wine in the world (far from it actually) but hey the corkage fee didn't exist so it was okay! I sat at the bar as I usually do when traveling. Takes a little of the service variable out of play. The bartender was nice. I was served a complimentary quail egg appetizer in shell which was a lovely start. Creamy, tasty. I got the P & J oysters. Whatda. Get this. Delicious, nicely fried with a great taste. Man it was good. Also got the potato gnocchi with blue crab. Not every day I'll be able to come here so had to get a few dishes. Wow. Such a great flavor with a decent amount of blue crab lumps and such well textured gnocchi. Entree was the duckling dirty rice. It was not my favorite dish of the night but still good. As a Korean, kimchi dirty rice is right up my alley but seemed a bit out of place here. Otherwise it was still good but not nearly as much as the other dishes. I don't even remember what I got for dessert but do I need to tell you? This place rocks. Go here if you can.
(5)Dawn K.
So terribly disappointed. We felt rushed, I barely finished my appetizer when my entree came. Barely hot. Food was ok, not what I anticipated or expected from a world class chef. 3 courses and we were done in an hour. It is a beautiful place though.
(2)Kellye N.
I came here on a Friday afternoon while visiting the city. Their lunchtime pre-fixe menu was an astonishing $20.14 (I initially thought I read this wrong). To start, we had their amuse bouche. It was not the one with caviar that others seem to post; instead, this one had bacon bits. Next, I had the apple parsnip soup with pistachios, which was amazingly flavorful and refreshing. My boyfriend had the pate campagne with different kinds of pickles and marmalades that was absolutely delicious. For entrees, I had spicy spaghetti with tripe that was really good. My boyfriend had this kimchi-flavored jumbo shrimp dish. Coming from Los Angeles, I thought this play on a traditional Korean dish was very interesting, especially since they seemed to import the kimchi flavor without the typical spice. Their desserts were AMAZING. Their dark chocolate pate was flawless. I almost didn't want to try my boyfriend's dessert since I'm a huge chocolate lover, but I'm glad I had at least a bite. He had some type of raspberry sorbet and I can't remember the other fruity flavor. In sum, it was as equally amazing as the chocolate pate. This restaurant definitely did not seem like your typical, New Orleans type of cuisine, but I don't think that's the point. The food, service, and ambience are amazing. I would definitely recommend this place to others who are looking for a fine-dining experience that is easy on the wallet.
(5)Liz E.
We went for dinner and I have to say without exaggeration that it was far and away the best meal we've ever had - on par with Guy Savoy in Paris! The appies - The rabbit, the oysters, octopus and crispy pig tails - amazing. Our entrees - duck, lamb (3 ways), pompano, trout - also amazing!! To top it off, the service was through the roof. Our server, Robert, was an encyclopedia of cuisine. His knowledge of the menu was crazy!! His explanation of the food was friendly, fun and borderline poetic. Can't say enough good things about Robert, the food, drinks, wine and atmosphere. We also loved Erin the sommelier who is a genius and absolutely lovely. Her pairings were brilliant! Don't miss this experience!! Worth every dollar and then some.
(5)Evelyn L.
I remember thinking "I know this restaurant is top rated in New Orleans, but I am from NYC/SF/London. There is no way this restaurant can compare to the top ones in those cities." Man, was I wrong!!! This restaurant is definitely up there with all the top restaurants in the country. The food was delicate and incredibly delicious. Service was top notch too. For all the foodies out there, do NOT miss this restaurant if you are ever in town!
(5)Shannon B.
Dined here with my parents over Labor Day Weekend. Ate here several years ago with a group of friends and we were blown away by the service, food and the whole experience. So, when planning a trip this time around, this was a must! This experience did not disappoint. We opted not to do the tasting menu, simply because we were stuffed from all the eating we had been doing in New Orleans, over the course of the weekend. First of all, our server was absolute dynamite! I wish I could remember his name in order to give him a shoutout. We started with the salad of bruleed goat cheese and peaches and a salad of heirloom beets, crab meat, Benton's bacon, quail egg and black eyed pea croutons. Both were beautifully plated and were perfectly seasoned and balanced dishes. Now, for our main courses, we each opted for a different entree: - Baked Trout Pontchartrain - according to the waiter, they change their menu regularly, but, this is their signature dish; I can see why! It is to die for! The trout, shrimp, blue crab and mushrooms all play beautifully together. - Fried Green Tomato - Eggplant and Black Eyed Peas - this was offered as one of the courses on the Vegetable Tasting Menu, but, you can order any of the dishes individually; it was delicious; they were tiny friend green tomatoes and was really flavorful - Pork Dish - Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of this dish, but, it was pork done two ways; my dad liked both. We opted out of dessert, as we were way too full, but, the waiter did bring us a little tray with little dessert samplers, which were all quite tasty. All in all, it was an absolutely lovely dining experience. Cannot wait to go again!
(5)David S.
OK so this place is the real deal, and easily the best restaurant I have been to outside of New York city. It's on par with three-star Michelin restaurants in terms of food. We both had the vegetarian tasting menu. Several times during the meal we stopped to remark that the dish in front of us was one of the best we had ever had. It was expensive but not crazy ($72 for veggie tasting including I believe 5 courses plus tiny amuse). The service was friendly and accommodating and some of the best I have experienced. They initially sat us next to an extremely loud table, which I (discreetly) complained about and we were re-seated promptly. Also, flexibility: Even though we had the tasting menu, they encouraged us to pick any dessert we want (or substitute anything) which was really refreshing given the unwillingness of other places to substitute anything. Also, they let one person do a tasting menu and one go off the a la carte, although we did not do this personally. The fact that they were so cheery and enthusiastic about being accommodating won huge points for me. The closest restaurant I can compare this to is Jean Georges in New York, which is by far my favorite restaurant in the whole world. My wife is a TOUGH critic and hates spending money on fancy restaurants, but afterwards she said, OK, that was really worth it. It is so much better value than Commander's, and the service is friendly and accommodating. This was by far the best restaurant experience we have had in years and really capped off a great vacation. I could not recommend it more highly.
(5)Gina N.
The "food" highlight of our trip was dining at restaurant August. I've heard such great things about John Besh and had to take the opportunity to dine at one of his restaurants while we were in new orleans. When I walked into a restaurant...it was as if I was transported back into time and instantly the movie "midnite in paris" popped into my head. The decor is very "old paris" and i loved the high ceilings and chandeliers. Service was amazing right from the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant. We came for lunch and we felt almost guilty for paying as little as we did for such an amazing meal! $20 for a 3 course lunch. You cant top this deal for the quality of food you get. (They really have the greatest deals on prefix menu lunches in nola!) It even came with a delicious amouse bouche of a seafood custard encased in a egg shell topped with cavier. It was so rich and buttery, but held the fresh earthy taste of seafood. Mmmmmm so yum. Even the desserts were delicious. And to top it off, we were left with a petite treats. I would definitely come back here.
(5)MyMy C.
Excellent meal! I had the trout pontchartrain, which was a wonderful entree. Gnocchi was also great. We shared the goat cheese salad, breaded oysters, stuffed squash blossoms; all were good. Drinks and service were as expected for a high caliber restaurant. However, I did have massive heartburn that night from the rich (butter!) foods.
(5)Abhishek G.
Verdict - beautiful restaurant, exciting food and great service. We went to Restaurant August on 4/19, party of three. The restaurant is beautiful, and as far as I could tell, well laid out - there are few "bad" tables. The service is impeccable - gracious and friendly, with a touch of Southern charm. Our server's recommendations hit the mark - the huitlacoche agnolotti (rabbit and agnolotti pasta) is a delightfully spiced, robust melange of flavors. The duckling was perfectly done - I prefer my meat a little on the rare side, and this was perfect for me. Others might prefer it spend a few extra minutes in the pan. The blackened foie gras was sublime. The radish, essential for their texture in this dish could have used more careful prep - they were rather unevenly cut, which made a couple of pieces unpleasantly hard. Still, that's nothing more than a nitpick and did not detract from an excellent entree. The only (tiny) issue I can think of, was with their vegetarian options. One of our party is vegetarian, and her grilled eggplant, while competently executed, wasn't nearly in the same class as the other entrees. Given the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets in the US, it might make sense for to spend more time and thought on high-quality vegetarian choices. Still, that minor issue isn't enough to cut any stars here - Restaurant August is a wonderful dining experience. I will happily return next time I'm in the Big Easy.
(5)Asuka N.
For our last night in town, we decided to stick to a restaurant closer to where we were staying, so we came to Restaurant August (which was jam-packed with traffic outside trying to get to the All-Star Game). An ancillary note - I do wish that the dining room had a bit more protection from the outside air, as we got a whiff of cool winter air every time the door was opened (we were pretty much right at the front of the dining room). Our waitress was solid overall, if somewhat clinical in presenting the food and talking about the menu. In all, I'd say August carries itself a bit more formally than some of the other restaurants I visited while I was here. That said, the food here is also NOLA-inspired, but with some interesting inspirations for some of the dishes. The amuse-bouche was some kind of squash custard served in an egg - very cool and delicious, although I must admit that it was the first time I'd had a dish served in an egg that didn't have the egg as the main focus. For the appetizers, we both hit gold in our choices. The homemade gnocchi was phenomenally good, particularly because the combo of the always-fragrant black truffle and the delicious seafood broth, which was infused with the flavor of flaky crab bits. If you're looking for decadent, foie gras three ways is excellent. You effectively get two terrines (one is lined by German sponge cake, which was interesting but didn't move the needle much for me) and one dollop of mousse, which was quite a bit lighter but still maintained the rich flavor of the foie. I was not as big a fan of the main courses, but more because I felt that the chef was getting a bit too ambitious instead of the food tasting bad. I got the dirty rice with duck, which was taking a local dish and putting a bit of an Asian spin on it - the dirty rice was served with kimchi, and a good portion of the rice was crispy - generally a sign it was cooked in a clay or stone bowl of some kind. While the rice on its own was good, it was served with several slices of duck breast - also very good, as it was cooked just the right amount and showcased the smokiness of the meat. However, it was a bit strange to eat the two together, as they're disparate dishes. The same went for my fiancee, who got the breaded trout - it was also very good, with the perfect amount of crispness on the breadcrumbs, but serving it alongside shrimp and crab made it feel like a (very good) generic seafood plate. Dessert was also delicious; I went with the panna cotta, which tastes very good with the tiny bits of pecan and chocolate. My fiancee had the key lime 'pie', which maintains the bright flavor of the inspiration but without as much heaviness. I'd definitely come to August again, as I found just about everything to be delicious. My only real disappointment was the main dishes, which I thought tried to accomplish too much instead of focusing on executing portions of each as a dish unto itself. That aside, though, everything tasted great, and it's a great homage to local cuisine that leans more on NOLA's French heritage.
(5)Michael S.
Easily the most expensive and most creative meal I had during my recent trip to the Big Easy. When we told Mark, our captain, that we were thinking about getting the dégustation menu, he said, "One regular and one vegetarian?" Which was exactly what I was thinking, and seemed very welcoming (many places will insist that everyone at the table order the same tasting menu). So, that's how we rolled, with the wine pairings, and it was stellar. The big standouts were the tete de cochon and spaghettini and tripe with harissa and smoked tomato. Inventive cuisine, prepared will attention to detail, and genuinely warm service. Worth a trip.
(5)Valery C.
Restaurant August fulfilled two criteria on my food trip to NOLA. One was a request to dine at a John Besh establishment, also my first. The second to fit in a lunch special for a friend who is no less than a lunch special queen. And I admit this turned out to be the most outstanding lunch special I ever partook in, anywhere, as much a reflection of the quality of the restaurant as it was the value it represented. John Besh's flagship, August, is a refined, fine dining restaurant. Sitting in its airy dining room, framed by picturesque paned windows, one could imagine it was a parlor room of a Southern mansion. You may not need to dress up, but you may wish you did. Service is impeccable and assured. The lunch menu is short and focused. A trio of choices for each category of cold appetizers, hot appetizers, seafood entrees, and meat entrees, priced as expected for a restaurant of this caliber. And then there's the 3-course remarkable prix fixe for $20.12. The trend of having prix fixe menus priced in this fashion, with only an annual price hike of a cent to match the year, is prevalent enough. But at August? With the ambience, service, and complementary fresh baked bread, amuse bouche, and petit fours? An absolute steal. As we were a group of 5, we promptly ordered three prix fixe meals, effectively every choice in the menu, and supplemented from the regular menu. Cocktails from their stately bar were excellent, surprisingly so. As for the food, the details are irrelevant as it changes seasonally and they've likely moved on to newer things since my visit in late October 2012. But suffice to say we left very impressed. From plating, preparation, flavors, colors, and textures, the food was flawless all around. In our veritable parade of dishes, 15 tastes in all, only a handful were less than exceptional, which is to say they were merely good. But especially memorable was a fantastically tender braised short rib, a velvety acorn squash soup cut through with apple, silky smooth foie gras with good brioche, and lovely gougeres served for dessert wonderfully paired with warm gouda and apple compote. Restaurant August was one of the best dining experiences on my latest NOLA trip, and dinner here is a must-have experience for a future trip. But above all, for the overall quality of experience, its lunch special is a stunning deal.
(5)Diana S.
John Besh, will you have my food baby?! Valerie G. found this absolute GEM in NOLA and made ressies for our girlie lunch during a weekend of debauchery that is Mardi Gras. We came for the prix fixe that is arguably better than most if not all of the lunch prix fixes I've had in NYC during restaurant week. I ordered the acorn squash soup, the pork belly and we split all three dessert options. They started us off with a truffle whipped custard amuse bouche served in a eggshell! Adorbs! All the girls ooohed and ahhed as they brought them out. The squash soup was hearty without being overbearingly heavy. They actually served me the fish rather than the pork belly and gave us the fish dish as a way of apologizing...needless to say it was all gone after the 5 of us girls got to it...even with our own entrees. The star of the meal is the pork belly. Holy crap was it crispy and melt in your mouth delicious. Definitely the best pork belly I've ever had. If you love yourself some pork, do yourself a favor and order this dish! For dessert the eclair is a savory cheese filled eclair that was a little toooo cheesy for me to be classified as a dessert. However if you usually like to order a cheese dish after your meal, this would be a solid choice for you. John Besh, please open a restaurant in NYC!!!
(5)Christian S.
I thought the food here was good but not great for the price it commanded. I didn't care for the amuse bouche at all. The chopped salad was excellent, it was the perfect amount of vegetables and citrus, I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. We also really enjoyed the gnocchi, it was rich and delicious, I highly recommend ordering this dish. We also enjoyed the trout, it was perfectly cooked and was really delicious. Our server was a bit lack luster, he seemed a bit high brow and not very friendly. Perhaps he was trained this was because of the environment or because my girlfriend and I are in our 20's, but regardless I think he could have been more inviting. The restaurant itself is beautiful and the wine cellar is spectacular. This is certainly a delicious and romantic place to share a meal while in the big easy!
(4)Jennie A.
Oh Restaurant August, I cannot possibly say enough wonderful things about August and Chef Besh. In addition to numerous amazing meals at August, attending many dinners, friends' receptions, etc here, my husband also proposed to me at August. Everything was amazing. The food, staff, everything. We had our rehearsal dinner at August and, of course, celebrated our first anniversary there. Everything I've ever asked of the staff at August has been done without a problem. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant and the staff behind it!
(5)Sarah M.
Amazing! This is what fabulous restaurants should be. Went for lunch and everything was delightful-- drinks, gnocchi appetizer, trout pontchatrain, filet, and the banana pudding! Service was knowledgeable, affective, but not smothering. Loved the decor. One of my top 5 restaurants in the world!
(5)Gillian H.
We booked an early evening reservation as we were bringing the four year old; they were very accommodating and I think we managed to get out of there before the date crowd showed up. They made her a separate dish of pasta and brought it out early, which was appreciated. My husband and I ordered a la carte off the degustation menu and were thrilled with our choices. Our waiters were attentive and friendly; we had two gentlemen who were working very well in tandem. The only thing we were underwhelmed with was the dessert .. We tried the banana pudding and goat cheesecake. We didn't love either one, but will definitely try some of the others on our next trip to August!
(4)P C.
Love this place. When I saw John Besh on next iron chef, I knew I had to eat at his restaurant. We had the vegetarian tasting menu and the regular tasting menu. My fiancé who does not like lamb, loved my lamb and ate it all. We got a tour of the kitchen at the end of our meal. Thanks for a great experience!
(5)Dave C.
Great food experience in NOLA. We'd wanted to eat here for some time, and were very pleased to get a late seating during the '13 French Quarter Festival. Most patrons were dressed in their southern finery. We were a tad below that fine standard, but weren't alone and never felt out of place (no jacket, very casual version of business casual). We greatly appreciated the ambience - a relaxed, elegantly cozy yet open feel. Service was perfect. Great balance between anticipating our needs and giving us our space. There were many specials, and our waiter was artfully concise in explaining each one. The amuse is widely discussed. We liked it; setting up the not infrequent theme of deconstructed meals experienced the rest of the evening. The chilled pea soup was rich and vibrant. The potato gnocchi (with crab, truffle, and rich sauce) were worth the visit alone. We still talk about that simple yet wonderfully warm, delicate, and savory dish. The gumbo was outstanding as well - although took a back seat to the gnocchi. I'm a pork fiend - and ordered their Duroc pork trio. This is why the review is only four stars. Two of the pork entrees were awesome (... how can pork not be?). But, and I can't believe I'm about to type this, the belly was sub-ordinary. Rather than a hand grenade of fatty, savory flavor - the two small strips of pork belly on my plate were tough, chewy, and ... well, ... stood in stunning contrast to the rest of our meal. It detracted from an otherwise perfect meal. J. had the beef - which on this night was a filet - wonderfully prepared and bursting with flavor; exceptionally well marbled to the point it appeared to be Wagyu (but wasn't). Desserts - - we had the banana pudding (not at all what it sounds like), which J. kept to herself. Again with the deconstructed dish - but she was exceptionally happy with it. I had the Napoleon of Nougatine, also a dish served with distinctive components that could be mixed and matched as desired, with each standing well on it's own. The toffee ice cream alone was a strong dessert - yet here it was but a perfect complement to the chocolate and nougat on the plate. I suppose the pork belly was simply a message from the kitchen to eat something more in NOLA's wheelhouse. I'm willing to view it as a one-off problem and would eagerly book a reservation there again, and hope that happens before next April.
(4)Kris A.
This review is based on a dinner party I attended upstairs. The atmosphere has a fancy feel. The food was delicious and exquisite yet in a basic way. The bathrooms were located on a another floor, no big deal. Only downfall-parking. No valet, you're on your own. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner one night so stay tuned ;)
(4)Paige C.
What a surprisingly- and disappointingly- bad experience. We arrived at 8:00 to check and see if we were able to snag a table since we had been on a waiting list for a week- no such luck for the dining area but there was a table open in the bar where they serve the same menu- perfect we thought! NOT! This place definitely draws a mixed crowd. I literally saw a woman wearing a ratty old Hane's tshirt and a woman wearing a fur coat and cocktail dress sitting no less than two feet away from each other. Our service was down right appalling, which is all the worse when you consider how much money we spent on this meal. It may be that our waitress was just overwhelmed as she seemed to be the only one working in the bar area, but an apology would have been nice. She took about twenty minutes to get us one drink, we watched the bartender make them and our server walk by them no less than three times. Everyone was offered a complimentary amuse bouche (some sort of chestnut puree served in an egg cup-cute and tasty.) We then ordered the boar sausage and the truffle and crab gnocchi to start. The gnocchi was straight up AWESOME and is the only reason this place earned two stars instead of one. I can't report on the boar sausage because our waitress admitted she totally forgot to place the order. After waiting 45 for the apps to come out we were a little peeved that 50% of them didn't arrive. What's worse is our waitress just had this little dumb smile and laugh about the whole thing. Not even an offer to remedy the situation. Even Chili's at least offers to comp me a dessert! But here where you are easily spending a couple hundred dollars for a meal, I expect service to at least be accomadating if not exceptional. The entrees were just "eh." I had the shrimp stuffed flounder which tasted slightly better than catering food. The fish was dry and the shrimp were overly breaded. It kind of tasted like it had been sitting under a serving lamp. My husband had the venison which was moist and tender but nothing really stood out about it. We waited another twenty minutes for our desserts. We ordered the chess pie (mint and chocolate) and a couple of "Irish" coffees. We had completed finished the dessert when the waitress came back to our table once again sans coffees and with her little smirk and informed us it would be awhile more because the bartender couldn't find any Bailey's. Once again no apologies. We told her just to cancel the order becuase by now we had been there two hours. All in all it was just disappointing- especially because I had heard such rave reviews about this place. Bottom Line: Will not try this place again on my next trip. Way too much money was spent for the quality of the food and the service.
(2)Elizabeth S.
My meal began with an amuse-bouche from the chef, an eggshell filled with some sort of crème filling that was very good. I had the three-course Prix Fixe lunch as follows: pâté of local pork: house made pickles and marmalades with toasted brioche; yam and ricotta cavatelli with Brussels sprouts, duck confit and black trumpet mushrooms; and dark chocolate hazelnut tart, almond and satsuma ice cream. The sommelier recommended a glass of Côtes du Rhône with my meal, which was a perfect choice. The check was accompanied by a truffle and pecan praline. The meal was outstanding, especially for the price of $20.13 + tax and tip. My favorite course was the yam and ricotta cavatelli. The duck confit was similar to pulled pork in texture, but decadently rich. Each course was colorful and full of different flavors and textures. I would definitely return here for lunch.
(5)Rob B.
Beautiful dining rooms, and very professional service. I had the degustation menu with wine pairings (5-course prix fixe menu), and my wife had the Farmer's Market 4-course meal with wine pairings. I thought the wine was complimented by the food, though I wasn't estatic with the food selection. The crawfish & country ham salad in the first course used a ham that over powered everything else on the plate - including the wine. Another entree was a flat iron steak which was chewy. The duck was really good (and the pinot noir was off-the-chart); the desert was a chocolate chess pie with mint sorbet that was superb. My wife LOVED her meal including the wines. For what we paid I am a little disappointed, but am thrilled that my wife loved it so much. I think it is a meal worth experiencing, but I do not suggest the degustation menu. I would select the courses individualy and then have the sommelier make the wine recommedations to get the same experience. I probably would nto return the next time we're in NOLA since there are so man y other top notch paces to eat.
(4)Howard L.
This is a classy, fine dining place, and great for an upscale business dinner. It was also classy enough for Christopher Plummer who happened to be in our dining room on this night. It was a pleasure listening to our server describe the dishes - he used flowery, colorful language, but you could tell he also really knew the courses, and it helped build our appetites too. Their signature gnocchi starter with blue crab and black truffle was sumptuous - small visually, but quite filling and satisfying. I also had their venison main course, medium rare - it was lean meat, but also melted in your mouth. The banana pudding was another delectable treat, and didn't look like anything you've ever seen before called banana pudding (see photo). I was a guest at this outing, but I do hope to return some day to this historic place for a special occasion. I didn't read up on Chef John Besh, but besides being a fine chef, I hear he is a local guy who really supported the locals during their tough times.
(5)Sarah O.
The service is great. The food is okay not too special. The potions are amazingly small compare to the price but I guess this is what I have to pay for a fancy restaurant in downtown area. I guess the only thing I can complain here is about the prices
(3)Cristina T.
Being the huge John Besh fan I am, I was overjoyed when we got a last minute reservation. I had tried a couple months prior with no luck. As soon as I walked in, I knew this restaurant was going to be one to remember. The interior is breathtaking, with a beautiful wine cellar upstairs. We were greeted with the amuse, which was served in a hollowed out egg. We placed orders for drinks as we perused the menu. Our server was quite knowledgeable, yet a little awkward. After we had placed our orders, my friends received their drinks. I waited for mine for about 30 minutes. When I mentioned it to the server she said they were "still working on it". I asked if I could cancel since we were going to split a bottle of wine instead and she unapologetically walked away. Despite my strange encounter, our first course was phenomenal. Our group of 4 split the foie gras that was more than enough for our group. It was served in 3 different preparations and I enjoyed each buttery bite that touched my lips. We also ordered the boar sausage which was my favorite because of its complex flavors. The potato gnocchi was also amazing. We also split our entrees and my hands-down favorite was the marrow crusted filet. It had to have been one of the best pieces of meat I have ever tasted. The venison was also unique and flavorful while the duck was the perfect combination of ingredients. We also ordered the flounder, which was perfectly cooked, but not my favorite of the meal. We ended our deal with some mini cream puffs and other misengardes(sp?). I think by the end of our 3 hour meal our server began to warm up to us. August is a once and a lifetime dining experience that I will never forget.
(4)Sandy W.
The prix fixe lunch is an amazing deal, at 3 courses for $20.12. The meal is also accompanied by an amuse bouche in an eggshell (what's in it is different by the day), and followed by several one bite sweet treats with your check. I had the salad, Gulf sheepshead poele, and meyer lemon mousse. The salad was beautifully arranged, tasty, and well balanced. I enjoyed the poele, but thought it was heavy handed on the butter. The mousse was refreshing, but I didn't enjoy the candied cranberries and felt like the dish could have done without them. Another thing that I will mention is that my friend ordered the pate for her appetizer, and I thought it was such an inviting and beautifully plated dish. You get a huge hunk of pate and several different condiments/accompaniments. It is a lovely place to have a meal. I highly recommend trying it!
(5)Leilane V.
What an absolute treat! The ambiance, the service, the creative spirit, the quality of the food....It just does not get any better than this! Wow!
(5)Candice M.
People have ranted and raved about the food at this restaurant and I've been to a couple John Besh places. I refused to go anywhere else for my birthday. I was somewhat disappointed with the flavors of the food. I really was trying to love it and I didn't. Also, we were probably the youngest couple in the restaurant because of the menu prices a little awkward.
(3)Jackie A.
Came here for my anniversary and had a great time. The atmosphere is nice and not as stuffy as I predicted. I had 2 amazing cocktails and a great glass of wine, I REALLY appreciate having a decent wine by the glass selection since my guy doesn't drink wine; definitely didn't expect that at such an upscale place. As for the food: the gnocci and the oysters were amazing- some of the most tasty dishes I've had. As was our desert - the banana pudding. Our entrees were good, but not mind blowing. I tried both the duck and the filet and was a little underwhelmed. Four stars because I really really enjoyed the experience - my appetizers, drinks, and desserts were outstanding. I must go back and try the lunch special some time.
(4)Jorge L.
Had a reservation at 9:45 so we couldn't resist and had oysters again at Felix around 6pm. We got to restaurant august a little early but they were able to sit us immediately and everyone was super nice. We decided to have a light dinner and shared the crab and burrata tart which was creamy, sweet and salty because of the fish roe on top. I had the octopus appetizer as my main dish and it was one of the best cooked octopus I have had. My wife had the gnocchi with shaved black truffle and crab also an appetizer as a main dish, she said they were very good and the waitress mentioned they were one of the best dishes on the menu. The restaurant is elegant and classic without being stuffy or pretentious. The food was great and totally worth the visit.
(4)Chris D.
Restaurant August was a breath of fresh air. Beautifully decorated, great service, not stuffy but not informal and of course the food was absolutely incredible. My girlfriend and I split the appetizer; potato gnocchi with blue crab and truffle. It was hot and perfectly seasoned. For entrees we shared the pho and the trout with wild mushroons, crab and hollandaise. Amazing. Savored every single bite. For dessert we had the chocolate napoleon with salted toffee ice cream: another homerun. Afterwards, they took us back to the kitchen and the kitchen crew gave us a standing ovation. I haven't had a better meal or experience in quite a long time. Will return when I come back to NO. Food : A+ Service : A+ Ambience : A Cleanliness : A Value : A Go here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)John S.
I was in town on business, and so I ate here alone. While the rest of the conference attendees were tucking into a steak, I sat at my table at August, and was served brilliant food by attentive staff. From ambiance to ingredients to preparation, Restaurant August succeeded on all points. I started with an amuse-bouche (custard and foam served in an egg shell) that was so well-balanced and savory that I actually audibly exhaled after the first bite. My main course was a trio of pork - a brilliant sausage, a magnificently tender shoulder and a ravioli filled with (I believe) pork cheek. All three were excellent, and sat well together both on the plate and in my stomach. I finished my meal with a goat cheese cheesecake that was strongly goaty, but still delicately composed. Overall, it was a magnificent meal - maybe one of the finest I've ever eaten. If only I got my company to pay for it.
(5)Erica L.
Nice ambience, great service, delicious food. This place reminds me of somewhere you'd find in SF - it's prob the French cuisine and therefore it's much more "foo foo" and upscale w/ a modern feel than what you'd expect in New Orleans. Despite the small portions, we had a great meal, which included: -french bread - you expect any French restaurant to have bomb ass bread and butter, and Restaurant August did not disappoint -chop salad - a various mix of vegetables vs. leafy greens. beautiful presentation and absolutely delicious and super fresh (This dish was very San Franciscan to me; tasted very "farm to table" as if the ingredients were picked outside in a garden that day) -blue crab gnocchi - solid, but i prefer my gnocchi to be more dense than pillowy/light as these were. The blue crab and the sauce were fantastic, though. -duck - BOMB.COM. wish it were double in size but this was amaaaaazing and prob some of the best duck I've ever had. The flavors were perfect, and the duck breast perfectly cooked -my BF got the venison, which was solid but not as good as the duck (but a bigger portion). -dessert - we didn't get anything from the dessert menu but they gave us complimentary dessert bites (a strawberry jelly and lemon custard tart - both excellent) Highly recommended, but don't come starving if one of your goals is to leave stuffed (or just order more than us).
(4)Kevin B.
Super fancy dining, this is the type of place where you pull out your phone to google words on the menu. I got the steak and it was awesome. Also the blue crab gnocchi is crazy good. We had a gift card for $150 and we got there real quick just the two of us. Pricey, but real good.
(4)A K.
I was really excited to go to August for dinner during a recent trip to New Orleans with my sister because I'd heard great things and I'm also a big John Besh fan (because of the Top Chef New Orleans season). Unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed and unimpressed. The best part of the meal was the starter - I ordered the gnocchi and it was pretty delicious. After this, however, things went downhill. For my main course I got the dirty rice and duck, but I found this to be too salty and the flavoring on the rice was overwhelming. I couldn't finish the dish. For dessert I got the banana pudding and it was... well, fine for banana pudding, but nothing special. Aside from the food being average, the most disappointing part of the meal was the service. The maitre d' was so condescending and rude to my sister and I (perhaps because we looked young?) and we felt that he did not take the time to fully explain the menu to us. Later we heard him telling the table next door that they could order individual dishes off the tasting menu, which he did not tell us and which would have changed what we ended up ordering. It seemed as though he was rushing us through the entire dinner and it made for a very unpleasant experience. New Orleans is full of amazing food and restaurant choices and it can be difficult to fit in all the meals you want into the days you have. Because of that, I wish we hadn't wasted a meal on August - we ended up paying a lot for bad service and mediocre food.
(2)Michael B.
Best restaurant in NOLA. Hands down. The three key dimensions of service, ambiance and food were all sheer perfection. No aspect is overlooked here. Service - Just enough attention and care without it feeling too intrusive or stuffy. Ambiance - I woudl assume that it's typically quieter here normally, but we were here during Final Four weekend, so a lot of roudy fans who have been drinking all day. Great decor though, very inviting and yet elegant atmosphere. Food - Phenomenal. The gnocchi, duck and stuffed trout were unbelievable! Also had the goat cheese cake and deconstructed bread pudding. Everything was prepared masterfully. The combinations of flavors, the quality of the ingredients, the attentiveness to each item on the plate made each dish simply outstanding. Loved, loved, loved this place.
(5)Sasha B.
Everything at this restaurant is top notch - the food, the service and the atmosphere. While making a lunch reservation, the woman on the phone informed me that they were doing a 3-course lunch for $20.13, to celebrate the end of the year. What an amazing idea, and what an incredible deal! The food was spectacular and the service was classy and very professional. And at the end of the meal they presented us (and everyone else in the restaurant) with a small box containing two truffles!
(5)Libby V.
Dear John, We saved the best for last, didn't we? It's not that we didn't try before...only to be told you don't serve lunch on Sunday, and don't have happy hour on Monday (or any day for that matter). Bummer. But that didn't turn me of f... quite the opposite. It only made me long for you that much more. I'm not a woman who takes no for an answer. Thursday for lunch it is. We put on our finest...hubby complaining all the way. (We've established he's jealious of our relationship). So happy to finally to be here. First was an amuse bouche. Seafood Custard in an egg shell. yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… Beautiful...but hubby wasn't sure. I asked if it had shell fish in it (he has an allergy), and they assured me it didn't. But waiter came over to inquire about the question so they could take extra precaution. Nice - typical of the extra attention here. We both tasted it. He passed, I was unsure as it tasted of foam (not my favorite.) I didn't give up, and the further down I got the more custard texture and delicious it was. Ate mine and hubby's. i started with a salad of grilled Chilton peaches, aceto balsamico, basil pesto, bacon crisp and whipped ricotta. To say these flavors "work" is an understatement. Just the right amount of foreplay...I was so ready for the encore. Hubby had the market vegetable chop salad with petite herbs and champaigne vinigrette. The market vegetables were plentiful that day...there was everything but the kitchen sink in this salad. Even though he thought the restaurant was "fancy smancy" he couldn't keep the joy off his face while eating this. Life is good! On to the entrees. Hubby had cast iron roast short ribs, and they had black eyes peas with them. He loves black eyed peas. I love it when he's happy. I had blanquette de veau (veal), creole cream cheese malfatti, agrodolce mustard greens, tomato confit. They put this in front of me, and I inhaled it so fast I forgot to take the picture. yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… (That's why the photo is an empty bowl). If there was a top ten list of things I ever put in my mouth, these dumplings would be #1. I can't even find the words to describe them...heavenly, melt-in your mouth, critron flavored, light, explosion in your mouth flavor...take your pick. All true. These are new on the menu. PLEASE KEEP THEM. As if I wasn't sated, dessert started with coffee. OMG. Even this is an event - not just a cup of coffee...it comes in a silver pot that is pressed, sugar cubes with silver tongs and creamer. yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… And dessert. You didn't think I would leave without dessert, did you? Milk Chocolate peanut butter croquant with salted carmel and McEwen's buttered popcorn ice cream. Who is McEwen? You're not cheating on me are you? yelp.com/biz_photos/I3Uy… If you were, I could forgive you for this finale. Hubby and I savored every bite, smiling at one another along the way. And last, but not least, a plate of peanut brittle and chocolates. Perfect finish to a peerfect meal. Color me happy:) Just when I think you can't outdo yourself, you manage to surprise me yet again. It's no wonder I can't stay away...who could? Oh yes, I'll be back...you can count on it. Love, Libby PS - Hubby's favorite Besh Restaurant is Besh Steakhouse, mine is August. Just so you know.
(5)Jenny M.
I have dreams about this place. I ate here with friends years ago, after visiting Nola for French Quarter Festival. It's beautiful. The food is an experience for all of the senses. The wait staff is attentive and anticipates your every possible need. I want to go to New Orleans again and have my "big budget blow out dinner" here, again. I think it actually made me taller and smarter too.
(5)Vanessa B.
In town for one night, I decided to check out Restaurant August after reading many people's favorable reviews online. It was delicious! I started with the crab gnocchi with a little bit of truffle - it truly was heaven. I have never had gnocchi as light and fluffy as this, it made me feel like I had never truly had gnocchi until now. I decided to order the snapper for my main course and it was definitely good, very crispy delicious skin, perfectly cooked, but I wasn't amazed. I really wanted the tuna that was on the degustation menu, and it is my fault for not asking if you could order dishes from the menu a la carte, but after I ordered the snapper my server told the party next to me they could order a la carte off of it. I was kind of bummed, but again it was mostly my fault for not asking. I was really impressed with the drinks here and loved the bartender. She made me a fantastic daiquiri and an even better martini (it is called August refresher on the menu). I would definitely go back here, especially now that I know you can order items off of the degustation menu without getting the whole thing!
(4)Anna H.
I am starting to think my expectations are too high after reading the other reviews here, but to be fair I did give August two tries before I wrote this review. I had the tasting menu paired with wines both times. The first time was during Mardi Gras, so I wrote that off as bad experience during a busy tourist time. I then went back when they weren't as busy. The food was not exceptional and neither was the service. The one exception was the sommelier. I met her the second time. I don't mind paying for a good meal and a great experience, but I really dislike a subpar experience at an establishment that is known for using local, fresh ingredients and during my visits the ingredients were not fresh. Both times August was a huge disappointed. The upside, both times I was able to get same day reservations. So perhaps I hit them at bad times.
(1)Logan J.
I just finished my second meal at a John Besh restaurant today. The first was American Sector, the second was here, August. The first meal was fantastic. The second one, at August, not so much. The food averaged 4/5. The free homemade sourdough and local butter was okay. The bread was no better than the par-baked loaves you can get at decent grocery stores. Our starters were good. Quite good actually. Our 1st courses were both pretty tasty, even if the fish wasn't the freshest I've ever had. Our entrees were both excellent, on par with some of the best places I've eaten at anywhere. The dessert was mediocre. All in all, the food did not disappoint, even if it didn't dazzle. One of our servers, a young lady, was fantastic. Charming, funny, prompt but not in the way; everything I want in a wait person. The male server was okay. If the above was the full story, the review would be a high four. BUT... As we started on our appetizers a table of ten was seated next to us and from the moment they walked in to the room until the moment we walked out, the only thing we could focus on was their obnoxiously loud story-telling, their horrid, hyena-like laughing and their awfully cliche fist pumping and chants of "Winning!", which in fact, they were not. Why the hell were they not asked to be quiet or leave? When you pay $$$ for dinner, are you not paying for the atmosphere? Does a table full of apes and hyenas not ruin everyone's dinner? We heard some waiters talking about them but no one did anything about it. Get some balls August. Save the dinners of your 100 other patrons by taking away the dinner privileges of the problem ten.
(3)Nate S.
My girlfriend and I had a spectacular dinner here a few months ago, one of the most memorable meals of our lives. Spring onion soup w/ bacon and a fresh egg was our favorite, but there were many great courses. Our waiter constantly refilled our accompanying wines. Very generous, I had never seen this done with a prix fixe wine pairing before. At the end of the meal we were among the last diners in the restaurant. Our waiter said the pastry chef was working on some new things she wanted us to try. He brought out four different desserts to cap the night. A tremendous, magical meal. Went back recently for the $20 prix fixe lunch. This is really an exceptional value, three courses at one of the best restaurants in the city for a very reasonable price. One nitpick: the amuse bouche was the same both times, a seafood custard in an egg shell. Not my favorite and, in any case, time to switch it up! Go for dinner for a transcendent experience, or for lunch for an outstanding value. Either way you won't be disappointed.
(5)Shuo H.
This place is actually 3 1/2 for me. I need to stop having high expectations... maybe I'll enjoy my food more if I'm not in a certain mindset before I even eat anything :T I took my bf here for his birthday, and we found the food to be a little underwhelming, sadly to say; not that it was bad, oh no, far from that, but just not the best thing we ever ate. I had the gnocchi appetizer, which was very good, but rich. He had a seasonal salad [which one you ask? he doesn't remember :x haha fail), and it was OK in his book. For the entree, I had the breaded trout, which was really good, but again, very rich. He had the duck, which was amazing actually [so this would be what I recommend to other people]; I asked my bf what was in it again, and he simply said "duck stacked on top of magic" haha... For dessert, we shared the chocolate tart, which again, was good, but not great. Really random, but I liked our waiter's glasses haha.
(3)John M.
Great food. Good ambiance. Wait staff efficient but decidedly distant. I could have given this restaurant a 5 were it not for the lack of joie de vivre of the wait staff.
(4)Shannon S.
I've eaten lunch, dinner, and been to some special events at August. I've certainly had some 5 star meals but on average I would say the experience is typically a 4 star for me. The food has generally been very good with the portion size a bit lacking for the price at times. Service has always been outstanding and I've always felt very well taken care of here. The most interesting experience I ever had here was for a special lunch with the featured speaker being none other than that ass clown recovery czar, Ed Blakely. This was very early in the Katrina recovery process and Ed explained to us his main plan for our recovery was centered on the fact that he was a vegetarian and people in New Orleans didn't eat enough vegetables so he believed our recovery should focus on building more green groceries in every neighborhood and riding our bicycles more. At that time he was certainly putting the cart before the horse and I think we had a lot more pressing problems to focus on, like repairing basic services and infrastructure, so that probably explains why he was such a dismal failure. Lunch has seemed to be a pretty simple affair and not at all crowded like some other well known venues in the city. There also never seem to be any great drink specials like other places offer during lunch so generally I wouldn't really recommend this as a "fun" lunch spot but they do have a GREAT value with a $20 lunch special but I think to get the full experience dinner is my preferred meal here.
(4)Patrick B.
Monkey Bread!
(5)Susan S.
One of the best meals I have ever eaten. Atmosphere. Price. Presentation. Taste. We had prix fixe lunch today, a bargain at $20.12. The amuse Bouche, beautiful subtle flavors. Every course perfection to behold and to eat. As good as any meal I've had in NY, SF or inn at Little Washington. Only complaint: my friend's 3 cups of hot tea cost as much as her meal!
(5)K B.
OK here we go, if you look at my- who am i, you will understand me when i say i have been their and done that, that would be a good assumption based on my back ground, a lot of gobbly gook to get here, so be patient have some understanding, but the following is a true and a real experience. Everything was going well when we showed up for our 5:30pm reservation. After ordering one bottle of Kosta-Browne pinot at the bar before dinner, plus a "301" for my girl friend, waiting for our table and having an "attitude adjustment hour* before dinner. Then we were informed our table was ready and were seated by the hoatess. The Appetizers were good, pate and oysters after ordering another bottle of Kosta-Browne Pinot, our entrees were served, duck for my son, trout for my girl friend, and grouper for me the big dog. The duck was good according to my Son, and the trout was acceptable as expressed by my girl friend. As for the grouper plain and simple it was so damn salty, I could not choke it down, after two bites. I took two bites because I could not believe my taste buds on the first bite hence two bites. enough said.
(2)Ellen C.
My companion (a vegetarian) and I (vegan) dined here on my birthday a few weeks ago. I know you're thinking, "Vegans can't dine at finer establishments, pffffttt! What's wrong with you?!" but ohhh au contraire - I thoroughly enjoyed my Restaurant August experience! I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty of the particulars of my dinner because I'm assuming John Besh and his kitchen staff just randomly conjured up creations accommodating our dietary restrictions (I did take some awful photos if you care to look), but it was all rather inventive and delicious. Heck, I am not so sure I completely believe most of my food was vegan because a couple things had a rather creamy consistency, but maybe they were well-versed in the ways of vegan cooking? My companion received a different item from me every course, that was vegetarian, and possibly tastier since it permitted more food options/variety - his food was definitely more attractive, I can say . . . ha ha. Nonetheless I really enjoyed my meal - it was all quite delicious and flavorful. The pairing of wines with each course was fantastic and perfect. I can't recall any other time I've enjoyed a dinner with each course accompanied by a complementary wine. If you have to excuse yourself to attend to um, nature, be sure to note the wine chiller nearby the restrooms - the wines are stored at their meticulous temperatures - some only two degrees apart . . . Restaurant August wine = srs business. Of course, unsurprisingly, the service was impeccable with a place of this caliber. No complaints there. The interior was very elegant as expected and the crowd consisted of older, well-dressed diners - this is definitely not a place to tow along unruly loud children . . . So really, this was a lovely experience, one of the loveliest birthday meals ever . . . five stars well deserved.
(5)Dan M.
There is a reason that New Orleans is considered the food capital of America.....this is it. If I could give August more than five stars I certainly would. My experience was outstanding from the minute I entered and was presented with an amuse bouche, until I sipped the last drop of moscato and ate the final piece of chocolate chess pie. I was extremely excited to try a John Besh restaurant and knew I had to seize this opportunity when I was in town. First off, I loved the entire atmosphere of this place. It possessed all the old world charm I envision when thinking of classic southern architecture, specifically in New Orleans. It had the feeling of classic southern hospitality embedded with just enough touches of modernity to remind you, that you are seated in a five star restaurant. When going to place such as this I almost feel it a disservice to not try the tasting menu so of course we had the degustation with pairings. The first course was literally one of the best things I've had in my life. In fact I speak so highly of this course I think my family and friends are sick of hearing of it. For being a simple salad it was anything but simple. It was composed of watermelon, smoked lamb bacon, fried peppers and a herbed yogurt sauce. The richness of bacon against the sweetness of the watermelon and tempering of yogurt sauce were the very definition of the characteristic the great Geoffrey Zakarian describes so aptly as "balance". The entire course of the meal was augmented with some of the best service I have ever received. We essentially had an army at our beck and call which was of course not necessary as they anticipated our needs with an almost clairvoyant perception. I can't say enough great things about this restaurant, my only critique is that I came here first which left all other venues under the strong shadow of John Besh.
(5)Kim-Thao H.
I went to Restaurant August last night for the first time because of the $35 dinner special for We Live To Eat Restaurant Week. I expected A LOT from this place since I've heard so much about it. For my cold app, I got the fromage de tete, which was very different...in a good way. The flavors worked so well with each other and I loved the cherry mustard it came with. For my hot app, I got the sheepshead, which tasted wonderful with the sauce and the greens. As my entree, I got the lamb ravioli , which was so full of flavors! I loved it! My boyfriend got the duckling and I had a small bite and really wished it was my entree! Hahaha. It was fantastic! The only thing I did not like so much was my dessert. It was a peanut butter and chocolate croquant (fancy for candy car) with salted caramel ice cream and caramel popcorn. In my head I'm just like,"Really??! I could make this at home!" It was like they decided to go to a grocery store to pick out a bunch of stuff to create a new dessert. For a dessert lover like me, it was such a huge disappointment. I really wish my dinner didn't end on that bad note. Other than that, everything from the service to the ambience was just splendid! I wish I was able to afford more meals like this more often. Hopefully I could catch the $20 Prix Fixe lunch one day. I'm really interested in trying the pate and the gnocci that I've heard so much about!
(4)Mona F.
The food was unique and impeccably served. We had a group of seven with everyone having a different appetizer, different entree and different dessert. Even with one person having numerous allergies and intolerances, nobody missed a step. In addition, it was nice to be able to take advantage of any pri-fixe offerings without ordering the pre-fixe menu. We can begin with our server. She was fantastic, let's say amazing... She ran a tight ship catching the one potential allergy issue. She knew more about the menu than any server I've ever had in any other restaurant. If you can only eat in one restaurant in New Orleans and you are not looking for an "oyster house" this is it but I highly recommend that you make a reservation in advance. The atmosphere is elegant without being pretentious. This is definitely fine dining at its best!!!!
(5)Angelika R.
Amazing food and service, traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, but neither too trendy or too stuffy. Impeccable service.
(5)Laura B.
Great food always has been.. Unfortunately if you have dietary restrictions is not the place to go as they will not accommodate. I suggest Chef Bash move with the times and consider people do have allergies specially in a world of gluten free. My husband truly enjoy his meal.
(3)Dennis D.
Best meal in years. Great ambiance, great service, and even better food. Even though the place it quite formal, it still manages to be cozy and comfortable. My lesser half had foie gras three ways (OMG), and I had sweetbread and crawfish angliotti (best sweetbreads EVER). Outstanding duck entree. Killer dessert (kind of a deconstructed banana pudding). A do-not-miss.
(5)Jae Z.
Sometimes I relish in being a contrarian, but in this instance, I almost regret my dissatisfaction. August was the one thing I had to do according to Peter D, Brooklyn's Finest in Nola recs. I don't do it intentionally or ostentatiously for the sake of being different and against the grain. In a short summary, the food was average, and the overall experience was brought down by the subpar, I mean, shockingly subpar service considering the class of venue this is purported to be. I arrived at 1pm, excited, wearing a fly ass dress for lunch with my boo. I was greeted by a plain blond in a faux Pucci printed shirt in cheap, so naturally I assumed the guy in a white button down was the actual host. It turns out he was a busboy. No, I wasn't drunk yet. I just don't read clothing signals the same way. We were then greeted by our waiter who presented us with menus and asked if we wanted wine or cocktails to go with our lunch. We did. He returned with an extensive wine list, but no cocktail menu. It wasn't until he came back to speak to us about drinks did we even have a chance to ask for this menu. I started with August's "old-fashion" which included blood orange and vanilla bourbon. I don't know why I thought this was a good interpretation, because in hindsight, vanilla bourbon is a terrible idea. He had the Hemingway, which was rather refreshing, ok, we were off on a decent note. The baguettes seemed a bit under baked, or do we just like bread albino down here? In any case, I began with an heirloom tomatoes salad as appetizer - as the tomato festival was to take place that weekend. It was a little delicious. I say a little, because the salad consisted of 4 cubes of fresh tomatoes, 4 leaves of greens, 2 cubes of watermelon, and 2 cubes of cantaloupe. The cubes were the size of standard dice. I did the prix fixe lunch menu. He had a blue crab, truffles gnocchi, infinitely fancier options from the a la carte menu. Blue crab is the business. I liked this dish a lot, but the gnocchi had no bite at all, it was way too mushy. It was over before my tongue even registered its existence. Uh huh, that's what she said. My main was brandade de morue ravioli? First of all, I always thought that brandade de morue was more of an appetizer, but I guess since it's in ravioli, we can call the 4 pieces of baby ravioli a meal. In any context, it was good if a little bland. His short ribs and mixed veggies salad combo was average. Short ribs just aren't the business. Finally for dessert, I got some peanut butter chocolate crispies with "buttered popcorn" ice cream. Took two bites and left it mostly untouched. At this point, we'd been tended to twice by our waiter and not more by the busboys, by contrast, our neighbors, a group of older ladies pretty much had a personal waiter table side from the start to the finish of their meal. Finally, the waiter came around and asked if we enjoyed dessert, consider the miniscule portions, it wasn't uneatened because we were full, don't you think? I don't think at this point, we should've had to outright say, no, this sucked. No, I think for us to say, no, it wasn't what we were expecting, he should've insisted on getting us a replacement to try to salvage the meal. This isn't some random place where any order is a gamble. I really feel like August took advantage of its fame and acclaim too much.
(2)Katie L.
As soon as I was aware my work was sending me to New Orleans for several days, I knew I had to book a reservation at one of John Besh's restaurants, stat. After a little research, it seemed that Restaurant August was supposed to be the best of the batch. My husband and I booked for a 7 p.m. dinner on a recent Saturday night. The ambiance was right, tables were wonderfully spaced, and the vibe was intimate and quiet, but not stuffy. But we couldn't wait for the amazing food, or so we thought. We split the potato gnocchi with blue crab and truffle appetizer and were off to an excellent start. Our waiter informed us after eating that it was featured on the Food Network show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." I'm reasonably certain it wasn't the best thing I've ever eaten, but I'm positive it was the best thing I ate at Restaurant August that night. We also each ordered an organic greens salad, which came with blue cheese, pumpkin seed brittle and a pumpkin seed oil viniagrette. I enjoyed the combination of flavors in the dish, but felt that the pumpkin seed brittle served more as a distraction than delightful component of the dish. The brittle seemed to interrupt me whenever I got into the groove of eating the salad, not to mention that it didn't stay on the fork or come off the plate with ease. For the entree, I ordered the pork three ways. I loved the textures of my dishes, especially the ravioli parts, but the flavors didn't sing. You could tell a lot of technique went into it, but it wasn't amazing. For dessert, we split the goat's milk cheesecake. It was good, but not great, and had unique flavors. It, coupled with the small complimentary assortment of mini-pralines and truffles, tied the meal on a higher note. The service at Restaurant August was quite good, as were the small touches, like the amuse bouche and mini-dessert sampler. We also were thrilled with the beer we selected, the Southern Pecan from Lazy Magnolia Brewery. All in all, we found the food to be gorgeously executed, but underwhelming on taste. For as much money as we shelled out for the meal, we had hoped we'd enjoy one of the best meals of our trip. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver.
(3)Peter D.
I feel obligated to update my review of August, as their lunch prix-fixe deserves one of the most emphatic five stars I have ever given. Without question, every meal I have eaten at August has been outstanding, with more than a few mind-blowing moments. I don't plan on describing particular plates, as the menu changes often; suffice is to say that each dish is beautifully plated, thoughtfully composed, and impeccably executed. And as expected, such truly fine dining is accompanied by a hefty price tag. During the week however, they offer three courses at lunch for a mere $20.11.* I cannot stress what an absolutely ABSURD value this is.** In addition to a well-portioned appetizer, entree and dessert of some of the best food you've ever eaten, you will be treated to an amazing amuse bouche, excellent bread, and an all-around world-class dining experience, as the service is perfect. As far as I am aware, you cannot eat like this, for that much money, anywhere else. Do yourself an enormous favor, and go book a table for a weekday lunch now, before they realize that we are basically stealing from them at this price point. It's craziness, and I'm betting it won't last forever. Seriously, what the hell are you still doing here. __________ *The price increases by a cent along with the year. **If you don't believe me, walk around the corner and drop $18.99 on a crappy plate of fried shrimp and fries.
(5)Siv L.
As other reviews have said, this place is fantastic. Luckily, my large party of 10 was able to get a reservation for a 9:30PM dinner although we had called that same evening around 6PM to make the rezzie. It was very refreshing to see such a classy well decorated place in New Orleans after being ambushed on Bourbon Street! Our server wasn't too friendly but the food was so great that I didn't mind. We started with warm delicious bread. We each received a complimentary truffled seafood custard with caviar served in a little egg shell. It was too soft of a texture for me to love but it was pretty good. For my appetizer, I ordered the pork belly with oysters. It was sooo delicious. I ate it all up. For my entree, I ordered the sugar and spice duckling with duck foie gras. It was so delicious, I loved every bite. One of the best duck dishes I've ever had. I didn't have room for dessert but our table was served a complimentary array of bite-sized desserts. Everything was so delicious, so glad that we were fortunate enough to get a reservation!
(5)John M.
Nice ambience, nice food. I had the fried Oysters and they were a little soft for my taste, although the aioli was delicious. My wife and I had the breaded trout dish, mine was a little over done, my wife's was perfect. However the piece of fish was the size of a small chocolate bar, and whilst I know this is hardly a happy meals establishment, it seems o.t.t. to charge $38 for this. Lemon Soufflé was perfect. There seemed to be endless managers asking us how our food was, but in a way that strongly encouraged compliments. August is good, but for these prices and this reputation it needs to be great.
(3)Emmie N.
I have absolutely NO hesitation giving this restaurant a solid 5 stars! Before going to New Orleans, I did my research of places to eat. Seeing that this restaurant is 4.5 stars, it is a must try on my list. What a pleasant surprise when we found out they have a lunch special: $20.11 for 3 course meal!! :O The service was FLAWLESS, we felt like royalty. The food was A-MAZ-ING. Besides the 3 courses that we picked, we also got complimentary egg custard with caviar before our meal and chocolate truffle after our meal. Hands down, best bang for my buck! If I ever go back to NOLA, this is the first restaurant I'll revisit. This will also be the first restaurant I recommend to anyone going to NOLA. And pleaseeeeeeeeeee, take advantage of their lunch special, you will not regret it :)
(5)Alexa X.
I had a splendid dining experience here. It's another John Besh restaurant. The cuisine is more like modern/contemporary, but definitely not edgy. Very classy ambiance and fast service.
(5)Shamik T.
Ate in the bar area, and got a table surprisingly fast. Really great food. I wanted to risotto as a main course, and it was no problem. Caramelized Brussel sprouts were fantastic addition. Nice wine list, great bread and locally sourced butter. Service was top notch.
(4)Patrick H.
A sublime dining experience. We brought our three children, and they were extremely accommodating. Wine pairings with the tasting menu were superb.
(5)Sheri G.
I *really* wanted to like August more than I did. I think Chef Besh is pretty darn creative. The biggest reason for my slight disappointment: the service. Our waiter was standoffish and unhelpful. I don't think the man smiled once or even looked us in the eye. This would not have been such a big deal, except for the fact that he gave the table next to us (a couple of similar age who were much less dressed up than us) absolutely stellar service. See, they knew one of the managers or something (we could hear the entire conversation), so the waiter was kissing their ass all night, giving detailed suggestions about the menu, offering to split dishes for them onto 2 separate plates, and giving them free drinks. And his sour face turned all smiley and fun and happy while talking to them. Screw you, buddy. I don't want free stuff, but you need to offer the same level of service to everyone in a restaurant of this caliber. Anyway.... The kitchen sent out a amuse-bouche on the house which was really tasty - I believe it was a fish mouse with caviar that came in an eggshell. We didn't opt for one of the tasting menus, because there's only so much food you can eat and this was day 4 of our culinary adventures. I did get to try a new food for the first time as part of my appetizer - hen's comb (called a crete in French). I'd imagine it was a little like chewing on an earlobe, which is not as bad as you'd imagine, just a little cartilage-like. The popcorn rice in the dish was amazing though. My husband had the oysters prepared 3 ways and he was really happy with it. I tried each one too - they were great, especially the bacon and artichoke one. I had the truffle crusted flounder with Jerusalem artichokes and crab. It was good, but I can't remember it as well as other meals I had in NOLA. Maybe that's because we were miffed about our waiter. Or perhaps it's because we were deep in conversation and didn't pay as close attention to our meal. We skipped dessert in lieu of more drinking around town. I'm hoping our experience doesn't reflect the whole of the restaurant. I'd like an August do-over.
(3)Jeremy M.
Absolutely everything we had there was fantastic. We started off with the crab tart, fried oysters, and gnocchi with trout. Each item was fantastic and just thinking about the oysters with the fig and mushroom sauce makes my mouth water. The fish entrees were amazing and we ended up getting 5 of the deserts to share. The fig desert was our least favorite but it was still pretty good. It had some tough competition (banana foster, and a deconstructed velvet among others). We liked it so much we almost went back the next night. In addition the service was prompt and out waitress was very friendly. When we come back to New Orleans we are definitely going to visit August again.
(5)Logan L.
This is a fine dining experience; the wine list is great, the food choices are interesting, and the service is exceptional. I had amuse bouche to start. It was fluffy and light. Fantastic, perfect dish. Then I had crispy fried oysters in a roasted red pepper aioli. I cannot say enough about this dish. The oysters were fried perfectly to a golden crunch, and the sauce had the perfect amount of heat. This was my favorite dish of the night. I then had the mahi with crawfish tails atop sunchoke puree. It was delicious, but i regret not getting something a little bolder after the fried oysters (like the bone marrow or a filet). The fish was cooked perfectly. Overall I would say this lives up to the other Besh joints out there; as close to perfection as it can get without being overly proud of itself.
(4)Stephen S.
WOW. I'd say the FOOD at this restaurant simply can't be beat. It was extraordinary. I had their two signature aps that seeminly remain fixed on the menu: Heirloom Beet Salad and Potato Gnocchi with Blue Crab. Both included crab. Both were undeniably outstanding masterpieces. HEIRLOOM BEET SALAD: First off: I'm a total BEET WHORE. I love beets, so much. So, keep that in perspective when I lightly criticise that it was a little sparse in the beet category. Quite frankly, it was inappropriately named; it really should have been called a crab salad (given the proportion of crab to beets). But the crab was so fresh and so delicious and the combination of those sweet roasted beets with crab meat, cherry wood bacon, mizuna and quail eggs was simply a creative culinary work of art. Top that with those savory black-eyed pea croutons and OMFG! It was like an orgy on your tongue. The POTATO GNOCCHI will likely leave you with your face in the bowl. Hand-made potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and Perigold truffle in a savory sauce. YUM. YUM. YUMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm. Ambiance was beautiful and stunning. The bar is quite cozy (only a very limited number of seats). The only criticism: I would not give the service at the bar 5 stars. The young lady working there was cute as a button and very nice. But, she really had no clue when it came to the wine or their exemplary bourbon collection. All she could do was hand off a menu with a smile. Given the bartending talent and experience that's in this great city, they need to step that up a bit. In a restaurant of this fine caliber, that is unacceptable. This definitely makes me want to try another John Besh creation.
(5)Jeremy B.
New Orleans Fine Dining at it's best!!!! Refined food with the great flavors of New Orleans. Great service and ambiance. Upscale & fun at the same time. A really special Restaurant!
(5)Chrissy G.
YES! Go here. Get the pansotti if it's still on the menu. I almost licked my plate. Great atmosphere, stellar service and all that great stuff.
(5)J R.
One of my favorite restaurants of ALL TIME! The food is amazing. Everything on the menu is delightful. A must to anyone who travels to New Orleans. Service is spectacular and a very reasonably priced menu for what you get. You won't be disappointed. If you could only pick on restaurant in NOLA to go to, this is it!! Every time we're in NOLA this is always on the list.
(5)Katy H.
Tasting menu with wine pairings. Get it. I swear on my unborn children you won't regret it. August has become the restaurant experience by which all are now compared. It's THAT good!
(5)Doris D.
We had a fabulous lunch at August. Both food and service was excellent. We will surely go back for their dinner if opportunity arises. You can't beat the prix fixe lunch menu priced at 20.11. I love their pork belly entree and our dessert with fig and brown sugar crust topped with bourbon ice cream was so good that my toddler and I 'polished' the plate:) We tried the potatoes gnocchi too, and it was so creamy and melted in your mouth. Best gnocchi I'd ever had. You need to order this gnocchi dish if you go to August. Chef John Besh is building a culinary empire in LA and he exceeded my expectation as a celebrity chef and indeed a master chef.
(5)Jinyoung P.
Oh, August. How I love this place. This was my introduction to John Besh. I had been in New Orleans barely a month when the Restaurant Week 2011 happened. I had participated in Restaurant Weeks in Portland and in New York City, and I was not going to let this one go by in this foodie city, despite the fact that I had no friends to go with. I went to August on Tuesday, September 13th. I remember I almost canceled my reservation because the bus I was going to take never came. I'm from Portland. Buses aren't supposed to just not show up! Well, I'm learning. Anyway, I called a cab so I could still make it on time. This was one of the best decisions I made in my life. I arrived for my party of one and was seated promptly. I looked at the menu but I was there for the Restaurant Week prix fixe, which didn't give you any options, and I'm glad it didn't, because if it did, I would've wondered how wonderful the other options would have been. My meal consisted of: - an amuse bouche, which was a custard in an egg shell - Fromage de Tete (Mangalitsa pork with Covey Rise greens and cherry mustard) - Taggiasche olive crusted Gulf sheepshead with roasted eggplant and sweet peppers - slow-cooked breast of veal with Creole cream cheese dumplings, wild mushrooms and baby turnips - Milk chocolate peanut butter croquant with salted caramel and McEwen's buttered popcorn ice cream - and, I got an extra plate of sweets, because I name-dropped someone that I know who works in the kitchen Oh man. Everything was absolutely delicious. So much flavor in just one evening! I was raised on pork, so New Orleans' love for pork makes me happy. The fromage de tete was amazing, the sweet peppers and the fish went together perfectly, the veal was delicious, and the dessert so much better than I had expected. I'm not always a huge fan of peanut butter or popcorn, but it was absolutely delicious. I am a plate cleaner so I leave most restaurants regretting that I ate too much, but the portions were perfect. I left feeling satisfied but not over-stuffed. The restaurant is definitely a little too expensive for me, but I am in love with it and will treat myself once in a while. I would like to go for the lunch prix fixe at some point.
(5)Rommel H.
This was definitely one of my top culinary experiences. My party opted for the smaller plates as opposed the entrées. They had a tasting menu but offered all the selections as individual plates. Highlights of the dinner were the grilled eggplant stack, gnocchi with blue crab and black truffles, and lamb chop/sausage/shoulder trio. Our server was very informative and accommodating. One of our party members was celebrating her birthday that evening and the server was kind enough to allow us in the kitchen and meet the executive chef, definitely an unexpected treat.
(5)Marybeth M.
This was easily the best meal of my life! The restaurant was impeccable: style, decor, presentation, the service fantastic! Jesse was on it, anticipating our needs and providing great service and information. We had the five course degustation meal as well as several other items off the menu. John Besh can cook for me anytime!
(5)Katy W.
Mixed feelings on this one. Brought my mother-in-law for her 60th. She was very impressed which means I should be grateful just for that. She thought it was an 'experience' by which she meant that it was more than just a meal, it was a destination. We both ordered the fried soft-shell crab while my husband had the duck, I believe. We loved the soft-shell crab (although I am convinced it is hard to screw it up). I think it was served with a concoction that was supposed to be reminiscent of a praline but deconstructed. It was tasty, but very very rich. I was busting at the seams and dreaming of the crab I couldn't finish the next day. Our server was like Frankenstein himself though. I believe another reviewer called it 'stilted' which was a very nice way of putting it. I don't enjoy it when servers are awkward making me feel more awkward than I already am. He did have an excellent wine recommendation. He tried his best, honestly, I could see him trying to crack smiles with us, but it was really not in his nature. In general, the food was very, very good, but very, very pricey and the ambiance was very, very stuffy. Not my favorite combination. Not knocking the cooking. It was great. I just don't think August was our 'thing.' Good once, worth it for my mother-in-law, but I don't think we'll be back.
(4)Teri Y.
Of all the decadent foods that we ate during our trip to New Orleans, August wins hands down as what we think is arguably the best restaurant in the Crescent City. If the amuse bouche was any indication to the level of goodness of the rest of our meal, it certainly was a good way to start us off. The egg shell was filled with fish mouse and topped with black caviar and a tiny sprig of parsley. There was no hint of fishiness in the mousse which should be the way how fresh fish items are. August gets brownie points from us for being flexible with the menu. While the degustation menu looked absolutely amazing, we had just come from happy hour at Luke (another John Besh restaurant) where we ate an obscene amount of raw oysters and therefore would not have been able to stomach a 5-course dinner at August. Our server told us that we could order any of the items from the 5-course degustation menu and make it ala carte style. The sunfish crudo was a winner in its own category. Dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, the sunfish slices were perfect for every bite. The mangalitsa pork belly was amazing in its own right. For pork lovers, the mangalitsa pig breed is one of the most expensive and premium swines around and it is noted for its lard. If there was a category for decadence, the best contender would have to be the duckling breast served with roasted duck foie gras. Dessert was a deconstructed Hummingbird cake. The bite-size sponge cake was lightly seared on one side and it came with a scoop of cream cheese ice-cream. Service was professional throughout. Go put on your dress and pumps (or a blazer, if you are a guy) and head to August for a night of well executed food.
(5)R C.
As the flagship for a star, the place should have been outstanding. Maybe its just the anticipation, but the reality was dull. The rooms are beautiful and the wine list excellent. In general the service was attentive, but not warm, and there a perod of about 10 min between courses when staff disappeared. Surprisingly, it was the food that was flat. Most dishes had something cute about them (huitlacoche, anyone?), but the flavors were one-dimensional (that dish only tasted of the chili oil). No dish provided the wow that one expects at this level. Amazingly, fish was overcooked (hard not to with such a small piece). Advice - what is on the menu gives little idea as to the actual dish, so discuss it with the staff before ordering.
(3)Zoe B.
An amazing meal. We had the degustation menu and it was superb. The wine pairings were absolutely perfect and it was an honor to dine. If you are a foodie, you must go here. They have a great and interesting menu that does not disappoint. Yes, pricey, but it is supposed to be one of, if not the best, restaurant in New Orleans. John Besh - you know how to do it right!
(5)Julia W.
Incredible food but after overhearing the waiter and his girlfriend (who was a patron and with a friend) make a joke about someone's last name being swastika, the entire meal was ruined. The girlfriend asked what another waitresses (not one of the main waiters but someone who helps the main person, who was this man) last name was and the waiter said some long that started with a "S". The girlfriend said "swastika?" and laughed. He said something and included swastika. He then went on his phone and found this waitresses last name. I, of course, am sitting at my table waiting for the other person eating with me to come back to the table form the bathroom, shocked. We told the manager, who was horrified. The manager talked the waiter, who apologized. He said that they were talking about an old waitresses last name that sounded like swastika. The woman (manager?) said I was eavesdropping and misinterpreted the situation. The other manager, who is a man, apologized later and paid for our meal. Of course, this is after I start crying because I am so offended and shocked. The man should never have continued the joke/conversation. He should have said no that is not this woman's last name and looked it up on his phone. Truly disgusting. The waitress they were talking about was incredibly nice and seemed really excited that I had 2 desserts in front of me (banana pudding WAY better than the hot chocolate thing). If we had cash on us/had paid for the meal, we would have given the entire tip to her. I would write her name but I do not want her associated with this horrible conversation. Unfortunately, I do not remember the man's name, but the manager said he is going to get in trouble. I hope he never steps food inside of Chef Besh's restaurant in the WWII museum. Shame on the woman who defended him and shame on that man for continuing such a horrible and offensive joke.
(2)Suzi S.
We ate here for a celebratory dinner with friends. At any given time, I was unsure of what I was eating. They brought us a complimentary signature in the egg shell amuse bouche that tasted just like a salt lick. Ugh. I love all kinds of food, but this just tasted terrible to me. The main dish consisted of trout topped with a delicious buttery cracker on it. The fish was okay but the cracker was delicious mainly because it was soaked in butter. The dessert was deconstructed banana pudding. As a southern raised person, I found this pretentious and well, pretentious. It was presented skewer style. A piece of banana, a piece of cracker, and a marshmallow or something, not terrible but not wonderful either. We spent tons of money on pretentious, bizarre tiny amounts of food. The champagne was good, but it's usually hard to mess with that!! (One of my friends received some sort of fish buried underneath a bunch of foam, he was not impressed with the flavor and completely freaked out by the presentation) overall, we had a good time, but I felt a bit grossed out by the food. Maybe just not my thing, but as much as I like food, I doubt it. Proceed with caution and a fat wallet.
(2)Heidi F.
Definitely my favorite meal in New Orleans and up there in one of the best meals I've ever had. While the prices are definitely on the "splurge" end, I had no issue paying what I did for it--in fact, I would have paid more! Service was fantastic, everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful. The food was astounding--the amuse bouche was a nice surprise and the crab and burrata cornbread tart was amazing. I absolutely love the trout Ponchartrain, which has been on the menu since August opened. And the desert I had, the banana pudding, was so good I almost licked the plate clean.
(5)Jason Y.
My husband and I spent some time in New Orleans recently and our meal at Restaurant August was hands down the most delicious and creative meal we had all week! First we were given an amuse bouche of garlic custard, butternut puree and brown butter crisps all in a little egg shell. Delicious. Next we had the Market Vegetable Chop Salad- which was so beautiful and tasty- the variety of veggies and fruit made for great bites of salty and sweet. I had the Breaded Trout Ponchartrain- which is a lightly breaded trout topped with crab, shrimp, and mushrooms and I think the sauce was a very light version of a Hollandaise. It. Was. Amazing. My husband had a pork dish which I tasted and was also very good but I couldn't be bothered to focus on his meal! :) The meal ended with a couple small sweet bites- chocolate, candied ginger- which was perfect. The service was impeccable and everyone we talked to was so friendly! I wanted to give a shout out to the service manager because he was so friendly but of course I now forget his name... Thanks for a great meal!
(5)Rob G.
This was my first time visiting August. I have dined at similiar places and have been let down but that was not the case here, the service and the food was fantastic!
(5)Nikki F.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world (so far) Staff, food, drinks, ambiance, everything is perfect. I am a Chef and Chef John Besh is my idol. We were lucky enough to get to meet him on our last visit to August. He is so sweet and amazing. Our dinner was so great. We had the gnocchi with truffles (OMG YUM) and the Tomahawk Ribeye. It was crusted with this amazing parmesan topping and it all melted in our mouths. Best steak I have EVER had. Chef Besh also sent us out a couple of other courses because he is so awesome. They were all amazing. We had already dined that week at Borgne and Luke and loved those as well. If you have the chance to go to any Besh restaurant. Make sure you do. Your mouth will never be the same.
(5)Christine P.
My first meal in NOLA during my 4-day trip did not disappoint. I was immediately impressed by the warm and friendly waitstaff, and our waiter made us feel very much at home. We had two amazing appetizers. The foie gras 3 ways was delicious, but the real stunner were the heirloom tomatoes. To understand how good this very simple dish was: my husband dislikes tomatoes; he ate this and was blown away by how good it was; he now likes tomatoes. The main courses were also excellent. My husband had trout, and I also had fish in an amazing blue crab broth. For dessert we had the Napolean of Nougatine, which was an excellent concoction of chocolate and salted toffee ice cream. It's expensive for the area but we're from NYC so we thought it was a good deal for the level of food and service.
(4)Melanie J.
Definitely not just food...it's an experience. After eating at Luke in San Antonio, definitely had to stop by John Besh's restaurant here in NOLA. Ordered the pre-fixe menu for restaurant week and a couple of other items that were musts to try....Jessica, our waitstaff was wonderful. She definitely contributed to the experience!
(5)Ane T.
I usually don't give 5 stars but this review deserves each and every one of them. This is THE best meal I've ever paid for(of course, nothing beats a home-cooked meal)! The service was sublime! The food was SPECTACULAR!!!!! DO: -get reservation -get the gnocchi -the duckling with the foie gras DONT: - wait to try this place!!! * another good thing about this place is that their menu changes with the season* WILL RETURN SOON!
(5)David C.
Fantastic food in a great atmosphere. The gnocchi was outstanding as was the trout! If you are looking for a great meal for a special occasion this is the place.
(5)JH B.
Elegant dining. I had the three course fixed price $20 lunch. Fantastic. Service, atmosphere, presentation, flavors. This is by far the best place to dine in NOLA. The wines are on the pricey side, so be warned. Coffee and a glass of wine ran me nearly another $20. On the other hand the wine was exquisite and the individual French press coffee was rich and flavorful. I would eat here again in a heartbeat.
(5)Laila B.
I keep going to these super-hyped up places and feeling a little disappointed. Maybe after I hear all the raves, I expect perfection and that is too high an order. I felt this way at Bayona and Le Foret as well. Anyway, I did enjoy my lunch. We served the ubiquitous amuse bouche of truffled sabayon in an egg. I liked this a lot although I understand my boyfriend's gripe about it having an odd texture. It was sort of like scooping extra-fancy mayonnaise out of the egg and eating it. It was good spread on the bread they served, which was good because the butter tasted not quite right to me. I got the duck salad which was okay, not great, very sparse but to be expected for a pre-fixe meal deal. The duck tasted kind of off, actually the best part was the roasted pears. My boyfriend's pate plate was super, it was HUGE and it came with all kinds of pickled and aspic-ed vegetables. My ravioli were tasty but the pasta was pretty tough. I loved the knobs of crabmeat on top. The boyfriend's shrimp and grits were good, not remarkable, and if I had more than two bites, I suspect I would have gotten sick of the flavor, very rich and salty. Desserts were wonderful. I got a brioche grilled cheese with goat cheese and figs and a spicy honey. The BF got a butterscotch pot-de-creme that was also outstanding. Espresso served with lemon peel without having to ask for it! For what we paid, it was worth it but I was just a little let down since I foolishly went in thinking I was entering food heaven. Very good, not earth-shattering.
(4)Ronald H.
We had a great experience when we invited 30 of our customers for dinner at Restaurant August this week. The group was just short of 40 in total and we had a pre-fixed menu to avoid long waiting and mix ups. Some of our guests had special meal orders (Lent, Kosher, Vegetarian etc) and the staff and kitchen at August handled it perfectly. We first had some cocktails followed by a very nice fresh goat cheese salad. The main course was a pair of the most tender and awesome tasting braised ribs on a bed of sautéed mushrooms. Everyone was blown away by the presentation, taste and fantastic experience of the plate. The special food orders had the same experience. I am personally no fan of Crème Brulee, and will typically order something else, as this was a fixed menu there was no other choice than to take it, and this Crème Brulee of Chef John Besh is by far the best I have ever had, and would convert me to a Crème Brulee groupie. The setting for our dinner with our guests was a private room on the 2nd floor which is great if you want to entertain a group. their downstairs area is very inviting and is tastefully decorated, all the way down to the washrooms with French Menu's as wallpaper. A nice touch is the open entry to the kitchen where you can interact with the chef and his crew is great. Unfortunately Chef john wasn't there, something that starts to become a trend for me when I visit a celebrity Chef's place...for some reason they are always out of town when I get there. Oh well, his staff handled it perfectly well. Highly recommended
(5)Kat G.
I've sat down a few times now to write a review for this place, but haven't been able to finish one because I get too hungry in the process. I'll try to keep it brief: - Foie three ways. Get it. Now. And then wrap it up and bring it to me. Though the accoutrements for the dish vary seasonally (different preserves, different gelees, etc.), the most important part of the dish is an all-the-time foie + oxtail terrine (which I have dubbed "foiextail"). It's salty, savory, a little sweet, and, from the balsamic reduction, a touch tangy... all in all, a culinary masterpiece. I've told my wedding party that I don't give a damn about cake; as long as there is foiextail somewhere in the vicinity, I will be a happy bride. - Blue crab gnocchi. Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth potato pillows with lump crab meat, truffles, and angels tears... that's right, Besh made it, and it was so beautiful, angels wept. - Filet with marrow-filled "bone" and Covey Rise veggies. I'm usually a ribeye girl, but this is the best steak I have ever had. Ever. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, plated with fabulous local baby carrots/squash/haricot vert and a carved potato "bone" filled with saucy, braised meaty goodness... yes, please, and thank you. - TROUT PONTCHARTRAIN: it's the best seafood dish I've ever had - one of the best dishes I've ever had, period - and the hollandaise is Perfect. This has become my go-to entree... I want to branch out, but I just can't - this one is too good. - Courtboullion - surprisingly filling, light, and very fresh tasting... not my favourite thing I've had, but still very good. I've had a few other things there, too, but most everything else was a seasonal special, and to tease you with offerings that may not be available currently would be cruel. If you haven't been to Restaurant August yet, you're missing out. Hell, even their amuse bouche, a seafood mousse topped with caviar and served in a hollowed-out eggshell, is better than most items you'll find in any other restaurant in the city... that, plus unparalleled service, a solid wine list, and an intimate-not-ostentatious atmosphere makes this place the best I've found yet. Go now! Stop reading and start eating! PS - If getting "RESTAURANT AUGUST" tattooed somewhere on my body would guarantee me free eats on the reg, I'd grab a needle and sharpie and do it myself right now. It's that good. EDIT: Foie Three Ways no longer has foiextail... now it's some sort of foie/duck terrine, 'foieck.' Haven't had it yet, but can't wait to try it. Last time I was there, the amuse bouche was a tomato mousse, not the seafood one - very refreshing, but not as heavenly; I miss the former one.
(5)Bertha K.
Went for the prix fix lunch. Portions small, but very tasty. Was hoping to be blown over, but wasn't. Still it was good.
(4)Dave K.
As far as ambiance Restaurant August has everything covered. The building is beautifully restored and is worth dining there alone. Also the service was great. My two dining experiences were good but not great with respect to the cuisine.
(4)Derek R.
My wife took me there for my birthday. It didn't turn out well. Food and service were just not up to John Besh's standards. :( Definitely recommend his other restaurants though. La Provence is our favorite of the bunch.
(1)Tiffany P.
I was looking forward to this place, but had to deduct a star based on service. We arrived a little early, so we sat at he bar and ordered drinks and an appetizer while we waited for our table. The bar waitress seemed annoyed that we weren't ordering our full dinner, and she gave the impression that we were wasting her time. Sorry honey but we have a table in the restaurant booked - we're going to order our meals at the table. The crab and burrata appetizer was delicious, and the drinks were yummy too. For the actual meal, we had the grouper and agnolotti which could have been wonderful but both plates were barely lukewarm and I need my food hot. I almost considered sending our food back but I figured they would just throw it out and start over, and I didn't want to make a big fuss (plus I was hungry and didn't want to wait). Overall good experience but for a nice restaurant they need to time the service better so that food isn't cold by the time it reaches your table, and the bar waitress needs an attitude adjustment for people who just want a drink and a bite while waiting for the table. On a last note, the decor was lovely and it was refreshing to find a restaurant in the FQ without 20 big screen tvs blaring the game.
(3)Shelley P.
Everything was amazing. From the host stand to the kitchen. One of the best meals you will ever have.
(5)Timothy W.
My wife and I ate here with John R earlier this year when we visited New Orleans for a wedding. JR just mentioned that in a recent episode of Treme, the characters have Thanksgiving dinner at August at the same table where we were sitting. That has to be worth 5 stars. In all seriousness, aside from the wedding we were attending, this had to be the highlight of our trip. The tasting menu had some high points and some average points (as with most tasting menus), but was overall pretty fantastic. The service was flawless: attentive, efficient, and welcoming.
(5)Angelica B.
Hands down one of the best meals of my life. No reservations available so I sat at the bar and had the most amazing 5 course meal with fellow solo travelers. The ambience is just lovely. Classy, friendly, and a real treat. The amuse bouche knocked my socks off and that was just the beginning. I was also treated to a tour of the pastry kitchen and the main kitchen and even recieved applause from the chefs! They are the coolest bunch and ridiculously friendly. They sent out a tray of tiny desserts topped off by a glass of dessert wine that still makes my heart skip a beat remembering. If you are in New Orleans you must go!
(5)Lisa E.
Goat cheese cheesecake oh my. It brought tears to my eyes. August rivals The French Laundry in Napa.
(5)Thomas H.
Fantastic service and delicious food. Took advantage of the lunch special, which made this experience such a deal. Looking forward to visiting other Besh establishments.
(4)Hannah S.
Came here for the $20 lunch pre fixe and wow! What a deal! Seriously, I could hardly even eat the dessert, I was so full by that time. It's quite a bit of food for the amount you pay. I won't go over all the dishes we had, but I will say that the gnocci and the pork pate are every bit as good as people say. The gnocci was the best I've ever had. The pork belly was disappointing however and none of the desserts really stood out. They were all dressed up and pretty, but not very tasty. I did however, LOVE the peanut brittle that came at the very end of the meal. The one thing that struck me was that the service was extremely attentive and professional, but not very friendly if that makes any sense. After our meal when we told our waiter that we had very much enjoyed our meal and we were ready for the check, he just gazed blankly down at us, said very politely, "very good, sir". Oh my. I don't think I've ever heard anyone actually say that phrase in real life. The service was very restrained. I don't think a single person cracked a smile at us, although everyone was so accommodating. A bit strange, but maybe that's just how it is at fine dining restaurants. To be honest, I wasn't a fan. I preferred the wonderfully attentive and friendly service we got at Emeril's restaurant the night before.
(4)Dian X.
I had very high expectation before coming to dine here. It was definitely a very memorable and romantic night with my bf. We had the 6 course dinner with wine pairings. We were led to a private corner table, which was exactly what we were looking for. You can see the entire wine selections which were just amazing. The staff was very knowledgable when we asked questions on the dishes and wines. The services was exceptional. The food was so good and well presented. Nothing I can complain about - it's perfect!
(5)Geofrey W.
Terrific service, fairly priced wines, and inventive, beautifully presented food! What a pleasure in a city known too much for its fried, heavy fare.
(5)Eric L.
Easily one of the best go to restaurants when visiting New Orleans. In my past visits to New Orleans I have had three visits for dinner and one visit for weekend brunch. The cooking is fresh and original. When I order a dish the presentation has been consistently different in a pleasant way that what I expected. Add the excellent attentive service as a bonus and this place is a winner.
(5)Mallory S.
This is hands down the best meal I have ever had the pleasure of eating in my entire life. There is a reason why Chef John Besh is so esteemed. The amuse-bouche to begin the meal was decadent. It had a Parmesan custard, caramelized onion mousse, and Parmesan crumbs. The creaminess of the mousse and the rich flavor was incredible. Next I had a salad with bruleed goat cheese, rhubarb, and strawberries. This was light and tart and creamy all at the same time. Beautiful and delicious. Then came the main course, potato gnocchi with blue crab and black truffles. It was perfectly proportioned and amazingly rich. This instantly became a comfort food for me. For dessert I ordered a buttermilk chocolate cake with peanut butter pretzel mouse, pretzel icecream, and bits of chocolate covered pretzels. If I could have licked the plate I would have. As of the food wasn't enough to make you absolutely want to eat here, their service was also great. Do yourself a favor and come eat here right away!!!!
(5)Robert M.
Restaurant August is one of those restaurants that does what it does so perfectly and seamlessly well that you will want to take your time and savor every single bite. I typically devour my food like I was raised by wolves, but even I will slow down here. The prices are reasonable and appropriate for a five-star restaurant and the service is top-notch without the least bit of pretentiousness. It's a favorite place in New Orleans for important evenings.
(5)Peter S.
Only our second time in this great city of food and music but we hope to repeat that many more times before we die. On the advice of our friend Mike, we made reservations at August for Saturday night after dining at Mr. B's Bistro the night before. as for Ambiance, Mellody and I prefer a little more spunk. August was VERY staid and quite. White table clothes, high ceilings, no music, and all guests in suits and dresses. (we were way under dressed, but to their credit they made us feel very welcome.) Absolute top notch service. They were formal but treated you like humans and didn't behave like robots themselves. First off, let me say that August has better cocktails than Mr. B's. Real Craft cocktails with fresh juice and hand crafted. 1 point August. For appetizers and salads, August won again with creative pairings of beats and bacon or crawfish and lamb belly (yes lamb). But for entrees there was a definite tie with Mr. B's getting the edge for price alone. At August, Mellody ordered the scallops and pork belly but they were kind enough to substitute another scallop for pork belly piece (i know, don't get me started on how i can be married to someone who doesn't like pork belly but after ten years, there isn't much i can do about it). so for $36 Mellody got a grand total of THREE scallops. . . what can i say. I ordered their signature trout dish which was really good and worth the price. the real measure came with the bill. I have no problem paying for quality but August's bill was 50% more than Mr. B's. For us, when you factor in the ambiance, food, service, we'd prefer to spend a little less and have a great meal. So for that reason only, they get four stars and not five. I would definitely return if i was with my parents who like the more staid atmosphere but if dining from friends or just the two of us, Mr. B's is for us.
(4)Gordon F.
Excellent Service - Brilliant ! All staff from greeter to bus boys totally engaged in customer - waiter was excellent - made menus come alive - thorough understanding and excellent personal style. The Sommelier served our wine and gave great description. Ambiance was perfect. Food - Brilliant we had the degustation (changes daily) - four very unique plates with a dessert - things we may not have ordered but turned out to be fantastic like Hogs head Che's with tempura battered boneless pig tails . All served and presented perfectly - not too much in each course either. If ther were a 6 I'd give it to them - and I'm a hard rater
(5)V B.
December 2013. This place overall is very classy and the waiters are very knowledgable about the food (other than the one server who apparently thought kimchi was vietnamese). I got a duck confit fusion dish topped with kimchi, which was excellent, but from what I understand their menu keeps changing so they might not have that for long. I'm not giving it a 5 star rating because it was not as good as Joel Robuchon's place in Vegas and that's what I kind of use to rate other French (or French style) restaurants. If you don't want to make a reservation the best thing to do is show up a little after 7 or 8 and sit at the bar. The bartenders are just as knowledgable and the service is a bit faster.
(4)Judy C.
Dear Everyone at August that Makes it So Special: My husband Victor and our good friends came to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, but I must say the best part by far has been the experience at your restaurant August. It was just our luck that we met Myles, the former GM at your restaurant, the afternoon before we were to come to August for dinner. And when he said we were going to have a great meal, I honestly didn't expect the overwhelmingly awesome service, great meal and the very special treatment. I must RAVE about Rob and Ryan. They make a perfect team and gave us the most memorable service I have ever had at a fine dining establishment or anywhere for that matter. It was an honor to go back into the kitchen to meet the very talented cooks and the geniuses that made the food so delicious. The sous chef did a great job!! I can honestly say August has made it to the top of our list for overall experience. Everyone that works and represents August, should be very proud of what they produce. A very well-oiled machine! Most Memorable Menu Items: Handmade Potato Gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle A MUST - Breaded trout Pontchartrain with jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms, and sauce hollandaise!!! I don't usually like trout but this was the best dish ever! Chestnut Pansotti with cured egg yolk, glazed chestnut, wild Oregon porcini
(5)Holly M.
We were unable to get a reservation on New Year's Day so we decided to take a local's recommendation "get there early and sit at the bar". We arrived at 6:15 p.m. and we were greeted by a very friendly bar tender. She talked us through the food and wine program and made recommends based on our questions. We decided to start our food journey with the fried P&J oyster accompanied with wild mushroom, beef bacon dried out veal breast and duck fat aioli. We moved to the handmade gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle. This dish is a must if you are a truffle lover. The gnocchi melted in your mouth with each bite. We shared the lightly breaded Trout Ponchartrain topped with blue crab and shrimp. They split the dish for us. This was one of the best fish dishes I have ever had. The trout was light, flaky and scrumptious. Our side dish - medallions of blackened beets with fresh cheese, charred tomatillo and jalapenos. I was expecting sliced jalapenos and whole tomatillos, but the jalapenos and tomatillo were served as a puree. Brilliant idea to blacken red beets! The food is absolutely exquisite and artfully crafted. Those of you that know me know I like walking into the kitchen to observe the very impressive art of cooking. Therefore, I had the utmost pleasure of complimenting the chef as the kitchen is near the restroom. The chef didn't look up at first, but the waiter said "hey chef, she is talking to you". I said, "I just enjoyed one of the best dinners I have ever had." He blushed and said, "thank you". The interior walls of the restaurant are lined w/ traditional mahogany paneling and antique mirrors. The hardwood floors provide the feeling of walking into a 19th century house. Very romantic and definitely a keeper!
(5)Sarah G.
I was so, so excited abou this meal. But, boy, was I let down. I had heard wonderful things from loads of friends and acquaintances. In my mind, I was expecting an experience similar to that of a world-class restaurant, but with a NOLA twist - one of my very favorite cities with some of my favorite food. What I found was this: Terrific atmosphere and service, so-so food. We started with a lovely garlic mouse amuse (felt like we were off to a strong start), and the P&J fried oysters & lemonfish. The fried oysters were simply just fried oysters, with a little bacon, but the texture of the lemonfish was a little off-putting. For a cold app, it should be a beautiful, buttery, sushi-grade bite, in my opinion. For our mains, I had the trout Ponchartrain and my boyfriend had the pork three ways. The trout came out lukewarm and dry. Very, very dry. This is a city that knows how to do seafood, so I would naturally assume one of its finest restaurants would do it flawlessly. I sent it back, and a new plate was presented in mere seconds (also with dry fish). This was a major red flag that signaled a churn-and-burn kitchen. In my opinion, for how August sells itself, the food should be fired to order with more intimacy and care. The pork was good, but nothing to write home about. Again, the service was great, the space was beautiful, the price was fair, but the food was lackluster. There are loads of wonderful, chef-still-in-the-kitchen restaurants all over New Orleans which are definitely more my cup of tea.
(2)Scott G.
Excellent. From the service, to the wine pairings, and obviously the food everything met and exceeded expectations. Don't miss the Pontchartrain Trout. Was lighter on the pocket book than I expected as well - although NYC can skew your reality.
(5)Carl K.
Every thing was perfectly prepared. The snapper with sauce was out of this world. Deserts were also excellent.
(5)Kate P.
Hands down one of the best meals I have ever had and absolutely the best service I have ever experienced. Our server Robert was fantastic. From the outset he explained the menu in a very friendly way that didn't underestimate our food knowledge. Started with the beet salad with arugula and black eyed pea croutons. I could eat an entire bowl of the black eyed pea croutons with a glass of wine while watching t.v. The duck was perfectly prepared, tender, all the flavor that the fat brings without any actual fat left on the breast. Followed up the entree with the cheese plate and white chocolate panna cota. The coffee was also amazing and served In a nice french press. The wine list was great too with a nice variety of choices and price points. And did I mention Robert? He was attentive without being intrusive, friendly without crossing the line into being over familiar, and just plain charming. He made us feel as though we were his favorite customers of the night and I bet he made every table feel the same. He even gave me a tour of the kitchen. I would have taken pictures had I known that the restaurant policy is take lots of pictures! This was the best restaurant experience I have ever had. Don't miss this New Orleans gem.
(5)Liza Faye T.
Market Vegetable Chop Salad. Foie Gras. Potato Crisp P & J Oysters. Scallop & Pork Belly. Gulf Snapper. Dark Chocolate Praline. Great Food. Elegant Restaurant. Wonderful Experience.
(4)Kim N.
Ah - Restaurant August. This was the best meal of our trip - thank goodness I wisely saved it for our last night in NOLA. We had a fabulous meal here - I am still dreaming (and drooling) about it. I will start with my one complaint. I spoke with the hostess a couple days ahead of time and asked to not be seated by the door. She said no problem. When we arrived that night (and were made to wait in the bar for a few minutes despite our table being ready for us) the hostess stated that she was aware of my request, but that our table was, indeed, by the door. (eye roll) Oh well - moving on. The dining room is gorgeous. I love the combination of the exposed bricks with the chandeliers. Very tasteful. Our servers were extraordinary. I can't remember our head server's name, but he was extremely knowledgeable, warm, and gracious. My mother wasn't sure which wine she wanted so he offered to bring her a tasting of the two she had narrowed it down to. Very nice. Our other servers were always right on point - attentive without hovering and really noticing what we needed and what we didn't. First of all, the amuse bouche they serve is adorable. Curried oats topped with custard in an egg shell - so pretty! And tasty! And smart - I loved it. I started with the crawfish bisque and I swear if someone gave me a giant bowl of this I would eat it every single day for the rest of my life. It was absolutely incredible - a delicate, delicious bisque poured over perfectly cooked crayfish tails and the lightest, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. My mom had the shrimp and citrus salad which she loved - huge shrimp beautifully displayed with citrus segments and other items. Very nice. We both had the grouper for our entrees and it was very nice as well. For dessert, I had the goat milk cheesecake and it was divine. My mom had a chocolate dessert and it was amazing as well. If you want a truly wonderful dining experience, THIS is where you need to eat. Forget the touristy places around the French Quarter - this is fine-dining at its best.
(5)Wyn H.
Big expectations and poor food quality with overwhelmingly strong flavor on a Monday night. We would not return or recommend
(2)Ted H.
This restaurant was recommended by a friend who is from NOLA. The Chappapeela Farms duckling, Breaded Trout, and handmade potato gnocchi were amazing! Great service, great wine, worth the money!
(5)Tiffany V.
Restaurant August did not disappoint. Of course I am a John Besh fan. My meal started with a garlic custard amuse bouche which was a wonderful teaser. I had the fried oysters with a vinagarette and blue cheese sauce.....it was so delicious. I would say they were the best fried oysters I have ever had. The blue cheese made the difference. My entrée consisted of the Trout Ponchitrain topped with shrimp and crab meat with fluffy hollandaise sauce. Which was so appealing to my palate. I also enjoyed a side dish of summer vegetables (squash, zucchini, asparagus, and pearl onions). Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Restaurant August. I will return again.
(5)Frances B.
What a gem this restaurant is. I would never have known about this place if I hadn't done some serious research on NOLA restaurants. Since no one we know has been to a John Besh restaurant, and no one recommended it except every NOLA food critic and legions of locals online, we looked at it as a roll of the dice trying this place- we couldn't have been more wrong. Everything about this place is outstanding- the service (Robert & Ann Marie were exceptional), the elegant atmosphere, and the food, my god, THE FOOD! To begin the meal, they give you a deviled egg in an egg shell, it was delicious. We had the oyster appetizer to start, and it was the best oysters we had the whole trip, and maybe even the best appetizer (though its a close call). I had the salad and it was outstanding. My boyfriend got crab stuffed gulf fish or something like that, it was absolutely divine. I had the pork and it tasted like heaven. I have never had pork prepared that way before, but god it was good. For dessert we had the goat cheesecake and the dark chocolate torte, and they were both mind blowing. My god, they were amazing. We really can't say enough nice things about this restaurant, what we do know is every time we come to NOLA we will be dining at Restaurant August.
(5)Kathleen D.
*Grabs you by the face* LOOK AT THIS! The weekday three course prix fixe lunch at Restaurant August is $20.12 and it is absolutely outstanding. *Drops your face* Now, I'm sorry to be so forceful but this is an important fact, especially if you care about enjoying a flawlessly prepared, exceptionally delicious meal for what is a crazy great value. It's incredible. I'm sure there are many among us who are woefully aware of prix fixe menus from classy establishments that have dealt out disappointment; triflin', teensy, or what have you. In addition, Lord knows how easy it can be to run up 20 bones on a sloppy crapbasket of a lunch these days. To reiterate, the three courses at August are none of that, and all of excellent. GENEROUS is an adjective which springs to mind, as well. Mad lagniappe from the amuse bouche to the beautiful warm baby baguettes and butter (which kept appearing tucked in their napkin blankets), and then complimentary chocolate truffles and pralines after dessert. First there was the lovely surprise of a truffled custard amuse with caviar. My bouche was definitely amused and the small taste had us really excited for our dishes to come. I know that August's menu changes to suit the seasons and to reflect what's most fresh and perfect, but I still need to tell you about our impeccably concocted courses. Don't worry, I'm not gonna grab yo face again. This time. If the first course pork pate is an option, do it. Do it. I was presented with a hearty bacon-wrapped slab of the most excellent pate of local pork. Luscious, creamy and deeply porky, it was meticulously surrounded by a variety of house-made marmalades, mustards, and pickles, and served with toasted brioche. Besides the supreme and utter tastiness of this dish, what also stood out to me was how even in plating no component seemed an afterthought, down to the leaves of tender lettuce greens scattered artfully around the plate. And I mentioned already those great baby baguettes- The last remnants of pate, preserves and pickles were slathered onto one of them and split with my husband and that's when we composed the song, "I Love You Little Sandwich." But back to the thoughtfulness in cooking here, evident in all well-portioned dishes: My sauteed Gulf Sheepshead with sweet corn custard, succotash and tomato vinaigrette was fresh, clean and light, and truly of of the most expertly prepared pieces of fish that I've ever enjoyed. To repeat myself, as I do, as I do, ever single addition to the dish was so precisely plated down to the translucent slices of radish. My husband ordered the Paneed Porchetta with panko-mustard crust and corn maque choux. Glorious. Desserts were the sweet little roasted pumpkin tartlets with caramelized apple, ginger, and bourbon. For me, I went savory-sweet style with the crispy herb gougeres. The little cheese pastries were served with apple compote and warm gouda. I just did a deep sigh of appreciation just typing that here. Restaurant August is a gorgeous restaurant, wherever you are seated. Pleasant as can be was our corner of the room, gazing up at the walls of the wine room above. Service was beyond top-notch. In particular, steward captain Mark was very gracious and all pro, but also very sweet and smiley, which made us feel even the more comfortable during our meal. I have to add that of course I am a Chef Besh fan after stalking his recipes and PBS show, and I've been wanting to dine at August for years... So it's really very nice when a restaurant that you imagine will be excellent even exceeds your expectations- that's what happened here. Deserving of all accolades, and I only had lunch... And then whadda deal! I can't figure that it's possible to have such a wonderful fine dining experience anywhere for such a straight up bargain. Go! Go now! This is where excellence and value meet for lunch. *Grabs you by the face* DO YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND?!! .
(5)Smelly C.
A John Besh restaurant. Fine dining. Three dining areas. We were seated in the two-story wine room for dinner. Dim lighting. Very attentive style of service. We were served an amuse bouche in a hollowed egg. Fancy. Several courses followed and the ones we shared came out split. Love. Aaron Sanchez featured the Potato Gnocchi with Blue Crab and Perigold Truffle on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate "in a Bowl" episode. Our server even reminded us of this. I can only describe this gnocchi as PILLOWS OF HEAVEN with chunks of crab. It was all very good food. I liked the menu choices; a la cart or "our degustation" with or without wine pairings.. I liked that things on the tasting menu weren't limited to only those who chose it. The restaurant also offered any individual item from the tasting menu a la cart as well. Good food. Good cocktails. Nice dinner out. Complimentary sweets came with our check.. I like a more relaxed dining setting though.. I appreciate the service but at a point I would just like to enjoy the food without being constantly asked how I liked what I just ate or drank.
(4)Allen L.
Six of us had lunch here and it was clearly one of the best meals we've ever had in New Orleans. Highllights - perfectly prepared fish; meticulous service (replacing the forks with fish forks, etc.); beautiful dining room; Low points - server often just vanished - took way too long to get a check. At least one of the deserts had clearly just been pulled from the fridge and wasn't fresh.
(4)Valerie G.
Lovely dining experience! :) The hostess at August was completely understanding when I called to move our ressie twice...and then showed up 40 mins beforehand to attempt to be seated. They were very accommodating and led us to our table. We were seated in a round table, flooded with natural light from their huge windows, tall ceilings, and beautiful chandeliers hanging from the top. We were also able to catch the end of the Orpheus parade through our seats - yay! We ordered from their $20.12 lunch prix fixe menu (a complete steal!). Our waiter was so charming and the service was top notch. They mixed up Diana S.'s order and let her keep her wrong entree and then promptly brought out the correct one within minutes! They started us off with an amuse bouche of seafood custard w/ truffle and topped off with caviar inside an egg shell. Every. single. bite. of this was absolutely divine! And then our orders - We all had either the acorn squash soup or pate for appetizers - the soup was so creamy and hearty; the pate w/ jam was delicious and the cheesy bread that accompanied it was out of this world. Our entrees were either the sheepshead fish - twas okay - or the pork belly - OMG! the skin on this was soo thick and crispy, the body of the meat so luscious and soft. We then ordered an assortment of the prix fixe desserts. The strawberry dessert stands out the most as it was very light and refreshing. We weren't big fans of the eclair dessert bc as our waiter pointed out, it was very very very savory. They rounded out the meal with free peanut/toffee brittle and little chocolate truffles...right after Diana S., another girl, and I swore off sweets for lent and thought our desserts would be the last bite of dessert for us for the next 40 days. Meep. Oh - my girls and I also had a very deep conversation during this meal. And any restaurant that can turn a convo during Mardi Gras from drunk shenanigans to the one child policy in China is top notch ;)
(5)Michelle A.
After watching Top Chef for a number of years, I was on a mission to try some John Besh restaurants this trip to New Orleans. Dining at August was an excellent experience and one I remember very fondly. I went with my husband and a friend, so we were able to share bites and try several dishes. For starters, we shared potato crisp fried oysters, beet salad, bruleed goat cheese and peach salad, and gnocchi with crab. All were delicious. I especially enjoyed the goat cheese and peach salad, punctuated with chili, which made for an innovative flavor combo while highlighting the seasonal peaches. The mains were also memorable - I had the Gulf snapper courtbouillon (working on my Cajun food fix), my husband had the St. Mary Parish soft shell crab, and our friend had the breaded trout Pontchartrain. Wow, the winner was the trout! It is served with a delicate layer of bread and a lovely creamy sauce without a hint of fishiness. For dessert - no contest, get the banana pudding! While it has an artistic presentation, the taste is straight out of childhood memories - just wonderful. The staff was friendly and helpful. Before we left, we got a quick tour of the kitchen and the pastry kitchen upstairs, and got to meet the chefs. For a special meal in New Orleans, I recommend August highly.
(5)Shelby H.
I have eaten at Michelin star restaurants all over the world and I can sincerely say this is one of the best meals I've ever had. Flavors so unique my tastebuds could barely process them. Preparations so beautiful they should be displayed in a museum. If you're looking to splurge while in town, this is your place. The portion sizes are pretty small so go for the tasting menu!
(5)Shannon N.
Five stars for the AMAZING lunchtime offerings. We had a great experience here in December 2012 and amongst the four of us, tried everything on their special $20.12 lunch menu: STARTERS: "velouté of acorn squash and apple with Gulf shrimp" -- very smooth and velvety, shrimp cooked perfectly "salad of caramelized pear and mizuna walnut butter and bayside bleu cheese" -- tasty salad, pear was delicious "Pate Of Local Pork, house made pickles and marmalades with toasted brioche" -- by far, the BEST of the starters, one of the best starters I've had in years. Pate was really good, and the selection of marmalades and mustards and pickles was fantastic. Warm brioche was perfect too. Absolute winner. MAIN COURSES: "panéed "porchetta" panko-mustard crust with covey rise corn maque choux" -- pork goodness, corn side was good "Gulf sheepshead poêlé pumpkin custard, pearl barley, and brown butter" -- thick cut of fish, cooked perfectly, custard was great "crispy Louisiana pompano pickled mirliton, sunchoke, creole shallot and satsuma vinaigrette" -- thin crispy fish, shallots were the best of the sides DESSERTS: "Meyer lemon mousse, satsuma, cranberry and gingersnap ice cream" -- the mousse was perfection! I'm allergic to ginger, so I had a mango sorbet instead of the gingersnap ice cream and it was delicious. There was also some lemon curd on the place which rocked. "devil's food cake, cherry, cocoa, and coconut sorbet" -- every bite on this plate was amazing! "crispy herb gougeres, apple compote and warm gouda" -- warm, cheesy, good We also had an amuse of truffled scrambled egg served in an eggshell topped with caviar (amazing), and mint chocolate truffles as a sweet bite after dessert. Service was perfect, and the food was fantastic. Room is gorgeous as well. A definite win on our recent trip to New Orleans. Congrats, Chef Besh!
(5)Victoria W.
Our favorite meal during a one-week vacation (a.k.a. eating tour) in New Orleans was lunch at Restaurant August. From the beautiful setting to the exceptional service to the delicious food, it seems like August has all the bases covered. We specifically went for the Friday lunch pri fixe menu (traveler's on a budget take note: it's only $20.13). And we were not disappointed!
(5)Chris G.
Amazing food! Beautiful restaurant, roomy and elegant. We got great service. This restaurant has "roll eyes up to the back of ur head" good. Going back again tomorrow. Congrats, Chef Besh on a great retaurant!
(5)Tony C.
Possibly the best food I've ever had. The peach and goat cheese salad was amazing. Service was outstanding. Best thing is that there was no sense if pretentiousness at a restaurant of this caliber. Highly recommend.
(5)Cece M.
In my opinion, it was not as expected at all. I had the degustation menu with wine pairing. To be honest, the food was only about average.Those pairing wine alone were tasty, however, they just did not match with the food. When I had the third fish course, the waiter even forgot to serve the wine, seriously? The temperature of some plates were too high, even burnt my hands a bit. Even the dessert was just average, nothing special. August supposed to be one of the top restaurants in the city. But this really is the most disappointed dining experience I have ever had.
(1)Brandon A.
What a truly great experience. As a New Orleanian you hear about the great restaurants in our city, and usually August ranks at the top of most people's list however up until now I'd never had the experience of coming here. Finally I broke down and came here for lunch with the wife. First of all the restaurant itself is smaller than I expected, which is a good thing, it doesn't feel like you're sitting in a monstrous place like Cheesecake Factory, it definitely feels warm and intimate. Also the staff are top notch (I guess you'd have to be work here right?) We were greeted right away by our waiter who was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. I was extremely tempted to do the pre-fix menu, but I decided to go a la carte and get the shortrib and for appetizer I ordered the alligator confit in "sauce piquante". While waiting between dishes we were treated to complimentary amuse bouches, which were simply fantastic! The instant I took the first bite of the short ribs I was disappointed at the thought that soon this delicious food would be all gone. This was without a doubt the most succulent, well flavored and tender short rib I'd ever eaten. We also ordered a bottle of wine which our waiter graciously helped us choose based on our tastes and price range, while I forget the name of the wine he nailed the choice hands down. I wrapped up my meal with the Goats Milk Cheesecake, being a huge cheesecake fan and all. This may have been the single greatest dining experience of my life and I will definitely return and recommend August to everyone.
(5)Ray F.
One of the finest dining experiences in New Orleans. If you only eat one fine meal while in the big easy make sure it is at August. From the moment we walked in, we were immediately greeted and seated, the service and attention to detail was flawless. Our steward captain was as professional as they come, and his team worked in tandem to make sure our evening with them was a true dining experience. Each course was a immersion of our senses, always visually engaging followed immediately by amazing aromas and rich, complex overlapping flavors that often left our tastebuds wanting more. There are good meals, great meals and then those ones that make a memorable impression on you - ours was one that we will remember for years to come... When you get to this end of this culinary experience - be sure the leave room for some goat cheese cheesecake - simply phenomenal. The restaurant was packed on the Saturday night we were there so reservations are a must. Dinner for two with an excellent bottle of wine with a 20% gratuity $235 and worth every penny. 00005
(5)Adrian M.
I couldn't agree more with the review below me. This place is a class act. The chef has something here. The food is exceptional. The fact that this place is far from Bourbon Street adds to the attractiveness. I had the Trout, gnocchi, and banana desert per the recommendations below. These folks' reviews are not wrong!
(5)Paul S.
Inventive delicious dishes and attentive, professional service. Formal in atmosphere without being stuffy, the diners were more casual which we liked. Had a beet salad with crab and bacon with a wonderful mix of flavors, gnocchi appetizer was light with delicate, melt in your
(5)Elizabeth S.
I have never had a better experience at a restaurant!! It was hands down the best service I have ever experienced! We did the degustation with the wine pairings. The first course, with the pigs tail was fantastic! I was at first scared if the pigs tail thought, but it was great! Nothing off putting at all. The pickled radish was a great vegetable acid complement. The second course was the oyster with the squid ink pasta. It was SOOO GOOD! I love oysters, but this was by far the best I have eaten. The third course was the rabbit. It was very good. The fourth course was the duck. They prepared it two ways, and both were great! The sweet potatoes with ginger was perfect underneath! I loved the balance of flavors in this dish! The fifth and final course was the chocolate with gelato on top! Wow! Very very rich but perfect! It had mint to help the balance of richness which I thought was a great touch of simple minty goodness! Each wine pairing with each dish was spot on perfect! The balance of each dish was perfection! I would spend double what we spent because it was just that good!! Can't wait to eat here again!!
(5)Oliver D.
I've been to RA on a few occasions over the last 8 years; never disappointing. Food and service are what you'd expect for an exceptional dinner experience which it absolutely is. I'd opine on what I ordered there but the menu changes so frequently you'll just have to rely on the assurance whatever you pick will delicious. I know we must have sampled about 10 different dishes while we were there and they were all great.
(5)Shelly S.
Went to nola for 4th of July week 2013 and tried all the local restaurants. I am sorry to say I liked John Besh Steak better than this place. We had the tasting menu and I cant remember specific items but overall just average. service was good
(3)Linette T.
The best dinning experience I've had in New Orleans! The restaurant is beautiful! The service was outstanding! We had the tasting menu along with the wine pairing and it was superb!
(5)susan c.
Highly recommend! The food is exquisite but the restaurant isn't stuffy at all. We went in thinking we'd do the tasting menu and the super friendly and knowledgable wait staff helped us craft our own. From the amuse to dessert everything was pretty perfect. Highlights are the black truffle gnocchi and the trout with roasted wild mushrooms. The blonde chocolate cake was one of the top 10 desserts of our lives. Special place perfect for a special occasion. Lovely decor. Go go go!
(5)Lisa N.
Absolutely wonderful restaurant with exceptional service and beautiful, historic decor. Upon entering the restaurant we were immediately greeted with a warm welcome and first name introductions by many of the staff. We ordered the tasting menu and were able to make customizations as we wanted. The wine pairings were phenomenal. We were treated like VIPs from start to end. Totally agree with the other reviews that if you're looking for something high end, classic but not dated, go here. Everything was perfect. You won't be let down. John Besh doesn't fool around!
(5)Errol M.
With all due respect, if you come to New Orleans and not take advantage of Mr. Besh's three-course $20 prix fixe luncheon in this restaurant, then you're an idiot. The food is marvelous. The service is impeccable. I don't see how they pull this off.
(5)Chevonne W.
It was ok, for the price, I feel the food could have been better. I can't even remember what I ordered but it was a fish. It was not so great. This place is in a great location and the service was impeccable as well. Just was expecting the food to be as well.
(3)Dreaming Girl T.
I had a wonderful dinner here! I'm allergic to dairy products. After I ordered the chocolate mousse, the bakery chef (sorry but I did not remember her name), made a chocolate Soufflé cake specially for me!!!! She came to talk with me twice and check if everything works for my taste. I did appreciate their great work!!! The foods are definitely perfect!
(5)Leslie F.
Restaurant August, from James Beard award-winning chef, John Besh is a swanky eatery that's all the rage in NOLA. Although pricey, we opted for the degustation menu for the most rounded gourmet experience. First course was crabmeat, jellyfish and shrimp salad with fresh herbs and fish sauce. Although my least favorite, it was fine dining in the highest order. Next came calabaza squash cappelletti (pasta) with oxtail and bone marrow. I've never been a fan of bone barrow until this dish when it melted like butter and united with the sauce to become, quite possibly, the best dish of the trip. For the full review, visit: dashofles.com/blog/new-o…
(4)Tina C.
The building is beautiful! Service top notch. Food presentation was beautiful, almost too pretty to eat. Interesting and delicious flavor combinations, very tasty. Special occasion place for sure! Everything from start to finish was so good!
(5)Franco N.
A bit over rated and pretentious. The food was good, rich and tasted somewhat processed (in an okay way). Glad we went but not sure I would like to return often.
(3)Matthew C.
A famous pastry chef friend of mine helped us get a table here on short notice and the meal was truly unforgettable. Should easily become an American classic. I would rather come back here than go back to many of the Michelin 3 stars I have eaten at.
(5)Missy C.
Was here for a business dinner mid-week. Service was great. Started with goat cheese salad with rhubarb which was fantastic. Gnocchi with truffles was also delicious and the perfect serving size. I got the snapper as an entree and it was ok- a bit simplistic in flavor, my least favorite dish of the night. Also, we were a group of 8 and the table was rather awkwardly situated. We were quite close to surrounding tables and might have been disruptive to our fellow patrons, as we can get a bit rowdy. Otherwise, lovely dinner.
(4)