Emeril'S

Emeril’s was an exquisite dining experience from start to finish. The entire evening felt incredibly special without ever feeling pompous or pretentious. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between refined and welcoming. One thing that really stood out was the diversity of the staff. Everyone was genuinely kind, professional, and made us feel so welcome throughout the night. We were celebrating my fiancé’s birthday, and they went above and beyond by leaving a thoughtful handwritten note and surprising us with a small birthday cake, which made the celebration feel even more memorable. Every dish we had was absolutely delicious. The food was beautifully executed, and you can tell so much care goes into every course. While the bill was certainly expensive, we both agreed it was well worth it for the overall experience. We also really appreciated that we never felt rushed. We were able to enjoy each course at a comfortable pace and truly soak in the evening. If you’re making a reservation, I’d highly recommend requesting one of the tables facing the kitchen. Watching the team work added another layer to an already incredible experience and, in my opinion, it’s the best seat in the house. This was one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a special Michelin dining experience.

As a long-time New Orleans resident and food scientist by training, I've heard about and known of Emeril's incredible reputation. We enjoyed 34 and were sad it closed. After Michelin awarded his signature restaurant 2 stars, I knew we had to go. Finally we arrived! I did not look at the website nor menu prior to my partner's booking. Upon opening the front door, everything about the staff, decor, ambience, music selection and seating was fabulous. The kitchen tour and explanation of our meal and pairings, then exquisite food and service were absolutely 100% top notch. I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsay and cooking tv shows, and virtually every offering, all night, from surprise appetizers to the 6-courses and special deserts would have likely won all competitions. Simply, this was one of the best restaurants I have ever experienced, alongside some French and Belgian establishments. Attention to visual details (color combinations, microgreens, fresh herbs, delicate edible micro-flowers, and pairings between acidity and sweetness; soft creamy and caramelized crispy) were phenomenal. And then, the stunning flavor bouquets were one topping the next, throughout the dining experience. Of course, this took over three hours, but it was worth every second.

Come hungry. They will serve you a lot of food here. A wheelchair would have come in handy once I wrapped up my meal here. We couldn’t even partake of the artisanal cheese cart after the main course due to the state of engorgement we were in. There was room for the dessert though. We’re not Philistines. That said, the dessert was almost too pretty to dig in to (almost). For the most part, the dinner items presented throughout the night were as stunning in appearance as they were in taste (shoutout to the cream cheese/caviar tart). Never having been to NOLA before, I also appreciated the place showcasing Creole ingredients and flavors, even having their own interpretation of a poboy (which was pleasantly petite in size). This joint is not to be missed under any circumstances if you’re in NOLA.

I’ve had the privilege of dining at several Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Valle de Guadalupe and Santa Monica, so I arrived with high expectations. Unfortunately, this experience did not live up to them. I’ll start with the positives. The service was exceptional—attentive, professional, and welcoming from beginning to end. The rose-infused sake was outstanding and easily one of the highlights of the evening. I also appreciated the thoughtful presentation of each course, along with the beautifully curated tableware and cutlery, which reflected great attention to detail. However, the culinary experience itself fell short. One aspect that was particularly concerning was watching the chef repeatedly taste dishes with the same spoon, at times double- and even triple-dipping before continuing to plate food. From both a hygiene and professional standpoint, this was unsettling. Once a tasting spoon has been in someone’s mouth, guests expect it to be replaced or thoroughly cleaned before being used again. Witnessing this significantly detracted from the dining experience. As for the food, it lacked the creativity, balance, and emotional impact that I associate with Michelin-level dining. Fine dining should tell a story, evoke excitement, and leave you eager for the next course. Aside from the opening crab dish, most of the menu felt overly salty, uninspired, and forgettable. In fact, one course was so underwhelming that I left most of it untouched—something I have never done at a Michelin-starred restaurant. By the third course, I had already lost interest in the progression of the meal. The take-home treats and the snowball dessert were enjoyable and ended the evening on a better note, but they were not enough to redeem the overall experience. At nearly $300 per person, I expected a meal that justified both the price and the restaurant’s reputation. Instead, it felt like an establishment benefiting more from its prestige than from delivering an exceptional dining experience. While the service deserves high praise, the cuisine simply did not meet the standard I expected. I sincerely hope the chef takes this feedback constructively, because the foundation is there, but the execution and attention to professional kitchen practices need improvement.